Patent Publication Number: US-2023136310-A1

Title: Display device

Description:
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 11.9 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0149163, filed on Nov. 2, 2021 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
     1. TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments relate to a display device. More particularly, embodiments relate to a foldable display device. 
     2. DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART 
     A foldable display device that can be unfolded or folded has generated increasing interest in the electronics industry based on features such as increased portability and convenience. However, when the foldable display device is unfolded or folded, a repulsive force may be generated. The repulsive force may cause damage to a display panel and/or a window included in the foldable display. For example, a crack may occur in the display panel or the window may be lifted. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present inventive concept may provide a display device with increased display quality. 
     According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, a display device includes a display panel including a display area, a first area spaced apart from the display area, and a second area disposed between the display area and the first area. An optical layer is disposed on the display panel and extends from the display area to a portion of the second area. A protective member includes a first protective layer disposed on the display panel in the first area and a second protective layer disposed on the display panel in the second area and having a thickness less than a thickness of the first protective layer. 
     In an embodiment, the protective member may be spaced apart from the optical layer and does not directly contact the optical layer. 
     In an embodiment, the display device may further include an adhesive layer disposed between the display panel and the optical layer. 
     In an embodiment, the thickness of the second protective layer may be less than a thickness of the adhesive layer. 
     In an embodiment, the second protective layer may directly contact the adhesive layer. 
     In an embodiment, the second protective layer may directly contact the first protective layer. 
     In an embodiment, the second protective layer may cover the second area and the second area does not include an exposed surface. 
     In an embodiment, the second protective layer may include a same material as the first protective layer. 
     In an embodiment, the protective member may include at least one material selected from a group consisting of an acrylic resin and a urethane-based resin. 
     According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, a display device may include a display panel including a display area, a first area spaced apart from the display area, and a second area disposed between the display area and the first area. An optical layer is disposed on the display panel and extends from the display area to a portion of the second area. A protective member includes a first protective layer disposed on the display panel in the first area, a second protective layer disposed on the display panel in the second area and a protective pattern protruding upwardly from the second protective layer and spaced apart from the optical layer. 
     In an embodiment, the protective pattern may have a rectangular shape or a trapezoidal shape. 
     In an embodiment, the protective pattern may include a first protrusion, a second protrusion, and a third protrusion sequentially arranged along a first direction from the first protective layer towards the optical layer. 
     In an embodiment, a thickness of the second protrusion is greater than a thickness of the first protrusion and a thickness of the third protrusion is greater than a thickness of the second protrusion. 
     In an embodiment, the protective member may be spaced apart from the optical layer and does not directly contact the optical layer. 
     In an embodiment, the display device may further include an adhesive layer disposed between the display panel and the optical layer. 
     In an embodiment, the second protective layer may directly contact the adhesive layer. 
     In an embodiment, the protective pattern may be spaced apart from the adhesive layer and does not directly contact the adhesive layer. 
     In an embodiment, the second protective layer may directly contact the first protective layer. 
     In an embodiment, the protective layer may include a same material as the second protective layer. 
     In an embodiment, a sum of a thickness of the protective pattern and a thickness of the second protective layer is greater than or equal to a thickness of the first protective layer. 
     The display device may include a display panel, an optical layer disposed on the displays panel, and a protective member. The protective member may be spaced apart from the optical layer. Even if the optical layer is moved by a repulsive force generated when the display device is unfolded or folded, the repulsive force may not be transmitted to the protective member. Accordingly, the protective member may not cause a crack in the display panel and may not lift a window disposed on the protective member. The protective member may, cover the display panel on which the optical layer is not disposed. Accordingly, since the display panel is not exposed by the protective member, generation of static electricity may be reduced. Accordingly, the display quality of the display device may be increased. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative, non-limiting embodiments will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view illustrating an unfolded state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view illustrating a folded state of the display device of  FIG.  1    according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept. 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the display device of  FIG.  1    according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept. 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display panel included in the display device of  FIG.  3    according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept. 
         FIGS.  5  and  6    are enlarged cross-sectional views illustrating area ‘A’ of  FIG.  3    according to embodiments of the present inventive concept. 
         FIGS.  7  and  8    are enlarged cross-sectional views illustrating a portion of a display device according to embodiments of the present inventive concept. 
         FIGS.  9  and  10    are enlarged cross-sectional views illustrating a portion of a display device according to embodiments of the present inventive concept. 
         FIGS.  11 ,  12  and  13    are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of manufacturing a protective member included in the display device of  FIG.  9    according to embodiments of the present inventive concept. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The present inventive concept now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are shown. The present inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms, and should not be construed as limited to embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present inventive concept to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. 
       FIG.  1    is a perspective view illustrating an unfolded state of a display device according to an embodiment and  FIG.  2    is a perspective view illustrating a folded state of the display device of  FIG.  1   . 
     Referring to embodiments of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , a first direction X and a second direction Y intersecting the first direction X may define a plane. For example, in an embodiment, the second direction Y may be perpendicular to the first direction X. The third direction Z may intersect the plane. For example, the third direction Z may be perpendicular to the plane. However, the first to third directions X, Y, Z may cross each other at various different angles. In an embodiment, the first direction X may be referred to as a width direction, the second direction Y may be referred to as a length direction, and the third direction Z may be referred to as a thickness direction. However, embodiments of the present inventive concept are not necessarily limited thereto. 
     A display device  1000  according to an embodiment may include a display surface DS. In an embodiment, the display surface DS may be a front surface of the display device  1000 . The display surface DS may be a surface on which the display device  1000  displays an image. A rear surface of the display device  1000  may not display an image. 
     The display device  1000  may be a foldable display device. The display device  1000  may be unfolded or folded. For example, an unfolded state of the display device  1000  may be referred to as an unfolding state, and a folded state of the display device  1000  may be referred to as a folding state. The folded state of the display device  1000  may be a state in which a portion of the display device  1000  faces another portion or a state in which a portion forms a predetermined inclination with respect another portion. For example, the folded state of the display device  1000  may be a state in which separate portions of the display surface DS face each other. 
     The display device  1000  may be divided into a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display surface DS may be disposed over the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. 
     The display area DA may display an image. A pixel may be disposed in the display area DA. The display area DA may be divided into a folding area FA and non-folding areas, such as first and second non-folding areas NFA 1 , NFA 2 . 
     In an embodiment, the folding area FA may be located in a center of the display area DA (e.g., in the first direction X). The folding area FA may be an area in which the display device  1000  is folded when the display device  1000  is folded. The folding area FA may include a folding axis FX. The display device  1000  may be unfolded or folded based on the folding axis FX. 
     The first and second non-folding areas NFA 1 , NFA 2  may be located on both sides of the folding area FA (e.g., in the first direction X). For example, the first and second non-folding areas NFA 1 , NFA 2  may be adjacent to the non-display area NDA. The non-folding areas may be areas in which the display device  1000  is not folded even when the display device  1000  is folded into the folded state. In an embodiment, the non-folding areas may include a first non-folding area NFA 1  and a second non-folding area NFA 2  disposed on both sides of the folding area FA. 
     The non-display area NDA may be disposed around the display area DA (e.g., in the first and/or second directions X, Y). The non-display area NDA may surround at least a portion of the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may not display an image. A driver such as a printed circuit board may be disposed in the non-display area NDA. The driver may be bent toward the rear surface so as not to be viewed in a plan view of the display device  1000 . 
       FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the display device of  FIG.  1   . 
     Referring to an embodiment of  FIG.  3   , the non-display area NDA may include a first area BA and a second area SA. 
     The first area BA may be spaced apart from the display area DA. For example, the first area BA may be spaced apart from the non-folding area NFA 1  of the display area DA with the second area SA disposed therebetween. The first area BA may be an area bent toward the rear surface of the display surface DS so that the driver is not viewable in a plan view of the display device  1000 . The first area BA may be referred to as a bending area. 
     The second area SA may be disposed between the display area DA and the first area BA. For example, in an embodiment, the second area SA may be immediately adjacent to the non-folding area NFA 1  of the display area DA. The second area SA may be a non-bending area. The second area SA may be referred to as a flat area. 
     The display device  1000  may include a display panel  100 , a protective film  200 , a buffer member  300 , a support member  400 , an optical member  500 , a protective member BPL, and a window  600 . 
     The display panel  100  may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. For example, the display panel  100  has a display area DA including a folding area FA and non-folding areas, such as first and second non-folding areas NFA 1 , NFA 2  and a non-display NDA area including a first area BA and a second area SA. 
     The display panel  100  may display an image in the display area DA. In an embodiment, the display panel  100  may include an organic light emitting display panel, an inorganic light emitting display panel, a quantum dot light emitting display panel, a micro LED display panel, a nano LED display panel, a plasma display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, and the like. 
     The protective film  200  may be disposed under the display panel  100  (e.g., directly thereunder in the third direction Z). The protective film  200  may distribute stress applied to the display panel  100  when the display panel  100  is folded. The protective film  200  may have an opening OP in the first area BA. For example, the protective film  200  may be cut in the first area BA and may not overlap the first area BA (e.g., in the third direction Z). Accordingly, when the display panel  100  is folded, stress generated in the display panel  100  may be reduced. 
     In an embodiment, the protective film  200  may be a plastic film. For example, the protective film  200  may include at least one compound selected from polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethersulfone, polymethyl methacrylate, triacetyl cellulose, cycloolofin polymer, and the like. 
     The buffer member  300  may be disposed under the protective film  200  (e.g., directly thereunder in the third direction Z). The buffer member  300  may protect the display panel  100  by buffering an external impact. 
     The support member  400  may be disposed under the buffer member  300  (e.g., directly thereunder in the third direction Z). The support member  400  may support the display panel  100 . The support member  400  may include a metal. In an embodiment, the metal may include invar, which is an alloy of nickel and iron, stainless steel (SUS), titanium, copper, and the like. However, embodiments of the present inventive concept are not necessarily limited thereto. In an embodiment, a plurality of holes overlapping the folding area FA may be formed in the support member  400 . 
     The optical member  500  may be disposed on the display panel  100  in the display area DA. The optical member  500  may extend from the display area DA to at least a portion of the non-display area NDA. In an embodiment, the optical member  500  may extend from the first non-folding area NFA 1  to at least a portion of the second area SA. In an embodiment, the optical member  500  may not extend to the first area BA. The optical member  500  may reduce external light reflection of the display device  1000 . Also, the optical member  500  may polarize the light emitted by the display panel  100 . 
     The protective member BPL may be disposed on the display panel  100  in the non-display area NDA (e.g., disposed directly above in the third direction Z). The protective member BPL may extend from the first area BA to at least a portion of the second area SA. The protective member BPL may relieve stress applied to the display panel  100  when the display panel  100  is folded. Also, the protective member BPL may protect the display panel  100  from an external impact. 
     The window  600  may be disposed on the optical member  500  (e.g., in the third direction Z). The window  600  may protect the display panel  100 . The window  600  may include a transparent material. Examples of the transparent material may include glass, plastic, and the like. 
     In an embodiment in which the window  600  includes glass, the glass may be ultra thin glass (UTG). In an embodiment in which the glass is the ultra-thin glass, the glass may be flexible. 
     In an embodiment, the adhesive layer may be disposed between the optical member  500  and the window  600  (e.g., in the third direction Z), and a window protective layer may be disposed on the window  600  (e.g., in the third direction Z). 
     The adhesive layer may fix the window  600  on the optical member  500 . 
     The window protective layer may perform functions such as preventing light scattering by the window  600 , absorbing external impacts on the window  600 , preventing engraving of the window  600 , preventing fingerprints of the window  600 , and preventing glare by the window  600 . The window protective layer may include a transparent polymer film. For example, in an embodiment, the transparent polymer film may include at least one compound selected from polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethersulfone, polyimide, polyarylate, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, cycloolefin polymer, and the like. 
       FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display panel included in the display device of  FIG.  3   . 
     Referring to an embodiment of  FIG.  4   , the display panel  100  may include a substrate  110 , a circuit layer  120 , a light emitting layer  130 , an encapsulation layer  140 , and an input sensing layer  150 . 
     The substrate  110  may be a flexible substrate. For example, in an embodiment, the substrate  110  may include a polymer resin such as polyimide. Accordingly, the display panel  100  may be folded. 
     The circuit layer  120  may be disposed on the substrate  110  (e.g., in the third direction Z). The circuit layer  120  may include a driving member for driving the light emitting layer  130 . For example, the circuit layer  120  may include a transistor. The driving member may provide a driving signal to the light emitting layer  130 . 
     The light emitting layer  130  may be disposed on the circuit layer  120  (e.g., in the third direction Z). The light emitting layer  130  may include a light emitting member. The light emitting member may emit light in response to the driving signal. Accordingly, the display panel  100  may display an image. 
     The encapsulation layer  140  may be disposed on the light emitting layer  130  (e.g., in the third direction Z). In an embodiment, the encapsulation layer  140  may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. In an embodiment, the inorganic encapsulation layer may include at least one compound selected from silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, and the like. The encapsulation layer  140  may prevent penetration of moisture and oxygen. 
     The input sensing layer  150  may be disposed on the encapsulation layer  140  (e.g., in the third direction Z). The input sensing layer  150  may sense a user&#39;s input (e.g., a touch of a finger or a pen) and may convert the input into an electrical signal. 
       FIGS.  5  and  6    are enlarged views illustrating area ‘A’ of  FIG.  3   .  FIG.  5    may illustrate an embodiment of area ‘A’ of  FIG.  3   , and  FIG.  6    may illustrate an embodiment of area ‘A’ of  FIG.  3   . 
     Referring to an embodiment of  FIG.  5   , the optical member  500  may include an adhesive layer  510  and an optical layer  530 . In an embodiment, the protective member BPL may include a first protective layer BPL 1  and a second protective layer BPL 2 . 
     In an embodiment, the adhesive layer  510  may be disposed between the display panel  100  and the optical layer  530 . The adhesive layer  510  may extend from the first non-folding area NFA 1  to at least a portion of the second area SA. The adhesive layer  510  may have a third thickness t 3  (e.g., length in the third direction Z). For example, in an embodiment, the third thickness t 3  may be about 50 micrometers. 
     The adhesive layer  510  may fix the optical layer  530  on the display panel  100 . In an embodiment, the adhesive layer  510  may be an optically transparent adhesive (OCA), an optically transparent adhesive resin (OCR), or a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). A pressure-sensitive adhesive  610  may be further disposed between the optical layer  530  and the window  600  (e.g., in the third direction Z). 
     The optical layer  530  may be disposed on the display panel  100 , and may be disposed on the adhesive layer  510  (e.g., directly on the adhesive layer  510  in the third direction Z). The optical layer  530  may extend from the first non-folding area NFA 1  to at least a portion of the second area SA. The optical layer  530  may reduce external light reflection of the display device  1000 . Also, the optical layer  530  may polarize the light emitted by the display panel  100 . 
     The first protective layer BPL 1  may be disposed on the display panel  100  in the first area BA. The first protective layer BPL 1  may have a first thickness t 1  (e.g., length in the third direction Z). For example, in an embodiment, the first thickness t 1  may be about 80 micrometers. 
     In an embodiment, the second protective layer BPL 2  may be disposed on the display panel  100  in a portion of the second area SA. As shown in an embodiment of  FIG.  5   , the second protective layer BPL 2  may extend to a portion of the first area BA to directly contact the first protective layer BPL 1 . The second protective layer BPL 2  may have a second thickness t 2  (e.g., length in the third direction Z). As shown in an embodiment of  FIGS.  5 - 6   , the second thickness t 2  may be less than the first thickness t 1 . In an embodiment, the second thickness t 2  may be less than or equal to the third thickness t 3  of the adhesive layer  510 . For example, in an embodiment, the second thickness t 2  may be in a range of about 30 micrometers to about 50 micrometers. 
     A repulsive force generated when the display device  1000  is unfolded or folded may be transmitted to the optical layer  530 . For example, in an embodiment, a moving distance of the optical layer  530  by the repulsive force may be about 100 micrometers. In a comparative embodiment in which the protective member BPL directly contacts the optical layer  530 , the repulsive force may be transmitted to the protective member BPL. Accordingly, the protective member BPL may cause cracks in the display panel  100  or lift the window  600 . 
     However, in embodiments shown in  FIGS.  5 - 6   , the protective member BPL is spaced apart from the optical layer  530  and does not directly contact the optical layer  530 . For example, in an embodiment, a distance between the first protective layer BPL 1  and the optical layer  530  (e.g., a width of the second protective layer BPL 2  in the first direction X) may be in a range of about 100 micrometers to about 130 micrometers. Accordingly, even if the optical layer  530  is moved by the repulsive force, the optical layer  530  may not be moved into direct contact with the first protective layer BPL 1 . Therefore, the repulsive force may not be transmitted to the first protective layer BPL 1 . 
     In an embodiment, the second protective layer BPL 2  may be spaced apart from the optical layer  530 . For example, since the second thickness t 2  of the second protective layer BPL 2  is less than the third thickness t 3  of the adhesive layer  510 , the second protective layer BPL 2  is spaced apart from the optical layer  530  (e.g. in the third direction Z) by the distance between the third thickness t 3  and the second thickness t 2 . Therefore, the protective member BPL including the first protective layer BPL 1  and the second protective layer BPL 2  may not be in direct contact with the optical layer  530 . Accordingly, even when the display device  1000  is unfolded or folded, the protective member BPL may not cause a crack in the display panel  100  and may not lift the window  600 . Accordingly, the display quality of the display device  1000  may be increased. 
     In an embodiment, the second protective layer BPL 2  may be in direct contact with the adhesive layer  510  and the first protective layer BPL 1 . For example, the second protective layer BPL 2  may cover a portion of the second area SA of the display panel  100 . For example, in an embodiment the protective member BPL may cover the entirety of the portion of the second area SA of the display panel  100  on which the optical member  500  is not disposed and the display panel  100  may not have an exposed surface in the second area SA. Accordingly, the protective member BPL may prevent static electricity generated in a portion where the display panel  100  is exposed. Accordingly, the display quality of the display device  1000  may be increased. Also, since the second protective layer BPL 2  is in direct contact with the adhesive layer  510 , a separation distance between the second protective layer BPL 2  and the adhesive layer  510  may not be formed. For example, a dead space between the second protective layer BPL 2  and the adhesive layer  510  may be reduced. 
     In embodiment, the first protective layer BPL 1  may include the same material as the second protective layer BPL 2 . For example, the first protective layer BPL 1  and the second protective layer BPL 2  may have substantially one integral body. For example, the first protective layer BPL 1  may be a part of the protective member BPL, and the second protective layer BPL 2  may be a different part of the protective member BPL 2 . In an embodiment, the protective member BPL may include an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, or the like. 
     Referring to an embodiment of  FIG.  6   , a lateral side surface of the first protective layer BPL 1  included in the display device  1000 ′ may be inclined. For example, as shown in an embodiment of  FIG.  6   , an angle formed by a boundary line between the first protective layer BPL 1  and the second protective layer BPL 2  with the display panel  100  may be oblique and may have various different angles and is not limited to an angle of 90 degrees. The boundary line between the first protective layer BPL 1  and the second protective layer BPL 2  may be formed within a deformation that may occur due to a manufacturing process. 
       FIGS.  7  and  8    are enlarged cross-sectional views illustrating a portion of a display device according to embodiments of the present inventive concept. A display device according to an embodiment of  FIG.  7    may be substantially the same as the display device described with reference to an embodiment of  FIG.  5    except for the protective pattern. Accordingly, overlapping descriptions of similar or identical elements will be omitted for convenience of explanation. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , a display device  1100  according to an embodiment may include a display panel  100 , an optical member  500 , and a protective member BPL. 
     The optical member  500  may include an optical layer  530  and an adhesive layer  510 . 
     The protective member BPL may include a first protective layer BPL 1 , a second protective layer BPL 2  and a protective pattern BPL 3  that protrudes upwardly from the second protective layer BPL 2  (e.g., in the third direction Z), and is spaced apart from the optical layer  530  (e.g., in the first direction X). The protective pattern BPL 3  may be spaced apart from the adhesive layer  510  (e.g., in the first direction X) and does not directly contact the adhesive layer  510 . 
     In an embodiment, the first protective layer BPL 1 , the second protective layer BPL 2 , and the protective pattern BPL 3  may include the same material. For example, in an embodiment, the first protective layer BPL 1 , the second protective layer BPL 2  and the protective pattern BPL 3  may have substantially one integral body. For example, the first protective layer BPL 1  is a part of the protective member BPL, the second protective layer BPL 2  is another part of the protective member BPL, and the protective pattern BPL 3  is a still another part of the protective member BPL. In an embodiment, the protective member BPL may include an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, or the like. 
     In an embodiment, the protective pattern BPL 3  may include a plurality of protrusions sequentially disposed in a direction from the first protective layer BPL 1  toward the optical layer  530  (e.g., the first direction X). For example, the protective pattern BPL 3  may include a first protrusion BPL 31 , a second protrusion BPL 32 , and a third protrusion BPL 33 . Although the protective pattern BPL 3  is illustrated as including three protrusions BPL 31 , BPL 32 , and BPL 33  in an embodiment of  FIG.  7   , the number of the protective patterns BPL 3  is not limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment, the number of protective patterns BPL 3  may be four or greater, such as greater than about 30. 
     The protective pattern BPL 3  may define a groove H that is a spaced apart space between each of the first to third protrusions BPL 31 , BPL 32 , and BPL 33 . 
     In an embodiment, the width w of the space between the first protective layer BPL 1  and the first protrusion BPL 31  (e.g., length in the first direction X), the width of the space between the first protrusion BPL 31  and the second protrusion BPL 32  (e.g., length in the first direction X), and the width of the space between the second protrusion BPL 32  and the third protrusion BPL 33  (e.g., length in the first direction X) may be substantially the same. For example, in an embodiment, the width w between the first protective layer BPL 1  and the first protrusion BPL 31  may be about 3 micrometers. A distance d between a protrusion closest to the optical layer  530  (e.g., the third protrusion BPL 33 ) and the optical layer  530  may be less than about 3 micrometers. 
     The protective pattern BPL 3  may not be in direct contact with the optical layer  530 . The protective member BPL may not be in direct contact the optical layer  530 . When the optical layer  530  is moved by a repulsive force generated when the display device  1000  is unfolded or folded, the protective pattern BPL 3  may buffer the repulsive force transmitted to the protective member BPL. Accordingly, even when the display device  1000  is unfolded or folded, the protective member BPL may prevent cracks in the display panel  100  and prevent the window  600  from lifting. Accordingly, the display quality of the display device  1000  may be increased. 
     Referring to an embodiment of  FIG.  8   , the plurality of protrusions of the protective pattern BPL 3  included in the display device  1200 ′ may each have a trapezoidal shape. However, embodiments of the present inventive concept are not necessarily limited thereto and the shape of the protective pattern BPL 3  may vary. The shape of the protective pattern BPL 3  may be formed in various ways within a deformation that may occur due to a manufacturing process. 
       FIGS.  9  and  10    are enlarged cross-sectional views illustrating a portion of a display device according to embodiments of the present inventive concept. A display device according to embodiments of  FIGS.  9  and  10    may be substantially the same as the display device described with reference to an embodiment of  FIG.  7    except for the protective pattern. Accordingly, overlapping descriptions of similar or identical elements will be omitted for convenience of explanation. 
     Referring to  FIG.  9   , a display device  1200  according to an embodiment may include a display panel  100 , an optical member  500 , and a protective member BPL. 
     The protective member BPL may include a first protective layer BPL 1  disposed on the display panel  100  in the first area BA and a second protective layer BPL 2  disposed on the display panel  100  in the second area SA and a protective pattern BPL 3  protruding upward from the second protective layer BPL 2  (e.g., in the third direction Z) and spaced apart from the optical layer  530  (e.g. in the first direction X). 
     In an embodiment, a thickness h 1  (e.g., length in the third direction Z) of the first protrusion BPL 31 , a thickness h 2  of the second protrusion BPL 32  and a thickness h 3  of the third protrusion BPL 33  may gradually increase as a distance increases from the first protective layer BPL 1  and a distance decreases to the optical layer  530  (e.g., the first direction DR 1 ). For example, the thickness h 3  of the third protrusion BPL 33  may be greater than the thickness h 2  of the second protrusion BPL 32 , and the thickness h 2  of the second protrusion BPL 32  may be greater than the thickness h 1  of the first protrusion BPL 31 . 
     As shown in an embodiment of  FIG.  9   , an upper surface of each of the first to third protrusions BPL 31 , BPL 32 , and BPL 33  may be inclined. For example, each of the first to third protrusions BPL 31 , BPL 32 , and BPL 33  may have a shape similar to a rectangle. However, embodiments of the present inventive concept are not necessarily limited thereto and the shape of each of the first to third protrusions BPL 31 , BPL 32 , and BPL 33  may vary. The shape of each of the first to third protrusions BPL 31 , BPL 32 , and BPL 33  may be formed in various ways within a deformation that may occur due to a manufacturing process. The thickness h 1  of the first protrusion BPL 31  may be the largest distance from a bottom surface of the first protrusion BPL 31  to an upper surface of the first protrusion BPL 31 . However, embodiments of the present inventive concept are not necessarily limited thereto, and the thickness h 1  of the first protrusion BPL 31  may be an average of the shortest distance and the longest distance from the bottom surface of the first protrusion BPL 31  to the upper surface of the first protrusion BPL 31 . 
     In an embodiment, a sum of the thickness of the protective pattern BPL 3  and the second thickness t 2  of the second protective layer BPL 2  may be greater than or equal to the first thickness t 1  of the first protective layer BPL 1 . For example, the sum of the thickness h 1  of the first protrusion BPL 31  and the second thickness t 2  of the second protective layer BPL 2  may be greater than the first thickness t 1  of the first protective layer BPL 1 . 
     Referring to an embodiment of  FIG.  10   , the upper and lateral side surfaces of each of the first to third protrusions BPL 31 , BPL 32  and BPL 33  included in the display device  1200 ′ may be inclined. For example, each of the first to third protrusions BPL 31 , BPL 32 , and BPL 33  may have a shape similar to a trapezoid. However, embodiments of the present inventive concept are not necessarily limited thereto and the shape of each of the first to third protrusions BPL 31 , BPL 32 , and BPL 33  may vary. The shape of each of the first to third protrusions BPL 31 , BPL 32 , and BPL 33  may be formed in various ways within a deformation that may occur due to a manufacturing process. 
       FIGS.  11 ,  12  and  13    are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of manufacturing a protective member included in the display device of  FIG.  9   . 
     Referring to an embodiment of  FIG.  11   , the optical member  500  may be formed of the display panel  100 . The acrylic resin or the urethane-based resin may be disposed and coated on the display panel  100  on which the optical member  500  is not disposed. The acrylic resin or the urethane-based resin may rise along the optical member  500  in a portion adjacent to the optical member  500  by surface tension. However, embodiments of the present inventive concept are not necessarily limited thereto, and when the surface tension is relatively small, the upper surface of the acrylic resin or the urethane resin may be substantially flat. The preliminary protective member SBPL may be formed by curing an acrylic resin or a urethane-based resin. 
     Referring to  FIG.  12   , a light source LS may irradiate a laser. In an embodiment, a width of the laser may be about 3 micrometers. The laser may be irradiated to a boundary between the preliminary protective member SBPL and the optical member  500 . Accordingly, a part of the laser may be irradiated to the optical member  500 , and another part of the laser may be irradiated to the preliminary protective member SBPL. The light source LS may be moved to irradiate the laser to the preliminary protective member SBPL. The laser may penetrate a depth smaller than the entire thickness of the preliminary protective member SBPL. 
     Referring to embodiments of  FIGS.  12  and  13   , a groove H may be formed by irradiating the laser. For example, the protective member BPL may be formed by irradiating the laser to the preliminary protective member SBPL. 
     The width w (e.g., length in the first direction X) between the first protective layer BPL 1  and the first protrusion BPL 31 , the width (e.g., length in the first direction X) between the first protrusion BPL 31  and the second protrusion BPL 32 , and the width (e.g., length in the first direction X) between the second protrusion BPL 32  and the third protrusion BPL 32  may correspond to the laser. For example, the width w between the first protrusions BPL 31  may be about 3 micrometers, which is the width of the laser. A distance d between a protrusion closest to the optical layer  530  (e.g., the third protrusion BPL 33 ) and the optical layer  530  may correspond to a portion of the laser. For example, the distance d between the third protrusion BPL 33  and the optical layer  530  may be less than about 3 micrometers. 
     An intensity of the laser may be reduced according to a depth through which the laser is transmitted through the preliminary protective member SBPL. Accordingly, a lateral side surface of the first protective layer BPL 1  and a lateral side surface of the protective pattern BPL 3  may be inclined. However, embodiments of the present inventive concept are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment, the laser intensity is kept constant and the lateral side surface of the first protective layer BPL 1  and the side surface of the protective pattern BPL 3  may not be inclined. 
     In an embodiment in which the laser is further irradiated to the protective pattern BPL 3 , the protective pattern BPL 3  may be removed. In this embodiment, the protective member BPL may be formed to include the first protective layer BPL 1  and the second protective layer BPL 2  but not to include the protective pattern BPL 3  as shown in embodiments of  FIGS.  5 - 6   . 
     The present inventive concept should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these non-limiting embodiments are provided to fully convey the concept of the present inventive concept to those skilled in the art. 
     While the present inventive concept have been particularly shown and described with reference to non-limiting embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the present inventive concept.