Window members, display devices and electronic devices including the same

Abstract

This invention provides a window component technology that can reduce reflectivity and improve transmittance and hardness. [Solution] A window member according to one embodiment includes a cover window, an optical member disposed on the cover window, and a functional member disposed on the optical member, wherein the optical member includes a first refractive layer disposed on the cover window, and at least two groups of second and third refractive layers disposed on the first refractive layer and having different refractive indices, the first refractive layer having a refractive index between the refractive index of the second refractive layer and the refractive index of the third refractive layer, and may contain at least silicon.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a window member, a display device including the same, and an electronic device.

Background Art

[0002] [[ID=ll]] With the development of the information society, the requirements for display devices for displaying images are becoming increasingly diversified. For example, display devices are applied to various electronic devices such as smartphones, digital cameras, notebook computers, navigation devices, and smart TVs.

[0003] )]] The display device can be a flat panel display device such as a liquid crystal display device, a field emission display device, or a light emitting display device. The light emitting display device includes an organic light emitting display device including an organic light emitting element, an inorganic light emitting display device including an inorganic light emitting element such as an inorganic semiconductor, and a super small light emitting display device including a super small light emitting element.

[0004] When the display device is exposed to external light such as various illuminations and natural light, the image generated inside is not clearly transmitted to the user due to the reflected light, and may cause fatigue to the user's eyes. For this reason, the demand for anti-reflection is increasing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a window member that can reduce reflectivity and improve transmittance and hardness, a display device and an electronic device including the same.

[0007] The problems addressed by the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A window member according to one embodiment for solving the above problem includes a cover window, an optical member disposed on the cover window, and a functional member disposed on the optical member, wherein the optical member includes a first refractive layer disposed on the cover window, and at least two groups including a second refractive layer and a third refractive layer disposed on the first refractive layer and having different refractive indices, the first refractive layer having a refractive index between the refractive index of the second refractive layer and the refractive index of the third refractive layer, and may include at least silicon.

[0009] The first refractive layer may contain a silicon-containing oxide, a silicon-containing nitride, or a silicon-containing oxynitride.

[0010] The first refractive layer further contains a metal, the metal may contain aluminum.

[0011] The refractive index of the second refractive layer may be greater than the refractive index of the first refractive layer and the refractive index of the third refractive layer.

[0012] The refractive index of the third refractive layer may be smaller than the refractive index of the first refractive layer and the refractive index of the second refractive layer.

[0013] The third refractive layer does not need to be in contact with the upper surface of the cover window.

[0014] The first refractive layer may be in direct contact with one surface of the cover window, the second refractive layer may be placed on the first refractive layer, and the third refractive layer may be placed on the second refractive layer.

[0015] In the above-mentioned group of at least two groups, the second refractive layer and the third refractive layer may be stacked alternately on each other.

[0016] The first refractive layer may have a refractive index between the refractive index of the cover window and the refractive index of the second refractive layer.

[0017] The refractive index of the first refractive layer is 1.4 to 1.9, the refractive index of the second refractive layer is greater than 1.9 and less than or equal to 2.3, and the refractive index of the third refractive layer may be 1.3 or greater and less than 1.5.

[0018] The first refractive layer comprises at least a silicon-containing oxynitride, and the first refractive layer may be in direct contact with one surface of the cover window.

[0019] The thickness of the first refractive layer may be 75% to 95% of the thickness of the third refractive layer, which is located in the uppermost layer of the optical member.

[0020] The thickness of the second refractive layer may be 130% to 240% of the thickness of the third refractive layer, which is located in the uppermost layer of the optical member.

[0021] The thickness of the third refractive layer may be 1% to 30% of the total thickness of the optical member.

[0022] The functional member includes a fingerprint-resistant layer, and the refractive index of the fingerprint-resistant layer may be the same as the refractive index of the third refractive layer that is in contact with the fingerprint-resistant layer.

[0023] The upper surface of the cover window facing the first refractive layer may include an uneven structure.

[0024] Also, a method for manufacturing an optical member according to an embodiment may include the first refractive layer containing a silicon-containing oxynitride, the second refractive layer containing a silicon-containing nitride, and the third refractive layer containing a silicon-containing oxide.

[0025] Also, a window member according to an embodiment includes an optical member disposed on the cover window and a functional member disposed on the optical member. The optical member is disposed on the cover window and includes at least a first refractive layer containing silicon, a third refractive layer disposed on the first refractive layer and having a refractive index greater than that of the first refractive layer, and at least one group in which the second refractive layer and the third refractive layer having a refractive index smaller than that of the third refractive layer are alternately laminated on the third refractive layer. The first refractive layer may be in direct contact with the cover window.

[0026] The first refractive layer may contain a silicon-containing oxide, a silicon-containing nitride, or a silicon-containing oxynitride.

[0027] The first refractive layer further contains a metal, and the metal may contain aluminum.

[0028] The first refractive layer may contain silicon oxynitride or aluminum silicon oxynitride.

[0029] The second refractive layer contains aluminum silicon nitride, and the third refractive layer may contain silicon oxide.

[0030] Furthermore, a display device according to one embodiment includes a display panel, an adhesive member disposed on the display panel, a cover window disposed on the adhesive member, an optical member disposed on the cover window, and a functional member disposed on the optical member, wherein the optical member includes a first refractive layer disposed on the cover window, and at least two groups of second and third refractive layers disposed on the first refractive layer and having different refractive indices, the first refractive layer having a refractive index between the refractive index of the second refractive layer and the refractive index of the third refractive layer, and may include at least silicon.

[0031] The optical member may be formed by depositing the first refractive layer on the cover window, depositing the second refractive layer on the first refractive layer, and depositing the third refractive layer on the second refractive layer.

[0032] Furthermore, an electronic device according to one embodiment includes a display device that provides images, a processor that provides image data signals to the display device, a memory that stores data signals for driving, and a power supply module that generates power, wherein the display device includes a display panel, an adhesive member disposed on the display panel, a cover window disposed on the adhesive member, an optical member disposed on the cover window, and a functional member disposed on the optical member, wherein the optical member includes a first refractive layer disposed on the cover window, and at least two groups of second and third refractive layers disposed on the first refractive layer and having different refractive indices from each other, wherein the first refractive layer has a refractive index between the refractive index of the second refractive layer and the refractive index of the third refractive layer, and may include at least silicon.

[0033] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] We can provide a window member that can reduce reflectivity and improve transmittance and hardness, as well as a display device and electronic device including the same. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This is a schematic plan view of an electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the unfolded state of the electronic device. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing a display device included in an electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing a display device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the display device from the side. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a window member according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing a window member according to one embodiment in more detail. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of an optical component according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a window member according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a window member according to another embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a window member according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] This graph shows the transmittance of window members manufactured according to Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Example 1, with respect to wavelength. [Figure 15] This graph shows the reflectance of window members manufactured according to Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Example 1, with respect to wavelength. [Figure 16] This graph shows the transmittance of window members manufactured according to Comparative Example 2, Example 1, and Example 2, with respect to wavelength. [Figure 17]This graph shows the reflectance of window members manufactured according to Comparative Example 2, Example 1, and Example 2, with respect to wavelength. [Figure 18] This graph shows the transmittance of window members manufactured according to Comparative Example 2, Example 1, and Example 3, with respect to wavelength. [Figure 19] This graph shows the reflectance of window members manufactured according to Comparative Example 2, Example 1, and Example 3, with respect to wavelength. [Figure 20] This is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 21] This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device in various embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described below in detail, along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be realized in a variety of different forms, and these embodiments are provided merely to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform those who are ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains, of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0037] When elements or layers are referred to as "on" other elements or layers, this includes all cases where other layers or elements are interposed immediately above or between other elements. Similarly, when elements are referred to as "below," "left," and "right," this includes all cases where other layers or materials are interposed immediately next to or between other elements. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same component.

[0038] While terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component mentioned below could, of course, be the second component within the technical concept of this invention.

[0039] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0041] Referring to Figure 1, electronic device 1 displays video and still images. Electronic device 1 refers to all electronic devices that provide a display screen. For example, electronic devices 1 that provide a display screen include televisions, laptops, monitors, billboards, the Internet of Things, mobile phones, smartphones, tablet PCs (Personal Computers), electronic clocks, smartwatches, watch phones, head-mounted displays, mobile communication terminals, electronic organizers, e-books, PMPs (Portable Multimedia Players), navigation systems, game consoles, digital cameras, camcorders, and the like.

[0042] The electronic device 1 may include a display device ('10' in Figure 4) that provides a display screen. Examples of display devices include inorganic light-emitting diode displays, organic light-emitting devices, quantum dot light-emitting devices, plasma displays, and field emission displays. In the following, an example of a display device using an organic light-emitting diode display will be given, but the device is not limited to this and can be applied to other display devices if the same technical concept is applicable.

[0043] The shape of the electronic device 1 can be varied in many ways. For example, the electronic device 1 can have shapes such as a horizontally elongated rectangle, a vertically elongated rectangle, a square, a quadrilateral with rounded corners (vertices), other polygons, or a circle. The shape of the display area DA of the electronic device 1 can also be similar to the overall shape of the electronic device 1. Figure 1 illustrates an electronic device 1 with a rectangular shape where the length of the second direction DR2 is long.

[0044] The electronic device 1 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA is the area where the screen is displayed, and the non-display area NDA is the area where the screen is not displayed. The display area DA is the active area, and the non-display area NDA can also be called the inactive area. The display area DA generally occupies the center of the electronic device 1.

[0045] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the unfolded state of the electronic device shown in Figure 2.

[0046] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, one embodiment of the electronic device 1 may be a foldable electronic device. The electronic device 1 can be folded around a folding axis FL. The display area DA may be located on the outside and / or inside of the electronic device 1. In one embodiment, Figures 2 and 3 show an example in which the electronic device 1 has the display area DA located on the outside and inside, respectively.

[0047] As shown in Figure 2, the display area DA is located on the outside of the electronic device 1. For example, the outer surface of the folded electronic device 1 may include the display area DA, and the inner surface of the unfolded electronic device 1 may include the display area DA.

[0048] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device included in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0049] Referring to Figure 4, the display device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a display panel 100, an adhesive member 200, and a window member 300.

[0050] The display panel 100 may be a panel for displaying images. The display panel 100 may be an organic light-emitting display panel including an organic light-emitting layer, a quantum dot light-emitting display panel including a quantum dot light-emitting layer, an inorganic light-emitting display panel using an inorganic semiconductor element as a light-emitting element, or a micro-light-emitting display panel using a micro-light-emitting diode as a light-emitting element. The following description will focus on the case where the display panel 100 is an organic light-emitting display panel, but is not limited to this.

[0051] The window member 300 can be attached to the front surface of the display panel 100 by an adhesive member 200. The window member 300 may include a cover window, an optical member, and a functional member. The cover window is made of a transparent material, such as glass or plastic. The optical member can reduce the reflectance of ambient light and increase the transmittance of light emitted from the display panel 100. The functional member can provide the surface of the window member 300 with functions such as fingerprint resistance. A more detailed explanation of the window member 300 will follow later.

[0052] The adhesive member 200 may be a transparent adhesive film or a transparent adhesive resin. For example, the adhesive member 200 may include transparent adhesives such as pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA), optically clear adhesives (OCA), and optically clear resins (OCR). The adhesive member 200 may contain a material that can be cured with ultraviolet (UV) light.

[0053] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a display device according to one embodiment. For example, Figure 5 shows the display panel 100 and its surrounding configuration of the display device 10.

[0054] Referring to Figure 5, the display device 10 provides a screen to be displayed by the electronic device 1. The display device 10 can have a planar shape similar to that of the electronic device 1. For example, the display device 10 can have a shape similar to a rectangle with a short side in the first direction DR1 and a long side in the second direction DR2. The corner where the short side in the first direction DR1 and the long side in the second direction DR2 intersect is formed rounded to have curvature, but is not limited to this and can also be formed at a right angle. The planar shape of the display device 10 is not limited to a rectangle and can be formed into a variety of shapes such as other polygons, circles or ellipses.

[0055] The display device 10 may include a display panel 100, a display driver unit 110, a circuit board 120, and a touch driver unit 130.

[0056] The display panel 100 may include a main area MA and a sub-area SBA.

[0057] The main area MA may include a display area DA containing pixels for displaying an image, and a non-display area NDA arranged around the display area DA. The display area DA can emit light from multiple light-emitting areas or multiple aperture areas. For example, the display panel 100 may include a pixel circuit including switching elements, a pixel defining film that defines the light-emitting areas or aperture areas, and self-light-emitting elements.

[0058] For example, a self-luminescent element may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) containing an organic light-emitting layer, a quantum dot LED containing a quantum dot light-emitting layer, an inorganic LED containing an inorganic semiconductor, and a micro LED.

[0059] The non-display area (NDA) may be an area outside the display area (DA). The non-display area (NDA) may be defined as the edge area of ​​the main area (MA) of the display panel 100. The non-display area (NDA) may include a gate drive unit (not shown) that supplies gate signals to the gate lines, and a fan outline (not shown) that connects the display drive unit 110 and the display area (DA).

[0060] The sub-region SBA may be a region extending from one side of the main region MA. The sub-region SBA may include a flexible material that can be bent, folded, rolled, etc. For example, if the sub-region SBA is bent, it may overlap the main region MA in the thickness direction (third direction DR3). The sub-region SBA may include a display drive unit 110 and a pad portion connected to the circuit board 120. In other embodiments, the sub-region SBA may be omitted, and the display drive unit 110 and the pad portion may be located in the non-display region NDA.

[0061] The display driver unit 110 can output signals and voltages for driving the display panel 100. The display driver unit 110 can supply data voltages to data lines. The display driver unit 110 can supply power voltages to power lines and supply gate control signals to the gate driver unit. The display driver unit 110 can be formed as an integrated circuit (IC) and mounted on the display panel 100 using COG (Chip on Glass), COP (Chip on Plastic), or ultrasonic bonding methods. For example, the display driver unit 110 may be located in a sub-region SBA and superimposed on the main region MA in the thickness direction by bending the sub-region SBA. In another example, the display driver unit 110 may be mounted on a circuit board 120.

[0062] The circuit board 120 may be attached to the pad portion of the display panel 100 using an anisotropic conductive film (ACF). The lead wires of the circuit board 120 may be electrically connected to the pad portion of the display panel 100. The circuit board 120 may be a flexible film such as a flexible printed circuit board, a printed circuit board, or a chip-on film.

[0063] The touch drive unit 130 may be mounted on the circuit board 120. The touch drive unit 130 may be connected to the touch sensing unit of the display panel 100. The touch drive unit 130 can supply touch drive signals to a plurality of touch electrodes of the touch sensing unit and sense the change in capacitance between the plurality of touch electrodes. For example, the touch drive signal may be a pulse signal having a predetermined frequency. The touch drive unit 130 can calculate the presence or absence of input and the input coordinates based on the change in capacitance between the plurality of touch electrodes. The touch drive unit 130 may be formed as an integrated circuit (IC).

[0064] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the display device shown in Figure 5, viewed from the side.

[0065] Referring to Figure 6, the display panel 100 may include a display layer DISL and a touch-sensing layer TDL. The display layer DISL may include a substrate SUB, a thin-film transistor layer TFTL, a light-emitting element layer EML, and a encapsulation layer TFEL.

[0066] The substrate SUB may be a base substrate or base member. The substrate SUB may be a flexible substrate that can be bent, folded, rolled, etc. For example, the substrate SUB may, but is not limited to, a polymer resin such as polyimide (PI). In other embodiments, the substrate SUB may include a glass material or a metallic material.

[0067] The thin-film transistor layer TFTL is disposed on the substrate SUB. The thin-film transistor layer TFTL may include a plurality of thin-film transistors that constitute the pixel circuit of the pixel. The thin-film transistor layer TFTL may further include gate lines, data lines, power lines, gate control lines, fan outlines connecting the display drive unit 110 and the data lines, and lead lines connecting the display drive unit 110 and the pads. Each thin-film transistor may include a semiconductor region, a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a gate electrode. For example, if the gate drive unit is formed on one side of the non-display area NDA of the display panel 100, the gate drive unit may include thin-film transistors.

[0068] The thin-film transistor layer (TFTL) is located in the display area (DA), the non-display area (NDA), and the sub-area (SBA). The thin-film transistors, gate lines, data lines, and power lines for each pixel of the TFTL may be located in the display area (DA). The gate control lines and fan outlines of the TFTL may be located in the non-display area (NDA). The lead lines of the TFTL may be located in the sub-area (SBA).

[0069] The light-emitting element layer (EML) is placed on the thin-film transistor layer (TFTL). The EML may include a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit light, including a pixel electrode, a common electrode, and an emissive layer, and a pixel-defining film that defines the pixels. The plurality of light-emitting elements of the EML may be placed in the display area (DA).

[0070] In one embodiment, the light-emitting layer may be an organic light-emitting layer containing an organic material. The light-emitting layer may include a hole transporting layer, an organic light-emitting layer, and an electron transporting layer. When the pixel electrode receives a voltage through the thin-film transistor of the thin-film transistor layer TFTL, and the common electrode receives a cathode voltage, holes and electrons can move to the organic light-emitting layer via the hole transporting layer and electron transporting layer, respectively, where they can combine with each other and emit light.

[0071] In other embodiments, the light-emitting element may include a quantum dot light-emitting diode including a quantum dot light-emitting layer, an inorganic light-emitting diode including an inorganic semiconductor, or a microlight-emitting diode.

[0072] The TFEL sealing layer can cover the top and sides of the EML light-emitting element layer, thereby protecting the EML. The TFEL sealing layer may include at least one inorganic film and at least one organic film for sealing the EML light-emitting element layer.

[0073] The touch sensing layer TDL is placed on the sealing layer TFEL. The touch sensing layer TDL may include multiple touch electrodes for sensing the user's touch in a capacitive manner, and touch lines connecting the multiple touch electrodes to the touch drive unit 130. For example, the touch sensing layer TSU can sense the user's touch in a mutual capacitance or self-capacitance manner.

[0074] Multiple touch electrodes of the touch sensing layer TDL are positioned in the touch sensor area that overlaps with the display area DA. Touch lines of the touch sensing layer TDL may be positioned in the touch peripheral area that overlaps with the non-display area NDA.

[0075] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel shown in Figure 6.

[0076] Referring to Figure 7, the display panel 100 may include a substrate SUB, a display layer DISL placed on the substrate SUB, and a touch-sensitive layer TDL placed on the display layer DISL. The display layer DISL may include a thin-film transistor layer TFTL, a light-emitting element layer EML, and a encapsulation layer TFEL.

[0077] A thin-film transistor layer TFTL is placed on the substrate SUB. The thin-film transistor layer TFTL may include a barrier layer BR, a thin-film transistor TFT1, a first capacitor electrode CAE1, a second capacitor electrode CAE2, a first anode connection electrode ANDE1, a second anode connection electrode ANDE2, a gate insulating layer 530, a first interlayer insulating layer 541, a second interlayer insulating layer 542, a first planarization layer 560, and a second planarization layer 580.

[0078] The substrate SUB is made of an insulating material such as a polymer resin. For example, the substrate SUB is made of polyimide. The substrate SUB may be a flexible substrate that can be bent, folded, and rolled.

[0079] A barrier layer BR is placed on the substrate SUB. The barrier layer BR is a film that protects the thin-film transistors of the thin-film transistor layer TFTL and the light-emitting layer 572 of the light-emitting element layer EML from moisture penetrating through the substrate SUB, which is susceptible to moisture permeability. The barrier layer BR consists of multiple inorganic films that are alternately stacked. For example, the barrier layer BR may be formed as a multilayer film in which one or more inorganic films from silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon oxide, titanium oxide, and aluminum oxide layers are alternately stacked.

[0080] A thin-film transistor TFT1 is placed on a barrier layer BR. The active layer ACT1 of the thin-film transistor TFT1 is placed on the barrier layer BR. The active layer ACT1 of the thin-film transistor TFT1 may include polycrystalline silicon, single-crystal silicon, low-temperature polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, or an oxide semiconductor.

[0081] The active layer ACT1 may include a channel region CHA1, a source region TS1, and a drain region TD1. The channel region CHA1 may be a region that overlaps with the gate electrode TG1 in a third direction DR3, which is the thickness direction of the substrate SUB. The source region TS1 may be located on one side of the channel region CHA1, and the drain region TD1 may be located on the other side of the channel region CHA1. The source region TS1 and the drain region TD1 may be regions that do not overlap with the gate electrode TG1 in the third direction DR3. The source region TS1 and the drain region TD1 may be conductive regions in which ions or impurities are doped into a silicon semiconductor or oxide semiconductor.

[0082] A gate insulating layer 530 is placed on the active layer ACT1 of the thin-film transistor TFT1. The gate insulating layer 530 can be formed from an inorganic film, such as a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer.

[0083] The gate electrode TG1 and first capacitor electrode CAE1 of the thin-film transistor TFT1 are positioned on the gate insulating layer 530. The gate electrode TG1 may superimpose on the channel region CHA1 in the third direction DR3. Figure 7 shows that the gate electrode TG1 and the first capacitor electrode CAE1 are positioned apart from each other, but the gate electrode TG1 and the first capacitor electrode CAE1 can also be connected to each other and formed as a single unit. The gate electrode TG1 and the first capacitor electrode CAE1 can be formed as a single or multilayer from one of the following materials or alloys: molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu).

[0084] A first interlayer insulating layer 541 is placed on the gate electrode TG1 and the first capacitor electrode CAE1 of the thin-film transistor TFT1. The first interlayer insulating layer 541 can be formed from an inorganic film, such as a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. The first interlayer insulating layer 541 can be formed from multiple inorganic films.

[0085] A second capacitor electrode CAE2 is placed on the first interlayer insulating layer 541. The second capacitor electrode CAE2 can be superimposed on the first capacitor electrode CAE1 of the thin-film transistor TFT1 in the third direction DR3. Also, if the gate electrode TG1 and the first capacitor electrode CAE1 are formed as a single unit, the second capacitor electrode CAE2 can be superimposed on the gate electrode TG1 in the third direction DR3. Since the first interlayer insulating layer 541 has a predetermined dielectric constant, a capacitor can be formed by the first capacitor electrode CAE1, the second capacitor electrode CAE2, and the first interlayer insulating layer 541 placed between them. The second capacitor electrode CAE2 can be formed as a single or multilayer from one of the following materials: molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu), or an alloy thereof.

[0086] A second interlayer insulating layer 542 is placed on the second capacitor electrode CAE2. The second interlayer insulating layer 542 can be formed from an inorganic film, such as a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. The second interlayer insulating layer 542 can be formed from multiple inorganic films.

[0087] A first anode connection electrode ANDE1 is positioned on the second interlayer insulating layer 542. The first anode connection electrode ANDE1 may be connected to the drain region TD1 of the thin-film transistor TFT1 via a first connection contact hole ANCT1 that penetrates the gate insulating layer 530, the first interlayer insulating layer 541, and the second interlayer insulating layer 542. The first anode connection electrode ANDE1 can be formed as a single or multilayer from one of the following materials or an alloy thereof: molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu).

[0088] A first planarization layer 560 is placed on the first anode connection electrode ANDE1 to flatten the step created by the thin-film transistor TFT1. The first planarization layer 560 can be formed from an organic film such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, or polyimide resin.

[0089] A second anode connection electrode ANDE2 is positioned on the first planarization layer 560. The second anode connection electrode ANDE2 can be connected to the first anode connection electrode ANDE1 via a second connection contact hole ANCT2 that penetrates the first planarization layer 560. The second anode connection electrode ANDE2 can be formed as a single or multilayer structure consisting of one of the following materials or an alloy thereof: molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu).

[0090] A second planarization layer 580 is placed on the second anode connection electrode ANDE2. The second planarization layer 580 can be formed from an organic film such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, or polyimide resin.

[0091] A light-emitting element layer EML, including light-emitting elements LEL and a bank 590, is arranged on the second planarization layer 580. Each of the light-emitting elements LEL includes a pixel electrode 571, a light-emitting layer 572, and a common electrode 573.

[0092] The pixel electrode 571 is positioned on the second planarization layer 580. The pixel electrode 571 can be connected to the second anode connection electrode ANDE2 via a third connection contact hole ANCT3 that penetrates the second planarization layer 580.

[0093] In a top emission structure that emits light in the direction of the common electrode 573 with respect to the light-emitting layer 572, the pixel electrode 571 can be formed from a highly reflective metallic material such as a laminated structure of aluminum (Al) and titanium (Ti) (Ti / Al / Ti), a laminated structure of aluminum (Al) and ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) (ITO / Al / ITO), a laminated structure of silver (Ag) and ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) (ITO / Ag / ITO), an APC alloy, and a laminated structure of APC alloy and ITO (ITO / APC / ITO). The APC alloy is an alloy of silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), and copper (Cu).

[0094] Bank 590 may be formed on the second planarization layer 580 to partition the pixel electrodes 571 in order to define the light-emitting sections EA1 and EA2. Bank 590 may be positioned to cover the edges of the pixel electrodes 571. Bank 590 may be formed from an organic film such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, or polyimide resin.

[0095] The first light-emitting section EA1 and the second light-emitting section EA2 refer to regions where a pixel electrode 571, a light-emitting layer 572, and a common electrode 573 are sequentially stacked, and light is emitted when holes from the pixel electrode 571 and electrons from the common electrode 573 recombine in the light-emitting layer 572.

[0096] A light-emitting layer 572 is placed on the pixel electrode 571 and the bank 590. The light-emitting layer 572 contains an organic material and can emit light of a predetermined color. For example, the light-emitting layer 572 may include a hole transporting layer, an organic material layer, and an electron transporting layer.

[0097] The common electrode 573 is placed on the light-emitting layer 572. The common electrode 573 may be positioned to cover the light-emitting layer 572. The common electrode 573 may be a common layer formed in common to the first light-emitting section EA1 and the second light-emitting section EA2.

[0098] In the upper light-emitting structure, the common electrode 573 can be formed from a transparent metallic material (TCO, Transparent Conductive Material) such as ITO or IZO, or from a semi-transmissive metallic material such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), or an alloy of magnesium (Mg) and silver (Ag). When the common electrode 573 is formed from a semi-transmissive metallic material, the light emission efficiency is increased by the microcavity.

[0099] A spacer 591 is placed on the bank 590. The spacer 591 can support the mask during the manufacturing process of producing the light-emitting layer 572. The spacer 591 can be formed from an organic film such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, or polyimide resin.

[0100] In some embodiments, the display panel 100 may further include a capping layer CPL disposed on the common electrode 573. The capping layer CPL may include an inorganic material. For example, the capping layer CPL may include at least one of silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, zirconium nitride, titanium nitride, hafnium nitride, tantalum nitride, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, and silicon oxynitride.

[0101] A sealing layer TFEL is placed on the common electrode 573. The sealing layer TFEL may include at least one inorganic film to prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating the light-emitting element layer EML. The sealing layer TFEL may also include at least one organic film to protect the light-emitting element layer EML from foreign matter such as dust. For example, the sealing layer TFEL may include a first sealing inorganic film TFE1, a sealing organic film TFE2, and a second sealing inorganic film TFE3.

[0102] The first encapsulating inorganic film TFE1 may be placed on the common electrode 573, the encapsulating organic film TFE2 may be placed on the first encapsulating inorganic film TFE1, and the second encapsulating inorganic film TFE3 may be placed on the encapsulating organic film TFE2. The first encapsulating inorganic film TFE1 and the second encapsulating inorganic film TFE3 can be formed as a multilayer film in which one or more inorganic films, selected from silicon nitride layers, silicon oxynitride layers, silicon oxide layers, titanium oxide layers, and aluminum oxide layers, are alternately laminated. The encapsulating organic film TFE2 may be an organic film such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, or polyimide resin.

[0103] A touch-sensing layer TDL is placed on the sealing layer TFEL. The touch-sensing layer TDL includes a first touch-insulating layer TINS1, a connecting electrode BE, a second touch-insulating layer TINS2, a driving electrode TE, a sensing electrode RE, and a third touch-insulating layer TINS3.

[0104] The first touch insulating layer TINS1 is placed on the sealing layer TFEL. The first touch insulating layer TINS1 can be formed from an inorganic film, such as a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer.

[0105] A connecting electrode BE is placed on the first touch insulating layer TINS1. The connecting electrode BE can be formed as a single or multilayer structure consisting of one of the following materials or an alloy thereof: molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu).

[0106] A second touch insulating layer TINS2 is placed on the connecting electrode BE. The second touch insulating layer TINS2 can be formed from an inorganic film, such as a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. Alternatively, the second touch insulating layer TINS2 can be formed from an organic film such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, or polyimide resin.

[0107] A driving electrode TE and a sensing electrode RE are positioned on the second touch insulating layer TINS2. The driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE can be formed as a single or multilayer structure consisting of one of the following materials or alloys: molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu).

[0108] The drive electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE may be superimposed on the connecting electrode BE in a third direction DR3. The drive electrode TE may be connected to the connecting electrode BE via a touch contact hole TCNT1 that penetrates the first touch insulating layer TINS1.

[0109] A third touch insulating layer TINS3 is formed on the drive electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE. The third touch insulating layer TINS3 can flatten the step formed by the drive electrode TE, the sensing electrode RE, and the connecting electrode BE. The third touch insulating layer TINS3 can be formed from an organic film such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, or polyimide resin.

[0110] In the following section, with reference to the drawings, the window member 300, which is a key feature of the display device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, will be described.

[0111] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a window member according to one embodiment. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a window member according to one embodiment in more detail.

[0112] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the window member 300 may include a cover window 310, an optical member 400, and a functional member 600.

[0113] The cover window 310 prevents the lower display panel 100 from deforming due to external impacts, such as cracks, dents, or indentations, and forms the base of the window member 300. The cover window 310 may include a transparent material to allow light from the display panel 100 to escape. The cover window 310 may include, for example, glass or plastic.

[0114] The thickness of the cover window 310 may be 700 μm or less. For example, the thickness of the cover window 310 may be in the range of 30 μm to 700 μm. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover window 310 may be an ultra-thin glass (UTG) having a thickness of 30 μm to 100 μm. In another exemplary embodiment, the cover window 310 may be a glass substrate with a thickness of 400 μm to 550 μm. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the cover window 310 may be a transparent polymer film or plate having a thickness range of 30 μm to 700 μm. However, it is not limited thereto, and the thickness of the cover window 310 can be formed in a variety of ways within the range of 30 μm to 700 μm.

[0115] The optical element 400 is positioned on the cover window 310. For example, the optical element 400 may be positioned directly on the upper surface of the cover window 310 and may be in direct contact with the upper surface of the cover window 310. The optical element 400 can function to reduce the reflection of ambient light incident from the outside.

[0116] The optical member 400 may include a first refractive layer 410, a second refractive layer 420, and a third refractive layer 430 having different refractive indices. The second refractive layer 420 and the third refractive layer 430 form a group, and may be provided in multiple groups. For example, if multiple groups of the second refractive layer 420 and the third refractive layer 430 are provided (e.g., at least two), the second refractive layer 420 and the third refractive layer 430 may be stacked alternately. Figure 9 shows an example in which the second refractive layer 420 and the third refractive layer 430 are sequentially stacked in two groups on the first refractive layer 410, and the explanation will be based on this example.

[0117] The first refractive layer 410 is positioned on the cover window 310. For example, the first refractive layer 410 may be positioned directly on the upper surface of the cover window 310 and may be in direct contact with the upper surface of the cover window 310. In exemplary embodiments, the first refractive layer 410 may be formed on the cover window 310 by vacuum deposition and directly on the upper surface of the cover window 310. This can improve the adhesion between the first refractive layer 410 and the cover window 310.

[0118] The first refractive layer 410 may have a refractive index between that of the second refractive layer 420 and the third refractive layer 430. For example, the refractive index of the first refractive layer 410 may be smaller than that of the second refractive layer 420 and larger than that of the third refractive layer 430 (for example, refractive index of the third refractive layer 430 < refractive index of the first refractive layer 410 < refractive index of the second refractive layer 420). When the refractive index of the first refractive layer 410 is between that of the second refractive layer 420 and the third refractive layer 430, the amount of reflected light from ambient light can be reduced because the refractive index difference at the interface between the second refractive layer 420 and the first refractive layer 410 is small. In other words, the reflectance of ambient light at the interface between the first refractive layer 410 and the second refractive layer 420 can be reduced. If refractive layers with a large difference in refractive index are stacked on the cover window 310, the reflectance of ambient light at the interface of the refractive layers with a large difference in refractive index cannot be reduced. For example, suppose there is no first refractive layer 410, a second refractive layer 420 is placed on the cover window 310, and a third refractive layer 430 is placed on the second refractive layer 420. In this case, the difference in refractive index at the interface between the second refractive layer 420 and the third refractive layer 430 is larger than the difference in refractive index at the interface between the second refractive layer 420 and the first refractive layer 410 as described above. This is because, for example, the refractive index of the third refractive layer 430 < the refractive index of the first refractive layer 410 < the refractive index of the second refractive layer 420. In this case, the reflectance of ambient light at the interface between the second refractive layer 420 and the third refractive layer 430 cannot be reduced more than the reflectance of ambient light at the interface between the first refractive layer 410 and the second refractive layer 420.

[0119] The refractive index of the first refractive layer 410 may be between the refractive index of the cover window 310 and the refractive index of the second refractive layer 420. For example, the refractive index of the first refractive layer 410 may be greater than that of the cover window 310 and less than that of the second refractive layer 420 (for example, refractive index of cover window 310 < refractive index of first refractive layer 410 < refractive index of second refractive layer 420). When the refractive index of the first refractive layer 410 is between that of the cover window 310 and the second refractive layer 420, the amount of reflected light from ambient light can be reduced because the refractive index difference at the interface between the cover window 310 and the first refractive layer 410 is small. In other words, the reflectance of ambient light at the interface between the cover window 310 and the first refractive layer 410 can be reduced. If the difference in refractive index between the cover window and the refractive layer above it is large, the reflectance of ambient light at the interface between the cover window and the refractive layer above it cannot be reduced. For example, suppose there is no first refractive layer 410 on the cover window 310, but a second refractive layer 420 is placed on the cover window 310. In this case, the refractive index difference at the interface between the cover window 310 and the second refractive layer 420 is greater than the refractive index difference at the interface between the cover window 310 and the first refractive layer 410. This is because, for example, the refractive index of the cover window 310 < the refractive index of the first refractive layer 410 < the refractive index of the second refractive layer 420. In this case, the reflectance of ambient light at the interface between the cover window 310 and the second refractive layer 420 cannot be reduced to the reflectance of ambient light at the interface between the cover window 310 and the first refractive layer 410.

[0120] The refractive index of the first refractive layer 410 may be between 1.4 and 1.9. For example, the refractive index of the first refractive layer 410 may be between 1.7 and 1.8. However, it is not limited to this range, and the refractive index of the first refractive layer 410 can be varied within the range of 1.4 to 1.9.

[0121] The first refractive layer 410 may contain silicon (Si). For example, the first refractive layer 410 may contain a silicon-containing oxide, a silicon-containing oxynitride, or a silicon-containing nitride. For example, the silicon-containing oxide may be silicon oxide (SiO2), the silicon-containing oxynitride may be silicon oxynitride (SiON), and the silicon-containing nitride may be silicon nitride (SiNx).

[0122] In one embodiment, the first refractive layer 410 may be a silicon-containing oxynitride. For example, the first refractive layer 410 may be silicon oxynitride (SiON). When the first refractive layer 410 consists of silicon oxynitride, the silicon (Si) content may be 10 at% to 50 at%, the oxygen (O2) content may be less than 50 at%, and the nitrogen (N) content may be the remainder after removing the silicon and oxygen content. In the first refractive layer 410, increasing the nitrogen content increases the refractive index, and increasing the oxygen content decreases the refractive index, so the silicon, oxygen, and nitrogen content can be varied within the above-mentioned ranges of elemental content.

[0123] The first refractive layer 410 may further contain a metal. For example, the first refractive layer 410 may contain silicon and further contain a metal, the metal of which may be aluminum (Al). For example, the first refractive layer 410 may contain an oxynitride containing silicon and aluminum, an oxynitride containing silicon and aluminum, or a nitride containing silicon and aluminum. For example, the oxynitride containing silicon and aluminum may be aluminum silicon oxynitride (AlSiON). When the first refractive layer 410 contains aluminum, the hardness of the first refractive layer 410 is improved, which can improve the warping of the optical member 400.

[0124] In one embodiment, the first refractive layer 410 may be aluminum silicon oxynitride (AlSiON). When the first refractive layer 410 consists of aluminum silicon oxynitride, the sum of the aluminum (Al) content and silicon (Si) content may be 10 at% to 50 at%, the oxygen (O2) content may be less than 50 at%, and the nitrogen (N) content may be the remainder of the aluminum, silicon, and oxygen.

[0125] The first refractive layer 410 may have a thickness to reduce light reflectance at the interface between the cover window 310 and the first refractive layer 410, and at the interface between the first refractive layer 410 and the second refractive layer 420. The thickness of the first refractive layer 410 may be in the range of 10% to 40% of the total thickness of the optical member 400. Alternatively, the thickness of the first refractive layer 410 may be 75% to 95% of the thickness of the third refractive layer 430, which is located on the topmost layer of the optical member 400. For example, the thickness of the first refractive layer 410 may be 40 nm to 150 nm depending on the optical design of λ / 8 to λ / 2.

[0126] The second refractive layer 420 is positioned on the first refractive layer 410. For example, the second refractive layer 420 may be positioned directly on the upper surface of the first refractive layer 410 and in direct contact with the first refractive layer 410. In an exemplary embodiment, the second refractive layer 420 may be formed on the first refractive layer 410 by vacuum deposition and directly on the upper surface of the first refractive layer 410. This can improve the adhesion between the first refractive layer 410 and the second refractive layer 420. The second refractive layer 420 may be positioned away from the cover window 310, with the first refractive layer 410 in between. For example, the second refractive layer 420 does not have to be in direct contact with the cover window 310.

[0127] The second refractive layer 420 may have the highest refractive index within the optical member 400. For example, the refractive index of the second refractive layer 420 may be greater than that of the first refractive layer 410 and the third refractive layer 430. If the refractive index of the second refractive layer 420 is greater than that of the first refractive layer 410 and the third refractive layer 430, the amount of reflected light from ambient light can be reduced because the refractive index difference at the interface between the second refractive layer 420 and the first refractive layer 410 and the interface between the second refractive layer 420 and the third refractive layer 430 is small. In other words, the reflectance of ambient light at the interface between the first refractive layer 410 and the second refractive layer 420 and the interface between the second refractive layer 420 and the third refractive layer 430 can be reduced.

[0128] The refractive index of the second refractive layer 420 may be greater than 1.9 and less than or equal to 2.3. For example, the refractive index of the second refractive layer 420 may be between 2.0 and 2.1. However, it is not limited to this, and the refractive index of the second refractive layer 420 can be varied within the range of greater than 1.9 and less than or equal to 2.3.

[0129] The second refractive layer 420 may contain at least one of silicon (Si) or a metal. For example, the second refractive layer 420 may contain any one of the following: a silicon-containing oxide, a silicon-containing oxynitride, a silicon-containing nitride, a metal-containing oxide, a metal-containing oxynitride, a metal-containing nitride, a silicon and metal-containing oxide, a silicon and metal-containing oxynitride, or a silicon and metal-containing nitride. In exemplary embodiments, the second refractive layer 420 may be silicon oxynitride (SiON), silicon nitride (SiN x It may be any one of the following: aluminum oxynitride (AlON), aluminum nitride (AlN), aluminum silicon oxynitride (AlSiON), aluminum silicon nitride (AlSiN), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), niobium oxide (Nb2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), titanium oxide (TiO2), zirconium oxide (ZrO2), yttrium oxide (Y2O3), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and molybdenum oxide (MoO3).

[0130] In one embodiment, the second refractive layer 420 may be a nitride containing silicon and a metal. For example, the second refractive layer 420 may be aluminum silicon nitride (AlSiN). When the second refractive layer 420 consists of aluminum silicon nitride, the combined content of aluminum and silicon may be 90 at% or less, preferably 10 at% to 90 at%. For example, if the combined content of aluminum and silicon is 90 at%, then if the aluminum content is x (at%), the silicon content will be 90 - x (at%). In the second refractive layer 420, the nitrogen (N) content may be the remainder after removing the silicon and aluminum content. By including aluminum, the hardness of the second refractive layer 420 can be improved, thereby reducing warping of the optical member 400.

[0131] The second refractive layer 420 may have a thickness that reduces reflectivity by forming canceling interference between the light reflected at the interface between the second refractive layer 420 and the third refractive layer 430 and the light reflected at the upper surface of the third refractive layer 430. The thickness of each of the second refractive layers 420 may be 130% to 240% of the thickness of the third refractive layer 430, which forms the uppermost layer of the optical member 400. For example, the thickness of the second refractive layer 420 may be 100 nm to 190 nm depending on the optical design of λ / 2.

[0132] The third refractive layer 430 is positioned on the second refractive layer 420. For example, the third refractive layer 430 may be positioned directly on the upper surface of the second refractive layer 420 and in direct contact with the second refractive layer 420. In exemplary embodiments, the third refractive layer 430 may be formed on the second refractive layer 420 by vacuum deposition and directly on the upper surface of the second refractive layer 420. This can improve the adhesion between the second refractive layer 420 and the third refractive layer 430. The third refractive layer 430 may be positioned away from the cover window 310, with the first refractive layer 410 and the second refractive layer 420 in between. For example, the third refractive layer 430 does not need to be in contact with the cover window 310.

[0133] The third refractive layer 430 has the smallest refractive index within the optical component 400. For example, the refractive index of the third refractive layer 430 may be smaller than that of the first refractive layer 410 and the second refractive layer 420. When the refractive index of the third refractive layer 430 is smaller than that of the first refractive layer 410 and the second refractive layer 420, the amount of reflected light from ambient light can be reduced because the refractive index difference at the interface between the second refractive layer 420 and the third refractive layer 430 is small. In other words, the reflectance of ambient light at the interface between the second refractive layer 420 and the third refractive layer 430 can be reduced.

[0134] The refractive index of the third refractive layer 430 may be less than 1.5. For example, the refractive index of the third refractive layer 430 may be 1.3 or more and less than 1.5. However, it is not limited to this, and the refractive index of the third refractive layer 430 can be varied within the range of 1.3 or more and less than 1.5.

[0135] The third refractive layer 430 may contain at least one of silicon (Si) or a metal. For example, the third refractive layer 430 may contain any one of the following: a silicon-containing oxide, a silicon-containing oxynitride, a silicon-containing nitride, a metal-containing oxide, a metal-containing oxynitride, a metal-containing nitride, a silicon and metal-containing oxide, a silicon and metal-containing oxynitride, or a silicon and metal-containing nitride. In exemplary embodiments, the third refractive layer 430 may contain any one of silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxynitride (AlON), aluminum silicon oxynitride (AlSiON), silicon oxide (SiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), germanium oxide (GeO2), and magnesium oxide (MgO). In one embodiment, the third refractive layer 430 may be a silicon-containing oxide. For example, the third refractive layer 430 may be silicon oxide (SiO2).

[0136] The third refractive layer 430 may have a thickness that reduces reflectivity by causing canceling interference between the light reflected from the upper surface of the third refractive layer 430 and the light reflected at the interface between the second refractive layer 420 and the third refractive layer 430. The thickness of each of the third refractive layers 430 may be 1% to 30% of the total thickness of the optical member 400. For example, the thickness of the third refractive layer 430 may be 10 nm to 100 nm depending on the optical design of λ / 4.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the third refractive layer 430 may be positioned at the top of the optical member 400 and between the second refractive layers 420. The thickness of the third refractive layer 430 positioned at the top of the optical member 400 may be greater than the thickness of the third refractive layer 430 positioned between the second refractive layers 420. For example, the thickness of the third refractive layer 430 positioned at the top of the optical member 400 may be 80% to 90% of the total thickness of all third refractive layers 430 contained within the optical member 400. This allows the third refractive layer 430 positioned at the top of the optical member 400 to reduce the reflection of ambient light by causing canceling interference between the light reflected from the upper surface of the third refractive layer 430 and the light reflected at the interface between the third refractive layer 430 and the second refractive layer 420.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the thickness ratio of the first refractive layer 410 and the second refractive layer 420 to the total thickness of the optical member 400 may be 70% to 90%. The first refractive layer 410 and the second refractive layer 420 contain materials with a higher refractive index than the third refractive layer 430, which can improve the overall hardness of the optical member 400 or the window member 300.

[0139] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the optical member 400 may have a first group of a second refractive layer 420 and a third refractive layer 430 arranged on a first refractive layer 410, and a second group of a second refractive layer 420 and a third refractive layer 430 arranged on the first group. In one embodiment, the thickness ratio of the second group to the thickness of the first group may be 0.8 to 1.5, and the thickness ratio of the second group to the sum of the thickness of the first group and the thickness of the first refractive layer 410 may be 0.6 to 1.1.

[0140] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an optical element according to one embodiment. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the reflection of light in the optical element, and shows the first refractive layer 410, the second refractive layer 420, and the third refractive layer 430 one by one.

[0141] Referring to Figure 10, when light is incident on the optical member 400 from the outside, the light may be reflected at the upper surface of the third refractive layer 430, the interface between the third refractive layer 430 and the second refractive layer 420, the interface between the second refractive layer 420 and the first refractive layer 410, and the interface between the first refractive layer 410 and the cover window 310.

[0142] The second refractive layer 420, which has a high refractive index, and the third refractive layer 430, which has a low refractive index, are designed with thicknesses such that the reflected light R1 reflected from the upper surface of the third refractive layer 430 and the reflected light R2 reflected at the interface between the third refractive layer 430 and the second refractive layer 420 form a canceling interference with each other, thereby reducing the reflection of ambient light. A first refractive layer 410 having a medium refractive index (for example, a refractive index between the high and low refractive indices) is placed between the cover window 310 and the second refractive layer 420, thereby reducing the refractive index difference at the interface between the second refractive layer 420 and the first refractive layer 410 and the interface between the first refractive layer 410 and the cover window 310. This reduces the amount of reflected light R3 reflected at the interface between the second refractive layer 420 and the first refractive layer 410 and the reflected light R4 reflected at the interface between the first refractive layer 410 and the cover window 310, thereby reducing reflection at each interface.

[0143] The optical member 400 described above alternately laminates a second refractive layer 420 having high refractive index and a third refractive layer 430 having low refractive index. However, by placing a first refractive layer 410 having a medium refractive index between the cover window 310 and the second refractive layer 420, the reflectivity of ambient light can be reduced. Furthermore, by including a metal, such as aluminum, in the second refractive layer 420, the hardness of the optical member 400 can be improved, thereby reducing warping. Additionally, by including a metal, such as aluminum, in the first refractive layer 410, the hardness of the optical member 400 can be further improved, and warping can be further reduced.

[0144] Referring again to Figure 9, the functional member 600 is positioned on the optical member 400. The functional member 600 is formed directly on the optical member 400 and can contact the upper surface of the optical member 400. For example, the functional member 600 can directly contact the upper surface of the third refractive layer 430 which forms the uppermost part of the optical member 400.

[0145] The functional member 600 may include at least one of the following: an anti-fingerprint layer, an anti-glare layer, a shatterproof layer, an impact-absorbing layer, and an anti-dent layer. According to one embodiment, the functional member 600 may be an anti-fingerprint layer that has an anti-fingerprint function. The anti-fingerprint layer may include one or more of the following: polyimide, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyethylene naphthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, or polymethyl methacrylate. In an exemplary embodiment, the anti-fingerprint layer may further include fluorine. In another exemplary embodiment, the anti-fingerprint layer may include a fluorinated polymer.

[0146] The functional member 600 may be manufactured by spraying or coating it in liquid form and then drying it. The thickness of the functional member 600 may be 1 nm to 1,000 nm. In an exemplary embodiment, if the functional member 600 is an anti-fingerprint layer, the thickness of the anti-fingerprint layer may be 1 nm to 10 nm. The refractive index of the functional member 600 may be similar to that of the third refractive layer 430. For example, the refractive index of the functional member 600 may be 1.3 to 1.5, preferably 1.4 to 1.5. In one embodiment, the refractive index of the functional member 600 may be the same as that of the third refractive layer 430.

[0147] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a window member according to another embodiment.

[0148] Referring to Figure 11, the optical member 400 according to this embodiment differs from the embodiment in Figure 9 described above in that it omits the second refractive layer 420 between the first refractive layer 410 and the third refractive layer 430. In the following, we will omit explanations that overlap with the embodiment in Figure 9 described above and explain the differences.

[0149] The optical component 400 may be arranged by sequentially stacking a first refractive layer 410, a third refractive layer 430, a second refractive layer 420, and a third refractive layer 430 on the cover window 310.

[0150] In this embodiment, the optical element 400 has a total of four layers, and compared to Figure 9, one layer can be omitted, reducing the thickness. The first refractive layer 410, which is directly placed on the cover window 310, may have a refractive index between the refractive index of the third refractive layer 430 and the refractive index of the second refractive layer 420. The first refractive layer 410 can reduce the refractive index difference at the interface between the cover window 310 and the first refractive layer 410, and can also reduce the refractive index difference at the interface between the third refractive layer 430 and the first refractive layer 410. This reduces the amount of light reflected at the interface between the first refractive layer 410 and the cover window 310. Furthermore, the first refractive layer 410 also performs the function of the second refractive layer 420, which is omitted compared to Figure 9, thereby reducing the amount of light reflected at the interface between the first refractive layer 410 and the third refractive layer 430.

[0151] In this embodiment, by having the first refractive layer 410 simultaneously perform the function of the second refractive layer 420, the total number of layers in the optical member 400 can be reduced, the thickness of the optical member 400 can be reduced, and manufacturing costs can be reduced by omitting processes.

[0152] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a window member according to another embodiment.

[0153] Referring to Figure 12, the optical member 400 of this embodiment differs from the embodiment described above in that it can have multiple second refractive layers 420 and third refractive layers 430 forming a single group. In other words, as shown in Figure 12, the optical member 400 is composed of three or more such groups 2 in which the second refractive layer 420 and third refractive layer 430 constitute a single group.

[0154] Specifically, an optical element 400 may be arranged on the cover window 310. The optical element 400 may include a first refractive layer 410 and multiple groups Gn of a second refractive layer 420 and a third refractive layer 430. For example, a first refractive layer 410 may be arranged on the cover window 310. Multiple groups of the second refractive layer 420 and the third refractive layer 430 may be provided on the first refractive layer 410. For example, a first group G1 of the second refractive layer 420 and the third refractive layer 430 may be arranged on the first refractive layer 410, and a second group G2 of the second refractive layer 420 and the third refractive layer 430 may be arranged on the first group G1. An nth group (Gn, where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 3) may be arranged on the second group G2.

[0155] In one embodiment, the optical member 400 may include a group Gn of three or more second refractive layers 420 and third refractive layers 430, depending on the application device of the window member 300 or the desired optical properties. A functional member 600 is placed on the optical member 400.

[0156] Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a window member according to another embodiment.

[0157] Referring to Figure 13, this embodiment differs from the embodiments described above in that it includes an uneven structure 320 on the upper surface of the cover window 310. Although Figure 13 illustrates the structure of the embodiment in Figure 9, it is not limited thereto, and the uneven structure 320 of the cover window 310 is also applicable to the embodiments in Figures 11 and 12.

[0158] The cover window 310 may include a textured structure 320. For example, the textured structure 320 may be located on the upper surface of the cover window 310. The textured structure 320 may form the upper surface of the cover window 310 and come into direct contact with the first refractive layer 410 of the optical member 400.

[0159] The uneven surface structure 320 can be arranged randomly. For example, the size, pitch, or height of the protrusions of the uneven surface structure 320 can be random, and the shape of the protrusions can also be random.

[0160] The uneven structure 320 can cause annihilation interference by reflecting and scattering incident light that enters from the outside. For example, incident light may be reflected and scattered between the protrusions of the uneven structure 320, causing annihilation interference. This makes it possible to reduce the reflection of external light by providing the uneven structure 320 on the upper surface of the cover window 310. For example, the linear reflectance of the cover window 310 with the uneven structure 320 may be 0.1% or less, and the scattered reflectance may be 0.9% or less.

[0161] The following describes manufacturing and experimental examples based on the embodiments described above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0162] <Manufacturing example: Manufacturing of window components> Comparative Example 1 A glass substrate with a thickness of 400 μm was prepared as Comparative Example 1.

[0163] Comparative Example 2 Comparative Example 2 was manufactured by laminating an 8nm thick SiO2 layer, a 100nm thick SiNx layer, a 20nm thick SiO2 layer, a 20nm thick SiNx layer, and a 20nm thick SiO2 layer onto a 400μm thick glass substrate, and then laminating a 5nm thick anti-fingerprint layer.

[0164] Example 1 Example 1 was manufactured by laminating an SiON layer with a thickness of 68 nm, an AlSiN layer with a thickness of 135 nm, an SiO2 layer with a thickness of 13 nm, an AlSiN layer with a thickness of 142 nm, and an SiO2 layer with a thickness of 77 nm onto a glass substrate with a thickness of 400 μm, and then laminating a fingerprint-resistant layer with a thickness of 5 nm.

[0165] Example 2 Example 2 was manufactured by laminating an SiON layer with a thickness of 73 nm, an AlSiN layer with a thickness of 170 nm, an SiO2 layer with a thickness of 13 nm, an AlSiN layer with a thickness of 153 nm, and an SiO2 layer with a thickness of 81 nm onto a glass substrate with a thickness of 400 μm, and then laminating a fingerprint-resistant layer with a thickness of 5 nm.

[0166] Example 3 Example 3 was manufactured by laminating a 45 nm thick SiN layer, a 12 nm thick Si2 layer, a 268 nm thick AlSiN layer, and an 81 nm thick Si2 layer onto a glass substrate with a thickness of 400 μm, and then laminating a 5 nm thick anti-fingerprint layer.

[0167] In Examples 1 to 3, the refractive index of the SiON layer was approximately 1.72, the refractive index of the AlSiN layer was approximately 2.02, the refractive index of the SiO2 layer was approximately 1.46, and the refractive index of the anti-fingerprint layer was approximately 1.46.

[0168] <Experimental Example 1: Measurement of Transmittance and Reflectance of Window Components> The transmittance and reflectance of the window members manufactured according to Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, Example 1, Example 2, and Example 3 described above were measured. Transmittance and reflectance were measured using a Minolta CM-3700A optical properties measuring instrument.

[0169] Figure 14 is a graph showing the transmittance of window members manufactured according to Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Example 1, according to wavelength. Figure 15 is a graph showing the reflectance of window members manufactured according to Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Example 1, according to wavelength.

[0170] Referring to Figure 14, it was shown that the transmittance of the window member according to Example 1 was superior to that of the window members according to Comparative Examples 1 and 2. In particular, in the wavelength range of 350 to 550 nm, the transmittance of the window member according to Example 1 was significantly higher than that of the window member according to Comparative Example 2.

[0171] Referring to Figure 15, it was shown that the reflectivity of the window member according to Example 1 was superior to that of the window members according to Comparative Examples 1 and 2. In particular, in the wavelength range of 350 to 550 nm, the reflectivity of the window member according to Example 1 was significantly lower than that of the window member according to Comparative Example 2.

[0172] These results confirm that the reflectivity and transmittance of the window member according to Example 1, which comprises a SiON layer with a medium refractive index between a glass substrate and an AlSiN layer with a high refractive index, have been improved. In particular, when irradiating ultraviolet (UV) light to cure the adhesive member 200 that bonds the display panel 100 and the window member 300, the excellent light transmittance in the ultraviolet wavelength band of the window member 300 can improve the occurrence of uncured adhesive member 200.

[0173] Figure 16 is a graph showing the transmittance of window members manufactured according to Comparative Example 2, Example 1, and Example 2, according to wavelength. Figure 17 is a graph showing the reflectance of window members manufactured according to Comparative Example 2, Example 1, and Example 2, according to wavelength.

[0174] Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the transmittance of the window member according to Example 2 showed transmittance and reflectance at the same level as Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 in the wavelength range of approximately 420 nm to approximately 700 nm.

[0175] From these results, it was confirmed that the transmittance and reflectance of the window member in Example 2, in which the thicknesses of the SiON layer, AlSiN layer, and SiO2 layer were increased compared to Example 1, were at the same level as those of Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 in the visible light wavelength band.

[0176] Figure 18 is a graph showing the transmittance of window members manufactured according to Comparative Example 2, Example 1, and Example 3, according to wavelength. Figure 19 is a graph showing the reflectance of window members manufactured according to Comparative Example 2, Example 1, and Example 3, according to wavelength.

[0177] Referring to Figures 18 and 19, the transmittance and reflectance of the window member according to Example 3 were at the same level as those of Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 in the wavelength range of approximately 450 nm to approximately 750 nm.

[0178] From these results, it was confirmed that the transmittance and reflectance of the window member in Example 3, which had its thickness reduced by omitting one AlSiN layer compared to Example 1, were at the same level as Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 in the visible light wavelength band.

[0179] Furthermore, the cross-sectional reflectance at a wavelength of 550 nm for each of the window members according to Examples 1 to 3 described above was 1% or less, and the average cross-sectional reflectance in the wavelength band of 400 nm to 700 nm was also 1% or less. In other words, it was confirmed that the reflectance and transmittance of the window members according to Examples 1 to 3 were improved.

[0180] <Experimental Example 2: Measurement of Hardness of Window Components> The hardness of the window members according to Examples 1-3 described above was measured. Hardness was measured using a nanoindenter from Anton Paar.

[0181] The window members according to Examples 1-3 each exhibited a hardness exceeding 14 GPa.

[0182] These results confirmed that the window members produced in Examples 1-3 exhibited superior hardness.

[0183] The display device according to this embodiment can be applied to a variety of electronic devices. One embodiment of an electronic device includes the above-described display device and may further include modules or devices having other additional functions besides the display device.

[0184] Figure 20 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0185] Referring to Figure 20, an electronic device 1 according to one embodiment may include a display module 11, a processor 12, a memory 13, and a power module 14.

[0186] The processor 12 may include at least one of the following: a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a communication processor (CP), an image signal processor (ISP), or a controller.

[0187] Memory 13 stores data information necessary for the operation of the processor 12 and the display module 11. When the processor 12 executes an application stored in memory 13, video data signals and / or input control signals are transmitted to the display module 11, which processes the provided signals and outputs video information via the display screen.

[0188] The power module 14 may include a power supply module such as a power adapter or a battery device, and a power conversion module that converts the power supplied by the power supply module to generate the power necessary for the operation of the electronic device 1.

[0189] At least one of the components of the electronic device 1 described above can be incorporated into the display device according to the embodiment described above. Furthermore, some of the individual modules functionally contained within a single module can be incorporated into the display device, while others can be provided separately from the display device. For example, the display device includes a display module 11, while the processor 12, memory 13, and power supply module 14 can be provided not as a display device, but as other devices within the electronic device 1.

[0190] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0191] Referring to Figure 21, the various electronic devices to which the display device according to the embodiment is applied may include not only image display electronic devices such as smartphones 1_1a, tablet PCs 1_1b, laptops 1_1c, TVs 1_1d, and desk monitors 1_1e, but also wearable electronic devices including display modules such as smart glasses 1_2a, head-mounted displays 1_2b, and smartwatches 1_2c, and vehicle electronic devices 1_3 including display modules such as CIDs (Center Information Displays) located on the instrument panel, center fascia, and dashboard of an automobile, and rearview mirror displays.

[0192] In one embodiment, the window member includes a refractive layer containing silicon, which increases the hardness of the window member and improves the warping phenomenon. Furthermore, a window member according to one embodiment can increase transmittance and decrease reflectance to improve the display quality of the display device. In particular, it can increase the transmittance of light in the ultraviolet wavelength band to improve the uncured phenomenon of the adhesive member that bonds the display panel and the window member. Furthermore, a display device and electronic device including a window member according to one embodiment can improve display quality, impact resistance, and warping phenomena. The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those exemplified above, and a wider variety of effects are included herein.

[0193] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical idea or essential features. Therefore, the above embodiments should be understood to be illustrative and not limiting in all respects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0194] 1 Electronic equipment 10 Display device 100 Display Panels 200 Adhesive Members 300 Window components 310 Cover window 400 Optical Components 410 First Refraction Layer 420 Second Refraction Layer 430 Third Refraction Layer 600 Functional Components

Claims

1. Cover window and An optical member disposed on the cover window, Includes a functional member disposed on the optical member, The optical component is A first refractive layer arranged on the cover window, It includes at least two groups, each comprising a second refractive layer and a third refractive layer, which are arranged on the first refractive layer and have different refractive indices from each other. A window member comprising at least silicon, wherein the first refractive layer has a refractive index between the refractive index of the second refractive layer and the refractive index of the third refractive layer.

2. The window member according to claim 1, wherein the first refractive layer comprises a silicon-containing oxide, a silicon-containing nitride, or a silicon-containing oxynitride.

3. The window member according to claim 2, wherein the first refractive layer further comprises a metal, and the metal comprises aluminum.

4. The window member according to claim 1, wherein the refractive index of the second refractive layer is greater than the refractive index of the first refractive layer and the refractive index of the third refractive layer.

5. The window member according to claim 1, wherein the refractive index of the third refractive layer is smaller than the refractive index of the first refractive layer and the refractive index of the second refractive layer.

6. The window member according to claim 5, wherein the third refractive layer does not come into contact with the upper surface of the cover window.

7. The window member according to claim 1, wherein the first refractive layer is in direct contact with one surface of the cover window, the second refractive layer is disposed on the first refractive layer, and the third refractive layer is disposed on the second refractive layer.

8. The window member according to claim 1, wherein at least two groups are arranged in alternating layers of the second refractive layer and the third refractive layer.

9. The window member according to claim 1, wherein the first refractive layer has a refractive index between the refractive index of the cover window and the refractive index of the second refractive layer.

10. The window member according to claim 1, wherein the refractive index of the first refractive layer is 1.4 to 1.9, the refractive index of the second refractive layer is greater than 1.9 and less than or equal to 2.3, and the refractive index of the third refractive layer is 1.3 or more and less than 1.

5.

11. The window member according to claim 1, wherein the first refractive layer comprises at least a silicon-containing oxynitride, and the first refractive layer is in direct contact with one surface of the cover window.

12. The window member according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the first refractive layer is 75% to 95% of the thickness of the third refractive layer disposed on the uppermost layer of the optical member.

13. The window member according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the second refractive layer is 130% to 240% of the thickness of the third refractive layer disposed on the uppermost layer of the optical member.

14. The window member according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the third refractive layer is 1% to 30% of the total thickness of the optical member.

15. The window member according to claim 1, wherein the functional member includes a fingerprint-resistant layer, and the refractive index of the fingerprint-resistant layer is the same as that of the third refractive layer in contact with the fingerprint-resistant layer.

16. The window member according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the cover window facing the first refractive layer includes an uneven structure.

17. The first refractive layer contains a silicon-containing oxynitride, The second refractive layer contains a silicon nitride, The window member according to claim 1, wherein the third refractive layer comprises a silicon-containing oxide.

18. Cover window and An optical member disposed on the cover window, Includes a functional member disposed on the optical member, The optical component is Displaced on the cover window, a first refractive layer comprising at least silicon, A third refractive layer is disposed on the first refractive layer and has a refractive index greater than that of the first refractive layer, It includes at least one group in which a second refractive layer having a refractive index smaller than that of the third refractive layer is arranged on the third refractive layer and the third refractive layer is alternately stacked, The first refractive layer is a window member that is in direct contact with the cover window.

19. The window member according to claim 18, wherein the first refractive layer comprises a silicon-containing oxide, a silicon-containing nitride, or a silicon-containing oxynitride.

20. The window member according to claim 19, wherein the first refractive layer further comprises a metal, and the metal comprises aluminum.

21. The window member according to claim 18, wherein the first refractive layer comprises silicon oxynitride or aluminum silicon oxynitride.

22. The window member according to claim 21, wherein the second refractive layer comprises an aluminum silicon nitride and the third refractive layer comprises a silicon oxide.

23. Display panel and An adhesive member placed on the display panel, A cover window placed on the adhesive member, An optical member disposed on the cover window, Includes a functional member disposed on the optical member, The optical component is A first refractive layer arranged on the cover window, It includes at least two groups, each comprising a second refractive layer and a third refractive layer, which are arranged on the first refractive layer and have different refractive indices from each other. A display device comprising at least silicon, wherein the first refractive layer has a refractive index between the refractive index of the second refractive layer and the refractive index of the third refractive layer.

24. The optical component is The display device according to claim 23, formed by depositing the first refractive layer on the cover window, depositing the second refractive layer on the first refractive layer, and depositing the third refractive layer on the second refractive layer.

25. A display device that provides images, A processor that provides video data signals to the display device, A memory for storing data signals for operation, Includes a power module that generates power, The aforementioned display device is Display panel and An adhesive member placed on the display panel, A cover window placed on the adhesive member, An optical member disposed on the cover window, Includes a functional member disposed on the optical member, The optical component is A first refractive layer arranged on the cover window, It includes at least two groups, each comprising a second refractive layer and a third refractive layer, which are arranged on the first refractive layer and have different refractive indices from each other. An electronic device comprising at least silicon, wherein the first refractive layer has a refractive index between the refractive index of the second refractive layer and the refractive index of the third refractive layer.

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