Display device and manufacturing method for display device

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device and a manufacturing method for the display device. The display device includes a display panel and a cover window disposed on the display panel. The display panel comprises a deformation part capable of bending deformation and a non-deformation part adjacent to the deformation part. The cover window includes a first cover member that overlaps the non-deformation member and includes crystalline glass, and a second cover member that overlaps the deformation member and does not include the crystalline glass.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and all benefits derived from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0073979, filed on Jun. 9, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure herein relates to a display device including a cover window and a manufacturing method for the display device. Background Art

[0004] The display device displays various images in a display screen to provide information to the user. Generally, the display device displays information in an assigned screen. Recently, a flexible display device including a flexible display panel capable of sliding or folding is being developed. Unlike a rigid display device, a flexible display device may be foldable, rollable, or bendable. A flexible display device whose shape can be deformed differently may be portable regardless of the size of an existing screen, thereby improving user convenience. Summary of the invention

[0005] For a flexible display device whose shape is deformable, it is desirable to maintain reliability and stability of members constituting the display device when the shape is deformed.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a display device including a cover window in which a thickness difference is reduced and impact resistance is improved, and a manufacturing method for the display device.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides a display device, comprising: a display panel, comprising a deformable component capable of bending and deformation and a non-deformable component adjacent to the deformable component; and a cover window, arranged on the display panel, wherein the cover window comprises a first cover component overlapping with the non-deformable component and comprising a crystallized glass, and a second cover component overlapping with the deformable component and not comprising the crystallized glass.

[0008] In an embodiment, the crystallized glass may include crystals having a diameter in a range of about 10 nanometers (nm) to about 100 nm.

[0009] In an embodiment, the second cover member may include amorphous glass.

[0010] In an embodiment, the cover window may further include a coating layer overlapping the second cover member.

[0011] In an embodiment, the coating layer may not overlap with the first cover member.

[0012] In an embodiment, the refractive index of the coating layer may be substantially the same as the refractive index of the second cover member.

[0013] In an embodiment, the coating layer may include an optically transparent polymer resin.

[0014] In an embodiment, a first thickness of the first cover member may be greater than a second thickness of the second cover member.

[0015] In an embodiment, the second cover member may have a thickness in a range of about 10 micrometers (μm) to about 100 μm.

[0016] In an embodiment, the cover window may further include a third cover component disposed between the first cover component and the second cover component and including an inclined surface.

[0017] In an embodiment, the third cover member may not include the crystallized glass and include amorphous glass.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, a manufacturing method for a display device includes: preparing a display panel, the display panel including a deformable component capable of bending and deforming and a non-deformable component adjacent to the deformable component; and forming a cover window, the cover window including a first cover component overlapping with the non-deformable component and including a crystallized glass, and a second cover component overlapping with the deformable component and not including the crystallized glass, and the forming of the cover window includes: preparing a preliminary cover window, the preliminary cover window including a preliminary first cover component and a preliminary second cover component adjacent to the preliminary first cover component; etching the preliminary second cover component to form the second cover component; and before or after forming the second cover component, irradiating laser to the preliminary first cover component to form the first cover component.

[0019] In an embodiment, the preliminary first cover part may include amorphous glass, and the forming the first cover part may include irradiating the laser to the amorphous glass to form the crystallized glass.

[0020] In an embodiment, the laser may not be radiated to the preliminary second cover member.

[0021] In an embodiment, the thickness of the preliminary second cover member may be reduced by the etching.

[0022] In an embodiment, the etching the preliminary second cover member may include providing an etching solution to the preliminary second cover member.

[0023] In an embodiment, the cover window may further include a third cover member disposed between the first cover member and the second cover member and including an inclined surface, and the third cover member may be formed in the same process as the etching of the preliminary second cover member.

[0024] In an embodiment, the forming of the cover window may further include: after the forming of the first cover member and the forming of the second cover member, immersing the first cover member and the second cover member in a molten salt.

[0025] In an embodiment, the forming the cover window may further include: after the forming the first cover member and the forming the second cover member, forming a coating layer on the one surface of the second cover member by providing an optically transparent polymer resin on the one surface of the second cover member.

[0026] In an embodiment, forming the cover window may also include: after forming the first cover part and forming the second cover part, forming a printed layer on one surface of the first cover part and one surface of the second cover part, and forming an anti-fingerprint layer on another surface of the first cover part and another surface of the second cover part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by further describing the embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 1B It is shown Figure 1A A perspective view showing a sliding process of a display device as shown in ;

[0030] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2B It is shown Figure 2A A perspective view showing the sliding process of the display device is shown;

[0032] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3B It is shown Figure 3A A perspective view of the display device shown in FIG. 1 during an inward folding process;

[0034] Figure 3C It is shown Figure 3A A perspective view of the display device shown in FIG. 1 during an outward folding process;

[0035] Figure 4 yes Figure 3A An exploded perspective view of the display device shown in ;

[0036] Figure 5 is contained in Figure 1A A perspective view of a display module in a housing shown in FIG.

[0037] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A perspective view showing a state where the display module is rolled up;

[0038] Figure 7 It is shown along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion taken along line II';

[0039] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a display panel;

[0040] Fig. 9A It is shown in detail Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the base window shown in FIG.

[0041] Fig. 9B Another embodiment of the present invention is shown and includes Figure 2A and Figure 2B A cross-sectional view of a cover window in a display device shown in ;

[0042] Fig. 9C Another embodiment of the present invention is shown and included in the reference FIG. 3A to FIG. 4 A cross-sectional view of a cover window in the described display device;

[0043] Fig.10 is a graph showing the drop ball test results of the cover window in Comparative Example 1 and the cover window in Example 1;

[0044] Fig.11 is a graph showing the evaluated light transmittance according to wavelength in the cover window of Example 2;

[0045] Fig. 12A is a flow chart showing a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0046] Fig. 12B is a flow chart showing a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0047] Fig.13 is a diagram schematically showing a manufacturing operation of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0048] Fig.14 is a diagram schematically showing a manufacturing operation of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0049] Fig.15 is a diagram schematically showing a manufacturing operation of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0050] Fig.16 is a diagram schematically showing a manufacturing operation of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0051] Fig.17 is a diagram schematically illustrating a manufacturing operation of a display device according to an embodiment; and

[0052] Fig.18 is a diagram schematically illustrating a manufacturing operation of a display device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Hereinafter, the present invention will now be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which various embodiments are shown. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0054] In this specification, it will be understood that when an element (or region, layer, part, etc.) is referred to as being "on", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, the element can be directly set on, directly connected to or directly coupled to the other element, or an intervening element can be set between the element and the other element.

[0055] The same reference numerals or symbols always indicate the same elements. In the drawings, in order to effectively describe the technical contents, the thickness, proportion and size of the elements are exaggerated.

[0056] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. can be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections in this article, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Therefore, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or section. Similarly, the second element, component, region, layer or section can be referred to as the first element, component, region, layer or section.

[0057] In addition, terms such as "below", "on the lower side", "above", or "on the upper side" may be used to describe the relationship of elements shown in the drawings. These terms have relative concepts and are described based on the directions shown in the drawings.

[0058] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing a particular embodiment, and are not intended to be limited. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, "one", "one (kind / person)", "said (the)" and "at least one (kind / person)" as used herein do not represent the limitation of quantity, but are intended to include both singular and plural forms. Therefore, the reference to "said" element after the reference to "one" element in the claim includes one element and multiple elements. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, "one element" has the same meaning as "at least one element". "At least one" should not be interpreted as limiting "one" or "one". "Or" means "and / or". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more related listed items. It will also be understood that when used in this specification, the term "includes" and / or "comprising", "containing" and / or "having" illustrate the existence of stated features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups.

[0059] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5% of the stated value.

[0060] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. It will also be understood that, unless explicitly defined as such herein, terms (such as those defined in general dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formalized sense.

[0061] Embodiments are described herein with reference to schematically illustrated cross-sectional illustrations as idealized embodiments. Therefore, variations in the shapes of the illustrations due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances will be expected. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific shapes of the regions shown herein, but will include deviations in shapes due to, for example, manufacturing. For example, a region shown or described as flat may typically have rough and / or nonlinear features. In addition, the sharp corners shown may be rounded. Therefore, the regions shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shapes of the regions, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0062] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment. Figure 1B It is shown Figure 1A 0 is a perspective view of a sliding process of a display device DD shown in FIG. Figure 1A shows a display device DD operating in a first mode, and Figure 1B The display device DD is shown operating in the second mode.

[0064] The display device DD according to the embodiment may be activated in response to an electrical signal. The display device DD may be a flexible display device. For example, the display device DD may be a television, a billboard, a monitor, a portable electronic device, a tablet computer, a car navigation system, a game console, a personal computer, a laptop computer, or a wearable device, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. Figure 1A An embodiment is shown in which the display device DD is a portable electronic device capable of sliding operation.

[0065] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B , an embodiment of the display device DD may include a display module DM and a case CS in which the display module DM is accommodated. At least a portion of the display module DM may be exposed to the outside via a display opening C-OP defined in an upper portion of the case CS.

[0066] The housing CS may include a first housing CS1 and a second housing CS2. The first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 may be coupled to each other to accommodate the display module DM. The first housing CS1 may be coupled to the second housing CS2 to be movable in a direction parallel to the first direction axis DR1. The first housing CS1 coupled to the second housing CS2 may be movable to move closer to or away from the second housing CS2.

[0067] The display surface of the display module DM exposed by the display opening C-OP may be parallel to a plane defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2 crossing the first direction axis DR1. The display module DM may display an image or video toward a direction parallel to the third direction axis DR3 on the display surface parallel to the plane defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2.

[0068] In the present specification, the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2 may intersect at a right angle, and the third direction axis DR3 may be a normal direction of a plane defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2. The thickness direction of the display device DD may be a direction parallel to the third direction axis DR3. The upper surface (or upper side, upper part) and the lower surface (or lower side, lower part) may be defined based on the third direction axis DR3. The upper surface (or upper side, upper part) of the component refers to a surface (or direction) adjacent to the display surface, and the lower surface (or lower side, lower part) of the component refers to a surface (or direction) spaced apart from the display surface. A cross section refers to a surface parallel to the thickness direction (e.g., the third direction axis DR3), and a plane refers to a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction (e.g., the third direction axis DR3). A plane refers to a plane defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2.

[0069] The directions indicated by the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, and the third direction axis DR3 described in this specification may be relative concepts and thus may be changed to other directions. In addition, the directions indicated by the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, and the third direction axis DR3 may be described as the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction, and may be represented by the same reference numerals or symbols.

[0070] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B The area of ​​the display surface of the display module DM exposed through the display opening C-OP of the housing CS (ie, the opening area) can be controlled based on the movement of the first housing CS1. As the first housing CS1 moves, the opening area of ​​the display opening C-OP can increase in the first direction DR1.

[0071] The display module DM may be a flexible display module and may be supported by a support layer disposed below the display module DM. When the first housing CS1 moves in the first direction DR1, the support layer connected to the first housing CS1 may also move in the first direction DR1. Therefore, the display module DM disposed on the support layer may also move in the first direction DR1 as the first housing CS1 moves. As the end of the display module DM moves in the first direction DR1 together with the first housing CS1, a portion of the display module DM that has been accommodated in the second housing CS2 in the first mode may be exposed to the outside, and the display surface of the display module DM exposed via the display opening C-OP may extend.

[0072] Figure 1AThe display device DD is shown in a first mode among various operating states of the display device DD, wherein the first housing CS1 is arranged to be most adjacent to the second housing CS2 along the first direction DR1. In the first mode, a portion extending from an area of ​​the display module DM exposed via the display opening C-OP may be folded at a predetermined curvature to be accommodated in the second housing CS2. The first mode in which the display surface of the display module DM is set to a default size may be defined as a default mode.

[0073] Figure 1B The display device DD is shown in a second mode among various operating states of the display device DD, wherein the first housing CS1 is arranged to be farthest from the second housing CS2 along the first direction DR1. Compared with the first mode, in the display device DD in the second mode, the area of ​​the display surface of the display module DM exposed via the display opening C-OP can be increased. That is, the second mode can be defined as an extended mode in which the display surface is extended much more than the display surface in the default mode.

[0074] The first mode and the second mode of the display device DD can be determined based on the sliding operation of the housing CS and the display module DM. As the user moves the display device DD from the first mode to the second mode, the display surface of the display device DD can be extended, and the user can watch images or videos via the extended display surface. In addition, as the user moves the display device DD from the second mode to the first mode, the display surface of the display device DD can be reduced, and the user can watch images or videos via the reduced display surface. That is, when the user selects the first mode or the second mode to operate the display device DD, the area of ​​the display surface of the display device DD exposed from the housing CS can be controlled differently.

[0075] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a display device DD-a according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2B It is shown Figure 2A A perspective view showing the sliding process of display device DD-a is shown. Figure 2A A display device DD-a is shown operating in a first mode, and Figure 2B Display device DD-a is shown operating in the second mode.

[0076] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B , an embodiment of the display device DD-a may include a display module DM-a and a housing CS-a. The housing CS-a may include a first housing CS1, a second housing CS2, and a third housing CS3. In addition to the display device DD-a further including the third housing CS3, Figure 2A and Figure 2B The display device DD-a shown in FIG. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The display devices DD shown in FIG. 1 are substantially identical.

[0077] The first housing CS1, the second housing CS2 and the third housing CS3 may be coupled to each other to accommodate the display module DM-a. The first housing CS1 may be coupled to the second housing CS2 so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the first direction axis DR1. The first housing CS1 coupled to the second housing CS2 may be movable to be close to or away from the second housing CS2. The first housing CS1 and the third housing CS3 may be spaced apart from each other, and the second housing CS2 is between the first housing CS1 and the third housing CS3. The first housing CS1 and the third housing CS3 may be movable in a direction away from each other or in opposite directions, respectively. The third housing CS3 may be coupled to the second housing CS2 so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the fourth direction axis DR4. The third housing CS3 coupled to the second housing CS2 may be movable to be close to or away from the second housing CS2.

[0078] In the present specification, the fourth direction axis DR4 may be a direction opposite to the first direction axis DR1. The direction indicated by the fourth direction axis DR4 described in the present specification may be a relative concept and thus may be changed to another direction. In addition, the direction indicated by the fourth direction axis DR4 may be described as a fourth direction and may be represented by the same reference numeral or symbol.

[0079] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B , the area of ​​the display surface of the display module DM-a exposed through the display opening C-OP of the housing CS-a (i.e., the opening area) can be controlled based on the movement of the first housing CS1 and the third housing CS3. As the first housing CS1 moves, the opening area of ​​the display opening C-OP can increase in the first direction DR1. As the third housing CS3 moves, the opening area of ​​the display opening C-OP can increase in the fourth direction DR4.

[0080] In an embodiment, Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown in FIG. 1 , in the first mode, a portion of the display module DM-a can be accommodated in the first shell CS1. As a portion of the display module DM-a moves in the first direction DR1 together with the first shell CS1, a portion of the display module DM-a that has been accommodated in the first shell CS1 in the first mode can be exposed to the outside, and the display surface of the display module DM-a exposed via the display opening C-OP can be extended.

[0081] In such an embodiment, Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs shown in , another part of the display module DM-a can be accommodated in the third shell CS3 in the first mode. When the third shell CS3 moves in the fourth direction DR4, the support layer connected to the third shell CS3 can also move in the fourth direction DR4. Therefore, the display module DM-a disposed on the support layer can also move in the fourth direction DR4 along with the movement of the third shell CS3. As another part of the display module DM-a moves in the fourth direction DR4 together with the third shell CS3, another part of the display module DM-a that has been accommodated in the third shell CS3 in the first mode can be exposed to the outside, and the display surface of the display module DM-a exposed via the display opening C-OP can be extended.

[0082] Figure 2A The display device DD-a is shown in a first mode among various operating states of the display device DD-a, wherein the first housing CS1 and the third housing CS3 are arranged to be most adjacent to the second housing CS2 along the first direction DR1 and the fourth direction DR4, respectively. In the first mode, a portion extending from an area of ​​the display module DM-a exposed by the display opening C-OP can be folded with a predetermined curvature to be accommodated in each of the first housing CS1 and the third housing CS3. The first mode in which the display surface of the display module DM-a is set to a default size can be defined as a default mode.

[0083] Figure 2B The display device DD-a in the second mode among the various operating states of the display device DD-a is shown, wherein the first housing CS1 is arranged to be farthest from the second housing CS2 along the first direction DR1, and the third housing CS3 is arranged to be farthest from the second housing CS2 along the fourth direction DR4. Compared with the first mode, in the display device DD-a in the second mode, the area of ​​the display surface of the display module DM-a exposed via the display opening C-OP can be increased. That is, the second mode in which the display surface is extended much more than the display surface in the default mode can be defined as an extended mode.

[0084] As the user moves the display device DD-a from the first mode to the second mode, the display surface of the display device DD-a can be extended, and the user can watch images or videos via the extended display surface. In addition, the user can move the display device DD-a from the second mode to the first mode, the display surface of the display device DD-a can be reduced, and the user can watch images or videos via the reduced display surface. That is, when the user selects the first mode or the second mode to operate the display device DD-a, the area of ​​the display surface of the display device DD-a exposed from the housing CS-a can be controlled differently.

[0085] Figure 3Ais a perspective view of a display device DD-b according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3B It is shown Figure 3A A perspective view of the display device DD-b shown in FIG. 1 during an inward folding process. Figure 3C It is shown Figure 3A A perspective view of the display device DD-b shown in FIG. 1 during an outward folding process. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C An embodiment is shown in which the display device DD-b is a portable electronic device capable of folding operation.

[0086] Reference Figure 3A , an embodiment of the display device DD-b can display a video (or image) IM-b via a display surface DS-b. The display surface DS-b may include an active area F-AA and a peripheral area F-NAA. The active area F-AA may be activated in response to an electrical signal. The display device DD-b may display a video (or image) IM-b via the active area F-AA. In addition, in the active area F-AA, various types of external inputs may be detected. The peripheral area F-NAA may be adjacent to the active area F-AA. The peripheral area F-NAA may surround the active area F-AA. Therefore, the shape of the active area F-AA may be substantially defined by the peripheral area F-NAA. However, this is an example, and the peripheral area F-NAA may be set to be adjacent to only one side of the active area F-AA, or may also be omitted. The display surface DS-b may include a flat surface defined by a first direction axis DR1 and a second direction axis DR2.

[0087] The rear surface ES of the display device DD-b may be a surface facing away from the display surface DS-b. For example, the rear surface ES may be an outer surface of the display device DD-b, and therefore may not display a video or image. Alternatively, the rear surface ES may also be used as a second display surface in which a video or image is displayed.

[0088] The display device DD-b may include a folding area FA1 and non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. The display device DD-b may include a plurality of non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. The display device DD-b may include a first non-folding area NFA1 and a second non-folding area NFA2, and the folding area FA1 is between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0089] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3CAn embodiment is shown in which the display device DD-b includes a single folding area FA1, but this is an example, and the display device DD-b may have a plurality of folding areas defined therein. In addition, the display device DD-b may be foldable or foldable about a plurality of folding axes so that portions of the display surface DS-b face each other, and thus the number of folding axes and the number of non-folding areas are not limited to any one embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Reference Figure 3B and Figure 3C , an embodiment of the display device DD-b can be folded around a first folding axis FX1. Figure 3B and Figure 3C The first folding axis FX1 shown in may be an imaginary axis extending in the first direction DR1, and the first folding axis FX1 may be parallel to the long side direction of the display device DD-b. However, this is an example, and the extending direction of the first folding axis FX1 is not limited to the first direction DR1.

[0091] The first folding axis FX1 may extend along the first direction axis DR1 on the display surface DS-b, or extend along the first direction axis DR1 under the rear surface ES. Figure 3B , an embodiment of the display device DD-b may be inwardly folded so that the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 face each other and the display surface DS-b is not exposed to the outside. Figure 3C , the display device DD-b can be folded about the first folding axis FX1 and deformed into an outward folded state, in which an area of ​​the rear surface ES overlapping with the first non-folding area NFA1 and another area overlapping with the second non-folding area NFA2 face each other.

[0092] Figure 4 yes Figure 3A An exploded perspective view of the display device DD-b shown in FIG. Figure 4 , an embodiment of the display device DD-b may include a display module DM-b. The display module DM-b may include a display panel DP and a cover window WP. In addition, the display device DD-b may further include a support member SM disposed below the display module DM-b and a housing HAU accommodating the display module DM-b and the support member SM. Figure 4 Not shown, but the input sensing layer ISL (see Figure 7 ) and the optical layer RPL (see Figure 7 ) may be disposed between the display panel DP and the cover window WP. Figure 7 ) can be set on the input sensing layer ISL (see Figure 7 )superior.

[0093] The housing HAU may include a material having relatively high rigidity. For example, the housing HAU may include a plurality of frames and / or plates each containing glass, plastic, or metal or consisting of glass, plastic, or metal. The housing HAU may provide a predetermined accommodation space. The display module DM-b may be accommodated in the accommodation space and protected from external impact.

[0094] The support member SM may include a metal material or a polymer material. For example, the support member SM may include stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy thereof or may be formed of stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy thereof. Alternatively, the support member SM may include carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or the like or may be formed of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or the like. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the support member SM may include a non-metallic material such as plastic (e.g., glass fiber reinforced plastic) or glass.

[0095] Although not shown in the drawings, the display device DD-b may further include a cushion layer, a shielding layer, etc. disposed under the support member SM. The cushion layer may include an elastic body (such as sponge or foam) formed of a polyurethane resin, etc. The shielding layer may be an electromagnetic shielding layer or a heat dissipation layer.

[0096] The display panel DP may be a light-emitting display panel. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel, an inorganic light-emitting display panel, a micro light-emitting diode (LED) display panel, or a nano LED display panel. The display panel DP may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The non-display area NDA may be adjacent to the display area DA and may surround at least a portion of the display area DA. The display area DA may display a video (or image) IM-b (see Figure 3A ), and the non-display area NDA may not display the video (or image) IM-b (see Figure 3A Although not shown in the drawings, a driving circuit and the like may be disposed on one side of the non-display area NDA.

[0097] The display panel DP may be a flexible display panel. The display panel DP may include a deformation part TF-F, a first non-deformation part NTF1-F, and a second non-deformation part NTF2-F. The first non-deformation part NTF1-F and the second non-deformation part NTF2-F may be spaced apart from each other, and the deformation part TF-F is between the first non-deformation part NTF1-F and the second non-deformation part NTF2-F. The first non-deformation part NTF1-F may correspond to the first non-folding area NFA1. The second non-deformation part NTF2-F may correspond to the second non-folding area NFA2. The deformation part TF-F may correspond to the folding area FA1. The deformation part TF-F may be a foldable part for a folding operation.

[0098] The cover window WP may be a flexible cover window. The cover window WP may protect the display panel DP, etc. The video (or image) IM-b generated in or output from the display panel DP (see Figure 3A ) can be transmitted through the cover window WP and can be provided to the user. The cover window WP may include a first cover member CV1 including crystallized glass (see Fig. 9C ) and a second cover member CV2 not including crystallized glass (see Fig. 9C ). The first cover member CV1 (see Fig. 9C ) can overlap with the non-deformation parts NTF1-F and NTF2-F, and the second cover part CV2 (see Fig. 9C ) may overlap with the deformable part TF-F. In an embodiment, the cover window WP includes a first cover part CV1 (see Fig. 9C ) and a second cover member CV2 not including crystallized glass (see Fig. 9C ), so that the first cover member CV1 (see Fig. 9C ) and the second cover member CV2 (see Fig. 9C ) can reduce the thickness difference between the cover window WP and the display device DD-b according to the embodiment, and can improve the impact resistance. In addition, the display device DD-b including the cover window WP according to the embodiment can have high impact resistance. The cover window WP will be described in more detail later.

[0099] Figure 5 is contained in Figure 1A 1 is a perspective view of a display module DM in a housing CS as shown in FIG. Figure 5 , the display module DM may have a rectangular shape including long sides parallel to the first direction DR1 and short sides parallel to the second direction DR2 in a plan view. However, this is an example, and the shape of the display module DM is not limited thereto.

[0100] The display module DM may include a display surface DS. The display surface DS may include a flat surface defined by a first direction axis DR1 and a second direction axis DR2. A video (or image) IM may be displayed via the display surface DS.

[0101] The display surface DS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA adjacent to the display area DA. The display area DA may display a video (or image) IM, and the non-display area NDA may not display the video (or image) IM. The non-display area NDA may be adjacent to the display area DA and may surround at least a portion of the display area DA. Although not shown in the drawings, a driving circuit or the like may be provided on one side of the non-display area NDA.

[0102] The display module DM may include a deformation part TF-S and a non-deformation part NTF-S adjacent to the deformation part TF-S. The deformation part TF-F may be a bendable and deformable part for sliding operation. The deformation part TF-S may be accommodated in the first housing CS1 (see FIG. 1 ) in the first mode. Figure 1A In the first mode, the non-deformable part NTF-S may correspond to the part through the display opening C-OP (see Figure 1A ) The display surface exposed by the deformation part TF-S may not be exposed through the display opening C-OP in the first mode. In the second mode, at least a portion of the deformation part TF-S may correspond to the display surface exposed through the display opening C-OP.

[0103] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 0 is a perspective view of a state in which the display module DM is rolled up. Figure 6 1 may be a view showing the display module DM in the first mode described above. In the first mode, the deformation component TF-S may be accommodated in the first housing CS1 in a rolled state (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1A In the second mode, as the first housing CS1 moves along the first direction DR1, at least a portion of the deformation component TF-S can be displayed through the display opening C-OP (see Figure 1A ) exposed.

[0104] Figure 7 It is shown along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion taken along line II'. Figure 7 Can be with Figure 5 The display module DM shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the display module DM. Figure 7 The embodiment of the display module DM is described in detail, and the display module DM may also correspond to Figure 2A and Figure 2B The display module DM-a or Figure 4 The display module DM-b shown in FIG.

[0105] The display module DM may include a display panel DP, an input sensing layer ISL, and a cover window WP. In addition, the display module DM may further include an optical layer RPL disposed between the input sensing layer ISL and the cover window WP, and a panel protection layer PPL disposed under the display panel DP.

[0106] The panel protection layer PPL may protect a lower portion of the display panel DP. In an embodiment, for example, the panel protection layer PPL may include polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0107] The display panel DP may be a component that generates a video (or an image). Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the display panel DP. Figure 8 , an embodiment of the display panel DP may include a base substrate BS, a circuit layer DP-CL, a light emitting element layer DP-ED, and an encapsulation layer TFE stacked in sequence. In an embodiment, a functional layer (not shown) may be further provided between two adjacent layers among the base substrate BS, the circuit layer DP-CL, the light emitting element layer DP-ED, and the encapsulation layer TFE.

[0108] The base substrate BS may provide a base surface on which the circuit layer DP-CL is disposed. The base substrate BS may be a flexible substrate that can be bent, folded, curled, etc. The base substrate BS may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, a polymer substrate, etc. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the base substrate BS may include an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material layer.

[0109] The base substrate BS may include a single layer or multiple layers or be defined by a single layer or multiple layers. In an embodiment, for example, the base substrate BS may include a first synthetic resin layer, a multilayer or single layer inorganic layer, and a second synthetic resin layer disposed above the multilayer or single layer inorganic layer. The first synthetic resin layer and the second synthetic resin layer may each include a polyimide resin. In addition, the first synthetic resin layer and the second synthetic resin layer may each include at least one of an acrylate resin, a methacrylate resin, a polyisoprene resin, a vinyl resin, an epoxy resin, a polyurethane resin, a cellulose resin, a siloxane resin, a polyamide resin, and a perylene resin. In this specification, the term "~~" resin refers to a functional group including "~~".

[0110] The circuit layer DP-CL may be disposed above the base substrate BS. The circuit layer DP-CL may include an insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern or a signal line, etc. The light emitting element layer DP-ED may be disposed above the circuit layer DP-CL. The light emitting element layer DP-ED may include a light emitting element. For example, the light emitting element may include an organic light emitting material, an inorganic light emitting material, an organic-inorganic light emitting material, a quantum dot, a quantum rod, a micro LED or a nano LED.

[0111] The encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed above the light emitting element layer DP-ED. The encapsulation layer TFE may protect the light emitting element layer DP-ED from moisture, oxygen, and foreign matter such as dust particles. The encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one inorganic layer. In an embodiment, for example, the encapsulation layer TFE may have a structure in which an inorganic layer, an organic layer, and an inorganic layer are stacked in sequence.

[0112] Return to reference Figure 7The input sensing layer ISL may be disposed on the display panel DP. The input sensing layer ISL may be directly disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE of the display panel DP (see Figure 8 Alternatively, an adhesive member may also be disposed between the input sensing layer ISL and the display panel DP.

[0113] In this specification, one component being directly disposed on another component means that no intervening component is disposed between the one component and the other component. That is, one component being "directly disposed" on another component means that the one component is "in contact" with the other component.

[0114] The input sensing layer ISL may detect an external input and convert the external input into a predetermined input signal to provide the input signal to the display panel DP. In an embodiment, for example, the input sensing layer ISL may be a touch sensing layer that detects a touch. The input sensing layer ISL may identify a direct touch by a user, an indirect touch by a user, a direct touch by an object, an indirect touch by an object, or the like.

[0115] The input sensing layer ISL may detect at least one of the position of a touch applied from the outside and the strength (pressure) of the touch. The input sensing layer ISL may have various structures or may be composed of various materials, and is not limited to any one embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, for example, the input sensing layer ISL may detect an external input in a capacitive manner. The display panel DP may receive an input signal from the input sensing layer ISL and generate a video (or image) corresponding to the input signal.

[0116] The optical layer RPL may be disposed on the input sensing layer ISL. The optical layer RPL may be disposed on the display panel DP and may control reflected light of external light on the display panel DP. The optical layer RPL may include, for example, a polarizer or a color filter layer.

[0117] The cover window WP may include a base window WL and a printed layer PIL. In addition, the cover window WP may further include an anti-fingerprint layer AF. The base window WL may include a glass substrate. The base window WL may be optically transparent. In an embodiment, for example, the base window WL may have a light transmittance of at least about 90% for light in a wavelength region of about 380 nanometers (nm) to about 780 nm. The base window WL may include crystallized glass and amorphous glass. The base window WL will be described in more detail later.

[0118] The anti-fingerprint layer AF may be disposed on the upper surface of the base window WL. In an embodiment, for example, the anti-fingerprint layer AF may include a fluorine-containing anti-fingerprint agent. However, this is an example, and the anti-fingerprint agent included in the anti-fingerprint layer AF is not limited thereto.

[0119] The printing layer PIL may be disposed on the lower surface of the base window WL. The printing layer PIL may be disposed on the edge of the base window WL. The printing layer PIL may be disposed on the non-display area NDA (see Figure 5 ) overlap. In an embodiment, for example, the printing layer PIL may include a black pigment or a black dye. However, this is an example, and the material included in the printing layer PIL is not limited thereto.

[0120] The display module DM may further include a first adhesive layer 100, a second adhesive layer 200, and a third adhesive layer 300. The first adhesive layer 100 may be disposed between the panel protection layer PPL and the display panel DP. The panel protection layer PPL and the display panel DP may be bonded to each other through the first adhesive layer 100. The second adhesive layer 200 may be disposed between the input sensing layer ISL and the optical layer RPL. The input sensing layer ISL and the optical layer RPL may be bonded to each other through the second adhesive layer 200. The third adhesive layer 300 may be disposed between the optical layer RPL and the cover window WP. The optical layer RPL and the cover window WP may be bonded to each other through the third adhesive layer 300. The first adhesive layer 100, the second adhesive layer 200, and the third adhesive layer 300 may each include a general adhesive such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), or an optically clear resin (OCR), and are not limited to any one embodiment of the present invention. In an alternative embodiment, at least one of the first adhesive layer 100, the second adhesive layer 200, and the third adhesive layer 300 may be omitted.

[0121] Fig. 9A It is shown in detail Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the base window WL is shown in FIG. Fig. 9A It may be shown that the cover window WP (see Figure 7 ) is a cross-sectional view of the substrate window WL. Fig. 9A , the base window WL may include a first cover part CV1 and a second cover part CV2. The first cover part CV1 may overlap with or correspond to the non-deformation part NTF-S. The second cover part CV2 may overlap with or correspond to the deformation part TF-S.

[0122] The first cover member CV1 may have a first thickness T1 in a range of about 100 micrometers (μm) to about 1000 μm. When having a first thickness greater than about 1000 μm, the first cover member increases the thickness of the display device. When having a first thickness less than about 100 μm, the first cover member may be susceptible to external impact. The first cover member CV1 having a first thickness T1 in a range of about 100 μm to about 1000 μm may have high impact resistance without substantially increasing the thickness of the display device DD.

[0123] The first cover part CV1 may include crystallized glass. The crystallized glass may be formed of amorphous glass crystallized by laser irradiation. The crystallized glass may include crystal GC formed by laser irradiation. The diameter of the crystal GC may be in the range of about 10nm to about 100nm. In an embodiment, for example, the diameter of the crystal GC may be in the range of about 20nm to about 40nm. The characteristics of the first cover part CV1 including the crystal GC having a diameter less than about 100nm may be high transmittance and low haze value for light in the visible light wavelength region. For example, the first cover part CV1 including the crystal GC having a diameter less than or equal to about 100nm may have a transmittance of at least about 90% for light in the wavelength region of about 380nm to about 780nm. Therefore, the base window WL including the crystal GC having a diameter less than or equal to about 100nm may have high optical characteristics.

[0124] When including crystals having a diameter greater than about 100 nm, the first cover member may be characterized by low transmittance and high haze values ​​for light in the visible wavelength region. Therefore, the base window including crystals having a diameter greater than about 100 nm may not be effectively used as a component of a display device.

[0125] The first cover part CV1 including the crystallized glass may have high impact resistance. Since the first cover part CV1 includes the crystals GC formed by the crystallization of particles constituting the glass, the first cover part CV1 may have improved mechanical strength to have high impact resistance.

[0126] The second cover part CV2 may not include crystallized glass. The second cover part CV2 may include amorphous glass. The second cover part CV2 including the amorphous glass may easily perform sliding and folding operations.

[0127] The second cover part CV2 overlapping with the deformation part TF-S may have a second thickness T2 less than the first thickness T1 of the first cover part CV1. The thickness T2 of the second cover part CV2 overlapping with the deformation part TF-S may be formed to be relatively thin to facilitate sliding operation and folding operation. The second thickness T2 of the second cover part CV2 may be in the range of about 10μm to about 100μm. When having a thickness less than about 10μm, the second cover part lacks durability, so that a display device including a second cover part having a thickness less than about 10μm may have reduced reliability. When the second cover part has a thickness greater than about 100μm as a relatively large thickness, it may not be easy to perform folding operation and sliding operation. In an embodiment, the second cover part CV2 having a second thickness T2 less than or equal to about 100μm may have the characteristics of easy folding and sliding.

[0128] The base window WL may include a third cover part CV3 disposed between the first cover part CV1 and the second cover part CV2. The first cover part CV1, the second cover part CV2 and the third cover part CV3 may have an integral shape or be formed integrally with each other as a single, single and indivisible part. The third cover part CV3 may not include crystallized glass, and may include amorphous glass. The third cover part CV3 may include a slope (or inclined portion) FS. The third cover part CV3 may have a first thickness T1 at one end adjacent to the first cover part CV1, and a second thickness T2 at the other end adjacent to the second cover part CV2. In an embodiment, for example, the angle between the slope FS of the third cover part CV3 and the lower surface 1_DF of the first cover part CV1 may be greater than about 90° and less than about 180°.

[0129] The base window WL may further include a coating layer RS ​​overlapping with the second cover part CV2. The coating layer RS ​​may not overlap with the first cover part CV1. The coating layer RS ​​may be directly disposed on the lower surface 2_DF of the second cover part CV2. An area of ​​the coating layer RS ​​may overlap with the second cover part CV2, and another area of ​​the coating layer RS ​​may overlap with the third cover part CV3. The thickness T3 of the coating layer RS ​​may be substantially the same as the difference between the first thickness T1 of the first cover part CV1 and the thickness T2 of the second cover part CV2. The total thickness of the thickness T3 of the coating layer RS ​​and the thickness T2 of the second cover part CV2 may be substantially the same as the first thickness T1 of the first cover part CV1. The coating layer RS ​​may be formed in such a way that the base window WL has a substantially flat lower surface. In this specification, substantially the same meaning includes not only the case where the numerical values ​​are physically the same, but also the case where the numerical values ​​are different within the error range that is usually possible in the process.

[0130] The refractive index of the coating layer RS ​​may be substantially the same as that of the second cover part CV2. The coating layer RS ​​including or formed of a material having the same refractive index as that of the second cover part CV2 may maintain the optical properties of the base window WL. The coating layer RS ​​may be formed by providing an optically transparent polymer resin. The polymer resin may have the same refractive index as that of the second cover part CV2. In an embodiment, for example, the coating layer RS ​​may include an acrylate resin.

[0131] In an embodiment of a display device capable of sliding or folding operation, the base window included in the cover window includes a portion (i.e., the second cover member) having a relatively thin thickness. A portion having a relatively thin thickness overlaps a slidable or foldable portion (i.e., a deformable member). In the case of reducing the thickness of the second cover member for easy sliding or folding, the thickness difference between the first cover member and the second cover member becomes larger. When the thickness difference between the first cover member and the second cover member increases, the thickness difference may cause defects to occur. As the thickness difference becomes larger, it may not be easy to manufacture the first cover member and / or the second cover member with uniform thickness, and it may be difficult to uniformly apply chemical strengthening treatment to the first cover member and the second cover member. The chemical strengthening treatment includes a process of immersing glass in a molten salt to increase the strength of the glass. In addition, in the case of reducing the thickness of the first cover member in order to reduce the thickness difference between the first cover member and the second cover member, the impact resistance may become deteriorated.

[0132] In an embodiment, the base window WL included in the cover window WP includes a first cover part CV1 including crystallized glass and a second cover part CV2 including amorphous glass, so that the thickness difference between the first cover part CV1 and the second cover part CV2 can be reduced, and the cover window WP can have high impact resistance. In such an embodiment, since the first cover part CV1 includes crystallized glass, the difference between the first thickness T1 of the first cover part CV1 and the thickness T2 of the second cover part CV2 is reduced, so that the mechanical strength can be improved. In such an embodiment, the base window WL can have the characteristic of easy sliding. Therefore, the display device DD including the cover window WP (see Figure 1A ) can have high impact resistance and easy sliding properties.

[0133] Fig. 9B Another embodiment of the present invention is shown and includes Figure 2A and Figure 2B The cover window WP in the display device DD-a shown in FIG. Figure 7 ). In the following, for reference Fig. 9B The description of Figures 1A to 9A Any repeated detailed description of the described elements that are the same or similar will be described, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0134] In particular, Fig. 9B It can be shown that the Figure 2A and Figure 2B In such an embodiment, in addition to the second cover part CV2 including the first sub-cover part CV2-a and the second sub-cover part CV2-aa, Fig. 9B The base window WL-a shown in FIG. Fig. 9AThe base window WL shown in FIG. is substantially the same. Fig. 9B In the base window WL-a shown in FIG. 1 , the third cover part CV3 may include a third sub-cover part CV3 - a and a fourth sub-cover part CV3 - aa.

[0135] Reference Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Fig. 9B , Figure 2A and Figure 2B The embodiment of the display module DM-a shown in the figure may include two deformable parts TF-S and TF-Sa and one non-deformable part NTF-S. The display module DM-a may include a first deformable part TF-S, a second deformable part TF-Sa, and a non-deformable part NTF-S disposed between the first deformable part TF-S and the second deformable part TF-Sa. The first deformable part TF-S and the second deformable part TF-Sa may be bendable and deformable (e.g., bendable or rollable) parts for sliding operation. With the first shell CS1 (see Figure 2B ) moves along the first direction DR1, the first deformation part TF-S can pass through the display opening C-OP (see Figure 2B ) is exposed. With the third shell CS3 (see Figure 2B ) moves along the fourth direction DR4, the second deformation part TF-Sa can pass through the display opening C-OP (see Figure 2B ) is exposed. The first deformation component TF-S may be housed in the first shell CS1 (see Figure 2A The second deformation part TF-Sa may be a part accommodated in the third shell CS3 (see Figure 2A ) in the components.

[0136] The second cover part CV2 may overlap the first deformation part TF-S and the second deformation part TF-Sa. The second cover part CV2 may include a first sub-cover part CV2-a and a second sub-cover part CV2-aa. The first sub-cover part CV2-a may overlap the first deformation part TF-S, and the second sub-cover part CV2-aa may overlap the second deformation part TF-Sa.

[0137] The third cover part CV3 may include a third sub-cover part CV3-a and a fourth sub-cover part CV3-aa. The third sub-cover part CV3-a may be disposed between the first sub-cover part CV2-a and the first cover part CV1. The fourth sub-cover part CV3-aa may be disposed between the second sub-cover part CV2-aa and the first cover part CV1. The third sub-cover part CV3-a and the fourth sub-cover part CV3-aa may be spaced apart from each other, and the first cover part CV1 is between the third sub-cover part CV3-a and the fourth sub-cover part CV3-aa. The first cover part CV1 and the first sub-cover part CV2-a, the second sub-cover part CV2-aa, the third sub-cover part CV3-a and the fourth sub-cover part CV3-aa may have an integral shape or be formed integrally with each other as a single, single and indivisible part. The first sub-cover part CV2-a, the second sub-cover part CV2-aa, the third sub-cover part CV3-a and the fourth sub-cover part CV3-aa may include amorphous glass. The first cover part CV1 may include crystallized glass. Therefore, the display device DD-a including the base window WL-a may have high impact resistance and have an easy sliding property.

[0138] The coating layers RS-a and RS-aa may be disposed on the lower surface 2a_DF of the first sub-cover part CV2-a and the lower surface 2aa_DF of the second sub-cover part CV2-aa, respectively. The first coating layer RS-a may be disposed directly on the lower surface 2a_DF of the first sub-cover part CV2-a. The refractive index of the first coating layer RS-a may be substantially the same as the refractive index of the first sub-cover part CV2-a. The second coating layer RS-aa may be disposed directly on the lower surface 2aa_DF of the second sub-cover part CV2-aa. The refractive index of the second coating layer RS-aa may be substantially the same as the refractive index of the second sub-cover part CV2-aa.

[0139] One area of ​​the first coating layer RS-a may overlap with the first sub-cover part CV2-a, and another area of ​​the first coating layer RS-a may overlap with the third sub-cover part CV3-a. The one area of ​​the first coating layer RS-a may be an area extending from the other area of ​​the first coating layer RS-a in the first direction DR1. The other area of ​​the first coating layer RS-a may contact the inclined surface FS-a of the third sub-cover part CV3-a.

[0140] Another area of ​​the second coating layer RS-aa may overlap with the second sub-cover part CV2-aa, and one area of ​​the second coating layer RS-aa may overlap with the fourth sub-cover part CV3-aa. The one area of ​​the second coating layer RS-aa may be an area extending from the other area of ​​the second coating layer RS-aa in the first direction DR1. The one area of ​​the second coating layer RS-aa may contact the inclined surface FS-aa of the fourth sub-cover part CV3-aa.

[0141] Fig. 9C Another embodiment of the present invention is shown and included in the reference FIG. 3A to FIG. 4 A cross-sectional view of the cover window WP in the display device DD-b described in the following. Fig. 9C The description will be omitted and reference Figures 1A to 9B Any repeated detailed description of the described elements that are the same or similar will be described, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0142] In particular, Fig. 9C It can be shown that the FIG. 3A to FIG. 4 In addition to the first cover part CV1 including the fifth sub-cover part CV1-b and the sixth sub-cover part CV1-bb, Fig. 9C The base window WL-b shown in FIG. Fig. 9A The base window WL shown in FIG. is substantially the same. Fig. 9C In the base window WL-b shown in FIG. 1 , the third cover part CV3 may include a seventh sub-cover part CV3 - b and an eighth sub-cover part CV3 - bb.

[0143] As mentioned above, Figure 4 The embodiment of the display module DM-b shown in FIG may include a first non-deformation component NTF1-F, a second non-deformation component NTF2-F, and a deformation component TF-F disposed between the first non-deformation component NTF1-F and the second non-deformation component NTF2-F. The deformation component TF-F may be a bendable and deformable (e.g., foldable) component for a folding operation.

[0144] The first cover part CV1 may overlap the first non-deformation part NTF1-F and the second non-deformation part NTF2-F. The first cover part CV1 may include a fifth sub-cover part CV1-b and a sixth sub-cover part CV1-bb. The fifth sub-cover part CV1-b may overlap the first non-deformation part NTF1-F, and the sixth sub-cover part CV1-bb may overlap the second non-deformation part NTF2-F.

[0145] The third cover part CV3 may include a seventh sub-cover part CV3-b and an eighth sub-cover part CV3-bb. The seventh sub-cover part CV3-b may be arranged between the second cover part CV2 and the fifth sub-cover part CV1-b. The eighth sub-cover part CV3-bb may be arranged between the sixth sub-cover part CV1-bb and the second cover part CV2. The second cover part CV2 may be arranged between the seventh sub-cover part CV3-b and the eighth sub-cover part CV3-bb. The second cover part CV2 and the fifth sub-cover part CV1-b, the sixth sub-cover part CV1-bb, the seventh sub-cover part CV3-b and the eighth sub-cover part CV3-bb may have an integral shape or be formed integrally with each other as a single, single and indivisible part. The fifth sub-cover part CV1-b and the sixth sub-cover part CV1-bb may include crystallized glass. The second cover part CV2, the seventh sub-cover part CV3-b and the eighth sub-cover part CV3-bb may include amorphous glass. Therefore, the display device DD-b including the base window WL-b may have high impact resistance and easy folding characteristics.

[0146] The coating layer RS-b may be disposed directly on the lower surface 2_DF of the second cover part CV2. The refractive index of the coating layer RS-b may be substantially the same as the refractive index of the second cover part CV2.

[0147] An edge region on one side of the coating layer RS-b may contact the inclined surface FS-b of the seventh sub-cover part CV3-b. An edge region on the other side of the coating layer RS-b may contact the inclined surface FS-bb of the eighth sub-cover part CV3-bb. An edge region on one side of the coating layer RS-b and an edge region on the other side of the coating layer RS-b may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2 and may not overlap with the second cover part CV2.

[0148] Fig.10 is a graph showing the drop ball test results of the cover window in Comparative Example 1 and the cover window in Example 1. Fig.10 The falling ball height at which the cover window of each of Comparative Example 1 and Example 1 is damaged when the ball falls on the cover window set on the rough surface of the sandpaper is shown. The cover window of Example 1 is a cover window including crystallized glass according to the embodiment, and the cover window of Comparative Example 1 does not include crystallized glass. The cover window of Comparative Example 1 and the cover window of Example 1 differ from each other only in whether or not to include crystallized glass. The ball used in the falling ball test has a diameter of approximately 6π (diameter). ) in size and weighs approximately 1 gram (g).

[0149] Reference Fig.10, compared with the cover window of comparative example 1, it can be seen that the cover window of example 1 has a larger height at which the cover window is damaged. Since the cover window of example 1 includes crystallized glass, the mechanical strength is improved, and thus the height at which the cover window is damaged is relatively large. Therefore, in an embodiment, the cover window including the first cover part including crystallized glass can have high impact resistance.

[0150] Fig.11 is a graph showing light transmittance evaluated according to wavelength in the cover window of Example 2. The light transmittance according to wavelength was evaluated using a spectrophotometer CM-3600D (product of Konica Minolta). The cover window of Example 2 is a cover window including crystallized glass according to an embodiment. The thickness of the cover window of Example 2 is about 600 μm, and the diameter of the crystals of the crystallized glass included in the cover window of Example 2 is in the range of about 20 nm to about 40 nm. The cover window of Example 2 satisfies the diameter range of the crystals according to the embodiment. In an embodiment, the crystallized glass included in the first cover part may be composed of crystals having a diameter of about 100 nm or less.

[0151] Reference Fig.11 , it can be seen that the cover window of Example 2 has a light transmittance of at least about 90% in a wavelength region of about 380 nm to about 780 nm. Therefore, in an embodiment, a cover window including a crystallized glass formed of crystals having a diameter of about 100 nm or less can have high optical characteristics.

[0152] Table 1 below shows the light transmittance, haze value, and yellowness index (YI) measured for the cover window of each of Comparative Example 2 and Example 2. Table 1 shows the results of evaluation using a spectrophotometer CM-3600D (product of Konica Minolta) under the conditions of standard light source D65. The light transmittance value is measured at a wavelength of about 550 nm.

[0153] The cover window of Comparative Example 2 includes crystallized glass and crystals, and each of the plurality of crystals has a diameter of about 200 nm to about 350 nm. Fig.11 As described, the cover window of Example 2 is a cover window according to the embodiment including crystals each having a diameter of about 20 nm to about 40 nm. The cover window of Comparative Example 2 and the cover window of Example 2 differ from each other only in the size of the crystals. When the haze value is about 0.5% or less, the haze value is determined to be excellent, and when the yellowness index is about 1.0 or less, the yellowness index is determined to be excellent.

[0154] [Table 1]

[0155] Light transmittance (Tr,%, 550nm) Haze value (haze, %) Yellowness Index (YI) Example 2 90.53％ 0.29％ 0.71 Comparative Example 2 84.20％ 4.40％ 1.58

[0156] Referring to Table 1, it can be seen that the cover window of Example 2 has a light transmittance of about 90% or more, a haze value of about 0.5% or less, and a yellow index of about 1.0 or less. The cover window of Example 2 includes a crystallized glass composed of crystals each having a diameter in the range of about 20 nm to about 40 nm, and it can be seen that the cover window of Example 2 has high optical characteristics.

[0157] On the other hand, it can be seen that the cover window of Comparative Example 2 has a relatively low light transmittance, a haze value greater than about 0.5%, and a yellow index greater than about 1.0. The cover window of Comparative Example 2 includes a crystallized glass composed of crystals each having a diameter in the range of about 200 nm to about 350 nm (relatively large diameter), and therefore it can be seen that the optical characteristics are deteriorated.

[0158] The cover window according to the embodiment may include: a first cover part, overlapping with the non-deformable part and including crystallized glass; and a second cover part, overlapping with the deformable part that can be bent and deformed for folding operation or sliding operation and not including crystallized glass. Therefore, the cover window can have improved impact resistance while reducing the thickness difference between the first cover part and the second cover part. The display device including the cover window according to the embodiment can have high impact resistance and have the characteristics of easy folding and sliding.

[0159] The display device according to the embodiment may be formed by the manufacturing method for the display device according to the embodiment. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B is a flowchart illustrating a manufacturing method for a display device according to an embodiment. Figures 13 to 17 Schematically illustrates the manufacturing operation of the display device according to the embodiment. FIG. 12A to FIG. 17 The description of Figures 1A to 11 Any repeated detailed description of the described elements that are the same or similar will be described, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0160] Reference Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B , the manufacturing method for a display device according to an embodiment may include preparing a display panel (S100) and forming a cover window (S200). Figure 4 , Figure 7 and 9A to 9CAs described, the display panel DP may include a deformable part TF-F, TF-S or TF-Sa and a non-deformable part NTF1-F, NTF2-F or NTF-S adjacent to the deformable part TF-F, TF-S or TF-Sa. The deformable part TF-F, TF-S or TF-Sa may be a bendable and deformable part for sliding operation or folding operation. The base window WL, WL-a or WL-b may include a first cover part CV1 overlapping with the non-deformable part NTF1-F, NTF2-F or NTF-S and including a crystallized glass, and a second cover part CV2 overlapping with the deformable part STF-F, TF-S or TF-Sa and not including a crystallized glass.

[0161] The forming of the cover window (S200) may include preparing a preliminary cover window (S210), forming a first cover member (S220), and forming a second cover member (S230). Fig. 12B As shown in , the forming of the second cover part (S230) may be performed after the forming of the first cover part (S220), but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the forming of the first cover part may be performed after the forming of the second cover part. The order of performing the forming of the first cover part and the forming of the second cover part is not limited to any one embodiment of the present invention.

[0162] Reference Fig.13 , the preliminary cover window P-WP may include a preliminary first cover part P-CV1 and a preliminary second cover part P-CV2 adjacent to the preliminary first cover part P-CV1. In addition, the preliminary cover window P-WP may include a preliminary third cover part P-CV3 defined between the preliminary first cover part P-CV1 and the preliminary second cover part P-CV2. The preliminary first cover part P-CV1, the preliminary second cover part P-CV2 and the preliminary third cover part P-CV3 may have an integral shape or be formed integrally with each other as a single, single and indivisible part. The preliminary first cover part P-CV1, the preliminary second cover part P-CV2 and the preliminary third cover part P-CV3 may be portions of the preliminary cover window P-WP defined as corresponding to the first cover part CV1, the second cover part CV2 and the third cover part CV3 to be formed, respectively. The preliminary first cover part P-CV1, the preliminary second cover part P-CV2 and the preliminary third cover part P-CV3 may include amorphous glass.

[0163] The preliminary cover window P-WP may be a glass substrate including amorphous glass. For example, the glass substrate may include a material selected from SiO 2 、Al 2 O 3 , B 2 O 3 、Na 2 O and Li 2O. However, this is an example, and the material constituting the glass substrate is not limited thereto.

[0164] In an embodiment, Fig.14 The first cover member CV1 shown in FIG. 4 can be formed by irradiating (illuminating) the laser light LA ​​onto the Fig.13 The preliminary first cover part P-CV1 shown in is formed. The laser LA can be provided by a laser device LS arranged on one surface of the preliminary first cover part P-CV1. In an embodiment, for example, the first cover part CV1 can be formed by the preliminary first cover part P-CV1 via an excimer laser annealing (ELA) process. The crystallized glass included in the first cover part CV1 can be formed by irradiating the laser LA to the amorphous glass included in the preliminary first cover part P-CV1. The first cover part CV1 may include a crystallized glass containing or consisting of crystals GC. The diameter of the crystal GC may be in the range of about 10nm to about 100nm.

[0165] The laser light LA ​​may not be radiated to the preliminary second cover member P-CV2 and the preliminary third cover member P-CV3. Therefore, the second cover member CV2 (see FIG. 1 ) formed of the preliminary second cover member P-CV2 and the preliminary third cover member P-CV3, respectively. Fig.17 ) and the third cover member CV3 (see Fig.17 ) may not include crystallized glass.

[0166] Reference Fig.14 and Fig.15 , the preliminary second cover part P-CV2 may be etched to form the second cover part CV2. In an embodiment, for example, the preliminary second cover part P-CV2 may be wet etched by an etching solution ET. The etching solution ET is not limited to any one embodiment of the present invention, and any etching solution known in the art for etching glass may be provided without limitation.

[0167] The etching solution ET may not be provided to the first cover part CV1, and the first cover part CV1 may not be etched. Therefore, the second thickness T2 of the second cover part CV2 (see Fig. 9A ) may be formed to be smaller than the first thickness T1 of the first cover member CV1 (see Fig. 9A ).

[0168] In addition, a portion of the preliminary third cover part P-CV3 may be etched by the etching solution ET to form the third cover part CV3. Since only a portion of the preliminary third cover part P-CV3 is etched, the third cover part CV3 may have a first thickness T1 at one end adjacent to the first cover part CV1 (see Fig. 9A ), and has a second thickness T2 at the other end adjacent to the second cover member CV2 (see Fig. 9A).

[0169] In the manufacturing method for a display device according to the embodiment, the laser LA (see Fig.13 ) to form the first cover part CV1, and then the second cover part CV2 is formed by an etching solution ET, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the second cover part CV2 may be formed by an etching solution ET, and then the first cover part CV1 may be formed by a laser LA. A preliminary base window P-WL including the first cover part CV1, the second cover part CV2, and the third cover part CV3 may be formed by the laser LA and the etching solution ET.

[0170] The manufacturing method for a display device according to an embodiment may further include: after forming the first cover part CV1 and forming the second cover part CV2, immersing the first cover part CV1 and the second cover part CV2 in a molten salt SA (see Fig.16 ). Fig.16 , the preliminary substrate window P-WL including the first cover part CV1, the second cover part CV2 and the third cover part CV3 can be immersed in the molten salt SA. Fig.15 ) and molten salt SA to perform chemical strengthening treatment. In an embodiment, for example, the Li + Ions can be exchanged for Na in molten salt SA + Ion or K + However, this is an example, and the ions included in the preliminary matrix window P-WL and the ions included in the molten salt SA are not limited to any one embodiment of the present invention.

[0171] The manufacturing method for a display device according to an embodiment may further include forming a coating layer RS ​​(see FIG. 1 ) on one surface of the second cover part CV2. Fig.17 Based on the thickness direction (eg, the third directional axis DR3), one surface of the second cover part CV2 may be a lower surface 2_DF of the second cover part CV2.

[0172] Reference Fig.17, the coating layer RS ​​may be formed directly on the lower surface 2_DF of the second cover part CV2. The coating layer RS ​​may be formed by coating an optically transparent polymer resin. The coating layer RS ​​may include a material having a refractive index substantially the same as that of the second cover part CV2 or may be formed of a material having a refractive index substantially the same as that of the second cover part CV2. In an embodiment, for example, the coating layer RS ​​may be formed by coating an acrylic resin. The acrylic resin may be provided to have a refractive index substantially the same as that of the second cover part CV2. The coating layer RS ​​may not overlap with the first cover part CV1 including crystallized glass. The coating layer RS ​​may be in contact with the second cover part CV2 and the third cover part CV3.

[0173] The manufacturing method for a display device according to an embodiment may further include forming a printing layer PIL (see Fig.18 ) and forming an anti-fingerprint layer AF (see Fig.18 ). The printed layer PIL may be formed on one surface (e.g., lower surface) of the first cover part CV1 and on one surface (e.g., lower surface) of the second cover part CV2. In an embodiment, for example, the printed layer PIL may be directly formed on one surface (e.g., lower surface) of the first cover part CV1 and on one surface of the coating layer RS ​​on the second cover part CV2. The anti-fingerprint layer AF may be formed on the other surface or the opposite surface (e.g., upper surface) of the first cover part CV1 and on the other surface or the opposite surface (e.g., upper surface) of the second cover part CV2.

[0174] Reference Fig.18 The printing layer PIL may be formed on one surface (eg, lower surface) of the base window WL. In an embodiment, for example, the printing layer PIL may include or be formed of a black pigment or a black dye.

[0175] The anti-fingerprint layer AF may be formed on another surface (eg, upper surface) of the base window WL. In an embodiment, for example, a fluorine-containing anti-fingerprint agent may be provided to form the anti-fingerprint layer AF. The cover window WP including the printed layer PIL, the anti-fingerprint layer AF and the base window WL (see Figure 7 ) can be provided on the display panel DP (see Figure 7 )superior.

[0176] The manufacturing method for a display device according to an embodiment may include irradiating laser. A first cover member including crystallized glass may be formed by irradiating laser to a preliminary first cover member of a preliminary cover window. A preliminary second cover member may not be irradiated with laser and may be etched to form a second cover member. The second cover member may be a bendable and deformable member for a folding operation or a sliding operation. A cover window including a first cover member including crystallized glass and a second cover member not including crystallized glass may have high impact resistance. Therefore, a display device including a cover window according to an embodiment formed by a manufacturing method for a display device according to an embodiment may have high impact resistance. In addition, a display device including a cover window according to an embodiment may have the characteristics of easy folding and sliding.

[0177] Since the display device according to the embodiment includes the cover window partially including crystallized glass, the display device may be easily slidable or foldable and may have high impact resistance.

[0178] The manufacturing method for a display device according to an embodiment may include irradiating laser to form a cover window partially including crystallized glass, thereby forming a display device that is easily slidable or foldable and has high impact resistance.

[0179] The present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0180] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A display device, in, The display device comprises: A display panel comprising a deformable component capable of bending and deformation and a non-deformable component adjacent to the deformable component; and a cover window, arranged on the display panel, Wherein, the cover window comprises: a first cover member overlapping the non-deformable member and comprising crystallized glass; and The second cover member overlaps the deformable member and does not include the crystallized glass.

2. The display device according to claim 1, in, The crystallized glass includes crystals having a diameter in a range of 10 nm to 100 nm.

3. The display device according to claim 1, in, The second cover member includes amorphous glass.

4. The display device according to claim 1, in, The cover window further includes a coating layer overlapping the second cover component, and wherein the coating layer does not overlap the first cover component.

5. The display device according to claim 4, in, The coating layer has a refractive index that is the same as a refractive index of the second cover member.

6. The display device according to claim 4, in, The coating layer includes an optically clear polymer resin.

7. The display device according to claim 1, in, A first thickness of the first cover member is greater than a second thickness of the second cover member.

8. The display device according to claim 1, in, The cover window further includes a third cover member disposed between the first cover member and the second cover member and including an inclined surface, and wherein the third cover member does not include the crystallized glass and includes amorphous glass.

9. A method for manufacturing a display device, in, The manufacturing method comprises: preparing a display panel, the display panel comprising a deformable component capable of bending and deformation and a non-deformable component adjacent to the deformable component; and forming a cover window including a first cover part overlapping the non-deformed part and including a crystallized glass and a second cover part overlapping the deformed part and not including the crystallized glass, Wherein, forming the cover window comprises: preparing a preliminary cover window, the preliminary cover window comprising a preliminary first cover component and a preliminary second cover component adjacent to the preliminary first cover component; etching the preliminary second cover member to form the second cover member; and Before or after forming the second cover member, laser is irradiated to the preliminary first cover member to form the first cover member.

10. The manufacturing method according to claim 9, in, The preliminary first cover member comprises amorphous glass, and The forming of the first cover member includes irradiating the laser to the amorphous glass to form the crystallized glass.

11. The manufacturing method according to claim 9, in, The laser light is not radiated to the preliminary second cover member.

12. The manufacturing method according to claim 9, in, The thickness of the preliminary second cover member is reduced by the etching.

13. The manufacturing method according to claim 9, in, The etching the preliminary second cover member includes providing an etching solution to the preliminary second cover member.

14. The manufacturing method according to claim 9, in, The cover window further includes a third cover member disposed between the first cover member and the second cover member and including an inclined surface, and The third cover member is formed in the same process as the etching of the preliminary second cover member.

15. The manufacturing method according to claim 9, in, The forming of the cover window further includes: after the forming of the first cover member and the forming of the second cover member, forming a coating layer on the one surface of the second cover member by providing an optically transparent polymer resin on the one surface of the second cover member.

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