Display Devices

Abstract

The present application relates to a display device. The display device includes a folding area, a first non-folding area located on one side of the folding area, and a second non-folding area located on a second side of the folding area. The display device also includes: a display module, the display module includes a display panel; and a first circuit board, the first circuit board is attached to the display panel and is arranged below the display module, wherein the first circuit board includes a base film, a first driver integrated circuit ("IC") arranged in the first non-folding area, and a second driver IC arranged in the second non-folding area, wherein the first driver IC and the second driver IC do not overlap each other in the thickness direction during folding.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and all benefits derived from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0035993, filed on March 28, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device, and more particularly, to a foldable display device that can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state. Background Art

[0004] The display device displays an image and includes a display panel such as an organic light emitting display panel or a liquid crystal display panel. The display device is applied not only to fixed electronic devices such as televisions and monitors, but also to mobile electronic devices such as smart phones and tablet personal computers ("PCs") to provide images to users. Recently, the demand for mobile electronic devices having a relatively small volume or thickness while having a large display screen is growing, and foldable or bendable display devices that can be folded and unfolded to provide a larger screen only during use are being developed. Summary of the invention

[0005] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a display device in which driving integrated circuits ("ICs") disposed on a flexible printed circuit board are prevented from contacting each other during bending.

[0006] However, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. The above and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains by referring to the detailed description of the present invention given below.

[0007] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a display device, the display device including a folding area, a first non-folding area located on one side of the folding area, and a second non-folding area located on a second side of the folding area. The display device also includes: a display module, the display module including a display panel; and a first circuit board, the first circuit board attached to the display panel and arranged below the display module, wherein the first circuit board includes a base film, a first driver IC arranged in the first non-folding area, and a second driver IC arranged in the second non-folding area, wherein the first driver IC and the second driver IC do not overlap each other in a thickness direction during folding.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the first concave portion may be recessed from a first edge of the first circuit board attached to the display panel in the folding region.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the display device may further include a second circuit board, the second circuit board including a first base substrate and a second base substrate, the first base substrate being attached to a first non-folding area of ​​a second edge of the first circuit board facing the first edge, and the second base substrate being attached to a second non-folding area of ​​the second edge, wherein the second recessed portion of the first circuit board is recessed from the second edge in the folding area.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, a first width of the first concave portion in a direction from the first non-folding region toward the folding region may be smaller than a second width of the second concave portion in a direction from the first non-folding region toward the folding region.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of folding holes may be defined in the first circuit board between the first concave portion and the second concave portion in the folding region, wherein the plurality of folding holes penetrate the first circuit board in a thickness direction.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the second circuit board may further include a flexible film disposed in the folding region, wherein the flexible film connects the first base substrate and the second base substrate.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the first base substrate may include a third driving IC and a first signal wiring connecting the third driving IC and the first circuit board, wherein the first signal wiring is disposed over the flexible film.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the first base substrate may include a third driving IC and a first signal wiring connecting the third driving IC and the first circuit board, wherein the first signal wiring is disposed over the first circuit board along the second concave portion of the first circuit board.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the display device may further include a signal wiring directly connecting the first driving IC and the second driving IC, wherein the signal wiring is a timing synchronization wiring.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the first circuit board may also include a first sub-circuit board and a second sub-circuit board, the first driver IC is arranged on the first sub-circuit board, and the second driver IC is arranged on the second sub-circuit board, wherein the first sub-circuit board and the second sub-circuit board are separated from each other, and the folding area is between the first sub-circuit board and the second sub-circuit board.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the first circuit board may further include a first edge attached to the display panel and a second edge facing the first edge, and a concave portion concave from the second edge of the first circuit board.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of folding holes may be defined in the first circuit board between the concave portion and the first edge of the first circuit board in the folding region, wherein the folding holes pass through the first circuit board in a thickness direction.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the display module may also include a first surface and a second surface, the first circuit board is arranged on the first surface, and the second surface is positioned opposite to the first surface, wherein a first non-folding area of ​​the first surface of the display module and a second non-folding area of ​​the first surface of the display module face each other relative to a folding area of ​​the first surface.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, a first area of ​​the first circuit board overlapping the first non-folding area may have a greater width than a second area of ​​the first circuit board overlapping the second non-folding area, and a distance from the folding area to the first driver IC is greater than a distance from the folding area to the second driver IC.

[0021] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a display device. The display device includes a folding area, a first non-folding area located on one side of the folding area, and a second non-folding area located on a second side of the folding area. The display device also includes: a display module, the display module includes a display panel; and a first circuit board, the first circuit board is arranged below the display module and includes a first edge attached to the display panel, wherein a first concave portion is recessed from the first edge of the first circuit board in the folding area.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the display device may also include a second circuit board, which includes a first base substrate and a second base substrate, the first base substrate being attached to a first non-folding area of ​​a second edge of the first circuit board facing the first edge, and the second base substrate being attached to a second non-folding area of ​​the second edge.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the second concave portion may be recessed from the second edge of the first circuit board in the folding region.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of folding holes may be defined in the first circuit board between the first concave portion and the second concave portion in the folding region, wherein the folding holes pass through the first circuit board in a thickness direction.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the display module may also include a first surface and a second surface, the first circuit board is arranged on the first surface, and the second surface is positioned opposite to the first surface, wherein the first non-folding area of ​​the second surface of the display module and the second non-folding area of ​​the second surface of the display module face each other relative to the folding area of ​​the second surface.

[0026] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a display device, the display device comprising a folding area, a first non-folding area located on one side of the folding area, and a second non-folding area located on a second side of the folding area. The display device comprises: a display module, the display module comprising a display panel; and a first circuit board, the first circuit board being attached to the display panel and disposed below the display module, wherein the first circuit board comprises a base film, a first driver IC disposed in the first non-folding area, and a second driver IC disposed in the second non-folding area, wherein the first driver IC and the second driver IC are disposed inside the first circuit board, and a surface of the first driver IC and a surface of the second driver IC are lower than a surface of the base film. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] These and / or other exemplary embodiments will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device;

[0029] Figure 2 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a first circuit board;

[0030] Figure 3 is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III';

[0031] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device;

[0032] Figure 5 is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line V-V';

[0033] Figure 6 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a rear surface of a display device;

[0034] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a folded state of an exemplary embodiment of a display device;

[0035] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device;

[0036] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 8 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device in a folded state;

[0037] Fig.10 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device;

[0038] Fig.11is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device;

[0039] Fig.12 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device;

[0040] Fig.13 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device;

[0041] Fig.14 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device;

[0042] Fig.15 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device;

[0043] Fig.16 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device;

[0044] Fig.17 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device;

[0045] Fig.18 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device;

[0046] Fig.19 is along Fig.18 A cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX'; and

[0047] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] 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. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0049] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. can be used in this article 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 can be referred to as the second element, second component, second region, second layer or second part.

[0050] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" are intended to include plural forms (including "at least one") unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. "Or" means "and / or". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" or "includes" and / or "including" specify the presence of the features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components described, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0051] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "below," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," etc. may be used herein 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 depicted in the drawings, spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, the elements described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features will then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary term "below" can include both above and below orientations. The device may have additional orientations (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0052] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and the mean within an acceptable deviation range of the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5% of the stated value.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It should also be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used 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 unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0054] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views as schematic diagrams of idealized embodiments. As such, variations in the shapes in the figures, such as due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, should be expected. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific regional shapes as shown herein, but should include deviations in shapes such as those caused by 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.

[0055] Figure 1 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the display device 1 . Figure 2 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the first circuit board 300 . Figure 3 is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'. Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the display device 1 . Figure 5 is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line V-V'. Figure 6 is a plan view of a rear surface of an exemplary embodiment of the display device 1 . Figure 1 The front surface of the display device 1 is shown.

[0056] refer to Figures 1 to 6 The display device 1 is a device for displaying moving images or still images. The display device 1 can be used as a display screen in portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart phones, tablet personal computers ("PCs"), smart watches, watch phones, mobile communication terminals, electronic notebooks, electronic books, portable multimedia players ("PMPs"), navigation systems, and ultra-portable PCs ("UMPCs"), as well as in various products such as televisions, laptops, monitors, billboards, and the Internet of Things ("IoT").

[0057] The display device 1 may be a foldable display device. As used herein, the term "foldable" may refer to a flexible state, specifically, may include bendable, curlable, etc. In addition, the term "foldable" should be interpreted as including all of "partial" foldable, "full" foldable, "inward" foldable, and "outward" foldable, wherein "partial" foldable means that the folding area to be described later is only applied to a portion of the display device 1, rather than completely across the entire display device 1, so that the foldable function is only applied to a portion of the display device 1, "full" foldable means that the folding area completely spans the display device 1, so that the foldable function is applied to the entire display device 1, "inward" foldable means that when the display device 1 is folded, the display surface is covered, and "outward" foldable means that when the display device 1 is folded, the display surface faces the outside.

[0058] The display device 1 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NA disposed around the display area DA. The display area DA is an area where a screen is displayed, and the non-display area NA is an area where no screen is displayed. The display area DA may be located in a central portion of the display device 1. When the display device 1 is not folded, the direction facing the display area DA will be defined as a front side, and a side opposite to the front side will be defined as a rear side.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the display device 1 may have a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners in a plan view. The display device 1 may include four edges. That is, Figure 1 As shown in , the display device 1 may include long edges extending in the first direction DR1 and short edges extending in the second direction DR2. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other shapes such as a square and a circle may also be applied as the planar shape of the display device 1.

[0060] The front surface of the display device 1 may include a folding area FA, a side of the folding area FA (eg, Figure 1 The first non-folding area UFA1 on the left side of the folding area FA and the other side of the folding area FA (for example, Figure 1 The folding area FA may be an area where the display device 1 is folded or bent with a predetermined curvature in the folding direction, and the non-folding areas UFA1 and UFA2 may be unfolded areas different from the folding area FA. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and each of the non-folding areas UFA1 and UFA2 may also be partially folded in the folding direction.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, Figure 1As shown in , the folding area FA may be located between folding lines FL1 and FL2 intersecting the long edges. The first non-folding area UFA1 may be located on one side of the folding area FA in the first direction DR1, and the second non-folding area UFA2 may be spaced apart from the first non-folding area UFA1, wherein the folding area FA is between the second non-folding area UFA2 and the first non-folding area UFA1, and the second non-folding area UFA2 may be located on the other side of the folding area FA in the first direction DR1. The display area DA of the folding area FA, the first non-folding area UFA1, and the second non-folding area UFA2 may be an area where the screen is displayed, and the non-display area NA of the folding area FA, the first non-folding area UFA1, and the second non-folding area UFA2 may be an area where the screen is not displayed.

[0062] In some exemplary embodiments, the folding area FA may be an area where the display device 1 is bent in the folding direction. In this case, the folding area FA may be bent in the folding direction with respect to a folding axis between the folding lines FL1 and FL2.

[0063] When the folding area FA of the display device 1 is folded, the first non-folding area UFA1 and the second non-folding area UFA2 may face a direction other than the front side. That is, when the display device 1 is not folded, the folding area FA, the first non-folding area UFA1 and the second non-folding area UFA2 may face the same direction, such as the front side. Figure 4 When the display device 1 is folded by the outward folding force F_OUT, the first non-folding area UFA1 and the second non-folding area UFA2 may face different directions from each other. That is, when the display device 1 is folded, the screen may be displayed in multiple directions.

[0064] The display device 1 includes a display module 100, a first circuit board 300 attached to the display module 100, and a second circuit board 500 attached to the first circuit board 300. Figure 5 As shown in , the display module 100 may include a plurality of stacked panels and / or members. The display module 100 may include a display panel 150, a lower cover panel 130 disposed below the display panel 150, an upper cover member 170 disposed on the display panel 150, and a window 190 disposed on the upper cover member 170.

[0065] The support plate 110 may be disposed on a bottom surface of the display module 100 .

[0066] The support plate 110 can prevent the display panel 150 from being bent by external forces, or can reduce the degree of bending (eg, bending angle, bending radius, etc.) of the display panel 150. That is, the support plate 110 can resist external forces to keep the display panel 150 relatively flat.

[0067] The support plate 110 may include a rigid or semi-rigid material. In an exemplary embodiment, the support plate 110 may include a metal material such as stainless steel ("SUS") or aluminum, or a polymer such as polymethyl methacrylate ("PMMA"), polycarbonate ("PC"), polyvinyl alcohol ("PVA"), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS"), or polyethylene terephthalate ("PET").

[0068] Although not shown, the support plate 110 may be disposed in the non-folding areas UFA1 and UFA2 of the display device 1. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the support plate 110 may include two sub-support plates that are not disposed in the folding area FA of the display device 1 and are spaced apart from each other, wherein the folding area FA is interposed between the two sub-support plates.

[0069] Unless otherwise defined, the terms “above,” “top,” and “upper surface” refer to the display surface side of the display panel 150 , and the terms “below,” “bottom,” and “lower surface” refer to the side of the display panel 150 opposite to the display surface side.

[0070] The lower cover panel 130 may be disposed on the support plate 110. The lower cover panel 130 may include at least one functional layer. The functional layer may be a layer that performs a buffering function, a heat dissipation function, an electromagnetic wave shielding function, a grounding function, a strength enhancement function, a support function, a pressure sensing function, a digitization function, and the like. The lower cover panel 130 may be a single layer. However, the lower cover panel 130 is not limited to a single layer, and may also include a stack of different functional layers. For example, the lower cover panel 130 may include a buffer member. The buffer member may prevent an impact applied from the outside (e.g., from below the lower cover panel 130) from being transmitted to the display panel 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the buffer member may include a foam material such as polyurethane ("PU"), thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU"), silicon (Si) or polydimethylacrylamide ("PDMA").

[0071] The lower cover panel 130 may have a lower light transmittance than a plurality of members disposed on the display panel 150, which will be described later. That is, the layers disposed on the display panel 150 may have a relatively high light transmittance to transmit light emitted upward from the display area DA of the display panel 150. The lower cover panel 130 may have a relatively low light transmittance to block light emitted downward from the display area DA of the display panel 150.

[0072] The display panel 150 may be disposed on the lower cover panel 130 .

[0073] The display panel 150 may display an image in response to an input data signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel 150 may be an organic light emitting display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, a plasma display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, an electrowetting display panel, a quantum dot light emitting display panel, a micro light emitting diode ("LED") display panel, etc. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, an organic light emitting display panel is applied as the display panel 150.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel 150 may include a flexible substrate including a flexible polymer material such as polyimide ("PI"). Therefore, the display panel 150 may be curved, bent, folded, or rolled. The display panel 150 may have a shape substantially the same as or similar to the planar shape of the display device 1.

[0075] A plurality of pixels may be provided in a display area DA of the display panel 150. The non-display area NA may include a panel pad area P_PA provided with a plurality of wiring pads. A first circuit board 300 to be described later may be attached to the panel pad area P_PA and thus connected to the display panel 150, and may be folded toward the rear surface of the display module 100. In addition, a second circuit board 500 to be described later may be folded toward the rear surface of the display module 100 like the first circuit board 300 while being attached to the first circuit board 300.

[0076] Each of the pixels may include a light emitting layer and a circuit layer that controls the amount of light emitted from the light emitting layer. The circuit layer may include a plurality of wirings, a plurality of electrodes, and at least one transistor. The light emitting layer may include an organic light emitting material. The light emitting layer may be sealed by an encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layer may seal the light emitting layer to prevent moisture from being introduced from the outside. The encapsulation layer may be composed of a single inorganic layer or a plurality of inorganic layers, or may be composed of alternately stacked inorganic layers and organic layers.

[0077] The upper cover member 170 may be disposed on the display panel 150 .

[0078] The upper cover member 170 may overlap the display panel 150 to cover part or all of the display area DA of the display panel 150. In addition, the upper cover member 170 may cover the non-display area NA of the display panel 150 or cover both the display area DA and the non-display area NA. The upper cover member 170 may include at least one of various functional members. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the upper cover member 170 may include a polarizing plate or member having a polarization function, a touch panel or module having a touch sensing function, a color filter, a color conversion film, an optical film, an anti-reflection member, and / or a biometric information recognition member such as a fingerprint recognition sensor.

[0079] The window 190 may be provided on the upper cover member 170 .

[0080] The window 190 protects the members 110, 130, 150, and 170 disposed under the window 190 by covering the members 110, 130, 150, and 170. In an exemplary embodiment, the window 190 may include glass, quartz, transparent plastic, or the like.

[0081] The display module 100 may further include a plurality of bonding layers disposed between the members 110, 130, 150, 170, and 190 to bond the members 110, 130, 150, 170, and 190. The first bonding layer 210 may be disposed between the support plate 110 and the lower cover panel 130 to bond the support plate 110 and the lower cover panel 130 together. The second bonding layer 220 may be disposed between the lower cover panel 130 and the display panel 150 to bond the lower cover panel 130 and the display panel 150 together. The third bonding layer 230 may be disposed between the display panel 150 and the upper cover member 170 to bond the display panel 150 and the upper cover member 170 together. The fourth bonding layer 240 may be disposed between the upper cover member 170 and the window 190 to bond the upper cover member 170 and the window 190 together.

[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the bonding layers 210 to 240 is a layer having adhesive properties on its upper and lower surfaces, and may be, for example, a pressure sensitive adhesive ("PSA"), an optically clear adhesive ("OCA"), or an optically clear resin ("OCR"). Each of the bonding layers 210 to 240 may include an acrylic resin or a silicone resin. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, each of the bonding layers 210 to 240 may have an elongation of about 100 percent (%) to about 1,000%.

[0083] The first circuit board 300 may be attached to the panel pad area P_PA of the display panel 150. Specifically, the first circuit board 300 may be attached to the wiring pads of the display panel 150. The first circuit board 300 may include a printed base film 310, driving integrated circuits ("ICs") 330 and 350 disposed on the printed base film 310, and a plurality of signal wirings SL3, SL4, and SL7 to SL11 disposed on the printed base film 310. The first circuit board 300 may be a flexible printed circuit board ("FPCB") that may be folded toward the front surface and / or the rear surface of the display module 100.

[0084] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , each of the driving ICs 330 and 350 may be a driving chip. In an exemplary embodiment, the driving chip may be, for example, a chip on film (“COF”).

[0085] The first circuit board 300 may include a plurality of circuit areas CA1 to CA4. The first circuit area CA1 may be an area attached to the panel pad area P_PA of the display panel 150, the second circuit area CA2 may be an area in which the first driving IC 330 is disposed, the third circuit area CA3 may be an area in which the second driving IC 350 is disposed, and the fourth circuit area CA4 may be an area to which the second circuit board 500 is attached. The second circuit area CA2 may be disposed between the third circuit area CA3 and the first circuit area CA1, and the third circuit area CA3 may be disposed between the second circuit area CA2 and the fourth circuit area CA4.

[0086] In a plan view, the first circuit board 300 may be substantially rectangular. That is, the first circuit board 300 may include long edges LEG1 and LEG2 and short edges SEG1 and SEG2. The first long edge LEG1 of the first circuit board 300 may be disposed in the first circuit area CA1 and may be attached to the panel pad area P_PA of the display panel 150. The second long edge LEG2 of the first circuit board 300 may be disposed in the fourth circuit area CA4 and may be attached to the second circuit board 500. The first short edge SEG1 of the first circuit board 300 may be disposed in the fourth circuit area CA4 and may be attached to the second circuit board 500. Figure 1 The second short edge SEG2 of the first circuit board 300 may be disposed on the left side in the plane of Figure 1 on the right side of the plane.

[0087] The printing base film 310 may include a flexible material. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible material may be, for example, polyethersulfone ("PES"), polyacrylate ("PA"), polyarylate ("PAR"), polyetherimide ("PEI"), polyethylene naphthalate ("PEN"), polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"), polyphenylene sulfide ("PPS"), polyallylate, polyimide ("PI"), polycarbonate ("PC"), cellulose triacetate ("CAT"), cellulose acetate propionate ("CAP"), or a combination thereof.

[0088] The driving ICs 330 and 350 output signals and voltages for driving the display panel 150. Each of the driving ICs 330 and 350 may include a data driver and a timing controller. The data driver of each of the driving ICs 330 and 350 may output a data signal for driving each pixel of the display panel 150, and the timing controller of each of the driving ICs 330 and 350 may control the timing of the data signal output from the data driver.

[0089] In a state where the first circuit board 300 is folded toward the rear surface of the display module 100 , the first driving IC 330 may be disposed in the first non-folding area UFA1 of the display device 1 , and the second driving IC 350 may be disposed in the second non-folding area UFA2 of the display device 1 .

[0090] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown in , each of the driving ICs 330 and 350 may be disposed on a surface of the printed base film 310 that faces a direction that a rear surface of the display device 1 faces during bending.

[0091] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown in , when the display device 1 is not folded, the first driver IC 330 and the second driver IC 350 may not overlap each other in the direction from the first non-folding area UFA1 toward the folding area FA (for example, in the first direction DR1). Therefore, when the display device 1 is folded, the first driver IC 330 and the second driver IC 350 may be prevented from overlapping each other in the thickness direction (for example, the third direction DR3). In an exemplary embodiment, for example, in a state where the first circuit board 300 is not folded and the first circuit board 300 is folded toward the rear surface of the display module 100, the first driver IC 330 may be arranged closer to the panel pad area P_PA of the display panel 150 than the second driver IC 350. That is, the first driver IC 330 may be arranged closer to the first long edge LEG1 than the second driver IC 350. Therefore, when the display device 1 is folded outward, direct contact between the driver ICs 330 and 350 may be prevented. This will be described in detail later.

[0092] refer to Figure 6 , when the display device 1 is not folded, the first driver IC 330 and the second driver IC 350 may not overlap each other in a direction from the first non-folding area UFA1 toward the folding area FA (for example, in the first direction DR1). Therefore, when the display device 1 is folded, the first driver IC 330 and the second driver IC 350 may be prevented from overlapping each other in the thickness direction. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, when the first circuit board 300 is folded toward the rear surface of the display module 100, the second driver IC 350 may be positioned closer to the second circuit board 500 than the first driver IC 330. In other words, the first driver IC 330 may be positioned farther from the second circuit board 500 than the second driver IC 350 is from the second circuit board 500.

[0093] Despite Figure 1 and Figure 2In the embodiment, the first driver IC 330 is disposed in the first non-folding area UFA1, and the second driver IC 350 is disposed in the second non-folding area UFA2, but the present invention is not limited to this case, and the opposite case is also possible. In addition, although the first driver IC 330 is closer to the panel pad area P_PA than the second driver IC 350 to the panel pad area P_PA of the display panel 150, the present invention is not limited to this case, and the opposite case is also possible.

[0094] In the case where the first circuit board 300 is folded toward the rear surface of the display module 100, the signal wirings SL3, SL4, and SL7 to SL10 of the first circuit board 300 may be disposed in the non-folding areas UFA1 and UFA2 but may not be disposed in the folding area FA. The eleventh signal wiring SL11 may pass through the folding area FA.

[0095] The third signal wiring SL3 may connect the first signal wiring SL1 of the second circuit board 500 to be described later to the display panel 150, and the fourth signal wiring SL4 may connect the second signal wiring SL2 of the second circuit board 500 to the display panel 150. Figure 2 As shown in , the third signal wiring SL3 may be disposed adjacent to the first short edge SEG1 , and the fourth signal wiring SL4 may be disposed adjacent to the second short edge SEG2 .

[0096] The seventh signal wiring SL7 may connect the fifth signal wiring SL5 of the second circuit board 500 to be described later to the first driving IC 330, the eighth signal wiring SL8 may connect the sixth signal wiring SL6 of the second circuit board 500 to be described later to the second driving IC 350, the ninth signal wiring SL9 may connect the first driving IC 330 to the display panel 150, the tenth signal wiring SL10 may connect the second driving IC 350 to the display panel 150, and the eleventh signal wiring SL11 may electrically connect the first driving IC 330 and the second driving IC 350. The eleventh signal wiring SL11 may be a timing synchronization wiring that synchronizes each timing signal of a timing controller of each of the driving ICs 330 and 350.

[0097] When the first circuit board 300 is folded toward the rear surface of the display module 100, the third signal wiring SL3, the seventh signal wiring SL7 and the ninth signal wiring SL9 may be arranged in the first non-folding area UFA1, the fourth signal wiring SL4, the eighth signal wiring SL8 and the tenth signal wiring SL10 may be arranged in the second non-folding area UFA2, and the eleventh signal wiring SL11 may be arranged in all of the first non-folding area UFA1, the folding area FA and the second non-folding area UFA2.

[0098] Recessed portions IDP1 and IDP2 may be defined in the long edges LEG1 and LEG2 of the first circuit board 300, respectively. That is, a first recessed portion IDP1 recessed into the first circuit board 300 may be defined in the first long edge LEG1 of the first circuit board 300 located in the folding area FA compared to the first long edge LEG1 of the first circuit board 300 located in the non-folding areas UFA1 and UFA2, and a second recessed portion IDP2 recessed into the first circuit board 300 may be defined in the second long edge LEG2 of the first circuit board 300 located in the folding area FA compared to the second long edge LEG2 of the first circuit board 300 located in the non-folding areas UFA1 and UFA2. The first recessed portion IDP1 may be shaped like a groove recessed from the first long edge LEG1 of the first circuit board 300, and the second recessed portion IDP2 may be shaped like a groove recessed from the second long edge LEG2 of the first circuit board 300.

[0099] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment, the first concave portion IDP1 is defined in the first circuit area CA1 of the first circuit board 300, and the second concave portion IDP2 is provided in the fourth circuit area CA4. However, the first concave portion IDP1 may also be defined in the second circuit area CA2 of the first circuit board 300, and the second concave portion IDP2 may also be defined in the third circuit area CA3 of the first circuit board 300.

[0100] In addition, in a plan view, a plurality of folding holes PF may be defined in the first circuit board 300 between the first long edge LEG1 and the second long edge LEG2 in the folding area FA. The folding holes PF may be through holes that pass through the first circuit board 300 in the thickness direction. Each of the folding holes PF may be provided in the first circuit board 300 and may be surrounded by the constituent material of the first circuit board 300 in a plan view. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the folding hole PF may be provided in the second circuit area CA2 and the third circuit area CA3 of the first circuit board 300 .

[0101] Despite Figure 1 and Figure 2 The number of the folding holes PF is five, but the number of the folding holes PF is not limited to five, and may be one, two to four, or six or more. In addition, although the folding holes PF are circular in plan view, the planar shape of each of the folding holes PF is not limited to a circular shape, and may be a triangular shape, a quadrilateral shape, an elliptical shape, or other various shapes.

[0102] As will be described later, after the first circuit board 300 is folded toward the rear surface of the display module 100, the first circuit board 300 may be folded in the folding direction together with the display module 100. The concave portions IDP1 and IDP2 and the folding hole PF of the first circuit board 300 described above may increase the flexibility of the first circuit board 300 during folding of the first circuit board 300.

[0103] The second circuit board 500 may include first and second base substrates 510 and 530 , a third driving IC 570 disposed on the first base substrate 510 , a flexible film 550 disposed on the base substrates 510 and 530 , and a plurality of signal wirings SL1 , SL2 , SL5 , and SL6 .

[0104] The first base substrate 510 and the second base substrate 530 may be spaced apart from each other. In a state where the second circuit board 500 is folded toward the rear surface of the display module 100, the first base substrate 510 may be disposed in the first non-folding area UFA1 of the display device 1, and the second base substrate 530 may be disposed in the second non-folding area UFA2 of the display device 1. That is, the first base substrate 510 and the second base substrate 530 may be spaced apart from each other, wherein the folding area FA is interposed between the first base substrate 510 and the second base substrate 530.

[0105] Each of the base substrates 510 and 530 may include a circuit pad area C_PA attached to the first circuit board 300 .

[0106] Since the second circuit board 500 includes the base substrates 510 and 530 spaced apart from each other, when the second circuit board 500 is folded together with the display module 100 , flexibility of the second circuit board 500 may be ensured in the folding area FA.

[0107] The third driving IC 570 may include a source / drain IC that generates and transmits data signals to the data driving ICs of the first driving IC 330 and the second driving IC 350 and a voltage driver that applies a high potential voltage and / or a low potential voltage to the display panel 150.

[0108] Despite Figure 1 The third driving IC 570 is disposed on the first base substrate 510 , but the present invention is not limited to this case. The third driving IC 570 may also be disposed on the second base substrate 530 .

[0109] The first signal wiring SL1 may connect the third driving IC 570 and the first circuit board 300. Figure 1 and Figure 2Although one first signal wiring SL1 and one second signal wiring SL2 are shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of first signal wiring SL1 and a plurality of second signal wiring SL2 may be provided.

[0110] Although the present invention is not limited to this case, the first signal wiring SL1 may deliver a voltage generated by a voltage driver of the third driving IC 570 to the third signal wiring SL3 of the first circuit board 300. The third signal wiring SL3 may deliver a voltage applied from the first signal wiring SL1 to a high potential voltage wiring and / or a low potential voltage wiring of the display panel 150.

[0111] The second signal wiring SL2 may deliver a voltage generated by a voltage driver of the third driving IC 570 to the first circuit board 300. That is, the second signal wiring SL2 may deliver a voltage generated by the voltage driver to the fourth signal wiring SL4 of the first circuit board 300. The fourth signal wiring SL4 may deliver a voltage applied from the second signal wiring SL2 to a high potential voltage wiring and / or a low potential voltage wiring of the display panel 150.

[0112] The second signal wiring SL2 may extend from the third driving IC 570 onto the second base substrate 530 via a flexible film 550 to be described later. That is, the second signal wiring SL2 may be disposed over the base substrates 510 and 530 and the flexible film 550.

[0113] The fifth signal wiring SL5 may connect the third driving IC 570 and the first circuit board 300. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the fifth signal wiring SL5 may deliver a data signal generated by the source / drain IC of the third driving IC 570 to the first circuit board 300 through the seventh signal wiring SL7 of the first circuit board 300.

[0114] Similar to the fifth signal wiring SL5, the sixth signal wiring SL6 may connect the third driving IC 570 and the first circuit board 300. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the sixth signal wiring SL6 may deliver a data signal generated by the source / drain IC of the third driving IC 570 to the first circuit board 300 through the eighth signal wiring SL8 of the first circuit board 300.

[0115] Similar to the second signal wiring SL2, the sixth signal wiring SL6 may extend from the third driving IC 570 onto the second base substrate 530 via a flexible film 550 to be described later. That is, the sixth signal wiring SL6 may be disposed over the base substrates 510 and 530 and the flexible film 550.

[0116] The flexible film 550 may physically connect the first base substrate 510 and the second base substrate 530. The flexible film 550 may be disposed in the folding area FA of the display device 1.

[0117] Although the flexible film 550 is attached to each of the base substrates 510 and 530 while partially overlapping each of the base substrates 510 and 530, the present invention is not limited to this case. The flexible film 550 may also be connected to each of the base substrates 510 and 530 through a connection portion.

[0118] As described above, the second signal wiring SL2 and the sixth signal wiring SL6 of the second circuit board 500 may be disposed on the flexible film 550 .

[0119] The flexible film 550 may include a material that is more flexible than the materials of the base substrates 510 and 530. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the flexible film 550 may include at least one of polyethersulfone ("PES"), polyacrylate ("PA"), polyarylate ("PAR"), polyetherimide ("PEI"), polyethylene naphthalate ("PEN"), polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"), polyphenylene sulfide ("PPS"), polyallyl, polyimide ("PI"), polycarbonate ("PC"), cellulose triacetate ("CAT"), cellulose acetate propionate ("CAP"), and combinations thereof.

[0120] Since the flexible film 550 includes the above flexible material, when the second circuit board 500 is folded together with the display module 100 , the flexibility of the second circuit board 500 may be ensured in the folding area FA.

[0121] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a folded state of the exemplary embodiment of the display device 1 .

[0122] refer to Figure 7 , when the outward folding force F_OUT acts on the display device 1 in a direction toward the rear surface of the display device 1, the display module 100, the first circuit board 300 and the second circuit board 500 may be folded about the folding area FA.

[0123] More specifically, the display module 100 may include a first surface corresponding to the front surface of the display device 1 and a second surface corresponding to the rear surface of the display device 1. When the outward folding force F_OUT acts on the display device 1, areas of the second surface of the display module 100 may face each other. That is, the first non-folding area UFA1 and the second non-folding area UFA2 of the second surface of the display module 100 may face each other.

[0124] When the display module 100 is folded, the first circuit board 300 and the second circuit board 500 are also folded together with the display module 100. Here, the first concave portion IDP1 and the second concave portion IDP2 defined in the folding area FA of the first circuit board 300 as described above may ensure flexibility of the first circuit board 300 in an area where the first circuit board 300 is attached to each of the display panel 150 and the second circuit board 500 during folding.

[0125] Furthermore, similar to the concave portions IDP1 and IDP2 , the folding hole PF defined in the folding area FA of the first circuit board 300 may ensure flexibility of the first circuit board 300 during folding.

[0126] When the outward folding force F_OUT acts on the display device 1, the areas of the surface of the first circuit board 300 on which the driver ICs 330 and 350 are disposed may face each other. That is, the first non-folding area UFA1 and the second non-folding area UFA2 of the surface of the first circuit board 300 may face each other. In this case, the first driver IC 330 disposed in the first non-folding area UFA1 and the second driver IC 350 disposed in the second non-folding area UFA2 may be in physical contact with each other.

[0127] However, since the first driver IC 330 and the second driver IC 350 of the first circuit board 300 of the display device 1 in the exemplary embodiment are arranged not to overlap each other in the direction from the first non-folding area UFA1 toward the folding area FA (e.g., in the first direction DR1), when the display device 1 is folded outward, the first driver IC 330 and the second driver IC 350 may not overlap each other in the thickness direction. This prevents direct contact between the driver ICs 330 and 350, thereby preventing the driver ICs 330 and 350 from being physically damaged.

[0128] Hereinafter, other exemplary embodiments will be described. In the following exemplary embodiments, the same elements as those of the above-described embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and a redundant description thereof will be omitted or briefly given.

[0129] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device 2 . Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a folded state of an exemplary embodiment of the display device 2 .

[0130] refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the display device 2 in the present exemplary embodiment and Figures 1 to 7The display device 1 in the exemplary embodiment of the embodiment of the present invention is different in that it is a display device that can be folded "inwardly". That is, in the current exemplary embodiment, the inward folding force F_IN can act on the display device 2 in a direction toward the front surface of the display device 2. Therefore, the display module 100, the first circuit board 300a, and the second circuit board 500 can be folded about the folding area FA.

[0131] More specifically, as mentioned above in Figure 4 As described in the foregoing, the display module 100 may include a first surface corresponding to the front surface of the display device 2 and a second surface corresponding to the rear surface of the display device 2. When the inward folding force F_IN acts on the display device 2, areas of the first surface of the display module 100 may face each other. That is, the first non-folding area UFA1 and the second non-folding area UFA2 of the first surface of the display module 100 may face each other.

[0132] When the display module 100 is folded, the first circuit board 300a and the second circuit board 500 are also folded together with the display module 100. Here, the first concave portion IDP1 and the second concave portion IDP2 defined in the folding area FA of the first circuit board 300a as described above can ensure the flexibility of the first circuit board 300a during folding in the area where the first circuit board 300a is attached to each of the display panel 150 and the second circuit board 500. In addition, similar to the concave portions IDP1 and IDP2, a plurality of folding holes PF defined in the folding area FA of the first circuit board 300a can ensure the flexibility of the first circuit board 300a during folding.

[0133] and Figures 1 to 7 Unlike the display device 1 in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the present exemplary embodiment, when the inward folding force F_IN acts on the display device 2, the area of ​​the surface of the first circuit board 300a on which the driver ICs 330a and 350a are disposed may face different directions. That is, the first non-folding area UFA1 and the second non-folding area UFA2 of the surface of the first circuit board 300a may face different directions. In this case, the first driver IC 330a disposed in the first non-folding area UFA1 and the second driver IC 350a disposed in the second non-folding area UFA2 may face different directions.

[0134] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown in , the first driver IC 330a and the second driver IC 350a may be aligned in a direction from the first non-folding area UFA1 toward the folding area FA. That is, the first driver IC 330a and the second driver IC 350a may overlap each other in a direction from the first non-folding area UFA1 toward the folding area FA.

[0135] In some exemplary embodiments, as in Figures 1 to 7 As in the exemplary embodiment, the first driver IC 330a and the second driver IC 350a of the first circuit board 300a of the display device 2 may not overlap each other in a direction from the first non-folding area UFA1 toward the folding area FA (eg, in the first direction DR1).

[0136] Fig.10 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device 3 .

[0137] refer to Fig.10 , the display device 3 in the present exemplary embodiment and Figures 1 to 7 The display device 1 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 is different in that the concave portions IDP1_1 and IDP2_1 of the first circuit board 300_1 have different widths.

[0138] More specifically, in the current exemplary embodiment of the display device 3 , the concave portions IDP1_1 and IDP2_1 of the first circuit board 300_1 may have different widths in a direction from the first non-folding area UFA1 toward the folding area FA (eg, in the first direction DR1 ).

[0139] That is, the first width W1 of the first concave portion IDP1_1 of the first circuit board 300_1 may be smaller than the second width W2 of the second concave portion IDP2_1 of the first circuit board 300_1 .

[0140] As above Figures 1 to 7 As described in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first concave portion IDP1_1 may be defined in the first circuit area CA1 of the first circuit board 300_1. When the first width W1 of the first concave portion IDP1_1 of the first circuit board 300_1 is smaller than the second width W2 of the second concave portion IDP2_1 of the first circuit board 300_1 as in the current exemplary embodiment, the first circuit area CA1 of the first circuit board 300_1 may have a greater width in the first direction DR1. Therefore, more lead wirings may be placed in the first circuit area CA1 of the first circuit board 300_1 to transfer signals to a plurality of wiring pads of the panel pad area P_PA of the display panel 150.

[0141] Also in this exemplary embodiment, when the display module 100 is folded, the first circuit board 300_1 and the second circuit board 500 may also be folded together with the display module 100. Here, the first concave portion IDP1_1 and the second concave portion IDP2_1 defined in the folding area FA of the first circuit board 300_1 as described above may ensure flexibility of the first circuit board 300_1 in an area where the first circuit board 300_1 is attached to each of the display panel 150 and the second circuit board 500 during folding.

[0142] Furthermore, similar to the concave portions IDP1_1 and IDP2_1 , the plurality of folding holes PF defined in the folding area FA of the first circuit board 300_1 may further ensure flexibility of the first circuit board 300_1 during folding.

[0143] In addition, since the first driver IC 330 and the second driver IC 350 of the first circuit board 300_1 of the display device 3 in the current exemplary embodiment are arranged not to overlap each other in the direction from the first non-folding area UFA1 toward the folding area FA (for example, in the first direction DR1), when the display device 3 is folded outward, direct contact between the driver ICs 330 and 350 is prevented, thereby preventing the driver ICs 330 and 350 from being physically damaged.

[0144] Fig.11 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device 4 .

[0145] refer to Fig.11 , the display device 4 in the current exemplary embodiment and Figures 1 to 7 The display device 1 in the exemplary embodiment is different in that the area where the second signal wiring SL2_1 and the sixth signal wiring SL6_1 of the second circuit board 500_1 are provided.

[0146] More specifically, in the current exemplary embodiment of the second circuit board 500_1, the second and sixth signal wirings SL2_1 and SL6_1 extending from the third driving IC 570 disposed on the first base substrate 510 may be connected to the second base substrate 530 through the first circuit board 300 without being disposed on the flexible film 550_1.

[0147] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the second and sixth signal wirings SL2_1 and SL6_1 extending from the third driving IC 570 may be connected to the first non-folding area UFA1 of the first circuit board 300. Although not shown, the first circuit board 300 may further include lead wirings connected to the second and sixth signal wirings SL2_1 and SL6_1.

[0148] like Fig.11As shown in FIG. 3 , the lead wiring of the first circuit board 300 may extend along the second concave portion IDP2 of the first circuit board 300 to the second non-folding area UFA2 of the first circuit board 300 .

[0149] Lead wiring of the first circuit board 300 extending to the second non-folding area UFA2 of the first circuit board 300 may be connected to the second base substrate 530 .

[0150] In some exemplary embodiments, the arrangement of the second signal wiring SL2_1 and the sixth signal wiring SL6_1 in the current exemplary embodiment may be different from that in the embodiment of FIG. Figures 1 to 7 The arrangements of the second signal wiring SL2 and the sixth signal wiring SL6 in the exemplary embodiment are combined.

[0151] Also in this exemplary embodiment, when the display module 100 is folded, the first circuit board 300 and the second circuit board 500_1 may also be folded together with the display module 100. Here, the first concave portion IDP1 and the second concave portion IDP2 defined in the folding area FA of the first circuit board 300 as described above may ensure flexibility of the first circuit board 300 in an area where the first circuit board 300 is attached to each of the display panel 150 and the second circuit board 500_1 during folding.

[0152] Furthermore, similar to the concave portions IDP1 and IDP2 , the plurality of folding holes PF defined in the folding area FA of the first circuit board 300 may further ensure flexibility of the first circuit board 300 during folding.

[0153] In addition, since the first driver IC 330 and the second driver IC 350 of the first circuit board 300 of the display device 4 in the current exemplary embodiment are arranged not to overlap each other in the direction from the first non-folding area UFA1 toward the folding area FA (for example, in the first direction DR1), when the display device 4 is folded outward, direct contact between the driver ICs 330 and 350 is prevented, thereby preventing the driver ICs 330 and 350 from being physically damaged.

[0154] Fig.12 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device 5 .

[0155] refer to Fig.12 , the display device 5 in the current exemplary embodiment is Figures 1 to 7 The display device 1 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 is different in that a fourth driving IC 580 is further disposed on the second base substrate 530 of the second circuit board 500_2 .

[0156] More specifically, the second circuit board 500_2 may include a first base substrate 510 and a second base substrate 530, a third driving IC 570 disposed on the first base substrate 510, a fourth driving IC 580 disposed on the second base substrate 530, a flexible film 550 disposed on the base substrates 510 and 530, and a plurality of signal wirings SL1, SL2_2, SL5, and SL6_1.

[0157] The third driver IC 570 and the fourth driver IC 580 of the second circuit board 500_2 of the display device 5 may be arranged not to overlap each other in a direction from the first non-folding area UFA1 toward the folding area FA (e.g., in the first direction DR1). Therefore, when the display device 5 is folded outward, direct contact between the driver ICs 570 and 580 is prevented, thereby preventing the driver ICs 570 and 580 from being physically damaged.

[0158] However, when the display device 5 is Figure 8 and Fig. 9 When the second circuit board 500_2 is folded inwardly as in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the second circuit board 500_2 on which the driver ICs 570 and 580 are disposed may face different directions. That is, the third driver IC 570 and the fourth driver IC 580 may face different directions. In this case, the third driver IC 570 and the fourth driver IC 580 may be aligned in a direction from the first non-folding area UFA1 toward the folding area FA. That is, the third driver IC 570 and the fourth driver IC 580 may overlap each other in a direction from the first non-folding area UFA1 toward the folding area FA.

[0159] Similar to the third driving IC 570 , the fourth driving IC 580 may include a source / drain IC and a voltage driver.

[0160] The second signal wiring SL2_2 of the second circuit board 500_2 may connect the fourth driving IC 580 and the first circuit board 300. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the second signal wiring SL2_2 may deliver a voltage applied by a voltage driver of the fourth driving IC 580 to the fourth signal wiring SL4 of the first circuit board 300.

[0161] The sixth signal wiring SL6_1 of the second circuit board 500_2 may connect the fourth driving IC 580 and the first circuit board 300. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the sixth signal wiring SL6_1 may deliver a data signal transferred by the source / drain IC of the fourth driving IC 580 to the eighth signal wiring SL8 of the first circuit board 300.

[0162] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the driver ICs 570 and 580 may further include a timing controller, and the first driver IC 330 and the second driver IC 350 may not include a timing controller. In this case, a timing synchronization wiring may be further provided on the flexible film 550 of the second circuit board 500_2 to connect the third driver IC 570 and the fourth driver IC 580.

[0163] Also in this exemplary embodiment, when the display module 100 is folded, the first circuit board 300 and the second circuit board 500_2 may also be folded together with the display module 100. Here, the first concave portion IDP1 and the second concave portion IDP2 defined in the folding area FA of the first circuit board 300 as described above may ensure flexibility of the first circuit board 300 in an area where the first circuit board 300 is attached to each of the display panel 150 and the second circuit board 500_2 during folding.

[0164] Furthermore, similar to the concave portions IDP1 and IDP2 , the plurality of folding holes PF defined in the folding area FA of the first circuit board 300 may further ensure flexibility of the first circuit board 300 during folding.

[0165] In addition, since the first driver IC 330 and the second driver IC 350 of the first circuit board 300 of the display device 5 in the current exemplary embodiment are arranged not to overlap each other in the direction from the first non-folding area UFA1 toward the folding area FA (for example, in the first direction DR1), when the display device 5 is folded outward, direct contact between the driver ICs 330 and 350 is prevented, thereby preventing the driver ICs 330 and 350 from being physically damaged.

[0166] Fig.13 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device 6 .

[0167] refer to Fig.13 , the display device 6 in the present exemplary embodiment is Figures 1 to 7 The display device 1 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5 is different in that the third driving IC 570_1 of the second circuit board 500_3 further includes a timing controller.

[0168] More specifically, the third driving IC 570_1 of the second circuit board 500_3 may further include a timing controller. The timing signal output from the timing controller may be transferred to the driving ICs 330b and 350b of the first circuit board 300b.

[0169] In addition, Figures 1 to 7Unlike the first driving IC 330 and the second driving IC 350 in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first driving IC 330 b and the second driving IC 350 b may not include a timing controller.

[0170] The first circuit board 300 b of the display device 6 in the current exemplary embodiment may not include the eleventh signal wiring SL11 .

[0171] Also in this exemplary embodiment, when the display module 100 is folded, the first circuit board 300b and the second circuit board 500_3 may also be folded together with the display module 100. Here, the first concave portion IDP1 and the second concave portion IDP2 defined in the folding area FA of the first circuit board 300b as described above may ensure flexibility of the first circuit board 300b in an area where the first circuit board 300b is attached to each of the display panel 150 and the second circuit board 500_3 during folding.

[0172] Furthermore, similar to the concave portions IDP1 and IDP2 , the plurality of folding holes PF defined in the folding area FA of the first circuit board 300 b may further ensure flexibility of the first circuit board 300 b during folding.

[0173] In addition, since the first driver IC 330b and the second driver IC 350b of the first circuit board 300b of the display device 6 in the current exemplary embodiment are arranged not to overlap each other in the direction from the first non-folding area UFA1 toward the folding area FA (for example, in the first direction DR1), when the display device 6 is folded outward, direct contact between the driver ICs 330b and 350b is prevented, thereby preventing the driver ICs 330b and 350b from being physically damaged.

[0174] Fig.14 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device 7 .

[0175] refer to Fig.14 , the display device 7 in the present exemplary embodiment and Figures 1 to 7 The display device 1 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 is different in that the first circuit board 300_2 is separated into two parts, wherein the folding area FA is interposed between the two parts.

[0176] More specifically, the first circuit board 300_2 in the current exemplary embodiment may include a first sub-circuit board 311 disposed in the first non-folding area UFA1 and a second sub-circuit board 312 disposed in the second non-folding area UFA2. The first sub-circuit board 311 and the second sub-circuit board 312 may be separated from each other, wherein the folding area FA is interposed between the first sub-circuit board 311 and the second sub-circuit board 312.

[0177] In the current exemplary embodiment of the display device 7, since the first circuit board 300_2 includes two sub-circuit boards 311 and 312 separated from each other (wherein the folding area FA is between the sub-circuit boards 311 and 312), when the first circuit board 300_2 disposed on the rear surface of the display module 100 is folded together with the display module 100, the flexibility of the first circuit board 300_2 can be further ensured.

[0178] In addition, since the first driver IC 330 and the second driver IC 350 of the first circuit board 300_2 of the display device 7 in the current exemplary embodiment are arranged not to overlap with each other in the direction from the first non-folding area UFA1 toward the folding area FA (for example, in the first direction DR1), when the display device 7 is folded outward, direct contact between the driver ICs 330 and 350 is prevented, thereby preventing the driver ICs 330 and 350 from being physically damaged.

[0179] Fig.15 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device 8 .

[0180] refer to Fig.15 , the display device 8 in the present exemplary embodiment and Fig.12 The display device 5 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5 is different in that the second circuit board 500_4 does not include the flexible film 550 .

[0181] More specifically, the second circuit board 500_4 in the current exemplary embodiment may not include the flexible film 550 disposed in the folding area FA and connecting the first base substrate 510 and the second base substrate 530. That is, the first base substrate 510 and the second base substrate 530 may be physically separated from each other.

[0182] Since the display device 8 in the current exemplary embodiment includes the second circuit board 500_4 physically separated into two parts in the folding area FA, when the second circuit board 500_4 set on the rear surface of the display module 100 is folded together with the display module 100, the flexibility of the second circuit board 500_4 can be further ensured in the folding area FA.

[0183] like Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the third driver IC 570 and the fourth driver IC 580 of the second circuit board 500_4 of the display device 8 are arranged not to overlap each other in a direction from the first non-folding area UFA1 toward the folding area FA (e.g., in the first direction DR1). Therefore, when the display device 8 is folded outward, direct contact between the driver ICs 570 and 580 is prevented, thereby preventing the driver ICs 570 and 580 from being physically damaged.

[0184] However, when the display device 8 is Figure 8 and Fig. 9 When folded inward as in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5 , the third driving IC 570 and the fourth driving IC 580 may be aligned in a direction from the first non-folding area UFA1 toward the folding area FA.

[0185] Also in this exemplary embodiment, when the display module 100 is folded, the first circuit board 300 and the second circuit board 500_4 may also be folded together with the display module 100. Here, the first concave portion IDP1 and the second concave portion IDP2 defined in the folding area FA of the first circuit board 300 as described above may ensure flexibility of the first circuit board 300 in an area where the first circuit board 300 is attached to each of the display panel 150 and the second circuit board 500_4 during folding.

[0186] Furthermore, similar to the concave portions IDP1 and IDP2 , the plurality of folding holes PF defined in the folding area FA of the first circuit board 300 may further ensure flexibility of the first circuit board 300 during folding.

[0187] In addition, since the first driver IC 330 and the second driver IC 350 of the first circuit board 300 of the display device 8 in the current exemplary embodiment are arranged not to overlap each other in the direction from the first non-folding area UFA1 toward the folding area FA (for example, in the first direction DR1), when the display device 8 is folded outward, direct contact between the driver ICs 330 and 350 is prevented, thereby preventing the driver ICs 330 and 350 from being physically damaged.

[0188] Fig.16 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device 9 .

[0189] refer to Fig.16 , the display device 9 in the present exemplary embodiment is Figures 1 to 7 The display device 1 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 is different in that the first circuit board 300_3 does not include the first concave portion IDP1.

[0190] More specifically, the first long edge LEG1 of the first circuit board 300_3 in the present exemplary embodiment may be substantially shaped as a straight line along the first direction DR1. Therefore, the first circuit area CA1 of the first circuit board 300_3 may have a greater width in the first direction DR1, and more lead wirings may be placed in the first circuit area CA1 of the first circuit board 300_3 to deliver signals to a plurality of wiring pads of the panel pad area P_PA of the display panel 150. Therefore, more signal channels may be secured between the first circuit board 300_3 and the display panel 150.

[0191] The plurality of folding holes PF of the first circuit board 300_3 may be disposed between the first long edge LEG1 and the second concave portion IDP2 of the first circuit board 300_3 .

[0192] Also in this exemplary embodiment, when the display module 100 is folded, the first circuit board 300_3 and the second circuit board 500 may also be folded together with the display module 100. Here, the second concave portion IDP2 defined in the folding area FA of the first circuit board 300_3 as described above may ensure flexibility of the first circuit board 300_3 in the area where the first circuit board 300_3 is attached to the second circuit board 500 during folding.

[0193] Furthermore, similar to the second concave portion IDP2 , the folding hole PF defined in the folding area FA of the first circuit board 300_3 may further ensure flexibility of the first circuit board 300_3 during folding.

[0194] In addition, since the first driver IC 330 and the second driver IC 350 of the first circuit board 300_3 of the display device 9 in the current exemplary embodiment are arranged not to overlap with each other in the direction from the first non-folding area UFA1 toward the folding area FA (for example, in the first direction DR1), when the display device 9 is folded outward, direct contact between the driver ICs 330 and 350 is prevented, thereby preventing the driver ICs 330 and 350 from being physically damaged.

[0195] Fig.17 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the display device 10 .

[0196] refer to Fig.17 , the display device 10 in the current exemplary embodiment and Fig.16 The display device 9 in the exemplary embodiment is different in that a plurality of sub-folding holes PF_1 may be further defined between the first long edge LEG1 of the first circuit board 300_4 and the region in which the plurality of folding holes PF are defined.

[0197] More specifically, in the first circuit board 300_4 in the current exemplary embodiment, a sub-folding hole PF_1 may be further defined between the first long edge LEG1 and the region in which the folding hole PF is defined.

[0198] Similar to the folding hole PF, the sub-folding hole PF_1 may be a through hole that passes through the printed base film 310_4 of the first circuit board 300_4 in the thickness direction.

[0199] The sub-folding hole PF_1 may have a planar shape substantially the same as or similar to that of the folding hole PF, but may also have a planar shape different from that of the folding hole PF.

[0200] Despite Fig.17 The number of the neutron folding holes PF_1 is two, but the number of the sub-folding holes PF_1 is not limited to two and may also be one or three or more.

[0201] In the display device 10 in the current exemplary embodiment, since a sub-folding hole PF_1 is further provided between the first long edge LEG1 of the first circuit board 300_4 and the region in which the folding hole PF is provided, flexibility of the first circuit board 300_4 can be ensured during folding of the first circuit board 300_4.

[0202] Fig.18 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the display device 11 . Fig.19 is along Fig.18 A sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX'.

[0203] refer to Fig.18 and Fig.19 , the display device 11 in the present exemplary embodiment and Figures 1 to 7 The display device 1 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 is different in that each of the first driving IC 330 and the second driving IC 350 is disposed inside the first circuit board 300 .

[0204] More specifically, the first driving IC 330 and the second driving IC 350 may be aligned along the first direction DR1. The first driving IC 330 and the second driving IC 350 may be disposed inside the printed base film 310 of the first circuit board 300. Fig.18 and Fig.19 The surfaces of the first and second driving ICs 330 and 350 are aligned with the surface of the printed base film 310 , but the present invention is not limited to this case, and the surfaces of the first and second driving ICs 330 and 350 may also be lower than the adjacent surface of the printed base film 310 .

[0205] In the current exemplary embodiment of the display device 11, since the first driver IC 330 and the second driver IC 350 are disposed inside the first circuit board 300 and the surfaces of the first driver IC 330 and the second driver IC 350 are positioned lower than the surface of the printed base film 310, when the display device 11 is folded, the first driver IC 330 and the second driver IC 350 can be prevented from being physically damaged due to physical contact.

[0206] Fig. 20is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of display device 12 .

[0207] refer to Fig. 20 , the display device 12 in the current exemplary embodiment and Figures 1 to 7 The display device 1 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 is different in that the first driving IC 330 and the second driving IC 350 are spaced apart from the folding area FA by different distances.

[0208] More specifically, in the display device 12 in the current exemplary embodiment, the first driver IC 330 and the second driver IC 350 may be aligned along the first direction DR1 from the folding area FA. In addition, the area of ​​the first circuit board 300 may be different on one side and the other side of the folding area FA located in the first direction DR1. In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig. 20 As shown in , for example, an area of ​​one side of the first circuit board 300 in the first direction DR1 on which the first driver IC 330 is disposed may be larger than an area of ​​the other side in the first direction DR1 on which the second driver IC 350 is disposed. A distance from the folding area FA to the first driver IC 330 may be greater than a distance from the folding area FA to the second driver IC 350. In the current exemplary embodiment, the distance from the folding area FA to the first driver IC 330 may be greater than a sum of a distance between the second driver IC 350 and the folding area FA and a length of the second driver IC 350 in the first direction DR1.

[0209] Therefore, when the display device 12 is folded, the first driving IC 330 and the second driving IC 350 may be prevented from overlapping each other in the thickness direction, thereby preventing defects of the display device 12 .

[0210] In an exemplary embodiment of the display device, driving ICs disposed on the FPCB may be prevented from contacting each other during bending.

[0211] In addition, a display device including a FPCB having flexibility in a folding region may be provided.

[0212] However, the effects of the exemplary embodiments are not limited to the effects set forth herein. The above and other effects of the exemplary embodiments will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments pertain by referring to the claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising a folding area, a first non-folding area located on one side of the folding area, and a second non-folding area located on a second side of the folding area, wherein a direction from the first non-folding area toward the folding area is a first direction, and the display device comprises: A display module, the display module comprising a display panel, the display panel comprising a side and another side arranged opposite to each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction; as well as A first circuit board, the first circuit board is attached to the one side of the display panel and is disposed below the display module, the first circuit board comprising: Basement membrane, A first driving integrated circuit is disposed in the first non-folding area, and A second driving integrated circuit is arranged in the second non-folding area, The first driver integrated circuit and the second driver integrated circuit do not overlap each other in a thickness direction during folding, and the first circuit board is separated from the other side of the display panel.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: A first concave portion is recessed from a first edge of the first circuit board attached to the display panel in the folding region.

3. The display device according to claim 2 further comprises a second circuit board, the second circuit board comprising a first base substrate and a second base substrate, the first base substrate being attached to the first non-folding area of ​​the second edge of the first circuit board facing the first edge, and the second base substrate being attached to the second non-folding area of ​​the second edge, wherein The second concave portion of the first circuit board is recessed from the second edge in the folding area.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: A first width of the first concave portion in a direction from the first non-folding region toward the folding region is smaller than a second width of the second concave portion in the direction from the first non-folding region toward the folding region.

5. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: A plurality of folding holes are defined in the first circuit board between the first concave portion and the second concave portion in the folding region, wherein the plurality of folding holes penetrate the first circuit board in the thickness direction.

6. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The second circuit board further includes a flexible film disposed in the folding region, wherein the flexible film connects the first base substrate and the second base substrate.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The first base substrate includes a third driving integrated circuit and a first signal wiring connecting the third driving integrated circuit and the first circuit board, wherein the first signal wiring is disposed on the flexible film.

8. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The first base substrate includes a third driving integrated circuit and a first signal wiring connecting the third driving integrated circuit and the first circuit board, wherein the first signal wiring is disposed on the first circuit board along the second concave portion of the first circuit board.

9. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a signal wiring directly connecting the first driver integrated circuit and the second driver integrated circuit, wherein The signal wiring is a timing synchronous wiring.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first circuit board also includes a first sub-circuit board and a second sub-circuit board, the first driver integrated circuit is arranged on the first sub-circuit board, and the second driver integrated circuit is arranged on the second sub-circuit board, wherein the first sub-circuit board and the second sub-circuit board are separated from each other, and the folding area is between the first sub-circuit board and the second sub-circuit board.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first circuit board further includes a first edge attached to the display panel and a second edge facing the first edge, and a concave portion concave from the second edge of the first circuit board.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: A plurality of folding holes are defined in the first circuit board between the concave portion and the first edge of the first circuit board in the folding region, wherein the plurality of folding holes penetrate the first circuit board in the thickness direction.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display module also includes a first surface and a second surface, the first circuit board is arranged on the first surface, and the second surface is positioned opposite to the first surface, wherein the first non-folding area of ​​the first surface of the display module and the second non-folding area of ​​the first surface of the display module face each other relative to the folding area of ​​the first surface.

14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: A first area of ​​the first circuit board overlapping the first non-folding area has a greater width than a second area of ​​the first circuit board overlapping the second non-folding area, and a distance from the folding area to the first driver integrated circuit is greater than a distance from the folding area to the second driver integrated circuit.

15. A display device comprising a folding area, a first non-folding area located on one side of the folding area, and a second non-folding area located on a second side of the folding area, the display device comprising: A display module, wherein the display module comprises a display panel; as well as a first circuit board disposed below the display module and comprising a first edge attached to the display panel, wherein the first concave portion is recessed from the first edge of the first circuit board in the folding area; wherein the second concave portion is recessed from a second edge of the first circuit board facing the first edge in the folding area; A first width of the first concave portion in a direction from the first non-folding region toward the folding region is smaller than a second width of the second concave portion in the direction from the first non-folding region toward the folding region.

16. The display device according to claim 15 further includes a second circuit board, the second circuit board including a first base substrate and a second base substrate, the first base substrate is attached to the first non-folding area of ​​the second edge of the first circuit board, and the second base substrate is attached to the second non-folding area of ​​the second edge.

17. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: A plurality of folding holes are defined in the first circuit board between the first concave portion and the second concave portion in the folding region, wherein the folding holes penetrate the first circuit board in a thickness direction.

18. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: The display module also includes a first surface and a second surface, the first circuit board is arranged on the first surface, and the second surface is positioned opposite to the first surface, wherein the first non-folding area of ​​the second surface of the display module and the second non-folding area of ​​the second surface of the display module face each other relative to the folding area of ​​the second surface.

19. A display device comprising a folding area, a first non-folding area located on one side of the folding area, and a second non-folding area located on a second side of the folding area, the display device comprising: A display module, wherein the display module comprises a display panel; as well as a first circuit board, the first circuit board being attached to the display panel and disposed below the display module, Wherein, the first circuit board includes a base film, a first driver integrated circuit arranged in the first non-folding area, and a second driver integrated circuit arranged in the second non-folding area, wherein the first driver integrated circuit and the second driver integrated circuit are arranged inside the base film, and the first surface of the first driver integrated circuit and the second surface of the second driver integrated circuit are lower than the third surface of the base film, and the fourth surface of the first driver integrated circuit opposite to the first surface and the fifth surface of the second driver integrated circuit opposite to the second surface are higher than the sixth surface of the base film opposite to the third surface.

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