Removable Cover Lens for Flexible Display

Abstract

Implementations described herein generally relate to a flexible display device and a cover lens assembly including a flexible cover lens. In one or more embodiments, a cover lens assembly is provided, including a first flexible cover lens, a second flexible cover lens, and a sacrificial adhesive disposed between the first and second flexible cover lenses. The first flexible cover lens includes a first hard coat layer having a hardness ranging from about 4H to about 9H and a first substrate. The second flexible cover lens includes a second hard coat layer having a hardness ranging from about 2H to about 9H. The first substrate is disposed between the first hard coat layer and the sacrificial adhesive layer. [Selection diagram] Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001]

[0001] The implementation modes described in this document generally relate to flexible display devices, and more specifically, to flexible cover lenses.

Background Art

[0002]

[0002] Electronic devices often have displays such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) or organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays. Such displays are fragile and can be sensitive to moisture, pressure, or particulate contamination. Generally, a display device uses several layers of optical devices to color, polarize, and shutter light from a light source. To prevent damage to the underlying film, a rigid display cover lens layer is mounted over other layers to prevent damage to the underlying layers. Including a rigid display cover lens can add undesirable weight to the electronic device. Omitting the cover lens can reduce the size and weight of the device, but omitting the cover lens makes the display vulnerable to scratches and damage.

[0003]

[0003] With the increasing demand for new functions of products and the utilization of new wide-ranging applications, there is a need for thinner and lighter lens substrates with new characteristics such as flexibility. Generally, these new flexible or foldable display cover lenses are desired to have three main characteristics: 1) optical performance, 2) high hardness, and 3) flexibility. Excellent optical performance results in little haze and good light transmission. High hardness is related to scratch resistance and abrasion resistance. The flexibility of the cover lens has a sufficiently high critical strain to avoid damage due to cracks or delamination when repeatedly bent or folded.

[0004]

[0004] Conventionally, cover lenses are excellent in coping with the first two characteristics (optical performance, hardness, etc.), but are inferior in the third characteristic (flexibility, etc.) due to their brittle nature. Considerable prior efforts have been made to improve flexibility, mainly by reducing the glass thickness or chemically modifying the material to increase the critical strain at glass breakage. Nevertheless, it has been found that glass as a cover lens material requires the replacement of the entire cover when the glass is damaged. Alternative solutions for cover lenses can provide excellent optical performance and flexibility, but are typically vulnerable to abrasion and scratches. If damaged by a scratch, the entire cover needs to be replaced. Replacing the cover lens requires specific expertise and time and is costly.

[0005]

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a cover lens that is flexible and easily replaceable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006]

[0006] Implementations described herein generally relate to flexible display devices. In one or more embodiments, a cover lens assembly is provided that includes a first flexible cover lens, a second flexible cover lens, and a sacrificial adhesive disposed between the first flexible cover lens and the second flexible cover lens. The first flexible cover lens includes a first hard coat layer having a hardness in the range of about 4H to about 9H and a first substrate. The second flexible cover lens includes a second hard coat layer having a hardness in the range of about 2H to about 9H. The first substrate is disposed between the first hard coat layer and the sacrificial adhesive layer.

[0007]

[0007] In some embodiments, a cover lens assembly is provided that includes a first flexible cover lens, a second flexible cover lens, and a sacrificial adhesive disposed between the first flexible cover lens and the second flexible cover lens. The first flexible cover lens includes a first hard coat layer having a hardness in the range of about 4H to about 9H, a first shock absorbing layer, and a first substrate disposed between the first hard coat layer and the first shock absorbing layer. The second flexible cover lens includes a second hard coat layer having a hardness in the range of about 2H to about 9H, a second shock absorbing layer, and a second substrate disposed between the second hard coat layer and the second shock absorbing layer.

[0008]

[0008] In other embodiments, a cover lens assembly is provided that includes a flexible cover lens and a sacrificial adhesive layer. The flexible cover lens includes a hard coat layer having a hardness in the range of about 4H to about 9H and a thickness in the range of about 0.1 μm to about 40 μm, and a substrate having a thickness in the range of about 5 μm to about 200 μm. The sacrificial adhesive layer is disposed on the lower surface of the cover lens.

[0009]

[0009] In one or more embodiments, a display device is provided that includes a first flexible cover lens, a second flexible cover lens, a sacrificial adhesive, a display structure, and an adhesive layer. The first flexible cover lens includes a first hard coat layer having a hardness in the range of about 4H to about 9H and a first substrate. The second flexible cover lens includes a second hard coat layer having a hardness in the range of about 2H to about 9H. The sacrificial adhesive layer is disposed between the first flexible cover lens and the second flexible cover lens, and the first substrate is disposed between the first hard coat layer and the sacrificial adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is disposed between the second flexible cover lens and the display structure, and the sacrificial adhesive layer has a composition different from that of the adhesive layer.

[0010]

[0010] In some embodiments, a display device is provided that includes a first flexible cover lens, a second flexible cover lens, a sacrificial adhesive, a display structure, and an adhesive layer. The first flexible cover lens includes a first hard coat layer having a hardness in the range of about 4H to about 9H, a first shock absorbing layer, and a first substrate disposed between the first hard coat layer and the first shock absorbing layer. The second flexible cover lens includes a second hard coat layer having a hardness in the range of about 2H to about 9H, a second shock absorbing layer, and a second substrate disposed between the second hard coat layer and the second shock absorbing layer. The sacrificial adhesive layer is disposed between the first flexible cover lens and the second flexible cover lens. The adhesive layer is disposed between the second flexible cover lens and the display structure, and the sacrificial adhesive layer has a composition different from that of the adhesive layer.

[0011]

[0011] To better understand the features of the present disclosure described above, the present disclosure summarized above will be described more specifically with reference to some implementation manners illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings only show typical embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be regarded as limiting the scope. The present disclosure may also admit other equally effective implementation manners.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

[0013]

[0022] For ease of understanding, the same reference numbers are used to indicate the same elements common to the figures, where possible. The elements and features of one implementation mode can be beneficially incorporated into other implementation modes without further elaboration.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014]

[0023] The implementation modes described in this book generally relate to flexible display devices, and more specifically, to a cover lens assembly including a flexible cover lens with a multilayer film stack.

[0015]

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cover lens assembly 100 according to one or more embodiments described in this book. The cover lens assembly 100 includes a first flexible cover lens 110, a second flexible cover lens 160, and a sacrificial adhesive layer 150 disposed between the first flexible cover lens 110 and the second flexible cover lens 160. The upper protective film 105 is disposed on the first flexible cover lens 110, but it should be understood that the upper protective film 105 is optional and may be omitted from the cover lens assembly 100. The upper protective film 105 can be or include one or more layers such as one or more anti-reflection layers, one or more fingerprint-resistant layers, or a combination thereof.

[0016]

[0025] The first flexible cover lens 110 includes a first hard coat layer 120, a first substrate 130, and a first shock absorption layer 140. In one or more embodiments, the first substrate 130 is disposed between and adhered to the first hard coat layer 120 and the first shock absorption layer 140, as shown in FIG. 1. The second flexible cover lens 160 includes a second hard coat layer 170, a second substrate 180, and a second shock absorption layer 190. In one or more embodiments, the second substrate 180 is disposed between and adhered to the second hard coat layer 170 and the second shock absorption layer 190, as shown in FIG. 1. In one or more examples, the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 is disposed between the first shock absorption layer 140 of the first flexible cover lens 110 and the second hard coat layer 170 of the second flexible cover lens 160.

[0017]

[0026] In one or more embodiments, if it is desired to remove and replace the first flexible cover lens 110 (e.g., because it has been scratched or otherwise damaged), the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 can be selectively decomposed, destroyed, or otherwise removed to separate the first flexible cover lens 110 from the second flexible cover lens 160 or other display structure. The first flexible cover lens 110 can be separated from the second flexible cover lens 160 by exposing the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 to a predetermined temperature, a predetermined wavelength and / or dose of ultraviolet (UV) light, and / or a predetermined mechanical removal mechanism, as further described and recited below.

[0018]

[0027] Each of the first hard coat layer 120 and the second hard coat layer 170 can independently include one or more materials selected from silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, radiation curable acrylate, aliphatic urethane acrylate, copolymers thereof, elastomers thereof, and any combination thereof. In one or more examples, the first hard coat layer 120 and / or the second hard coat layer 170 can be deposited coated or formed by vacuum processing, atmospheric processing, solution processing, or other deposition or coating techniques and optionally treated or cured with heat and / or UV exposure.

[0019]

[0028] The first hard coat layer 120 may have a hardness of from about 2H, about 3H, about 4H, about 5H, or about 6H to about 7H, about 8H, or about 9H based on the pencil hardness scale. For example, the first hard coat layer 120 may have a hardness of from about 2H to about 9H, from about 3H to about 9H, from about 4H to about 9H, from about 5H to about 9H, from about 6H to about 9H, from about 7H to about 9H, from about 2H to about 8H, from about 3H to about 8H, from about 4H to about 8H, from about 5H to about 8H, from about 6H to about 8H, from about 7H to about 8H, from about 2H to about 7H, from about 3H to about 7H, from about 4H to about 7H, from about 5H to about 7H, from about 6H to about 7H, from about 6H to about 9H, from about 7H to about 9H, from about 8H to about 9H, from about 6H to about 8H, or from about 7H to about 8H based on the pencil hardness scale. The second hard coat layer 170 may have a hardness of from about 2H, about 3H, about 4H, or about 5H to about 6H, about 7H, about 8H, or about 9H based on the pencil hardness scale. For example, the second hard coat layer 170 may have a hardness of from about 2H to about 9H, from about 3H to about 9H, from about 4H to about 9H, from about 5H to about 9H, from about 6H to about 9H, from about 7H to about 9H, from about 2H to about 7H, from about 3H to about 7H, or from about 5H to about 7H based on the pencil hardness scale.

[0020]

[0029] Each of the first hard coat layer 120 and the second hard coat layer 170 can independently have a thickness of about 0.1 μm, about 0.2 μm, about 0.5 μm, about 0.6 μm, about 0.8 μm, about 1 μm, about 1.2 μm, about 1.5 μm, about 1.8 μm, about 2 μm, about 3 μm, about 5 μm, about 10 μm, about 15 μm, or about 20 μm to about 25 μm, about 30 μm, about 35 μm, about 40 μm, about 50 μm, or more. For example, each of the first hard coat layer 120 and the second hard coat layer 170 can independently have a thickness of about 0.1 μm to about 50 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 40 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 35 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 30 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 25 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 20 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 15 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 10 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 5 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 2 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 1 μm, about 0.5 μm to about 50 μm, about 0.5 μm to about 40 μm, about 0.5 μm to about 35 μm, about 0.5 μm to about 30 μm, about 0.5 μm to about 25 μm, about 0.5 μm to about 20 μm, about 0.5 μm to about 10 μm, about 0.5 μm to about 5 μm, about 0.5 μm to about 2 μm, about 1 μm to about 50 μm, about 1 μm to about 40 μm, about 1 μm to about 35 μm, about 1 μm to about 30 μm, about 1 μm to about 25 μm, about 1 μm to about 20 μm, about 1 μm to about 10 μm, about 1 μm to about 5 μm, about 1 μm to about 3 μm, about 5 μm to about 50 μm, about 5 μm to about 40 μm, about 5 μm to about 35 μm, about 5 μm to about 30 μm, about 5 μm to about 25 μm, about 5 μm to about 20 μm, about 10 μm to about 50 μm, about 10 μm to about 40 μm, about 10 μm to about 35 μm, about 10 μm to about 30 μm, about 10 μm to about 25 μm, or about 10 μm to about 20 μm.

[0021]

[0030] The first and second hard coat layers 120 and 170 can be independently applied to the lower surface by using various processes such as using a Mayer rod, and then can be heated by non-active convection at a temperature of about 75°C to about 85°C for about 100 seconds to about 140 seconds. Also, the first and second hard coat layers 120 and 170 are independently about 300 mJ / cm 2 to about 700 mJ / cm2 It can be irradiated with a UV lamp for about 100 seconds to about 140 seconds in the output of . The first and second hard coat layers 120 and 170 can be independently slot-die coated or cast.

[0022]

[0031] In some examples, the first and second hard coat layers 120 and 170 can be independently deposited on the lower surface or formed in other ways by using one or more techniques or processes such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), plasma atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD), physical vapor deposition (PVD) or sputtering, or other vacuum or vapor deposition processes. The deposition process can be a thermal process or a plasma process that may include exposure by an ion beam or an electron beam. The first and second hard coat layers 120 and 170 can be independently deposited or formed in other ways at a process temperature of about 50°C to about 350°C, about 70°C to about 300°C, or about 100°C to about 250°C.

[0023]

[0032] The first and second hard coat layers 120 and 170 can independently have a bending inner radius of about 1 mm to about 5 mm, a bending outer radius of about 5 mm to about 20 mm, a transmittance of about 85% to about 98%, about 88% to about 95%, or about 90% to about 92%, and a thermal resistance of about -20°C to about 80°C. In one or more examples, the first and second hard coat layers 120 and 170 can be independently cured using an ultraviolet radiation, an electron beam process, and / or a vacuum deposition process by plasma. The first shock absorption layer 140 and the second shock absorption layer 190 can independently have an ASTM D1003 of about 90% to about 99.99%, a haze of less than 1% of ASTM D10003, a sandpaper abrasion of less than 0.5% of ASTM D1044, and an Erichsen pendulum scratch exceeding 18 N Bosch.

[0024]

[0033] Each of the first shock-absorbing layer 140 and the second shock-absorbing layer 190 may independently include one or more materials selected from ether urethane, ester urethane, aliphatic urethane, aliphatic polyurethane, aliphatic polyester urethane, polysulfide thermosetting resin, copolymers thereof, elastomers thereof, and any combination thereof. Each of the first shock-absorbing layer 140 and the second shock-absorbing layer 190 may independently have a thickness of about 3 μm, about 5 μm, about 10 μm, about 20 μm, about 30 μm, or 40 μm to about 50 μm, about 60 μm, about 80 μm, about 100 μm, about 110 μm, about 120 μm, about 130 μm, about 150 μm, or more. For example, each of the first shock-absorbing layer 140 and the second shock-absorbing layer 190 may independently have a thickness of about 5 μm to about 150 μm, about 5 μm to about 130 μm, about 5 μm to about 120 μm, about 5 μm to about 100 μm, about 5 μm to about 80 μm, about 10 μm to about 150 μm, about 10 μm to about 130 μm, about 10 μm to about 120 μm, about 10 μm to about 100 μm, or about 10 μm to about 80 μm.

[0025]

[0034] In one or more examples, each of the first shock-absorbing layer 140 and the second shock-absorbing layer 190 may independently include an elastomer layer having a thickness of less than 100 μm, such as about 75 μm or less. In some examples, each of the first shock-absorbing layer 140 and the second shock-absorbing layer 190 may be independently slot-die coated or cast.

[0026]

[0035] Each of the first substrate 130 and the second substrate 180 may independently include one or more materials selected from polyethylene terephthalate, triacetyl cellulose, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyimide (e.g., colorless polyimide and / or transparent polyimide), polysulfide thermosetting resin, their copolymers, their elastomers, or any combination thereof. In one or more examples, each of the first substrate 130 and the second substrate 180 may independently include colorless transparent polyimide. Each of the first substrate 130 and the second substrate 180 may independently have a thickness of about 3μm, about 5μm, about 10μm, about 20μm, about 30μm, about 50μm, or about 60μm to about 80μm, about 100μm, about 125μm, about 150μm, about 175μm, about 200μm, or more. For example, each of the first substrate 130 and the second substrate 180 may independently have a thickness of about 5μm to about 200μm, about 5μm to about 175μm, about 5μm to about 150μm, about 5μm to about 125μm, about 5μm to about 100μm, about 10μm to about 200μm, about 10μm to about 175μm, about 10μm to about 150μm, about 10μm to about 125μm, about 10μm to about 100μm, about 20μm to about 200μm, about 20μm to about 175μm, about 20μm to about 150μm, about 20μm to about 125μm, or about 20μm to about 100μm.

[0027]

[0036] Each component of the first flexible cover lens 110 and the second flexible cover lens 160 may be independently adhered, bonded, or otherwise held to each other by one or more adhesives. For example, the first hard coat layer 120 and the first substrate 130 are bonded to each other by an adhesive layer 125 disposed therebetween, and the first substrate 130 and the first shock absorbing layer 140 are bonded to each other by an adhesive layer 135 disposed therebetween. Also, the second hard coat layer 170 and the second substrate 180 are bonded to each other by an adhesive layer 175 disposed therebetween, and the second substrate 180 and the second shock absorbing layer 190 are bonded to each other by an adhesive layer 185 disposed therebetween.

[0028]

[0037] Each of the adhesive layers 125, 135, 175, 185 can independently be or include one or more optically transparent adhesives (OCA). In one or more examples, each of the adhesive layers 125, 135, 175, 185 is applied as a liquid-based adhesive that dries to bond two adjacent surfaces together. In some examples, each of the adhesive layers 125, 135, 175, 185 is an OCA double-sided tape that bonds two adjacent surfaces together.

[0029]

[0038] In other embodiments, each component of the first flexible cover lens 110 and the second flexible cover lens 160 can be held together independently, adhesively, joined, or otherwise without using an adhesive. Thus, any or all of the adhesive layers 125, 135, 175, 185 can be excluded and the adjacent components or layers can be held together by their inherent binding forces. For example, the first hard coat layer 120 is deposited directly on the first substrate 130 or formed in some other way, and the adhesive layer 125 is not at the interface between them. Also, the first shock absorption layer 140 is deposited directly on the first substrate 130 or formed in some other way, and the adhesive layer 135 is not at the interface between them. Similarly, the second hard coat layer 170 is deposited directly on the second substrate 180 or formed in some other way, and the adhesive layer 175 is not at the interface between them. Also, the second shock absorption layer 190 can be deposited directly on the second substrate 180 or formed in some other way, and the adhesive layer 185 is not at the interface between them.

[0030]

[0039] The sacrificial adhesive layer 150 includes one or more OCAs. The sacrificial adhesive layer 150 can be, or can include, one or more polymeric or oligomeric materials such as one or more acrylates, silicones, thermoplastic adhesives, elastomeric adhesives, or any combination thereof. The sacrificial adhesive layer 150 provides a low shear modulus and allows for shear or slip of the layer above the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 relative to the layer below the sacrificial adhesive layer 150. In one or more examples, the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 can be dispensed in various ways and cured by UV exposure, or can be a liquid optically clear adhesive (LOCA) that is highly sensitive to heat, moisture, and / or pressure and can be cured by adjusting or controlling them. In some examples, the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 is decomposable at a predetermined temperature. For example, the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 can be decomposable at a temperature from about 40 °C, about 50 °C, or about 60 °C to about 80 °C, about 100 °C, or about 120 °C. In other examples, the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 is decomposable when exposed to UV light of a predetermined wavelength and / or a predetermined dosage. For example, the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 is decomposable when exposed to UV light having a wavelength from about 350 nm to about 375 nm, such as about 365 nm. The sacrificial adhesive layer 150 can be decomposed by exposing the adhesive to UV light for about 0.5 seconds, about 1 second, or about 5 seconds to about 30 seconds, about 60 seconds, or about 90 seconds.

[0031]

[0040] The sacrificial adhesive layer 150 includes an adhesive different from the adhesives of the adhesive layers 125, 135, 175, and 185. The adhesive of the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 may have a composition different from that of the adhesives of the adhesive layers 125, 135, 175, and 185. The adhesive within the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 is decomposed or destroyed when exposed to UV light of a predetermined temperature or wavelength. Accordingly, the adhesion or bonding between the first shock-absorbing layer 140 of the first flexible cover lens 110 and the second hard coat layer 170 of the second flexible cover lens 160 is broken, and the first flexible cover lens 110 and the second flexible cover lens 160 may be separated from each other. During the same period, the adhesives of the adhesive layers 125, 135, 175, and 185 are not decomposed or destroyed when exposed to UV light of the same predetermined temperature or wavelength, and the adhesion or bonding between the components within the first flexible cover lens 110 and the second flexible cover lens 160 is maintained.

[0032]

[0041] In one or more examples, the first flexible cover lens 110 and the second flexible cover lens 160 independently have flexibility over repeated cycles and can bend to a minimum inner radius of curvature of 1 mm or a minimum outer radius of curvature of 4 mm. In some embodiments, during the bending operation of the display device including the cover lens assembly 100, the first flexible cover lens 110 can move independently of the second flexible cover lens 160 by a sliding, shearing, and / or sliding mechanism provided by the sacrificial adhesive layer 150. The sliding, shearing, and / or sliding surface separating the first flexible cover lens 110 and the second cover lens 160 can be designed with the material of the sacrificial adhesive layer 150. The first flexible cover lens 110 and the second flexible cover lens 160 independently have impact resistance measured by a standard ball drop test, with or without an impact absorbing layer, and can exhibit the ability to retain a drop from a height of 100 cm of a steel ball of up to 130 g, and in some examples, a drop from a height exceeding 100 cm such as from 120 cm to about 150 cm. In some examples, the first flexible cover lens 110 and the second flexible cover lens 160 independently have scratch resistance measured by a standard steel wool test with a load of up to 1 kg applied, and can withstand a number of cycles, for example from 100 cycles to about 4,000 cycles. The first flexible cover lens 110 and the second flexible cover lens 160 independently have a total transmittance of about 85% to about 95%, a haze of less than 1%, a yellow index of less than 1, and high fracture toughness. * <1 and high fracture toughness.

[0033]

[0042] In some embodiments not shown, the first hard coat layer 120 is disposed and adhered between the first substrate 130 and the first shock absorption layer 140, or the first shock absorption layer 140 is disposed and adhered between the first hard coat layer 120 and the first substrate 130. Similarly, in other embodiments not shown, the second hard coat layer 170 is disposed and adhered between the second substrate 180 and the second shock absorption layer 190, or the second shock absorption layer 190 is disposed and adhered between the second hard coat layer 170 and the second substrate 180.

[0034]

[0043] In some aspects not shown, the first flexible cover lens 110 includes any one or two of the first hard coat layer 120, the first substrate 130, and the first shock absorption layer 140, and also omits any one or two of the first hard coat layer 120, the first substrate 130, and the first shock absorption layer 140. For example, the first flexible cover lens 110 includes the first hard coat layer 120 and the first substrate 130, but excludes the first shock absorption layer 140. In other aspects not shown, the second flexible cover lens 160 includes any one or two of the second hard coat layer 170, the second substrate 180, and the second shock absorption layer 190, and also omits any one or two of the second hard coat layer 170, the second substrate 180, and the second shock absorption layer 190. For example, the second flexible cover lens 160 includes the second substrate 180 and the second shock absorption layer 190, but excludes the second hard coat layer 170. In another example, the second flexible cover lens 160 includes the second hard coat layer 170 and the second substrate 180, but excludes the second shock absorption layer 190.

[0035]

[0044] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device 200 according to one or more embodiments described in this document. The display device 200 includes a first flexible cover lens 110, a second flexible cover lens 160, a sacrificial adhesive layer 150 disposed therebetween, a display structure 210, and an adhesive layer 205 disposed between the second flexible cover lens 160 and the display structure 210. The sacrificial adhesive layer 150 has a composition different from that of the adhesive layer 205. The first flexible cover lens 110 includes a first hard coat layer 120, a first shock absorption layer 140, and a first substrate 130 disposed between the first hard coat layer 120 and the first shock absorption layer 140. The second flexible cover lens 160 includes a second hard coat layer 170, a second shock absorption layer 190, and a second substrate 180 disposed between the second hard coat layer 170 and the second shock absorption layer 190.

[0036]

[0045] The display structure 210 can be, or can include, one or more light-emitting diode (LED) displays, one or more organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, one or more liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and other types of displays. In one or more embodiments, the second flexible cover lens 160 is additionally coupled to the display structure 210 as shown in FIG. 2. However, in other embodiments not shown, the second flexible cover lens 160 can be incorporated as part of the display structure 210. The adhesive layer 205 can be, or can include, any of the adhesives used in the adhesive layers 125, 135, 175, 185. Accordingly, the adhesive of the adhesive layer 205 is not decomposed or destroyed when exposed to UV light of the same predetermined temperature or wavelength as the adhesive of the sacrificial adhesive layer 150. In one or more configurations, the display structure 210 is adhered to the second flexible cover lens 160 by the adhesive layer 205. For example, the adhesive layer 205 is disposed between the second shock absorption layer 190 of the second flexible cover lens 160 and the polarizer layer 220 of the display structure 210.

[0037]

[0046] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device 300 according to one or more embodiments described in this document. The display device 300 includes an upper protective film 105 disposed on top of a first flexible cover lens 110 adhered to a display structure 210 by a sacrificial adhesive layer 150 disposed therebetween. In one or more configurations, the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 is disposed between the lower surface or layer of the first flexible cover lens 110, such as a first shock absorption layer 140, and the display structure 210. In other configurations not shown, when the first hard coat layer 120 or the first substrate 130 is the lower surface or layer of the first flexible cover lens 110, the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 is connected between either the first hard coat layer 120 or the first substrate 130 and the display structure 210.

[0038]

[0047] FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device 400 according to one or more embodiments described and explained in this document. The display device 400 includes a first flexible cover lens 410, a second flexible cover lens 160, and a sacrificial adhesive layer 150 disposed between the first flexible cover lens 410 and the second flexible cover lens 160. The upper protective film 105 is disposed on top of the first flexible cover lens 410, but it should be understood that the upper protective film 105 is optional and may be omitted from the display device 400.

[0039]

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the first flexible cover lens 410 includes a first hard coat layer 120 and a first substrate 130. The second flexible cover lens 160 includes a second hard coat layer 170, a second substrate 180, and a second shock absorption layer 190. In one or more embodiments, the second substrate 180 is disposed between and adhered to the second hard coat layer 170 and the second shock absorption layer 190. In one or more examples, the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 is disposed between the first substrate 130 of the first flexible cover lens 410 and the second hard coat layer 170 of the second flexible cover lens 160. The display device 400 also includes an adhesive layer 205 disposed between the second shock absorption layer 190 of the second flexible cover lens 160 and the display structure 210.

[0040]

[0049] In some embodiments, the first hard coat layer 120 and the first substrate 130 are bonded to each other by an adhesive layer 125 disposed therebetween, the second hard coat layer 170 and the second substrate 180 are bonded to each other by an adhesive layer 175 disposed therebetween, and / or the second substrate 180 and the second shock absorption layer 190 are bonded to each other by an adhesive layer 185 disposed therebetween. Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, each component of the first flexible cover lens 410 and the second flexible cover lens 160 can be held together independently by adhesion, bonding, or other means without using an adhesive. Thus, any or all of the adhesive layers 125, 175, and 185 can be excluded, and adjacent components or layers can be held together by their inherent bonding forces.

[0041]

[0050] FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device 500 according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated in this document. The display device 500 includes a first flexible cover lens 110, a second flexible cover lens 560, and a sacrificial adhesive layer 150 disposed between the first flexible cover lens 110 and the second flexible cover lens 560. An upper protective film 105 is disposed on the first flexible cover lens 110, but it should be understood that the upper protective film 105 is optional and may be omitted from the display device 500.

[0042]

[0051] The first flexible cover lens 110 includes a first hard coat layer 120, a first substrate 130, and a first shock absorption layer 140. In one or more embodiments, the first substrate 130 is disposed between and adhered to the first hard coat layer 120 and the first shock absorption layer 140. The second flexible cover lens 560 includes a second hard coat layer 170 and a second substrate 180. In one or more examples, the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 is disposed between the first shock absorption layer 140 of the first flexible cover lens 110 and the second hard coat layer 170 of the second flexible cover lens 560. The display device 500 also includes an adhesive layer 205 disposed between the display structure 210 and the second substrate 180 of the second flexible cover lens 560.

[0043]

[0052] In some embodiments, the first hard coat layer 120 and the first substrate 130 are bonded to each other by an adhesive layer 125 disposed therebetween, the first substrate 130 and the first shock absorbing layer 140 are bonded to each other by an adhesive layer 135 disposed therebetween, and / or the second hard coat layer 170 and the second substrate 180 are bonded to each other by an adhesive layer 175 disposed therebetween. Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, the components of the first flexible cover lens 110 and the second flexible cover lens 560 can be held together independently, bonded, joined, or otherwise without using an adhesive. Thus, any or all of the adhesive layers 125, 135, and 175 can be excluded, and adjacent components or layers can be held together by their inherent bonding forces.

[0044]

[0053] FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device 600 according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein. The display device 600 includes a first flexible cover lens 410, a second flexible cover lens 560, and a sacrificial adhesive layer 150 disposed between the first flexible cover lens 410 and the second flexible cover lens 560. The upper protective film 105 is disposed on the first flexible cover lens 410, but it is understood that the upper protective film 105 is optional and can be omitted from the display device 600.

[0045]

[0054] The first flexible cover lens 410 includes a first hard coat layer 120 and a first substrate 130. The second flexible cover lens 560 includes a second hard coat layer 170 and a second substrate 180. In one or more examples, the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 is disposed between the first substrate 130 of the first flexible cover lens 410 and the second hard coat layer 170 of the second flexible cover lens 560. The display device 600 also includes an adhesive layer 205 disposed between the display structure 210 and the second substrate 180 of the second flexible cover lens 560.

[0046]

[0055] In some embodiments, the first hard coat layer 120 and the first substrate 130 are bonded to each other by an adhesive layer 125 disposed therebetween, and / or the second hard coat layer 170 and the second substrate 180 are bonded to each other by an adhesive layer 175 disposed therebetween. Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, each component of the first flexible cover lens 410 and the second flexible cover lens 560 can be held together independently by adhesion, bonding, or other means without using an adhesive. Thus, any or all of the adhesive layers 125 and 175 can be excluded, and adjacent components or layers can be held together by their inherent bonding forces.

[0047]

[0056] FIGS. 7-9 show schematic cross-sectional views of display devices 700, 800, 900 that may include an optional intermediate layer 215, as described and illustrated in one or more embodiments of this document. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer 215 is present in the display devices 700, 800, 900, and in other embodiments, the intermediate layer 215 is excluded from the display devices 700, 800, 900, as further described below.

[0048]

[0057] FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device 700 according to one or more embodiments described in this document. The display device 700 includes a first flexible cover lens 410, a second hard coat layer 170, and a sacrificial adhesive layer 150 disposed between the first flexible cover lens 410 and the second hard coat layer 170. The first flexible cover lens 410 includes a first hard coat layer 120 and a first substrate 130. The sacrificial adhesive layer 150 is disposed between the first substrate 130 of the first flexible cover lens 410 and the second hard coat layer 170.

[0049]

[0058] FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device 800 according to one or more embodiments described in this document. The display device 800 includes a first flexible cover lens 110, a second hard coat layer 170, and a sacrificial adhesive layer 150 disposed between the first flexible cover lens 110 and the second hard coat layer 170. The first flexible cover lens 110 includes a first substrate 130 disposed between a first hard coat layer 120 and a first shock absorption layer 140. The sacrificial adhesive layer 150 is disposed between the first shock absorption layer 140 of the first flexible cover lens 110 and the second hard coat layer 170.

[0050]

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, each of the display devices 700, 800 may optionally include adhesive layers 125, 135 as described and explained in one or more embodiments of this document. For example, the first hard coat layer 120 and the first substrate 130 are bonded to each other by an adhesive layer 125 disposed therebetween within the display devices 700, 800 (FIGS. 7 and 8). Also, the first substrate 130 and the first shock absorption layer 140 are bonded to each other by an adhesive layer 135 disposed within the display device 800 (FIG. 8). Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, each component of the first flexible cover lenses 110, 410 may be held to each other independently, without using an adhesive, by adhesion, bonding, or other means. Thus, any or all of the adhesive layers 125, 135 may be excluded, and adjacent components or layers may be held to each other by their inherent binding forces.

[0051]

[0060] FIG. 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device 900 including a second hard coat layer 170 according to one or more embodiments described in this document. Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, each of the display devices 700, 800, 900 may optionally include an upper protective film 105 as described and explained in one or more embodiments of this document. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the upper protective film 105 may be disposed on the first hard coat layer 120 of the display devices 700, 800, or as shown in FIG. 9, the upper protective film 105 may be disposed on the second hard coat layer 170 of the display device 900.

[0052]

[0061] Also, referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, each of the display devices 700, 800, 900 may optionally include one or more intermediate layers 215 as described and explained in one or more embodiments of this document. The intermediate layer 215 may be disposed between the second hard coat layer 170 and the display structure 210. In one or more embodiments, the intermediate layer 215 may be formed, deposited, placed, or otherwise disposed on the display structure 210, and the second hard coat layer 170 may be formed, deposited, placed, adhered, or otherwise disposed on the intermediate layer 215. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer 215 may be or may include one or more adhesive layers such as the adhesive layer 205 described and explained above. In other embodiments, the intermediate layer 215 may be one or more layers such as a planarization layer, a high surface energy layer (e.g., hydrophilic), a encapsulation layer, a moisture and / or water vapor barrier layer, etc., or a part of those layers, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments not shown, the intermediate layer 215 is not included in the display devices 700, 800, 900, and the second hard coat layer 170 is formed, deposited, placed, or otherwise disposed on the display structure 210.

[0053]

[0062] FIG. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a display structure 1000 that can be used as the display structure 210 included in display devices 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 (FIGS. 2-9) according to one or more embodiments described in this document. The display structures 210, 1000 can be flexible or rigid displays or other devices and can be included in monitors, displays, telephones (e.g., mobile phones or cell phones), computers or laptops, tablets, watches, or other electronic devices. In one or more examples, the display structure 1000 includes a contrast enhancement layer or polarizer layer 220, a touch panel 230, a display layer 240, a substrate 250, and a backing film 260. The polarizer layer 220 is a multi-functional film layer that includes or contains a polarizer film. The polarizer layer 220 is used to reduce unwanted reflections by the reflective metal that constitutes the electrode lines or metal structures within the display structure 1000. The polarizer layer 220 can include a quarter-wave retarder and a linear polarizer formed from a flexible lens film having a thickness of less than 0.2 mm.

[0054]

[0063] The touch panel 230 can include a touch sensor IC substrate and a touch sensor (not shown). In one or more examples, the touch sensor IC substrate is a flexible, metal-based printed circuit board. The display layer 240 can be or include one or more light-emitting diode (LED) displays, one or more liquid crystal displays (LCDs), or other suitable display devices. In some examples, the display layer 240 is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. In one or more examples, the display layer 240 can include thin film encapsulation (TFE), an organic light-emitting layer, a driver IC substrate, and a thin film transistor (TFT).

[0055]

[0064] The substrate 250 is typically a flexible plastic or polymer substrate. The substrate 250 can be transparent and / or colorless, and in some examples, can be conductive. The substrate 250 can be or include one or more polyimide materials, polyethylene terephthalate, polyether ether ketone, transparent conductive polyester, polycarbonate, polyaryl ether ketone, or any combination thereof. The backing film 260 can be or include one or more heat sink layers and / or one or more protective barrier layers.

[0056]

[0065] Each component of the display structure 210 can be adhered, bonded, or otherwise held to each other by one or more adhesives. For example, the polarizer layer 220 and the touch panel 230 are bonded to each other by an adhesive layer 225 disposed therebetween. The touch panel 230 and the display layer 240 are bonded to each other by an adhesive layer 235 disposed therebetween. The display layer 240 and the substrate 250 are bonded to each other by an adhesive layer 245 disposed therebetween. The substrate 250 and the backing film 260 are bonded to each other by an adhesive layer 255 disposed therebetween. Each of the adhesive layers 225, 235, 245, 255 can independently be or include one or more OCAs. In one or more examples, each of the adhesive layers 225, 235, 245, 255 is applied as a liquid-based adhesive that dries to bond two adjacent surfaces to each other. In some examples, each of the adhesive layers 225, 235, 245, 255 is an OCA double-sided tape that bonds two adjacent surfaces to each other. In other embodiments, each of the adhesive layers 225, 235, 245, 255 is not disposed between their respective adjacent layers that are held to each other by other bonding methods. For example, any layer or component within the display structure 210 can be deposited or otherwise formed on an adjacent layer or component.

[0057]

[0066] The flexible cover lens assembly 100, display devices 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, display structure 210, and / or any of their layers or films can be manufactured using chemical vapor deposition (CVD), plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PE-CVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), plasma atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD), physical vapor deposition (PVD) or sputtering, photolithography, etching, other film coating and curing processes, and / or other such suitable manufacturing processes. Suitable manufacturing equipment can be purchased from Applied Materials, Inc. in Santa Clara, California.

[0058]

[0067] The flexible cover lenses and flexible cover lens assemblies described and illustrated in this document can be used in any display device. The flexible cover lenses and flexible cover lens assemblies have strong strength, flexibility, elasticity, light transmittance, abrasion resistance, and / or thermal stability. By using a sacrificial adhesive layer containing a decomposable and optically transparent adhesive between the first flexible cover lens and the second flexible cover lens, or between the first flexible cover lens and the display structure or display device, in case of damage, the first flexible cover lens can be removed (and replaced with a new cover lens) without damaging the underlying structure or device.

[0059]

[0068] In one or more embodiments, the flexibility requirement depends on the design and product configuration of a particular foldable display. Generally, however, a foldable cover lens has sufficient flexibility to maintain repeated bending cycles as described and illustrated in this document, and in each cycle, the flexible cover lens is bent to a radius of curvature of 5 mm or less. Regarding the critical strain, the flexibility of the cover lens is shown using the critical strain that the cover lens can withstand, a critical strain exceeding 1% (tensile or compressive bending stress).

[0060]

[0069] Embodiments of the present disclosure further relate to any one or more of paragraphs 1 to 29 below.

[0061]

[0070] 1. A first flexible cover lens including a first hard coat layer having a hardness in the range of about 4H to about 9H and a first substrate, a second flexible cover lens including a second hard coat layer having a hardness in the range of about 2H to about 9H, and a sacrificial adhesive layer disposed between the first flexible cover lens and the second flexible cover lens, wherein the first substrate is disposed between the first hard coat layer and the sacrificial adhesive layer.

[0062]

[0071] 2. A first flexible cover lens including a first hard coat layer having a hardness in the range of about 4H to about 9H, a first shock absorption layer, and a first substrate disposed between the first hard coat layer and the first shock absorption layer, a second flexible cover lens including a second hard coat layer having a hardness in the range of about 2H to about 9H, a second shock absorption layer, and a second substrate disposed between the second hard coat layer and the second shock absorption layer, and a sacrificial adhesive layer disposed between the first shock absorption layer and the second hard coat layer.

[0063]

[0072] 3. A cover lens assembly including a cover lens including a hard coat layer having a hardness in the range of about 4H to about 9H and a thickness in the range of about 0.1 μm to about 40 μm, a substrate having a thickness in the range of about 5 μm to about 200 μm, and a sacrificial adhesive layer disposed on the lower surface of the cover lens.

[0064]

[0073] 4. The cover lens assembly according to paragraph 3, wherein the cover lens further includes a shock absorption layer having a thickness in the range of about 5 μm to about 120 μm, and the substrate is disposed between the hard coat layer and the shock absorption layer.

[0065]

[0074] A first flexible cover lens including a first hard coat layer having a hardness in the range of about 4H to about 9H and a first substrate, a second flexible cover lens including a second hard coat layer having a hardness in the range of about 2H to about 9H, a sacrificial adhesive layer disposed between the first flexible cover lens and the second flexible cover lens, wherein the first substrate is disposed between the first hard coat layer and the sacrificial adhesive layer, a display structure, and an adhesive layer disposed between the second flexible cover lens and the display structure, wherein the sacrificial adhesive layer has a composition different from that of the adhesive layer.

[0066]

[0075] 6. A first flexible cover lens including a first hard coat layer having a hardness in the range of about 4H to about 9H, a first shock absorbing layer, and a first substrate disposed between the first hard coat layer and the first shock absorbing layer, a second flexible cover lens including a second hard coat layer having a hardness in the range of about 2H to about 9H, a second shock absorbing layer, and a second substrate disposed between the second hard coat layer and the second shock absorbing layer, a sacrificial adhesive layer disposed between the first flexible cover lens and the second flexible cover lens, a display structure, and an adhesive layer disposed between the second flexible cover lens and the display structure, wherein the sacrificial adhesive layer has a composition different from that of the adhesive layer.

[0067]

[0076] 7. The display device according to paragraph 5 or 6, wherein the display structure includes an OLED display or an LCD display.

[0068]

[0077] 8. The cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, wherein the first flexible cover lens further includes a first shock absorbing layer, and the first substrate is disposed between the first hard coat layer and the first shock absorbing layer.

[0069]

[0078] 9. The cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, wherein the second flexible cover lens further includes a second shock absorption layer, and the second hard coat layer is disposed between the sacrificial adhesive layer and the second shock absorption layer.

[0070]

[0079] 10. The cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, wherein the second flexible cover lens further includes a second shock absorption layer, and the second hard coat layer is disposed between the sacrificial adhesive layer and the second shock absorption layer.

[0071]

[0080] 11. The cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, wherein the second flexible cover lens further includes a second substrate, and the second hard coat layer is disposed between the sacrificial adhesive layer and the second substrate.

[0072]

[0081] 12. The cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, wherein the second flexible cover lens further includes a second shock absorption layer and a second substrate disposed between the second hard coat layer and the second shock absorption layer.

[0073]

[0082] 13. The cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, wherein the sacrificial adhesive layer includes a polymer or oligomer material selected from the group consisting of acrylates, silicones, thermoplastic adhesives, elastomeric adhesives, and combinations thereof.

[0074]

[0083] 14. The cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, wherein the sacrificial adhesive layer is decomposable at a temperature of about 60°C to about 120°C.

[0075]

[0084] 15. The sacrificial adhesive layer is decomposable when exposed to ultraviolet light having a wavelength of from about 350 nm to about 375 nm for from about 0.5 seconds to about 30 seconds, the cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 14.

[0076]

[0085] 16. Each of the first hard coat layer and the second hard coat layer independently contains a material selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, radiation-curable acrylate, aliphatic urethane acrylate, their copolymers, their elastomers, and any combination thereof, the cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 15.

[0077]

[0086] 17. Each of the first hard coat layer and the second hard coat layer independently contains a hardness of from about 6H to about 9H, the cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 16.

[0078]

[0087] 18. Each of the first hard coat layer and the first shock-absorbing layer is independently adhered to the first substrate by an adhesive different from the sacrificial adhesive layer, the cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 17.

[0079]

[0088] 19. Each of the second hard coat layer and the second shock-absorbing layer is independently adhered to the second substrate by an adhesive different from the sacrificial adhesive layer, the cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 18.

[0080]

[0089] 20. Each of the first hard coat layer and the second hard coat layer independently contains a material selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, radiation-curable acrylate, aliphatic urethane acrylate, their copolymers, their elastomers, and any combination thereof, the cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 19.

[0081]

[0090] 21. The cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 20, wherein each of the first substrate and the second substrate independently has a thickness in the range of about 5 μm to about 200 μm.

[0082]

[0091] 22. The cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 21, wherein each of the first substrate and the second substrate independently comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, triacetyl cellulose, polycarbonate, polyimide, polyamide, copolymers thereof, elastomers thereof, and any combination thereof.

[0083]

[0092] 23. The cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 22, wherein each of the first shock absorption layer and the second shock absorption layer independently comprises a material selected from the group consisting of ether urethane, ester urethane, aliphatic urethane, aliphatic polyurethane, aliphatic polyester urethane, polysulfide thermosetting resin, copolymers thereof, elastomers thereof, and any combination thereof.

[0084]

[0093] 24. The cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 23, wherein each of the first hard coat layer and the second hard coat layer independently has a thickness in the range of about 0.1 μm to about 40 μm.

[0085]

[0094] 25. The cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 24, wherein each of the first shock absorption layer and the second shock absorption layer independently has a thickness in the range of about 5 μm to about 120 μm.

[0086]

[0095] 26. The cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 25, wherein each of the first hard coat layer and the second hard coat layer independently has a thickness in the range of about 0.1 μm to about 40 μm.

[0087]

[0096] 27. The cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 26, wherein each of the first substrate and the second substrate independently has a thickness in the range of about 5 μm to about 200 μm.

[0088]

[0097] 28. The cover lens assembly or display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 27, wherein each of the first shock absorption layer and the second shock absorption layer independently has a thickness in the range of about 5 μm to about 120 μm.

[0089]

[0098] 29. A display device comprising the cover lens assembly according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 28.

[0090]

[0099] The foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, but other further embodiments may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, which is determined by the following claims. All documents described in this document are incorporated herein by reference, including all priority documents and / or test procedures that do not conflict with this document. As is apparent from the foregoing general description and specific embodiments, although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited thereby. Similarly, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the term "including" for the purposes of U.S. law. Similarly, when a transitional phrase "comprising" is attached before a composition, element, or group of elements, it should always be understood that the same composition or group of elements with a transitional phrase such as "consisting essentially of", "consisting of", "selected from the group consisting of", or "is" preceding the listing of one or more elements is also contemplated, and vice versa.

[0091]

[0100] Certain embodiments and features are described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be understood that unless otherwise specified, ranges including any combination of two values, e.g., any combination of any lower limit value and any upper limit value, any combination of any two lower limit values, and / or any combination of any two upper limit values, are contemplated. Specific lower limits, upper limits, and ranges are recited in one or more of the following claims.

Claims

**Claim 1** A first flexible cover lens, comprising: a first substrate; a first hard coat layer provided on the first substrate, including one or more of silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and silicon oxynitride, and having a hardness in the range of 4H to 9H; a first shock absorption layer provided under the first substrate and including an elastomer layer and the first flexible cover lens; a second flexible cover lens, comprising: a second substrate; a second hard coat layer provided on the second substrate and having a hardness in the range of 2H to 9H; and the second flexible cover lens; a sacrificial adhesive layer disposed between the first flexible cover lens and the second flexible cover lens, wherein the first substrate is disposed between the first hard coat layer and the sacrificial adhesive layer; and a cover lens assembly comprising the same. **Claim 2** The cover lens assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second flexible cover lens further includes a second shock absorption layer, and the second hard coat layer is disposed between the sacrificial adhesive layer and the second shock absorption layer. **Claim 3** The cover lens assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second flexible cover lens further: has a second shock absorption layer; and the second substrate is provided between the second hard coat layer and the second shock absorption layer. **Claim 4** The cover lens assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sacrificial adhesive layer includes a polymer or oligomer material selected from the group consisting of acrylates, silicones, thermoplastic adhesives, elastomeric adhesives, and combinations thereof. **Claim 5** The cover lens assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sacrificial adhesive layer is decomposable at a temperature of 60°C to 120°C. **Claim 6** The cover lens assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sacrificial adhesive layer is decomposable when exposed to ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 350 nm to 375 nm for 0.5 second to 30 seconds. **Claim 7** The cover lens assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the first hard coat layer and the second hard coat layer independently includes a material selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, radiation-curable acrylates, aliphatic urethane acrylates, copolymers thereof, elastomers thereof, and any combination thereof. **Claim 8** The cover lens assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first hard coat layer and the second hard coat layer independently have a hardness of 6H to 9H.

9. A first flexible cover lens, comprising: a first substrate; a first hard coat layer provided on the first substrate, including one or more of silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and silicon oxynitride, and having a hardness in the range of 4H to 9H; a first shock absorption layer provided under the first substrate and including an elastomer layer and a first flexible cover lens including the same; a second flexible cover lens, comprising: a second substrate; a second hard coat layer provided on the second substrate and having a hardness in the range of 2H to 9H; a second shock absorption layer provided under the second substrate and including an elastomer layer and a second flexible cover lens including the same; a sacrificial adhesive layer disposed between the first shock absorption layer and the second hard coat layer and a cover lens assembly including the same.

10. The cover lens assembly according to claim 9, wherein each of the first hard coat layer and the first shock absorption layer is independently adhered to the first substrate by an adhesive different from the sacrificial adhesive layer.

11. The cover lens assembly according to claim 9, wherein each of the second hard coat layer and the second shock absorption layer is independently adhered to the second substrate by an adhesive different from the sacrificial adhesive layer.

12. The cover lens assembly according to claim 9, wherein each of the first hard coat layer and the second hard coat layer independently includes a material selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, radiation-curable acrylate, aliphatic urethane acrylate, their copolymers, their elastomers, and any combination thereof.

13. The cover lens assembly according to claim 9, wherein each of the first substrate and the second substrate independently has a thickness in the range of 5 μm to 200 μm.

14. The cover lens assembly according to claim 9, wherein each of the first substrate and the second substrate independently includes a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, triacetyl cellulose, polycarbonate, polyimide, polyamide, their copolymers, their elastomers, and any combination thereof.

15. The cover lens assembly according to claim 9, wherein each of the first shock absorption layer and the second shock absorption layer independently contains a material selected from the group consisting of ether urethane, ester urethane, aliphatic urethane, aliphatic polyurethane, aliphatic polyester urethane, polysulfide thermosetting resin, copolymers thereof, elastomers thereof, and any combination thereof.

16. The cover lens assembly according to claim 9, wherein each of the first hard coat layer and the second hard coat layer independently has a thickness in the range of 0.1 μm to 40 μm.

17. The cover lens assembly according to claim 9, wherein each of the first shock absorption layer and the second shock absorption layer independently has a thickness in the range of 5 μm to 120 μm.

18. A flexible cover lens, comprising: a substrate having a thickness in the range of 5 μm to 200 μm; a hard coat layer provided on the substrate, including one or more of silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and silicon oxynitride, having a hardness in the range of 4H to 9H and a thickness in the range of 0.1 μm to 40 μm; a shock absorption layer provided under the substrate and including an elastomer layer; a flexible cover lens; a sacrificial adhesive layer disposed on the lower surface of the flexible cover lens; a cover lens assembly.

19. The cover lens assembly according to claim 18, wherein the shock absorption layer has a thickness in the range of 5 μm to 120 μm.

20. A first flexible cover lens, comprising: a first substrate; a first hard coat layer provided on the first substrate, including one or more of silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and silicon oxynitride, and having a hardness in the range of 4H to 9H; a shock absorption layer provided under the first substrate and including an elastomer layer; a first flexible cover lens; a second flexible cover lens, comprising: a second hard coat layer having a hardness in the range of 2H to 9H; a second flexible cover lens; a sacrificial adhesive layer disposed between the first flexible cover lens and the second flexible cover lens, wherein the first substrate is disposed between the first hard coat layer and the sacrificial adhesive layer; a display structure; An adhesive layer disposed between the second flexible cover lens and the display structure, wherein the sacrificial adhesive layer has a composition different from that of the adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer A display device comprising.

21. The display device according to claim 20, wherein the display structure includes an OLED display or an LCD display.

22. The display device according to claim 20, wherein the sacrificial adhesive layer includes a polymer or oligomer material selected from the group consisting of acrylates, silicones, thermoplastic adhesives, elastomeric adhesives, and combinations thereof.

23. The display device according to claim 20, wherein the sacrificial adhesive layer is decomposable when exposed to ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 350 nm to 375 nm for 0.5 seconds to 30 seconds.

24. A first flexible cover lens, A first substrate, A first hard coat layer provided on the first substrate, including one or more of silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and silicon oxynitride, and having a hardness in the range of 4H to 9H, A first shock absorption layer provided under the first substrate and including an elastomer layer A first flexible cover lens including, A second flexible cover lens, A second substrate, A second hard coat layer provided on the second substrate and having a hardness in the range of 2H to 9H, A second shock absorption layer provided under the second substrate and including an elastomer layer A second flexible cover lens including, A sacrificial adhesive layer disposed between the first flexible cover lens and the second flexible cover lens, A display structure, An adhesive layer disposed between the second flexible cover lens and the display structure, wherein the sacrificial adhesive layer has a composition different from that of the adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer A display device comprising.

25. The display device according to claim 24, wherein each of the first hard coat layer and the second hard coat layer independently has a thickness in the range of 0.1 μm to 40 μm, each of the first substrate and the second substrate independently has a thickness in the range of 5 μm to 200 μm, and each of the first shock absorption layer and the second shock absorption layer independently has a thickness in the range of 5 μm to 120 μm.

26. The display device according to claim 24, wherein the display structure includes an OLED display or an LCD display.

Images