Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided, the display device comprising a flexible display panel, a plurality of functional layers located above the flexible display panel, and a plurality of adhesive members, each adhesive member being located between respective functional layers or between one of the functional layers and the flexible display panel. The sum of the thicknesses of the adhesive members is equal to or greater than about 135 micrometers (μm) and equal to or less than about 200 micrometers (μm), and the thickness of the adhesive member having the largest thickness among the adhesive members is equal to or less than about 1.3 times the thickness of the adhesive member having the smallest thickness among the adhesive members.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0037440, filed on Mar. 30, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a flexible display device. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device with improved reliability. Background Art

[0004] The display device is capable of displaying various images through a display screen to provide information to a user. Generally, the display device displays information through a display screen assigned thereto. In recent years, a flexible display device using a flexible display panel has been developed. Unlike a rigid display device, a flexible display device is designed to be folded, curled, or bent like paper. A flexible display device whose shape is changed in various ways regardless of an existing screen size is portable and thus improves user convenience.

[0005] When implementing a flexible display device, components of the flexible display device attached to each other by an adhesive member are delaminated from each other by stress generated during folding, curling or bending of the flexible display device. In addition, when an external impact is applied to the flexible display device, the flexible display panel is damaged. Summary of the invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a flexible display device capable of preventing or reducing a separation phenomenon occurring therein when the flexible display device is folded.

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a flexible display device capable of preventing damage even if an external impact is applied to the flexible display device (or reducing the amount or possibility of damage when the flexible display device receives the external impact).

[0008] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a display device, including: a flexible display panel, a plurality of functional layers located above the flexible display panel, and a plurality of adhesive members, each adhesive member being located between the functional layers or between one of the functional layers and the flexible display panel. The sum of the thicknesses of the adhesive members is equal to or greater than about 135 micrometers (μm) and equal to or less than about 200 micrometers (μm), and the thickness of the adhesive member having the largest thickness among the adhesive members is equal to or less than about 1.3 times the thickness of the adhesive member having the smallest thickness among the adhesive members.

[0009] The bonding member having the smallest thickness is located above the bonding member having the largest thickness.

[0010] Each of the functional layers includes a high molecular weight material and has a modulus equal to or greater than about 2 GPa and equal to or less than about 100 GPa.

[0011] The functional layer includes a shock absorbing functional layer to absorb shock applied thereto.

[0012] The functional layer further includes a polarization functional layer polarizing light incident thereon, and the polarization functional layer is located between the impact absorption functional layer and the flexible display panel.

[0013] The functional layer also includes a window functional layer on the polarizing functional layer.

[0014] The functional layer also includes a protective functional layer on the window functional layer.

[0015] The display device further includes a cushion layer located under the flexible display panel to absorb impact applied thereto.

[0016] The display device further includes a fixing member located under the cushion layer to support the flexible display panel.

[0017] Each of the functional layers has a thickness equal to or greater than about 35 micrometers (μm) and equal to or less than about 60 micrometers (μm).

[0018] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a display device, including: a flexible display panel, a fixing member located below the flexible display panel to support the flexible display panel, and a plurality of adhesive layers on the flexible display panel. The sum of the thicknesses of the adhesive layers is equal to or greater than about 135 micrometers (μm) and equal to or less than about 200 micrometers (μm), and the deviation in thickness between the adhesive layers is equal to or less than about 30%.

[0019] According to the above, a separation phenomenon may be prevented from occurring in the flexible display device when the flexible display device is folded (or the possibility or degree of the separation phenomenon may be reduced), and a flexible display device having high resistance to external impact applied thereto may be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The above and other features of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of a folded or rolled state of the display device shown in ;

[0023] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B It is shown Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a display module shown in ;

[0025] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 6 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing a pixel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 7 is shown applied to Figure 6 A timing diagram of a light emitting control signal and a scanning signal on a pixel shown in FIG.

[0028] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a pixel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0030] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B It is shown Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a display module is shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] In the drawings, the thickness of layers, films and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0033] It should also be understood that the terms “include” and / or “including” when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, actions, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, actions, operations, elements, components and / or clusters thereof.

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device DD according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1, the display surface IS on which the image IM is displayed is substantially parallel to the surface defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2. The third direction axis DR3 indicates the normal direction of the display area DA, for example, the thickness direction of the display device DD. The front (or upper) surface and the rear (or lower) surface of each component of the display device DD are distinguished from each other by the third direction axis DR3. However, the directions indicated by the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, and the third direction axis DR3 may be relative to each other and changed to other directions. In the following, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction correspond to the directions indicated by the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, and the third direction axis DR3, respectively, and are assigned the same figure marks as the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, and the third direction axis DR3.

[0035] The display device DD according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be a foldable display device or a rollable display device, but should not be limited thereto or thereby. The display device DD according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to large electronic items such as televisions, monitors, etc., and small and medium-sized electronic items such as mobile phones, tablet computers, car navigation devices, game consoles, smart watches, etc.

[0036] See also Figure 1 The display surface IS of the display device DD may include a plurality of regions. The display device DD includes a display region DD-DA, through which the image IM is displayed, and a non-display region DD-NDA, which is adjacent to the display region DD-DA. The non-display region DD-NDA does not display the image IM. Figure 1 As representative examples of the image IM, an icon of an application and a time window are shown. The display area DD-DA may have a quadrilateral shape. The non-display area DD-NDA may surround the display area DD-DA, but according to other embodiments, the display area DD-DA and the non-display area DD-NDA may be designed to have shapes relative to each other.

[0037] The display device DD may include a housing HS. The housing HS may be the outer side of the display device DD and may accommodate components therein.

[0038] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E It is shown Figure 1 0 is a perspective view of a folded or rolled state of the display device DD shown in FIG.

[0039] See also Figure 2A , the display device DD according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be folded inwardly (inwardly folded) relative to the bending axis BX. Figure 2B, the display device DD according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be folded outwardly (outwardly folded) relative to the bending axis BX. Figure 2C , the display device DD according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be rolled or folded inward from its end. Figure 2D , the display device DD according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be rolled or folded outward from its end. Figure 2E , the display device DD according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be diagonally folded or rolled. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E Various suitable rolled or folded states of the display device DD are shown, but the rolling or folding of the display device DD should not be particularly limited.

[0040] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device DD according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B It is shown Figure 3 0 is a cross-sectional view of a display module (eg, display module DM and display module DM- 1 ) shown in . Figure 3 A cross section defined by the second direction axis DR2 and the third direction axis DR3 is shown.

[0041] The display device DD includes a display module DM, a plurality of functional layers FC1 , FC2 , and FC3 , a base film BF, a cushion layer CSH, a fixing member ST, and a plurality of adhesive members AD1 , AD2 , AD3 , AD4 , AD5 , and AD6 .

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the adhesive members AD1 to AD6 may be a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), but is not limited thereto.

[0043] The functional layers FC1 to FC3 may be located above the display module DM.

[0044] The first functional layer FC1 may be attached to the display module DM through the first adhesive member AD1. The second functional layer FC2 may be attached to the first functional layer FC1 through the second adhesive member AD2. The third functional layer FC3 may be attached to the second functional layer FC2 through the third adhesive member AD3.

[0045] Each of the functional layers FC1 to FC3 may include a high molecular weight material. Each of the functional layers FC1 to FC3 may have a film shape. Each of the functional layers FC1 to FC3 may have a modulus of about 2 GPa to about 100 GPa.

[0046] Each of the functional layers FC1 to FC3 may have a thickness of about 35 micrometers (μm) to about 60 micrometers (μm). When the thickness of each of the functional layers FC1 to FC3 is less than (e.g., less than) about 35 micrometers (μm), the original intended functions of the functional layers FC1 to FC3 are degraded, and when the thickness of each of the functional layers FC1 to FC3 is greater than about 60 micrometers (μm), the flexibility of the functional layers FC1 to FC3 is reduced. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first functional layer FC1 may be a polarizing functional layer to polarize light incident thereon. The second functional layer FC2 may be an impact absorbing functional layer to absorb impact applied thereto from the outside of the second functional layer FC2. The third functional layer FC3 may be a window functional layer to form the outer surface of the display device DD.

[0047] In some embodiments, a protective functional layer may be on the third functional layer FC3.

[0048] The base film BF, the cushion layer CSH, and the fixing member ST are located under the display module DM.

[0049] The base film BF may be attached to the display module DM through the fourth adhesive member AD4. The base film BF may include a high molecular weight material.

[0050] The cushion layer CSH may be attached to the base film BF through the fifth adhesive member AD5. The cushion layer CSH may include a high molecular weight material. The cushion layer CSH may be a layer that absorbs impact applied thereto from the outside.

[0051] The fixing member ST may be attached to the cushion layer CSH by the sixth adhesive member AD6. The fixing member ST may support the display module DM. The fixing member ST may include a hinge utilized or required to fold or bend the display module DM. The fixing member ST may correspond to the housing HS (see Figure 1 ) part.

[0052] See also Figure 4A , the display module DM may include a display panel DP and an input sensing unit TS. The input sensing unit TS may sense a touch and / or pressure applied thereto from the outside.

[0053] The input sensing unit TS may be directly on the thin film encapsulation layer of the display panel DP. Here, the wording "directly on" means that the input sensing unit TS is on the display panel DP without using an adhesive member (eg, the input sensing unit TS is in physical contact with the display panel DP).

[0054] See also Figure 4B , the display module DM-1 may include a display panel DP, an input sensing unit TS, and a seventh adhesive member AD7. The display panel DP and the input sensing unit TS may be attached to each other through the seventh adhesive member AD7.

[0055] The first adhesive member AD1 has a first thickness WD1, the second adhesive member AD2 has a second thickness WD2, and the third adhesive member AD3 has a third thickness WD3.

[0056] Since the first to third adhesive members AD1 to AD3 perform a buffering function to absorb impacts applied thereto from the outside, when the first to third thicknesses WD1 to WD3 are too thin, the display module DM may be easily damaged by external impacts. As another example, in the case where the first to third thicknesses WD1 to WD3 are too thick or the difference between the first to third thicknesses WD1 to WD3 is large, when the display device DD is folded or bent, components attached to each other by the first to third adhesive members AD1 to AD3 may become separated from each other. Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first thickness WD1 of the first adhesive member AD1 to the third thickness WD3 of the third adhesive member AD3 are within the respective ranges disclosed herein.

[0057] As an example, the sum of the first thickness WD1 to the third thickness WD3 may be within a range of equal to or greater than about 135 micrometers (μm) and equal to or less than (e.g., less than) about 200 micrometers (μm). In the case where the sum of the first thickness WD1 to the third thickness WD3 is less than (e.g., less than) about 135 micrometers (μm), in a pen drop experiment, when an external impact is applied to the display module DM, the display module DM may be damaged. Here, the term "pen drop experiment" used herein refers to an experiment for measuring whether the display module DM of the display device DD is damaged after an object having a pen shape is dropped onto the display device DD at a set (e.g., predetermined) height on the display device DD.

[0058] In the case where the sum of the first to third thicknesses WD1 to WD3 is greater than about 200 micrometers (μm), when the display device DD is folded or bent, the functional layers FC1 to FC3 may become separated from the display module DM. In addition, the thickness deviation between the thickest adhesive member among the first to third adhesive members AD1 to AD3 and the thinnest adhesive member among the first to third adhesive members AD1 to AD3 is required to be within about 30%. In the case where the thickness deviation is greater than about 30%, when the display device DD is folded or bent, at least a portion of the functional layers FC1 to FC3 may become separated from the display module DM.

[0059] Table 1

[0060]

[0061]

[0062] Table 1 shows an experimental example of structure 1 to structure 4. Referring to Table 1, since the sum of the first thickness WD1 to the third thickness WD3 is in the range of about 175 micrometers (μm) to about 200 micrometers (μm), the display module DM is not damaged in the pen drop experiment. In addition, since the thickness deviation between the thickest bonding member and the thinnest bonding member among the first bonding member AD1 to the third bonding member AD3 is about 50%, when the display device DD is folded or bent, the functional layers FC1 to FC3 are not prevented from becoming separated from the display module DM.

[0063] Table 2

[0064]

[0065] Table 2 shows experimental examples of structures 5 to 10. According to the experimental example of structure 5, the sum of the first thickness WD1 to the third thickness WD3 is about 120 micrometers (μm), and thus the display module DM is damaged in the pen-drop experiment. However, in the case where the sum of the first thickness WD1 to the third thickness WD3 is about 150 micrometers (μm), the display module DM is not damaged in the pen-drop experiment. When considering that the error range of the first thickness WD1 to the third thickness WD3 occurring during the manufacturing process of the display device DD is about 10%, the sum of the first thickness WD1 to the third thickness WD3 may be equal to or greater than about 135 micrometers (μm), which is smaller (e.g., less than) about 10% than 150 micrometers (μm). Referring to Table 2, since the thickness deviation between the thickest adhesive member and the thinnest adhesive member among the first adhesive member AD1 to the third adhesive member AD3 is about 25% or less, when the display device DD is folded or bent, the functional layers FC1 to FC3 are prevented from becoming separated from the display module DM.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the thinnest adhesive member among the first to third adhesive members AD1 to AD3 may be located above the thickest adhesive member among the first to third adhesive members AD1 to AD3. In this case, when the display device DD is folded or bent, the functional layers FC1 to FC3 may be prevented from becoming separated from the display module DM.

[0067] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a display panel DP according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] See also Figure 5 , the display panel DP may include a display area DP-DA and a non-display area DP-NDA. In the present exemplary embodiment, the non-display area DP-NDA may be defined along an edge of the display area DP-DA. The display area DP-DA and the non-display area DP-NDA of the display panel DP may correspond to the display area DD-DA and the non-display area DD-NDA of the display device DD, respectively.

[0069] The display panel DP includes a scan driver 100, a data driver 200, a plurality of scan lines SL, a plurality of emission control lines ECL, a plurality of data lines DL, a plurality of power lines PL, and a plurality of pixels PX. The pixels PX are arranged in the display area DP-DA. Each of the pixels PX includes an organic light emitting diode OLED (see Figure 6 ) and a pixel circuit CC coupled to (eg, connected to) the organic light emitting diode OLED (see Figure 6 ).

[0070] The scan driver 100 includes a scan driving unit and a light emission control driving unit.

[0071] The scan driving unit generates a scan signal and sequentially applies the generated scan signal to the scan lines SL. The light emission control driving unit generates a light emission control signal and outputs the generated light emission control signal to the light emission control lines ECL.

[0072] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the scan driving unit and the light emission control driving unit may be provided in one circuit in the scan driver 100 without being distinguished from each other.

[0073] The scan driver 100 may include a plurality of thin film transistors formed by the same process as a driving circuit of the pixel PX, for example, a low temperature polysilicon (LTPS) process or a low temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) process.

[0074] The data driver 200 applies a data signal to the data line DL. The data signal is an analog voltage corresponding to a grayscale value of image data.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the data driver 200 is mounted on the printed circuit board FPCB, and the printed circuit board FPCB is coupled to (eg, connected to) a pad at one end of the data line DL. However, according to another embodiment, the data driver 200 may be directly mounted on the display panel DP.

[0076] The scan lines SL extend in the second direction DR2 and are arranged in the first direction DR1 crossing the second direction DR2. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the second direction DR2 is substantially perpendicular to the first direction DR1, but should not be limited thereto or thereby.

[0077] The emission control lines ECL extend in the second direction DR2 and are arranged in the first direction DR1. For example, in some embodiments, each of the emission control lines ECL is arranged parallel (eg, substantially parallel) to a corresponding scan line of the scan lines SL.

[0078] The data lines DL extend in a first direction DR1 and are arranged in a second direction DR2 crossing the first direction DR1. The data lines DL apply data signals to corresponding pixels PX.

[0079] The power lines PL extend in the first direction DR1 and are arranged in the second direction DR2. The power lines PL apply the first power voltage ELVDD to the corresponding pixels PX.

[0080] Each of the pixels PX is coupled to (eg, connected to) a corresponding scan line among the scan lines SL, a corresponding emission control line among the emission control lines ECL, a corresponding data line among the data lines DL, and a corresponding power line among the power lines PL.

[0081] Figure 6 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing a pixel PX according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is shown applied to Figure 6 , and the timing diagram of the light emission control signal Ei and the scanning signals Si-1, Si and Si+1 on the pixel PX shown in FIG. As a representative example, Figure 6 A pixel PX coupled to (eg, connected to) an i-th scan line SLi and an i-th emission control line ECLi is shown.

[0082] See also Figure 6 , the pixel PX includes an organic light emitting diode OLED and a pixel circuit CC. The pixel circuit CC includes a plurality of transistors T1 to T7 and a capacitor CP. The pixel circuit CC controls the amount of current flowing through the organic light emitting diode OLED in response to a data signal.

[0083] The organic light emitting diode OLED emits light at a set (eg, predetermined) brightness in response to the current supplied from the pixel circuit CC. To this end, the level of the first power voltage ELVDD is set higher than that of the second power voltage ELVSS.

[0084] Each of transistors T1 to T7 includes an input electrode (or source electrode), an output electrode (or drain electrode) and a control electrode (or gate electrode). For ease of explanation, one of the input electrode and the output electrode is referred to as a "first electrode", and the other of the input electrode and the output electrode is referred to as a "second electrode".

[0085] A first electrode of the first transistor T1 is coupled to (e.g., connected to) a first power supply voltage ELVDD via a fifth transistor T5, and a second electrode of the first transistor T1 is coupled to (e.g., connected to) an anode of the organic light emitting diode OLED via a sixth transistor T6. In the following description, the first transistor T1 may be referred to as a "driving transistor".

[0086] The first transistor T1 controls the amount of current flowing through the organic light emitting diode OLED in response to a voltage applied to the control electrode.

[0087] The second transistor T2 is coupled between the data line DL and the first electrode of the first transistor T1 (e.g., connected therebetween). The control electrode of the second transistor T2 is coupled to (e.g., connected to) the i-th scan line SLi. When the i-th scan signal Si is applied to the i-th scan line SLi, the second transistor T2 is turned on to electrically couple (e.g., electrically connect) the data line DL to the first electrode of the first transistor T1.

[0088] The third transistor T3 is coupled between (e.g., connected between) the control electrode and the second electrode of the first transistor T1. The control electrode of the third transistor T3 is coupled to (e.g., connected to) the i-th scan line SLi. When the i-th scan signal Si is applied to the i-th scan line SLi, the third transistor T3 is turned on to electrically couple (e.g., electrically connect) the control electrode and the second electrode of the first transistor T1. Therefore, when the third transistor T3 is turned on, the first transistor T1 is coupled (e.g., connected) in a diode configuration.

[0089] The fourth transistor T4 is coupled to (e.g., connected to) the node ND and the initialization voltage generator. The control electrode of the fourth transistor T4 is coupled to (e.g., connected to) the (i-1)th scan line SLi-1. When the (i-1)th scan signal Si-1 is applied to the (i-1)th scan line SLi-1, the fourth transistor T4 is turned on to apply the initialization voltage Vint to the node ND.

[0090] The fifth transistor T5 is coupled between (eg, connected between) the power line PL and the first electrode of the first transistor T1 . A control electrode of the fifth transistor T5 is coupled to (eg, connected to) the i-th emission control line ECLi.

[0091] The sixth transistor T6 is coupled between (eg, connected between) the second electrode of the first transistor T1 and the anode of the organic light emitting diode OLED. A control electrode of the sixth transistor T6 is coupled to (eg, connected to) the i-th emission control line ECLi.

[0092] The seventh transistor T7 is coupled between the initialization voltage generator and the anode of the organic light emitting diode OLED (e.g., connected therebetween). The control electrode of the seventh transistor T7 is coupled to (e.g., connected to) the (i+1)th scan line SLi+1. When the (i+1)th scan signal Si+1 is applied to the (i+1)th scan line SLi+1, the seventh transistor T7 is turned on to apply the initialization voltage Vint to the anode of the organic light emitting diode OLED.

[0093] The seventh transistor T7 improves the black display performance of the pixel PX. In more detail, when the seventh transistor T7 is turned on, the parasitic capacitance of the organic light emitting diode OLED is discharged. Therefore, when black brightness is achieved, even if leakage current from the first transistor T1 occurs, the organic light emitting diode OLED does not emit light, and thus the black display performance of the pixel PX is improved.

[0094] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment, the control electrode of the seventh transistor T7 is coupled to (e.g., connected to) the (i+1)th scan line SLi+1, but it should be clear that the present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the control electrode of the seventh transistor T7 is coupled to (e.g., connected to) the i-th scan line SLi or the (i-1)-th scan line SLi-1.

[0095] exist Figure 6 In the present invention, the first transistor T1 to the seventh transistor T7 of the pixel PX have been described based on PMOS, but they should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first transistor T1 to the seventh transistor T7 of the pixel PX may be implemented by NMOS. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first transistor T1 to the seventh transistor T7 of the pixel PX may be implemented by a combination of PMOS and NMOS.

[0096] The capacitor CP is located between the power line PL and the node ND. The capacitor CP is charged with a voltage corresponding to the data signal. When the fifth transistor T5 and the sixth transistor T6 are turned on, the amount of current flowing through the first transistor T1 is determined depending on the voltage charged in the capacitor CP.

[0097] In the present disclosure, the configuration of the pixel PX should not be limited to Figure 6 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the pixel PX may be implemented in various suitable ways to allow the organic light emitting diode OLED to emit light.

[0098] See also Figure 7 , the light emitting control signal Ei has a high level E-High or a low level E-Low. Each of the scanning signals SLi-1, SLi, and SLi+1 has a high level S-High or a low level S-Low.

[0099] When the light emitting control signal Ei has a high level E-high, the fifth transistor T5 and the sixth transistor T6 are turned off. When the fifth transistor T5 is turned off, the power line PL and the first electrode of the first transistor T1 are electrically blocked from each other. When the sixth transistor T6 is turned off, the second electrode of the first transistor T1 and the anode of the organic light emitting diode OLED are electrically blocked from each other. Therefore, during the period (i.e., non-light emitting period) when the light emitting control signal Ei having a high level E-high is applied to the i-th light emitting control line ECLi, the organic light emitting diode OLED does not emit light.

[0100] Then, when the (i-1)th scan signal Si-1 applied to the (i-1)th scan line SLi-1 has a low level S-low, the fourth transistor T4 is turned on. When the fourth transistor T4 is turned on, the initialization voltage Vint is applied to the node ND.

[0101] When the i-th scan signal Si applied to the i-th scan line SLi has a low level S-low, the second transistor T2 and the third transistor T3 are turned on.

[0102] When the second transistor T2 is turned on, the data signal is applied to the first electrode of the first transistor T1. In this case, since the node ND is initialized to have the initialization voltage Vint, the first transistor T1 is turned on. When the first transistor T1 is turned on, a voltage corresponding to the data signal is applied to the node ND. In this case, the capacitor CP is charged with a voltage corresponding to the data signal.

[0103] When the (i+1)th scan signal Si+1 applied to the (i+1)th scan line SLi+1 has the low level S-low, the seventh transistor T7 is turned on.

[0104] When the seventh transistor T7 is turned on, the initialization voltage Vint is applied to the anode electrode of the organic light emitting diode OLED, and thus the parasitic capacitance of the organic light emitting diode OLED is discharged.

[0105] When the light emitting control signal Ei applied to the light emitting control line ECLi has a low level E-low (i.e., during the light emitting period), the fifth transistor T5 and the sixth transistor T6 are turned on. When the fifth transistor T5 is turned on, the first power supply voltage ELVDD is applied to the first electrode of the first transistor T1. When the sixth transistor T6 is turned on, the second electrode of the first transistor T1 and the anode of the organic light emitting diode OLED are electrically coupled (e.g., electrically connected) to each other. Therefore, the organic light emitting diode OLED generates light with a set (e.g., predetermined) brightness in response to the amount of current applied thereto.

[0106] Figure 8 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a pixel PX according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure (see FIG. Figure 6) is a cross-sectional view of a portion of ). As a representative example, Figure 8 The first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 are shown, but the structures of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 should not be limited thereto or thereby. Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , it appears that the second electrode ED2 of the first transistor T1 is in direct contact with (eg, physically in contact with) the anode AE ​​of the organic light emitting diode OLED, but this is because it is a cross-sectional shape. Figure 6 As shown in , the first transistor T1 is coupled to (e.g., connected to) the anode AE ​​of the organic light emitting diode OLED via the sixth transistor T6. However, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second electrode ED2 of the first transistor T1 may directly contact (e.g., physically contact) the anode AE ​​of the organic light emitting diode OLED.

[0107] Display panel DP (see Figure 5 ) includes a base substrate BS, a buffer layer BFL, gate insulating layers GI1 and GI2, an interlayer insulating layer ILD, a circuit insulating layer VIA and a pixel defining layer PDL.

[0108] The buffer layer BFL is on one surface of the base substrate BS.

[0109] The buffer layer BFL prevents foreign matter in the base substrate BS from entering the pixel PX (or reduces the possibility or amount of foreign matter in the base substrate BS entering the pixel PX) during the manufacturing process. For example, the buffer layer BFL prevents foreign matter from entering the active portion ACL of the transistors T1 and T2 of the pixel PX (or reduces the possibility or amount of foreign matter entering the active portion ACL of the transistors T1 and T2 of the pixel PX).

[0110] Foreign matter may flow in from the outside, or may be generated when the base substrate BS is pyrolyzed. The foreign matter may be gas or sodium exhausted from the base substrate BS. In addition, the buffer layer BFL blocks moisture from entering the pixel PX from the outside.

[0111] The active portions ACL of the transistors T1 and T2 are on the buffer layer BFL. Each of the active portions ACL includes polysilicon or amorphous silicon. In some embodiments, the active portion ACL may include a metal oxide semiconductor.

[0112] The active portion ACL includes a channel region serving as a passage through which electrons or holes move, and a first ion doping region and a second ion doping region positioned such that the channel region is located between the first ion doping region and the second ion doping region.

[0113] The first gate insulating layer GI1 is located above the buffer layer BFL to cover the active portion ACL. The first gate insulating layer GI1 includes an organic layer and / or an inorganic layer. The first gate insulating layer GI1 includes a plurality of inorganic thin film layers. The inorganic thin film layers include a silicon nitride layer and a silicon oxide layer.

[0114] The control electrode GE1 of the transistors T1 and T2 is on the first gate insulating layer GI1. The control electrode GE1 of the first transistor T1 may be one of the two electrodes forming the capacitor CP. Figure 5 ) and the light emission control line ECL (see Figure 5 ) is on the first gate insulating layer GI1.

[0115] The second gate insulating layer GI2 is on the first gate insulating layer GI1 to cover the control electrode GE1. The second gate insulating layer GI2 includes an organic layer and / or an inorganic layer. The second gate insulating layer GI2 includes a plurality of inorganic thin film layers. The inorganic thin film layers include a silicon nitride layer and a silicon oxide layer.

[0116] Forming capacitor CP (see Figure 6 ) is on the second gate insulating layer GI2. For example, in some embodiments, the control electrode GE1 on the first gate insulating layer GI1 overlaps with the control electrode GE2 on the second gate insulating layer GI2 to form Figure 6 However, the positions of the electrodes forming the capacitor CP should not be limited thereto or thereby.

[0117] The interlayer insulating layer ILD is on the second gate insulating layer GI2 to cover the control electrode GE2. The interlayer insulating layer ILD includes an organic layer and / or an inorganic layer. The interlayer insulating layer ILD includes a plurality of inorganic thin film layers. The inorganic thin film layer includes a silicon nitride layer and a silicon oxide layer.

[0118] Data line DL (see Figure 5 ) and the power line PL (see Figure 5 ) are on the interlayer insulating layer ILD. The first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2 of the transistors T1 and T2 are on the interlayer insulating layer ILD.

[0119] The first and second electrodes ED1 and ED2 are coupled to (eg, connected to) the corresponding active portions ACL through vias defined by the gate insulating layers GI1 and GI2 and the interlayer insulating layer ILD.

[0120] The circuit insulating layer VIA is on the interlayer insulating layer ILD to cover the first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2. The circuit insulating layer VIA includes an organic layer and / or an inorganic layer. The circuit insulating layer VIA provides a flat surface.

[0121] The pixel definition layer PDL and the organic light emitting diode OLED are on the circuit insulation layer VIA. For the convenience of explanation, Figure 8 Only the anode AE ​​of the organic light emitting diode OLED is shown. In some embodiments, in addition to the anode AE, the organic light emitting diode OLED further includes a hole transport region, a light emitting layer, an electron transport region, and a cathode. In some embodiments, the display panel DP includes a thin film encapsulation layer to encapsulate the organic light emitting diode OLED.

[0122] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device DD-1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B It is shown Fig. 9 0 is a cross-sectional view of a display module (eg, display module DM- 2 and display module DM- 3 ) shown in FIG.

[0123] The display device DD-1 includes a display module DM-2, a plurality of functional layers FC2 and FC3, a base film BF, a cushion layer CSH, a fixing member ST, and a plurality of adhesive members AD2, AD3, AD4, AD5, and AD6.

[0124] When with Figure 3 When compared with the display device DD shown in Fig. 9 The first adhesive member AD1 and the first functional layer FC1 are omitted in the display device DD-1 shown in FIG. Therefore, only two adhesive members AD2 and AD3 are located above the display module DM-2.

[0125] In some embodiments, FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B As shown in FIG. 1 , the first functional layer FC1 having a polarization function may be in the display modules DM- 2 and DM- 3 .

[0126] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the sum of the second thickness WD2 and the third thickness WD3 is equal to or greater than about 135 micrometers (μm) and equal to or less than (e.g., less than) about 200 micrometers (μm). In the case where the sum of the second thickness WD2 and the third thickness WD3 is less than (e.g., less than) about 135 micrometers (μm), when an external impact is applied to the display module DM-2 during the pen drop experiment, the display module DM-2 may be damaged. In the case where the sum of the second thickness WD2 and the third thickness WD3 is greater than about 200 micrometers (μm), when the display device DD-1 is folded or bent, the functional layers FC2 and FC3 may become separated from the display module DM-2. In addition, the thickness deviation between the second adhesive member AD2 and the third adhesive member AD3 is required to be within about 30%. In the case where the thickness deviation is greater than about 30%, when the display device DD is folded or bent, the functional layers FC2 and FC3 may become separated from the display module DM-2.

[0127] Table 3

[0128]

[0129] Table 3 shows experimental examples of structures 11 to 15. Referring to Table 3, in structures 11 to 15, since the sum of the second thickness WD2 and the third thickness WD3 is equal to or less than (e.g., less than) about 125 micrometers (μm), when an external impact is applied to the display module DM-2 in the pen drop experiment, the display module DM-2 is damaged. In structures 11 and 12, since the thickness deviation between the relatively thicker bonding member of the second bonding member AD2 and the third bonding member AD3 and the relatively thinner bonding member of the second bonding member AD2 and the third bonding member AD3 is about 50%, when the display device DD-1 is folded or bent, the functional layers FC2 and FC3 are not prevented from becoming separated from the display module DM-2. On the other hand, in structures 13, 14, and 15, since the thickness deviation between the relatively thicker bonding member of the second bonding member AD2 and the third bonding member AD3 and the relatively thinner bonding member of the second bonding member AD2 and the third bonding member AD3 is less than (for example, less than) about 20%, the functional layers FC2 and FC3 are prevented from becoming separated from the display module DM-2 when the display device DD-1 is folded or bent.

[0130] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a relatively thinner adhesive member of the second adhesive member AD2 and the third adhesive member AD3 may be located above a relatively thicker adhesive member of the second adhesive member AD2 and the third adhesive member AD3. In this case, when the display device DD-1 is folded or bent, the functional layers FC2 and FC3 may be prevented from becoming separated from the display module DM-2.

[0131] Since the other components of the display device DD-1 have the same Figure 3 and FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B The same structures and functions as those described above, so their redundant descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0132] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or part described herein may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or part without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0133] Spatially relative terms such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "under", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein for convenience of explanation to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. It should be understood that in addition to the orientation shown in the drawings, spatially relative terms are intended to also include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, the elements described as being "below", "beneath" or "under" other elements or features will then be oriented to be "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary term "below" may include both orientations of above and below. The device can be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0134] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. In addition, it should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, the element or layer may be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present.

[0135] The terms used herein are used only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a" and "an" as used herein are also intended to include the plural forms. Expressions such as "at least one" following a list of elements modify the entire list of elements rather than the individual elements in the list.

[0136] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than degree, and are intended to take into account the inherent deviations of measurements or calculations that one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize. In addition, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure." As used herein, the terms "use," "using," and "used" may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize," "utilizing," and "utilized," respectively. In addition, the term "exemplary" is intended to mean an example or illustration.

[0137] In addition, any numerical range listed herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision included in the listed range. For example, the range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the listed minimum value of 1.0 and the listed maximum value of 10.0 (and including the listed minimum value of 1.0 and the listed maximum value of 10.0), that is, all sub-ranges with a minimum value greater than or equal to 1.0 and a maximum value less than or equal to 10.0, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit listed herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits included therein, and any minimum numerical limit listed in this specification is intended to include all greater numerical limits included therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification (including claims) to explicitly list any sub-ranges included in the range explicitly listed herein.

[0138] Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it should be understood that the present disclosure should not be limited to these exemplary embodiments, but that various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, and the scope of the present disclosure should be determined according to the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Flexible display panels; A plurality of functional layers, wherein the plurality of functional layers are located above the flexible display panel; as well as a plurality of bonding members, each of the bonding members being located between the respective functional layers or between one of the functional layers and the flexible display panel, wherein the sum of the thicknesses of the bonding members is equal to or greater than 135 micrometers and equal to or less than 200 micrometers, and the thickness of the bonding member having the largest thickness among the bonding members is equal to or less than 1.3 times the thickness of the bonding member having the smallest thickness among the bonding members, and Wherein, each of the plurality of bonding members has a thickness equal to or greater than 50 micrometers and equal to or less than 65 micrometers.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The bonding member having the minimum thickness is located above the bonding member having the maximum thickness.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the functional layers includes a high molecular weight material and has a modulus equal to or greater than 2 GPa and equal to or less than 100 GPa.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The functional layer comprises: The impact absorbing functional layer absorbs the impact applied thereto.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The functional layer also includes: A polarizing function layer is provided to polarize light incident thereon, and the polarizing function layer is located between the impact absorbing function layer and the flexible display panel.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The functional layer also includes: A window function layer is provided on the polarization function layer.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The functional layer also includes: A protective functional layer is disposed on the window functional layer.

8. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A cushion layer is located under the flexible display panel to absorb impact applied thereto.

9. The display device according to claim 8, further comprising: A fixing member is located under the cushion layer to support the flexible display panel.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the functional layers has a thickness equal to or greater than 35 micrometers and equal to or less than 60 micrometers.

11. A display device comprising: Flexible display panels; a fixing member, the fixing member being located below the flexible display panel to support the flexible display panel; as well as a plurality of adhesive layers, the adhesive layers being on the flexible display panel, wherein the sum of the thicknesses of the adhesive layers is equal to or greater than 135 micrometers and equal to or less than 200 micrometers, and the thickness deviation between the plurality of adhesive layers is equal to or less than 30%, and Wherein, each of the plurality of adhesive layers has a thickness equal to or greater than 50 micrometers and equal to or less than 65 micrometers.

12. The display device according to claim 11, further comprising: A first functional layer is attached to the flexible display panel through a first adhesive layer of the adhesive layers and includes a high molecular weight material.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The first functional layer is an impact absorbing functional layer or a polarizing functional layer.

14. The display device according to claim 12, further comprising: A second functional layer is attached to the first functional layer through a second adhesive layer among the adhesive layers and includes a high molecular weight material.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The first functional layer is a polarization functional layer that polarizes light incident thereon, and the second functional layer is a shock absorbing functional layer that absorbs shock applied thereto.

16. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The adhesive layer having the smallest thickness among the adhesive layers is located above the adhesive layer having the largest thickness among the adhesive layers.

17. The display device according to claim 11, further comprising: A plurality of functional layers, wherein each of the plurality of functional layers comprises a high molecular weight material and has a modulus equal to or greater than 2 GPa and equal to or less than 100 GPa.

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