Window, display device including window, and electronic device including display device

Abstract

A window, a display device including the window, and an electronic device including the display device are disclosed. The window includes: a glass substrate; a folding region including: a first-1 portion foldable relative to a folding axis extending in a first direction and having a uniform thickness; and a non-folding region defined to be adjacent to (or adjacent to) the folding region in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in the unfolded state of the window, and including: a second-1 portion having a thickness that increases with increasing distance from the first-1 portion.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and all benefits derived therefrom of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0031102, filed on March 11, 2025, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to windows, display devices including windows, and electronic devices including display devices. More specifically, this disclosure relates to windows including wide sloping portions, display devices including the windows, and electronic devices including the display devices. Background Technology

[0003] Electronic devices display images to provide information to users. Recently, various types of electronic devices are being developed. In particular, foldable electronic devices are being developed.

[0004] Electronic devices include display devices and windows. Windows include glass substrates. Window structures are being developed to improve the impact resistance and strength of windows that provide the outer surface of electronic devices, and to reduce stress generated during folding. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a window with improved impact resistance for a display device.

[0006] This disclosure provides a display device including the window.

[0007] This disclosure provides an electronic device including the window.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention provides a window comprising: a glass substrate including: a folding region comprising: a first-1 portion foldable relative to a folding axis extending in a first direction and having a uniform thickness; and a non-folding region defined to be adjacent to (or adjacent to) the folding region in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in the unfolded state of the window, and including a second-1 portion having a thickness that increases with increasing distance from the first-1 portion.

[0009] In one embodiment, the folded region further includes a first-second portion disposed between the first-first portion and the second-first portion, having a thickness that increases with increasing distance from the first-first portion and including an upper surface connected to the upper surface of the first-first portion and the upper surface of the second-first portion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first-1 portion has a length of approximately 5 millimeters (mm) in the second direction.

[0011] In one embodiment, the thickness of the first-1 portion is approximately 30 micrometers.

[0012] In one embodiment, the non-folded region further includes a second-2 portion disposed between the second-1 portion and the edge of the glass substrate, including an upper surface connected to the upper surface of the second-1 portion and having a uniform thickness.

[0013] The second-2 portion has a length of approximately 1 mm in the second direction.

[0014] The thickness of the second-second portion is in the range of about 70 micrometers to about 230 micrometers.

[0015] In one embodiment, one of the upper and lower surfaces of the glass substrate is a flat surface, and the other of the glass substrate (the remaining one of the upper and lower surfaces of the glass substrate) is provided with a recessed region defined in the glass substrate.

[0016] In one embodiment, the window further includes a resin layer that overlaps with the folded region and the non-folded region, and the surface of the resin layer opposite to the surface of the resin layer facing the concave region is flat.

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention provides a display device, comprising: a display panel including: a folding region foldable relative to a folding axis extending in a first direction; a first non-folding region; and a second non-folding region, the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region being located on opposite sides of the folding region such that the folding region is disposed between the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region; and a window coupled to the display panel and including a glass substrate. The glass substrate includes a recessed region defined in the folding region, the first non-folding region, and the second non-folding region.

[0018] In one embodiment, the length of the recessed region in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is approximately 90% or more the length between the first edge and the second edge of the display device in the second direction.

[0019] In one embodiment, the concave region includes a flat surface, a first inclined surface, and a second inclined surface, with the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface provided on opposite sides of the flat surface such that the flat surface is disposed between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface.

[0020] In one embodiment, the flat surface overlaps with the folded region, and the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface overlap with a portion of the folded region, the first non-folded region, and the second non-folded region.

[0021] In one embodiment, the window further includes a resin layer disposed on the upper surface of the glass substrate and filling the recessed region, and the upper surface of the resin layer is flat.

[0022] In one embodiment, the recessed region has a depth ranging from about 40 micrometers to about 200 micrometers.

[0023] An embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device, comprising: a display device including: a display panel including: a foldable display portion foldable relative to a folding axis extending in a first direction; a first non-foldable display portion; and a second non-foldable display portion, the first non-foldable display portion and the second non-foldable display portion being located on opposite sides of the foldable display portion such that the foldable display portion is disposed between the first non-foldable display portion and the second non-foldable display portion; a window disposed on the display panel and including a glass substrate; and a processor for controlling the display device. The glass substrate includes: a first portion overlapping a portion of the foldable display portion and including a flat surface on one of its surfaces; and a second portion disposed in the portion of the foldable display portion, the first non-foldable display portion, and the second non-foldable display portion and including an inclined surface on one of its surfaces.

[0024] In one embodiment, when the display panel and the window are folded, the distance between the facing portions of the upper surfaces of the window is less than the distance between the facing portions of the upper surfaces of the display panel.

[0025] In one embodiment, the electronic device further includes a cover layer. The upper surface of the glass substrate includes the flat surface of the first portion and the inclined surface of the second portion, the cover layer is disposed on the glass substrate, the lower surface of the cover layer contacts the upper surface of the glass substrate, and the upper surface of the cover layer is flat.

[0026] In one embodiment, when the display panel and the window are folded, the distance between the facing portions of the upper surfaces of the window is greater than the distance between the facing portions of the upper surfaces of the display panel.

[0027] In one embodiment, the electronic device further includes a cover layer. The lower surface of the glass substrate includes the flat surface of the first portion and the inclined surface of the second portion, the upper surface of the glass substrate is flat, the cover layer is disposed between the display panel and the glass substrate, and the upper surface of the cover layer contacts the lower surface of the glass substrate.

[0028] Based on the above, by extending the sloping portion of the window's glass substrate into the non-folding area, the slope of the glass substrate can be reduced. As the slope of the sloping portion decreases, the compressive stress applied to it decreases, and therefore, buckling is reduced. Because the slope becomes gentler, impacts applied to the sloping portion are dispersed, and impact resistance is enhanced. As the slope decreases, the difference in the degree of light reflection between the flat surface and the sloping surface decreases, and therefore, the sloping surface is prevented from being visible when viewing the window from above. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The above and other embodiments, advantages, and features of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings, which describe embodiments of the present disclosure in further detail with reference to the drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an embodiment of the electronic device disclosed herein;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the electronic device disclosed herein;

[0032] Figures 3A to 3C This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the electronic device disclosed herein;

[0033] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the electronic device disclosed herein;

[0034] Figure 5A This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the display device in a folded state according to the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 5B This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the display device in an unfolded state according to the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the window disclosed herein;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the window disclosed herein;

[0038] Figure 8A This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the display device in a folded state according to the present disclosure; and

[0039] Figure 8BThis is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the display device disclosed herein. Detailed Implementation

[0040] In this disclosure, it will be understood that when an element (or region, layer or portion) is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "connected to" or "attached to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to or attached to the other element or layer, or there may be an intermediary element or layer.

[0041] Similar reference numerals always refer to similar elements. In the figures, the thickness, scale, and dimensions of parts are exaggerated for the effective description of the technical content. As used herein, the term "and / or" can include any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0042] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “described” are intended to also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0043] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “down,” “above,” “up,” etc., may be used in this document to describe the relationship between one element or feature and other elements or features as shown in the drawn figures.

[0044] It will be further understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used in this specification specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0045] As used herein, “about” or “approximately” includes a stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation from a particular value determined by a person skilled in the art, taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, the term “about” may mean within one or more standard deviations of a stated value, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5% of a stated value.

[0046] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms (such as those defined in a general dictionary) shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0047] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] The display device according to this disclosure can be applied to various electronic devices. The electronic device according to this disclosure includes a display device, and may further include modules or devices with additional functions in addition to the display device.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an embodiment of the electronic device disclosed herein. Reference Figure 1 Electronic devices (EDs) may include display modules (DMs), processors (PRs), memory (MRs), and power modules (EMs).

[0050] The processor PR may include at least one of a central processing unit (“CPU”), an application processor (“AP”), a graphics processing unit (“GPU”), a communication processor (“CP”), an image signal processor (“ISP”), and a controller. The processor PR can control a display device.

[0051] The memory MR can store the data information required for the operation of the processor PR or the display module DM. When the processor PR executes the application stored in the memory MR, image data signals and / or input control signals can be transmitted to the display module DM, and the display module DM can process the received signals to output image information through the display screen.

[0052] The power module EM may include a power module such as a power adapter or battery device, and a power conversion module that converts the power supplied by the power module to generate the power required for the operation of the electronic device ED.

[0053] At least one of the components of the electronic device ED may be included in the display device. Additionally, among the various modules functionally contained within a single module, some may be included in the display device, while others may be provided independently of the display device. In one embodiment, the display device may include a display module DM, and the processor PR, memory MR, and power module EM may be provided as separate devices within the electronic device ED, without being included in the display device.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of various electronic devices disclosed herein.

[0055] refer to Figure 2 The various electronic devices used in the display devices in the embodiments may include electronic devices that display images, such as smartphones 10_1a, tablet PCs (“PCs”) 10_1b, laptop computers 10_1c, televisions 10_1d, desktop monitors 10_1e, etc.; wearable electronic devices including display modules, such as smart glasses 10_2a, head-mounted displays 10_2b, smartwatches 10_2c, etc.; or in-vehicle electronic devices 10_3 including display modules, such as instrument panels, center consoles, central information displays (“CIDs”) mounted on instrument panels, or in-vehicle mirror displays.

[0056] Figures 3A to 3C This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the electronic device disclosed herein.

[0057] refer to Figures 3A to 3C The electronic device ED may include a display device DD and a housing HAU that houses the display device DD. The electronic device ED may include a display surface FS provided by the display device DD and a back surface RS opposite to the display surface FS. The display surface FS may be defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. The electronic device ED may provide an image IM to a user through the display surface FS. The image IM may be provided towards a third direction DR3. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the back surface RS may also display an image that is the same as or different from the image IM. Hereinafter, the direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 is defined as the third direction DR3. Additionally, in this specification, the expression "in a plan view" may be defined as the state viewed from the third direction DR3.

[0058] The display surface FS of the electronic device ED may include a display area F-AA and a peripheral area F-NAA. An image IM may be displayed through the display area F-AA. The peripheral area F-NAA may be defined as adjacent to (or adjacent to) the display area F-AA. The peripheral area F-NAA may not display the image IM and may have a selected color. The peripheral area F-NAA may surround the display area F-AA; however, it should not be limited thereto or therefore restricted. In one embodiment, the peripheral area F-NAA may be defined as adjacent only to one side of the display area F-AA (or adjacent to one side of the display area F-AA), or it may be omitted. In one embodiment, the electronic device ED may include display areas of various shapes and should not be particularly limited.

[0059] The display surface FS may further include a sensing area EMA. Various electronic modules may be arranged in the sensing area EMA. In one embodiment, the electronic modules may include at least one of a camera module, an optical sensor, and a thermal sensor. The sensing area EMA may be surrounded by the display area F-AA. In the illustrated embodiment, one sensing area EMA is shown as an exemplary embodiment, but the number of sensing areas EMA should not be limited to this or therefore restricted.

[0060] The sensing area EMA can be part of the display area F-AA. Accordingly, the image IM can be displayed through the sensing area EMA. In one embodiment, for example, when the electronic module arranged in the sensing area EMA is deactivated, the sensing area EMA can be used as part of the display area F-AA to display the image IM.

[0061] The display surface FS may include a folded region FA and non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2. The electronic device ED may include multiple non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2. In an illustrated embodiment, the electronic device ED may include a first non-folded region NFA1 and a second non-folded region NFA2, and the folded region FA may be disposed between the first non-folded region NFA1 and the second non-folded region NFA2. Figures 3A to 3C An electronic device ED is shown that includes a folded region FA; however, this disclosure should not be limited thereto or therefore restricted. In one embodiment, the electronic device ED may include multiple folded regions.

[0062] refer to Figure 3B and Figure 3C The electronic device ED can be folded relative to a folding axis FX extending in one direction. Figure 3B and Figure 3C The folding axis FX shown can be an imaginary axis extending in the first direction DR1, defined to overlap with the folding region FA and substantially parallel to the direction in which the long side of the electronic device ED extends.

[0063] refer to Figure 3B The electronic device ED can be folded to allow the first non-folded region NFA1 and the second non-folded region NFA2 to face each other. That is, the electronic device ED can be folded inwards, and therefore, the display surface FS is not exposed to the outside. (Reference) Figure 3C The electronic device ED can be folded outwards to allow the display surface FS to be exposed to the outside.

[0064] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the electronic device ED disclosed herein.

[0065] The electronic device ED may include a display panel DP and a window WM disposed on the display panel DP. The display panel DP and the window WM may be housed in a housing HAU. The window WM may be connected to the display panel DP.

[0066] The display panel DP can be a light-emitting display panel. In one embodiment, for example, the display panel DP can be an organic light-emitting display panel, an inorganic light-emitting display panel, a micro light-emitting diode (“micro LED”) display panel, a micro organic LED (“micro OLED”) display panel, or a nano LED display panel.

[0067] The display panel (DP) can include the display area (DP-DA) and the non-display area (DP-NDA). The display area (DP-DA) can be the region in which pixels are arranged and can generate a reference. Figures 3A to 3C The image IM is described. The display area of ​​the DP display panel DP-DA can be compared with the reference. Figures 3A to 3C The description corresponds to the display area F-AA. The non-display area DP-NDA can be compared with the reference. Figures 3A to 3C The surrounding area described corresponds to F-NAA. In this disclosure, the expression "area (or part) corresponds to another area (or another part)" means "area (or part) overlaps with another area (or another part)," however, they should not be limited to having the same size or the same shape.

[0068] The display panel DP may include a folded area (or folded display portion) FA-D, a first non-folded area (or first non-folded display portion) NFA1-D, and a second non-folded area (or second non-folded display portion) NFA2-D, which are respectively related to a reference. Figures 3A to 3C The described electronic device ED (or display device DD) has a folded area FA, a first non-folded area NFA1, and a second non-folded area NFA2. Figure 4 In the middle, the portion of the second non-folded region NFA2-D that protrudes from the window WM can be bent and positioned below the second non-folded region NFA2-D.

[0069] The electronic device ED may include a window adhesive layer AP-W disposed between the display panel DP and the window WM. The window adhesive layer AP-W may be an optically clear adhesive (“OCA”) film or an optically clear adhesive resin (“OCR”) layer. In one embodiment, the window adhesive layer AP-W may be omitted.

[0070] Windows WM can provide a reference. Figures 3A to 3CThe described display surface FS. That is, the window WM can provide the front surface of the electronic device ED. The window WM may include a folding region FA-W and a first non-folding region NFA1-W and a second non-folding region NFA2-W, which correspond to the folding region FA and the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2 of the electronic device ED, respectively. When the electronic device ED is folded, the folding region FA-W can be bent at a selected curvature.

[0071] Although not shown separately, the window WM may include a substrate and a border pattern disposed on one surface of the substrate. The area where the border pattern is disposed may define a reference. Figures 3A to 3C The surrounding area F-NAA is described. In one embodiment, the border pattern may be omitted.

[0072] In one embodiment, for example, the electronic device ED may further include an input sensor module on the display panel DP. The display panel DP, or a module including the display panel DP and the input sensor module, may also be referred to as a display module DM (see reference). Figure 1 The electronic device ED may further include a lower module disposed below the display panel DP. The lower module may further include at least one of a support module, a protective layer, and a buffer layer. The electronic device ED may further include a protective film and a protective adhesive layer disposed on the window WM. Electronic module (e.g., reference...) Figure 1 The described processor (PR), memory (MR), and power module (EM) can be arranged within the space defined by the display panel (DP) and the housing (HAU). Additionally, see reference... Figures 3A to 3C Other components described can also be arranged in this space.

[0073] Figure 5A This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the display device in a folded state according to the present disclosure. Figure 5B This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the display device in an unfolded state according to the present disclosure.

[0074] For ease of explanation, Figure 5A Only the display panel DP, the window adhesive layer AP-W, and the window WM, which are included in the display device DD, are shown; other components are omitted.

[0075] Figure 5A This is a cross-sectional view of the display device in an inwardly folded state about the folding axis FX1. When the display device DD is folded, the distance D between the facing portions of the upper surfaces of window WM is shown. WM The distance D between the facing portions of the upper surfaces of the display panel DP is smaller than the distance D between the facing portions of the display panel DP. DM .

[0076] Figure 5BThis is a cross-sectional view of the display device DD in its unfolded state, which can be seen in... Figure 5A Operate in the inward-folded state. (See reference) Figure 5B The window WM may include a glass substrate GS and a resin layer RL disposed on one surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the glass substrate GS.

[0077] refer to Figure 5B The glass substrate GS can include relative to Figures 3A to 3C The display surface FS has a concave region CP that is recessed downwards. The concave region CP can be defined within the folded region FA and the non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2. The concave region can cover the entire non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2. (Refer to...) Figure 6 Describe the structure of the GS glass substrate in detail.

[0078] A resin layer RL can be provided on a glass substrate GS to fill recessed areas. The resin layer RL can cover the upper surface of the glass substrate GS and can be defined as a capping layer. The lower surface of the capping layer can contact the upper surface of the glass substrate GS, and the upper surface of the capping layer can be flat. The resin layer RL can comprise acrylic resin, epoxy resin, silicone resin, urethane resin, urethane acrylate resin, hybrid sol-gel, and siloxane resin. A window WM with the above structure can maintain the optical and design characteristics of the glass substrate GS while providing enhanced impact resistance through the resin layer RL. Figures 3A to 3C The display surface FS can be provided by the upper surface of the resin layer RL.

[0079] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the window disclosed herein.

[0080] Window WM may include a folding region FA-W and non-folding regions NFA1-W and NFA2-W. The folding region FA-W may be folded relative to a folding axis extending in a first direction DR1, and when window WM is in the unfolded state, the non-folding regions NFA1-W and NFA2-W may be adjacent to (or adjacent to) the folding region FA-W in a second direction DR2.

[0081] The glass substrate GS may include a first portion P1 corresponding to (or overlapping with) the folded region FA-W and a second portion P2 corresponding to (or overlapping with) the unfolded regions NFA1-W and NFA2-W.

[0082] The first portion P1 and the second portion P2 can be divided into multiple regions based on variations in thickness. The first portion P1 may include a first portion P1-1 having a substantially uniform thickness, and a first portion P1-2 having a thickness that increases with increasing distance from the first portion P1-1. The first portion P1-2 may be disposed between the first portion P1-1 and the second portion P2, and may connect the first portion P1-1 and the second portion P2.

[0083] The second portion P2 may include a second-first portion P2-1 having a thickness that increases with distance from the first-second portion P1-2 (or the first-first portion P1-1), and a second-second portion P2-2 having a substantially uniform thickness. The second-first portion P2-1 may be disposed between the first-second portion P1-2 and the second-second portion P2-2, and may connect the first-second portion P1-2 and the second-second portion P2-2. The second-second portion P2-2 may be disposed between the second-first portion P2-1 and the edges EG1 and EG2 of the glass substrate GS. The second-second portion P2-2 may include an upper surface connected to the upper surface of the second-first portion P2-1. In one embodiment, the first-second portion P1-2 may include an upper surface connected to the upper surfaces of the first-first portion P1-1 and the second-first portion P2-1.

[0084] The first portion P1 may have a thickness smaller than that of the second portion P2. The first-1 portion P1-1 may have a relatively small thickness T2 to reduce compressive stress when the window WM is folded. The statement "the first portion P1 has a thickness smaller than that of the second portion P2" can be a comparison of thickness values ​​measured at any point on the first portion P1 and the second portion P2, or a comparison of the average thickness of the first portion P1 and the second portion P2. In an alternative embodiment, this statement can be a comparison between the maximum thickness of the first portion P1 and the minimum thickness of the second portion P2. However, when comparing the thicknesses of these two portions, the boundary between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 can be excluded.

[0085] The thickness of part 1-1 P1-1 can be the same as the thickness of part 1-2 P1-2 at the boundary (or boundary point) between part 1-1 P1-1 and part 1-2 P1-2, and the thickness of part 1-2 P1-2 can be the same as the thickness of part 2-1 P2-1 at the boundary (or boundary point) between part 1-2 P1-2 and part 2-1 P2-1.

[0086] Parts 1-2 P1-2 and Part 2-1 P2-1 can form an integrally formed (or single) oblique region, and parts 1-2 P1-2 and Part 2-1 P2-1 can connect parts 1-1 P1-1 and Part 2-2 P2-2. This oblique region can be defined to span the folded region FA-W and the non-folded regions NFA1-W and NFA2-W. In another embodiment, part 1-1 P1-1 can be referred to as first part P1, and parts 1-2 P1-2 and Part 2-1 P2-1 can be referred to as second part P2.

[0087] The portion of the glass substrate GS adjacent to the edge EG (or adjacent to the edge EG of the glass substrate GS) in part P2-2 can have a uniform thickness, and therefore, the impact resistance of the relatively vulnerable edge EG of the glass substrate GS can be improved. Figure 6 Part 2-2 P2-2 is shown in the figure, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, part 2-2 P2-2 may be omitted.

[0088] The thickness T2 of portion 1-1 P1-1 can be approximately 30 micrometers, and the thickness T1 of portion 2-2 P2-2 can range from approximately 70 micrometers to approximately 230 micrometers. If portion 2-2 P2-2 is omitted, the thickest part of portion 2-1 P2-1 can have a thickness ranging from approximately 100 micrometers to approximately 230 micrometers. In one embodiment, the thickness T2 of portion 1-1 P1-1 can be approximately 30 micrometers, and the thickness T1 of portion 2-2 P2-2 can be approximately 100 micrometers, or approximately 150 micrometers, or approximately 200 micrometers.

[0089] The lower surface of the glass substrate GS can be a flat surface. The glass substrate GS can be divided into multiple regions based on the slope of its upper surface. The upper surface (or concave region CP) of the glass substrate GS can include a first flat surface FS1, a sloping surface SS, and a second flat surface FS2. The sloping surface SS can include a first sloping surface SS1 that overlaps with the folded region FA-W and a second sloping surface SS2 that overlaps with the unfolded regions NFA1-W and NFA2-W.

[0090] The first flat surface FS1, the first inclined surface SS1, the second inclined surface SS2, and the second flat surface FS2 can correspond to the first-1 part P1-1, the first-2 part P1-2, the second-1 part P2-1, and the second-2 part P2-2, respectively.

[0091] Two inclined surfaces SS can be provided on opposite sides of the folded region FA-W, and can define a concave region CP together with a first flat surface FS1 disposed between the two inclined surfaces SS while facing each other. The concave region CP can be defined in the folded region FA-W, the first non-folded region NFA1-W, and the second non-folded region NFA2-W.

[0092] Glass substrate GS can have electronic devices ED (reference) Figure 3A The length L1 of the glass substrate GS is determined by the length between the first edge EG1 and the second edge EG2. The first flat surface FS1 may have a length L2 greater than or equal to about 5 mm in the second direction DR2. The length L2 of the first flat surface FS1 may be less than the length of the folded region FA-W. The second flat surface FS2 may have a length L3 less than or equal to about 1 mm in the second direction DR2. The length L4 of the recessed region CP may be greater than or equal to about 90% of the length L1 of the glass substrate GS. In the case where the second-2 portion P2-2 is not formed, the length L4 of the recessed region CP may be the same as the length L1 of the glass substrate GS. The depth of the recessed region CP may be defined by the value obtained by subtracting the thickness T2 of the first-1 portion P1-1 from the thickness T1 of the second-2 portion P2-2. The depth of the recessed region CP may be in the range of about 40 micrometers to about 200 micrometers.

[0093] The resin layer RL can fill the recessed region CP to provide a flat upper surface. The portion of the resin layer RL corresponding to the folded region FA-W can have a greater thickness than the portions of the resin layer RL corresponding to the first non-folded region NFA1-W and the second non-folded region NFA2-W. Because the resin layer RL has a thickness that compensates for the thickness of the glass substrate GS, the window WM can have a uniform thickness in the folded region FA-W and the non-folded regions NFA1-W and NFA2-W.

[0094] According to the above structure, since the inclined region is defined not only in the folded regions FA-W, but also in the unfolded regions NFA1-W and NFA2-W, the angle defined by the inclined surface SS relative to the first flat surface FS1 can be reduced. This angle can also be referred to as the slope. When the slope is large, a difference in the degree of light reflection between the inclined surface SS and the first flat surface FS1 may occur, and therefore, the inclined surface SS may become visible when viewed from above through the window WM. By reducing the slope, the inclined surface SS can be prevented from becoming visible.

[0095] Furthermore, the reduced slope can disperse the compressive forces generated during the folding of the electronic device, thus enhancing structural rigidity and reducing buckling. Moreover, when an impact is applied to the window WM from the outside, the impact can be dispersed, improving the window WM's impact resistance.

[0096] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the window WM' disclosed herein.

[0097] In one embodiment, the first and second portions P1-2 and the second portion P2 of the inclined surface SS' forming the window WM' may have curved surfaces. As the thickness of the glass substrate GS increases, the slope of the inclined surface SS' relative to the display surface FS' can change. When the inclined surface SS' has curved surfaces, the slope of the glass substrate GS can become gentler as it approaches the edge EG of the glass substrate GS. Since the window WM' can have sufficient impact resistance against external impacts even without an additional flat surface, the flat surface can be omitted. The non-folded regions NFA1-W and NFA2-W of the glass substrate GS may consist only of the portions whose thickness increases with increasing distance from the folded regions FA-W.

[0098] Figure 8A This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the display device in a folded state according to the present disclosure. Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the display device disclosed herein.

[0099] Figure 8A The display panel DP, window adhesive layer AP-W, and window WM are shown only schematically among the components of the display device DD'. Figure 8A and Figure 8B In the figures, similar / identical reference numerals indicate Figures 1 to 7 Similar / identical elements will be omitted, and therefore, detailed descriptions of similar / identical elements will be omitted.

[0100] Figure 8A This is a cross-sectional view of the display device DD' in an outward-folded state about the folding axis FX2, and according to the display device DD', the distance D between the facing portions of the upper surfaces of the display panel DP in the outward-folded state. DM The distance D between the facing portions of the upper surface of window WM in its outward-folded state is smaller than the distance D between the portions facing each other. WM .

[0101] refer to Figure 8BThe display device DD' may include a resin layer RL disposed on a display panel DP and a glass substrate GS disposed on the resin layer RL. That is, the resin layer RL may be disposed between the display panel DP and the glass substrate GS, and the upper surface of the resin layer RL may contact the lower surface of the glass substrate GS. Figure 8B middle, Figures 3A to 3C The display surface FS can be provided by the upper surface of the glass substrate GS.

[0102] The upper surface US of the glass substrate GS can be a flat surface, and the recessed region CP can be defined in the lower surface LS of the glass substrate GS. The window WM of the outwardly folded display device DD' can be formed by... Figure 6 The upper surface of the window WM is arranged (or attached) to face the display panel DP. The recessed area CP of the glass substrate GS can be defined to face the display panel DP. Figure 8B Show window WM, where with Figure 5B Compared to the window WM shown, the positions of the glass substrate GS and the resin layer RL are flipped.

[0103] In one embodiment, the stacking structure of the window WM can be modified. In one embodiment, the resin layer RL can be omitted. In one embodiment, for example, the resin layer RL can be replaced with an adhesive layer such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet. A protective film can be further disposed on the adhesive layer.

[0104] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described, it should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be limited to these embodiments, but rather that various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as claimed. Therefore, the subject matter disclosed should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, and the scope of the inventive concept should be determined based on the appended claims.

Claims

1. A window, comprising: Glass substrate, including: The folded area includes: Part 1-1 is foldable relative to a folding axis extending in a first direction and has a uniform thickness; and The non-folding region is defined as being adjacent to the folding region in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when the window is in its unfolded state, and the non-folding region includes: Part 2-1 has a thickness that increases with the distance from Part 1-1.

2. The window of claim 1, wherein the folding region further comprises a first-second portion disposed between the first-first portion and the second-first portion, the first-second portion having a thickness that increases with increasing distance from the first-first portion and comprising an upper surface connected to the upper surface of the first-first portion and the upper surface of the second-first portion.

3. The window according to claim 1, wherein the first-1 portion has a length of 5 mm in the second direction.

4. The window according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the first-1 portion is 30 micrometers.

5. The window of claim 1, wherein the non-folding region further comprises a second-2 portion disposed between the second-1 portion and the edge of the glass substrate, the second-2 portion comprising an upper surface connected to the upper surface of the second-1 portion and having a uniform thickness.

6. The window according to claim 5, wherein the second-second portion has a length of 1 mm in the second direction.

7. The window of claim 6, wherein the thickness of the second-second portion is in the range of 70 micrometers to 230 micrometers.

8. The window according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein one of the upper and lower surfaces of the glass substrate is a flat surface, and the remaining one of the upper and lower surfaces of the glass substrate is provided with a recessed region defined in the glass substrate.

9. The window of claim 8, further comprising a resin layer overlapping the folded region and the non-folded region, wherein the surface of the resin layer opposite to the surface of the resin layer facing the concave region is flat.

10. A display device, comprising: The display panel includes: The folding region can be folded relative to the folding axis extending in the first direction; The first non-folded region; and A second non-folding region, wherein the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region are located on opposite sides of the folding region, such that the folding region is disposed between the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region; and A window, connected to the display panel, and including: A glass substrate, the glass substrate including a recessed region defined in the folded region, the first non-folded region and the second non-folded region.

11. The display device of claim 10, wherein the length of the recessed region in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is at least 90% of the length between the first edge and the second edge of the display device in the second direction.

12. The display device of claim 10, wherein the recessed region comprises a flat surface, a first inclined surface, and a second inclined surface, and the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are provided on opposite sides of the flat surface such that the flat surface is disposed between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface.

13. The display device of claim 12, wherein the flat surface overlaps with the folded region, and the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface overlap with a portion of the folded region, the first non-folded region, and the second non-folded region.

14. The display device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the window further comprises a resin layer disposed on the upper surface of the glass substrate and filling the recessed region, and the upper surface of the resin layer is flat.

15. The display device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the recessed region has a depth in the range of 40 micrometers to 200 micrometers.

16. An electronic device comprising: The display device includes: A display panel includes: a foldable display portion foldable relative to a folding axis extending in a first direction; a first non-foldable display portion; and a second non-foldable display portion, wherein the first non-foldable display portion and the second non-foldable display portion are located on opposite sides of the foldable display portion, such that the foldable display portion is disposed between the first non-foldable display portion and the second non-foldable display portion; and A window, disposed on the display panel, the window comprising: Glass substrate, including: A first portion, overlapping a portion of the folded display portion, the first portion comprising: Flat surface; and The second part is disposed in a portion of the folded display portion, the first non-folded display portion, and the second non-folded display portion, and the second part includes: Inclined surfaces; and The processor controls the display device.

17. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein in the folded state of the display panel and the window, the distance between the facing portions of the upper surfaces of the window is less than the distance between the facing portions of the upper surfaces of the display panel.

18. The electronic device of claim 17, further comprising a cover layer, wherein the upper surface of the glass substrate includes the flat surface of the first portion and the inclined surface of the second portion, the cover layer is disposed on the glass substrate, the lower surface of the cover layer contacts the upper surface of the glass substrate, and the upper surface of the cover layer is flat.

19. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein in the folded state of the display panel and the window, the distance between the facing portions of the upper surfaces of the window is greater than the distance between the facing portions of the upper surfaces of the display panel.

20. The electronic device of claim 19, further comprising a cover layer, wherein the lower surface of the glass substrate includes the flat surface of the first portion and the inclined surface of the second portion, the upper surface of the glass substrate is flat, the cover layer is disposed between the display panel and the glass substrate, and the upper surface of the cover layer contacts the lower surface of the glass substrate.

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