Display device

Abstract

A display device is disclosed, which includes: a display panel having a folding portion; a metal layer disposed on one surface of the display panel and including a first metal layer and a second metal layer spaced apart from each other in the folding portion; a first adhesive layer disposed at the edges of the first metal layer and the second metal layer; and a first compressible member and a second compressible member, the first compressible member being disposed on the first metal layer, the second compressible member being disposed on the second metal layer, the first compressible member and the second compressible member being arranged closer to the folding portion than the first adhesive layer, wherein each of the first compressible member and the second compressible member has a thickness greater than the thickness of the first adhesive layer.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2019 - 0088331, filed on Jul. 22, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical field

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a display device, and more particularly, to a foldable display device that suppresses the generation of wrinkles in a folded portion. Background art

[0004] Recently, bendable flexible display devices have been developed. Such flexible display devices can be used in a folded form or a bent form, and thus can be used in various technical applications. In a flexible display device, display elements are typically disposed on a flexible substrate.

[0005] Display elements that can be applied to a flexible display device may include light - emitting diodes (LEDs), liquid - crystal display (LCD) elements, and electrophoretic display (EPD) elements. Among the display elements, light - emitting diodes generally have a thin - film stack structure with good flexibility, and thus, LEDs have become the display devices of flexible display devices.

[0006] Flexible display devices can be classified into rollable display devices, foldable display devices, stretchable display devices, etc. Among them, a rollable display device can be rolled up like a roll, a foldable display device can be folded like a piece of paper, and a stretchable display device can be enlarged and reduced in size according to the degree of bending. In particular, some structures in the folded portion of a foldable display device can be removed so that the display device can be easily folded. Repeated folding of the folded portion of the display device can generate defects such as wrinkles.

[0007] The above - mentioned information disclosed in this background art section is only for understanding the background art of the inventive concept of the present invention, and thus, it may include information that does not constitute the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0008] The applicant has found that defects (such as wrinkles) in a foldable display device may be caused by misalignment of certain internal structures or layers in the display device. A display device constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can reduce wrinkles in the folded portion of the display device.

[0009] Additional features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the following description, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concept.

[0010] A display device according to an exemplary embodiment includes: a display panel including a folding portion; a metal layer disposed on one surface of the display panel and including a first metal layer and a second metal layer spaced apart from each other in the folding portion; a first adhesive layer disposed at edges of the first metal layer and the second metal layer, and a first compressible member and a second compressible member, the first compressible member disposed on the first metal layer and the second compressible member disposed on the second metal layer, the first compressible member and the second compressible member being arranged closer to the folding portion than the first adhesive layer, wherein the first compressible member and the second compressible member each have a thickness greater than that of the first adhesive layer.

[0011] The first compressible member and the second compressible member may respectively include a first buffer layer and a second buffer layer, wherein the thicknesses of the first buffer layer and the second buffer layer are about 10% to about 50% thicker than the thickness of the first adhesive layer.

[0012] The thickness of the first adhesive layer is in the range of about 50 μm to about 85 μm.

[0013] The first compressible member and the second compressible member may respectively include a first buffer layer and a second buffer layer, wherein the thicknesses of the first buffer layer and the second buffer layer are in the range of about 90 μm to about 150 μm.

[0014] The first adhesive layer may be spaced apart from at least one of the first compressible member and the second compressible member.

[0015] The display device may further include a setting bracket including a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from each other, wherein the first portion of the setting bracket may be attached to the first metal layer through the first adhesive layer, and the second portion of the setting bracket may be attached to the second metal layer through the first adhesive layer.

[0016] The first compressible member and the second compressible member may be compressed by the setting bracket.

[0017] The first compressible member and the second compressible member compressed by the setting bracket may have the same thickness as the thickness of the first adhesive layer, and the first compressible member and the second compressible member may support the display panel.

[0018] A display device according to another exemplary embodiment includes: a display panel including a folding portion; a metal layer disposed on one surface of the display panel, the metal layer including a first metal layer and a second metal layer spaced apart from each other in the folding portion; a first adhesive layer disposed at edges of the first metal layer and the second metal layer; and a first compressible member and a second compressible member, the first compressible member disposed on the first metal layer and the second compressible member disposed on the second metal layer, each of the first compressible member and the second compressible member including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion has a greater thickness than the second portion, and the first portion is disposed closer to the folding portion than the second portion.

[0019] The thickness of the first portion of each of the first compressible member and the second compressible member may be greater than the thickness of the first adhesive layer.

[0020] A display device according to yet another exemplary embodiment includes: a display panel including a folding portion; a metal layer disposed on one surface of the display panel and including a first metal layer and a second metal layer spaced apart from each other in the folding portion; a first adhesive layer disposed at edges of the first metal layer and the second metal layer; and a first compressible member and a second compressible member, the first compressible member disposed on the first metal layer and the second compressible member disposed on the second metal layer, wherein at least one of the first compressible member and the second compressible member has a thickness increasing toward the folding portion.

[0021] The first compressible member and the second compressible member may respectively include a first buffer layer and a second buffer layer, each of the first buffer layer and the second buffer layer being spaced apart from the first adhesive layer and disposed closer to the folding portion than the first adhesive layer.

[0022] A display device according to yet another exemplary embodiment includes: a display panel including a folding portion; a metal layer disposed on one surface of the display panel and including a first metal layer and a second metal layer spaced apart from each other in the folding portion; a first adhesive layer disposed at edges of the first metal layer and the second metal layer; and a first compressible member and a second compressible member, the first compressible member disposed on the first metal layer and the second compressible member disposed on the second metal layer, the first compressible member and the second compressible member being disposed closer to the folding portion than the first adhesive layer, the setting bracket including a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from each other, wherein: the first portion of the setting bracket is attached to the first metal layer through the first adhesive layer; and the second portion of the setting bracket is attached to the second metal layer through the first adhesive layer, the first compressible member and the second compressible member are compressed by the setting bracket, and the first compressible member and the second compressible member have the same thickness as the first adhesive layer, and the first compressible member and the second compressible member support the display panel.

[0023] The portion having the maximum thickness in the first compressible member and the second compressible member may be thicker than the thickness of the first adhesive layer.

[0024] A display device according to another exemplary embodiment includes: a display panel including a folding portion; a metal layer provided on one surface of the display panel and including a first metal layer and a second metal layer spaced apart from each other in the folding portion; a first compressible member provided on the first metal layer and a second compressible member provided on the second metal layer; and a first adhesive layer provided on the first compressible member and the second compressible member.

[0025] The first compressible member and the second compressible member may respectively include a first buffer layer and a second buffer layer, wherein each of the first buffer layer and the second buffer layer has a thickness in a range of about 90 μm to about 150 μm.

[0026] The display device may further include a setting bracket including a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from each other, wherein the first portion of the setting bracket may be attached to the first compressible member through the first adhesive layer, and the second portion of the setting bracket may be attached to the second compressible member through the first adhesive layer.

[0027] The display device may be folded at the folding portion.

[0028] The first compressible member and the second compressible member may include a first portion and a second portion, the first portion may have a thickness greater than the thickness of the second portion, and the first portion may be disposed closer to the folding portion than the second portion.

[0029] The first adhesive layer may be provided on the first portion and the second portion.

[0030] The first compressible member may have a thickness increasing toward the folding portion, and the second compressible member may have a thickness increasing toward the folding portion.

[0031] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the inventive concept.

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 of

[0035] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' according to another exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 of

[0036] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a buffer layer that supports a display panel when a setting bracket is applied to Figure 1 a display device of

[0037] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to a comparative embodiment.

[0038] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 5 line VI-VI' of

[0039] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a display device having wrinkles formed thereon according to a comparative embodiment.

[0040] Figure 8 is a view showing a region where the amount of deformation of a folded portion is measured.

[0041] Figure 9 is a side view of a foldable display device schematically showing a method of measuring the amount of deformation of a folded portion.

[0042] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 1 line II-II' according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 1 line II-II' according to yet another exemplary embodiment.

[0044] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 1 line II-II' according to yet another exemplary embodiment.

[0045] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 1 line II-II' according to yet another exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Figure 14 is a schematic plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV’ according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 14

[0048] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV’ according to another exemplary embodiment. Figure 14

[0049] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV’ according to another exemplary embodiment. Figure 14

[0050] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV’ according to yet another exemplary embodiment. Figure 14

[0051] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV’ according to yet another exemplary embodiment. Figure 14

[0052] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV’ according to yet another exemplary embodiment. Figure 14 Detailed Embodiments

[0053] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the present invention. As used herein, "embodiment" and "implementation" are interchangeable words that are non-limiting examples of a device or method that employs one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that the various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various exemplary embodiments. Additionally, the various exemplary embodiments may be different, but not necessarily exclusive. For example, without departing from the inventive concept, the specific shapes, configurations, and characteristics of an exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment.

[0054] Unless otherwise stated, the exemplary embodiments shown are to be understood as providing exemplary features of varying details of some ways in which the inventive concept may be implemented in practice. Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions, and / or aspects, etc. (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as "elements") of the various embodiments may be combined, separated, interchanged, and / or rearranged in other ways without departing from the inventive concept.

[0055] In the drawings, the use of cross-hatching and / or shading is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Thus, the presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material property, dimension, scale, commonality between the elements shown, and / or any other characteristic, attribute, property, etc. of the elements, unless otherwise specified. Additionally, in the drawings, the dimensions and relative dimensions of elements may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. When the exemplary embodiments can be implemented differently, a particular process order may be performed differently from the order described. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in an order opposite to the order described. Also, like reference numerals denote like elements.

[0056] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there can be intervening elements or layers. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly" on, "directly connected to", or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For this purpose, the term "connected" can refer to physical connection, electrical connection, and / or fluid connection with or without intervening elements. Further, the D1 axis, D2 axis, and D3 axis are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system (such as the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis) and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the D1 axis, D2 axis, and D3 axis can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purposes of the present disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" can be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for example, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0057] Although terms such as "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the first element discussed below can be referred to as the second element.

[0058] For descriptive purposes, spatial relative terms such as "below", "beneath", "under", "lower", "above", "upper", "on", "higher", "side" (e.g., as in "sidewall") may be used herein and are thus used to describe the relationship of one element to another element shown in the figures. In addition to the orientation described in the figures, spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element or feature described as "below" or "beneath" will then be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can include both an orientation of above and below. In addition, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and as such, the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0059] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, when used in this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", and / or "including" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", and other similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are thus used to interpret the inherent deviations of measurements, calculations, and / or provided values that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0060] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views and / or exploded views of schematic diagrams as idealized exemplary embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Thus, variations in the shapes of the illustrations due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily to be construed as limited to the particular shapes shown in the regions, but include deviations in shapes resulting from, for example, manufacturing. In this manner, the regions shown in the figures are schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shape of the regions of the device and are thus not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0061] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. 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 should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0062] Hereinafter, one or more display devices according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] According to Figure 1 The display device according to the exemplary embodiment shown may be a foldable display device. Figure 1 The rear surface of the display device according to the exemplary embodiment is shown without showing the setting bracket.

[0064] Reference Figure 1 , the portion denoted by A is a folding portion through which the display device can be folded. The display device may include a first adhesive layer 11, and the first adhesive layer 11 may attach a setting bracket (such as, Figure 4 the setting bracket 700 in

[0065] The first metal layer 410 and the second metal layer 420 are spaced apart from each other such that the display device can be folded in a region where the first metal layer 410 and the second metal layer 420 are not provided. In this way, the first metal layer 410 and the second metal layer 420 may define the folding portion A, and the display device can be folded in a region where the first metal layer 410 and the second metal layer 420 are not provided.

[0066] The display device may further include a compressible member such as a buffer layer 500, and the buffer layer 500 may include a first buffer layer 510 and a second buffer layer 520. The first buffer layer 510 and the second buffer layer 520 may be respectively located in the central regions of the first metal layer 410 and the second metal layer 420, and may have a thickness greater than the thickness of the first adhesive layer 11. In this way, the buffer layer 500 can support the display device in the folding portion A of the display device and minimize the generation of wrinkles in the folding portion A, which will be described in more detail below.

[0067] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of Figure 1 according to the exemplary embodiment.

[0068] Reference Figure 2, the display device includes a display panel 200 and a window 100 disposed on one surface of the display panel 200.

[0069] The display panel 200 may include light-emitting diodes. In particular, the display panel 200 may include light-emitting diodes connected to a plurality of transistors. The light-emitting diodes may include a light-emitting layer located between two electrodes. The light-emitting layer may include an organic material or may include an inorganic material such as quantum dots.

[0070] The display device may further include a passivation layer 300 disposed on one surface of the display panel 200. The passivation layer 300 may be elastic to protect the display panel 200 from external shocks. The passivation layer 300 may include a polymer such as polyurethane foam. The passivation layer 300 may overlap the front surface of the display panel 200.

[0071] A metal layer 400 including a first metal layer 410 and a second metal layer 420 is attached to the passivation layer 300 through a second adhesive layer 12. As described above, the first metal layer 410 and the second metal layer 420 are spaced apart from each other, and a portion between the first metal layer 410 and the second metal layer 420 may be defined as a folding portion A, in which the display device can be folded. Since the metal layer 400 is not disposed in the folding portion A, the display device can be easily folded.

[0072] The second adhesive layer 12 attaches the metal layer 400 and the passivation layer 300 at the edges of the first metal layer 410 and the second metal layer 420. A tape 230 is disposed in a region of the metal layer 400 where the second adhesive layer 12 is not provided. The tape 230 may have a thickness similar to that of the second adhesive layer 12 and may substantially fill the step between the passivation layer 300 and the metal layer 400 and is thus referred to herein as a "stepped tape". More specifically, the stepped tape 230 compensates for at least a part of the step formed by the second adhesive layer 12 and fills in at least a part of the step formed by the second adhesive layer 12. The thickness of the stepped tape 230 may be similar to the thickness of the second adhesive layer 12, but may be thinner than the second adhesive layer 12. In this case, a gap may be formed between the passivation layer 300 and the metal layer 400. In some exemplary embodiments, even when the thickness of the stepped tape 230 is formed to be the same as the thickness of the second adhesive layer 12, due to process variations during manufacturing, the thickness of the stepped tape 230 may be less than the thickness of the second adhesive layer 12. The stepped tape 230 may be black.

[0073] A first adhesive layer 11 is disposed at the lower portion of the metal layer 400. The first adhesive layer 11 may be disposed at the edges of the first metal layer 410 and the second metal layer 420. However, as Figure 2As shown, the first adhesive layer 11 may not be provided at the edges of the first metal layer 410 and the second metal layer 420 adjacent to the folding portion A.

[0074] The display device may further include a buffer layer 500 provided on the metal layer 400. The buffer layer 500 includes a first buffer layer 510 and a second buffer layer 520. The buffer layer 500 may include an elastic polymer such as polyurethane. In this case, the density of the polyurethane may be about 0.7 g / fcm 3 or less. The buffer layer 500 may be provided at the inner edges of the first metal layer 410 and the second metal layer 420 adjacent to the folding portion A.

[0075] The first buffer layer 510 is provided on the first metal layer 410, and the second buffer layer 520 is provided on the second metal layer 420. The first buffer layer 510 and the second buffer layer 520 may be spaced apart from the first adhesive layer 11.

[0076] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the thicknesses of the first buffer layer 510 and the second buffer layer 520 may be greater than the thickness of the first adhesive layer 11. As will be described in detail later, since the thicknesses of the first buffer layer 510 and the second buffer layer 520 are greater than the thickness of the first adhesive layer 11, during the subsequent manufacturing process, when a setting bracket (see Figure 4 “700”) is attached to the first buffer layer 510 and the second buffer layer 520, the first buffer layer 510 and the second buffer layer 520 may be compressed to support the display panel 200.

[0077] In this way, the gap between the metal layer 400 and the passivation layer 300 can be filled, thereby preventing or at least suppressing the generation of wrinkles in the folding portion A that may be caused by repeated folding of the display device.

[0078] According to the exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the first adhesive layer 11 may be in the range of about 50 μm to about 85 μm, and the thickness of the buffer layer 500 may be in the range of about 90 μm to about 150 μm.

[0079] For example, the thickness of the buffer layer 500 may be about 10% to about 50% greater than the thickness of the first adhesive layer 11. When the thickness difference between the buffer layer 500 and the first adhesive layer 11 is less than about 10%, the buffer layer 500 may not have sufficient supporting force, and when the thickness difference is greater than about 50%, the reaction force (or repulsive force) may be too large such that the setting bracket 700 may not be well attached to the display device.

[0080] Figure 3 is along another exemplary embodiment Figure 1A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'. In addition to further including a third adhesive layer 13, a protective film layer 210, a polarizing layer 220, and a fourth adhesive layer 14, Figure 3 the display device is Figure 2 substantially the same as the display device shown in

[0081] Referring to Figure 3 , the third adhesive layer 13 is disposed between the passivation layer 300 and the protective film layer 210 to attach the passivation layer 300 and the protective film layer 210 to each other.

[0082] The protective film layer 210 is disposed at a lower portion of the display panel 200. The protective film layer 210 may include, for example, a polyimide film. The polarizing layer 220 may be disposed at an upper portion of the display panel 200. The fourth adhesive layer 14 may be disposed between the polarizing layer 220 and the window 100. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and in some exemplary embodiments, at least one or more of the above layers may be omitted, or at least one or more layers known in the art may be added to the display device.

[0083] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a buffer layer that supports a display panel when a setting bracket is applied to the display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0084] Referring to Figure 4 , the setting bracket 700 according to an exemplary embodiment may include a first part 710 and a second part 720 that are separated from each other. When the setting bracket 700 is attached to the first adhesive layer 11, the buffer layer 500 is compressed and has substantially the same thickness as the first adhesive layer 11, as Figure 4 shown in region B of

[0085] When the buffer layer 500 is compressed, the gap between the passivation layer 300 and the metal layer 400 is substantially removed by the reaction force. In addition, when the display panel 200 is supported by the compression reaction force of the buffer layer 500, the generation of wrinkles in the folding part A can be minimized or at least suppressed.

[0086] Figure 4 The arrows in

[0087] indicate the reaction forces that support the display device. Figure 4 As shown in

[0088] In a display device constructed according to the principles and exemplary embodiments of the present invention, when the buffer layer 500 is compressed, the structure disposed in the folding portion A can be supported, thereby minimizing or at least suppressing the generation of wrinkles in the folding portion A.

[0089] Figures 5 to 7 A display device according to a comparative embodiment is shown. Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to a comparative embodiment, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Figure 5 VI-VI'.

[0090] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , in the display device according to the comparative embodiment, the thickness of the buffer layer 500 is less than the thickness of the first adhesive layer 11.

[0091] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to a comparative embodiment in which wrinkles are generated thereon. Figure 7 Only a partial area of the display device is shown.

[0092] Referring to Figure 7 , when the setting bracket 700 is attached and used, the buffer layer 500 is not supported by the setting bracket 700, and thus, wrinkles may be generated in the structure disposed in the folding portion A. In addition, the display device may also be affected by the thickness difference (step) formed between the first portion 710 and the second portion 720 of the setting bracket 700, which may also cause wrinkles.

[0093] However, in the display device constructed according to the principles and exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the buffer layer 500 has a thickness greater than the thickness of the first adhesive layer 11. In this way, when the setting bracket 700 is attached, the buffer layer 500 is compressed to support the structure of the display device by the reaction force generated during compression. Therefore, the generation of wrinkles in the folding portion A due to repeated folding and unfolding of the display device can be suppressed and / or minimized.

[0094] Hereinafter, the effects of the display device according to the exemplary embodiment will be described through experimental results. More specifically, various experiments are performed on the Figure 2 display device, whereby a first adhesive layer 11 having a thickness of 75 μm is formed, and a buffer layer 500 having a thickness of 100 μm is formed, and the amount of deformation in various regions of the folding portion A of the display device is measured after repeated folding and unfolding. In addition, as a comparative example, the amount of deformation in various regions of the folding portion A of the display device without the buffer layer is measured after repeated folding and unfolding.

[0095] Figure 8Shows the regions of the folding portion A where the amount of deformation is measured: Line 1, Line 2... Line 5. Figure 9 Shows a method of measuring the amount of deformation in the folding portion A. More specifically, the depth of the wrinkles formed in the display panel 200 is measured (as Figure 9 indicated by the arrow).

[0096] Table 1 below shows the amount of deformation in each line of the folding portion A when the display device includes a first adhesive layer 11 having a thickness of 75 μm and a buffer layer 500 having a thickness of 100 μm according to an exemplary embodiment. The experiment was repeated three times.

[0097] Table 1

[0098]

[0099] In addition, Table 2 below shows the amount of deformation in each line of the folding portion A when the display device does not include a buffer layer according to a comparative embodiment. The experiment was repeated three times.

[0100] Table 2

[0101]

[0102] Referring to Table 1 and Table 2, it can be seen that in the comparative embodiment, the average amount of deformation in the folding portion A is about 0.06 mm, while in the display device according to the exemplary embodiment, the average amount of deformation in the folding portion A is about 0.04 mm.

[0103] These results confirm that the display device according to the exemplary embodiment significantly reduces the amount of deformation in the folding portion A.

[0104] Hereinafter, a display device according to another exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0105] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' according to another exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 of.

[0106] Referring to Figure 10 , except for the shape of the buffer layer 500, the display device according to the shown exemplary embodiment is substantially the same as the Figure 2 display device. Thus, in order to avoid redundancy, the repeated description of the above substantially identical elements will be omitted.

[0107] Referring to Figure 10, the first buffer layer 510 and the second buffer layer 520 include a first region C1 and a second region C2 having different thicknesses. The first region C1 has a thickness greater than that of the second region C2, such that a step is formed between the first region C1 and the second region C2. The first region C1 is disposed closer to the folding portion A than the second region C2.

[0108] When the buffer layer 500 is formed by the steps described above, the folding portion A of the display device can be more stably supported when the setting bracket 700 is attached. More specifically, the display device according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment has a relatively thick buffer layer 500 adjacent to the folding portion A, such that the support effect of the buffer layer 500 due to compression / reaction force can be improved in the folding portion A. Since the compression / reaction force of the buffer layer 500 is relatively high in the region adjacent to the folding portion A, the generation of wrinkles in the folding portion A can be further suppressed.

[0109] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' according to another exemplary embodiment. Except for further including a third adhesive layer 13, a protective film layer 210, a polarizing layer 220, and a fourth adhesive layer 14, Figure 1 the display device is substantially the same as the display device of Figure 11 , wherein the third adhesive layer 13, the protective film layer 210, the polarizing layer 220, and the fourth adhesive layer 14 can be substantially the same as those shown above with reference to Figure 10 . Thus, to avoid redundancy, the repeated description of substantially the same elements will be omitted. Figure 3

[0110] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' according to still another exemplary embodiment. Except for the shape of the buffer layer 500, the display device according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment is substantially the same as the display device of Figure 1 Figure 2 . Thus, the repeated description of substantially the same elements will be omitted.

[0111] Figure 12 Referring to

[0112] , the buffer layer 500 according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment has a shape in which the thickness of the buffer layer 500 gradually increases from one end to the other end adjacent to the folding portion A. More specifically, the first buffer layer 510 can become thicker in the direction from the first adhesive layer 11 to the folding portion A. Similarly, the second buffer layer 520 can become thicker in the direction from the first adhesive layer 11 to the folding portion A.

[0112] In this case, when the setting bracket 700 is attached to the buffer layer 500 in the folded portion A, since the buffer layer 500 is compressed, the reaction force caused by the compression and the supporting force for the display device can be increased, which can effectively prevent or at least suppress the generation of wrinkles. In particular, the buffer layer 500 is formed to be thicker in the area where bending may occur, thereby effectively supporting the display device.

[0113] Figure 13 According to another exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 In addition to further comprising a third adhesive layer 13, a protective film layer 210, a polarizing layer 220 and a fourth adhesive layer 14, Figure 13 The display device and Figure 12 The display device is substantially the same as that of the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the third adhesive layer 13, the protective film layer 210, the polarizing layer 220 and the fourth adhesive layer 14 are the same as those of the above reference Figure 3 Those described are substantially the same. Thus, repeated description of substantially the same elements will be omitted.

[0114] Figure 14 is a schematic plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention. Figure 15 is along Figure 14 A cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV'.

[0115] refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 , except for the shapes of the first adhesive layer 11 and the buffer layer 500, the display device according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment is Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display devices are basically the same.

[0116] refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 In the display device according to the exemplary embodiment shown, the buffer layer 500 is disposed on the front surface of the metal layer 400 that faces away from the display panel 200. The first adhesive layer 11 may not be disposed on the metal layer 400, but may be disposed on the front surface of the buffer layer 500 that faces away from the display panel 200. In this way, in a subsequent process, when the setting bracket 700 is attached to the first adhesive layer 11, the display device is attached to the setting bracket 700 through the first adhesive layer 11 disposed on the front surface of the buffer layer 500. When the buffer layer 500 is disposed on the front surface of the display device, the generation of wrinkles can be effectively prevented or at least suppressed in substantially the entire area of the display device. In addition, the occurrence of wrinkles caused by the step difference between the first adhesive layer 11 and the buffer layer 500 can be prevented.

[0117] Figure 16According to another exemplary embodiment, Figure 14 In addition to further comprising a third adhesive layer 13, a protective film layer 210, a polarizing layer 220 and a fourth adhesive layer 14, Figure 16 The display device and Figure 15 The display device is substantially the same as the display device of FIG. 1 , wherein the third adhesive layer 13, the protective film layer 210, the polarizing layer 220 and the fourth adhesive layer 14 are Figure 3 Thus, repeated description of substantially the same elements will be omitted.

[0118] Figure 17 According to yet another exemplary embodiment, Figure 14 A cross-sectional view taken along the line XV-XV' of FIG. Figure 17 , except for the shape of the buffer layer 500, the display device according to the exemplary embodiment shown is Figure 15 Thus, repeated description of substantially the same elements will be omitted.

[0119] refer to Figure 17 , each of the first buffer layer 510 and the second buffer layer 520 according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment includes a first region C1 and a second region C2 having different thicknesses. The first region C1 has a thickness greater than that of the second region C2. The first region C1 is disposed closer to the folded portion A than the second region C2.

[0120] The first adhesive layer 11 is disposed on the buffer layer 500. Thus, during a subsequent process, when the setting bracket 700 is attached to the first adhesive layer 11, the display device is attached to the setting bracket 700 through the first adhesive layer 11 disposed on the front surface of the buffer layer 500. When the buffer layer 500 is formed with the step as described above, the folded portion A of the display device can be more stably supported when the setting bracket 700 is attached.

[0121] Figure 18 According to yet another exemplary embodiment, Figure 14 In addition to further comprising a third adhesive layer 13, a protective film layer 210, a polarizing layer 220 and a fourth adhesive layer 14, Figure 18 The display device and Figure 17 The display device is substantially the same as the display device of FIG. 1 , wherein the third adhesive layer 13, the protective film layer 210, the polarizing layer 220 and the fourth adhesive layer 14 are Figure 3 Thus, repeated description of substantially the same elements will be omitted.

[0122] Figure 19 According to yet another exemplary embodiment,Figure 14 A cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV'. Refer to Figure 19 , except for the shape of the buffer layer 500, the display device according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment is substantially the same as the Figure 15 display device. Thus, repeated descriptions of substantially the same elements will be omitted.

[0123] The buffer layer 500 according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment has a shape in which the thickness of the buffer layer 500 gradually increases in the direction toward the folding portion A. More specifically, as Figure 19 shown in

[0124] The first buffer layer 510 may become thicker in the direction from one end thereof toward the folding portion A. Similarly, the second buffer layer 520 may become thicker in the direction from one end thereof toward the folding portion A.

[0125] In addition, when the thickness of the buffer layer 500 gradually increases, as the buffer layer 500 is compressed in the folding portion A, the reaction force resulting from the compression increases, and the supporting force for the display device can be improved, which can effectively prevent or at least suppress the generation of wrinkles.

[0126] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV' according to another exemplary embodiment. Except for further including a third adhesive layer 13, a protective film layer 210, a polarizing layer 220, and a fourth adhesive layer 14, Figure 14 the display device is substantially the same as the Figure 20 display device, wherein the third adhesive layer 13, the protective film layer 210, the polarizing layer 220, and the fourth adhesive layer 14 are substantially the same as those of Figure 19 the Figure 3 display device. Thus, repeated descriptions of substantially the same elements will be omitted.

[0127] According to the principles and exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a display device that reduces or at least suppresses the generation of wrinkles in the folding portion can be provided.

[0128] Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Accordingly, the inventive concept is not limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the appended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display panel, including a folding portion; A metal layer, including a first metal layer and a second metal layer spaced apart from each other in the folding portion; A first adhesive layer, disposed on a first surface at an edge of the first metal layer and the second metal layer; A second adhesive layer, disposed on a second surface opposite to the first surface at the edge of the first metal layer and the second metal layer, wherein the second adhesive layer attaches the metal layer and the display panel; and A first compressible member and a second compressible member, the first compressible member disposed on the first metal layer, the second compressible member disposed on the second metal layer, the first compressible member and the second compressible member being disposed closer to the folding portion than the first adhesive layer; Wherein the first compressible member and the second compressible member each have a thickness greater than that of the first adhesive layer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first compressible member and the second compressible member respectively include a first buffer layer and a second buffer layer, wherein the thickness of the first buffer layer and the thickness of the second buffer layer are 10% to 50% thicker than the thickness of the first adhesive layer.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the first adhesive layer is in the range of 50 μm to 85 μm.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first compressible member and the second compressible member respectively include a first buffer layer and a second buffer layer, wherein the thickness of the first buffer layer and the thickness of the second buffer layer are in the range of 90 μm to 150 μm.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first adhesive layer is spaced apart from at least one of the first compressible member and the second compressible member.

6. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a setting bracket, the setting bracket including a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from each other, Wherein: The first portion of the setting bracket is attached to the first metal layer through the first adhesive layer; And The second portion of the setting bracket is attached to the second metal layer through the first adhesive layer.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, The first compressible member and the second compressible member are compressed by the setting bracket, and the display device can be folded at the folding portion.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The first compressible member and the second compressible member compressed by the setting bracket have the same thickness as the thickness of the first adhesive layer, and The first compressible member and the second compressible member support the display panel.

9. A display device, comprising: A display panel, including a folding portion; A metal layer, including a first metal layer and a second metal layer spaced apart from each other in the folding portion; A first adhesive layer, disposed on a first surface at an edge of the first metal layer and the second metal layer; A second adhesive layer, disposed on a second surface opposite to the first surface at the edge of the first metal layer and the second metal layer, wherein the second adhesive layer attaches the metal layer and the display panel; and A first compressible member and a second compressible member, the first compressible member being disposed on the first metal layer, the second compressible member being disposed on the second metal layer, each of the first compressible member and the second compressible member including a first portion and a second portion, wherein: the first portion has a thickness greater than that of the second portion; and the first portion is disposed closer to the folding portion than the second portion.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein, The thickness of the first portion of each of the first compressible member and the second compressible member is greater than the thickness of the first adhesive layer.

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