Interchangeable cover lenses for flexible displays

Abstract

To provide a cover lens that is flexible and can easily be replaced.SOLUTION: A cover lens assembly comprises a first flexible cover lens, a second flexible cover lens, and a sacrificial adhesion 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 hardness in a range from about 4 H to about 9 H and a first substrate. The second flexible cover lens includes a second hard coat layer having hardness in a range from about 2 H to about 9 H. The first substrate is disposed between the first hard coat layer and the sacrificial adhesive layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Implementations described herein relate generally to flexible display devices, and more particularly to flexible cover lenses. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] Electronic devices often have displays, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) or organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays. Such displays can be fragile and sensitive to moisture, pressure, or particle contamination. Display devices typically use several layers of optical devices to color, polarize, and shutter light from an illumination source. To prevent damage to the underlying film, a rigid display cover lens layer is applied over the other layers to prevent damage to the underlying layers. Including a rigid display cover lens can add undesirable weight to the electronic device. While omitting the cover lens can reduce the size and weight of the device, omitting the cover lens also makes the display more susceptible to scratches.

[0003]

[0003] Increasing demand for new product features and the utilization of a wide range of new applications require thinner and lighter lens substrates with new properties, such as flexibility. Generally, three main properties are desired for the cover lenses of these new flexible or foldable displays: 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 is such that it has a sufficiently high critical strain to avoid failure due to cracking or delamination when repeatedly bent or folded.

[0004]

[0004] Traditionally, cover lenses excel in addressing the first two properties (e.g., optical performance and hardness), but are inferior in the third property (e.g., flexibility) due to their brittle nature. To improve flexibility, considerable prior efforts have been made, primarily to reduce the glass thickness or increase the critical strain at glass breakage by chemically modifying the material. Nevertheless, glass as a cover lens material has proven to require the entire cover to be replaced when the glass breaks. While alternative cover lens solutions can provide excellent optical performance and flexibility, they are typically vulnerable to abrasion and scratches. If damaged by scratches, the entire cover must be replaced. Replacing a cover lens requires specific expertise, time, and significant costs.

[0005]

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

[0007] In some 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, a first impact absorbing layer, and a first substrate disposed between the first hard coat layer and the first impact absorbing layer. The second flexible cover lens includes a second hard coat layer having a hardness ranging from about 2H to about 9H, a second impact absorbing layer, and a second substrate disposed between the second hard coat layer and the second impact absorbing layer.

[0008] In another embodiment, a cover lens assembly is provided, comprising a flexible cover lens and a sacrificial adhesive layer. The flexible cover lens comprises a hard coat layer having a hardness ranging from about 4H to about 9H and a thickness ranging from about 0.1 μm to about 40 μm, and a substrate having a thickness ranging from about 5 μm to about 200 μm. The sacrificial adhesive layer is disposed on the underside of the cover lens.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, a display device is provided, including 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 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 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. An adhesive layer is disposed between the second flexible cover lens and the display structure, and the sacrificial adhesive layer has a different composition from the adhesive layer.

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

[0011]

[0011] In order that the above-described features of the present disclosure may be understood in detail, the above-summarized disclosure will be more particularly described with reference to implementations, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted, however, that the accompanying drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered limiting in scope, as the present disclosure may also admit of other equally effective implementations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cover lens assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another display device according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another display device according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 5]1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another display device according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another display device according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another display device according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another display device according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another display device according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display structure according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0013]

[0022] For ease of understanding, wherever possible, identical reference numerals have been used to designate identical elements common to the figures, and it is contemplated that elements and features of one implementation may be beneficially incorporated in other implementations without further recitation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014]

[0023] TECHNICAL FIELD Implementations described herein relate generally to flexible display devices, and more particularly to cover lens assemblies that include a flexible cover lens with a multilayer film stack.

[0015]

[0024] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cover lens assembly 100 according to one or more embodiments described herein. 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. A top protective film 105 is disposed over the first flexible cover lens 110, although it should be understood that the top protective film 105 is optional and may be omitted from the cover lens assembly 100. The top protective film 105 may be or include one or more layers, such as one or more anti-reflection layers, one or more anti-fingerprint 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 impact absorbing layer 140. In one or more embodiments, the first substrate 130 is disposed between and bonded to the first hard coat layer 120 and the first impact absorbing 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 impact absorbing layer 190. In one or more embodiments, the second substrate 180 is disposed between and bonded to the second hard coat layer 170 and the second impact absorbing layer 190, as shown in FIG. 1 . In one or more examples, a sacrificial adhesive layer 150 is disposed between the first impact absorbing 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, when it is desired to remove and replace the first flexible cover lens 110 (e.g., because it is scratched or otherwise damaged), the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 can be selectively degraded, 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 explained and described below.

[0018]

[0027] Each of the first hardcoat layer 120 and the second hardcoat layer 170 may independently comprise one or more materials selected from silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, radiation-curable acrylates, aliphatic urethane acrylates, copolymers thereof, elastomers thereof, and any combination thereof. In one or more examples, the first hardcoat layer 120 and / or the second hardcoat layer 170 may be deposition 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 hardcoat layer 120 can have a hardness of 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 hardcoat layer 120 can have a hardness based on the pencil hardness scale of about 2H to about 9H, about 3H to about 9H, about 4H to about 9H, about 5H to about 9H, about 6H to about 9H, about 7H to about 9H, about 2H to about 8H, about 3H to about 8H, about 4H to about 8H, about 5H to about 8H, about 6H to about 8H, about 7H to about 8H, about 2H to about 7H, about 3H to about 7H, about 4H to about 7H, about 5H to about 7H, about 6H to about 7H, about 6H to about 9H, about 7H to about 9H, about 8H to about 9H, about 6H to about 8H, or about 7H to about 8H. The second hard-coat layer 170 can have a hardness of 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 can have a hardness of about 2H to about 9H, about 3H to about 9H, about 4H to about 9H, about 5H to about 9H, about 6H to about 9H, about 7H to about 9H, about 2H to about 7H, about 3H to about 7H, or about 5H to about 7H based on the pencil hardness scale.

[0020]

[0029] Each of the first hardcoat layer 120 and the second hardcoat 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 hardcoat layer 120 and the second hardcoat layer 170 may 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 16 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 28 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 30 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 35 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 28 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 30 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 28 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 35 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 30 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 28 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 30 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 28 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 30 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 35 ...35 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 28 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 30 μm, about 0.1 μm to about 35 μm 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 The thickness may be from about 10 μm to about 40 μm, from about 5 μm to about 35 μm, from about 5 μm to about 30 μm, from about 5 μm to about 25 μm, from about 5 μm to about 20 μm, from about 10 μm to about 50 μm, from about 10 μm to about 40 μm, from about 10 μm to about 35 μm, from about 10 μm to about 30 μm, from about 10 μm to about 25 μm, or from about 10 μm to about 20 μm.

[0021]

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

[0022]

[0031] In some examples, the first and second hard coat layers 120 and 170 may be independently deposited or otherwise formed on the lower surface 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-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD), physical vapor deposition (PVD) or sputtering, or other vacuum or gas phase deposition processes. The deposition process may be a thermal process or a plasma process, which may include exposure to an ion beam or electron beam. The first and second hard coat layers 120 and 170 may be independently deposited or otherwise formed 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 an inner bend radius of about 1 mm to about 5 mm, an outer bend 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 heat 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 ultraviolet radiation, an electron beam process, and / or a plasma-based vacuum deposition process. The first and second impact absorbing layers 140 and 190 can independently have an ASTM D1003 hardness of about 90% to about 99.99%, an ASTM D10003 haze of less than 1%, an ASTM D1044 sandpaper abrasion of less than 0.5%, and an Erichsen-Pens scratch of greater than 18N 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 about 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 can 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, the first shock absorbing layer 140 and the second shock absorbing layer 190 can independently comprise an elastomer layer having a thickness of less than 100 μm, for example, about 75 μm or less. In some examples, the first shock absorbing layer 140 and the second shock absorbing layer 190 can independently be slot die coated or cast.

[0026]

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

[0027]

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

[0028]

[0037] Each of adhesive layers 125, 135, 175, 185 can independently be or include one or more optically clear adhesives (OCA). In one or more examples, each of 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 adhesive layers 125, 135, 175, 185 is a double-sided OCA 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 independently adhered, bonded, or otherwise held together without the use of adhesive. Thus, any or all of the adhesive layers 125, 135, 175, and 185 can be omitted, and adjacent components or layers can be held together by inherent bonding forces. For example, the first hard coat layer 120 can be deposited or otherwise formed directly on the first substrate 130, with the adhesive layer 125 not present at the interface therebetween. The first impact absorbing layer 140 can be deposited or otherwise formed directly on the first substrate 130, with the adhesive layer 135 not present at the interface therebetween. Similarly, the second hard coat layer 170 can be deposited or otherwise formed directly on the second substrate 180, with the adhesive layer 175 not present at the interface therebetween. Also, the second shock absorbing layer 190 may be deposited or otherwise formed directly on the second substrate 180, with no adhesive layer 185 at the interface therebetween.

[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, allowing the layer above the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 to shear or slide relative to the layer below the sacrificial adhesive layer 150. In one or more examples, the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 can be formed from a liquid optically clear adhesive (LOCA) that can be dispensed in various ways and cured by UV exposure or by adjusting or controlling its sensitivity to heat, moisture, and / or pressure. In some examples, the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 can be decomposable at a predetermined temperature. For example, the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 can be decomposable at a temperature of 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 degradable upon exposure to UV light of a predetermined wavelength and / or dosage. For example, the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 is degradable upon exposure to UV light having a wavelength of about 350 nm to about 375 nm, such as about 365 nm. The sacrificial adhesive layer 150 can be degraded 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] Sacrificial adhesive layer 150 includes an adhesive different from the adhesive of adhesive layers 125, 135, 175, and 185. The adhesive of sacrificial adhesive layer 150 may have a different composition than the adhesive of adhesive layers 125, 135, 175, and 185. The adhesive in sacrificial adhesive layer 150 decomposes or breaks down when exposed to UV light at a predetermined temperature or wavelength. Thus, the adhesion or bond between first impact absorbing layer 140 of first flexible cover lens 110 and second hard coat layer 170 of second flexible cover lens 160 may be broken down, and first flexible cover lens 110 and second flexible cover lens 160 may separate from each other. During the same period, the adhesive of adhesive layers 125, 135, 175, and 185 does not decompose or break down when exposed to UV light at the same predetermined temperature or wavelength, maintaining the adhesion or bond between the components within first flexible cover lens 110 and second flexible cover lens 160.

[0032]

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

[0033]

[0042] In some embodiments not shown, the first hard coat layer 120 is disposed and bonded between the first substrate 130 and the first impact absorbing layer 140, or the first impact absorbing layer 140 is disposed and bonded 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 bonded between the second substrate 180 and the second impact absorbing layer 190, or the second impact absorbing layer 190 is disposed and bonded between the second hard coat layer 170 and the second substrate 180.

[0034]

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

[0035]

[0044] 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device 200 according to one or more embodiments described herein. 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 different composition than the adhesive layer 205. The first flexible cover lens 110 includes a first hard coat layer 120, a first impact absorbing layer 140, and a first substrate 130 disposed between the first hard coat layer 120 and the first impact absorbing layer 140. The second flexible cover lens 160 includes a second hard coat layer 170, a second impact absorbing layer 190, and a second substrate 180 disposed between the second hard coat layer 170 and the second impact absorbing layer 190.

[0036]

[0045] 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, second flexible cover lens 160 is additionally bonded to display structure 210, as shown in FIG. 2 . However, in other embodiments not shown, second flexible cover lens 160 can be incorporated as part of display structure 210. Adhesive layer 205 can be or can include any of the adhesives used in adhesive layers 125, 135, 175, and 185. Thus, the adhesive of adhesive layer 205 does not decompose or break down when exposed to UV light of the same predetermined temperature or wavelength as the adhesive of sacrificial adhesive layer 150. In one or more configurations, display structure 210 is adhered to second flexible cover lens 160 by adhesive layer 205. For example, adhesive layer 205 is disposed between second impact absorbing layer 190 of second flexible cover lens 160 and polarizer layer 220 of display structure 210 .

[0037]

[0046] 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device 300 according to one or more embodiments described herein. The display device 300 includes a top protective film 105 disposed on top of a first flexible cover lens 110 adhered to a display structure 210 with a sacrificial adhesive layer 150 disposed therebetween. In one or more configurations, the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 is disposed between the bottom surface or layer of the first flexible cover lens 110 and the display structure 210, such as the first impact absorbing layer 140. In other configurations not shown, the sacrificial adhesive layer 150 is coupled between either the first hard coat layer 120 or the first substrate 130 and the display structure 210 when the first hard coat layer 120 or the first substrate 130 is the bottom surface or layer of the first flexible cover lens 110.

[0038]

[0047] 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device 400 according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein. Display device 400 includes a first flexible cover lens 410, a second flexible cover lens 160, and a sacrificial adhesive layer 150 disposed between first flexible cover lens 410 and second flexible cover lens 160. A top protective film 105 is disposed on top of first flexible cover lens 410, although it should be understood that top protective film 105 is optional and may be omitted from display device 400.

[0039]

[0048] 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 impact absorbing 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 impact absorbing layer 190. In one or more examples, a 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 impact absorbing layer 190 of the second flexible cover lens 160 and the display structure 210.

[0040]

[0049] In some embodiments, first hard coat layer 120 and first substrate 130 are bonded to each other by adhesive layer 125 disposed therebetween, second hard coat layer 170 and second substrate 180 are bonded to each other by adhesive layer 175 disposed therebetween, and / or second substrate 180 and second impact absorbing layer 190 are bonded to each other by adhesive layer 185 disposed therebetween. Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, each component of first flexible cover lens 410 and second flexible cover lens 160 may be independently adhered, bonded, or otherwise held to each other without the use of adhesive. Thus, any or all of adhesive layers 125, 175, and 185 may be omitted, and adjacent components or layers may be held to each other by inherent bonding forces.

[0041]

[0050] 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device 500 according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein. Display device 500 includes a first flexible cover lens 110, a second flexible cover lens 560, and a sacrificial adhesive layer 150 disposed between first flexible cover lens 110 and second flexible cover lens 560. A top protective film 105 is disposed over first flexible cover lens 110, although it should be understood that top protective film 105 is optional and may be omitted from 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 impact absorbing 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 impact absorbing 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, a sacrificial adhesive layer 150 is disposed between the first impact absorbing 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, first hard coat layer 120 and first substrate 130 are bonded to each other by adhesive layer 125 disposed therebetween, first substrate 130 and first impact absorbing layer 140 are bonded to each other by adhesive layer 135 disposed therebetween, and / or second hard coat layer 170 and second substrate 180 are bonded to each other by adhesive layer 175 disposed therebetween. Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, each component of first flexible cover lens 110 and second flexible cover lens 560 may be independently adhered, bonded, or otherwise held to each other without the use of adhesive. Thus, any or all of adhesive layers 125, 135, and 175 may be omitted, and adjacent components or layers may be held to each other by inherent bonding forces.

[0044]

[0053] 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. A top protective film 105 is disposed over the first flexible cover lens 410, although it should be understood that the top protective film 105 is optional and may 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, a 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, first hard coat layer 120 and first substrate 130 are bonded to one another by adhesive layer 125 disposed therebetween, and / or second hard coat layer 170 and second substrate 180 are bonded to one another by adhesive layer 175 disposed therebetween. Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, each component of first flexible cover lens 410 and second flexible cover lens 560 may be independently adhered, bonded, or otherwise held to one another without the use of adhesive. Thus, any or all of adhesive layers 125 and 175 may be omitted, and adjacent components or layers may be held to one another by inherent bonding forces.

[0047]

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

[0048]

[0057] 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device 700 according to one or more embodiments described herein. 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] 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device 800 according to one or more embodiments described herein. 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 the first hard coat layer 120 and the first impact absorbing layer 140. The sacrificial adhesive layer 150 is disposed between the first impact absorbing layer 140 of the first flexible cover lens 110 and the second hard coat layer 170.

[0050]

[0059] 7 and 8 , each of the display devices 700, 800 may optionally include an adhesive layer 125, 135, as described and illustrated in one or more embodiments herein. 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 in the display devices 700, 800 ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ). Also, the first substrate 130 and the first impact-absorbing layer 140 are bonded to each other by an adhesive layer 135 disposed therebetween in the display device 800 ( FIG. 8 ). Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, each component of the first flexible cover lens 110, 410 may be independently adhered, bonded, or otherwise held to each other without the use of adhesive. Thus, any or all of the adhesive layers 125, 135 may be omitted, and adjacent components or layers may be held to each other by inherent bonding forces.

[0051]

[0060] 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 herein. Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, each of the display devices 700, 800, 900 may optionally include a top protective film 105 as described and illustrated in one or more embodiments herein. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the top protective film 105 may be disposed on the first hard coat layer 120 of the display devices 700, 800, or the top protective film 105 may be disposed on the second hard coat layer 170 of the display device 900, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0052]

[0061] 7-9 , each of display devices 700, 800, and 900 may optionally include one or more interlayers 215, as described and illustrated in one or more embodiments herein. Interlayer 215 may be disposed between second hardcoat layer 170 and display structure 210. In one or more embodiments, interlayer 215 may be formed, deposited, placed, or otherwise disposed on display structure 210, and second hardcoat layer 170 may be formed, deposited, placed, adhered, or otherwise disposed on interlayer 215. In some embodiments, interlayer 215 may be or include one or more adhesive layers, such as adhesive layer 205 described and illustrated above. In other embodiments, interlayer 215 may be, include portions of, or combinations of one or more layers, such as a planarization layer, a high surface energy layer (e.g., hydrophilic), an encapsulation layer, a moisture and / or water vapor barrier layer, etc. In other embodiments not shown, the intermediate layer 215 is not included in the display device 700 , 800 , 900 , and the second hardcoat 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 may be used as the display structure 210 included in display devices 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 ( FIGS. 2-9 ) according to one or more embodiments described herein. The display structure 210, 1000 may be a flexible or rigid display or other device and may be included in a monitor, display, phone (e.g., a mobile phone or cell phone), computer or laptop, tablet, watch, or other electronic device. In one or more examples, the display structure 1000 includes a contrast enhancement 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 or includes a multifunctional film layer, including a polarizer film. The polarizer layer 220 is used to reduce unwanted reflections from reflective metals that make up the electrode lines or metal structures within the display structure 1000. The polarizer layer 220 may include a linear polarizer formed from a quarter wave retarder and a flexible lens film less than 0.2 mm thick.

[0054]

[0063] The touch panel 230 may 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 may 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 may include a thin-film encapsulation (TFE), an organic light-emitting layer, a driver IC substrate, and thin-film transistors (TFTs).

[0055]

[0064] Substrate 250 is typically a flexible plastic or polymer substrate. Substrate 250 can be transparent and / or colorless, and in some examples, can be conductive. Substrate 250 can be or include one or more polyimide materials, polyester terephthalate, polyether ether ketone, transparent conductive polyester, polycarbonate, polyaryl ether ketone, or any combination thereof. 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 may be adhered, bonded, or otherwise held together by one or more adhesives. For example, the polarizer layer 220 and the touch panel 230 are bonded together by an adhesive layer 225 disposed therebetween. The touch panel 230 and the display layer 240 are bonded together by an adhesive layer 235 disposed therebetween. The display layer 240 and the substrate 250 are bonded together by an adhesive layer 245 disposed therebetween. The substrate 250 and the backing film 260 are bonded together by an adhesive layer 255 disposed therebetween. Each of the adhesive layers 225, 235, 245, and 255 can independently be or include one or more OCAs. In one or more examples, each of the adhesive layers 225, 235, 245, and 255 is applied as a liquid-based adhesive that dries to bond two adjacent surfaces together. In some examples, each of adhesive layers 225, 235, 245, 255 is an OCA double-sided tape that bonds two adjacent surfaces together. In other embodiments, each of adhesive layers 225, 235, 245, 255 is not independently disposed between its respective adjacent layers that are held together by other bonding methods. For example, any layer or component in display structure 210 may be deposited or otherwise formed on an adjacent layer or component.

[0057]

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

[0058]

[0067] The flexible cover lenses and flexible cover lens assemblies described and illustrated herein can be used in any display device. The flexible cover lenses and flexible cover lens assemblies have great strength, flexibility, elasticity, light transmittance, abrasion resistance, and / or thermal stability. The use of a sacrificial adhesive layer comprising a degradable, optically clear adhesive between a first flexible cover lens and a second flexible cover lens, or between a first flexible cover lens and a display structure or display device, allows the first flexible cover lens to be removed (and replaced with a new cover lens) if damaged without damaging the underlying structure or device.

[0059]

[0068] In one or more embodiments, flexibility requirements depend on the design and product configuration of the particular foldable display, but generally, the foldable cover lens is flexible enough to sustain repeated bending cycles as described and illustrated herein, with each cycle bending the flexible cover lens to a radius of curvature of 5 mm or less. With respect to critical strain, the flexibility of the cover lens is indicated using the critical strain that the cover lens can withstand, a critical strain (tensile or compressive bending stress) of greater than 1%.

[0060]

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

[0061]

[0070] 1. A cover lens assembly including: a first flexible cover lens including a first hard coat layer having a hardness ranging from about 4H to about 9H and a first substrate; a second flexible cover lens including a second hard coat layer having a hardness ranging from 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 cover lens assembly comprising: a first flexible cover lens including a first hard coat layer having a hardness ranging from about 4H to about 9H, a first impact absorbing layer, and a first substrate disposed between the first hard coat layer and the first impact absorbing layer; a second flexible cover lens including a second hard coat layer having a hardness ranging from about 2H to about 9H, a second impact absorbing layer, and a second substrate disposed between the second hard coat layer and the second impact absorbing layer; and a sacrificial adhesive layer disposed between the first impact absorbing layer and the second hard coat layer.

[0063]

[0072] 3. A cover lens assembly comprising a cover lens comprising a hard coat layer having a hardness ranging from about 4H to about 9H and a thickness ranging from about 0.1 μm to about 40 μm, a substrate having a thickness ranging from about 5 μm to about 200 μm, and a sacrificial adhesive layer disposed on the underside of the cover lens.

[0064]

[0073] 4. The cover lens assembly of paragraph 3, wherein the cover lens further comprises an impact absorbing 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 impact absorbing layer.

[0065]

[0074] 5. A display device comprising: a first flexible cover lens comprising a first hard coat layer having a hardness ranging from about 4H to about 9H and a first substrate; a second flexible cover lens comprising a second hard coat layer having a hardness ranging from 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 different composition than the adhesive layer.

[0066]

[0075] 6. A display device comprising: a first flexible cover lens including a first hard coat layer having a hardness ranging from about 4H to about 9H, a first impact absorbing layer, and a first substrate disposed between the first hard coat layer and the first impact absorbing layer; a second flexible cover lens including a second hard coat layer having a hardness ranging from about 2H to about 9H, a second impact absorbing layer, and a second substrate disposed between the second hard coat layer and the second impact 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 different composition than the adhesive layer.

[0067]

[0076] 7. The display device of paragraph 5 or 6, wherein the display structure comprises an OLED display or an LCD display.

[0068]

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

[0069]

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

[0070]

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

[0071]

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

[0073]

[0082] 13. The cover lens assembly or display device of any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, wherein the sacrificial adhesive layer comprises a polymeric or oligomeric 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 of 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 cover lens assembly or display device of any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, wherein the sacrificial adhesive layer is decomposable when exposed to ultraviolet light having a wavelength of about 350 nm to about 375 nm for about 0.5 seconds to about 30 seconds.

[0076]

[0085] 16. The cover lens assembly or display device of any one of paragraphs 1 to 15, wherein each of the first hard coat layer and the second hard coat layer independently comprises 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.

[0077]

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

[0078]

[0087] 18. A cover lens assembly or display device described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 17, wherein each of the first hard coat layer and the first impact absorbing layer is independently adhered to the first substrate by an adhesive different from the sacrificial adhesive layer.

[0079]

[0088] 19. A cover lens assembly or display device described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 18, wherein each of the second hard coat layer and the second impact absorbing layer is independently adhered to the second substrate by an adhesive different from the sacrificial adhesive layer.

[0080]

[0089] 20. The cover lens assembly or display device of any one of paragraphs 1 to 19, wherein each of the first hard coat layer and the second hard coat layer independently comprises 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.

[0081]

[0090] 21. The cover lens assembly or display device of 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 of 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 of any one of paragraphs 1 to 22, wherein each of the first impact absorbing layer and the second impact absorbing layer independently comprises a material selected from the group consisting of ether urethane, ester urethane, aliphatic urethane, aliphatic polyurethane, aliphatic polyester urethane, polysulfide thermoset resin, copolymers thereof, elastomers thereof, and any combination thereof.

[0084]

[0093] 24. The cover lens assembly or display device of 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 of any one of paragraphs 1 to 24, wherein each of the first and second impact absorbing layers 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 of 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 of 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 of any one of paragraphs 1 to 27, wherein each of the first and second impact absorbing layers independently has a thickness in the range of about 5 μm to about 120 μm.

[0089]

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

[0090]

[0099] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments may be devised without departing from its basic scope, the scope of which is determined by the following claims. All documents set forth herein are incorporated by reference, including any priority documents and / or testing procedures to the extent not inconsistent therewith. While forms of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, as is apparent from the foregoing general description and specific embodiments, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, no limitation of the present disclosure is intended. Similarly, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the term "including" for purposes of U.S. law. Similarly, whenever the transitional phrase "comprising" precedes a composition, element, or group of elements, it should be understood that the same composition or group of elements may also have the transitional phrase "consisting essentially of," "consisting of," "selected from the group consisting of," or "is" preceding the composition or list of one or more elements, and vice versa.

[0091]

[0100] Certain embodiments and features are described using a set of upper numerical limits and a set of lower numerical limits. It is understood that ranges including any two combinations of values ​​are contemplated, for example, any lower limit with any upper limit, any two lower limits, and / or any two upper limits, unless otherwise specified. Particular lower limits, upper limits, and ranges are set forth in one or more claims below.

Claims

1. a first flexible cover lens, a first substrate; a first hard coat layer provided on the first substrate and having a hardness in the range of 4H to 9H; a first shock absorbing layer provided under the first substrate; a first flexible cover lens comprising: 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 flexible cover lens comprising: a sacrificial adhesive layer disposed between the first flexible cover lens and the second flexible cover lens, the first substrate being disposed between the first hard coat layer and the sacrificial adhesive layer; and A cover lens assembly comprising:

2. 10. The cover lens assembly of claim 1, wherein the second flexible cover lens further comprises a second impact absorbing layer, and the second hard coat layer is disposed between the sacrificial adhesive layer and the second impact absorbing layer.

3. the second flexible cover lens further comprising: A second shock absorbing layer is provided. The cover lens assembly of claim 1 , wherein the second substrate is provided between the second hard coat layer and the second impact absorbing layer.

4. The cover lens assembly of claim 1 , wherein the sacrificial adhesive layer comprises a polymeric or oligomeric material selected from the group consisting of acrylates, silicones, thermoplastic adhesives, elastomeric adhesives, and combinations thereof.

5. The cover lens assembly of claim 1 , wherein the sacrificial adhesive layer is decomposable at a temperature of 60° C. to 120° C.

6. 10. The cover lens assembly of claim 1, wherein the sacrificial adhesive layer is decomposable upon exposure to ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 350 nm to 375 nm for 0.5 seconds to 30 seconds.

7. 10. The cover lens assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first hard coat layer and the second hard coat layer independently comprises a material selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, radiation curable acrylate, aliphatic urethane acrylate, copolymers thereof, elastomers thereof, and any combination thereof.

8. 10. The cover lens assembly of 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, a first substrate; a first hard coat layer provided on the first substrate and having a hardness in the range of 4H to 9H; a first shock absorbing layer provided under the first substrate; a first flexible cover lens comprising: 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 absorbing layer provided under the second substrate and including an elastomer layer; a second flexible cover lens comprising: a sacrificial adhesive layer disposed between the first impact absorbing layer and the second hard coat layer; A cover lens assembly comprising:

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

11. 10. The cover lens assembly of claim 9, wherein the second hard coat layer and the second impact absorbing layer are each independently adhered to the second substrate by an adhesive different from the sacrificial adhesive layer.

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

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

14. 10. The cover lens assembly of claim 9, 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.

15. 10. The cover lens assembly of claim 9, wherein each of the first and second impact absorbing layers independently comprises a material selected from the group consisting of ether urethane, ester urethane, aliphatic urethane, aliphatic polyurethane, aliphatic polyester urethane, polysulfide thermoset resin, copolymers thereof, elastomers thereof, and any combination thereof.

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

17. 10. The cover lens assembly of claim 9, wherein the first and second impact absorbing layers each independently have a thickness in a range of 5 μm to 120 μm.

18. A flexible cover lens, a substrate having a thickness in the range of 5 μm to 200 μm; a hard coat layer provided on the substrate and having a hardness in the range of 4H to 9H and a thickness in the range of 0.1 μm to 40 μm; an impact absorbing layer provided under the substrate; a flexible cover lens comprising: a sacrificial adhesive layer disposed on the underside of the flexible cover lens; A cover lens assembly comprising:

19. 20. The cover lens assembly of claim 18, wherein the hard coat layer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, radiation curable acrylate, aliphatic urethane acrylate, copolymers thereof, elastomers thereof, and any combination thereof.

20. a first flexible cover lens, a first substrate; a first hard coat layer provided on the first substrate and having a hardness in the range of 4H to 9H; an impact absorbing layer provided under the first substrate; a first flexible cover lens comprising: a second flexible cover lens, a second hard coat layer having a hardness ranging from 2H to 9H; a second flexible cover lens comprising: a sacrificial adhesive layer disposed between the first flexible cover lens and the second flexible cover lens, the first substrate being 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, the sacrificial adhesive layer having a different composition than the adhesive layer; A display device comprising:

21. 21. The display device of claim 20, wherein the display structure comprises an OLED display or an LCD display.

22. 21. The display device of claim 20, wherein the sacrificial adhesive layer comprises a polymeric or oligomeric material selected from the group consisting of acrylates, silicones, thermoplastic adhesives, elastomeric adhesives, and combinations thereof.

23. 21. The display device of 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 and having a hardness in the range of 4H to 9H; a first shock absorbing layer provided under the first substrate; a first flexible cover lens comprising: 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 absorbing layer provided under the second substrate and including an elastomer layer; a second flexible cover lens comprising: 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, the sacrificial adhesive layer having a different composition than the adhesive layer; A display device comprising:

25. 25. The display device of 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 impact absorbing layer and the second impact absorbing layer independently has a thickness in the range of 5 μm to 120 μm.

26. 25. The display device of claim 24, wherein the display structure comprises an OLED display or an LCD display.

Images