Indication device

Abstract

A stretchable display device is provided, which includes an extendable cover window. [Solution] An embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel comprising a plurality of rigid regions and a ductile region surrounding the plurality of rigid regions, and a cover window disposed on the display panel and comprising a plurality of glass patterns and a resin layer covering one side and the sides of the plurality of glass patterns, wherein the plurality of glass patterns are superimposed on the plurality of rigid regions, and the resin layer is superimposed on the ductile region. Therefore, by arranging glass patterns in the rigid regions that do not stretch and arranging a flexible resin layer in the ductile regions that stretch, a stretchable display device can be provided in which both the display panel and the cover window are stretchable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a display device, and more particularly to a stretchable display device that can be extended.

Background Art

[0002] Display devices used in computer monitors, TVs, mobile phones, etc. include organic light emitting display devices (OLEDs) that emit light by themselves, and liquid crystal display devices (LCDs) that require a separate light source.

[0003] The application range of display devices is diverse, not only including computer monitors and TVs, but also personal mobile devices. Research is underway on display devices that have a larger display area while having a smaller volume and weight.

[0004] In recent years, display devices that are manufactured by forming a display portion, wiring, etc. on a flexible substrate such as plastic, which is a flexible (flexible) material, and can be stretched and contracted in a specific direction and changed into various shapes, have attracted attention as next-generation display devices.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by this specification is to provide a stretchable display device including a cover window that can be stretched.

[0006] Another problem to be solved by this specification is to provide a stretchable display device including a cover window with improved appearance quality and rigidity.

[0007] Another problem that this specification seeks to solve is to provide a stretchable display device that includes a cover window in which the ratio of the resin layer to the glass pattern can be changed, taking into account the material properties of the resin layer.

[0008] Another problem that this specification seeks to solve is to provide a stretchable display device that includes a cover window with improved adhesion between multiple glass patterns and resin layers.

[0009] Another problem that this specification seeks to solve is to provide a stretchable display device that includes a cover window in which cracks in multiple glass patterns are minimized and reduced during stretching.

[0010] Another problem that this specification seeks to solve is to provide a stretchable display device including a cover window in which a black resin layer is formed in the bezel region.

[0011] The problems described herein are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A display device according to one embodiment of this specification includes a display panel including a plurality of rigid regions and ductile regions surrounding the plurality of rigid regions, and a cover window disposed on the display panel and including a plurality of glass patterns and a resin layer covering one side and side of the plurality of glass patterns, wherein the plurality of glass patterns are superimposed on the plurality of rigid regions, and the resin layer is superimposed on the ductile regions. Therefore, by arranging glass patterns in the rigid regions that do not stretch and arranging a flexible resin layer in the ductile regions that stretch, a stretchable display device can be provided in which both the display panel and the cover window stretch.

[0013] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this specification, the appearance quality and rigidity of the cover window can be improved by forming it from a different material.

[0015] According to this specification, the rigidity and durability of the cover window can be improved by varying the ratio of the resin layer to the glass pattern depending on the material of the resin layer.

[0016] According to this specification, the shape of multiple glass patterns can be altered to improve the adhesion between the multiple glass patterns of the cover window and the resin layer.

[0017] According to this specification, during stretching, cracks in multiple glass patterns can be reduced while being minimized.

[0018] According to this specification, a cover window with a black resin layer formed in the bezel area can be placed to prevent the various components of the bezel area from being visible.

[0019] The effects described herein are not limited to those exemplified above, and a wider variety of effects are included within this specification. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of the display panel of a display device according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 4] This is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the display device along line A-A' in Figure 3. [Figure 5a] This is a process diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 5b]It is a process diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 5c] It is a process diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 5d] It is a process diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 6] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. [Figure 7] It is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. [Figure 8a] It is a process diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. [Figure 8b] It is a process diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. [Figure 8c] It is a process diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. [Figure 8d] It is a process diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. [Figure 9] It is a schematic enlarged plan view of a display device according to yet another embodiment of this specification. [Figure 10] It is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a display device taken along B-B' of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] It is a schematic enlarged plan view of a display device according to yet another embodiment of this specification. [Figure 12] It is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a display device taken along C-C' of FIG. 11. [Figure 13a] It is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a cover window according to various embodiments of this specification. [Figure 13b] It is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a cover window according to various embodiments of this specification. [Figure 13c] It is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a cover window according to various embodiments of this specification. [Figure 13d] It is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a cover window according to various embodiments of this specification. [Figure 13e] This is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a cover window according to various embodiments of this specification. [Figure 13f] This is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a cover window according to various embodiments of this specification. [Figure 14] This is a schematic plan view of the cover window of a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. [Figure 15a] This is a schematic side view of a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. [Figure 15b] This is a schematic side view of a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. [Figure 16] This is a schematic rear view of the cover window of a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. [Figure 17a] This is a schematic right side view of a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. [Figure 17b] This is a schematic right side view of a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] The advantages and features of this specification, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the examples described below in detail with the accompanying drawings. However, this specification is not limited to the examples disclosed below, but can be embodied in a variety of different shapes, and these examples are provided merely to make the disclosure of this specification complete and to fully inform a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this specification belongs of the scope of the invention.

[0022] The shapes, areas, proportions, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings illustrating the embodiments of this specification are illustrative and the specification is not limited to those illustrated. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components. Furthermore, in describing this specification, if it is determined that a specific explanation of related prior art would unnecessarily obscure the gist of this specification, such detailed explanation will be omitted. Where "includes," "has," "is made," etc., are used in this specification, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. When a component is expressed singularly, it includes cases where it includes multiple components unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0023] When interpreting the constituent elements, they shall be interpreted as including a margin of error, even if not explicitly stated otherwise.

[0024] When describing a spatial relationship, for example, when describing the positional relationship between two parts using phrases like "on top," "above," "below," or "next to," it is acceptable for one or more other parts to be located between the two parts, as long as "immediately" or "directly" is not used.

[0025] When an element or layer is referred to as "on" another element or layer, this includes cases where another layer or other element is interposed immediately above or between the other element.

[0026] Furthermore, while terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe a variety of components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component referred to below may also be the second component within the technical concept of this specification.

[0027] Throughout the specification, the same reference numeral refers to the same component.

[0028] The area and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and this specification is not necessarily limited to the area and thickness of the components shown.

[0029] The features of each of the various embodiments described herein can be combined or combined with one another, either partially or as a whole, enabling a variety of technically diverse interoperability and drive, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of the others or together in relation to one another.

[0030] In the following, this specification will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to one embodiment of this specification.

[0032] One embodiment of the display device 100 described herein is a display device 100 capable of displaying images even when bent or stretched, and may also be referred to as a stretchable display device, expandable display device, or extendable display device. The display device 100 not only has higher flexibility than conventional general display devices, but can also have stretchability. Therefore, not only can the user bend or stretch the display device 100, but the shape of the display device 100 can also be freely changed by the user's operation. For example, if the user holds the end of the display device 100 and pulls it, the display device 100 may stretch in the direction the user is pulling. Or, if the user places the display device 100 on an uneven outer surface, the display device 100 may be positioned to bend along the shape of the outer surface of the wall. Furthermore, when the force applied by the user is removed, the display device 100 can be restored to its original shape.

[0033] Referring to Figure 1, the display device 100 according to one embodiment of this specification includes an extendable display panel PN, a back cover BC, and a cover window CW.

[0034] The display panel PN is configured to display an image and is stretchable, allowing it to be stretched and bent. The display panel PN may include a sequentially stacked lower substrate 111, a pattern layer 120, transistors 150 and 160, a light-emitting element 170, and an upper substrate 112. The light-emitting element 170 can emit light under the control of transistors 150 and 160, thereby allowing an image to be displayed on the front of the display panel PN.

[0035] A cover window CW is positioned on the display panel PN. The cover window CW is designed to protect the lower part of the cover window CW from external impacts, etc. The cover window CW may be configured to be stretchable together with the display panel PN. The cover window CW is stretchable and includes multiple glass patterns GS and a resin layer RS. A more detailed explanation of the cover window CW will be given later with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0036] A back cover BC is positioned beneath the display panel PN. The back cover BC complements the rigidity of the display panel PN and supports it. The back cover BC may be configured to be stretchable together with the display panel PN. For example, the back cover BC may be formed using a stretchable insulating material such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

[0037] A first adhesive layer AD1 may be placed between the display panel PN and the back cover BC, and a second adhesive layer AD2 may be placed between the cover window CW and the display panel PN. The first adhesive layer AD1 and the second adhesive layer AD2 can bond the cover window CW, the display panel PN, and the back cover BC to each other. For example, the first adhesive layer AD1 and the second adhesive layer AD2 may be optically clear adhesives (OCA), and may be composed of acrylic adhesives, silicone adhesives, urethane adhesives, etc.

[0038] On the other hand, the display device 100 may also be equipped with a touch unit capable of sensing external input. The touch unit may be located on the upper part of the display panel PN, on the lower part of the display panel PN, or inside the display panel PN. For example, the touch unit may be located on the upper substrate 112 side of the display panel PN. The touch unit includes multiple touch electrodes and can sense changes in mutual capacitance or self-capacitance, and can sense touch input from a finger, pen, or the like.

[0039] In the following, the display panel PN of the display device 100 according to one embodiment of this specification will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 to 4.

[0040] Figure 2 is a plan view of the display panel of a display device according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 3 is an enlarged plan view of the display device according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 4 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the display device along line A-A' in Figure 3. For convenience of explanation, the cover window CW is omitted in Figure 2, only the first plate pattern 121, connecting wiring 180, light-emitting element 170, and cover window CW are shown in Figure 3, and only the lower substrate 111, pattern layer 120, light-emitting element 170, connecting wiring 180, filling layer 190, upper substrate 112 and multiple adhesive layers, back cover BC, and cover window CW of the display panel PN are shown in Figure 4.

[0041] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the lower substrate 111 supports various components of the display panel PN, and the upper substrate 112 can cover various components of the display panel PN.

[0042] The lower substrate 111 and the upper substrate 112 are ductile substrates and may be composed of an insulating material that can be bent and stretched. For example, the lower substrate 111 and the upper substrate 112 may be made of silicone rubber such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), or an elastomer such as polyurethane (PU) and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), thereby possessing flexible properties. The materials of the lower substrate 111 and the upper substrate 112 may be the same, but are not limited to this, and can be deformed in various ways.

[0043] The lower substrate 111 and the upper substrate 112 are ductile substrates that may be reversibly capable of expanding and contracting.

[0044] The display panel PN may have a display area AA on which an image is displayed and a non-display area NA excluding the display area AA. The display area AA is the area on the display panel PN where an image is displayed. Multiple pixels PX, each containing a display element and a circuit element, are arranged in the display area AA, and gate drivers GD and power supplies PS for driving the multiple pixels PX arranged in the display area AA may be arranged in the non-display area NA.

[0045] The lower substrate 111 may also be defined as including multiple rigid regions RA and ductile regions SA. The rigid regions RA may be referred to as the first region, and the ductile regions SA may be referred to as the second region. The multiple rigid regions RA may be arranged spaced apart from each other. The multiple rigid regions RA may be regions that overlap multiple first plate patterns 121 and multiple second plate patterns 123 within the lower substrate 111. The multiple rigid regions RA may be regions where multiple first plate patterns 121 and multiple second plate patterns 123 are arranged and have rigid properties.

[0046] The ductile region SA may be a region that encloses each of the multiple rigid regions RA. The ductile region SA may be a region that does not overlap with the multiple first plate patterns 121 and the multiple second plate patterns 123. The ductile region SA is a region between the multiple first plate patterns 121 and the multiple second plate patterns 123, and may include a region where multiple first wiring patterns 122 and multiple second wiring patterns 124 are arranged. The ductile region SA may also include a region where no pattern layer 120 is arranged. The ductile region SA may be a region where no multiple first plate patterns 121 and multiple second plate patterns 123 are arranged and which is flexibly deformable.

[0047] Therefore, by arranging multiple first plate patterns 121 and multiple second plate patterns 123 in multiple rigid regions RA, and not arranging multiple first plate patterns 121 and multiple second plate patterns 123 in the ductile region SA, the multiple rigid regions RA can have higher rigidity characteristics than the ductile region SA.

[0048] On the other hand, the display area AA, non-display area NA, ductile area SA, and multiple rigid areas RA are not limited to the display panel PN, but may be referred to in relation to the display device 100 as a whole.

[0049] Next, a pattern layer 120 is placed on the lower substrate 111. The pattern layer 120 includes a plurality of first board patterns 121 and a plurality of first wiring patterns 122 placed in the display area AA, and a plurality of second board patterns 123 and a plurality of second wiring patterns 124 placed in the non-display area NA.

[0050] The multiple first plate patterns 121 and the multiple second plate patterns 123 may be substrates on which components such as pixels PX, gate drivers GD, and power supplies PS are formed. The multiple first plate patterns 121 and the multiple second plate patterns 123 may be arranged in an island configuration that is spaced apart from each other. The multiple first plate patterns 121 and the multiple second plate patterns 123 are arranged on the lower substrate 111, spaced apart from each other. For example, the multiple first plate patterns 121 and the multiple second plate patterns 123 may be arranged in a matrix configuration, but are not limited to this. On the other hand, in Figure 2, the multiple first plate patterns 121 and the multiple second plate patterns 123 are shown to be rectangular in shape, but their shapes are not limited to this.

[0051] Multiple first wiring patterns 122 connect adjacent first board patterns 121, and multiple second wiring patterns 124 can connect adjacent first board patterns 121 and second board patterns 123, or connect multiple adjacent second board patterns 123. Multiple first wiring patterns 122 and multiple second wiring patterns 124 may have a bent shape, such as a sinusoidal shape, but are not limited thereto.

[0052] The multiple first plate patterns 121, multiple first wiring patterns 122, multiple second plate patterns 123, and multiple second wiring patterns 124 may be rigid patterns. For example, the multiple first plate patterns 121, multiple first wiring patterns 122, multiple second plate patterns 123, and multiple second wiring patterns 124 may be more rigid than the lower substrate 111 and upper substrate 112. Therefore, the elastic modulus and hardness of the multiple first plate patterns 121, multiple first wiring patterns 122, multiple second plate patterns 123, and multiple second wiring patterns 124 may be higher than the elastic modulus and hardness of the lower substrate 111. For example, the elastic modulus of the multiple first plate patterns 121, multiple first wiring patterns 122, multiple second plate patterns 123, and multiple second wiring patterns 124 may be 1000 times or more higher than the elastic modulus of the lower substrate 111 and upper substrate 112, but is not limited to this.

[0053] The multiple first plate patterns 121, multiple first wiring patterns 122, multiple second plate patterns 123, and multiple second wiring patterns 124 may be made of a plastic material having lower flexibility than the lower substrate 111 and the upper substrate 112.

[0054] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, a pixel PX containing multiple subpixels is arranged on the first plate pattern 121. For example, one pixel PX may contain three subpixels.

[0055] Each of the subpixels may include a light-emitting element 170 and a circuit for driving the light-emitting element 170. The subpixels may be connected to a plurality of connecting wires 180. That is, the subpixels may be electrically connected to a first connecting wire 181 extending in a first direction X and a second connecting wire 182 extending in a second direction Y.

[0056] Referring to Figure 2, gate drivers GD can be implemented on multiple second board patterns 123. A gate driver GD is a component that supplies gate voltage to multiple pixels PX arranged in display area AA. For example, a gate driver GD includes multiple stages formed on multiple second board patterns 123, and each stage of the gate driver GD can be electrically connected to each other through multiple connecting wires 180. Thus, a gate voltage output from any one stage can be transmitted to other stages. Each stage can then sequentially supply gate voltage to the multiple pixels PX connected to it.

[0057] Multiple power supply PSs can be mounted on the second board patterns 123. The power supply PS can be electrically connected to the gate driver GD and multiple pixel PXs. For example, the power supply PS can supply the gate drive voltage and gate clock voltage to the gate driver GD. The power supply PS can also be connected to multiple pixel PXs and supply the pixel PX drive voltage to each of the multiple pixel PXs.

[0058] A printed circuit board (PCB) is configured to transmit signals and voltages from the control unit to the display elements, including an IC chip, a circuit section, and / or memory, a processor, etc., in order to drive the display elements. To ensure stretchability, a printed circuit board (PCB) may include stretched and non-stretched regions. For example, IC chips, circuit sections, memory, processors, etc. may be mounted in the non-stretched regions, while wiring that electrically connects to the IC chips, circuit sections, memory, processors, etc. may be arranged in the stretched regions.

[0059] The data driver DD is a component that supplies data voltages to multiple pixels PX located in the display area AA. The data driver DD may be configured as an IC chip and may also be referred to as a data integrated circuit (D-IC).

[0060] Multiple light-emitting elements 170 are arranged on multiple first plate patterns 121. Each light-emitting element 170 may be either an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or a micro-LED (Micro Light Emitting Diode). However, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) may also be used as the light-emitting element 170, and the invention is not limited to this.

[0061] On the other hand, although not shown in the drawings, multiple circuits and multiple wirings for driving multiple light-emitting elements 170 may be arranged together on multiple first plate patterns 121. For example, multiple circuits may include elements such as drive transistors, switching transistors, and storage capacitors. For example, multiple wirings may include gate wiring, data wiring, high-voltage wiring, low-voltage wiring, and reference voltage wiring, depending on the circuit configuration.

[0062] Connecting wiring 180 is arranged on multiple first wiring patterns 122. Connecting wiring 180 means wiring that electrically connects pads on multiple first board patterns 121. Connecting wiring 180 is arranged on multiple first wiring patterns 122. Connecting wiring 180 may extend from multiple first wiring patterns 122 onto multiple first board patterns 121 in order to electrically connect to pads on multiple first board patterns 121. No first wiring patterns 122 are arranged in the region between multiple first board patterns 121 where connecting wiring 180 is not arranged.

[0063] The connecting wiring 180 includes a first connecting wiring 181 and a second connecting wiring 182. The first connecting wiring 181 and the second connecting wiring 182 are arranged between a plurality of first plate patterns 121. Specifically, the first connecting wiring 181 means a wiring of the connecting wiring 180 that extends in a first direction X from between a plurality of first plate patterns 121, and the second connecting wiring 182 means a wiring of the connecting wiring 180 that extends in a second direction Y from between a plurality of first plate patterns 121. For example, the connecting wiring 180 may include a variety of metallic materials.

[0064] In the case of a typical display panel for a display device, various wirings such as multiple gate lines and multiple data lines are arranged in a linear shape extending from between multiple subpixels, and multiple subpixels are connected to a single signal line. Therefore, in the case of a typical display panel for a display device, various wirings such as gate lines, data lines, high-voltage lines, and reference voltage lines extend from one side of the display panel to the other without being interrupted on the substrate.

[0065] In contrast, in the case of the display panel PN of the display device 100 according to one embodiment of this specification, various types of wiring, such as linear gate wiring, data wiring, high-potential voltage wiring, reference voltage wiring, and initialization voltage wiring, which are commonly used in the display panel PN of general display devices, are arranged only on a plurality of first board patterns 121 and a plurality of second board patterns 123.

[0066] In a display panel PN according to one embodiment of this specification, pads on two adjacent first plate patterns 121 can be connected by connecting wiring 180. For example, gate wiring can be arranged on a plurality of first plate patterns 121 arranged adjacent to each other in a first direction X, and gate pads can be arranged at both ends of the gate wiring. In this case, each of the plurality of gate pads on the plurality of first plate patterns 121 arranged adjacent to each other in a first direction X can be connected to each other by first connecting wiring 181. Thus, the gate wiring arranged on the plurality of first plate patterns 121 and the first connecting wiring 181 arranged on the first wiring pattern 122 can function as a single gate wiring.

[0067] Therefore, among all the various wirings that may be included in the display panel PN, wirings extending in the first direction X, such as light emission signal wiring, low potential voltage wiring, and high potential voltage wiring, can also be electrically connected by the first connecting wiring 181 as described above.

[0068] The second connecting wiring 182 can connect to each other pads on a plurality of first plate patterns 121 that are arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction Y. The second connecting wiring 182 can connect, but is not limited to, pads of data wiring, high-voltage wiring, low-voltage wiring, or reference voltage wiring.

[0069] The upper substrate 112 is a substrate that supports various components placed beneath it. Specifically, the upper substrate 112 may be formed by coating the material constituting the upper substrate 112 onto the lower substrate 111 and the first plate pattern 121, and then curing it, and then positioned so as to be in contact with the lower substrate 111, the first plate pattern 121, the first wiring pattern 122, and the connecting wiring 180.

[0070] On the other hand, although the drawing shows that the upper substrate 112 is formed, the upper substrate 112 may be omitted depending on the design. In this case, the cover window CW placed on the display panel PN can protect the configuration of the display panel PN in the same way as the upper substrate 112.

[0071] A filler layer 190 is placed between the upper substrate 112 and the lower substrate 111. The filler layer 190 is placed on the front surface of the lower substrate 111 and may be positioned to surround the components placed on the upper substrate 112 and the lower substrate 111. The filler layer 190 may be made of a curable adhesive. Specifically, the material constituting the filler layer 190 can be formed by coating the front surface of the lower substrate 111 with the material and then curing it, thereby placing the filler layer 190 between the components placed on the upper substrate 112 and the lower substrate 111.

[0072] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the cover window CW includes multiple glass patterns GS and a resin layer RS ​​surrounding the multiple glass patterns GS.

[0073] Multiple glass patterns GS are rigid patterns made of glass, ensuring the rigidity and appearance quality of the cover window CW. Multiple glass patterns GS are arranged in multiple rigid regions RA. Multiple glass patterns GS may be arranged on multiple first plate patterns 121 on which pixels PX are formed. Multiple glass patterns GS may be arranged so as to superimpose on regions of the multiple first plate patterns 121 on which at least multiple light-emitting elements 170 are arranged. The size of each of the multiple glass patterns GS may be set to be the same as the size of the first plate pattern 121.

[0074] The resin layer RS ​​is a ductile pattern with elastic force, ensuring the stretchability of the cover window CW. The resin layer RS ​​is positioned to surround multiple glass patterns GS and can fix the multiple glass patterns GS in place. The resin layer RS ​​may be positioned to cover the sides and bottom surfaces of the multiple glass patterns GS. In this case, the top surface of the cover window CW may consist of the top surfaces of the multiple glass patterns GS and the top surface of the resin layer RS.

[0075] The cover window CW can be attached to the upper substrate 112 of the display panel PN through a second adhesive layer AD2. The second adhesive layer AD2 can be formed on the lower surface of the cover window CW, where multiple glass patterns GS are exposed, thereby adhering the cover window CW to the display panel PN. The second adhesive layer AD2 can be in contact with the lower surface of the multiple glass patterns GS and the lower surface of the resin layer RS.

[0076] The resin layer RS ​​may consist of a flexible material that can be stretched together with the display panel PN. For example, the resin layer RS ​​may contain a backbone material such as SSQ (silsesquioxane) or siloxane epoxy, an elastic polymer such as rubber, and a UV curing initiator. For example, the resin layer RS ​​may have a room-temperature hysteresis of about 1% or less and an elastic recovery rate of about 80% or more. The elongation rate of the resin layer RS ​​may be at least 8% or more. The elongation rate of the resin layer RS ​​may be about 20% or more.

[0077] The modulus (stress) of the resin layer RS ​​may be between 100 MPa and 400 MPa. If the modulus of the resin layer RS ​​is lower than 100 MPa, the hardness of the resin layer RS ​​will be low, making it difficult to use as a cover window CW. If the modulus of the resin layer RS ​​is higher than 400 MPa, the elongation rate of the resin layer RS ​​will decrease, making it difficult to form a flexible cover window CW.

[0078] The viscosity of the resin layer RS ​​may be between approximately 800 cp and 3000 cp. If the viscosity of the resin layer RS ​​is lower than 800 cp, it may become difficult to control the fluidity of the resin layer RS ​​during the formation of the cover window CW. If the viscosity of the resin layer RS ​​is higher than 3000 cp, it may become difficult to fill the areas between multiple glass patterns GS with the resin layer RS.

[0079] The thickness of the resin layer RS ​​located on the upper surface of the multiple glass patterns GS may be between approximately 30 μm and 80 μm. If the thickness of the resin layer RS ​​is less than 30 μm, it will be difficult to ensure the rigidity of the cover window CW surface, and if the thickness of the resin layer RS ​​is greater than 80 μm, it may be difficult to control the curl during the formation of the cover window CW.

[0080] The thickness of the multiple glass patterns GS may be between approximately 50 μm and 330 μm. If the thickness of the glass patterns GS is less than 50 μm, it is difficult to ensure the rigidity of the cover window CW, and if the thickness of the glass patterns GS is greater than 330 μm, it is difficult to fill the areas between the glass patterns GS with the resin layer RS, and cracks may easily occur during Z-axis deformation.

[0081] The refractive index of the multiple glass patterns GS is approximately 1.5, and the refractive index of the resin layer RS ​​may be a value similar to that of the glass patterns GS, for example, a value between approximately 1.495 and 1.505. By minimizing or reducing the refractive index difference between the resin layer RS ​​and the glass patterns GS, total internal reflection and other effects caused by the refractive index difference between the resin layer RS ​​and the glass patterns GS can be prevented.

[0082] Figures 5a to 5d are process diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to one embodiment of this specification.

[0083] Referring to Figure 5a, multiple glass patterns GS are formed on a temporary substrate SUB. A glass layer can be formed on the temporary substrate SUB on which the sacrificial layer SL is formed, and multiple glass patterns GS can be formed by patterning the glass layer into multiple pieces.

[0084] The temporary substrate SUB is a support member for the cover window CW during its formation. The temporary substrate SUB can be made of a rigid material. For example, the temporary substrate SUB can be made of glass, but is not limited to this.

[0085] The sacrificial layer SL is a layer formed to easily separate the temporary substrate SUB and the cover window CW. By irradiating the sacrificial layer SL with a laser beneath the temporary substrate SUB, the sacrificial layer SL can be dehydrogenated, thereby separating the temporary substrate SUB, the sacrificial layer SL, and the cover window CW. For example, the sacrificial layer SL may be made of hydrogenated amorphous silicon, or amorphous silicon that has been hydrogenated and doped with impurities.

[0086] Next, referring to Figure 5b, a resin layer RS ​​is formed to cover the multiple glass patterns GS. The resin layer RS ​​fills the areas between the multiple glass patterns GS and can contact the top and side surfaces of the multiple glass patterns GS. Therefore, a glass layer on a temporary substrate SUB can be patterned to form multiple glass patterns GS, and a resin layer RS ​​can be applied to the multiple glass patterns GS to form a cover window CW.

[0087] Next, referring to Figure 5c, the cover window CW and the temporary substrate SUB are separated, and a second adhesive layer AD2 is formed on one surface of the cover window CW. The second adhesive layer AD2 can be formed on one surface of the cover window CW exposed from the temporary substrate SUB, that is, on the lower surface of the multiple glass patterns GS and the lower surface of the resin layer RS.

[0088] Finally, referring to Figure 5d, the cover window CW is attached to the display panel PN using the second adhesive layer AD2. The cover window CW and the display panel PN can be bonded together by the second adhesive layer AD2.

[0089] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to one embodiment of this specification, the cover window CW can be formed from different materials, namely a plurality of glass patterns GS and a resin layer RS, and the cover window CW can be stretched together with the display panel PN. The plurality of glass patterns GS can be arranged in a plurality of rigid regions RA, and the resin layer RS ​​can be arranged in a ductile region SA, so that the display panel PN and the cover window CW can be stretched together. That is, the first plate pattern 121 of the display panel PN and the glass pattern GS of the cover window CW can be arranged in the rigid region RA and not stretched, while the first wiring pattern 122 of the display panel PN and the resin layer RS ​​of the cover window CW can be arranged in the ductile region SA and stretched together. If the glass pattern GS of the cover window CW is arranged in the ductile region SA, the stretching of the first wiring pattern 122 of the display panel PN may be hindered by the glass pattern GS. Therefore, the rigid glass pattern GS can be arranged in the rigid region RA, and the ductile resin layer RS ​​can be arranged in the ductile region SA, so that the display panel PN and the cover window CW can be stretched together. In this case, the shear stress of the second adhesive layer AD2 placed between the display panel PN and the cover window CW can be reduced, thereby reducing the stress applied to the display panel PN and minimizing or reducing defects that cause separation between the display panel PN and the cover window CW.

[0090] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. Figure 7 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. The display device 800 in Figures 6 and 7 is substantially identical to the display device 100 in Figures 1 to 4, except that the second adhesive layer AD2 is omitted and only the cover window CW is different, so redundant explanations are omitted.

[0091] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, a cover window CW is positioned on the display panel PN. The cover window CW includes multiple glass patterns GS and a resin layer RS ​​surrounding the multiple glass patterns GS.

[0092] The resin layer RS ​​can cover the sides and bottom surfaces of multiple glass patterns GS. The resin layer RS ​​can be placed between multiple glass patterns GS and the display panel PN, and in the regions between multiple glass patterns GS. A portion of the resin layer RS ​​placed between multiple glass patterns GS and the display panel PN can function as an adhesive layer that bonds the cover window CW and the display panel PN. Therefore, there is no need to form a separate adhesive layer between the cover window CW and the display panel PN, and the thickness of the display device 800 can be reduced.

[0093] In this case, the upper surfaces of the multiple glass patterns GS may be exposed from the resin layer RS. The upper surface of the cover window CW may be composed of the upper surfaces of the multiple glass patterns GS and the upper surface of the resin layer RS.

[0094] The resin layer RS ​​may consist of a material with stretchable and flexible properties. For example, the resin layer RS ​​may contain a backbone material such as SSQ (silsesquioxane) or siloxane epoxy, an elastic polymer such as rubber, and a UV curing initiator. For example, the resin layer RS ​​may have a room-temperature hysteresis of about 1% or less and an elastic recovery rate of about 80% or more. The elongation rate of the resin layer RS ​​may be at least 8% or more. The elongation rate of the resin layer RS ​​may be about 20% or more.

[0095] The modulus of the resin layer RS ​​may be between approximately 0.1 MPa and 10 MPa. If the modulus of the resin layer RS ​​is lower than 0.1 MPa, the hardness of the resin layer RS ​​will be low, making it difficult to improve the rigidity of the cover window CW. If the modulus of the resin layer RS ​​is higher than 10 MPa, the adhesive strength between the display panel PN and the resin layer RS ​​will decrease, making it difficult to bond the cover window CW and the display panel PN.

[0096] The viscosity of the resin layer RS ​​may be between approximately 800 cp and 3000 cp. If the viscosity of the resin layer RS ​​is lower than 800 cp, it may become difficult to control the fluidity of the resin layer RS ​​during the formation of the cover window CW. If the viscosity of the resin layer RS ​​is higher than 3000 cp, it may become difficult to fill the areas between multiple glass patterns GS with the resin layer RS.

[0097] The thickness of the multiple glass patterns GS may be between approximately 50 μm and 330 μm. If the thickness of the glass patterns GS is less than 50 μm, it is difficult to ensure the rigidity of the cover window CW, and if the thickness of the glass patterns GS is greater than 330 μm, it is difficult to fill the areas between the glass patterns GS with the resin layer RS, and cracks may easily occur during Z-axis deformation.

[0098] The refractive index of the multiple glass patterns GS is approximately 1.5, and the refractive index of the resin layer RS ​​may be a value similar to that of the glass patterns GS, for example, a value between approximately 1.495 and 1.505. By minimizing or reducing the refractive index difference between the resin layer RS ​​and the glass patterns GS, total internal reflection and other effects caused by the refractive index difference between the resin layer RS ​​and the glass patterns GS can be prevented.

[0099] Figures 8a to 8d are process diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to other embodiments of this specification.

[0100] Referring to Figure 8a, multiple glass patterns GS are formed on a temporary substrate SUB. A glass layer is formed on the temporary substrate SUB and the sacrificial layer SL, and multiple glass patterns GS can be formed by patterning the glass layer into multiple pieces.

[0101] Referring to Figure 8b, a resin layer RS ​​is formed to cover multiple glass patterns GS. The resin layer RS ​​fills the areas between the multiple glass patterns GS and can surround one face and side of the multiple glass patterns GS. Therefore, multiple glass patterns GS can be formed by patterning a glass layer on a temporary substrate SUB, and a cover window CW can be formed by coating the multiple glass patterns GS with the resin layer RS.

[0102] Referring to Figure 8c, the display panel PN is attached to the resin layer RS. The cover window CW on the temporary substrate SUB and the display panel PN can be bonded together. In this case, the resin layer RS ​​in contact with the display panel PN can function as an adhesive layer that bonds the cover window CW and the display panel PN together.

[0103] Referring to Figure 8d, the temporary substrate SUB is removed from the cover window CW. Thus, the temporary substrate SUB and the cover window CW can be separated to form the display device 800, which consists of the cover window CW, the display panel PN, the first adhesive layer AD1, and the back cover BC.

[0104] Accordingly, in the display device 800 according to other embodiments of this specification, the cover window CW can be formed by comprising a plurality of glass patterns GS and a resin layer RS ​​to create a stretchable cover window CW. In this case, the cover window CW can be formed using a temporary substrate SUB, and the resin layer RS ​​of the cover window CW can be directly bonded to the display panel PN without a separate adhesive layer. Therefore, the adhesive layer for connecting the cover window CW and the display panel PN can be omitted, and the structure of the display device 800 can be simplified.

[0105] Figure 9 is a schematic enlarged plan view of a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. Figure 10 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the display device along line B-B' in Figure 9. The display device 1100 in Figures 9 and 10 is substantially identical to the display device 800 in Figures 6 and 7, differing only in the glass pattern GS of the cover window CW; therefore, redundant explanations are omitted.

[0106] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, each of the multiple glass patterns GS may be formed to be larger than the size of the rigid region RA, i.e., the size of the first plate pattern 121. At least a portion of the glass pattern GS may protrude from the rigid region RA and be positioned on the ductile region SA. A portion of the glass pattern GS may extend from the rigid region RA into the ductile region SA. A portion of the glass pattern GS may be positioned on the ductile region SA adjacent to the edge of the rigid region RA.

[0107] On the other hand, the display device 100 in Figures 1 to 4 can also be made to enlarge the size of the multiple glass patterns GS as shown in the display device 1100 in Figures 9 and 10, and is not limited to this.

[0108] Accordingly, in the display device 1100 according to another embodiment of this specification, by forming the size of the multiple glass patterns GS to be larger than the size of the rigid region RA, the proportion occupied by the multiple glass patterns GS in the cover window CW can be increased and the proportion occupied by the resin layer RS ​​can be decreased. The resin layer RS ​​can be formed by selecting one of a variety of stretchable materials. For example, if the resin layer RS ​​is made of a material that has a relatively high stretchability and low rigidity among the various materials and has relatively excellent adhesion to the multiple glass patterns GS, the proportion of the rigid patterns, which are glass patterns GS, can be increased and the proportion of the resin layer RS ​​can be decreased to ensure that the rigidity of the cover window CW is above a certain level. Furthermore, because the resin layer RS ​​is made of a material with excellent adhesion to the glass patterns GS, even if the proportion of the resin layer RS ​​decreases, the resin layer RS ​​can easily fix the multiple glass patterns GS. Accordingly, by adjusting the ratio of the resin layer RS ​​to the multiple glass patterns GS considering the characteristics of the resin layer RS, the rigidity and durability of the cover window CW can be improved.

[0109] Figure 11 is a schematic enlarged plan view of a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. Figure 12 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the display device along C-C' in Figure 11. The display devices 1300 in Figures 11 and 12 are substantially identical to the display devices 800 in Figures 6 and 7, differing only in the glass pattern GS of the cover window CW; therefore, redundant explanations are omitted.

[0110] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, each of the multiple glass patterns GS may be formed smaller than the size of the rigid region RA, i.e., the size of the first plate pattern 121. At least a portion of the resin layer RS ​​may be arranged extending from the ductile region SA into the rigid region RA. The size of the glass pattern GS may be formed in a range between a size that can cover all of the multiple light-emitting elements 170 arranged on a single first plate pattern 121 and the size of the first plate pattern 121.

[0111] In this case, the boundary between the glass pattern GS and the resin layer RS ​​may be configured so as not to overlap with the multiple light-emitting elements 170. The edges of the glass pattern GS may overlap with the region outside the light-emitting elements 170. If the interface between the glass pattern GS and the resin layer RS ​​overlaps with the light-emitting elements 170, the interface between the glass pattern GS and the resin layer RS, where a refractive index difference exists, may be visible. Therefore, the size of the glass pattern GS may be formed to be larger than at least the region in the rigid region RA where the multiple light-emitting elements 170 are arranged, and may be arranged to cover the multiple light-emitting elements 170.

[0112] On the other hand, the display device 100 in Figures 1 to 4 can also reduce the size of the multiple glass patterns GS as in the display device 1300 in Figures 11 and 12, and is not limited to this.

[0113] Accordingly, in the display device 1300 according to another embodiment of this specification, by forming the size of the multiple glass patterns GS smaller than the size of the rigid region RA, the proportion occupied by the multiple glass patterns GS in the cover window CW can be reduced and the proportion occupied by the resin layer RS ​​can be increased. The resin layer RS ​​can be formed by selecting one of a variety of stretchable materials. For example, if the resin layer RS ​​is made of a material that has a relatively low elongation rate and high rigidity among the various materials, and has a relatively low adhesion force to the multiple glass patterns GS, the rigidity of the cover window CW can be ensured to a certain level or higher even if the proportion of glass patterns GS is reduced somewhat. Also, because the resin layer RS ​​is made of a material with a somewhat low adhesion force to the glass patterns GS, the proportion of the resin layer RS ​​can be increased to compensate for the low adhesion force between the resin layer RS ​​and the multiple glass patterns GS. Accordingly, the ratio of the resin layer RS ​​to the multiple glass patterns GS can be varied by taking into account the characteristics of the resin layer RS.

[0114] Figures 13a to 13f are schematic enlarged cross-sectional views of cover windows according to various embodiments of this specification.

[0115] Referring to Figures 13a to 13f, the multiple glass patterns GS of the cover window CW can be made into various shapes. By configuring the multiple glass patterns GS into various shapes, the adhesion between the multiple glass patterns GS and the resin layer RS ​​can be improved, and cracks and other defects in the multiple glass patterns GS can be minimized and reduced.

[0116] Referring to Figure 13a, the first cover window CWa includes a plurality of first glass patterns GSa and a resin layer RS. The first glass patterns GSa may have a shape in which the width narrows from one side to the opposite side. For example, the first glass patterns GSa may have an inverse tapered shape in which the width narrows from the top surface to the bottom surface. The sides of each of the plurality of first glass patterns GSa may be formed to be inclined. The first glass patterns GSa may have a shape in which the width narrows from the top surface to the bottom surface. An inverse tapered shape of the first glass patterns GSa can be formed by irradiating the first glass patterns GSa side at the bottom of the first glass patterns GSa. Therefore, the proportion of the surface of the first cover window CWa occupied by the first glass patterns GSa can be increased, and the rigidity of the surface of the first cover window CWa can be maximized or improved.

[0117] However, the first glass pattern GSa may also be a tapered shape in which the width narrows from the bottom surface to the top surface, that is, a shape in which the width widens from the top surface to the bottom surface, and is not limited to this.

[0118] Referring to Figure 13b, the second cover window CWb includes a plurality of second glass patterns GSb and a resin layer RS. The plurality of second glass patterns GSb may be in the same inverse tapered shape as the plurality of first glass patterns GSa. In this case, the second glass patterns GSb may be formed as curved surfaces with concave sides. Therefore, the proportion of the second glass patterns GSb on the surface of the second cover window CWb can be increased, and the rigidity of the surface of the second cover window CWb can be maximized or improved. Furthermore, by forming the sides of the second glass patterns GSb as concave, the contact area between the second glass patterns GSb and the resin layer RS ​​can be increased, and the proportion of the resin layer RS ​​throughout the second cover window CWb can be increased.

[0119] Referring to Figure 13c, the third cover window CWc includes a plurality of third glass patterns GSc and a resin layer RS. The plurality of third glass patterns GSc may be in the shape of an inverse taper. In this case, the sides of the plurality of third glass patterns GSc may be non-flat surfaces containing a plurality of irregularities. For example, a plurality of recesses may be formed on the sides of the plurality of third glass patterns GSc, forming a non-flat surface.

[0120] Here, “multiple irregularities” refers to surface features that deviate from a flat or smooth surface, and may include, for example, protrusions, recesses, ridges, grooves, or combinations thereof formed on the surface of a glass pattern. Multiple irregularities may have diverse shapes, such as linear, curved, polygonal, or random shapes, and may be periodic or aperiodic. In some examples, irregularities may have a height or depth measured in micrometers or other units across adjacent flat portions of the surface, and a width or spacing between adjacent irregularities. Such irregularities may be provided to improve adhesion between the resin layer and the glass pattern or to control the mechanical deformation properties of the cover window.

[0121] Referring to Figure 13d, the fourth cover window CWd includes a plurality of fourth glass patterns GSd and a resin layer RS. The plurality of fourth glass patterns GSd may be in the shape of an inverse taper. Irregularities are formed on the sides of the plurality of fourth glass patterns GSd. The sides of the plurality of fourth glass patterns GSd may be non-flat. For example, the sides of the plurality of fourth glass patterns GSd may be formed to have a gear shape.

[0122] Referring to both Figures 13c and 13d, the uneven surfaces of the multiple third glass patterns GSc and multiple fourth glass patterns GSd can be formed by laser irradiation or dry etching. Therefore, the adhesion between the multiple third glass patterns GSc and multiple fourth glass patterns GSd and the resin layer RS ​​can be improved by increasing the contact area with the resin layer RS ​​due to the uneven surfaces. In addition, when the third cover window CWc and fourth cover window CWd are stretched, the delamination between the multiple third glass patterns GSc and multiple fourth glass patterns GSd and the resin layer RS ​​is minimized or reduced, thereby improving the reliability of the third cover window CWc and fourth cover window CWd.

[0123] Referring to Figure 13e, the fifth cover window CWe includes multiple fifth glass patterns GSe and a resin layer RS. The multiple fifth glass patterns GSe may have a shape in which they are widest at the top and bottom and narrowest in the center. The multiple fifth glass patterns GSe may have a shape in which they become narrower from the top towards the center and wider from the center towards the bottom.

[0124] Referring to Figure 13f, the sixth cover window CWf includes multiple sixth glass patterns GSf and a resin layer RS. The multiple sixth glass patterns GSf may have a shape that is widest in the center and narrowest at the top and bottom. The multiple sixth glass patterns GSf may have a shape that widens from the top towards the center and narrows from the center towards the bottom.

[0125] Referring to both Figures 13e and 13f, the multiple fifth glass patterns GSe and the multiple sixth glass patterns GSf are configured with different widths in the central, upper, and lower portions, which can minimize or reduce cracking and delamination from the resin layer RS ​​due to Z-axis deformation. For example, when the fifth cover window CWe and the sixth cover window CWf are deformed in the Z-axis direction, the stress applied to the multiple fifth glass patterns GSe and the multiple sixth glass patterns GSf is distributed, which can minimize or reduce cracking in the multiple fifth glass patterns GSe and the multiple sixth glass patterns GSf, and minimize or reduce separation of each of the fifth glass patterns GSe and the sixth glass patterns GSf from the resin layer RS.

[0126] On the other hand, the multiple glass patterns GSa, GSb, GSc, GSd, GSe, and GSF shown in Figures 13a to 13f can be applied to any of the display devices 100 in Figures 1 to 4, 800 in Figures 6 and 7, 1100 in Figures 9 and 10, 1300 in Figures 11 and 12, and the display devices 1600 in Figure 14 and 1800 in Figure 16, which will be described later.

[0127] Accordingly, in the various embodiments of this specification, the cover windows CWa, CWb, CWc, CWd, CWe, and CWf can be formed into various structures to improve the appearance quality and reliability of the cover windows CWa, CWb, CWc, CWd, CWe, and CWf. For example, the appearance quality can be improved by forming the glass patterns GSa, GSb, GSc, GSd, GSe, and GSf into an inverse tapered shape, and the adhesion between the glass patterns GSa, GSb, GSc, GSd, GSe, and GSf and the resin layer RS ​​can be improved by forming the sides of the glass patterns GSa, GSb, GSc, GSd, GSe, and GSf into curved or uneven surfaces. Furthermore, by adjusting the width of the glass patterns GSa, GSb, GSc, GSd, GSe, and GSF in various ways, cracks in the glass patterns GSa, GSb, GSc, GSd, GSe, and GSF can be prevented, and the adhesion between the glass patterns GSa, GSb, GSc, GSd, GSe, and GSF and the resin layer RS ​​can be improved.

[0128] Figure 14 is a schematic plan view of the cover window of a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. Figures 15a and 15b are schematic side views of a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. The display device 1600 in Figure 14 is substantially identical in other configurations to the display devices 100 in Figures 1 to 4 and the display devices 800 in Figures 6 and 7, except that it further includes a black resin layer BM, so redundant explanations are omitted.

[0129] Referring to Figure 14, another embodiment of the display device 1600 according to this specification further includes a black resin layer BM. The black resin layer BM is positioned at the edge of the cover window CW and can conceal various components positioned on the bezel of the display device 1600 from view. The black resin layer BM may be positioned coplanar with a portion of the resin layer RS ​​that covers one surface of a plurality of glass patterns GS. The black resin layer BM may be positioned to surround the resin layer RS ​​and may be in contact with the side surface of the resin layer RS. The black resin layer BM may be in contact with one surface of the outermost glass pattern GS among the plurality of glass patterns GS.

[0130] Referring to Figure 15a, in the case of the display device 1600A in which a resin layer RS ​​covers the upper surface of multiple glass patterns GS and the surface of the cover window CW is composed of the resin layer RS, a black resin layer BM may be positioned on the upper surface of the cover window CW along the edge of the cover window CW. The black resin layer BM may be positioned together with the resin layer RS ​​to cover the upper surface of multiple glass patterns GS.

[0131] Referring to Figure 15b, in the case of the display device 1600B in which the resin layer RS ​​covers the underside of multiple glass patterns GS and the surface of the cover window CW is composed of the resin layer RS ​​and multiple glass patterns GS, the black resin layer BM may be positioned on the underside of the cover window CW along the edge of the cover window CW. The black resin layer BM may be positioned together with the resin layer RS ​​to cover the underside of the multiple glass patterns GS.

[0132] The black resin layer BM can be formed by adding a black substance, such as carbon black or carbon nanotubes, to the same material as the resin layer RS. The optical density (OD) of the black resin layer BM may be 1 or greater. When forming the resin layer RS ​​on multiple glass patterns GS, the resin forming the black resin layer BM can be applied together to form the black resin layer BM.

[0133] Accordingly, in the display device 1600 according to another embodiment of this specification, a black resin layer BM can be formed on the edge of the cover window CW to prevent the various components of the bezel from being visible. A black bezel can be formed by forming a resin layer RS ​​and a black resin layer BM surrounding the resin layer RS ​​on one surface of a plurality of glass patterns GS, eliminating the need to form a separate black layer and simplifying the structure of the display device 1600.

[0134] Figure 16 is a schematic rear view of the cover window of a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. Figures 17a and 17b are schematic right side views of a display device according to another embodiment of this specification. The display device 1800 in Figure 16 is substantially identical to the display device 1600 in Figure 14, except that the black resin layer BM further includes multiple grooves BMO, so redundant explanations are omitted. In Figure 16, for the sake of explanation, hatching is added only to the areas where multiple grooves BMO are not formed, and the hatching is removed in the areas where multiple grooves BMO are formed, so that the areas where multiple grooves BMO are arranged can be distinguished.

[0135] Referring to Figure 16, the black resin layer BM includes multiple grooves BMO formed on its underside. These grooves BMO may be formed on at least a portion of the black resin layer BM. For example, Figure 16 shows a case where the grooves BMO are formed on only one of the four sides of the cover window CW, but the grooves BMO may extend from the underside to the top surface of the black resin layer BM. The grooves BMO may not completely penetrate the black resin layer BM, but may be formed on only a portion of it. The grooves BMO of the black resin layer BM may not be visible on the surface of the cover window CW. However, the grooves BMO of the black resin layer BM may be visible on the sides of the cover window CW.

[0136] The thickness of the portion of the black resin layer BM that overlaps with multiple grooves BMO may be smaller than the thickness of the remaining portion that does not overlap with the grooves BMO. The formation of multiple grooves BMO, resulting in a relatively smaller thickness in a portion of the black resin layer BM, allows the black resin layer BM to deform more flexibly.

[0137] Referring to Figure 17a, in the case of the display device 1800A configured such that a black resin layer BM covers the upper surface of multiple glass patterns GS, multiple grooves BMO may be formed in the direction from the lower surface to the upper surface of the black resin layer BM. In the regions where multiple grooves BMO are formed, gaps may be formed between the black resin layer BM and the upper surface of the glass patterns GS, and between the other portion of the resin layer RS ​​filled between the multiple glass patterns GS and the black resin layer BM.

[0138] Referring to Figure 17b, in the case of the display device 1800B configured such that a black resin layer BM covers the lower surface of multiple glass patterns GS, multiple grooves BMO may be formed in the direction from the lower surface to the upper surface of the black resin layer BM. In the region where multiple grooves BMO are formed, a gap may be formed between the black resin layer BM and the upper surface of the display panel PN.

[0139] Accordingly, in the display device 1800 according to another embodiment of this specification, the stretchability of the black resin layer BM can be increased by forming a plurality of grooves BMO on the lower surface side of the black resin layer BM. By forming a plurality of grooves BMO in the black resin layer BM, the black resin layer BM, which has a small thickness due to the grooves BMO, can be deformed more flexibly. Accordingly, the stretchability of the black resin layer BM can be improved by forming a plurality of grooves BMO in the black resin layer BM, and both the black resin layer BM, the cover window CW, and the display panel PN can be easily stretched.

[0140] The various embodiments of this specification may be described as follows.

[0141] A display device according to one embodiment of this specification includes a display panel including a plurality of rigid regions and a ductile region surrounding the plurality of rigid regions, and a cover window disposed on the display panel and including a plurality of glass patterns and a resin layer covering one face and side of the plurality of glass patterns, wherein the plurality of glass patterns are superimposed on the plurality of rigid regions and the resin layer is superimposed on the ductile region.

[0142] According to other features of this specification, the display panel further includes a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in each of a plurality of rigid regions, and each of a plurality of glass patterns may be superimposed on the plurality of light-emitting elements in each of the plurality of rigid regions.

[0143] According to other features of this specification, the size of each of the multiple glass patterns is smaller than the size of each of the multiple rigid regions, and the multiple glass patterns can be superimposed on the entirety of the multiple light-emitting elements.

[0144] According to other features of this specification, each of the multiple glass patterns is larger than each of the multiple rigid regions, and at least a portion of the multiple glass patterns may overlap the ductile region.

[0145] According to other features of this specification, the display device further includes an adhesive layer disposed between a cover window and a display panel, wherein the resin layer is disposed to cover between and over the glass patterns, and the adhesive layer may be in contact with the underside of the glass patterns and the underside of the resin layer.

[0146] According to other features of this specification, the upper surface of the cover window may consist of the upper surface of the resin layer.

[0147] According to other features of this specification, the resin layer is arranged to cover the spaces between and beneath the glass patterns, and the display panel may be in contact with the resin layer.

[0148] According to other features of this specification, the upper surface of the cover window may consist of the upper surfaces of multiple glass patterns and the upper surface of a resin layer.

[0149] According to other features of this specification, the widths of multiple glass patterns may be configured to decrease from one surface to the opposite surface.

[0150] According to other features of this specification, the widths of multiple glass patterns may be configured to increase from the top surface to the bottom surface.

[0151] According to other features of this specification, the widths of multiple glass patterns may be configured to decrease from the top surface to the bottom surface.

[0152] According to other features of this specification, each side of a plurality of glass patterns may be a non-flat surface having a plurality of irregularities.

[0153] According to other features of this specification, the width of the top portion of a plurality of glass patterns may differ from the width of the central portion of the plurality of glass patterns.

[0154] According to other features of this specification, the width of the lower portion of a plurality of glass patterns may differ from the width of the central portion of the plurality of glass patterns.

[0155] According to other features of this specification, the display device further includes a black resin layer positioned along the edge of the cover window on one surface of the cover window, the black resin layer may be positioned to surround the resin layer.

[0156] According to other features of this specification, the black resin layer may further include a plurality of grooves located on the underside of the black resin layer.

[0157] According to other features of this specification, a portion of the resin layer and the black resin layer may be placed on the upper surface of a plurality of glass patterns, and a plurality of grooves may be configured to form gaps between the upper surface of the plurality of glass patterns and the black resin layer, and between the remaining portion of the resin layer placed between the plurality of glass patterns and the black resin layer.

[0158] According to other features of this specification, a portion of the resin layer and the black resin layer may be positioned beneath the underside of multiple glass patterns, and multiple grooves may be configured to form a gap between the display panel and the black resin layer.

[0159] Display devices according to other embodiments of this specification include a first substrate comprising a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region. The first region has a higher modulus than the second region (i.e., the first region is harder than the second region and less likely to deform under stress, while the second region is flexible or "malleable" and can be bent or stretched more easily when the device warps). A cover window CW is disposed on the first substrate (111) and includes a glass pattern GS having at least one face and a resin layer RS ​​adjacent to at least one face of the glass pattern GS. In some embodiments, when viewed from a planar perspective, the glass pattern GS may superimpose on the first region and the resin layer RS ​​may superimpose on the second region.

[0160] According to other features of this specification, the resin layer can be in direct contact with at least one surface of the glass pattern. Direct contact between the resin layer and the glass pattern minimizes the need for intermediate bonding materials while simultaneously improving the structural mechanism and adhesion between components.

[0161] According to other features of this specification, when viewed from a planar perspective, the resin layer may be further superimposed on the first region. Depending on the material properties of the resin layer, the protruding portion of the resin layer extending over a portion of the first region may provide structural rigidity or optical control.

[0162] According to other features of this specification, when viewed from a plane, the glass pattern may be further superimposed on the second region (SA) (see Figure 10). The protruding portion of the glass pattern extending into a part of the second region can provide flattening or optical uniformity at the boundary between the first and second regions.

[0163] According to other features of this specification, the first region may include a light-emitting element 170. A packing layer 190 may be placed on the light-emitting element, and a second substrate (112) may be placed on the packing layer 190. In this case, the glass pattern GS can be superimposed on the light-emitting element 170 on a plane to provide mechanical protection and light transmission.

[0164] According to other features of this specification, the adhesive layer AD2 may be placed on the second substrate (112) (see Figure 4). The adhesive layer AD2 can directly contact either the glass pattern GS or the resin layer RS ​​to bond the cover window assembly to the lower substrate layer.

[0165] According to other features of this specification, the resin layer can be in direct contact with the second substrate (112) (see Figure 7). Direct contact between the resin layer RS ​​and the second substrate (112) is provided without an intermediate bonding material, thereby reducing the thickness of the display device and simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0166] According to other features of this specification, the thickness of the resin layer may be configured to be greater in the second region than in the first region. Increasing the thickness in the second region can improve flexibility and stretchability.

[0167] According to other features of this specification, the glass pattern and the resin layer can form a continuous surface. The planar surface provided by the bonding of the resin layer with the glass pattern can improve optical uniformity and provide the user with a smooth surface.

[0168] According to other features of this specification, the resin layer can be in direct contact with the second substrate and the glass pattern without an intermediate adhesive layer (see Figures 10 and 12). Removing the intermediate adhesive layer reduces optical distortion, simplifies the assembly process, and maintains the structural mechanism.

[0169] According to other features of this specification, a black resin layer BM, having a different configuration from the resin layer RS, may be positioned along the edge of the cover window. When viewed from a planar perspective, the black resin layer BM is positioned to surround the resin layer and can provide an optical boundary or masking area around the periphery of the display panel.

[0170] According to other features of this specification, the black resin layer BM may include grooves BMO formed along at least one edge of the cover window. The grooves can reduce the concentration of mechanical stress and improve flexibility along the periphery of the cover window.

[0171] According to other features of this specification, the glass pattern may have a surface in which tapered portions and reverse tapered portions are arranged alternately in cross-section. The tapered portions can improve the adhesion and mechanical rigidity between the resin layer and the glass pattern.

[0172] According to other features of this specification, the glass pattern may have a surface with a concave curvature toward the resin layer. The concave curved portion can increase the contact area between the glass pattern and the resin layer, thereby improving the bonding strength.

[0173] According to other features of this specification, the glass pattern may have a surface containing irregular irregularities that extend into the resin layer. The irregular irregularities can mechanically interlock with the resin layer to improve adhesion and prevent delamination due to mechanical stress.

[0174] Although embodiments of this specification have been described in more detail above with reference to the attached drawings, this specification is not necessarily limited to these embodiments and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of the technical concept of this specification. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only, not to limit the technical concept of this specification, and the scope of the technical concept of this specification is not limited by such embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A display panel including multiple rigid regions and a ductile region surrounding the multiple rigid regions, A cover window is provided on the display panel and includes a plurality of glass patterns and a resin layer covering one side and sides of the plurality of glass patterns. Includes, The plurality of glass patterns are superimposed on the plurality of rigid regions, and the resin layer is superimposed on the ductile region. Display device.

2. The display panel further includes a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in each of the plurality of rigid regions, Each of the plurality of glass patterns is superimposed on each of the plurality of light-emitting elements in each of the plurality of rigid regions. The display device according to claim 1.

3. The size of each of the plurality of glass patterns is smaller than the size of each of the plurality of rigid regions. The plurality of glass patterns are superimposed on the plurality of light-emitting elements. The display device according to claim 2.

4. Each of the aforementioned glass patterns is larger than each of the aforementioned rigid regions. At least a portion of the plurality of glass patterns superimposed on the ductile region, The display device according to claim 2.

5. The present invention further includes an adhesive layer disposed between the cover window and the display panel, The resin layer is arranged to cover the spaces between the plurality of glass patterns and the upper surface of the plurality of glass patterns. The adhesive layer is in contact with the lower surface of the plurality of glass patterns and the lower surface of the resin layer. The display device according to claim 1.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein the upper surface of the cover window is composed of the upper surface of the resin layer.

7. The resin layer is arranged to cover the spaces between the plurality of glass patterns and the lower surface of the plurality of glass patterns. The display panel is in contact with the resin layer, The display device according to claim 1.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the upper surface of the cover window is composed of the upper surfaces of the plurality of glass patterns and the upper surface of the resin layer.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the plurality of glass patterns decreases from one surface toward the opposite surface of the first surface.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the plurality of glass patterns increases from the top surface to the bottom surface.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the plurality of glass patterns decreases from the top surface to the bottom surface.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein each of the sides of the plurality of glass patterns is a non-flat surface having a plurality of irregularities.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the upper portion of the plurality of glass patterns is different from the width of the central portion of the plurality of glass patterns.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the width of the lower portion of the plurality of glass patterns is different from the width of the central portion of the plurality of glass patterns.

15. The black resin layer is further provided on one surface of the cover window and positioned along the edge of the cover window. The aforementioned black resin layer is arranged so as to surround the resin layer, The display device according to claim 1.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein the black resin layer further includes a plurality of grooves disposed on the lower surface of the black resin layer.

17. A portion of the resin layer and the black resin layer are placed on the upper surface of the plurality of glass patterns. The plurality of grooves are configured to form gaps between the upper surface of the plurality of glass patterns and the black resin layer, and between the remaining portion of the resin layer positioned between the plurality of glass patterns and the black resin layer. The display device according to claim 16.

18. A portion of the resin layer and the black resin layer are positioned below the lower surface of the plurality of glass patterns. The plurality of grooves are configured to form a gap between the display panel and the black resin layer. The display device according to claim 16.

19. A first substrate including a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region having a lower modulus than the first region, The cover window on the first substrate and Includes, The aforementioned cover window is A glass pattern having at least one surface, The resin layer adjacent to at least one of the aforementioned surfaces Includes, On a plane, the glass pattern is superimposed on the first region, and the resin layer is superimposed on the second region. Display device.

20. The display device according to claim 19, wherein the resin layer is in direct contact with at least one surface of the glass pattern.

21. The display device according to claim 19, wherein the resin layer further superimposes the first region on a plane.

22. A light-emitting element arranged in the first region, The packing layer on the light-emitting element, The second substrate on the packing layer and It further includes, On a plane, the glass pattern is superimposed on the light-emitting element. The display device according to claim 19.

23. The second substrate further comprises an adhesive layer, The adhesive layer is in direct contact with the glass pattern and the resin layer. The display device according to claim 22.

24. The display device according to claim 22, wherein the resin layer is in direct contact with the second substrate.

25. The display device according to claim 19, wherein the thickness of the resin layer is greater in the second region than in the first region.

26. The display device according to claim 22, wherein the resin layer is in direct contact with the second substrate and the glass pattern.

27. A black resin layer is positioned along the edge of the cover window and surrounding the resin layer, A groove positioned along at least one edge of the cover window and located in the black resin layer The display device according to claim 19, further comprising:

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