Window glass, display device including the window glass, and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a window glass, a display device including the window glass, and a manufacturing method thereof. The window glass includes: a first surface; and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The window glass includes, on the second surface: a second region extending in a second direction; a third region spaced apart from the second region in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction and extending in the second direction; a first region disposed between the third region and the second region; a first buffer region located between the first region and the second region; and a second buffer region located between the first region and the third region. A first thickness is provided in the first region, and a second thickness greater than the first thickness is provided in the second region and the third region. A plurality of groove patterns are formed in the first buffer region and the second buffer region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a window glass, a display device including the window glass, and a method of manufacturing the display device, and more particularly to a window glass for a foldable display device, a display device including the window glass, and a method of manufacturing the display device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the development of technology, display products that are small, lightweight, and have more excellent performance have been produced. So far, since the conventional cathode ray tube (CRT) has many advantages in terms of performance or price, it has been widely used in display devices. However, display devices that overcome the disadvantages of CRTs in terms of miniaturization or portability and have advantages such as miniaturization, lightweight, and low power consumption, such as plasma display devices, liquid crystal display devices, and organic light emitting display devices, have attracted much attention.

[0003] Recently, various types of display devices different from flat panel display devices are being developed. For example, various flexible display devices such as curved display devices, bendable display devices, foldable display devices, rollable display devices, and stretchable display devices are being developed. In particular, a foldable display device that can be folded bidirectionally based on a folding axis is being developed.

[0004] In the case of the foldable display device, in order to protect the uppermost end of the display surface, a window glass using ultra-thin glass (UTG) with high cost, or a structure using a transparent polyimide film has been proposed, but there are problems such as cost, low protection force, and manufacturing process difficulties. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of such problems, the technical problem of the present invention is proposed. The object of the present invention is to provide a window glass suitable for a foldable display device and improving manufacturing cost and visibility.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a display device including the window glass.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing the display device.

[0008] A window glass according to an embodiment for achieving the above object of the present invention includes: a first surface; and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The window glass includes, on the second surface: a second region extending in a second direction; a third region spaced apart from the second region in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction and extending in the second direction; a first region disposed between the third region and the second region; a first buffer region located between the first region and the second region; and a second buffer region located between the first region and the third region. The first region has a first thickness, and the second region and the third region have a second thickness greater than the first thickness. A plurality of groove patterns are formed in the first buffer region and the second buffer region.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, it may be that the density of the groove patterns in the first buffer region gradually increases in the direction from the second region toward the first region.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, it may be that the pattern width of the groove patterns is 20 micrometers to 30 (μm) micrometers.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, it may be that the average thickness in the second direction in the first buffer region gradually decreases in the direction from the second region toward the first region.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, it may be that the second thickness is more than 1.5 times greater than the first thickness.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, it may be that the groove patterns are gradual patterns.

[0014] A display device according to an embodiment for achieving the above object of the present invention includes: a display panel including: a first display area; a second display area spaced apart from the first display area in a first direction; a folding area disposed between the first display area and the second display area and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; an adhesive layer disposed on the display panel; and a window glass including: a first surface; and a second surface opposite to the first surface. On the second surface of the window glass, there are included: a second area extending in the second direction; a third area spaced apart from the second area in the first direction and extending in the second direction; a first area disposed between the third area and the second area; a first buffer area located between the first area and the second area; and a second buffer area located between the first area and the third area. The window glass has a first thickness in the first area, and a second thickness greater than the first thickness in the second area and the third area. The window glass is formed with a plurality of groove patterns in the first buffer area and the second buffer area.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, it may be that the density of the groove patterns in the first buffer area of the window glass gradually increases from the second area towards the first area direction.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, it may be that the pattern width of the groove patterns of the window glass is 20 (μm) to 30 (μm).

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, it may be that the average thickness in the second direction in the first buffer area of the window glass gradually decreases from the second area towards the first area direction.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, it may be that the second thickness of the window glass is more than 1.5 times greater than the first thickness.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, it may be that the folding area corresponds to a part of the first area.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, it may be that the first display area corresponds to the second area, the first buffer area, and a part of the first area, and the second display area corresponds to the third area, the second buffer area, and a part of the first area.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, the display panel may be a flexible display panel, including: a substrate; thin film transistors disposed on the substrate; a light emitting structure disposed on the thin film transistors; and a thin film encapsulation layer disposed on the light emitting structure.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first surface of the window glass may be flat, and the second surface may have grooves formed in the first region, the first buffer region, and the second buffer region. A part of the adhesive layer may be received in the grooves.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the groove pattern may be a gradual pattern.

[0024] A method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment for achieving the above object of the present invention includes: a step of manufacturing a window glass; and a step of bonding the window glass to a display panel using an adhesive layer. The step of manufacturing the window glass includes: a step of forming a photoresist pattern on the second surface of the window glass including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the window glass including on the second surface: a second region extending in a second direction; a third region spaced apart from the second region in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction and extending in the second direction; a first region disposed between the third region and the second region; a first buffer region located between the first region and the second region; a second buffer region located between the first region and the third region; a step of etching the second surface of the window glass using the photoresist pattern as an etching barrier wall; and a step of removing the photoresist pattern. In the step of performing the etching, the photoresist pattern covers the second surface in the second region and the third region, exposes the second surface in the first region, and locally exposes the second surface in the first buffer region and the second buffer region.

[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, in the step of performing the etching, the window glass may be wet-etched using hydrofluoric acid.

[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the photoresist pattern may include a plurality of opening patterns formed in the first buffer region, and the opening ratio of the opening patterns gradually increases from the second region toward the first region.

[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the opening pattern may be a gradual pattern.

[0028] (Advantages of the Invention)

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display device includes a window glass, and the window glass includes: a second region and a third region having a second thickness; and a first region having a first thickness less than the second thickness, and a fold is formed in a folding region located within the first region, so that a foldable display device including a window glass that can be folded while improving protection strength, has no problem in visibility, and has a reduced manufacturing cost can be realized.

[0030] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above effects, and various expansions can be made without departing from the concept and scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1a is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state.

[0032] Figure 1b is Figure 1a a perspective view of the display device in a folded state.

[0033] Figure 2 is Figure 1a a cross-sectional view of the periphery of a folding region FA of the display device.

[0034] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the periphery of a folding region of the display device in a folded state.

[0035] Figure 4 is Figure 2 an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of a first buffer region B1 of the display device.

[0036] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a top view of the periphery of a first buffer region B1 of the display device.

[0037] Figure 6 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of a display panel PN of the display device.

[0038] Figures 7a to 7f is a cross-sectional view and a top view showing a manufacturing method of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] (Description of Reference Numerals)

[0041] 100: Substrate substrate 110: Buffer layer

[0042] TFT: Thin Film Transistor 120: First insulating layer

[0043] 130: Second insulating layer VIA: Through-hole insulating layer

[0044] PDL: Pixel defining layer TFE: Thin film encapsulation layer

[0045] 200: Window glass 300: Adhesive layer Detailed implementation manners

[0046] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figure 1a is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state. Figure 1b is Figure 1a a perspective view of the display device in a folded state.

[0048] Referring to Figure 1a and Figure 1b , as an example of the display device 10, a foldable display device is exemplarily shown. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied to various display devices such as a curved display device, a bent display device, a rollable display device, and a stretchable display device. In addition, the display device 10 according to the present invention can be used in large electronic devices such as a television or an outdoor billboard, and also in medium and small electronic devices such as a mobile phone, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital terminal, a car navigator, a game console, a portable electronic device, a watch-type electronic device, and a camera.

[0049] The display device 10 includes a plurality of regions divided on the display surface. The display device 10 can be divided into a display region and a non-display region (not shown) according to whether an image is displayed or not. The display region is a region for displaying an image, and the non-display region is a region adjacent to the display region and not displaying an image. In one embodiment, the display region may be rectangular in shape. The non-display region may be adjacent to the display region or surround the display region. In addition, the non-display region may also be omitted.

[0050] The display region of the display device 10 may be disposed parallel to the plane defined by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0051] The display region may include: a first display region DA1; a second display region DA2, spaced apart from the first display region DA1 in the first direction D1; and a folding region FA, disposed between the first display region DA1 and the second display region DA2 and extending in the second direction D2.

[0052] The folding area FA of the display device 10 can be folded along a folding axis according to an operation. The first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 can be non-folding areas that are not folded. The folding axis can be in the same direction as the second direction D2.

[0053] Referring back to Figure 1b , the folding area FA can be folded along the folding axis so that the display surfaces of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 face each other. At this time, the bottom surface of the display device 10 can be exposed to the outside.

[0054] As described above, the display device 10 can be folded so that the display surfaces of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 face each other, which is defined as inner folding. Although illustrated, the display device 10 can also be folded along the folding axis so that the display surfaces of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 face outward, which can be defined as outer folding.

[0055] Figure 2 is Figure 1a a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the folding area FA of the display device. Figure 3 is [[ID=ID=18]] Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the folding area of the display device in a folded state.

[0056] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the display device 10 can include a display panel PN, a window glass 200, and an adhesive layer 300.

[0057] The display panel PN can be a flexible display panel. For example, the display panel PN can be a flexible organic light-emitting display panel. A detailed description of the display panel PN will be described later in Figure 6 below.

[0058] The adhesive layer 300 can be disposed on the display surface of the display panel PN to bond the display panel PN and the window glass 200 to each other.

[0059] The window glass 200 can include: a first surface; and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The second surface, as the surface bonded to the adhesive layer 300, faces the lower side of the display panel PN in the drawing.

[0060] The window glass 200 may include: a second region A2 extending in a second direction (refer to D2 in FIG. 1); a third region A3 spaced apart from the second region A2 in a first direction D1 perpendicular to the second direction and extending in the second direction; a first region A1 disposed between the third region A3 and the second region A2; a first buffer region B1 located between the first region A1 and the second region A2; and a second buffer region B2 located between the first region A1 and the third region A3.

[0061] A first display region DA1 as a non-folded region may correspond to the second region A2, the first buffer region B1, and a part of the first region A1. Additionally, a second display region DA2 as a non-folded region may correspond to the third region A3, the second buffer region B2, and a part of the first region A1. A folding region FA may correspond to a part of the first region A1.

[0062] The first region A1 may have a first thickness t1. The second region A2 and the third region A3 may have a third thickness t3 greater than the first thickness t1. The second thickness t2 of the first buffer region B1 and the second buffer region B2 may be in a form that gradually increases from the first region A1 toward the second region A2 or the third region A3. Here, since a groove pattern to be described later is formed in the first buffer region B1 and the second buffer region B2, the second thickness t2 refers to the average thickness in the second direction.

[0063] The third thickness t3 may be more than 1.5 times greater than the first thickness t1. For example, the first thickness t1 may be about 30 μm (micrometers) or less, and the third thickness t3 may be about 50 μm to 70 μm. That is, the window glass 200 may be manufactured by using a thin film glass having a thickness of a certain level or more and etching the second surface of the first region A1, the first buffer region B1, and the second buffer region B2, without using expensive ultra-thin glass. Thus, the first thickness t1 of the first region A1 corresponding to the folding region FA can be reduced to an extent suitable for folding, and sufficient protection strength can be obtained by making the parts corresponding to the second region A2 and the third region A3 have sufficient thickness.

[0064] In addition, the minute-sized groove patterns that cannot be visually recognized by the user are formed in the first buffer region B1 and the second buffer region B2, and the second thickness t2 gradually changes along the first direction D1. Therefore, the step caused by the thickness difference between the first thickness t1 and the third thickness t3 cannot be visually recognized by the user. As a result, it is possible to obtain a window glass that can be folded while improving the protection strength in the second region A2 and the third region A3, has no problem in visibility, and has a reduced manufacturing cost.

[0065] Here, in the unfolded state of the display device 10, the first surface is flat, and a recess is formed in the second surface, so that a thickness difference can be formed. On the other hand, the second surface is in contact with the adhesive layer 300, and the adhesive layer 300 has elasticity. Therefore, the adhesive layer 300 can be accommodated in the recess. As a result, the first surface of the window glass 200 can form a flat surface.

[0066] Figure 4 Yes Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view around the first buffer region B1 of the display device. Figure 5 Yes Figure 4 is a top view around the first buffer region B1 of the display device.

[0067] Refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the first buffer region B1, a groove pattern GR can be formed. The groove pattern GR can be formed on the second surface of the window glass 200 and can be configured such that the density gradually increases in the direction from the second region A2 to the first region A1, that is, toward the first direction D1. In addition, the depth of the groove pattern GR can gradually deepen in the direction from the second region A2 to the first region A1, that is, toward the first direction D1.

[0068] As a result, the average thickness of the window glass 200 in the second direction D2 in the first buffer region B1 can gradually decrease in the direction from the second region A2 to the first region A1, that is, along the first direction D1.

[0069] As Figure 4 shown, the groove pattern GR may have a gradual pattern, but is not limited thereto, and may be various patterns that cannot be visually recognized by the user. The width w of the minimum unit of the groove pattern GR is about 20 μm to 30 μm (micrometers), so that the groove pattern GR cannot be visually recognized by the user.

[0070] Figure 6 YesFigure 2 Cross-sectional view of the display panel PN of the display device.

[0071] Referring to Figure 6 , the display device 10 may include: a base substrate 100, a buffer layer 110, an active pattern ACT of a thin film transistor TFT, a first insulating layer 120, a gate electrode GE of the thin film transistor TFT, a second insulating layer 130, a source electrode SE and a drain electrode DE of the thin film transistor TFT, a via insulating layer VIA, a pixel defining film PDL, a light emitting structure 180, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE.

[0072] The base substrate 100 may be made of a flexible transparent resin substrate. As an example of the transparent resin substrate that can be used as the base substrate 100, a polyimide substrate can be cited.

[0073] The buffer layer 110 may be disposed over the entire base substrate 100. The buffer layer 110 may prevent the diffusion of metal atoms or impurities from the base substrate 100 to the active pattern ACT, and may adjust the heat transfer rate during the crystallization process for forming the active pattern ACT to obtain a substantially uniform active pattern ACT. In addition, when the surface of the base substrate 100 is uneven, the buffer layer may function to improve the flatness of the surface of the base substrate 100.

[0074] The active pattern ACT may be disposed on the buffer layer 110. The active pattern ACT may include polycrystalline silicon (Poly Crystal Silicon). In another embodiment, the active pattern ACT may also include an oxide semiconductor. The active pattern ACT may include a drain region, a source region doped (doping) with impurities, and a channel region located between the drain region and the source region.

[0075] The first insulating layer 120 may be disposed on the buffer layer 110 on which the active pattern ACT is disposed. The first insulating layer 120 may include an inorganic insulating material or an organic insulating material.

[0076] A gate pattern may be disposed on the first insulating layer 120. The gate pattern may include the gate electrode GE. The gate pattern may further include signal wirings such as gate lines for driving the display device 10.

[0077] The second insulating layer 130 may be disposed on the first insulating layer 120 on which the gate pattern is disposed. The second insulating layer 130 may include an inorganic insulating material or an organic insulating material.

[0078] The source-drain pattern may be disposed on the second insulating layer 130. The source-drain pattern may include the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE. The source-drain pattern may further include signal wirings such as data lines for driving the display device 10.

[0079] The via insulating layer VIA may be disposed on the second insulating layer 130 on which the source-drain pattern is disposed. The via insulating layer VIA may be formed as a single-layer structure, but may also be formed as a multi-layer structure including two or more insulating films.

[0080] The light-emitting structure 180 may include a first electrode 181, a light-emitting layer 182, and a second electrode 183.

[0081] The first electrode 181 may be disposed on the via insulating layer VIA. Depending on the light-emitting method of the display device 10, the first electrode 181 may be formed by using a reflective material or a light-transmissive material.

[0082] The pixel defining layer PDL may be disposed on the via insulating layer VIA on which the first electrode 181 is disposed. The pixel defining layer PDL may be formed by using an organic material, an inorganic material, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, an opening for locally exposing the first electrode 181 may be formed by etching the pixel defining layer PDL. The light-emitting area and the non-light-emitting area of the display device 10 may be defined by such an opening of the pixel defining layer PDL. For example, the portion where the opening of the pixel defining layer PDL is located may correspond to the light-emitting area, and the non-light-emitting area may correspond to the portion adjacent to the opening of the pixel defining layer PDL.

[0083] The light-emitting layer 182 may be disposed on the first electrode 181 exposed through the opening of the pixel defining film PDL. Additionally, the light-emitting layer 182 may extend onto the sidewalls of the opening of the pixel defining film PDL. In an exemplary embodiment, the light-emitting layer 182 may have a multi-layer structure including an organic light-emitting layer (EL), a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an electron transport layer (ETL), an electron injection layer (EIL), etc. In another embodiment, in addition to the organic light-emitting layer, the hole injection layer, the hole transport layer, the electron transport layer, and the electron injection layer, etc. may be formed together corresponding to a plurality of pixels. The organic light-emitting layer of the light-emitting layer 182 may be formed by using a light-emitting material capable of generating different color lights such as red light, green light, blue light, etc. for each pixel of the display device 10. According to another exemplary embodiment, the organic light-emitting layer of the light-emitting layer 182 may also have a structure in which a plurality of light-emitting material layers capable of realizing different color lights such as red light, green light, blue light, etc. are stacked to emit white light. At this time, the light-emitting structure may be formed together corresponding to a plurality of pixels, and each pixel is divided by a color filter layer.

[0084] The second electrode 183 may be disposed on the pixel defining film PDL and the light-emitting layer 182. According to the light-emitting mode of the display device 10, the second electrode 183 may include a light-transmissive material or a reflective material.

[0085] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the second electrode 183. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may prevent the penetration of external moisture and oxygen. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one organic layer and at least one inorganic layer. At least one organic layer and at least one inorganic layer may be alternately stacked with each other. For example, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include two inorganic layers and one organic layer therebetween, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] On the thin film encapsulation layer TFE, an adhesive layer (refer to Figure 2 300) may be adhered.

[0087] Figures 7a to 7f is a cross-sectional view and a top view showing a manufacturing method of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Refer to Figure 7a , a photoresist layer 210 may be formed on the window glass 200. The window glass 200 includes: a first surface; and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The photoresist layer 210 may be formed on the second surface. The photoresist layer 210 may include a positive photoresist in which the exposed portion is removed by a developer.

[0089] Referring to Figure 7b and Figure 7c , the photoresist layer 210 can be exposed and developed using a mask MSK to form a photoresist pattern 212.

[0090] Here, the window glass 200 can include: a second region A2 extending in a second direction; a third region A3 spaced apart from the second region A2 in a first direction D1 perpendicular to the second direction D2 and extending in the second direction D2; a first region A1 disposed between the third region A3 and the second region A2; a first buffer region B1 located between the first region A1 and the second region A2; and a second buffer region B2 located between the first region A1 and the third region A3.

[0091] Figure 7c is a top view of a portion (region A surrounded by a dotted line in the drawing) of the first buffer region B1 corresponding to the mask MSK. The black portions in the drawing correspond to portions where light is blocked (closed regions), and the white portions correspond to portions where light is transmitted (open regions). That is, the mask MSK can include a plurality of opening patterns in the first buffer region B1, and based on the opening ratio of the opening patterns, it can gradually increase from the second region A2 toward the first region direction.

[0092] Thereby, the photoresist pattern 212 can cover the second surface in the second region A2 and the third region A3, expose the second surface in the first region A1, and partially expose the second surface in the first buffer region and the second buffer region.

[0093] Referring to Figure 7d , the second surface of the window glass 200 can be etched using the photoresist pattern 212 as an etch stop wall. For example, as a method of wet etching using hydrofluoric acid HF, the second surface can be etched to make the window glass 200 have various thicknesses.

[0094] Referring to Figure 7e , the window glass 200 can be formed by removing the photoresist pattern 212 on the window glass 200. The window glass 200 can have a first thickness t1 in the first region A1 and a second thickness t2 greater than the first thickness t1 in the second region A2 and the third region A3. A plurality of groove patterns can be formed in the first buffer region B1 and the second buffer region B2.

[0095] The second thickness t2 of the first buffer region B1 and the second buffer region B2 may be in a form that gradually increases from the first region A1 toward the second region A2 or the third region A3. Here, since the groove pattern is formed in the first buffer region B1 and the second buffer region B2, the second thickness t2 refers to the average thickness in the second direction.

[0096] Referring to Figure 7f , the window glass 200 may be adhered to the display panel PN using the adhesive layer 300. By bringing the second surface 204 of the adhesive layer 300 and the window glass 200 into contact with each other, the first surface 202 of the window glass 200, which is the outermost layer of the display device 10, can be made flat.

[0097] As described previously in Figure 6 , the display panel PN may be a flexible display panel, may have various known structures, and may be manufactured by various known methods. A detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0098] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Referring to Figure 8 , the electronic device 500 may include: a processor 510, a memory device 520, a storage device 530, an input / output device 540, a power supply 550, and a display device 560. At this time, the display device 560 may correspond to the display device of FIG. 1. The electronic device 500 may further include various ports capable of communicating with a display card, a sound card, a memory card, a USB device, etc. or communicating with other systems. In one embodiment, the electronic device 500 may be implemented as a television. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 1a and Figure 1b , the electronic device 500 may be implemented as a foldable smartphone. However, this is exemplary, and the electronic device 500 is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device 500 may be implemented as a mobile phone, a video phone, a smart pad, a smart watch, a tablet PC, a vehicle navigator, a computer monitor, a laptop, a head mounted display (HMD), etc.

[0100] The processor 510 may perform specific calculations or tasks. According to an embodiment, the processor 510 may be a microprocessor, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application Processor (AP), etc. The processor 510 may be connected to other components through an address bus, a control bus, a data bus, etc. According to an embodiment, the processor 510 may also be connected to an expansion bus such as a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus. The memory device 520 may store data required for the operation of the electronic device 500. For example, the memory device 520 may include non-volatile memory devices such as an Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM) device, an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) device, a flash memory device, a Phase Change Random Access Memory (PRAM) device, a Resistance Random Access Memory (RRAM) device, a Nano Floating Gate Memory (NFGM) device, a Polymer Random Access Memory (PoRAM) device, a Magnetic Random Access Memory (MRAM), a Ferroelectric Random Access Memory (FRAM) device, etc., and / or volatile memory devices such as a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) device, a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) device, a mobile DRAM device, etc. The storage device 530 may include a Solid State Drive (SSD), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), a CD-ROM, etc.The input / output device 540 may include input components such as a keyboard, keypad, touchpad, touch screen, mouse, etc., and output components such as a speaker, printer, etc. The power supply 550 may supply power required for the operation of the electronic device 500.

[0101] The display device 560 may be connected to other components through the bus or other communication links. According to an embodiment, the display device 560 may also be included in the input / output device 540. As described above, the display device 560 includes a window glass, and the window glass includes: a second region and a third region having a second thickness; and a first region having a first thickness less than the second thickness, and a fold is formed in the folding region located within the first region, so that a foldable display device including a window glass that can be folded while improving the protection strength, has no problem in visibility, and has a reduced manufacturing cost can be realized.

[0102] However, since it has been described above, a repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0103] (Industrial Applicability)

[0104] The present invention can be applied to an organic light emitting display device and various electronic devices including the same. For example, the present invention can be applied to mobile phones, smart phones, video phones, smart tablets, smart watches, tablet PCs, vehicle navigators, TVs, computer monitors, laptop computers, head-mounted displays, etc.

[0105] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that the present invention can be variously modified and changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the claims.

Claims

1. A window glass, characterized in that, Comprising: A first surface; And a second surface, opposite to the first surface, On the second surface, it includes: a second region extending in a second direction; a third region spaced apart from the second region in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction and extending in the second direction; a first region disposed between the third region and the second region; a first buffer region located between the first region and the second region; a second buffer region located between the first region and the third region, Having a first thickness in the first region, and having a second thickness greater than the first thickness in the second region and the third region, A plurality of groove patterns are formed in the first buffer region and the second buffer region, The first buffer region and the second buffer region are located in a non-folded region.

2. The window glass according to claim 1, characterized in that, The density of the groove patterns in the first buffer region gradually increases from the second region towards the first region.

3. The window glass according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pattern width of the groove patterns is 20 micrometers to 30 micrometers.

4. The window glass according to claim 1, characterized in that, The average thickness in the second direction in the first buffer region gradually decreases from the second region towards the first region.

5. The window glass according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second thickness is more than 1.5 times greater than the first thickness.

6. The window glass according to claim 1, characterized in that, The groove patterns are gradient patterns.

7. A display device, characterized in that, Comprising: A display panel, including: a first display region; a second display region spaced apart from the first display region in a first direction; a folding region disposed between the first display region and the second display region and extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; An adhesive layer disposed on the display panel; and A window glass, including: a first surface; and a second surface, opposite to the first surface, On the second surface, it includes: a second region extending in the second direction; a third region spaced apart from the second region in the first direction and extending in the second direction; a first region disposed between the third region and the second region; a first buffer region located between the first region and the second region; a second buffer region located between the first region and the third region, Having a first thickness in the first region, and having a second thickness greater than the first thickness in the second region and the third region, A plurality of groove patterns are formed in the first buffer region and the second buffer region, The first buffer region and the second buffer region are located in a non-folded region.

8. The display device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The density of the groove patterns in the first buffer region of the window glass gradually increases from the second region towards the first region.

9. The display device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The pattern width of the groove pattern of the window glass is 20 micrometers to 30 micrometers.

10. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the average thickness in the second direction in the first buffer region of the window glass gradually decreases from the second region toward the first region.

11. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the second thickness of the window glass is more than 1.5 times greater than the first thickness.

12. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the folding region corresponds to a part of the first region.

13. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the first display region corresponds to the second region, the first buffer region, and a part of the first region, and the second display region corresponds to the third region, the second buffer region, and a part of the first region.

14. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the display panel is a flexible display panel, including: a substrate; thin film transistors disposed on the substrate; light emitting structures disposed on the thin film transistors; and a thin film encapsulation layer disposed on the light emitting structures.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein the first surface of the window glass is flat, and the second surface has grooves formed in the first region, the first buffer region, and the second buffer region, and a part of the adhesive layer is accommodated in the grooves.

16. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the groove pattern is a gradient pattern.

17. A manufacturing method of a display device, characterized in that, Including: a step of manufacturing a window glass; and a step of bonding the window glass to the display panel using an adhesive layer, The step of manufacturing the window glass includes: a step of forming a photoresist pattern on the second surface of the window glass including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the window glass including on the second surface: a second region extending in a second direction; a third region spaced apart from the second region in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction and extending in the second direction; a first region disposed between the third region and the second region; a first buffer region located between the first region and the second region; a second buffer region located between the first region and the third region; a step of etching the second surface of the window glass using the photoresist pattern as an etching barrier wall; and a step of removing the photoresist pattern, In the step of performing the etching, the photoresist pattern covers the second surface in the second region and the third region, exposes the second surface in the first region, and locally exposes the second surface in the first buffer region and the second buffer region to form a plurality of groove patterns.

18. The method of manufacturing a display device according to claim 17, wherein in the step of performing the etching, the window glass is wet-etched using hydrofluoric acid.

19. The manufacturing method of the display device according to claim 17, characterized in that the photoresist pattern includes a plurality of opening patterns formed in the first buffer region, and the opening ratio based on the opening patterns gradually increases in a direction from the second region toward the first region.

20. The manufacturing method of the display device according to claim 19, characterized in that the opening pattern is a gradient pattern.

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