Cover window, method of manufacturing cover window, and display device including cover window

Abstract

A cover window, a method of manufacturing a cover window, and a display device including the cover window are provided. The cover window includes a base layer including a first flat portion and a first bent portion bent from a first end of the first flat portion, and a coating layer including a first coating portion disposed on the first flat portion and a second coating portion disposed on the first bent portion and having a thickness smaller than that of the first coating portion. A first end of the second coating portion has a thickness greater than that of a second end of the second coating portion, and the first end of the second coating portion is closer to the first coating portion than the second end of the second coating layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to display devices. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a cover window, a method of manufacturing a cover window, and a display device including a cover window. Background Technology

[0002] Various display devices are being developed for use in multimedia devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablets, navigation units, and gaming units. A display device typically includes a display module that displays images and senses external input, a polarizer disposed on the display module, and a cover window. The display module includes a display panel that displays images and an input sensing unit that senses external input.

[0003] In recent years, not only have flat panel display devices been developed, but also various flexible display devices, including curved display devices, bendable display devices, foldable display devices, rollable display devices, and stretchable display devices, have been developed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide a cover window capable of preventing cracks from initiating in bent regions and increasing its rigidity in flat regions.

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for manufacturing a cover window.

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a display device including a cover window.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide a cover window, which includes a base layer and a coating layer. The base layer includes a first flat portion and a first bent portion bending from a first end of the first flat portion. The coating layer includes a first coating portion disposed on the first flat portion and a second coating portion disposed on the first bent portion and having a thickness less than that of the first coating portion. The first end of the second coating portion has a thickness greater than that of the second end of the second coating portion, and the first end of the second coating portion is closer to the first coating portion than the second end of the second coating layer.

[0008] In another embodiment, the thickness of the coating layer may increase from the second end of the second coating portion to the first end of the second coating portion.

[0009] In another embodiment, the first coating portion may include a first sub-portion and a second sub-portion parallel to the upper surface of the first flat portion, and the first sub-portion may be inclined from the second sub-portion and closer to the second coating portion than the second sub-portion.

[0010] In another embodiment, the second sub-part may have a thickness greater than that of the first sub-part.

[0011] In another embodiment, the base layer may further include a second bend that bends from the second end of the first flat portion, and the coating layer may further include a third coating disposed on the second bend, and the third coating may have a thickness greater than the thickness of the first end of the second coating.

[0012] In another embodiment, the third coating portion may have the same thickness as the second sub-part.

[0013] In another embodiment, each of the second sub-part and the third coating part may have a uniform thickness.

[0014] In another embodiment, in a plan view, the second sub-part may have an area larger than that of the first sub-part.

[0015] In another embodiment, the base layer may further include a second flat portion, which is spaced apart from the first flat portion, faces the first flat portion, and has an integral shape with the first flat portion and the first bent portion. The coating layer may further include a sub-coating portion having a thickness smaller than the thickness of the second end of the second coating portion and disposed on the second flat portion.

[0016] In another embodiment, in a plan view, the first flat portion may have a larger area than the second flat portion.

[0017] In another embodiment, the cover window may further include an auxiliary coating layer, wherein the auxiliary coating layer is disposed on the first flat portion and may not overlap with the second coating portion.

[0018] In another embodiment, each of the portions of the auxiliary coating layer adjacent to the second coating portion and the first coating portions arranged between the portion and the first flat portion may have a shape that is inclined from the upper surface of the first flat portion.

[0019] In another embodiment, the thickness of the first coating portion may be equal to or greater than about 20 micrometers and equal to or less than about 100 micrometers, and the thickness of the second coating portion may be equal to or greater than about 1 micrometer and equal to or less than about 20 micrometers.

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for manufacturing a cover window, the method comprising: preparing a base substrate defining a dummy region and an effective region; defining a hole in an upper surface of the base substrate adjacent to the effective region and overlapping the dummy region; providing a coating material along a direction on the base substrate overlapping the dummy region; providing a coating material along a direction on the base substrate overlapping the effective region; bending a portion of the base substrate adjacent to the dummy region and overlapping the effective region; and removing the portion of the base substrate overlapping the dummy region. A first coating layer disposed on a flat portion of the base substrate has a thickness greater than that of a second coating layer disposed on a bent portion of the base substrate.

[0021] In another embodiment, the second coating layer may include a first portion and a second portion having a thickness different from that of the first portion.

[0022] In another embodiment, the method may further include forming an auxiliary coating layer on the first coating layer.

[0023] In another embodiment, the first coating layer may include a first sub-part adjacent to the second coating layer and inclined from the upper surface of the flat portion, and a second sub-part parallel to the upper surface of the flat portion, and the second sub-part may have a thickness greater than that of the first sub-part.

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention provide a display device comprising a display module, a cover window, and an adhesive layer. The display module includes a first flat region, a bent region, and a second flat region. The first flat region includes a first display area. The bent region bends from the first flat region and includes a second display area. The second flat region includes a third display area. The second flat region is spaced apart from the first flat region to face the first flat region. The cover window includes a first covering portion corresponding to the first flat region, a second covering portion corresponding to the bent region, and a third covering portion corresponding to the second flat region. The adhesive layer is disposed between the display module and the cover window. The first covering portion has a thickness greater than the second covering portion, and the second covering portion has a thickness greater than the third covering portion.

[0025] In another embodiment, the first covering portion may include a flat portion and an inclined portion that slopes from the flat portion, the inclined portion may be disposed between the second covering portion and the flat portion, and the flat portion may have a thickness greater than the thickness of the inclined portion.

[0026] In another embodiment, the first display area may have a larger size than the third display area.

[0027] In the above-described embodiment, the thickness of the coating layer in the portion overlapping the flat area of ​​the display device is different from the thickness of the coating layer in the portion overlapping the bent area of ​​the display device. As a result, the rigidity of the flat portion of the window is increased, and cracks that may initiate in the coating layer due to the restoring force applied to the bent portion can be prevented. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The above and other advantages of the invention will become readily apparent when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and by referring to the following detailed description, in which:

[0029] Figure 1A This is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the display device according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 1BThis is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the display device according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 1C This is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the display device according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 1D This is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the display device according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2A This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the display device according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2B This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the display device according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3A This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the display module according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3B This is a plan view illustrating an embodiment of the display panel according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the cover window according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a plan view illustrating an embodiment of the cover window according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6A It is a section taken along line I-I' according to the present invention. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an implementation of a cover window;

[0040] Figure 6B It is shown Figure 6A A magnified view of area AA shown;

[0041] Figure 7A This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the cover window according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the cover window according to the present invention;

[0043] Figure 7C This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the cover window according to the invention; and

[0044] Figures 8A to 8G This is a view illustrating an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a cover window according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] In the description, it should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “attached to” another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, connected to, or attached to the other element or layer, or there may be an intermediate element or layer present.

[0046] Throughout the specification, similar reference numerals indicate similar elements. In the drawings, the thickness, scale, and dimensions of parts are exaggerated for the sake of effective description of the technical content.

[0047] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0048] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, areas, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, areas, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, area, layer, or portion from another element, component, area, layer, or portion. Therefore, the first element, component, area, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, area, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “the” as used herein are also intended to include the plural forms.

[0049] Spatial relative terms, such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” “up,” and similar words, may be used herein for the convenience of description to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figure.

[0050] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will also be understood that terms, such as those defined in common dictionaries, shall be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0051] It will also be understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including”, when used in this specification, indicate the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or clusters thereof.

[0052] Taking into account the errors associated with the measurements discussed and with a particular number of measurements (i.e., limitations of the measurement system), the terms “about” or “approximately” as used herein include the stated values ​​and mean within an acceptable range of deviation for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, or 5% of the stated value.

[0053] The invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Figure 1A This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the display device DD-1 according to the present invention. Figure 1B This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the display device DD-2 according to the present invention. Figure 1C This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the display device DD-3 according to the present invention. Figure 1D This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the display device DD-4 according to the present invention.

[0055] Reference Figure 1A The display device DD-1 may include a first flat region NBA1, a first bent region BA1 bent from the first flat region NBA1, and a second bent region BA2 bent from the first flat region NBA1. The first bent region BA1 and the second bent region BA2 may be bent from the first flat region NBA1 to face each other. The first bent region BA1 may be bent relative to a first bending axis BX1, and the second bent region BA2 may be bent relative to a second bending axis BX2. The first flat region NBA1 may correspond to the upper surface of the display device DD-1, and the first bent region BA1 and the second bent region BA2 may correspond to the side surfaces of the display device DD-1.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first flat region NBA1 may include a first display surface IS1, the first bent region BA1 may include a second display surface IS2a, and the second bent region BA2 may include a third display surface IS2b.

[0057] The first display surface IS1 of the first flat area NBA1 may include a first display area DD-DA1 and a first non-display area DD-NDA1 defined adjacent to the first display area DD-DA1. Hereinafter, the display area is described as the area through which an actual image is displayed, and the non-display area is described as the area through which no image is displayed. However, the non-display area may have various colors due to the printing layer.

[0058] The first flat region NBA1 may be substantially parallel to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The third direction DR3 may indicate the normal direction of the display device DD-1. In the following description, the phrase "in a plan view" may mean the view viewed on the third direction DR3. In the following text, the front (or upper) surface and the rear (or lower) surface of each layer or each unit are distinguished from each other by the third direction DR3. However, the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 are opposite to each other, and therefore, the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 may be changed to other directions, for example, opposite directions.

[0059] The second display surface IS2a of the first bending region BA1 may include a second display region DD-DA2a and a second non-display region DD-NDA2a defined adjacent to the second display region DD-DA2a. In the second direction DR2, the second display surface IS2a may be bent from one side of the first display surface IS1 relative to the first bending axis BX1.

[0060] The third display surface IS2b of the second bending region BA2 may include a third display region DD-DA2b and a third non-display region DD-NDA2b defined adjacent to the third display region DD-DA2b. In the second direction DR2, the third display surface IS2b may be bent relative to the second bending axis BX2 from the opposite side of the first display surface IS1.

[0061] Each of the first display area DD-DA1, the second display area DD-DA2a, and the third display area DD-DA2b can display an image. In an implementation, for example, as... Figure 1A As shown, the first display area DD-DA1 can display a first image IM1 of the clock component, and the second display area DD-DA2a can display a second image IM2 of the icon. Although not shown in the figures, the third display area DD-DA2b can also display a third image. The first image IM1, the second image IM2, and the third image may be the same as or different from each other.

[0062] However, the concept of the present invention should not be limited thereto or thereby restricted, and the images displayed by the first display area DD-DA1, the second display area DD-DA2a and the third display area DD-DA2b respectively can be connected to each other to be displayed as a single image.

[0063] in addition, Figure 1AThe diagram shows a first non-display area DD-NDA1, a second non-display area DD-NDA2a, and a third non-display area DD-NDA2b. However, in another embodiment, at least one or all of the first non-display area DD-NDA1, the second non-display area DD-NDA2a, and the third non-display area DD-NDA2b may be omitted.

[0064] Reference Figure 1B ,and Figure 1A Compared to the display device DD-1 shown, the display device DD-2 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a second flat region NBA2. The second flat region NBA2 may be spaced apart from the first flat region NBA1 on a third-direction DR3. That is, the second flat region NBA2 may be substantially parallel to the first flat region NBA1 and face the first flat region NBA1.

[0065] Specifically, the second flat region NBA2 may have a shape extending from a portion of the second bent region BA2 in the second direction DR2. As a result, one end of the second bent region BA2 may be adjacent to the first flat region NBA1, and the opposite end of the second bent region BA2 may be adjacent to the second flat region NBA2. The first flat region NBA1, the first bent region BA1, the second bent region BA2, and the second flat region NBA2 may have an integral shape.

[0066] However, the shape of the second flat region NBA2 should not be limited to the shape described above, and the second flat region NBA2 may have a shape that extends from one side of at least one of the first bent region BA1 and the second bent region BA2.

[0067] The second flat region NBA2 may include a fourth display surface IS3. The fourth display surface IS3 of the second flat region NBA2 may include a fourth display area DD-DA3 and a fourth non-display area DD-NDA3 defined adjacent to the fourth display area DD-DA3. Similarly, in another embodiment, the fourth non-display area DD-NDA3 may be omitted.

[0068] In an embodiment of the present invention, in a plan view, the fourth display surface IS3 may have an area smaller than that of the first display surface IS1. The first display surface IS1 can be observed through the upper surface of the display device DD-1, and the fourth display surface IS3 can be observed through the lower surface of the display device DD-2. Additionally, the second display surface IS2a and the third display surface IS2b can be observed through the side surface of the display device DD-2. In this case, the first display surface IS1, the second display surface IS2a, and the third display surface IS2b may be... Figure 1A The display surface shown.

[0069] In an embodiment of the present invention, the display device DD-2 can display different images or the same image through the first display surface IS1, the second display surface IS2a, the third display surface IS2b, and the fourth display surface IS3. In another embodiment, the display device DD-2 can display the same image through at least two of the first display surface IS1, the second display surface IS2a, the third display surface IS2b, and the fourth display surface IS3, and can display different images through the other display surfaces.

[0070] Reference Figure 1C ,and Figure 1A Compared to the display device DD-1 shown, the display device DD-3 may further include a second flat area NBA2 and a third bent area BA3. The third bent area BA3 may be bent from one side of the first flat area NBA1 in a first direction DR1. Figure 1C As shown, the third bend region BA3 corresponds to the non-display area; however, it should not be limited to or restricted by this. That is, the third bend region BA3 may include the display area.

[0071] The second flat area NBA2 may have a shape extending from the third curved area BA3, and may be spaced apart from the first flat area NBA1 in the third direction DR3. In addition, the second flat area NBA2 may be substantially parallel to the first flat area NBA1 and may face the first flat area NBA1.

[0072] In addition, with Figure 1B The second flat area shown in NBA2 is similar. Figure 1C The second flat region NBA2 shown may include a fourth display surface IS3a. The fourth display surface IS3a of the second flat region NBA2 may include a fourth display area DD-DA3a and a fourth non-display area DD-NDA3a defined adjacent to the fourth display area DD-DA3a. In a plan view, the fourth display surface IS3a may have a larger surface area than the first display surface IS1 (refer to...). Figure 1A The smaller the area.

[0073] Reference Figure 1D The display device DD-4 may include a main display area DD-DA1 and a first display area DD-DA21, a second display area DD-DA22, a third display area DD-DA23, and a fourth display area DD-DA24 that are bent from the main display area DD-DA1. The main display area DD-DA1 may correspond to the upper surface of the display device DD-4, and the first display area DD-DA21, the second display area DD-DA22, the third display area DD-DA23, and the fourth display area DD-DA24 may correspond to the side surfaces of the display device DD-4.

[0074] The first display area DD-DA21 and the second display area DD-DA22 can face each other in the first direction DR1, and can be bent from one side and the opposite side of the main display area DD-DA1 in the first direction DR1, respectively. The third display area DD-DA23 and the fourth display area DD-DA24 can face each other in the second direction DR2, and can be bent from one side and the opposite side of the main display area DD-DA1 in the second direction DR2, respectively.

[0075] Additionally, the display device DD-4 may include a first non-display area DD-NDA11, a second non-display area DD-NDA12, a third non-display area DD-NDA13, and a fourth non-display area DD-NDA14. The first non-display area DD-NDA11, the second non-display area DD-NDA12, the third non-display area DD-NDA13, and the fourth non-display area DD-NDA14 may correspond to the side surface of the display device DD-4.

[0076] The first non-display area DD-NDA11 can be arranged between the first display area DD-DA21 and the third display area DD-DA23. The second non-display area DD-NDA12 can be arranged between the first display area DD-DA21 and the fourth display area DD-DA24. The third non-display area DD-NDA13 can be arranged between the second display area DD-DA22 and the fourth display area DD-DA24. The fourth non-display area DD-NDA14 can be arranged between the second display area DD-DA22 and the third display area DD-DA23.

[0077] In embodiments of the present invention, the main display area DD-DA1 may have a planar shape substantially parallel to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The first display area DD-DA21, the second display area DD-DA22, the third display area DD-DA23 and the fourth display area DD-DA24, as well as the first non-display area DD-NDA11, the second non-display area DD-NDA12, the third non-display area DD-NDA13 and the fourth non-display area DD-NDA14 may have a curved shape that bends from the main display area DD-DA1.

[0078] Additionally, although not shown in the accompanying drawings, Figure 1D The display device DD-4 shown may also include Figure 1B or Figure 1C The fourth display surface shown is IS3 or IS3a.

[0079] Figure 2A This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the display device DD according to the present invention. Figure 2B This is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the display device DDa according to the present invention.

[0080] Reference Figure 2A The display device DD may include a window WM, a display module DM, and an adhesive layer AM. Figure 2A The display device DD shown may correspond to Figure 1B The display device shown is DD-2.

[0081] The window WM can be attached to the upper surface of the adhesive layer AM. The window WM can be a component that allows the image to be actually viewed from the outside. In the description, the window WM can define the upper surface of the display device DD and can be a cover window covering the display module DM.

[0082] The display module DM can be arranged on the window WM. The display module DM can output images or sense external input. In embodiments of the present invention, the display module DM can be a flexible display substrate that can be bent or flexed.

[0083] An adhesive layer AM can be disposed between the window WM and the display module DM. The adhesive layer AM can be a double-sided adhesive and can secure the window WM and the display module DM. In embodiments, for example, the adhesive layer AM can be an optically clear adhesive (OCA) film, an optically clear resin (OCR), or a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) film. In the following description, an OCA film will be described as a representative example of the adhesive layer AM.

[0084] In embodiments of the present invention, the window WM may include a first flat portion WM-CP1, a second flat portion WM-CP2, a first bent portion WM-SP1, and a second bent portion WM-SP2. The first bent portion WM-SP1 and the second bent portion WM-SP2 may be bent from one end (e.g., the left end) and the opposite end (e.g., the right end) of the first flat portion WM-CP1, respectively, and may face each other in a second direction DR2. In the description, the first flat portion WM-CP1 may be described as a first covering portion, the first bent portion WM-SP1 or the second bent portion WM-SP2 may be described as a second covering portion, and the second flat portion WM-CP2 may be described as a third covering portion.

[0085] like Figure 2AAs shown, the first bend WM-SP1 and the second bend WM-SP2 may have different shapes from each other. In one embodiment, for example, the first bend WM-SP1, which bends from one end of the first flat portion WM-CP1, may have a longer length than the second bend WM-SP2, which bends from the opposite end of the first flat portion WM-CP1; however, it should not be limited thereto or thereby restricted. In another embodiment, the shape of the first bend WM-SP1 may be symmetrical with respect to the shapes of the first flat portion WM-CP1 and the second bend WM-SP2.

[0086] In embodiments of the present invention, each of the angle between the first bent portion WM-SP1 and the first flat portion WM-CP1, and the angle between the second bent portion WM-SP2 and the first flat portion WM-CP1, may be equal to or greater than about 90 degrees; however, the angles should not be limited thereto or thereby restricted. The angle between the bent portion and the flat portion of the window can be varied in various ways.

[0087] In a plan view, the second flat portion WM-CP2 may have a smaller area than the first flat portion WM-CP1, and may be spaced apart from the first flat portion WM-CP1 in a third direction DR3. The second flat portion WM-CP2 may be substantially parallel to the first flat portion WM-CP1 and may face the first flat portion WM-CP1. One end (e.g., the upper end) of the first bent portion WM-SP1 may be adjacent to one end (e.g., the left end) of the first flat portion WM-CP1, and the opposite end (e.g., the lower end) of the first bent portion WM-SP1 may be adjacent to the second flat portion WM-CP2.

[0088] Additionally, the first flat portion WM-CP1 of window WM can correspond to Figure 1A The first flat region NBA1 shown, and the first bent portion WM-SP1 and the second bent portion WM-SP2 can respectively correspond to the first bent region BA1 and the second bent region BA2. Additionally, the second flat portion WM-CP2 of window WM can correspond to... Figure 1B The second flat area shown is NBA2.

[0089] In an embodiment of the present invention, window WM may be defined as a component in which the first flat portion WM-CP1, the second flat portion WM-CP2, the first bent portion WM-SP1, and the second bent portion WM-SP2 are integrated.

[0090] The display module DM may include a first central part DM-CP1, a second central part DM-CP2, a first edge part DM-SP1, and a second edge part DM-SP2.

[0091] The first central portion DM-CP1 can be arranged on the first flat portion WM-CP1. The first edge portion DM-SP1 and the second edge portion DM-SP2 can be arranged on the first bent portion WM-SP1 and the second bent portion WM-SP2, respectively. The second central portion DM-CP2 can be arranged on the second flat portion WM-CP2.

[0092] Similarly, the display module DM can be defined as a single component in which the first central portion DM-CP1, the second central portion DM-CP2, the first edge portion DM-SP1, and the second edge portion DM-SP2 are integrated with each other.

[0093] Reference Figure 2B , and reference Figure 2A Compared to the described display device DD, the display device DDa may have a structure in which the shape of the display module DM and the shape of the window WM are changed.

[0094] In detail, window WM may include a first flat portion WM-CP1, a second flat portion WM-CP2a, a third flat portion WM-CP2b, a first bent portion WM-SP1, and a second bent portion WM-SP2. Figure 2B The third flat portion WM-CP2b of the window WM shown is... Figure 2A The window shown is compared to the added components in the WM model. Additionally, Figure 2B The first bent portion WM-SP1 and the second bent portion WM-SP2 of the window WM shown can be bent from one end and the opposite end of the first flat portion WM-CP1, respectively, and can have a symmetrical shape relative to the first flat portion WM-CP1.

[0095] In a plan view, the third flat portion WM-CP2b may have a smaller area than the first flat portion WM-CP1, and may be spaced apart from the first flat portion WM-CP1 and the second flat portion WM-CP2a. The third flat portion WM-CP2b may be substantially parallel to the first flat portion WM-CP1 and may face the first flat portion WM-CP1. One end (e.g., the upper end) of the second bent portion WM-SP2 may be adjacent to the opposite end (e.g., the right end) of the first flat portion WM-CP1, while the opposite end (e.g., the lower end) of the second bent portion WM-SP2 may be adjacent to the third flat portion WM-CP2b.

[0096] The display module DM may include a first central part DM-CP1, a second central part DM-CP2a, a third central part DM-CP2b, a first edge part DM-SP1, and a second edge part DM-SP2. Figure 2B The third central part DM-CP2b of the display module DM shown is related to... Figure 2AThe display module DM shown is an additional component compared to the previous one. The third central part DM-CP2b can be arranged on the third flat part WM-CP2b.

[0097] Figure 3A This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the display module DM according to the present invention. Figure 3B This is a plan view illustrating an embodiment of the display panel DP according to the present invention.

[0098] The display panel DP may include a substrate SUB and a circuit element layer DP-CL, a display element layer DP-OLED, and an insulating layer TFL sequentially disposed on the substrate SUB. The type of display panel DP should not be particularly limited. In embodiments, for example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. In embodiments, the light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include organic light-emitting materials. In embodiments, the light-emitting layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots or quantum rods.

[0099] The display panel DP may include a display area DP-DA and a non-display area DP-NDA. The display area DP-DA of the display panel DP may correspond to... Figure 1A The display area shown, and the non-display area DP-NDA of the display panel DP can correspond to Figure 1A The non-display area shown.

[0100] The substrate SUB may include at least one plastic film. In embodiments, for example, the substrate SUB may include a plastic substrate, a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or an organic / inorganic composite substrate as a flexible substrate.

[0101] The circuit element layer DP-CL may include at least one intermediate insulating layer and circuit elements. The intermediate insulating layer may include at least one intermediate inorganic layer and at least one intermediate organic layer. The circuit elements may include signal lines and pixel driving circuitry.

[0102] The DP-OLED display element layer may include a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes. The DP-OLED display element layer may also include an organic layer, such as a pixel defining layer. According to another embodiment, when the liquid crystal display panel is provided as a display panel DP, the DP-OLED display element layer may be a liquid crystal layer.

[0103] An insulating layer TFL can encapsulate the display element layer DP-OLED. In embodiments, for example, the insulating layer TFL can be a thin-film encapsulation layer. The insulating layer TFL can protect the display element layer DP-OLED from moisture, oxygen, and foreign matter such as dust particles; however, it should not be limited to or restricted by this. An encapsulation substrate can be used instead of the insulating layer TFL. In this case, the encapsulation substrate can face the substrate SUB, and the circuit element layer DP-CL and the display element layer DP-OLED can be arranged between the encapsulation substrate and the substrate SUB.

[0104] An input sensing layer (ISU) may be disposed between the window WM and the display panel DP. The input sensing layer (ISU) can sense input applied from the outside. The input applied from the outside can be provided in various forms. In embodiments, external input can include various forms of input, such as a part of the user's body, a stylus, light, heat, or pressure. Moreover, in addition to input through contact with a part of the user's body (e.g., the user's hand), input that is close to or near a surface (e.g., hovering) can also be in the form of external input.

[0105] The input sensing layer ISU can be directly disposed on the display panel DP. In the description, the statement "component 'A' is directly disposed on component 'B'" means that there are no intermediate elements, such as adhesive layers, between component 'A' and component 'B'. The input sensing layer ISU can be provided together with the display panel DP through a continuous process. However, the concept of the invention should not be limited thereto or thereby restricted. The input sensing layer ISU can be attached to the display panel DP via an adhesive layer after being provided as a separate panel. In another embodiment, the input sensing layer ISU can be omitted.

[0106] Additionally, although not shown in the accompanying drawings, an auxiliary insulating layer may also be disposed between the input sensing layer ISU and the insulating layer TFL. In an embodiment, for example, the auxiliary insulating layer may be an inorganic layer. In this case, some of the conductive patterns included in the input sensing layer ISU may be disposed directly on the auxiliary insulating layer.

[0107] Reference Figure 3B The display panel DP may include a driving circuit GDC, multiple signal lines SGL, multiple signal pads DP-PD, multiple connection signal pads DP-CPD, and multiple pixels PX. The pixels PX may be arranged in the display area DP-DA. Each of the multiple pixels PX may include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and pixel driving circuitry connected to the OLED. The driving circuit GDC, signal lines SGL, signal pads DP-PD, connection signal pads DP-CPD, and pixel driving circuitry may be included in... Figure 3A The circuit element layer DP-CL is shown.

[0108] The display panel DP can be described as a display substrate, and the display substrate may include a substrate SUB, signal pads DP-PD arranged on the substrate SUB, and connection signal pads DP-CPD arranged on the substrate SUB.

[0109] The driving circuit GDC can sequentially output multiple gate signals to multiple gate lines GL. The driving circuit GDC can also output another control signal to the pixel PX. As the pixel driving circuit of the pixel PX, the driving circuit GDC can include multiple thin-film transistors provided by the same process (e.g., low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) process or low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) process).

[0110] The signal line SGL may include gate lines GL, data lines DL, power lines PL, and control signal lines CSL. Each of the multiple gate lines GL can be connected to a corresponding pixel among the multiple pixels PX, and each of the multiple data lines DL can be connected to a corresponding pixel among the multiple pixels PX. The power line PL can be connected to the pixel PX. The control signal line CSL can provide control signals to the drive circuit GDC.

[0111] Signal lines SGL may overlap with display area DP-DA and non-display area DP-NDA. Each signal line SGL may include a pad portion and a line portion. The line portion may overlap with display area DP-DA and non-display area DP-NDA. The pad portion may be connected to the end of the line portion. The pad portion may be arranged in non-display area DP-NDA and may overlap with a corresponding signal pad among multiple signal pads DP-PD.

[0112] In the following text, the area in the non-display area DP-NDA where signal pads DP-PD are arranged can be referred to as "chip area NDA-DC", and the area in the non-display area DP-NDA where connection signal pads DP-CPD are arranged can be referred to as "first pad area NDA-PC1".

[0113] In one implementation, the driver chip may be arranged (e.g., mounted) in the chip area NDA-DC. Signal pads DP-PD may be electrically connected to the driver chip to transmit electrical signals provided from the driver chip to signal line SGL.

[0114] In detail, the signal pads DP-PD may include a first row of signal pads DP-PD1 arranged in a first row along the first direction DR1 and a second row of signal pads DP-PD2 arranged in a second row along the first direction DR1.

[0115] A portion of the circuit board (PCB) may be disposed in the first pad area NDA-PC1. A connection signal pad DP-CPD may be electrically connected to the circuit board (PCB) and may transmit electrical signals from the circuit board (PCB) to the signal pad DP-PD. The circuit board (PCB) may be rigid or flexible. In an embodiment, for example, when the circuit board (PCB) is flexible, a flexible printed circuit board may be provided as the circuit board (PCB).

[0116] The circuit board (PCB) may include timing control circuitry for controlling the operation of the display panel (DP). This timing control circuitry may be integrated into a chip and arranged (e.g., mounted) on the PCB. Additionally, although not shown in the figures, the PCB may include input sensing circuitry for controlling the input sensing layer (ISU).

[0117] The circuit board (PCB) may include a drive pad DPS-PDz electrically connected to the display panel (DP). The drive pad DPS-PDz may be arranged in a second pad area NDA-PC2 defined in the circuit board (PCB).

[0118] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the cover window according to the present invention. Figure 5 This is a plan view illustrating an embodiment of the cover window according to the present invention.

[0119] Reference Figure 4 The window WM may include a base layer WM-BL, a coating layer WM-HCL, an auxiliary coating layer WM-AL, and a printing layer WM-IL.

[0120] The base layer WM-BL typically supports the components of the window WM. In embodiments of the invention, the base layer WM-BL may comprise a transparent plastic film or an organic / inorganic composite substrate. In embodiments, the base layer WM-BL may have a stacked structure of multiple insulating layers. In embodiments, for example, the plastic base layer may comprise at least one of acrylic resins, methacrylic resins, polyisoprene resins, ethylene resins, epoxy resins, urethane resins, cellulose resins, siloxane resins, polyimide resins, polyamide resins, and perylene resins. That is, the base layer WM-BL may comprise a material with excellent optical properties, mechanical strength, flexibility, and elastic resilience.

[0121] The coating layer WM-HCL can be disposed on the base layer WM-BL. The coating layer WM-HCL can increase the overall rigidity of the window WM. The coating layer WM-HCL can be disposed on the front surface of the base layer WM-BL by at least one of the following methods: dip coating, spin coating, spray coating, or vacuum deposition. In embodiments, for example, the coating layer WM-HCL may include an organic compound or an organic / inorganic composite compound. The organic compound may include acrylic compounds, epoxy compounds, or combinations thereof, and the organic / inorganic composite compound may include a silicon compound.

[0122] from Figure 2A The first bend WM-SP1 or the second bend WM-SP2 of the first flat portion WM-CP1 shown may have a restoring force. In particular, as the thickness of the coating layer WM-HCL overlapping the first bend WM-SP1 or the second bend WM-SP2 increases, the restoring force acting on the first bend WM-SP1 and the second bend WM-SP2 may increase.

[0123] In embodiments of the invention, the coating layer WM-HCL may have different thicknesses depending on its portion, and may be disposed on the base layer WM-BL. In one embodiment, for example, the thickness of the coating layer WM-HCL overlapping the first flat portion WM-CP1 may be greater than the thickness of the coating layer WM-HCL overlapping the first bent portion WM-SP1. As a result, the restoring force applied to the first bent portion WM-SP1 can be reduced.

[0124] In the above embodiment, since the thickness of the portion of the coating layer WM-HCL that overlaps with the flat area of ​​the display device DD is different from the thickness of the portion of the coating layer WM-HCL that overlaps with the bent area of ​​the display device DD, the rigidity of the flat portion of the window WM can be increased, and thus cracks generated in the coating layer WM-HCL due to the restoring force applied to the bent portion can be prevented.

[0125] An auxiliary coating layer WM-AL may be disposed on the coating layer WM-HCL. The auxiliary coating layer WM-AL may include at least one of an anti-fingerprint coating layer, an anti-reflective coating layer, and an anti-glare coating layer.

[0126] In one embodiment, the upper surface of the auxiliary coating layer WM-AL may define the upper surface WM-U of the window WM, while the lower surface of the base layer WM-BL may define the lower surface WM-D of the window WM.

[0127] The printed layer WM-IL can be disposed on the lower surface of the base layer WM-BL to overlap with the non-display area DD-NDA of the display device DD. The printed layer WM-IL may include at least one printed layer and may have various colors. However, if the display device DD omits the non-display area DD-NDA, the printed layer WM-IL may also be omitted. In this case, the upper surface WM-U of the window WM defining the upper surface of the display device DD may correspond entirely to the display area DD-DA.

[0128] Reference Figure 5 This shows the WM window before molding. That is, Figure 5 The window WM shown may have the shape of the first bent portion WM-SP1 corresponding to the first bent region BA1 and the second bent portion WM-SP2 corresponding to the second bent region BA2 before being bent.

[0129] In an embodiment of the present invention, the area AR1 of the first flat portion WM-CP1 of the upper surface WM-U of the defining window WM can be larger than the area AR2 of the second flat portion WM-CP2 of the lower surface WM-D of the defining window WM. The first flat portion WM-CP1 can display an image through the front surface of the display device DD, while the second flat portion WM-CP2 can display an image through the rear surface of the display device DD.

[0130] Figure 6A It is a section taken along line I-I' according to the present invention. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an implementation of a cover window. Figure 6B It is shown Figure 6A A magnified view of region AA shown.

[0131] Reference Figure 6A The window WM can define a first flat region NBA1, a second flat region NBA2, a first bent region BA1, and a second bent region BA2. Each of the base layer WM-BL and the coating layer WM-HCL can define a region corresponding to the first flat region NBA1, the second flat region NBA2, the first bent region BA1, and the second bent region BA2, respectively.

[0132] The base layer WM-BL may have a generally uniform thickness. The thickness of the base layer WM-BL in each of the first flat region NBA1, the second flat region NBA2, the first bent region BA1, and the second bent region BA2 may be uniform. In an embodiment, the base layer WM-BL may be defined by a first flat portion, a second flat portion, a first bent portion, and a second bent portion having an integral shape.

[0133] The first flat portion may correspond to the first flat region NBA1, and the second flat portion may correspond to the second flat region NBA2. The first bent portion may correspond to the first bent region BA1, and the second bent portion may correspond to the second bent region BA2.

[0134] The coating layer WM-HCL can be defined by a first coating portion, a second coating portion, a third coating portion, and a sub-coating portion having an integral shape.

[0135] A first coating portion may be disposed on a first flat portion corresponding to a first flat region NBA1. A second coating portion may be disposed on a first bent portion corresponding to a first bent region BA1. A third coating portion may be disposed on a second bent portion corresponding to a second bent region BA2. A sub-coating portion may be disposed on a second flat portion corresponding to a second flat region NBA2. Figure 6A The sub-coating portion corresponding to the second flat region NBA2 is shown; however, in another embodiment, the sub-coating portion may be omitted.

[0136] In one embodiment, for example, the first coating portion overlapping the first flat region NBA1 may have a thickness equal to or greater than about 20 micrometers and equal to or less than about 100 micrometers. In another embodiment, for example, the second coating portion overlapping the first bent region BA1 may have a thickness equal to or greater than about 1 micrometer and equal to or less than about 20 micrometers.

[0137] In this embodiment, the first coating portion of the coating layer WM-HCL overlapping the first flat region NBA1 may include a first sub-portion SA inclined from the first flat portion of the base layer WM-BL and a second sub-portion CA parallel to the first flat portion. Specifically, the first sub-portion SA may be closer to the second coating portion of the coating layer WM-HCL than the second sub-portion CA. That is, the distance between the first sub-portion SA and the second coating portion of the coating layer WM-HCL may be shorter than the distance between the second sub-portion CA and the second coating portion of the coating layer WM-HCL.

[0138] The thickness WH1a of the second sub-part CA can be greater than the thickness WH1b of the first sub-part SA. Specifically, the first sub-part SA according to the invention may not have a uniform thickness, but may have different thicknesses depending on its position. Furthermore, in a plan view, the second sub-part CA may have an area larger than that of the first sub-part SA. Figure 6A As shown, the length of the second sub-part CA in the second direction DR2 may be longer than the length of the first sub-part SA in the second direction DR2.

[0139] Reference Figure 6BThe first sub-part SA may define a first angle AK with a plane parallel to the upper surface of the base layer WM-BL. Specifically, as described above, the thickness WH1b of the first sub-part SA may have a first height H1, a second height H2, and a third height H3 that increase from one end (e.g., the left end) of the first flat portion. The second sub-part CA may have a generally uniform thickness. The thickness WH1a of the second sub-part CA may be defined by a fourth height H4. In embodiments of the invention, the fourth height H4 defining the thickness WH1a of the second sub-part CA may be greater than the first height H1, the second height H2, and the third height H3.

[0140] In embodiments of the invention, the portion of the auxiliary coating layer WM-AL that overlaps with the first sub-part SA may be inclined at the same slope as the first sub-part SA. However, the portion of the auxiliary coating layer WM-AL that overlaps with the first sub-part SA may have a uniform thickness. Another portion of the auxiliary coating layer WM-AL that overlaps with the second sub-part CA may be substantially parallel to the second sub-part CA and may have the same thickness as the portion of the auxiliary coating layer WM-AL that overlaps with the first sub-part SA.

[0141] Additionally, the auxiliary coating layer WM-AL can be disposed on the coating layer WM-HCL that overlaps with the first flat region NBA1. That is, the auxiliary coating layer WM-AL may not overlap with the coating layer WM-HCL that overlaps with the first bending region BA1 and the second bending region BA2.

[0142] Return to reference Figure 6A The second coating portion of the coating layer WM-HCL, which overlaps with the first bending region BA1, may have a different thickness depending on its position. In embodiments of the invention, one end (e.g., the upper end) of the second coating portion may have a greater thickness than the opposite end (e.g., the lower end) of the second coating portion. One end of the second coating portion may be closer to the first sub-part SA of the first coating portion than the opposite end of the second coating portion.

[0143] In one embodiment, for example, the opposite end of the second coating portion adjacent to the sub-coating portion may have a thickness WH2a that is smaller than the thickness WH2b of the end of the second coating portion adjacent to the first sub-part SA. In particular, the thickness of the coating layer WM-HCL may gradually increase from the opposite end of the second coating portion to one end of the second coating portion.

[0144] The third coating portion of the coating layer WM-HCL, which overlaps with the second bending region BA2, may have a generally uniform thickness WH3a. In an embodiment of the invention, the thickness WH3a of the third coating portion may be the same as the thickness WH1a of the second sub-part CA.

[0145] Furthermore, the first bend overlapping the first bend region BA1 may have a different shape than the second bend overlapping the second bend region BA2. In this case, the restoring force applied to the second bend may be less than the restoring force applied to the first bend; however, it should not be limited to this or restricted by it. That is, the shapes of the first and second bends can be changed in various ways, and in embodiments, for example, the shape of the first bend may be symmetrical to the shape of the second bend.

[0146] The thickness WH4a of the sub-coating portion overlapping the second flat region NBA2 can be less than the thickness WH2a of the second coating portion overlapping the first bent region BA1. According to the present invention, the thickness of the coating layer WM-HCL can gradually increase in the order of the sub-coating portion, the second coating portion, and the first sub-part SA of the first coating portion.

[0147] In another embodiment, if the sub-coating portion of coating layer WM-HCL is omitted, the thickness of coating layer WM-HCL can gradually increase from the second coating portion to the first sub-portion SA of the first coating portion.

[0148] Accordingly, with Figure 2A The first bend area BA1 shown overlaps with the first bend portion WM-SP1 of window WM (refer to...). Figure 2A The thickness of the first flat portion WM-CP1 can be less than the thickness of the first flat portion.

[0149] Figure 7A This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the cover window according to the present invention. Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the cover window according to the present invention. Figure 7C This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the cover window according to the present invention.

[0150] In addition to the shape of the coating layer WM-HCL Figure 7A The window WM-1 shown may have the same Figure 6A The window WM shown has essentially the same structure.

[0151] Reference Figure 7A The coating layer WM-HCLa may include a first coating portion disposed on a first flat portion of the base layer WM-BL corresponding to the first flat region NBA1. In embodiments of the present invention, the first coating portion may have a first thickness WH1 that is uniformly distributed throughout.

[0152] Additionally, the coating layer WM-HCLa may include a second coating portion disposed on the first bent portion of the base layer WM-BL corresponding to the first bent region BA1, and a third coating portion disposed on the second bent portion of the base layer WM-BL corresponding to the second bent region BA2. In an embodiment of the invention, the second coating portion may have a second thickness WH2 that is smaller than the first thickness WH1. In an embodiment, for example, the second coating portion may have a uniform second thickness overall. In another embodiment, with... Figure 6A Similarly, as shown in the first coating portion, the second coating portion may have a different thickness depending on its location. The third coating portion may have a third thickness WH3 that is substantially the same as the first thickness WH1.

[0153] Additionally, the coating layer WM-HCLa may include a fourth coating portion having a fourth thickness WH4 and disposed on the second flat portion of the base layer WM-BL corresponding to the second flat region NBA2. The fourth thickness WH4 of the fourth coating portion may be equal to or less than the second thickness WH2 of the second coating portion.

[0154] When with Figure 7A Compared to the window WM-1 shown, Figure 7B The window WM-2 shown may also include a third flat area NBA3 extending from the second bent area BA2.

[0155] Reference Figure 7B The first coating portion of the coating layer WM-HCLb may have a generally uniform first thickness WHa. The second coating portion of the coating layer WM-HCLb may have a second thickness WHb1, and the third coating portion of the coating layer WM-HCLb may have a third thickness WHb2 that is substantially the same as the second thickness WHb1. The second coating portion of the coating layer WM-HCLb may overlap with the first bending region BA1, and the third coating portion of the coating layer WM-HCLb may overlap with the second bending region BA2. The fourth and fifth coating portions of the coating layer WM-HCLb may have the same fourth thickness WHc1 and fifth thickness WHc2, respectively. In this case, the fourth coating portion of the coating layer WM-HCLb may overlap with the second flat region NBA2, and the fifth coating portion of the coating layer WM-HCLb may overlap with the third flat region NBA3.

[0156] In embodiments of the invention, the first thickness WHa may be greater than each of the second thickness WHb1 and the third thickness WHb2. In embodiments, for example, the second thickness WHb1 and the fourth thickness WHc1 may be the same as each other, and the third thickness WHb2 and the fifth thickness WHc2 may be the same as each other; however, they should not be limited thereto or thereby restricted. In another embodiment, the second thickness WHb1 may be greater than the fourth thickness WHc1, and the third thickness WHb2 may be greater than the fifth thickness WHc2.

[0157] When with Figure 7A Compared to the window WM-1 shown, Figure 7C The window WM-3 shown may have a structure that omits the second flat area NBA2, and other components of the window WM-3 may have the same... Figure 7A The window WM-1 shown has essentially the same structure. For ease of explanation, descriptions of other components are omitted.

[0158] Reference Figure 7C The coating layer WM-HCLc may include a first coating portion having a first thickness WH1z, a second coating portion having a second thickness WH2z, and a third coating portion having a third thickness WH3z. The first to third coating portions may respectively correspond to reference... Figure 7A The first coating portion to the third coating portion are described. That is, the first thickness WH1z may be greater than the second thickness WH2z, and may be the same as the third thickness WH3z.

[0159] Figures 8A to 8G This is a view illustrating an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a cover window according to the present invention.

[0160] Reference Figure 8A A base substrate WM-BLm is fabricated. The base substrate WM-BLm may include a dummy region DDA and an effective region defined therein. In an embodiment, the effective region may include... Figure 1B The diagram shows a first flat region NBA1, a second flat region NBA2, a first curved region BA1, and a second curved region BA2. A dummy region DDA may be defined adjacent to the second flat region NBA2.

[0161] Reference Figure 8B A hole HM may be defined in the upper surface of a defined base substrate WM-BLm that overlaps with the dummy region DDA and is adjacent to the second flat region NBA2. The hole HM may have a shape obtained by recessing a portion of the base substrate WM-BLm from the upper surface of the base substrate WM-BLm.

[0162] Reference Figure 8CThe coating material HCL-T can be coated onto the upper surface of the base substrate WM-BLm using a coating apparatus. In this case, the coating material HCL-T can be used to form... Figure 4 The coating material WM-HCL shown is a coating material. The coating apparatus may include a storage unit 110 for storing the coating material HCL-T and a nozzle 120 connected to the storage unit 110.

[0163] In an embodiment of the invention, the coating apparatus can move along direction D1 corresponding to the second direction DR2. The coating apparatus can provide coating material HCL-T to the dummy region DDA, and then provide coating material HCL-T to the active region. Specifically, the coating apparatus can move along direction D1 after forming a predetermined amount of coating material HCL-T on the base substrate WM-BLm. Here, the predetermined amount means the amount of coating material HCL-T disposed on the base substrate WM-BLm is equal to the amount of coating material HCL-T disposed on the base substrate WM-BLm. Figure 6A The thickness of the second sub-part CA shown in the figure corresponds to this.

[0164] Accordingly, as the coating apparatus moves along direction D1, a predetermined amount of coating material HCL-T can be arranged on the base substrate WM-BLm. Furthermore, the coating apparatus can continuously coat the coating material HCL-T through the nozzle 120 during movement along direction D1.

[0165] Reference Figure 8D The coating apparatus can move in a direction from one end (e.g., the left end) of the dummy region DDA to the effective region. In the initial state of coating material HCL-T by nozzle 120, a predetermined amount of coating material HCL-T can be arranged in a portion of the dummy region DDA; however, a portion of the coating material HCL-T can be arranged in the hole HM defined therein because the dummy region DDA includes a hole HM. In particular, since the hole HM is defined adjacent to the second flat region NBA2, a smaller amount of coating material HCL-T can be arranged on the base substrate WM-BLm that overlaps with one end (e.g., the left end) of the second flat region NBA2 adjacent to the hole HM, compared to the initial state.

[0166] Then, as the coating apparatus moves along direction D1, the coating amount of the coating material HCL-T can be gradually increased. Correspondingly, with... Figure 6A Similarly, as shown, the thickness of the coating layer WM-HCL can gradually increase in the order of the second flat region NBA2, the first bent region BA1, and the first sub-part SA. Furthermore, the coating material HCL-T can be uniformly distributed on the base substrate WM-BLm, which overlaps with the second sub-part CA and the second bent region BA2.

[0167] Reference Figure 8EA portion of the base substrate WM-BLm can be bent into corresponding first bending region BA1 and second bending region BA2. The result is as follows: Figure 8E As shown, the base substrate WM-BLm and the coating layer WM-HCL may have Figure 6A The shapes of the base layer WM-BL and the coating layer WM-HCL are shown.

[0168] Then, refer to Figure 8F This removes the portion of the base substrate WM-BLm that overlaps with the dummy region DDA. Therefore, in embodiments of the present invention, as... Figure 8F As shown, the base substrate WM-BLm may have Figure 6A The shape of the base layer WM-BL is shown. Additionally, the coating layer WM-HCL disposed on the base substrate WM-BLm may have… Figure 6A The shape of the coating layer WM-HCL shown is illustrated.

[0169] Reference Figure 8G An auxiliary coating layer WM-AL can be applied on the coating layer WM-HCL that overlaps with the first flat region NBA1.

[0170] While embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but rather various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein.

Claims

1. A covering window, comprising: A base layer, the base layer including a first flat portion and a first bent portion bending from a first end of the first flat portion; as well as The coating layer includes a first coating portion disposed on the first flat portion and a second coating portion disposed on the first bent portion and having a thickness smaller than that of the first coating portion. Wherein, the first end of the second coating portion has a greater thickness than the second end of the second coating portion, and the first end of the second coating portion is closer to the first coating portion than the second end of the second coating portion. The base layer further includes a second bent portion that bends from the second end of the first flat portion. The coating layer further includes a third coating portion disposed on the second bend, and The third coating portion has a thickness greater than that of the second coating portion.

2. The cover window as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the coating increases from the second end of the second coated portion to the first end of the second coated portion.

3. The cover window as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first coating portion includes a first sub-part and a second sub-part parallel to the upper surface of the first flat portion, and the first sub-part is inclined from the second sub-part and closer to the second coating portion than the second sub-part.

4. The cover window as described in claim 3, wherein, The second sub-part has a thickness greater than that of the first sub-part.

5. The cover window as described in claim 3, wherein, The third coating portion has the same thickness as the second sub-part.

6. The cover window as claimed in claim 3, wherein, Each of the second sub-part and the third coating part has a uniform thickness.

7. The cover window as claimed in claim 3, wherein, In a plan view, the second sub-part has an area larger than that of the first sub-part.

8. The cover window as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The base layer further includes a second flat portion, which is spaced apart from the first flat portion, faces the first flat portion, and has an integral shape with the first flat portion and the first bent portion. The coating layer further includes a sub-coating portion having a thickness smaller than that of the second coating portion and being disposed on the second flat portion.

9. The cover window as claimed in claim 8, wherein, In a plan view, the first flat portion has a larger area than the second flat portion.

10. The cover window as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: An auxiliary coating layer is disposed on the first flat portion, wherein the auxiliary coating layer does not overlap with the second coating portion.

11. The cover window as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The portion of the auxiliary coating layer adjacent to the second coating portion and each of the first coating portions arranged between the portion and the first flat portion have a shape that slopes from the upper surface of the first flat portion.

12. The cover window as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the first coating portion is equal to or greater than 20 micrometers and equal to or less than 100 micrometers, and the thickness of the second coating portion is equal to or greater than 1 micrometer and equal to or less than 20 micrometers.

13. A method of manufacturing a cover window, the method comprising: Prepare a base substrate with defined dummy regions and effective regions; A hole is defined in the upper surface of the base substrate that is adjacent to the effective region and overlaps with the dummy region; A coating material is provided along one direction on the base substrate that overlaps with the dummy region; The coating material is provided along the one direction on the base substrate overlapping the effective region; Bending the portion of the base substrate that is adjacent to the dummy region and overlaps with the effective region; as well as Remove the portion of the base substrate that overlaps with the dummy region. The first coating layer disposed on the flat portion of the base substrate has a greater thickness than the second coating layer disposed on the bent portion of the base substrate. The second coating layer extends from the first coating layer to a first end of the second coating layer and has a greater thickness than a second end of the second coating layer opposite to the first end.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The second coating layer includes a first portion and a second portion having a thickness different from that of the first portion.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising: An auxiliary coating layer is formed on the first coating layer.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein, The first coating layer includes a first sub-part adjacent to the second coating layer and inclined from the upper surface of the flat portion, and a second sub-part parallel to the upper surface of the flat portion, wherein the second sub-part has a thickness greater than that of the first sub-part.

17. A display device, comprising: The display module includes: A first flat region, the first flat region including a first display area; A bent region, the bent region bending from the first flat region and including a second display region; and A second flat region, the second flat region including a third display region, the second flat region being spaced apart from the first flat region and facing the first flat region; A covering window, the covering window including a first covering portion corresponding to the first flat area, a second covering portion corresponding to the curved area, and a third covering portion corresponding to the second flat area; and An adhesive layer is disposed between the display module and the cover window. The first covering portion has a thickness greater than the second covering portion, and the thickness of the second covering portion is greater than the thickness of the third covering portion. The second cover portion extending from the first cover portion to the first end of the second cover portion has a greater thickness than the second cover portion extending from the third cover portion to the second end of the second cover portion.

18. The display device as claimed in claim 17, wherein, The first covering portion includes a flat portion and an inclined portion that slopes from the flat portion, the inclined portion being disposed between the second covering portion and the flat portion, and the flat portion having a thickness greater than that of the inclined portion.

19. The display device as claimed in claim 17, wherein, The first display area has a larger size than the third display area.

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