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

Abstract

Provided are a cover window, a method for manufacturing the cover window, and a display device including the cover window. The cover window of one embodiment includes: a base layer having a curved shape, including a curved portion curved around a curved axis extending in one direction, and a first flat portion and a second flat portion facing each other, the first flat portion and the second flat portion being spaced apart in a direction intersecting the one direction and having the curved portion therebetween; and a first coating portion disposed on the curved portion and having a first modulus, and the first modulus being smaller than the modulus of the base layer. Thus, a cover window having improved strength and aesthetics can be provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover window, a method for manufacturing the cover window, and a display device including the cover window, and more particularly to a cover window with improved strength, a method for manufacturing the cover window, and a display device including the cover window. Background Art

[0002] Various display devices are being developed for use in multimedia devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, game consoles, etc. In recent years, in addition to flat display devices, various display devices including curved surfaces such as curved display devices, bent display devices, and rollable display devices have been developed.

[0003] On the other hand, the curved region included in the curved display device may be relatively weak to external impact compared with the planar region. Therefore, research is being conducted to improve the strength of the display device, especially to improve the strength of the curved region. Summary of the invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to improve the strength of a curved display device.

[0005] One embodiment provides a cover window, comprising: a base layer having a curved shape, and comprising a curved portion bent around a curved axis extending along a direction, and a first flat portion and a second flat portion facing each other, wherein the first flat portion and the second flat portion are spaced apart in a direction intersecting the one direction and the curved portion is provided therebetween; and a first coating portion, which is arranged on the curved portion and has a first modulus, and the first modulus is smaller than the modulus of the base layer.

[0006] The thickness of a central portion of the first coating portion overlapping the bending axis may be greater than the thickness of both end portions of the first coating portion facing each other.

[0007] The first coating portion may have a thickness of 50 μm or more and 150 μm or less.

[0008] The first coating portion may include polypropylene, polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0009] The first coating portion may be in contact with the bent portion.

[0010] Alternatively, the cover window further includes: a second coating portion having a second modulus and disposed on the first flat portion and the second flat portion, wherein the second modulus is equal to or greater than the first modulus and is less than the modulus of the base layer.

[0011] The second coating portion may be disposed below the first coating portion and cover the entire surface of the base layer.

[0012] The cover window may further include: a third coating portion disposed between the first coating portion and the second coating portion to cover the second coating portion, the modulus of the third coating portion being the same as the first modulus, and the second modulus being greater than the first modulus.

[0013] The second coating portion may include: a first sub-coating portion disposed on the first flat portion; and a second sub-coating portion disposed on the second flat portion, wherein the first sub-coating portion and the second sub-coating portion are spaced apart from each other with the first coating portion interposed therebetween.

[0014] The thickness of the first coating portion may be the same as the thickness of the second coating portion.

[0015] It may be that the thickness of the first coating portion is greater than the thickness of the second coating portion.

[0016] It may be that the base layer comprises glass.

[0017] The base layer may have a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.

[0018] Another embodiment provides a display device, comprising: a display panel, comprising a curved area bent around a curved axis extending along a direction, and a first plane area and a second plane area spaced apart from and facing each other in a direction intersecting the direction, wherein the curved area is provided between the first plane area and the second plane area; a cover window arranged on the display panel; and an adhesive layer arranged between the display panel and the cover window, wherein the cover window comprises: a base layer, comprising a first flat portion corresponding to the first plane area, a curved portion corresponding to the curved area, and a second flat portion corresponding to the second plane area; and a first coating portion arranged on the curved portion and having a first modulus, and the first modulus is smaller than the modulus of the base layer.

[0019] The first coating portion may have a thickness of 50 μm or more and 150 μm or less.

[0020] The thickness of a central portion of the first coating portion overlapping the bending axis may be greater than the thickness of both end portions of the first coating portion facing each other.

[0021] Alternatively, the cover window further includes: a second coating portion having a second modulus and disposed on the first flat portion and the second flat portion, wherein the second modulus is equal to or greater than the first modulus and is less than the modulus of the base layer.

[0022] Another embodiment provides a method for manufacturing a cover window, comprising: for a base layer including a curved portion bent around a curved axis extending in one direction and a first flat portion and a second flat portion spaced apart from and facing each other in a direction intersecting the one direction, the step of inserting the base layer into a support rod that exposes an upper surface of the curved portion and covers upper surfaces of the first flat portion and the second flat portion, wherein the curved portion is provided between the first flat portion and the second flat portion; the step of spraying a composition on the exposed upper surface of the curved portion to form a coating portion so that the coating portion overlaps the curved portion; and the step of separating the base layer on which the coating portion is formed from the support rod.

[0023] It may be that the support rod includes: a base; an outer contour supporting portion, which is arranged on the base; and a protrusion, which is arranged on the base and is separated from the outer contour supporting portion to form a space, and the first flat portion and the second flat portion are inserted into the space separated from the protrusion and the outer contour supporting portion, so that the outer contour supporting portion covers the upper surfaces of the first flat portion and the second flat portion, and the protrusion protrudes to correspond to the inner shape of the curved portion, thereby supporting the curved portion.

[0024] It may be that, in the step of forming the coating portion, the nozzle is configured to correspond to the central portion of the curved portion overlapping the bending axis, and the composition is sprayed from the nozzle toward the central portion of the curved portion, thereby forming the coating portion, so that the thickness of the coating portion gradually becomes smaller as it is farther away from the center overlapping the bending axis.

[0025] (Effects of the Invention)

[0026] The cover window according to an embodiment and the display device including the same have an effect of improving strength.

[0027] The manufacturing method of the cover window according to an embodiment can adjust the thickness of the coating portion to perform coating only on a partial area, thereby providing a cover window with improved strength. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1a It is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 1b It is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of a cover window according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a base layer according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of a cover window according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of a cover window according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of a cover window according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of a cover window according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of a cover window according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 9 It is a cross-sectional view of a cover window according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view of a cover window according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view of a cover window according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view of a cover window according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig.13 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a step of a Charpy impact test of a cover window according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig.14 This is a graph showing the absorbed energy associated with the thickness of the first coating portion of the cover window according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig.15 It is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig.17 This is a cross-sectional view showing, as an example, a cross section of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Fig.18a It is a cross-sectional view showing one step of a method for manufacturing a cover window according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Fig.18b It is a cross-sectional view showing one step of a method for manufacturing a cover window according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Fig.18c This is a perspective view showing one step of a method for manufacturing a cover window according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Fig.18d It is a cross-sectional view showing one step of a method for manufacturing a cover window according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The present invention may have various changes and various forms, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific disclosed form, and it should be understood that it includes all changes, equivalents and substitutes included in the concept and technical scope of the present invention.

[0051] In this specification, when a certain component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is mentioned as being located on, connected to or combined with other components, it means that it can be directly configured / connected / combined on the other components, or a third component can be configured in between.

[0052] The same symbols refer to the same components. In addition, in each of the drawings, the thickness, ratio, and size of each component are exaggerated for the effective description of the technical content.

[0053] "And / or" includes more than one combination of all possible defined related components.

[0054] The terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe various constituent elements, but the constituent elements shall not be limited to the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from other constituent elements. For example, without exceeding the scope of the present invention, the first constituent element may be named as the second constituent element, and similarly, the second constituent element may be named as the first constituent element. The expression of the singular includes the expression of the plurality when there is no clear contrary meaning in the text.

[0055] In addition, the terms such as “below”, “on the lower side”, “above”, and “on the upper side” are used to explain the connection relationship between the components shown in the drawings. The above terms are relative concepts and are explained based on the directions shown in the drawings.

[0056] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in this specification have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art. In addition, such terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted as an idealized or overly formal meaning unless clearly defined in this application.

[0057] Terms such as “including” or “having” should be understood to refer to the existence of features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, parts or combinations thereof recorded in the specification, and do not exclude in advance the existence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, parts or combinations thereof.

[0058] Hereinafter, a cover window, a display device including the cover window, and a method for manufacturing the cover window according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A three-dimensional diagram showing a display device according to an embodiment. A display device DD according to an embodiment may include multiple display surfaces IS-1, IS-2, and IS-3. A display device DD according to an embodiment may display images on multiple display surfaces IS-1, IS-2, and IS-3.

[0060] On the other hand, Figure 1a and Figure 1b In the following figures, first to fourth direction axes DR1 to DR4 are shown, and the first directions DR1 to fourth directions DR4 referred to by the first direction axes DR1 to fourth direction axes DR4 described in this specification are relative concepts and can be transformed into other directions.

[0061] In this specification, the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be orthogonal to each other, and the third direction DR3 and the fourth direction DR4 may be normal directions relative to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The third direction DR3 and the fourth direction DR4 may be directions extending in opposite directions to each other.

[0062] Figure 1a and Figure 1b These are diagrams for the same display device DD, and each shows a stereoscopic view related to the viewing direction. Figure 1a 4 is a perspective view showing the display device DD when viewed from a fourth direction DR4, Figure 1b A perspective view showing the display device DD when viewed from a third direction DR3.

[0063] The display device DD of an embodiment may be a device activated according to an electrical signal. The display device DD may include various embodiments. For example, the display device DD may include a tablet, a laptop, a computer, a smart TV, etc. In this embodiment, the display device DD is exemplarily shown with a smart phone.

[0064] The display device DD may include a first planar area FA-1 having a first display surface IS-1, a second planar area FA-2 having a second display surface IS-2, and a curved area BA having a third display surface IS-3. The curved area BA may be a portion disposed between the first planar area FA-1 and the second planar area FA-2. The first planar area FA-1 may be spaced apart from the second planar area FA-2 with the curved area BA sandwiched therebetween.

[0065] exist Figure 1a and Figure 1b , the case where the bending area BA has a curved surface is shown, but the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the bending area BA may be disposed between the first planar area FA-1 and the second planar area FA-2, and may have a U-shape ( The first plane area FA-1 and the second plane area FA-2 may be spaced apart from and face each other in the third direction DR3.

[0066] The first display surface IS-1 may include a first display area IS-DA1 and a first peripheral area IS-NA1 adjacent to the first display area IS-DA1. The second display surface IS-2 may include a second display area IS-DA2 and a second peripheral area IS-NA2 adjacent to the second display area IS-DA2. The third display surface IS-3 may include a third display area IS-DA3 and a third peripheral area IS-NA3 adjacent to the third display area IS-DA3.

[0067] In this specification, display areas IS-DA1, IS-DA2, and IS-DA3 are defined as areas where images are actually displayed, and peripheral areas IS-NA1, IS-NA2, and IS-NA3 are defined as non-display areas where images are not displayed. The peripheral areas IS-NA1, IS-NA2, and IS-NA3 may be set to various colors through a printed layer. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and at least a portion of the peripheral areas IS-NA1, IS-NA2, and IS-NA3 may be omitted.

[0068] The first display surface IS-1 may be parallel to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The first display surface IS-1 may be a flat surface when viewed in cross section.

[0069] On the other hand, in this specification, the meaning of "when observed in a cross section" or "on a cross section" may mean the case of observing in the first direction DR1, and the meaning of "when observed in a plane" or "on a plane" may mean the case of observing in the third direction DR3 or the fourth direction DR4. The front surface (or upper surface) and the back surface (or lower surface) of each layer or each structure described below are distinguished according to the third direction axis DR3. The first display area IS-DA1 of the first display surface IS-1 can provide an image toward the third direction DR3.

[0070] In addition, in the display device DD of an embodiment, the second display surface IS-2 may be parallel to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The second display surface IS-2 may be a flat surface when viewed in cross section. The second display surface IS-2 may be parallel to the first display surface IS-1. The second display area IS-DA2 of the second display surface IS-2 may provide an image toward the fourth direction DR4.

[0071] The third display surface IS-3 may be a portion disposed between the first display surface IS-1 and the second display surface IS-2, and may be a portion where the first display surface IS-1 and the second display surface IS-2 are bent at an angle of 180° with the third display surface IS-3 as a reference. The third display area IS-DA3 of the third display surface IS-3 may provide an image in a direction between the third direction DR3 and the fourth direction DR4. The first display surface IS-1 and the second display surface IS-2 may be spaced apart from each other with the third display surface IS-3 sandwiched therebetween and in the third direction DR3 or the fourth direction DR4.

[0072] The first display area IS-DA1 to the third display area IS-DA3 may display different images respectively. The images displayed by the first display area IS-DA1 to the third display area IS-DA3 may be the same image or different images from each other. In addition, the images displayed by the first display area IS-DA1 to the third display area IS-DA3 may be connected to display one image. Figure 1a and Figure 1b , shows a display device DD in which an image and a plurality of application icons are displayed in the first display area IS-DA1 and the second display area IS-DA2, respectively, and an example of a connected clock image is displayed in the first display area IS-DA1, the second display area IS-DA2 and the third display area IS-DA3. The first display area IS-DA1 to the third display area IS-DA3 can be independently controlled.

[0073] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of a cover window involved in one embodiment. Figure 3 yes Figure 2The cover window shown is a cross-sectional view of a substrate layer included in the cover window corresponding to line II'.

[0074] The cover window WP according to one embodiment may include: Figure 1a and Figure 1b The display device DD of one embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may be the uppermost layer of the display device DD. The display panel DP may be attached to the inner side WP-IS of the cover window WP (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.15 The outer side WP-OS of the cover window WP may correspond to the display surfaces IS-1, IS-2, and IS-3 of the display device DD (see Figure 1a , Figure 1b ).

[0075] The cover window WP of the present invention may include a base layer BS and at least one coating portion. The base layer BS may include a surface that has been reinforced to stably protect the display panel DP (see Fig.15 The coating portion can prevent the base layer BS from being damaged by external impact.

[0076] The coating part included in the cover window WP may be a coating film formed by spraying a composition of the coating part onto the base layer BS, but is not limited thereto and may be formed by being disposed on the base layer BS in the form of a coating film.

[0077] Reference Figure 2 The cover window WP may include a base layer BS and a first coating portion CM1. The first coating portion CM1 may be configured to overlap a partial region of the base layer BS.

[0078] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The base layer BS may include a bent portion BP bent around a bending axis BX extending in a direction parallel to the first direction axis DR1, and a first flat portion PP-1 and a second flat portion PP-2 respectively disposed on both sides of the bent portion BP. The first flat portion PP-1 and the second flat portion PP-2 may be spaced apart with the bent portion BP interposed therebetween.

[0079] In the base layer BS according to an embodiment, the bent portion BP may be defined as a bent portion between a portion where the first flat portion PP-1 starts and a portion where the second flat portion PP-2 starts. Figures 2 to 12 In FIG. 1 , for convenience of explanation, portions corresponding to the bent portion BP, the first flat portion PP- 1 , and the second flat portion PP- 2 are shown as regions.

[0080] In the present specification, the bending angle θ of the bent portion BP may be defined as an angle formed by a point PP-S1 where the first flat portion PP-1 starts and a point PP-S2 where the second flat portion PP-2 starts. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The bending angle θ in the base layer BS of the illustrated embodiment may be 180°.

[0081] The first flat portion PP-1 and the second flat portion PP-2 may be spaced apart and face each other, for example, the first flat portion PP-1 and the second flat portion PP-2 may face each other in parallel. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the extension surface of the first flat portion and the extension surface of the second flat portion may not be parallel to each other. For example, the distance between the extension surface of the first flat portion PP-1 and the extension surface of the second flat portion PP-2 may be closer or farther away as the distance extends toward the direction extending from the locations PP-S1 and PP-S2 starting from the flat portions PP-1 and PP-2, respectively.

[0082] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the first flat portion PP-1 and the second flat portion PP-2 facing each other have the same area, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The first flat portion PP-1 and the second flat portion PP-2 disposed with the bend BP sandwiched therebetween may have different areas. Figure 2 and Figure 3 2 shows a case where the shapes of the first flat portion PP-1 and the second flat portion PP-2 facing each other are symmetrical with respect to the bent portion BP, but the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the shapes of the first flat portion PP-1 and the second flat portion PP-2 may be different from each other.

[0083] The base layer BS of an embodiment may be rigid. For example, the base layer BS may include glass, and the glass may be glass with a surface strengthened.

[0084] The base layer BS may be in a shape in which the curved portion BP, the first flat portion PP-1, and the second flat portion PP-2 are integrally curved, and may be fixed in a form in which the first flat portion PP-1 and the second flat portion PP-2 are spaced apart from each other and face each other with the curved portion BP interposed therebetween.

[0085] The thickness DB of the base layer BS may be greater than 0.1 mm and less than 1.0 mm. If the thickness DB of the base layer BS is too thin, the components disposed inside the base layer BS cannot be effectively protected from impact. If the thickness DB of the base layer BS is too thick, the cover window WP and the display device DD including the base layer BS become thicker, which may not be convenient for the user.

[0086] The first coating portion CM1 may be disposed on the bent portion BP of the base layer BS. Figure 2, the first coating portion CM1 disposed on the bent portion BP is shown separately from the base layer BS, but the first coating portion CM1 may be in contact with the upper surface of the bent portion BP of the base layer BS. The first coating portion CM1 may be disposed on the bent portion BP to protect the bent portion BP which is relatively weak to impact compared to the flat portions PP-1 and PP-2 of the base layer BS.

[0087] The inner side BS-IS of the base layer BS may correspond to the inner side WP-IS of the cover window WP. Therefore, the display panel DP may be attached to the inner side BS-IS of the base layer BS (see Fig.15 ). At least one coating portion may be disposed on the outer side BS-OS of the base layer BS. The outer side BS-OS of the base layer BS on which the coating portion is disposed may correspond to the outer side WP-OS of the cover window WP.

[0088] On the other hand, although not Figure 2 However, the cover window WP involved in one embodiment may also include a printed layer (not shown) arranged at the edge position of the inner side WP-IS or the outer side WP-OS. For example, the printed layer (not shown) may be connected to the peripheral areas IS-NA1, IS-NA2, IS-NA3 (refer to Figure 1a , Figure 1b ) is set accordingly.

[0089] Figure 2 As an embodiment, a cover window WP including a base layer BS and a first coating portion CM1 is shown, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. According to the embodiment of the cover window WP, the shape, structure, configuration, etc. of the coating portion may be different. Figures 4 to 12 Various embodiments are shown in FIG. For the base layer BS, the same reference may be applied. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The description of the base layer BS is centered on the coating portion, and is referred to Figures 4 to 12 Provide explanation.

[0090] Figures 4 to 7 A cover window WP-a including an embodiment of a first coating portion CM1 disposed on a bent portion BP is shown. Figures 8 to 12 The cover windows WP-b, WP-c, and WP-d of one embodiment are shown, which include a plurality of coating portions CM1, CM2, and CM3 disposed on the base layer BS. Figures 4 to 7 The cover window WP-a involved in one embodiment includes a base layer BS and a first coating portion CM1. The first coating portion CM1 can be configured in a partial area on the base layer BS. Hereinafter, the cover windows WP-a, WP-b, WP-c, and WP-d may be referred to as cover windows WP when no special distinction is required.

[0091] The first coating part CM1 may be disposed on the bent portion BP. The first coating part CM1 may be configured to cover the entire area of ​​the bent portion BP. However, it is not limited thereto, and the first coating part CM1 may be configured to overlap a partial area of ​​the bent portion BP. The first coating part CM1 may be formed with a constant thickness, but it is not limited thereto, and the first coating part CM1 may be formed with different thicknesses depending on the portion.

[0092] The first coating part CM1 may be directly coated on the bent part BP to contact the bent part BP. However, it is not limited thereto, and the first coating part CM1 may be attached to the upper surface of the bent part BP in the form of a coating film. The first coating part CM1 may cover the bent part BP to protect the bent part BP which is weak to impact.

[0093] The first coating portion CM1 may have a first modulus. The first modulus may be smaller than a modulus of the base layer BS. The first coating portion CM1 has a modulus smaller than that of the base layer BS, and thus may effectively absorb external impact.

[0094] The first coating part CM1 may include an organic substance. For example, the first coating part CM1 may include polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyethyleneterephthalate. However, the material of the first coating part CM1 is not necessarily limited to the above examples.

[0095] The first coating portion CM1 may include a transparent material. Figure 1a ), the first coating portion CM1 may be configured to be aligned with the display device DD( Figure 1a ) includes a third display area IS-DA3 (refer to Figure 1a ) overlapped. Displayed in the third display area IS-DA3 (refer to Figure 1a ) can be recognized by the user through the first coating portion CM1 of an embodiment that is optically transparent.

[0096] The cover window WP-a of one embodiment including the first coating portion CM1 disposed in a partial area of ​​the base layer BS overlapping the bent portion BP is disposed on the display panel DP (refer to Fig.15 ), thereby protecting the bent portion BP which is relatively weak to impact compared with the flat portions PP-1 and PP-2. In addition, the display panel DP can be displayed more clearly by the area not overlapping with the first coating portion CM1 (refer to Fig.15 ) provided by .

[0097] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5The first coating portion CM1 may overlap the bent portion BP and not overlap the first flat portion PP-1 and the second flat portion PP-2. The outer side WP-OS of the cover window WP-a overlapping the bent portion BP (refer to Figure 2 ) may correspond to the outer side of the first coating portion CM1. The outer side WP-OS of the cover window WP-a overlapping the first flat portion PP-1 and the second flat portion PP-2 (refer to Figure 2 ) can be connected to the outer side BS-OS of the base layer BS (refer to Figure 3 )correspond.

[0098] Reference Figure 6 , the first coating portion CM1 may be configured to overlap a partial area of ​​the bent portion BP. The first coating portion CM1 may cover only a partial area of ​​the bent portion BP that is weakest to external impact.

[0099] Reference Figure 7 The first coating portion CM1 may overlap the bent portion BP and overlap a portion of the first flat portion PP-1 and the second flat portion PP-2. The first coating portion CM1 may cover the upper surface of the bent portion BP, the boundary between the bent portion BP and the first flat portion PP-1, and the boundary between the bent portion BP and the second flat portion PP-2 for protection.

[0100] Reference Figure 4 , the thickness of the first coating portion CM1 may be constant. The thickness DC of the central portion of the first coating portion CM1 overlapping the bending axis BX along the second direction DR2 may be the same as the thickness DS of the end side of the first coating portion CM1. The thickness DC of the central portion of the first coating portion CM1 may be, for example, greater than 50 μm or greater than 50 μm and less than 300 μm, specifically greater than 50 μm and less than 150 μm.

[0101] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The thickness of the first coating portion CM1 included in the cover window WP-a according to an embodiment may not be constant. For the convenience of explanation, a part of the cross-sectional view of the cover window WP-a is shown in an enlarged manner.

[0102] Reference Figure 5 The thickness DC of the central portion of the first coating portion CM1 overlapping the bending axis BX may be greater than the thicknesses DS1 and DS2 of the two end sides of the first coating portion CM1 facing each other. By making the thickness DC of the central portion of the first coating portion CM1 overlapping the central portion of the bending portion BP thicker, the central portion of the bending portion BP which is relatively weak to impact can be effectively protected.

[0103] The thickness DC of the central portion of the first coating portion CM1 may be greater than 50 μm, or greater than 50 μm and less than 300 μm, and specifically greater than 50 μm and less than 150 μm. The thicker the coating portion, the greater the impact absorption, thereby better protecting the base layer BS from external impact. However, if the coating portion is too thick, the aesthetics will be poor, and the cover window WP will be disposed on the display panel DP (refer to Fig.15 ) may affect the display panel DP (refer to Fig.15 ) provides the sharpness of the image.

[0104] The thickness of the first coating portion CM1 may be gradually reduced from the center toward the two ends. For example, the first coating portion CM1 may be smoothly coated without any height difference with the base layer BS. By smoothly coating without any height difference with the base layer BS, the aesthetics of the cover window WP-a can be improved while protecting the bent portion BP.

[0105] The cover windows WP-b, WP-c, and WP-d according to an embodiment may include a plurality of coating portions CM1, CM2, and CM3 disposed on the base layer BS. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A cover window WP-b according to an embodiment including a first coating portion CM1 and a second coating portion CM2 is shown. Fig.10 A cover window WP-c according to an embodiment including first to third coating portions CM1 to CM3 is shown. Fig.11 and Fig.12 A cover window WP-d according to an embodiment is shown, which includes a first coating portion CM1 and a second coating portion CM2, wherein the second coating portion CM2 includes a plurality of sub-coating portions CM2-a, CM2-b that are spaced apart.

[0106] The plurality of coating parts CM1, CM2, CM3 may be coating films formed by spraying respective compositions of the coating parts CM1, CM2, CM3 on the base layer BS. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and at least a part of the plurality of coating parts CM1, CM2, CM3 may be formed by being arranged in the form of coating films.

[0107] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The cover window WP-b of the illustrated embodiment may further include a second coating portion CM2. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The cover window WP-b of the embodiment shown in the figure has substantially the same structure, but the shape of the first coating portion CM1 is partially different. The first coating portion CM1 included in the cover window WP-b of the embodiment can also be applied to the same Figures 4 to 7 The first coating part CM1 is described in detail below. The following mainly focuses on the differences. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 To explain.

[0108] The first coating part CM1 can be arranged on the partial area of ​​the second coating part CM2 that overlaps with the bent part BP. Therefore, the second coating part CM2 and the first coating part CM1 can be sequentially stacked on the bent part BP, and the thickness of the coating part protecting the bent part BP can be thicker than the thickness of the coating part protecting the first flat part PP-1 and the second flat part PP-2. The cover window WP-b of one embodiment can protect the upper surface of the first flat part PP-1 and the second flat part PP-2 of the base layer BS through the second coating part CM2, and can effectively protect the bent part BP that is relatively weaker to impact through the first coating part CM1 and the second coating part CM2.

[0109] The first coating portion CM1 may have a first modulus, and the second coating portion CM2 may have a second modulus. The second modulus may be greater than or equal to the first modulus and less than the modulus of the base layer BS. When the second modulus is greater than the first modulus, the impact absorbed in the first coating portion CM1 may be dispersed in the second coating portion CM2.

[0110] The second coating part CM2 may include an organic substance. For example, the second coating part CM2 may include polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyethyleneterephthalate. However, the material of the second coating part CM2 is not limited to the above examples.

[0111] The second coating portion CM2 may include a transparent material. Figure 1a ), the second coating portion CM2 may be configured to be aligned with the first display area IS-DA1 to the third display area IS-DA3 (refer to Figure 1a , Figure 1b ) overlap. Displayed in the first display area IS-DA1 to the third display area IS-DA3 (refer to Figure 1a , Figure 1b ) can be recognized by the user through the second coating portion CM2 of an embodiment that is optically transparent.

[0112] The second coating portion CM2 may include a substance that is the same as or different from the first coating portion CM1. The lower surface of the first coating portion CM1 may be in contact with the second coating portion CM2 and may be formed as one body. Therefore, the cover window WP-b involved in one embodiment may include a coating portion of an integral shape in which the thickness of the portion overlapping the bent portion BP is thicker. The second coating portion CM2 may include the same substance as the first coating portion CM1, but the physical properties may be different. For example, even if it is the same substance, it may become a relatively rigid substance according to the molecular arrangement structure of the substance, so the second coating portion CM2 may include the same substance as the first coating portion CM1 but the modulus may be different.

[0113] Figure 8 The thickness of the first coating portion CM1 shown may be constant, and the reference Figure 4 Description of the first coating portion CM1. Fig. 9 The thickness of the first coating portion CM1 shown may vary depending on the region, and reference may be made to Figure 5 The first coating part CM1 is described. Fig. 9 The first coating portion CM1 of the illustrated embodiment contacts the second coating portion CM2 , so that the first coating portion CM1 can be smoothly coated without any height difference with the second coating portion CM2 .

[0114] Fig.10 The cover window WP-c of the embodiment shown may further include a third coating portion CM3 disposed on the second coating portion CM2. The third coating portion CM3 may be disposed between the first coating portion CM1 and the second coating portion CM2. The second coating portion CM2 may cover the upper surface of the base layer BS, and the third coating portion CM3 may cover the upper surface of the second coating portion CM2. On the other hand, Fig.10 The first coating portion CM1 shown is not limited to the case shown in the figure, and can be applied with reference to Figures 4 to 7 Description of the first coating portion CM1.

[0115] Reference Fig.10 , the modulus of the third coating part CM3 may be the same as the modulus of the first coating part CM1, and may be smaller than the modulus of the second coating part CM2. Therefore, the cover window WP-c involved in one embodiment may include coating parts CM1, CM2, CM3 of two moduli covering the entire surface of the base layer BS. The first coating part CM1 and the third coating part CM3 with relatively small modulus can absorb external impact, and the second coating part CM2 with relatively large modulus can disperse the impact absorbed by the first coating part CM1 and the third coating part CM3.

[0116] The second coating part CM2, the third coating part CM3 and the first coating part CM1 may be sequentially stacked on the bent part BP, and the second coating part CM2 and the third coating part CM3 may be sequentially stacked on the first flat part PP-1 and the second flat part PP-2. Therefore, the thickness of the coating part protecting the bent part BP may be thicker than the thickness of the coating part protecting the first flat part PP-1 and the second flat part PP-2. The bent part BP, which is relatively weak to impact, may be effectively protected by the first coating part CM1 to the third coating part CM3.

[0117] The cover windows WP-b and WP-c involved in one embodiment may include a coating portion whose thickness overlapping with the bent portion BP is thicker than the thickness of the coating portion overlapping with the flat portions PP-1 and PP-2 due to the multiple coating portions CM1, CM2, and CM3 arranged on the base layer BS. In addition, the cover windows WP-b and WP-c involved in one embodiment may include a coating portion having two moduli due to the multiple coating portions CM1, CM2, and CM3 arranged on the base layer BS. Thus, the multiple coating portions CM1, CM2, and CM3 can improve the strength of the cover windows WP-b and WP-c, and in particular, can further effectively improve the strength of the bent portion BP that is weak to external impact.

[0118] Fig.11 and Fig.12 The second coating portion CM2 included in the cover window WP-d according to the illustrated embodiment may include a plurality of sub-coating portions CM2 - a and CM2 - b. Fig.12 The cover window WP-d of the embodiment shown includes Fig.11 The cover window WP-d of the embodiment shown in the figure has substantially the same structure, but the shape of the first coating portion CM1 is partially different. The first coating portion CM1 included in the cover window WP-d of the embodiment can be applied with reference to Figures 4 to 7 The description of the first coating part CM1 is mainly based on the difference, and the reference is made to Fig.11 and Fig.12 Provide explanation.

[0119] Reference Fig.11 and Fig.12 The second coating portion CM2 may include a first sub-coating portion CM2-a disposed on the first flat portion PP-1 and a second sub-coating portion CM2-b disposed on the second flat portion PP-2. The first sub-coating portion CM2-a and the second sub-coating portion CM2-b may be spaced apart with the first coating portion CM1 sandwiched therebetween.

[0120] The first sub-coating portion CM2-a may be in contact with one side of the first coating portion CM1, and the second sub-coating portion CM2-b may be in contact with the other side of the first coating portion CM1. The thickness DC of the first coating portion CM1 may be the same as the thickness D2-a of the first sub-coating portion CM2-a and the thickness D2-b of the second sub-coating portion CM2-b, respectively. The first coating portion CM1, the first sub-coating portion CM2-a, and the second sub-coating portion CM2-b may be in an integral shape and may be in the same layer on a plane.

[0121] The first coating part CM1 may have a first modulus, and the second coating part CM2 may have a second modulus. Therefore, the first sub-coating part CM2-a and the second sub-coating part CM2-b included in the second coating part CM2 may have the second modulus in the same manner. The second modulus may be greater than or equal to the first modulus. The second modulus may be less than the modulus of the base layer BS. The first coating part CM1, the first sub-coating part CM2-a and the second sub-coating part CM2-b may absorb external impacts. When the second modulus is greater than the first modulus, the impact absorbed in the first coating part CM1 may be dispersed in the first sub-coating part CM2-a and the second sub-coating part CM2-b, respectively.

[0122] The first sub-coating portion CM2-a and the second sub-coating portion CM2-b may include organic substances, respectively. For example, the first sub-coating portion CM2-a and the second sub-coating portion CM2-b may include polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyethylene terephthalate. However, the substances of the first sub-coating portion CM2-a and the second sub-coating portion CM2-b are not limited to the examples.

[0123] The first coating portion CM1, the first sub-coating portion CM2-a and the second sub-coating portion CM2-b may include transparent materials. Figure 1a ), the first coating portion CM1 may be configured to be aligned with the third display area IS-DA3 (refer to Figure 1a ) overlap, the first sub-coating portion CM2-a may be configured to overlap with the first display area IS-DA1 (refer to Figure 1a ) overlaps, the second sub-coating portion CM2-b may be configured to overlap with the second display area IS-DA2 (refer to Figure 1b ) overlap. Displayed in the first display area IS-DA1 to the third display area IS-DA3 (refer to Figure 1a , Figure 1b ) can be recognized by the user through the first coating portion CM1, the first sub-coating portion CM2-a and the second sub-coating portion CM2-b of an embodiment that are optically transparent.

[0124] The first sub-coating portion CM2-a and the second sub-coating portion CM2-b may respectively include the same or different substances as the first coating portion CM1. The first sub-coating portion CM2-a and the second sub-coating portion CM2-b may respectively include the same substances as the first coating portion CM1, but the physical properties may be different. For example, the first sub-coating portion CM2-a and the second sub-coating portion CM2-b may respectively include the same substances as the first coating portion CM1, but the modulus may be different. Therefore, although the coating portion involved in one embodiment has an integral shape, it may be a coating portion with different moduli depending on the region.

[0125] Fig.11 The thickness of the first coating portion CM1 shown may be constant, and the reference Figure 4 Description of the first coating portion CM1. Fig.12 The thickness of the first coating portion CM1 shown may vary depending on the region, and reference may be made to Figure 5 The first coating part CM1 is described. Fig.12 The thickness DC of the central portion of the first coating portion CM1 of the illustrated embodiment may be different from the thickness DS1 of one side of the first coating portion CM1 in contact with the first sub-coating portion CM2-a and the thickness DS2 of the other side of the first coating portion CM1 in contact with the second sub-coating portion CM2-b, and the value of the thickness DC may be larger.

[0126] Reference Fig.12 , the thickness DC of the central portion of the first coating portion CM1 overlapping the bending axis BX may be different from the thicknesses DS1 and DS2 of the two end sides of the first coating portion CM1 opposite to each other. The thickness DC of the central portion of the first coating portion CM1 may be greater than the thickness DS1 of one side of the first coating portion CM1 in contact with the first sub-coating portion CM2-a and the thickness DS2 of the other side of the first coating portion CM1 in contact with the second sub-coating portion CM2-b. The thickness DS1 of one side of the first coating portion CM1 may be the same as the thickness D2-a of the first sub-coating portion CM2-a, and the thickness DS2 of the other side of the first coating portion CM1 may be the same as the thickness D2-b of the second sub-coating portion CM2-b. The coating portion involved in one embodiment may be a coating portion in which the thickness of the central portion of the first coating portion CM1 is the thickest while having an integral shape and different according to the regional modulus.

[0127] Fig.131 is a cross-sectional view showing a step of a Charpy impact test as an evaluation method of a cover window of an embodiment of the present invention. As a first step of the evaluation method of the present invention, a metal hammer ME is fixed so that an impact can be applied to a first coating portion CM1 disposed on a curved portion BP of the cover window WP. In the corresponding evaluation, the angle formed by the center of the curved portion BP and the center of the metal hammer ME is fixed to be 10° relative to the second direction DR2. Then, the metal hammer ME is released so that an impact can be applied to the first coating portion CM1.

[0128] The weight of the metal hammer ME and the thickness of the first coating part CM1 were changed accordingly to measure the absorbed energy related to the thickness of the first coating part CM1. In this evaluation, the energy absorbed by the first coating part CM1 including polypropylene was measured within an impact time of 0.02 seconds.

[0129] Table 1 below shows the results of the Charpy impact test of the cover window. In Table 1, "strength improvement" is the result of comparing the impact absorption degree of the cover window without the first coating part and the impact absorption degree of the cover window including the first coating part to show how much the strength of the cover window including the first coating part has been improved.

[0130] Fig.14 This is a graph showing the absorbed energy related to the thickness of the first coating portion described in Table 1 below.

[0131]

Table 1

[0132]

[0133] Referring to Table 1, the cover window including the first coating part absorbs more energy than the cover window without the first coating part, indicating that the strength is improved. It is known that when the thickness of the first coating part is 50 μm or more, the strength is improved by 123% compared to when there is no first coating part.

[0134] In addition, refer to Fig.14 It can be seen that at a thickness of 50 μm to 150 μm, as the thickness increases, the absorption energy and strength improvement of the cover window increase. Therefore, the thickness of the first coating portion of an embodiment of the present invention for improving the strength of the cover window can be above 50 μm. By providing a cover window with improved strength, the display panel that can be arranged at the lower part of the cover window can be effectively protected from external impact.

[0135] Reference Fig.14As shown in Table 1, as the thickness of the first coating portion increases, the absorbed energy and the degree of improvement in strength increase, but the absorbed energy and the degree of improvement in strength are similar at a thickness of more than 150 μm. At a thickness of more than 150 μm, the absorbed energy is approximately 1 J, and the degree of improvement in strength has a value of more than 170% and less than 180%. The thickness of the first coating portion of an embodiment of the present invention may be more than 50 μm for the purpose of improving the strength of the cover window, and considering the thin filmization, aesthetics, and coating material costs of the cover window, the thickness of the first coating portion may be less than 300 μm, specifically more than 50 μm and less than 150 μm.

[0136] Fig.15 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment. A display device DD according to an embodiment may include a display panel DP, an adhesive layer AD, and a cover window WP. The display panel DP may be disposed on the inner side WP-IS of the cover window WP (see Figure 2 ), an adhesive layer AD is provided between the display panel DP and the cover window WP.

[0137] The cover window WP may include a base layer BS and at least one first coating portion CM1. The first coating portion CM1 of an embodiment may improve the strength of the cover window WP and protect the inner side WP-IS (see Figure 2 ) of the display panel DP. For the cover window WP included in the display device DD involved in one embodiment, reference may be made to Figures 2 to 12 An embodiment of a cover window is described.

[0138] The display panel DP can output an image displayed in the display device DD. The display panel DP involved in one embodiment of the present invention may be a light-emitting display panel, without particular limitation. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting substance. The light-emitting layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots and quantum rods, etc. In the following, the display panel DP is described using an organic light-emitting display panel. The display panel DP involved in one embodiment may be a flexible display panel, and thus may be in a bent shape.

[0139] The adhesive layer AD may be disposed between the display panel DP and the cover window WP, so as to adhere the cover window WP to the display panel DP. The adhesive layer AD may include an optically clear adhesive (OCA), but the type of the adhesive layer AD is not limited thereto.

[0140] On the other hand, although not shown in the figure, the display device DD may further include a housing for housing the display panel DP. Figure 1a and Figure 1b The display panel is stored as shown.

[0141] Fig.16 It means Fig.15 The display panel DP includes a bending area BA bent around a bending axis BX extending in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1, and a first plane area FA-1 and a second plane area FA-2 separated from each other, and the bending area BA is provided between the first plane area FA-1 and the second plane area FA-2. The first plane area FA-1 may face the second plane area FA-2 in the third direction DR3.

[0142] The cover window WP may be disposed on the display panel DP, and an adhesive layer AD is disposed between the cover window WP and the display panel DP. The cover window WP may include a base layer BS and a first coating portion CM1 disposed on the base layer BS. Fig.16 The embodiment shown may be configured with reference Figures 2 to 12 A cover window WP according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0143] The base layer BS may include a bent portion BP, a first flat portion PP-1, and a second flat portion PP-2. The bent portion BP may correspond to the bent area BA, the first flat portion PP-1 may correspond to the first planar area FA-1, and the second planar portion PP-2 may correspond to the second planar area FA-2. Fig.16 as well as Figures 18a to 18d , the bent portion BP, the first flat portion PP-1, and the second flat portion PP-2 are shown as parts of the base layer BS, and the same may be applied to reference Figures 2 to 12 Description of the bent portion BP, the first flat portion PP-1, and the second flat portion PP-2.

[0144] The first coating portion CM1 may be disposed on the bending portion BP. The first coating portion CM1 may be configured to overlap with the bending area BA. According to one embodiment, the thickness of the first coating portion CM1 may be constant, but the thickness may also vary according to the region. For example, the thickness of the first coating portion CM1 may be greater from the two end sides of the first coating portion CM1 toward the center. Therefore, the thickness DC of the central portion of the first coating portion CM1 may be greater than the thicknesses DS1 and DS2 of the two end sides of the first coating portion CM1, and in the first coating portion CM1, the thickness DC of the central portion may be the largest. The description of the first coating portion CM1 may also apply with reference to Figures 2 to 12 Description of the first coating portion CM1.

[0145] Fig.17 This is an illustrative representation Fig.15 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel shown in FIG. Fig.17The display panel DP may include a substrate SUB, a circuit element layer DP-CL configured on the substrate SUB, a display element layer DP-OL configured on the circuit element layer DP-CL, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE configured on the display element layer DP-OL.

[0146] The substrate SUB may include a display area DA and a peripheral area NA around the display area DA. The substrate SUB may include a flexible plastic material such as polyimide (PI). The display element layer DP-OL may be disposed on the display area DA.

[0147] A plurality of pixels may be arranged in the circuit element layer DP-CL and the display element layer DP-OL. Each pixel may include a transistor arranged in the circuit element layer DP-CL and a light emitting element arranged in the display element layer DP-OL and connected to the transistor.

[0148] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL so as to cover the display element layer DP-OL. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include a plurality of inorganic layers and organic layers between the inorganic layers. Each inorganic layer may protect the pixel from moisture / oxygen. The organic layer may protect the pixel from foreign matter such as dust particles.

[0149] Figures 18a to 18d 1 is a diagram showing a step of a method for manufacturing a cover window according to an embodiment. The method for manufacturing a cover window according to an embodiment may include: step S1, inserting a base layer including a flat portion and a curved portion into a support rod that covers the flat portion and exposes the upper surface of the curved portion; step S2, spraying a composition onto the upper surface of the exposed curved portion to form a coating portion at a portion overlapping the curved portion; and step S3, separating the base layer having the coating portion formed thereon from the support rod.

[0150] Fig.18a is a cross-sectional view showing step S1 of inserting a base layer including a flat portion and a curved portion into a support rod that covers the flat portion and exposes the upper surface of the curved portion. The base layer BS may include a curved portion BP, a first flat portion PP-1, and a second flat portion PP-2. The base layer BS inserted into the support rod may be the same as the base layer BS of the reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The base layer BS described is the same.

[0151] The support rod MD may include a base portion MD-B, a protrusion MD-E, and an outer contour support portion MD-S. The protrusion MD-E may be disposed on the base portion MD-B to function as a support portion for supporting the base layer BS. The shape of the protrusion MD-E may correspond to the shape of the inner side BS-IS of the base layer BS disposed on the protrusion MD-E. Therefore, according to the shape of the base layer BS, the height of the protrusion MD-E may be greater than the height of the outer contour support portion MD-S.

[0152] The outer contour support part MD-S can be arranged on the base part MD-B, and can be arranged at the two side ends of the base part MD-B based on the protrusion MD-E. Not limited to this, the outer contour support part MD-S can be configured to surround the peripheral part of the base part MD-B. The first flat part PP-1 and the second flat part PP-2 included in the base layer BS can be inserted into the space between the outer contour support part MD-S and the protrusion MD-E. By inserting the first flat part PP-1 and the second flat part PP-2, the upper surfaces of the first flat part PP-1 and the second flat part PP-2 can be covered by the outer contour support part MD-S. That is, by inserting the base layer BS into the support rod MD, only the upper surface of the curved part BP included in the base layer BS can be exposed.

[0153] exist Fig.18a , the outer support part MD-S and the base part MD-B are provided as one body, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Different from the illustrated case, the outer support part MD-S may be a structure separated from the base part MD-B, and the base layer BS may be arranged on the protruding part MD-E and supported to cover the upper surfaces of the first flat part PP-1 and the second flat part PP-2.

[0154] Fig.18b and Fig.18c 2 is a diagram showing step S2 of spraying a composition onto the upper surface of the exposed curved portion to form a coating portion so that the coating portion overlaps the curved portion. Fig.18b is a cross-sectional view, Fig.18c It is a stereogram.

[0155] The base layer BS may be inserted into the support rod MD so that only the upper surface of the bent portion BP is exposed. By exposing only the upper surface of the bent portion BP, the first coating portion CM1 may be selectively formed in a desired area. A nozzle NH for spraying the composition CM1-1 of the first coating portion CM1 may be disposed on the bent portion BP. The thickness of the coating portion may be adjusted by adjusting the viscosity of the composition sprayed from the nozzle NH, the amount of the composition, the spraying time of the composition, and the like.

[0156] The nozzle NH may be disposed to correspond to the central portion of the bent portion BP overlapping the bent axis BX, thereby forming the first coating portion CM1 whose thickness gradually becomes thinner from the center toward both ends.

[0157] The composition CM1-1 is a substance contained in the first coating part CM1, and can form the first coating part CM1. For example, the composition CM1-1 can be an organic substance, and the organic substance can be polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyethylene terephthalate, but is not limited to the above examples.

[0158] Fig.18d 2 is a cross-sectional view showing step S3 of separating the base layer having the coating portion formed thereon from the support rod. The shape of the coating portion can be changed by adjusting the configuration of the nozzle, the properties of the composition, the injection time of the composition, etc. As an example, the coating portion can be changed by adjusting the configuration of the nozzle, the properties of the composition, the injection time of the composition, etc. Fig.18b and Fig.18c After step S2 shown, a first coating portion CM1 is formed in which the thickness of the central portion of the first coating portion CM1 is the largest and the thickness gradually decreases as it is farther from the center.

[0159] The manufacturing method of the cover window involved in one embodiment can selectively coat only a portion of the upper surface of the curved substrate layer included in the cover window, or can selectively coat only a portion thickly. The manufacturing method of the cover window involved in one embodiment can selectively coat only the upper surface of the curved portion of the substrate layer, and can coat it into a smooth shape so that there is no height difference at the boundary between the substrate layer and the coating portion. The manufacturing method of the cover window involved in one embodiment can provide a cover window with improved strength and aesthetics by selectively coating only a portion of the substrate layer. In addition, by directly coating the coating portion on the substrate layer, the step of bonding the coating portion with an adhesive can be omitted.

[0160] The modulus of the coating portion included in the cover window involved in one embodiment can be smaller than the modulus of the substrate layer, and can have two moduli at the same time. For the modulus of the coating portion involved in one embodiment, the modulus of the area overlapping with the curved portion can be smaller than the modulus of the area overlapping with the flat portion. The thickness of some areas in the coating portion involved in one embodiment can be thicker. For the thickness of the coating portion involved in one embodiment, the thickness of the area overlapping with the curved portion can be thicker than the thickness of the area overlapping with the flat portion. In this way, the strength of the cover window can be improved, and the aesthetics can be improved at the same time.

[0161] The above description is made with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, but those skilled in the art or those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the concept and technical field of the present invention as described in the claims.

[0162] Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be determined only by the claims.

Claims

1. A cover window, comprising: a base layer having a curved shape and including a curved portion curved around a curved axis extending in one direction, and a first flat portion and a second flat portion facing each other, the first flat portion and the second flat portion being spaced apart in a direction intersecting the one direction with the curved portion provided therebetween; A first coating portion, disposed on the curved portion and having a first modulus; as well as a second coating portion, which contacts the first coating portion and has a second modulus, and is disposed on the first flat portion and the second flat portion, The first modulus is smaller than the modulus of the base layer, The second modulus is greater than the first modulus, and the second modulus is less than a modulus of the substrate layer.

2. The cover window according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness of a central portion of the first coating portion overlapping the bending axis is greater than the thickness of both end sides of the first coating portion facing each other.

3. The cover window according to claim 1, wherein: The first coating portion has a thickness of not less than 50 μm and not more than 150 μm.

4. The cover window according to claim 1, wherein: The first coating part includes polypropylene, polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate.

5. The cover window according to claim 1, wherein: The first coating portion is in contact with the bent portion.

6. The cover window according to claim 1, wherein: The second coating portion is disposed below the first coating portion and covers the entire surface of the base layer.

7. The cover window according to claim 6, further comprising: A third coating portion is disposed between the first coating portion and the second coating portion to cover the second coating portion, The modulus of the third coating portion is the same as the first modulus, and the second modulus is greater than the first modulus.

8. The cover window according to claim 1, wherein: The second coating portion includes: a first sub-coating portion, which is disposed on the first flat portion; and a second sub-coating portion, which is disposed on the second flat portion. The first sub-coating portion and the second sub-coating portion are spaced apart from each other with the first coating portion interposed therebetween.

9. The cover window according to claim 8, wherein: The thickness of the first coating portion is the same as the thickness of the second coating portion.

10. The cover window according to claim 8, wherein: The thickness of the first coating portion is greater than the thickness of the second coating portion.

11. The cover window according to claim 1, wherein: The substrate layer includes glass.

12. The cover window according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness of the base layer is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 1.0 mm.

13. A display device, comprising: The display panel comprises a bending area bent around a bending axis extending in a direction, and a first plane area and a second plane area spaced apart from and facing each other in a direction intersecting the direction, wherein the bending area is provided between the first plane area and the second plane area; A cover window, disposed on the display panel; as well as an adhesive layer disposed between the display panel and the cover window, The cover window comprises: a base layer, comprising a first flat portion corresponding to the first planar region, a curved portion corresponding to the curved region, and a second flat portion corresponding to the second planar region; A first coating portion, disposed on the bent portion and having a first modulus; and a second coating portion, which contacts the first coating portion and has a second modulus, and is disposed on the first flat portion and the second flat portion, The first modulus is smaller than the modulus of the base layer, The second modulus is greater than the first modulus, and the second modulus is less than a modulus of the substrate layer.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: The first coating portion has a thickness of not less than 50 μm and not more than 150 μm.

15. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: The thickness of a central portion of the first coating portion overlapping the bending axis is greater than the thickness of both end sides of the first coating portion facing each other.

16. A method for manufacturing a cover window, comprising: For a base layer including a curved portion curved around a curved axis extending in one direction and a first flat portion and a second flat portion spaced apart from each other and facing each other in a direction intersecting the one direction, inserting the base layer into a support rod that exposes an upper surface of the curved portion and covers upper surfaces of the first flat portion and the second flat portion, wherein the curved portion is provided between the first flat portion and the second flat portion; The step of spraying a first component onto the exposed upper surface of the bent portion to form a first coating portion such that the first coating portion overlaps the bent portion; spraying a second composition on the first flat portion and the second flat portion to form a second coating portion in contact with the first coating portion, so that the second coating portion has a second modulus greater than a first modulus of the first coating portion; and and separating the base layer having the coating portion formed thereon from the support rod.

17. The method for manufacturing a cover window according to claim 16, wherein: The support rod includes: a base portion; an outer contour support portion, which is arranged on the base portion; and a protrusion, which is arranged on the base portion and is spaced apart from the outer contour support portion to form a space. The first flat portion and the second flat portion are inserted into the space between the protruding portion and the outer contour supporting portion, so that the outer contour supporting portion covers the upper surfaces of the first flat portion and the second flat portion. The protrusion protrudes to correspond to the inner shape of the bent portion, thereby supporting the bent portion.

18. The method for manufacturing a cover window according to claim 16, wherein: In the step of forming the first coating portion, the nozzle is configured to correspond to the central part of the curved portion overlapping the curved axis, and the first component is sprayed from the nozzle toward the central part of the curved portion, thereby forming the first coating portion, so that the thickness of the coating portion gradually becomes smaller as it is farther away from the center overlapping the curved axis.

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