Display device

Abstract

This application relates to a display device. The display device includes a display module, a support member, a sub-support member, and multiple joining units, wherein: the display module includes a first non-folding region, a second non-folding region, and a folding region, the folding region being disposed between the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region; the support member is disposed below the display module; the sub-support member is disposed below the support member; and the multiple joining units are disposed below the sub-support member and overlap with the folding region.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0047746, filed on April 24, 2019, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] In this document, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to display devices, and more specifically to display devices capable of preventing deformation in folded areas. Background Technology

[0004] Electronic devices that display images to users (such as smartphones, digital cameras, laptops, navigation devices, and smart TVs) include display devices that display images. Display devices generate images and display them to users via a screen.

[0005] Recent technological advancements in display devices have spurred the development of various new types of display devices. For example, flexible display devices capable of deforming, folding, or rolling into curved shapes are being developed. Flexible display devices that can change shape are easy to carry and improve user convenience.

[0006] Foldable display devices fold relative to a folding axis extending in one direction. However, foldable display devices may encounter undesirable phenomena, such as deformation in the folding area or damage to parts of the folding area. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiments of this disclosure can provide a display device that can prevent deformation of the folded area.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention provides a display device comprising a display module, a support member, a sub-support member, and a plurality of joining units, wherein: the display module includes a first non-folding region, a second non-folding region, and a folding region, the folding region being disposed between the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region; the support member is disposed below the display module; the sub-support member is disposed below the support member; and the plurality of joining units are disposed below the sub-support member and overlap with the folding region.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the display device includes a display module, a support member, an adhesive, a sub-support member, and a plurality of bonding units, wherein: the display module includes a first non-foldable region, a second non-foldable region, and a foldable region, the foldable region being disposed between the first non-foldable region and the second non-foldable region, wherein the first non-foldable region, the second non-foldable region, and the foldable region are arranged in a first direction; the support member is disposed below the display module; the adhesive is disposed between the display module and the support member; the sub-support member is disposed below the support member; the plurality of bonding units protrude downward from the sub-support member and overlap with the foldable region, wherein the bonding units extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction and are spaced apart in the first direction.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the display device includes a display module, a support member, a sub-support member, and multiple joining units, wherein: the display module includes a first non-folding region, a second non-folding region, and a folding region, the folding region being disposed between the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region; the support member is disposed below the display module; the sub-support member is disposed below the support member; and the multiple joining units protrude downward from the sub-support member and overlap with the folding region. The support member has a first value in Young's modulus, and the sub-support member has a second value in Young's modulus that is smaller than the first value. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The folded state of the display device is shown in the image.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The folded state of the display device is shown in the image.

[0015] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of the joining unit shown.

[0017] Figure 7 schematically shown Figure 5 The cross-section of the display module shown is shown.

[0018] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The diagram shows a floor plan of the display module.

[0019] Figure 9 schematically shown Figure 8 The cross-sectional configuration of a single pixel is shown in the figure.

[0020] Figure 10 When viewed in the second direction Figure 5 The side view of the display device shown.

[0021] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Enlarged view of the folded area, the support member overlapping the folded area, the sub-support member overlapping the folded area, and the joining unit shown.

[0022] Figure 12 schematically shown Figure 10 The cross section of region AA shown in the diagram.

[0023] Figure 13 It shows Figure 10 The folded state of the display device is shown in the image. Detailed Implementation

[0024] In this specification, when a component, region, layer, part, etc., is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "attached to" another component, it may be directly set on, directly connected to, or directly attached to the other component, or a third component may be set between them.

[0025] Throughout the text, the same numbers represent the same elements. In the accompanying drawings, the thickness, proportions, and dimensions of components may be exaggerated to more effectively illustrate the technical features.

[0026] In this document, when a value is described as approximately equal to another value, it should be understood that the aforementioned values ​​are equal to each other within the measurement error, or, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, in the case of measurable inequality, the aforementioned values ​​are sufficiently close in value to be functionally equal to each other.

[0027] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The folded state of the display device is shown in the image.

[0029] refer to Figure 1The display device DD according to an embodiment of the present invention has a rectangular shape, having a long side in a first direction DR1 and a short side in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the display device DD may have various other shapes such as circles and polygons. The display device DD is a flexible display device.

[0030] In the following text, the direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 is referred to as the third direction DR3. In this specification, "when viewed in a plane" means when viewed from the third direction DR3.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the display device DD includes a first non-foldable region NFA1, a second non-foldable region NFA2, and a foldable region FA disposed between the first non-foldable region NFA1 and the second non-foldable region NFA2. The first non-foldable region NFA1, the second non-foldable region NFA2, and the foldable region FA are arranged on a first direction DR1.

[0032] Although the figure shows one folded region FA and two non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2, the number of folded regions FA and non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2 is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the display device DD may include more than two, for example, multiple non-folded regions and multiple folded regions disposed between the non-folded regions.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the top surface of the display device DD is a display surface DS, and the top surface of the display device DD is coplanar with a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The image IM generated in the display device DD is displayed to the user through the display surface DS.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the display surface DS includes a display area DA and a non-display area NDA adjacent to the display area DA. The display area DA displays an image IM, and the non-display area NDA does not display an image IM. The non-display area NDA surrounds the display area DA and has an edge having a predetermined color.

[0035] refer to Figure 2 According to the embodiment, the display device DD is a foldable display device DD capable of being folded or unfolded. For example, the folding region FA is bent relative to a folding axis FX parallel to the second direction DR2, and therefore the display device DD can be folded. The folding axis FX is a short axis parallel to the short side of the display device DD.

[0036] According to the embodiment, the display device DD can be folded outward, exposing the display surface DS to the outside. Therefore, when the display device DD is folded, the first non-folded region NFA1 and the second non-folded region NFA2 are positioned opposite each other.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The folded state of the display device is shown in the image.

[0038] According to the implementation method, in addition to the folding operation... Figure 3 The display device DD_1 shown has the same Figure 1 The display devices DD shown are basically the same configuration. Therefore, the folding operation of display device DD_1 will be described in the following text.

[0039] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to an embodiment, the display device DD_1 includes a first non-foldable region NFA1', a second non-foldable region NFA2', and a foldable region FA' disposed between the first non-foldable region NFA1' and the second non-foldable region NFA2'. The first non-foldable region NFA1', the second non-foldable region NFA2', and the foldable region FA' are arranged on a second direction DR2.

[0040] According to the embodiment, the folding region FA' is bent relative to a folding axis FX' parallel to the first direction DR1, and thus the display device DD_1 can be folded. The folding axis FX' is a long axis parallel to the long side of the display device DD_1. Figure 1 The display device DD shown can be folded relative to its minor axis, but on the other hand, Figure 3 The display device DD_1 shown is foldable relative to its long axis. The folding capability of the display device DD_1 exposes the display surface DS to the outside.

[0041] The structure of a display device DD folded relative to its short axis will be described below. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the structure described below can be incorporated into a display device DD_1 folded relative to its long axis.

[0042] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of the joining unit shown.

[0043] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display device DD includes a display module DM, an adhesive AD, a support SP, a sub-support SSP, multiple bonding units JU, and a housing or outer casing CS. For ease of explanation, [the following is a more detailed description of the device DD]. Figure 5 compared to, Figure 6 The sub-support member SSP and the joint unit JU are shown upside down.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the display module DM forms a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The display module DM has a rectangular shape, which has a long side in the first direction DR1 and a short side in the second direction DR2.

[0045] According to an embodiment, similar to the display device DD, the display module DM includes a first non-foldable region NFA1, a second non-foldable region NFA2, and a foldable region FA disposed between the first non-foldable region NFA1 and the second non-foldable region NFA2. The first non-foldable region NFA1, the second non-foldable region NFA2, and the foldable region FA are arranged on a first direction DR1.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the support member SP has a rectangular shape, having a long side in a first direction DR1 and a short side in a second direction DR2. The support member SP is disposed below the display module DM and supports the display module DM.

[0047] According to one embodiment, adhesive AD is disposed between display module DM and support member SP. Display module DM and support member SP are attached to each other by means of adhesive AD. Adhesive AD may include pressure-sensitive adhesive, but this is exemplary and not limiting. In addition to pressure-sensitive adhesive, adhesive AD may also include various other adhesives.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the sub-support member SSP has a rectangular shape, which has a long side in a first direction DR1 and a short side in a second direction DR2. The sub-support member SSP is disposed below the support member SP.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the joining unit JU is disposed below the sub-support member SSP. The joining unit JU overlaps with the folding area FA of the display module DM. The joining units JU extend in the second direction DR2 and are spaced apart in the first direction DR1. The joining units JU are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the first direction DR1.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the housing CS is disposed below the sub-support member SSP. The housing CS includes a first housing CS1 that overlaps with the first non-folded region NFA1 and a second housing CS2 that overlaps with the second non-folded region NFA2.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the display device DD further includes a hinge portion that provides a folding axis FX extending in the second direction DR2 (see [link]). Figure 2 The hinge is connected to the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2.

[0052] Figure 7 It shows Figure 5 The cross-section of the display module shown is shown.

[0053] refer to Figure 7 According to an embodiment, the display module DM includes a display panel DP, a touch sensing unit TSP, a window WIN, and an adhesive OCA, wherein the touch sensing unit TSP is disposed on the display panel DP, the window WIN is disposed on the touch sensing unit TSP, and the adhesive OCA is disposed between the touch sensing unit TSP and the window WIN.

[0054] The display panel DP according to the embodiments of the present invention is a light-emitting display panel, but the embodiments are not particularly limited thereto. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of an organic light-emitting display panel includes organic light-emitting materials. The light-emitting layer of a quantum dot light-emitting display panel includes quantum dots, quantum rods, etc. Hereinafter, the display panel DP will be described as an organic light-emitting display panel.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the display panel DP includes a substrate SUB, a pixel layer PXL, a thin-film encapsulation layer TFE, and a protective substrate PS, wherein: the pixel layer PXL is disposed on the substrate SUB; the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE covering the pixel layer PXL is disposed on the substrate SUB; and the protective substrate PS is disposed below the substrate SUB. The substrate SUB is a transparent substrate comprising a flexible plastic material. For example, the substrate SUB is made of polyimide (PI).

[0056] Similar to the display surface DS of the display device DD, according to an embodiment, the substrate SUB includes a display area DA and a non-display area NDA adjacent to the display area DA. A pixel layer PXL is disposed in the display area DA. The pixel layer PXL includes a plurality of pixels, and each of the pixels includes a light-emitting element.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE includes at least two inorganic layers and an organic layer disposed between the inorganic layers. The inorganic layers comprise inorganic materials and protect the pixel layer PXL from moisture or oxygen. The organic layers comprise organic materials and protect the pixel layer PXL from impurities such as dust particles.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the protective substrate PS protects the lower portion of the substrate SUB. The protective substrate PS comprises a flexible plastic material. For example, the protective substrate PS is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0059] According to an embodiment, the touch sensing unit (TSP) can detect external input such as a user's hand or a stylus, convert the input into a predetermined input signal, and provide the input signal to the display panel (DP). The touch sensing unit (TSP) includes multiple touch sensor units that detect external input. The touch sensor units detect external input using a capacitive method. The display panel (DP) receives the input signal from the touch sensing unit (TSP) and generates an image corresponding to the input signal.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the window WIN protects the display panel DP and the touch sensing unit TSP from external scratches and impacts. The window WIN is attached to the touch sensing unit TSP by means of an adhesive OCA. The adhesive OCA includes an optically transparent adhesive. The image generated in the display panel DP is visible to the user through the window WIN.

[0061] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The diagram shows a floor plan of the display module.

[0062] refer to Figure 8 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display module DM includes a display panel DP, a scan driver SDV, a data driver DDV, and a transmit driver EDV. Figure 8 The planar configuration of the display panel DP shown is exemplary and non-limiting, and the planar configuration of the touch sensing unit TSP is omitted.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the display panel DP is a flexible display panel. The display panel DP has a rectangular shape, with a long side in a first direction DR1 and a short side in a second direction DR2. Similar to the display surface DS of the display device DD, the display panel DP includes a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the display panel DP includes multiple pixels PX, multiple scan lines SL1 to SLm, multiple data lines DL1 to DLn, and multiple light-emitting lines EL1 to ELm, where m and n are natural numbers. Pixels PX are disposed in the display area DA and connected to the scan lines SL1 to SLm, the data lines DL1 to DLn, and the light-emitting lines EL1 to ELm.

[0065] According to the implementation, the scan driver SDV, data driver DDV, and transmit driver EDV are disposed in the non-display area NDA. Each of the scan driver SDV and transmit driver EDV is configured to be adjacent to one of the long sides of the display panel DP. The data driver DDV is an integrated circuit chip and is configured to be adjacent to one of the short sides of the display panel DP.

[0066] According to the embodiment, scan lines SL1 to SLm extend in the second direction DR2 and are connected to the scan driver SDV. Data lines DL1 to DLn extend in the first direction DR1 and are connected to the data driver DDV. Emitting lines EL1 to ELm extend in the second direction DR2 and are connected to the transmit driver EDV.

[0067] According to the implementation, the scan driver SDV generates multiple scan signals, and the scan signals are transmitted to the pixel PX through scan lines SL1 to SLm. The scan signals are transmitted to the pixel PX sequentially. The data driver DDV generates multiple data voltages, and the data voltages are transmitted to the pixel PX through data lines DL1 to DLn. The transmit driver EDV generates multiple emission signals, and the emission signals are transmitted to the pixel PX through emission lines EL1 to ELm.

[0068] Additionally, according to an embodiment, the display module DM includes a timing controller that controls the operation of the scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the transmit driver EDV.

[0069] According to the implementation method, pixel PX receives a data voltage in response to a scan signal. Pixel PX displays an image by emitting light with a brightness corresponding to the data voltage in response to a light emission signal. The emission time of pixel PX is controlled by the light emission signal.

[0070] Figure 9 schematically shown Figure 8 The cross-sectional configuration of a single pixel is shown in the figure.

[0071] refer to Figure 9 According to an embodiment, a pixel PX includes an organic light-emitting element (OLED) and a transistor TR connected to the OLED. The OLED includes a first electrode E1, a second electrode E2, and an organic light-emitting layer OEL disposed between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2. The transistor TR includes a semiconductor layer SM, a source electrode SE and a drain electrode DE connected to opposite ends of the semiconductor layer SM, and a gate electrode GE disposed above the semiconductor layer SM and overlapping the central portion of the semiconductor layer SM.

[0072] According to the implementation method, the first electrode E1 is a positive electrode, and the second electrode E2 is a negative electrode. The first electrode E1 is referred to as a pixel electrode, and the second electrode E2 is referred to as a common electrode.

[0073] According to the embodiment, pixel PX is divided into pixel region PA and non-pixel region NPA located near pixel region PA. Organic light-emitting element (OLED) is disposed in pixel region PA, and transistor TR is disposed in non-pixel region NPA. Transistor TR and organic light-emitting element OLED are disposed on substrate SUB. Buffer layer BFL is disposed on substrate SUB, and buffer layer BFL is made of inorganic material.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the semiconductor layer SM of the transistor TR is disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor layer SM includes organic semiconductors or inorganic semiconductors, wherein the inorganic semiconductors include amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon. Alternatively, the semiconductor layer SM may include oxide semiconductors. The semiconductor layer SM includes a source region, a drain region, and a channel region, wherein the source region is connected to the source electrode SE, the drain region is connected to the drain electrode DE, and the channel region is located between the source region and the drain region and overlaps with the gate electrode GE.

[0075] According to one embodiment, a first insulating layer INS1 is disposed on a buffer layer BFL and covers a semiconductor layer SM. The first insulating layer INS1 is made of an inorganic material. The gate electrode GE of the transistor TR, which overlaps with the semiconductor layer SM, is disposed on the first insulating layer INS1. The gate electrode GE overlaps with the channel region of the semiconductor layer SM.

[0076] According to an embodiment, a second insulating layer INS2 is disposed on a first insulating layer INS1 and covers the gate electrode GE. The second insulating layer INS2 is made of an organic or inorganic material.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the source electrode SE and drain electrode DE of transistor TR are disposed on the second insulating layer INS2 and spaced apart from each other. The source electrode SE is connected to the source region of semiconductor layer SM via a first contact hole CH1 formed in the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2. The drain electrode DE is connected to the drain region of semiconductor layer SM via a second contact hole CH2 formed in the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2.

[0078] According to an embodiment, a third insulating layer INS3 is disposed on the second insulating layer INS2 and covers the source electrode SE and drain electrode DE of the transistor TR. The third insulating layer INS3 is a planarization film and is made of an organic material.

[0079] According to one embodiment, a first electrode E1 is disposed on a third insulating layer INS3. The first electrode E1 is connected to the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR via a third contact hole CH3 formed in the third insulating layer INS3.

[0080] According to an embodiment, a pixel defining layer (PDL) exposing a predetermined portion of the first electrode E1 is disposed on the first electrode E1 and the third insulating layer INS3. The pixel defining layer (PDL) includes an opening portion PX_OP that exposes the predetermined portion of the first electrode E1.

[0081] According to one embodiment, an organic light-emitting layer (OEL) is disposed on a first electrode E1 inside the opening portion PX_OP. The OEL generates one of red, green, and blue light. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the OEL can generate white light by combining organic materials that generate red, green, and blue light.

[0082] According to the embodiment, the second electrode E2 is disposed on the pixel defining layer PDL and the organic light-emitting layer OEL. A thin-film encapsulation layer TFE is disposed on the organic light-emitting element OLED and covers the pixel PX. The layer between the substrate SUB and the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE forms the pixel layer PXL.

[0083] According to the embodiment, a first voltage is transmitted to a first electrode E1, and a second voltage is transmitted to a second electrode E2. Holes and electrons injected into the organic light-emitting layer OEL combine with each other to form excitons, and the organic light-emitting element OLED emits light when the excitons transition to the ground state. The organic light-emitting element OLED emits red, green, or blue light according to the flow of current, thereby displaying an image.

[0084] Figure 10 When viewed in the second direction Figure 5 The side view of the display device shown.

[0085] exist Figure 10 In the embodiment, the display module DM, adhesive AD, support SP, sub-support SSP, joining unit JU, and housing CS are shown in a connected state.

[0086] refer to Figure 10 According to one embodiment, the support member SP is attached to the display module DM by means of adhesive AD. The support member SP is disposed between the adhesive AD and the sub-support member SSP. The Young's modulus of the support member SP has a first value. Young's modulus is an elastic coefficient that represents the ratio of stress to strain.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the sub-support SSP is coated on the bottom surface of the support SP, which is opposite to the top surface of the support SP to which the adhesive AD is attached. The sub-support SSP is not attached to the bottom surface of the support SP by means of an additional adhesive. The sub-support SSP is directly coated on and attached to the support SP.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the Young's modulus of the sub-support member SSP has a second value that is smaller than a first value. For example, the support member SP comprises metal, and the sub-support member SSP comprises plastic. The Young's modulus of metal has a larger value than that of plastic.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the support member SP is made of Invar alloy, which is an alloy of iron and nickel, but this is exemplary and not limiting. The support member SP may include various other metals. The sub-support member SSP is made of polyimide (PI), but this is exemplary and not limiting, and the sub-support member SSP may include various other plastic materials.

[0090] According to the embodiment, the joining unit JU is disposed between the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2. The width of each joining unit JU in the first direction DR1 decreases downward from the upper portion of the joining unit JU. For example, when viewed in the second direction DR2, each joining unit JU has an inverted trapezoidal shape.

[0091] However, this is exemplary and not limiting, and the joining unit JU can have various other shapes as long as the width of each of the joining units JU decreases downward from the upper portion of the joining unit JU.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the joining unit JU is made of the same material as the sub-support member SSP. The joining unit JU is integrated with the sub-support member SSP. The joining unit JU protrudes downward from the portion of the sub-support member SSP that overlaps with the folded area FA.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the sub-support member SSP and the joining unit JU are formed simultaneously using the same material. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and in other embodiments, the joining unit JU is manufactured separately and attached to the lower portion of the sub-support member SSP.

[0094] According to the embodiment, the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 are connected to the support member SP. Reference will be made below. Figure 12 Please describe this configuration in detail.

[0095] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Enlarged view of the folded area, the support member overlapping the folded area, the sub-support member overlapping the folded area, and the joining unit shown.

[0096] refer to Figure 11 According to an embodiment, the support member SP has a first thickness TH1 in the third direction DR3, and the sub-support member SSP has a second thickness TH2 that is smaller than the first thickness TH1. Each of the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 has a third thickness TH3 in the third direction DR3 that is larger than the second thickness TH2.

[0097] According to one embodiment, folding the display device DD can be challenging when the metal support member SP is thick. Therefore, the thickness of the support member SP is adjusted to make it easier to fold the display device DD. For example, the first thickness TH1 is between about 40 μm and about 50 μm.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the thickness of each of the joining units JU in the third direction DR3 is the same as the third thickness TH3 of the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 in the third direction DR3. However, this is exemplary and non-limiting, and in other embodiments, the thickness of each of the joining units JU is different from the third thickness TH3 of each of the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2.

[0099] Figure 12 schematically shown Figure 10 The cross section of region AA shown in the figure.

[0100] refer to Figure 12 According to one embodiment, the first housing CS1 is connected to the support member SP by means of a connecting unit CU. A first hole H1 is formed in the first housing CS1, and a second hole H2 overlapping the first hole H1 is formed in the sub-support member SP. A recess RE overlapping the second hole H2 is formed in the bottom surface of the support member SP.

[0101] According to the embodiment, the connecting unit CU is inserted into the first hole H1, the second hole H2, and the recess RE, and connects the first housing CS1 to the sub-support member SSP and the support member SP. The connecting unit CU can be a screw. The first housing CS1, the sub-support member SSP, and the support member SP are respectively provided with multiple connecting units CU, multiple first holes H1, multiple second holes H2, and multiple recesses RE.

[0102] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the second housing CS2 is also connected to the support member SP by means of the connecting unit CU. For example, a first hole H1 is formed in the second housing CS2, and a second hole H2 overlapping with the first hole H1 and a recess RE are formed in the sub-support member SSP and the bottom surface of the support member SP, respectively.

[0103] According to the embodiment, the connecting unit CU is inserted into the first hole H1, the second hole H2, and the recess RE to connect the second housing CS2 to the sub-support member SSP and the support member SP. The second housing CS2, the sub-support member SSP, and the support member SP are respectively provided with multiple connecting units CU, multiple first holes H1, multiple second holes H2, and multiple recesses RE.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 are connected to the sub-support member SSP and the support member SP by means of a connecting unit CU; however, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, an additional adhesive is provided between the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 and the sub-support member SSP, and the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 are connected to the sub-support member SSP by means of the adhesive.

[0105] Figure 13 It shows Figure 10 The folded state of the display device is shown in the image.

[0106] refer to Figure 13 According to one embodiment, the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 move to face each other via a hinge. The support member SP and the sub-support member SSP move together with the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2, and the display module DM folds outward to expose the exterior. When the display device DD is folded, the side surfaces of the joining unit JU are arranged adjacent to each other. The two sides of the lower end of the joining unit JU can contact each other. The upper ends of the joining units JU are spaced apart from each other.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the bonding unit JU is attached to the display module DM without the aid of adhesive AD. If the bonding unit JU is manufactured separately and attached to the display module DM by means of adhesive AD, the compressive stress generated between adjacent bonding units JU during folding is transferred to the display module DM, thereby enabling the display module DM to deform.

[0108] In an embodiment of the present invention, a metal support member SP with a large Young's modulus is positioned below the display module DM, such that the compressive stress generated by the joining unit JU during folding is not transmitted to the display module DM. The compressive stress is not transmitted to the display module DM and is thus isolated.

[0109] According to one embodiment, stress is generated in the portion of the display device DD that overlaps with the folding area FA during the folding operation. However, in an embodiment of the present invention, a plastic sub-support SSP with a low Young's modulus is disposed below the support SP. The sub-support SSP is flexible and capable of mitigating stress.

[0110] Therefore, the display device DD according to an embodiment of the present invention can prevent the folded area FA from deforming due to compressive stress.

[0111] The display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can prevent compressive stress generated in the bonding unit from being transmitted to the folding area of ​​the display module, and thus prevent the folding area from deforming due to compressive stress by mitigating the compressive stress generated in the bonding unit.

[0112] Although exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments of this disclosure as described in the appended claims. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure are not intended to limit the technical concept of this disclosure, and all technical concepts in the appended claims and their equivalents should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device, including: The display module includes a first non-foldable area, a second non-foldable area, and a foldable area, wherein the foldable area is disposed between the first non-foldable area and the second non-foldable area. A support component is located below the display module; Sub-support member, disposed below the support member; as well as Multiple joining units are disposed below the sub-support member, arranged in a first direction, extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and overlapping the folding area. The sub-support member and the joining unit are integrated with each other, and the joining unit protrudes downward from the sub-support member. In a third direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the first and second directions, the thickness of each of the joining units is greater than the thickness of the sub-support member, and the thickness of the support member is greater than the thickness of the sub-support member. The support member disposed between the display module and the sub-support member has a Young's modulus greater than that of the sub-support member. When the display module, the support member, and the sub-support member are folded in the folding area, the compressive stress generated in the joining unit is blocked by the support member and thus not transmitted to the folding area.

2. The display device according to claim 1 further includes an adhesive disposed between the display module and the support member.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the sub-support members and the joining units comprises plastic.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The support component comprises metal.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region are arranged in the first direction, and the joining units are spaced apart in the first direction.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, The joining units are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the first direction.

7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, When viewed in the second direction, each of the joining units has an inverted trapezoidal shape.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The support member has a thickness of 40 to 50 micrometers in the third direction.

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