Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes a display area and includes a display panel, a window, and a light-transmitting member. Among them, the display panel has a first opening provided in the display area; the window is provided on the display panel and includes a second opening communicating with the first opening; the light-transmitting member is at least partially located within the first opening and the second opening. The display device constructed in this way can resist loads and impacts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device resistant to load and impact. Background Art

[0002] Recently, with the development of technologies related to display devices, flexible display devices have been developed. The flexible display devices include curved display devices, bendable display devices, foldable display devices, rollable display devices, etc. In addition, in order to reduce the non-display area of the display device, after an opening is formed in a part of the display area, a structure in which functional modules (e.g., a camera module, an illuminance sensor, etc.) are disposed under the opening has been developed.

[0003] The window of the flexible display device can be thinner than the window of the rigid display device. When an opening is formed in the flexible display device having a thin window, the window may be deformed due to a load applied to the window overlapping the opening. In addition, the window may be damaged due to an impact applied to the window overlapping the opening. When the window is deformed or damaged, foreign substances such as dust and moisture may penetrate into the display device, and the efficiency of the functional module disposed under the window may be reduced.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this background art section is only for understanding the background of the inventive concept, and thus, it may include information that does not constitute the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A display device constructed according to the principles and exemplary embodiments of the present invention can provide a display device resistant to load and impact.

[0006] Additional features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the following description, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concept.

[0007] A display device according to one or more exemplary embodiments may include a light-transmissive member inserted into an opening in a display area. The light-transmissive member may prevent foreign substances such as dust and moisture from penetrating into the interior of the display device, and may protect the functional module from the influence of impact. In addition, the thickness of the light-transmissive member may be greater than the thickness of the window. Thus, deformation and / or damage of the light-transmissive member caused by a load or impact applied to the light-transmissive member can be prevented. In addition, a light-blocking member may be disposed on a side surface of the light-transmissive member to block external light from entering the side surface of the light-transmissive member. Thus, the processed surface exposed by the opening may be invisible to a user.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display device includes a display area and includes: a display panel including a first opening provided in the display area; a window provided on the display panel and including a second opening communicating with the first opening; and a light-transmissive member at least partially located within the first opening and the second opening.

[0009] The light-transmissive member may include a first light-transmissive portion at least partially located within the first opening; and a second light-transmissive portion at least partially located within the second opening and having a width greater than the width of the first light-transmissive portion.

[0010] The light-transmissive member may further include a light-blocking member covering side surfaces of the first light-transmissive portion and the second light-transmissive portion.

[0011] The light-blocking member may be further provided on a bottom surface of the second light-transmissive portion.

[0012] The thickness of the light-transmissive member may be greater than or substantially equal to the sum of the thickness of the window and the thickness of the display panel.

[0013] The thickness of the light-transmissive member may be about 500 μm to about 600 μm.

[0014] The thickness of the window may be about 40 μm to about 60 μm.

[0015] An adhesive layer may be provided between the display panel and the window, and the light-transmissive member may be inserted into the adhesive layer.

[0016] The adhesive layer may contact at least a portion of the second light-transmissive portion.

[0017] A buffer member may be provided between the second light-transmissive portion and the window.

[0018] The buffer member may include a light-blocking material.

[0019] The light-transmissive member may include glass.

[0020] The width of the second opening may be greater than the width of the first opening.

[0021] The display panel and the window may be independently folded.

[0022] A protective film may be provided under the display panel and support the display panel; a support member may be provided under the protective film and include an opening for folding the display panel and the window.

[0023] The shape of at least one of the first light-transmissive portion and the second light-transmissive portion may be a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0024] The light-transmissive member may further include a third light-transmissive portion disposed between the first light-transmissive portion and the second light-transmissive portion, wherein the width of the third light-transmissive portion may be greater than the width of the first light-transmissive portion and may be less than the width of the second light-transmissive portion.

[0025] The widths of the first light-transmissive portion and the second light-transmissive portion may be respectively constant, wherein the width of the third light-transmissive portion may gradually decrease from the top to the bottom of the third light-transmissive portion.

[0026] The functional module may be disposed below the light-transmissive member.

[0027] The functional module may include a camera module.

[0028] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The drawings (which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification) illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the specification, serve to explain the inventive concept.

[0030] Figure 1 is a plan view showing an exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 is a side view showing Figure 1 of the display device.

[0032] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of Figure 1 of.

[0033] Figure 4 is Figure 1 an enlarged plan view of region A of.

[0034] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of Figure 4 of.

[0035] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display device in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 are cross-sectional views illustrating Figure 6 the method of manufacturing the display device of.

[0037] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a light-transmissive member according to the principles of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 are perspective views showing Figure 13 a method of manufacturing a light-transmissive member.

[0039] Figure 17 is a plan view showing another exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' of Figure 17 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various exemplary embodiments or examples of the present invention. As used herein, "embodiment" and "embodiments" are interchangeable words that are non-limiting examples of a device or method that applies one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that the various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various exemplary embodiments. In addition, the various exemplary embodiments may be different, but not necessarily exclusive. For example, without departing from the inventive concept, the specific shapes, configurations, and characteristics of an exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment.

[0042] Unless otherwise indicated, the exemplary embodiments shown are understood to provide exemplary features of different details of some ways in which the inventive concept may be practiced. Thus, unless otherwise indicated, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions, and / or aspects, etc. (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as "elements") of the various embodiments may be combined, separated, exchanged, and / or rearranged otherwise without departing from the inventive concept.

[0043] In the drawings, the use of hatching and / or shading is generally used to make the boundaries between adjacent elements clear. Thus, unless otherwise specified, the presence or absence of hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material property, dimension, scale, commonality between the elements shown, and / or any other characteristic, property, nature, etc. of the elements. In addition, in the drawings, for clarity and / or descriptive purposes, the sizes and relative sizes of elements may be enlarged. When exemplary embodiments can be implemented differently, specific process sequences may be performed in a different order than described. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in an order opposite to the described order. Additionally, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0044] When an element such as a layer is referred to as being on, connected to, or coupled to another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. However, when an element such as a layer is referred to as being directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to another element or layer, no intervening elements or layers are present. For this reason, the term "connected" can represent a physical connection, an electrical connection, and / or a fluid connection with or without intervening elements. In addition, the D1 axis, D2 axis, and D3 axis are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, such as the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, but can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the D1 axis, D2 axis, and D3 axis can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purposes of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" can be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, for example, taking XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ as examples. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0045] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element.

[0046] Spatial relative terms, such as "beneath", "below", "under", "lower", "above", "upper", "over", "higher", "side" (e.g., as in "side wall"), etc., may be used herein for descriptive purposes and, thus, can be used to describe the relationship of one element to another element as shown in the figures. In addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, the spatial relative terms are also intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use, operation, and / or manufacturing. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "below" or "beneath" another element or feature will then be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an above and a below orientation. In addition, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and as such, the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0047] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. Additionally, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", and / or "including" when used in this specification specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", and other similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as degree terms, and, as such, are used to account for the inherent variations that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art in measured values, calculated values, and / or provided values.

[0048] The various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views and / or exploded views that are schematic illustrations of idealized exemplary embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Thus, variations from the shapes as illustrated, due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, are to be expected. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be construed as limited to the particular regions shapes shown, but include shape deviations resulting, for example, from manufacturing. In such a manner, the regions shown in the figures are schematic in nature and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shape of the regions of the device and, as such, are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted as having a 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.

[0050] Figure 1 is a plan view showing an exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention. Figure 2 is showing Figure 1 a side view of the display device. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Figure 1 I-I' of.

[0051] Referring to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 According to some exemplary embodiments, a display device 10 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA. Pixels may be disposed in the display area DA, and an image may be displayed in the display area DA according to a driving signal. Wiring for transmitting the driving signal and a circuit for generating the driving signal may be disposed in the non-display area NDA. Accordingly, an image may not be displayed in the non-display area NDA.

[0052] In some exemplary embodiments, the display area DA may include a folding area FA. The display device 10 may be folded and unfolded by an external force (e.g., a user's operation) in the folding area FA. As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display device 10 may be folded along a folding line FL, and thus, the display area DA may include a folding area FA and an unfolded flat area.

[0053] The display device 10 may have an inner folding structure in which a display surface is not exposed to the outside when the display device 10 is folded, or an outer folding structure in which the display surface is exposed to the outside when the display device 10 is folded. In addition, the display device 10 may have a plurality of folding areas FA, or may have an asymmetric structure based on the folding line FL.

[0054] In some exemplary embodiments, the display device 10 may include a support member 100, a protective film 200, a display panel 300, a polarizing layer 400, an adhesive layer 500, and a window 600. An opening overlapping the folding region FA may be formed in the support member 100 and the protective film 200, and the display panel 300, the polarizing layer 400, the adhesive layer 500, and the window 600 may be folded. Accordingly, the display device 10 may perform the above-described folding and unfolding. Further, an opening overlapping the folding region FA may not be formed in the display panel 300. Accordingly, the display device 10 may display an image in the folding region FA.

[0055] Figure 4 is Figure 1 an enlarged plan view of region A. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 4 line II-II'.

[0056] Referring to Figure 1 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 ,an opening may be formed in region A of the display area DA, and a light-transmissive member 800 may be inserted into the opening. Further, a functional module 700 (e.g., a camera module, an illuminance sensor, etc.) may be disposed below the light-transmissive member 800, and external light may enter the functional module 700 through the light-transmissive member 800.

[0057] In some exemplary embodiments, the display device 10 may include a support member 100, a protective film 200, a display panel 300, a polarizing layer 400, an adhesive layer 500, a window 600, a light-transmissive member 800, and a buffer member 900. The light-transmissive member 800 may include a first light-transmissive portion 810, a second light-transmissive portion 820, and a light-blocking member BM.

[0058] The display panel 300 may include a substrate, elements (e.g., thin film transistors), and pixels. The substrate may be a glass substrate, a quartz substrate, a plastic substrate, etc. In some exemplary embodiments, in order to implement a flexible display device, the substrate may include a flexible plastic material. For example, the substrate may include polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyether ketone, polycarbonate, polyarylate, polyethersulfone, or a combination thereof. The elements may be formed on the substrate, and a driving signal may be transmitted to the pixels. The pixels may generate light according to the driving signal.

[0059] The protective film 200 may be disposed below the display panel 300. The protective film 200 may prevent foreign substances such as dust and moisture from penetrating into the display panel 300, and may absorb impact. Further, when the substrate of the display panel 300 includes a flexible plastic material, the protective film 200 may support the display panel 300.

[0060] The protective film 200 can be a plastic film. For example, the protective film 200 can include polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polycarbonate, polyarylene ether sulfone, polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, or a combination thereof.

[0061] The support member 100 can be disposed below the protective film 200. The support member 100 can support the display panel 300. The support member 100 can include a rigid metal material. For example, the support member 100 can include stainless steel, titanium, copper, nickel, iron, or a combination thereof. The support member 100 can be connected to a hinge structure capable of folding the display device 10.

[0062] A gasket can also be disposed between the support member 100 and the protective film 200. The gasket can contain air and cushioning materials, and thus, the gasket can protect the display panel 300 from impacts. For example, the gasket can include acrylic resin, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, latex, polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, or a combination thereof.

[0063] The polarizing layer 400 can be disposed on the display panel 300. The polarizing layer 400 can polarize external light, and thus, can improve the display quality of the display device 10.

[0064] The adhesive layer 500 can be disposed on the polarizing layer 400. The adhesive layer 500 can be disposed between the polarizing layer 400 and the window 600 such that the polarizing layer 400 adheres to the window 600. In addition, the adhesive layer 500 can contact at least a portion 824 of the light-transmissive member 800 such that the polarizing layer 400 adheres to the light-transmissive member 800.

[0065] The adhesive layer 500 can include an organic adhesive material. For example, the adhesive layer 500 can include optically clear adhesive, optically clear resin, pressure-sensitive adhesive, etc. The pressure-sensitive adhesive can include acrylate compounds, urethane compounds, silicone compounds, or a combination thereof.

[0066] A first opening (e.g., Figure 8 H_1) can be formed in the protective film 200, the display panel 300, the polarizing layer 400, and the adhesive layer 500. In some exemplary embodiments, in order to form the first opening, the protective film 200, the display panel 300, the polarizing layer 400, and the adhesive layer 500 can be processed together. Thus, the surfaces of the protective film 200, the display panel 300, the polarizing layer 400, and the adhesive layer 500 on which they are processed can be aligned with each other. In order for the support member 100 to support the protective film 200, the display panel 300, the polarizing layer 400, and the adhesive layer 500, an opening having a width smaller than the width of the first opening can be formed in the support member 100.

[0067] The window 600 may be disposed on the adhesive layer 500. The window 600 may prevent foreign substances such as dust and moisture from penetrating into the display panel 300. In some exemplary embodiments, the window 600 may be foldable. For example, the window 600 may include polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyether ketone, polycarbonate, polyarylate, polyethersulfone, or a combination thereof. On the other hand, the window 600 may include glass having a thin thickness.

[0068] In some exemplary embodiments, the thickness TH_2 of the window 600 may be about 40um to about 60um. Compared with the thickness of the window included in a general display device being about 500um, the window 600 included in the display device 10 may be implemented to have a thinner thickness. Therefore, when the display device 10 is folded by an external force, the window 600 may be folded together.

[0069] A second opening (e.g., Figure 10 H_2) may be formed in the window 600. The second opening may communicate with the first opening, and the width of the second opening may be greater than the width of the first opening.

[0070] The light-transmitting member 800 may be at least partially located within or inserted into the first opening and the second opening. The light-transmitting member 800 may prevent foreign substances such as dust and moisture from penetrating into the interior of the display device 10, and may protect the functional module 700 from the impact. In some exemplary embodiments, the light-transmitting member 800 may be formed of glass. In another exemplary embodiment, the light-transmitting member 800 may be formed of a plastic that transmits light. For example, the light-transmitting member 800 may include polyimide, polyacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyethylene naphthalate, polystyrene, or a combination thereof.

[0071] In some exemplary embodiments, the light-transmitting member 800 may include a first light-transmitting portion 810 that is at least partially located within or inserted into the first opening and a second light-transmitting portion 820 that is at least partially located within or inserted into the second opening. The width 821 of the second light-transmitting portion 820 may be greater than the width 811 of the first light-transmitting portion 810. Since the width 821 of the second light-transmitting portion 820 is formed to be greater than the width 811 of the first light-transmitting portion 810, at least a portion 824 of the second light-transmitting portion 820 may contact the adhesive layer 500. Therefore, the light-transmitting member 800 may be inserted into the first opening and the second opening, may be fixed to the first opening and the second opening, and may prevent foreign substances such as dust and moisture from penetrating into the interior of the display device 10.

[0072] The thickness of the light-transmissive member 800 may be greater than or substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the window 600 and the display panel 300. In some exemplary embodiments, the thickness TH_1 of the light-transmissive member 800 may be from about 500 μm to about 600 μm. In this case, as Figure 5 shown, the thickness TH_1 of the light-transmissive member 800 may be substantially the same as the thickness of the display device 10. Since the light-transmissive member 800 is formed to have a sufficient thickness TH_1, even the load applied to the light-transmissive member 800 does not deform the light-transmissive member 800. In addition, even if an impact is applied to the light-transmissive member 800, the light-transmissive member 800 may not be damaged and may protect the functional module 700.

[0073] The buffer member 900 may be disposed between the second light-transmissive portion 820 and the window 600. The buffer member 900 may prevent the second light-transmissive portion 820 from colliding with the window 600. In some exemplary embodiments, the buffer member 900 may include a resin (e.g., epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, etc.). In another exemplary embodiment, the buffer member 900 may include the same adhesive material as the adhesive material included in the adhesive layer 500.

[0074] The buffer member 900 may include a self-healing material, and thus, the buffer member 900 may repair scratches caused by impact. In addition, the buffer member 900 may include a light-blocking material. Therefore, the adhesive layer 500 overlapping the buffer member 900 may be invisible to the user.

[0075] The light-blocking member BM may block the transmission of light. For example, the light-blocking member BM may be a black matrix. For example, the light-blocking member BM may include an organic material, such as a black pigment or a black dye. The light-blocking member BM may prevent the processed surfaces of the protective film 200, the display panel 300, the polarizing layer 400, and the adhesive layer 500 from being visible to the user through the first opening and the second opening. Therefore, the light-blocking member BM may prevent external light from entering the processed surfaces. Therefore, the light-blocking member BM may prevent external light from being reflected from the processed surfaces and entering the functional module 700, thereby improving the efficiency of the functional module 700. In some exemplary embodiments, the functional module 700 may be a camera module, and the light-blocking member BM may suppress the light propagation of the camera module to improve the quality of the camera module.

[0076] The light-blocking member BM may cover the side surface of the light-transmissive member 800 and the bottom surface of the second light-transmissive portion 820. Since the light-blocking member BM covers the side surface of the light-transmissive member 800, the distance WID_1 between the processed surface and the first light-transmissive portion 810 may be reduced, and the width WID_2 of the first light-transmissive portion 810 may be increased. Therefore, as Figure 4As shown, the thickness of the light-blocking member BM can be reduced, and the area of the light-transmitting member 800 can be increased. Accordingly, more external light can enter the functional module 700, and the efficiency of the functional module 700 is improved.

[0077] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display device according to the principles of the present invention. Figures 7 to 12 shows Figure 6 a cross-sectional view of a method of manufacturing a display device. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a light-transmitting member according to the principles of the present invention. Figures 14 to 16 shows Figure 13 a perspective view of a method of manufacturing a light-transmitting member.

[0078] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 According to some exemplary embodiments, a method 20 of manufacturing a display device 10 may include: preparing a display panel 300 (S120). Specifically, after forming the display panel 300, a protective film 200 and a support member 100 may be formed under the display panel 300. In addition, after forming the display panel 300, a polarization layer 400 and an adhesive layer 500 may be formed on the display panel 300. Since the support member 100, the protective film 200, the display panel 300, the polarization layer 400, and the adhesive layer 500 are substantially the same as those described above, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0079] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 8 According to some exemplary embodiments, a method 20 of manufacturing a display device 10 may include: forming a first opening H_1 in the display panel 300 (S140). To form the first opening H_1, a laser may be irradiated onto an area where the first opening H_1 is to be formed, or another etching process may be performed. In some exemplary embodiments, to form the first opening H_1, the protective film 200, the display panel 300, the polarization layer 400, and the adhesive layer 500 may be processed together. Accordingly, the surfaces of the protective film 200, the display panel 300, the polarization layer 400, and the adhesive layer 500 on which they are processed may be aligned with each other.

[0080] Referring to Figure 6 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10, the manufacturing method 20 of the display device 10 may include: forming a second opening H_2 in the window 600 (S160). In some exemplary embodiments, the width of the second opening H_2 may be greater than the width of the first opening H_1. In addition, the manufacturing method 20 of the display device 10 may include: disposing the window 600 on the adhesive layer 500 such that the first opening H_1 and the second opening H_2 overlap each other (S180). In some exemplary embodiments, after forming the second opening H_2 in the window 600, the window 600 in which the second opening H_2 is formed may be disposed on the adhesive layer 500. Accordingly, the second opening H_2 may be appropriately formed in the window 600 without being affected by the adhesive force of the adhesive layer 500.

[0081] Referring to Figure 6 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the manufacturing method 20 of the display device 10 may include: forming a light-transmitting member 800 (S200), inserting the light-transmitting member 800 into the first opening H_1 and the second opening H_2 (S220), and forming a buffer member 900 between the light-transmitting member 800 and the window 600 (S240). The buffer member 900 may be filled in the space between the light-transmitting member 800 and the window 600. A method of forming the light-transmitting member 800 will be described below.

[0082] Referring to Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 , in order to form the light-transmitting member 800 (S200), a first light-transmitting portion 810 and a second light-transmitting portion 820 may be formed (S202). In this case, the first light-transmitting portion 810 and the second light-transmitting portion 820 may be formed such that the width 821 of the second light-transmitting portion 820 is greater than the width 811 of the first light-transmitting portion 810. In some exemplary embodiments, as Figure 14 shown, the shape of each of the first light-transmitting portion 810 and the second light-transmitting portion 820 may be a substantially cylindrical shape. The first light-transmitting portion 810 and the second light-transmitting portion 820 may be integrally formed.

[0083] In some exemplary embodiments, the first light-transmitting portion 810 may include a first bottom surface S1 and a first side surface SS1, and may correspond to the first opening H_1. The second light-transmitting portion 820 may include a top surface S3, a second side surface SS2, and a second bottom surface S2 opposite to the top surface S3, and may correspond to the second opening H_2.

[0084] Referring to Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 13 and Figure 15, to form the light-transmissive member 800 (S200), the light-blocking member BM may be formed on all surfaces of the light-transmissive member 800 (S204). In some exemplary embodiments, the light-blocking member BM may be formed on the first bottom surface S1, the first side surface SS1, the second bottom surface S2, the second side surface SS2, and the top surface S3. As described above, the light-blocking member BM may block the transmission of light, and for example, the light-blocking member BM may include an organic material such as a black pigment or a black dye.

[0085] Referring to Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 13 and Figure 16 , to form the light-transmissive member 800 (S200), the light-blocking member BM formed on the first bottom surface S1 and the top surface S3 may be removed (S206). The light-blocking member BM may cover the side surfaces SS1 and SS2 of the first light-transmissive portion 810 and the second light-transmissive portion 820. Accordingly, external light may pass through the light-transmissive member 800 and may enter the functional module 700.

[0086] Figure 17 is a plan view showing another exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III' of Figure 17 .

[0087] Referring to Figure 17 and Figure 18 , a display device 30 according to another exemplary embodiment may include a support member 100, a protective film 200, a display panel 300, a polarization layer 400, an adhesive layer 500, a window 600, a light-transmissive member 870, and a buffer member 900. However, since the display device 30 is substantially the same as the display device 10 described with reference to Figure 5 except for the light-transmissive member 870, only the light-transmissive member 870 will be described below to avoid redundancy.

[0088] The light-transmissive member 870 may include a first light-transmissive portion 810, a second light-transmissive portion 820, and a third light-transmissive portion 830. The first light-transmissive portion 810 may be inserted into the first opening H_1. The second light-transmissive portion 820 may be inserted into the second opening H_2, and the width of the second light-transmissive portion 820 may be greater than the width of the first light-transmissive portion 810. The third light-transmissive portion 830 may be disposed between the first light-transmissive portion 810 and the second light-transmissive portion 820. In this case, the third light-transmissive portion 830 may be integrally formed with the first light-transmissive portion 810 and the second light-transmissive portion 820, and the light-blocking member BM may cover the side surfaces of the first light-transmissive portion 810, the second light-transmissive portion 820, and the third light-transmissive portion 830.

[0089] In some exemplary embodiments, the width 811 of the first light-transmitting portion 810 and the width 821 of the second light-transmitting portion 820 may be constant respectively. In such a case, the width 831 of the third light-transmitting portion 830 may be greater than or equal to the width 811 of the first light-transmitting portion 810 and may be less than or equal to the width 821 of the second light-transmitting portion 820. Further, as Figure 18 shown, the width 831 of the third light-transmitting portion 830 may gradually decrease from the top 833 to the bottom 835 of the third light-transmitting portion 830. Thus, when the first light-transmitting portion 810, the second light-transmitting portion 820, and the third light-transmitting portion 830 are integrally formed, the width of the lowermost portion of the third light-transmitting portion 830 may be substantially equal to the width 811 of the first light-transmitting portion 810, and the width of the uppermost portion of the third light-transmitting portion 830 may be substantially equal to the width 821 of the second light-transmitting portion 820. Thus, compared to the light-transmitting member 800 described with reference to Figure 5 the light-transmitting member 870 may have greater resistance to load and impact.

[0090] The exemplary embodiments may be applied to a display device and an electronic device using the display device. For example, some exemplary embodiments may be applied to a cellular phone, a smart phone, a video phone, a smart board, a smart watch, a tablet PC, a car navigation system, a television, a computer monitor, a laptop computer, etc.

[0091] Although certain exemplary embodiments and examples have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Thus, the inventive concept is not limited to such embodiments, but lies in the broader scope of the appended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A display device, including a display area, the display device comprising: A display panel, including a first opening disposed in the display area; A window, disposed on the display panel and including a second opening communicating with the first opening; And A light-transmissive member, at least partially located within the first opening and the second opening, Wherein the light-transmissive member includes: A first light-transmissive portion, at least partially located within the first opening; and A second light-transmissive portion, at least partially located within the second opening, and The second light-transmissive portion has a greater width than the width of the first light-transmissive portion, such that at least a portion of the second light-transmissive portion is fixed to the first opening.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The light-transmissive member further includes a light-blocking member that covers side surfaces of the first light-transmissive portion and the second light-transmissive portion.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The light-blocking member is further disposed on a bottom surface of the second light-transmissive portion.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the light-transmissive member is greater than or equal to the sum of the thickness of the window and the thickness of the display panel.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The thickness of the light-transmissive member is 500 um to 600 um.

6. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: An adhesive layer, disposed between the display panel and the window, Wherein the light-transmissive member can be inserted into the adhesive layer.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, The adhesive layer contacts at least a portion of the second light-transmissive portion.

8. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A buffer member, disposed between the second light-transmissive portion and the window.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein, The buffer member includes a light-blocking material.

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