Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes a display module foldable relative to a bending axis, an adhesive member disposed under the display module, a plurality of support members adhered to the adhesive member, and an anti-crack pattern layer adhered to a portion of the adhesive member overlapping the bending axis. The anti-crack pattern layer includes a plurality of anti-crack members spaced apart from each other. Each of the anti-crack members includes a metal or an inorganic material and is in contact with the adhesive member.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0021370, filed on February 22, 2019, and all rights arising therefrom, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the invention described herein relate to a foldable display device, and more particularly, to a display device in which durability of a folded portion is improved. Background Art

[0003] The display device displays various images in a display screen and provides information to a user. Generally, the display device displays information on a screen defined therein.

[0004] Nowadays, flexible display devices including bendable or flexible display panels are being developed. Unlike rigid flat display devices, flexible display devices can be bendable, rollable, or foldable like paper. Flexible display devices with various shapes can be portable without being limited by existing screen sizes, thereby improving user convenience. Summary of the invention

[0005] There is a need for a flexible display device that is flexible to ensure durability for withstanding repeated folding.

[0006] Embodiments of the invention provide a foldable display device capable of suppressing deformation of a folded portion due to repeated folding.

[0007] An embodiment of a display device according to the invention includes a display module, an adhesive member, a first supporting member, a second supporting member, and a crack prevention pattern layer.

[0008] In such an embodiment, a first display area, a second display area, and a third display area disposed between the first display area and the second display area are defined in the display module, and the display module is foldable about a bending axis folded with the third display area.

[0009] In such an embodiment, the adhesive member is disposed under the display module and overlaps the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first support member overlaps the first display area and is disposed under the adhesive member, and a portion of the first support member may be in contact with the adhesive member. In such an embodiment, the second support member overlaps the second display area, is disposed under the adhesive member, and is separated from the first support member by a predetermined distance. In such an embodiment, a portion of the second support member is in contact with the adhesive member.

[0011] In such an embodiment, the crack prevention pattern layer overlaps the third display area and is disposed under the adhesive member. In such an embodiment, the crack prevention pattern layer may include a plurality of crack prevention members, and each of the crack prevention members includes a metal or an inorganic material and contacts the adhesive member.

[0012] In an embodiment, the thickness of each of the crack preventing members may be in a range of about 0.5 micrometers (μm) to about 2 μm.

[0013] In an embodiment, a spacing distance between a first crack preventing member and a second crack preventing member among the crack preventing members may be in a range of about 0.5 millimeters (mm) to about 1 mm, and the second crack preventing member is adjacent to the first crack preventing member.

[0014] In embodiments, a first portion of the crack prevention pattern layer may be interposed between the first supporting member and the adhesive member, and a second portion of the crack prevention pattern layer may be interposed between the second supporting member and the adhesive member.

[0015] In embodiments, a third portion of the crack prevention pattern layer may be disposed between the first portion and the second portion, and the third portion may be exposed by a spacing space between the first supporting member and the second supporting member.

[0016] In an embodiment, a plurality of crack preventing members may be arranged in a matrix form.

[0017] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of crack preventing members extends in a direction parallel to a direction in which the bending axis extends.

[0018] In an embodiment, when the display device is in a first mode in which the display module is not folded, the crack prevention pattern layer may be in contact with the first support member and the second support member. In such an embodiment, when the display device is in a second mode in which the display module is folded relative to the bending axis, the crack prevention pattern layer may be spaced apart from the first support member and the second support member.

[0019] In an embodiment, an area of ​​a first region of the crack prevention pattern layer in contact with the first supporting member and the second supporting member in a first mode in which the display module is not folded may be greater than an area of ​​a second region of the crack prevention pattern layer in contact with the first supporting member and the second supporting member in a second mode in which the display module is folded relative to the bending axis.

[0020] In an embodiment, the first support member may overlap the first portion of the third display area and may not overlap the second display area, and the second support member may overlap the second portion of the third display area and may not overlap the first display area.

[0021] In an embodiment, a display module may include a display panel and an input sensing circuit, the display panel including a plurality of light-emitting elements and an encapsulation layer encapsulating the plurality of light-emitting elements, the input sensing circuit being disposed on the display panel, wherein the input sensing circuit senses changes in capacitance caused by an object approaching from the outside.

[0022] In an embodiment, the input sensing circuit may be disposed directly on the encapsulation layer of the display panel.

[0023] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a printed circuit board electrically connected to the display module and a driving circuit disposed on the printed circuit board. In such an embodiment, a portion of the display module may be bent, and at least a portion of the display module, at least a portion of the printed circuit board, and the driving circuit may be disposed under the first supporting member or the second supporting member.

[0024] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a shock absorbing member interposed between the display module and the first supporting member and between the display module and the second supporting member and having predetermined elasticity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and other features of the invention will become apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figures 2A to 2G It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing how the device can be folded is shown in ;

[0028] Figure 3 shows a cross section of a portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 4A and Figure 4B yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a display module shown in ;

[0030] Figure 5 shows a display panel according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Figure 6 shows an equivalent circuit of a pixel according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0032] Figure 7 Shows the application to Figure 6 A signal timing diagram of a light emitting control signal and a scanning signal of a pixel;

[0033] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pixel according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0034] Fig.9A It is along Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view taken along line II';

[0035] Fig. 9B It is along Figure 2A A partial cross-sectional view taken along line II-II';

[0036] Fig. 9C yes Fig.9A an exploded perspective view of only a portion of the components shown in ; and

[0037] Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 and Fig.13 The layout of the crack preventing member according to the embodiment of the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The invention will now be more fully described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which various embodiments are shown. However, the invention may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete and such embodiments fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout.

[0039] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, the element can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0040] It will 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 only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings herein, the first element, first component, first region, first layer or first part discussed below may be named as the second element, second component, second region, second layer or second part.

[0041] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one (kind / person)" and "the (described)" are intended to include the plural forms including "at least one (kind / person) in ... ". "At least one (kind / person) in A and B" means "A and / or B". "Or" means "and / or". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more related listed items. It will also be understood that when the term "comprising" and / or its variations or "including" and / or its variations are used in this specification, it is explained that there are stated features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but it is not excluded that there are or add one or more other features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups.

[0042] In addition, relative terms such as "lower" or "bottom" and "upper" or "top" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element as shown in the figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in one of the figures in the figures is turned over, the element described as being on the "lower" side of the other element will then be positioned on the "upper" side of the other element. Therefore, the exemplary term "lower" can include both "lower" and "upper" orientations based on the specific orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures in the figures is turned over, the element described as being "below" or "below" the other element will then be positioned "above" the other element. Therefore, the exemplary terms "below..." or "below..." can include both upper and lower orientations.

[0043] As used herein, “about” or “approximately” is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurements in question and the errors associated with measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., limitations of the measurement system).

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that, unless expressly so defined herein, terms (such as those defined in general dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0045] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views as schematic diagrams of idealized embodiments. As such, variations in the shapes of the illustrations caused by, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are expected to occur. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific shapes of the regions as shown herein, but will include deviations in shape caused by, for example, manufacturing. For example, a region shown or described as flat may typically have rough and / or nonlinear features. In addition, the sharp corners shown may be rounded. Therefore, the regions shown in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of the regions, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 As shown in , the display surface IS in which the image IM is displayed is parallel to the surface defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The normal direction of the display surface IS (i.e., the thickness direction of the display device DD) corresponds to the third direction DR3. The front surface (or upper surface) and the rear surface (or lower surface) of each member are surfaces facing the third direction DR3. However, the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 may be relative concepts and may be changed to different directions. Here, the first direction to the third direction, which are the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3, respectively, are respectively marked by the same reference numerals as the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3.

[0048] An embodiment of the display device DD according to the invention may be a foldable display device. The display device DD may be used in small or medium-sized electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers, vehicle navigation systems, game consoles, or smart watches, and large electronic devices such as televisions or monitors.

[0049] In an embodiment, Figure 1 As shown in , the display surface IS of the display device DD may include or be divided into a plurality of regions. The display device DD includes a display region DD-DA in which an image IM is displayed and a non-display region DD-NDA adjacent to the display region DD-DA. The non-display region DD-NDA is a region in which the image IM is not displayed. As an example of the image IM, Figure 1The application icons and the clock window are shown in FIG. The display area DD-DA may be in the form of a rectangle. The non-display area DD-NDA may surround the display area DD-DA. However, the invention is not limited thereto. In such an embodiment, the shape of the display area DD-DA and the shape of the non-display area DD-NDA may be variously modified or designed to be related to each other.

[0050] The display device DD may include a housing HS. The housing HS may define an outer surface of the display device DD and may accommodate components therein.

[0051] Figures 2A to 2G It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shown in shows how the display device DD can be folded.

[0052] Reference Figure 2A , the display device DD according to the embodiment of the invention can be folded inwardly with respect to the bending axis BX parallel to the second direction DR2. Figure 2B , the embodiment of the display device DD can be folded outwardly with respect to the bending axis BX parallel to the second direction DR2. Figure 2C , an embodiment of the display device DD can be folded inward from the end of the display device DD. Figure 2D , an embodiment of the display device DD can be folded outward from the end of the display device DD. Figure 2E , the embodiment of the display device DD can be folded along the diagonal direction.

[0053] Reference Figure 2F , the embodiment of the display device DD can be folded inwardly with respect to a bending axis BX parallel to the first direction DR1. Figure 2G , an embodiment of the display device DD may be folded outwardly with respect to a bending axis BX parallel to the first direction DR1.

[0054] In the embodiments of the invention, as described above, the bending axis BX can be variously changed.

[0055] exist Figures 2A to 2G Various ways of folding the display device DD are shown in FIG. 1 , but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0056] Figure 3 A cross section of a part of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. Figure 4A According to an embodiment of the invention Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a display module DM, Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of a display module DM- 1 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 A cross section defined by the second direction DR2 and the third direction DR3 is shown.

[0057] An embodiment of the display device DD may include a display module DM, a plurality of functional layers FC1 to FC3, a base film BF, a shock absorbing member CSH, a supporting member PT, a plurality of adhesive members AD1 to AD6, and a crack prevention pattern layer CPP (refer to Fig.9A ). The plurality of functional layers FC1 to FC3 may include first to third functional layers FC1 to FC3, and the plurality of adhesive members AD1 to AD6 may include first to sixth adhesive members AD1 to AD6. In an optional embodiment of the invention, if necessary, part of the components of the display device DD may be omitted. FIG. 9A to FIG. 13 The crack prevention pattern layer CPP is described in more detail.

[0058] In an embodiment of the invention, each of the first to sixth bonding members AD1 to AD6 may be a pressure sensitive adhesive ("PSA").

[0059] The first to third functional layers FC1 to FC3 may be disposed on the display module DM.

[0060] The first functional layer FC1 may be adhered to the display module DM by the first adhesive member AD1. The second functional layer FC2 may be adhered to the first functional layer FC1 by the second adhesive member AD2. The third functional layer FC3 may be adhered to the second functional layer FC2 by the third adhesive member AD3.

[0061] Each of the first to third functional layers FC1 to FC3 may include a polymer material. Each of the first to third functional layers FC1 to FC3 may be in the form of a film. The modulus of each of the first to third functional layers FC1 to FC3 may be greater than or equal to about 2 gigapascals (GPa) and less than or equal to about 100 GPa.

[0062] The thickness of each of the first to third functional layers FC1 to FC3 may be greater than or equal to about 35 micrometers (μm) and less than or equal to about 60 μm. In the case where the thickness of each of the first to third functional layers FC1 to FC3 is less than about 35 μm, the ability to perform the intended function may be reduced; in the case where the thickness of each of the first to third functional layers FC1 to FC3 is greater than about 60 μm, the flexibility of the display device DD may be reduced. In an embodiment of the invention, the first functional layer FC1 may be a polarization functional layer that polarizes incident light. The second functional layer FC2 may be an impact absorbing functional layer that absorbs impacts from the outside. The third functional layer FC3 may be a window functional layer that forms the outside of the display device DD. In an optional embodiment of the invention, a portion of the first functional layer FC1, the second functional layer FC2, and the third functional layer FC3 may be selectively omitted.

[0063] The base film BF, the shock absorbing member CSH, and the supporting member PT are disposed under the display module DM.

[0064] The base film BF may be adhered to the display module DM by the fourth adhesive member AD4. The base film BF may include a polymer material.

[0065] The shock absorbing member CSH may be adhered to the base film BF by the fifth adhesive member AD5. The shock absorbing member CSH may include a polymer material. The shock absorbing member CSH may have predetermined elasticity and may be a layer for absorbing shock from the outside.

[0066] The support member PT may be adhered to the shock absorbing member CSH by the sixth adhesive member AD6. The support member PT may support the display module DM. The support member PT may include a hinge for folding or bending the display module DM. The support member PT may have a rigid property. The support member PT may include metal.

[0067] Reference Figure 4A , the display module DM may include a display panel DP and an input sensing circuit ISC. The input sensing circuit ISC may sense a touch and / or pressure applied thereto from the outside. The input sensing circuit ISC may sense a change in capacitance due to a touch and / or pressure applied thereto from the outside.

[0068] The input sensing circuit ISC may be directly disposed on an encapsulation layer (not shown) of the display panel DP. Here, the expression "directly disposed on" means that the input sensing circuit ISC is disposed on the display panel DP without a separate adhesive member therebetween.

[0069] Reference Figure 4B , the display module DM-1 may include a display panel DP, an input sensing circuit ISC, and a seventh adhesive member AD7. The display panel DP and the input sensing circuit ISC may be adhered to each other through the seventh adhesive member AD7.

[0070] Figure 5 A display panel DP according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0071] The display panel DP includes a display area DP-DA and a non-display area DP-NDA in a plan view. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , 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 be respectively Figure 1 The display area DD-DA and the non-display area DD-NDA of the display device DD shown in FIG.

[0072] The display panel DP may include 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 element (e.g., an organic light emitting diode OLED (refer to Figure 6 )) and a pixel circuit CC connected to an organic light emitting diode OLED (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0073] The scan driver 100 may include a scan driving unit and a light emission control driving unit.

[0074] The scan driving unit generates a scan signal and sequentially outputs the generated scan signal to the scan lines SL. The light emission control driving unit generates a light emission control signal and sequentially outputs the generated light emission control signal to the light emission control lines ECL.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the scan driving unit and the light emission control driving unit may be implemented by a single circuit that is not separated within the scan driver 100 .

[0076] The scan driver 100 may include a plurality of thin film transistors provided or formed with circuits for driving the pixels PX through the same process (eg, a low temperature polysilicon (“LTPS”) process or a low temperature polycrystalline oxide (“LTPO”) process).

[0077] The data driver 200 outputs a data signal to the data line DL. An analog voltage of the data signal may correspond to a grayscale value of image data.

[0078] In an embodiment of the invention, the data driver 200 may be mounted on a printed circuit board FPCB, and the printed circuit board FPCB may be connected to a pad (also referred to as a "pad" or "soldering pad") provided at a first end of the data line DL. However, the invention is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, for example, the data driver 200 may be directly provided or mounted on the display panel DP.

[0079] The scan lines SL may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be arranged in the first direction DR1 intersecting the second direction DR2. In an embodiment of the invention, the first direction DR1 may be perpendicular to the second direction DR2, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0080] The light emission control lines ECL may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be arranged in the first direction DR1. In an embodiment, each of the light emission control lines ECL may be parallel to a corresponding scan line of the scan lines SL.

[0081] The data lines DL may extend in a first direction DR1 and may be arranged in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. The data lines DL may provide data signals to corresponding pixels PX.

[0082] The power lines PL may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be arranged in the second direction DR2. The power lines PL may provide a first power voltage ELVDD to a corresponding pixel PX.

[0083] Each of the pixels PX is connected to a corresponding scan line among the scan lines SL, a corresponding light emission control line among the light emission control lines ECL, a corresponding data line among the data lines DL, and a corresponding power line among the power lines PL.

[0084] The non-display area DP-NDA of the display panel DP may include a bending area BA. In an embodiment in which the display panel DP is bent or folded at the bending area BA on a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, the area of ​​the non-display area DP-NDA may be reduced so that the display device DD may be allowed to have a thin frame. In such an embodiment, a display device DD may be provided in which Figure 1 The area of ​​the non-display area DD-NDA of the display device DD is small.

[0085] Figure 6 An equivalent circuit of a pixel PX according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. Figure 7 Shows the application to Figure 6 Signal timing diagram of the light emitting control signal Ei of the pixel PX and the scanning signals Si-1, Si and Si+1. Figure 6 A pixel PX connected to an i-th scan line SLi and an i-th emission control line ECLi is shown.

[0086] The pixel PX may include an organic light emitting element OLED and a pixel circuit CC. The pixel circuit CC may include a plurality of transistors T1 to T7 (eg, first to seventh transistors T1 to T7) and a capacitor CP. The pixel circuit CC controls the amount of current flowing to the organic light emitting element OLED in response to a data signal.

[0087] The organic light emitting element OLED may emit light having brightness corresponding to the amount of current supplied from the pixel circuit CC. In such an embodiment, the level of the first power voltage ELVDD may be higher than that of the second power voltage ELVSS.

[0088] Each of the first to seventh transistors T1 to T7 may include an input electrode (or source electrode), an output electrode (or drain electrode), and a control electrode (or gate electrode). For convenience of description, one of the input electrode and the output electrode may be referred to as a "first electrode", and the other of the input electrode and the output electrode may be referred to as a "second electrode".

[0089] A first electrode of the first transistor T1 is connected to the first power voltage ELVDD through the fifth transistor T5, and a second electrode of the first transistor T1 is connected to the anode electrode of the organic light emitting element OLED through the sixth transistor T6. Here, the first transistor T1 may be referred to as a "driving transistor".

[0090] The first transistor T1 controls the amount of current flowing to the organic light emitting element OLED in response to a voltage applied to a control electrode of the first transistor T1 .

[0091] The second transistor T2 is connected between the data line DL and the first electrode of the first transistor T1. The control electrode of the second transistor T2 is connected to the i-th scan line SLi. When the i-th scan signal Si is supplied to the i-th scan line SLi, the second transistor T2 is turned on and thus electrically connects the data line DL to the first electrode of the first transistor T1.

[0092] The third transistor T3 is connected between the second electrode of the first transistor T1 and the control electrode of the first transistor T1. The control electrode of the third transistor T3 is connected to the i-th scan line SLi. When the i-th scan signal Si is provided to the i-th scan line SLi, the third transistor T3 is turned on and thus the second electrode of the first transistor T1 is electrically connected to the control electrode of the first transistor T1. In such an embodiment, when the third transistor T3 is turned on, the first transistor T1 can be diode-connected.

[0093] The fourth transistor T4 is connected between the node ND and the output initialization voltage V int The control electrode of the fourth transistor T4 is connected to the i-1th scan line SLi-1. The fourth transistor T4 is turned on when the i-1th scan signal Si-1 is supplied to the i-1th scan line SLi-1, and thus supplies the initialization voltage V to the node ND. int .

[0094] The fifth transistor T5 is connected between the power line PL and the first electrode of the first transistor T1. A control electrode of the fifth transistor T5 is connected to the i-th light emission control line ECLi.

[0095] The sixth transistor T6 is connected between the second electrode of the first transistor T1 and the anode electrode of the organic light emitting element OLED. A control electrode of the sixth transistor T6 is connected to the i-th light emission control line ECLi.

[0096] The seventh transistor T7 is connected between the initialization voltage generator (not shown) and the anode electrode of the organic light emitting element OLED. The control electrode of the seventh transistor T7 is connected to the i+1th scan line SLi+1. In such an embodiment, the seventh transistor T7 is turned on when the i+1th scan signal Si+1 is supplied to the i+1th scan line SLi+1, and thus supplies the initialization voltage V to the anode electrode of the organic light emitting element OLED. int .

[0097] The seventh transistor T7 can improve the black performance of the pixel PX. In such an embodiment, when the seventh transistor T7 is turned on, the parasitic capacitor (not shown) of the organic light emitting element OLED is discharged. In such an embodiment, when black brightness is achieved, light emission from the organic light emitting element OLED due to the leakage current from the first transistor T1 can be effectively prevented, thereby improving the black performance.

[0098] In an embodiment, Figure 6 As shown in , the control electrode of the seventh transistor T7 can be connected to the i+1th scan line SLi+1, but the invention is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the control electrode of the seventh transistor T7 can be connected to the i-th scan line SLi or the i-1th scan line SLi-1.

[0099] In an embodiment, Figure 6 As shown in , the transistor can be a p-type metal oxide semiconductor ("PMOS") transistor, but the invention is not limited thereto. In an optional embodiment of the invention, the pixel PX can be implemented with an n-type metal oxide semiconductor ("NMOS") transistor. In another optional embodiment of the invention, the pixel PX can be implemented with a combination of a PMOS transistor and an NMOS transistor.

[0100] The capacitor CP is interposed between the power line PL and the node ND. The capacitor CP stores a voltage corresponding to the data signal. When the fifth transistor T5 and the sixth transistor T6 are turned on according to the voltage stored in the capacitor CP, the amount of current flowing to the first transistor T1 may be determined.

[0101] In the embodiment of the invention, the structure of the pixel PX is not limited to Figure 6 In the embodiment of the invention, the structure of the pixel PX may be variously modified to allow the organic light emitting element OLED to emit light.

[0102] Reference Figure 7, the light emission control signal Ei may have a high level E-HIGH or a low level E-LOW. Each of the scan signals Si-1, Si, and Si+1 may have a high level S-HIGH or a low level S-LOW.

[0103] When the light emission control signal Ei is at 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 disconnected. When the sixth transistor T6 is turned off, the second electrode of the first transistor T1 and the anode electrode of the organic light emitting element OLED are electrically disconnected. Therefore, the organic light emitting element OLED does not emit light during a period in which the light emission control signal Ei supplied to the i-th light emission control line ECLi is at a high level E-HIGH.

[0104] Thereafter, when the i-1th scan signal Si-1 supplied to the i-1th scan line SLi-1 is at a low level S-LOW, the fourth transistor T4 is turned on. When the fourth transistor T4 is turned on, the initialization voltage V int is provided to the node ND.

[0105] When the i-th scan signal Si supplied to the i-th scan line SLi is at a low level S-LOW, the second transistor T2 and the third transistor T3 are turned on.

[0106] When the second transistor T2 is turned on, the data signal is supplied to the first electrode of the first transistor T1. In this case, since the node ND is initialized to have the initialization voltage V int , so the first transistor T1 is turned on. When the first transistor T1 is turned on, a voltage corresponding to the data signal is supplied to the node ND. In this case, the capacitor CP stores a voltage corresponding to the data signal.

[0107] When the i+1th scan signal Si+1 supplied to the i+1th scan line SLi+1 is at the low level S-LOW, the seventh transistor T7 is turned on.

[0108] When the seventh transistor T7 is turned on, the initialization voltage V int is supplied to the anode electrode of the organic light emitting element OLED, and the parasitic capacitor of the organic light emitting element OLED is discharged.

[0109] When the light emitting control signal Ei supplied to the light emitting control line ECLi is at a low level E-LOW, 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 supplied 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 is electrically connected to the anode electrode of the organic light emitting element OLED. In this way, the organic light emitting element OLED generates light of a brightness corresponding to the amount of current supplied.

[0110] Figure 8 is a pixel PX according to an embodiment of the invention (refer to Figure 6 ) is a cross-sectional view of a portion of ).

[0111] Figure 8 The first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 shown in FIG. 1 are merely exemplary, and the structures of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 are not limited thereto. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , according to the cross-sectional view, the second electrode ED2 of the first transistor T1 directly contacts the anode electrode AE ​​of the organic light emitting element OLED. Figure 6 As shown in , the first transistor T1 can be connected to the anode electrode AE ​​of the organic light emitting element OLED through the sixth transistor T6. However, the invention is not limited thereto. In an optional embodiment of the invention, the second electrode ED2 of the first transistor T1 can directly contact the anode electrode AE ​​of the organic light emitting element OLED.

[0112] Display panel DP (refer to Figure 5 ) may include a base layer BL, a circuit layer CL, a light emitting element layer ELL and an encapsulation layer TFE.

[0113] The circuit layer CL may include a buffer layer BFL, gate insulating layers GI1 and GI2 , an interlayer insulating layer ILD, a circuit insulating layer VIA, and first and second transistors T1 and T2 .

[0114] The light emitting element layer ELL may include an organic light emitting element OLED and a pixel defining layer PDL.

[0115] The encapsulation layer TFE may encapsulate the light emitting element layer ELL to protect the light emitting element layer ELL from external oxygen or moisture.

[0116] The buffer layer BFL is disposed on a surface (eg, an upper surface) of the base layer BL.

[0117] The buffer layer BFL effectively prevents impurities present in the base layer BL from being introduced into the pixel PX during the manufacturing process. In such an embodiment, the buffer layer BFL effectively prevents impurities from diffusing into the active layer ACL of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2.

[0118] The impurities may be introduced from the outside or may be generated due to pyrolysis of the base layer BL. The impurities may be gas or sodium exhausted from the base layer BL. In an embodiment, the buffer layer BFL blocks moisture introduced into the pixel PX from the outside.

[0119] The active layer ACL of each of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 is disposed on the buffer layer BFL. Each of the active layers ACL may include polysilicon or amorphous silicon. Alternatively, the active layer ACL may include a metal oxide semiconductor.

[0120] Each of the active layers ACL may include first and second ion doping regions and a channel region serving as a path capable of transferring electrons or holes, and the channel region may be defined between the first and second ion doping regions.

[0121] The first gate insulating layer GI1 covering the active layer ACL is disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The first gate insulating layer GI1 includes an organic film and / or an inorganic film. The first gate insulating layer GI1 may include a plurality of inorganic thin films. The plurality of inorganic thin films may include a silicon nitride layer or a silicon oxide layer.

[0122] The control electrode GE1 of each of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 is disposed on the first gate insulating layer GI1. The control electrode GE1 of the first transistor T1 may define one of the two electrodes of the capacitor CP. Figure 5 ) and the light emission control line ECL (refer to Figure 5 ) may be disposed on the first gate insulating layer GI1.

[0123] The second gate insulating layer GI2 covering the control electrode GE1 is disposed on the first gate insulating layer GI1. The second gate insulating layer GI2 includes an organic film and / or an inorganic film. The second gate insulating layer GI2 may include a plurality of inorganic thin films. The plurality of inorganic thin films may include a silicon nitride layer or a silicon oxide layer.

[0124] Capacitor CP (refer to Figure 6 The other electrode GE2 of the two electrodes ) may be disposed on the second gate insulating layer GI2. In an embodiment, the control electrode GE1 disposed on the first gate insulating layer GI1 and the electrode GE2 disposed on the second gate insulating layer GI2 may overlap each other to form a capacitor CP, such as Figure 6 However, the structure in which the electrode of the capacitor CP is provided is not limited thereto.

[0125] The interlayer insulating layer ILD covering the electrode GE2 is disposed on the second gate insulating layer GI2. The interlayer insulating layer ILD includes an organic film and / or an inorganic film. The interlayer insulating layer ILD may include a plurality of inorganic thin films. The plurality of inorganic thin films may include a silicon nitride layer or a silicon oxide layer.

[0126] Data line DL (refer to Figure 5 ) and power line PL (refer to Figure 5 ) may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer ILD. The first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2 of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer ILD.

[0127] The first and second electrodes ED1 and ED2 may be connected to the corresponding active layer ACL via via holes defined through the gate insulating layers GI1 and GI2 and the interlayer insulating layer ILD.

[0128] A circuit insulating layer VIA covering the first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2 is disposed on the interlayer insulating layer ILD. The circuit insulating layer VIA includes an organic film and / or an inorganic film. The circuit insulating layer VIA may provide a planarized surface.

[0129] The pixel defining layer PDL and the organic light emitting element OLED are disposed on the circuit insulating layer VIA.

[0130] The organic light emitting element OLED may include an anode electrode AE, a hole control layer HL, a light emitting layer EML, an electron control layer EL, and a cathode electrode CE.

[0131] Fig.9A It is along Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view taken along line II'. Fig. 9B It is along Figure 2A More specifically, Fig. 9B Shows Fig.9A The appearance of the display device DD being folded. Fig. 9C yes Fig.9A More specifically, Fig. 9C yes Fig.9A 2 is an exploded perspective view of the display module DM, the sixth adhesive member AD6, the crack prevention pattern layer CPP, and the supporting member PT in the assembly shown in FIG.

[0132] The display module DM may include a first display area DA1, a second display area DA2, and a third display area DA3. The third display area DA3 may be disposed between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. The third display area DA3 may be disposed between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. Figure 2A ) areas where the

[0133] The supporting member PT may include a first supporting member PT1 and a second supporting member PT2 .

[0134] The first supporting member PT1 may overlap the first display area DA1 and the third display area DA3 in the third direction DR3. The first supporting member PT1 may not overlap the second display area DA2 in the third direction DR3.

[0135] The second supporting member PT2 may overlap the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 in the third direction DR3. The second supporting member PT2 may not overlap the first display area DA1 in the third direction DR3.

[0136] The first supporting member PT1 may be spaced apart from the second supporting member PT2 by a predetermined distance in the first direction DR1.

[0137] In the embodiment of the invention, the bending axis BX (refer to Figure 2A ) may be defined by a boundary region between the first support member PT1 and the second support member PT2. In an embodiment of the invention, the bending axis BX (refer to Figure 2A ) may be defined as an axis overlapping a boundary region between the first supporting member PT1 and the second supporting member PT2 in the third direction DR3.

[0138] The crack prevention pattern layer CPP may be interposed between the sixth adhesive member AD6 and the supporting member PT. The crack prevention pattern layer CPP may be attached on a surface of a portion of the sixth adhesive member AD6 overlapping the third display area DA3.

[0139] The crack prevention pattern layer CPP may include a plurality of crack prevention members TP (refer to Fig.10 ). Each of the crack prevention members TP includes a metal or an inorganic material. The crack prevention pattern layer CPP may be divided into a first crack prevention pattern CPP1, a second crack prevention pattern CPP2, and a third crack prevention pattern CPP3. The third crack prevention pattern CPP3 may be disposed between the first crack prevention pattern CPP1 and the second crack prevention pattern CPP2. The third crack prevention pattern CPP3 may extend from the first crack prevention pattern CPP1, and the second crack prevention pattern CPP2 may extend from the third crack prevention pattern CPP3.

[0140] The first crack prevention pattern CPP1 may overlap the first supporting member PT1, and the second crack prevention pattern CPP2 may overlap the second supporting member PT2.

[0141] The third crack prevention pattern CPP3 may be exposed by a spacing space between the first supporting member PT1 and the second supporting member PT2 .

[0142] In an embodiment of the invention, the housing HS may include a first housing HS1 overlapping the first display area DA1 and a second housing HS2 overlapping the second display area DA2. Although not shown in the figure, a hinge (not shown) for folding the display device DD may be placed between the first housing HS1 and the second housing HS2.

[0143] When the bending area BA of the display module DM is bent, at least a portion of the display module DM, at least a portion of the printed circuit board FPCB, and the data driver 200 may be interposed between the supporting member PT and the housing HS.

[0144] Reference Fig. 9B , the first support member PT1 and the bending axis BX (refer to Figure 2A ) adjacent to the second support member PT2 and the bending axis BX (refer to Figure 2A ) adjacent to the sixth bonding member AD6 may not be adhered to the sixth bonding member AD6. In such an embodiment, when the display device DD is bent relative to the bending axis BX (reference Figure 2A ) is folded, problems caused by the rigid nature of each of the first supporting member PT1 and the second supporting member PT2 can be solved.

[0145] Here, among them Fig.9A The state in which the display device DD is not folded as shown in FIG. 1 may be referred to as a “first mode”, in which Fig. 9B The state in which the display device DD shown in FIG. 2 is folded may be referred to as a “second mode”.

[0146] In an embodiment of the invention, when the display device DD is in the first mode, the crack prevention pattern layer CPP may be in contact with the supporting member PT, and when the display device DD is in the second mode, the crack prevention pattern layer CPP may be spaced apart from the supporting member PT.

[0147] In an embodiment of the invention, an area of ​​a first region of the crack prevention pattern layer CPP contacting the support member PT when the display device DD is in the first mode may be greater than an area of ​​a second region of the crack prevention pattern layer CPP contacting the support member PT when the display device DD is in the second mode.

[0148] Reference Fig. 9C , the sixth adhesive member AD6 may include a first adhesive portion AD61 overlapping the first display area DA1, a second adhesive portion AD62 overlapping the second display area DA2, and a third adhesive portion AD63 overlapping the third display area DA3.

[0149] The first supporting member PT1 may include a first portion PT11 overlapping the first adhesive portion AD61 and a second portion PT12 overlapping the third adhesive portion AD63. The first portion PT11 of the first supporting member PT1 may be attached to the first adhesive portion AD61. The second portion PT12 of the first supporting member PT1 may not be attached to the third adhesive portion AD63 due to the crack prevention pattern layer CPP.

[0150] The second supporting member PT2 may include a third portion PT21 overlapping the second adhesive portion AD62 and a fourth portion PT22 overlapping the third adhesive portion AD63. The third portion PT21 of the second supporting member PT2 may be attached to the second adhesive portion AD62. The fourth portion PT22 of the second supporting member PT2 may not be attached to the third adhesive portion AD63 due to the crack prevention pattern layer CPP.

[0151] Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 and Fig.13 The layout of the crack preventing members TP, TP-1, TP-2, and TP-3 according to the embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0152] Reference Fig.10 , a crack prevention pattern layer CPP including a crack prevention member TP may be disposed on a surface of the sixth adhesive member AD6.

[0153] The crack prevention members TP may be arranged in a matrix on the surface of the sixth adhesive member AD6. Each of the crack prevention members TP may have a rectangular shape when viewed from a plan view in the third direction DR3.

[0154] The crack preventing member TP may be formed or disposed on the surface of the sixth adhesive member AD6 through a deposition process or a transfer process.

[0155] In an embodiment of the invention, each of the crack prevention members TP may have a thickness HH in a range of about 0.5 micrometers (μm) to about 2 μm. In a case where the thickness HH of the crack prevention member TP is less than about 0.5 μm, the process may be difficult, and the durability of the crack prevention member TP may not be sufficiently high, so that the crack prevention member TP is easily damaged. In a case where the thickness HH of the crack prevention member TP is greater than about 2 μm, the three-dimensional shape of the crack prevention member TP may be visible or recognized by the user, so that the aesthetic appeal of the display device DD may be reduced.

[0156] In an embodiment of the invention, a spacing distance LL1 (hereinafter, referred to as a 'first spacing distance') between two adjacent crack preventing members TP in the first direction DR1 from among the crack preventing members TP may be in a range of about 0.5 millimeters (mm) to about 1 mm.

[0157] In an embodiment of the invention, a spacing distance LL2 (hereinafter, referred to as a 'second spacing distance') between two adjacent crack prevention members TP in the second direction DR2 from among the crack prevention members TP may be in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm.

[0158] In the case where each of the first spacing distance LL1 and the second spacing distance LL2 is less than about 0.5 mm, when the display module DM is folded, stress may be applied to the sixth adhesive member AD6 through the crack prevention member TP.

[0159] In the case where each of the first and second spacing distances LL1 and LL2 is greater than about 1 mm, foreign matter may be attached to the sixth adhesive member AD6 through the space between the crack prevention members TP, thereby damaging the durability of the display device DD and reducing the aesthetic appeal of the display device DD.

[0160] Reference Fig.11 In an alternative embodiment, a crack prevention pattern layer CPP-1 including the crack prevention member TP-1 may be disposed on the surface of the sixth adhesive member AD6.

[0161] The crack prevention members TP-1 may be arranged in a matrix on the surface of the sixth adhesive member AD6. Each of the crack prevention members TP-1 may have a circular shape when viewed from a plan view in the third direction DR3.

[0162] The thickness HH, the first spacing distance LL1, and the second spacing distance LL2 of each of the crack preventing members TP-1 are the same as those of the reference Fig.10 The thickness HH, the first spacing distance LL1, and the second spacing distance LL2 of each of the described crack preventing members TP are the same, and thus any repetitive detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0163] Reference Fig.12 In another alternative embodiment, a crack prevention pattern layer CPP-2 including the crack prevention member TP-2 may be disposed on the surface of the sixth adhesive member AD6.

[0164] The crack prevention members TP-2 may be arranged in the first direction DR1, and each of the crack prevention members TP-2 may extend in the second direction DR2.

[0165] In such an embodiment, the spacing distance LL-1 between two adjacent crack preventing members TP-2 in the first direction DR1 from among the crack preventing members TP-2 is substantially the same as that described above with reference to Fig.10 In such an embodiment, the thickness HH of each of the crack prevention members TP-2 is substantially the same as that described above with reference to Fig.10 The thickness HH is described to be the same.

[0166] Reference Fig.13 In another alternative embodiment, a crack prevention pattern layer CPP-3 including the crack prevention member TP-3 may be disposed on the surface of the sixth adhesive member AD6.

[0167] When viewed in a plan view in the third direction DR3, the crack preventing members TP-3 may have different areas or sizes from each other.

[0168] and Fig.11 and Fig.12 The crack prevention members TP-1 and TP-2 shown in the figure are different. Fig.13 The crack preventing members TP-3 shown in FIG. 1 may be arranged randomly, not in the form of a matrix.

[0169] The spacing distance between adjacent crack preventing members TP-3 from among the crack preventing members TP-3 may be determined to be greater than or equal to about 0.5 mm and less than or equal to about 1 mm based on the reasons stated above regarding the first spacing distance LL1 and the second spacing distance LL2.

[0170] According to the embodiments of the invention, foreign matter can be effectively prevented from being attached to the surface of the adhesive member of the display device.

[0171] According to the embodiments of the invention, by ensuring the flexibility of the folding portion of the display device, stress generated by folding can be reduced.

[0172] In such an embodiment, a display device having high durability and improved aesthetic appeal may be provided.

[0173] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: a display module, in which a first display area, a second display area, and a third display area disposed between the first display area and the second display area are defined, wherein the display module is foldable with respect to a bending axis overlapping the third display area; an adhesive member disposed under the display module and overlapping the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area; a first supporting member, overlapping the first display area and disposed under the adhesive member, wherein a portion of the first supporting member is in contact with the adhesive member; a second supporting member overlapping the second display area, disposed under the adhesive member, and spaced apart from the first supporting member by a predetermined distance, wherein a portion of the second supporting member is in contact with the adhesive member; and an anti-crack pattern layer, overlapping the third display area and disposed under the adhesive member, wherein the anti-crack pattern layer includes a plurality of anti-crack members, and Each of the crack preventing members includes a metal or an inorganic material and is in contact with the bonding member, and Wherein, a first portion of the crack prevention pattern layer is disposed between the first supporting member and the bonding member, and a second portion of the crack prevention pattern layer is disposed between the second supporting member and the bonding member.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness of each of the crack preventing members is in the range of 0.5 μm to 2 μm.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The spacing distance between the first crack preventing member and the second crack preventing member in the crack preventing member is in the range of 0.5 mm to 1 mm, and The second crack preventing member is adjacent to the first crack preventing member.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The third portion of the crack prevention pattern layer is disposed between the first portion and the second portion, and The third portion is exposed by a spacing space between the first supporting member and the second supporting member.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of crack preventing members are arranged in a matrix form.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of crack preventing members extends in a direction parallel to a direction in which the bending axis extends.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: When the display device is in a first mode in which the display module is not folded, the crack prevention pattern layer is in contact with the first supporting member and the second supporting member, and When the display device is in a second mode in which the display module is folded with respect to the bending axis, the crack prevention pattern layer is spaced apart from the first supporting member and the second supporting member.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: In a first mode in which the display module is not folded, an area of ​​a first region of the crack prevention pattern layer in contact with the first supporting member and the second supporting member is greater than an area of ​​a second region of the crack prevention pattern layer in contact with the first supporting member and the second supporting member in a second mode in which the display module is folded relative to the bending axis.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first supporting member overlaps with a first portion of the third display area and does not overlap with the second display area, and The second supporting member overlaps a second portion of the third display area and does not overlap the first display area.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display module comprises: A display panel comprising a plurality of light emitting elements and an encapsulation layer encapsulating the plurality of light emitting elements; and An input sensing circuit is provided on the display panel, wherein the input sensing circuit senses a change in capacitance caused by an object approaching from the outside.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The input sensing circuit is directly disposed on the encapsulation layer of the display panel.

12. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a printed circuit board electrically connected to the display module; as well as A driving circuit is arranged on the printed circuit board. Part of the display module is bent, and at least part of the display module, at least part of the printed circuit board, and the driving circuit are disposed under the first supporting member or the second supporting member.

13. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: The impact absorbing member is interposed between the display module and the first supporting member and between the display module and the second supporting member and has predetermined elasticity.

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