Display device

Abstract

A display device is disclosed, the display device comprising: a display module; a first support member and a second support member disposed below the display module and arranged in a first direction; a spacer disposed between the first support member and the second support member; a third support member and a fourth support member respectively disposed below the first support member and the second support member; a hinge portion connected to the third support member and the fourth support member; a sliding portion disposed in an opening defined in the third support member and the fourth support member and connected to the first support member and the second support member; and an elastic portion disposed in a guide groove defined in the third support member and the fourth support member, the guide groove extending in the first direction from the opening toward distal portions of the third support member and the fourth support member.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2019 - 0090727, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 26, 2019, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a display device capable of preventing deformation of a folding region. Background art

[0004] Electronic devices that provide images to users, such as smart phones, digital cameras, laptop computers, navigation units, and smart TVs, include a display device for displaying an image. The display device generates an image and provides the image to the user through its display screen.

[0005] In recent years, with the technological development of display devices, various types of display devices are being developed. For example, various flexible display devices that can be folded, rolled, or transformed into a curved shape are being developed. Flexible display devices are easy to carry as the convenience is improved.

[0006] Among flexible display devices, a foldable display device folds around a folding axis extending in one direction. However, in a foldable display device, unexpected problems such as deformation of the folding part and damage to elements of the folding part occur, and thus technologies for solving these problems need to be developed. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present disclosure provides a display device capable of preventing deformation of a folding region.

[0008] In an embodiment, the display device may include: a display module; a first support member and a second support member disposed below the display module and arranged in a first direction; a spacer disposed between the first support member and the second support member; a third support member and a fourth support member respectively disposed below the first support member and the second support member; a hinge portion connected to the third support member and the fourth support member; a sliding portion disposed in an opening defined in the third support member and the fourth support member and connected to the first support member and the second support member; and an elastic portion disposed in a guide groove defined in the third support member and the fourth support member, the guide groove extending in the first direction from the opening toward distal portions of the third support member and the fourth support member. The spacer may be arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the display module may be disposed between the spacers.

[0009] The display device may include slots defined at portions where the first side of the third support member is connected to the second and third sides of the third support member and at portions where the first side of the fourth support member is connected to the second and third sides of the fourth support member. The second and third sides of the third support member may be opposite to each other in the second direction, the second and third sides of the fourth support member may be opposite to each other in the second direction, the first sides of the third support member and the fourth support member may face each other in the first direction, the slots may extend in the second direction, and spacers may be disposed in the slots.

[0010] Hinge portions may be provided on the third support member and the fourth support member and connected to portions of the third support member and the fourth support member adjacent to the second and third sides of the third support member and the second and third sides of the fourth support member. The hinge portions may respectively provide rotation axes extending in the second direction to the third support member and the fourth support member, and the third support member and the fourth support member may rotate about the rotation axes. Each of the spacers may include: a support bar connected to a lower portion of a corresponding one of the hinge portions and extending in the second direction; and a protrusion protruding upward from the support bar. The support bar of the spacer may be disposed in the slot, and the protrusion of the spacer may be disposed between the first support member and the second support member.

[0011] The protrusions may be disposed adjacent to the second and third sides of the first support member opposite to each other in the second direction and the second and third sides of the second support member opposite to each other in the second direction. Each of the hinge portions may include: a main body portion overlapping the slot in a plan view; and a first wing portion and a second wing portion connected to the main body portion, extending in the first direction and arranged in the first direction. The first wing portion and the second wing portion may be respectively connected to the third support member and the fourth support member, and one side of the first wing portion and one side of the second wing portion may be connected to the main body portion to be rotatable, and the one side of the first wing portion and the one side of the second wing portion face each other. The support bar may be connected to a lower portion of the main body portion, and the protrusion may not overlap the first wing portion and the second wing portion in a plan view.

[0012] The display device may further include a cover portion that may cover: the second and third sides of the first support member that face each other in the second direction; the second and third sides of the second support member that face each other in the second direction; the second and third sides of the third support member that face each other in the second direction; and the second and third sides of the fourth support member that face each other in the second direction. The cover portion may be provided on portions of the third support member and the fourth support member adjacent to the second and third sides of the third support member and the second and third sides of the fourth support member, connected to the third support member and the fourth support member, and provided on portions of the first support member and the second support member adjacent to the second and third sides of the first support member and the second and third sides of the second support member. The cover portion may not overlap with the hinge portion and may not be connected to the first support member and the second support member.

[0013] The first sides of the third support member and the fourth support member may face each other in the first direction, and the opening may be adjacent to the distal sides of the third support member and the fourth support member, where the distal side of the third support member is opposite to the first side of the third support member, and the distal side of the fourth support member is opposite to the first side of the fourth support member. The guide grooves may be defined between the opening defined in the third support member and the distal side of the third support member and between the opening defined in the fourth support member and the distal side of the fourth support member. The elastic portion may contact the side of the sliding portion that faces the distal sides of the third support member and the fourth support member. Each of the sliding portions may include: a bottom portion; and a moving portion that extends upward from the bottom portion and is disposed in a corresponding one of the openings, wherein the bottom portion of the sliding portion may be disposed below the third support member and the fourth support member, and the moving portion of the sliding portion may be connected to the first support member and the second support member. The width of the bottom portion in the first direction may be greater than the width of each of the openings in the first direction, and the width of the moving portion in the first direction may be less than the width of each of the openings in the first direction. When the third support member and the fourth support member rotate through the hinge portion, the sliding portion connected to the first support member and the sliding portion connected to the second support member may move in a direction closer to each other through the elastic portion.

[0014] In an embodiment, a display device may include: a display module; a first support and a second support, disposed below the display module and arranged in a first direction; a spacer, disposed between the first support and the second support; a third support and a fourth support, respectively disposed below the first support and the second support; a hinge portion, connected to the third support and the fourth support; a sliding portion, connected to each of the first support and the second support through an opening defined in each of the third support and the fourth support; and an elastic portion, disposed between each of the sliding portion and a distal side of the third support and a distal side of the fourth support, wherein the distal side of the third support and the distal side of the fourth support may be opposite to a first side of the third support and a first side of the fourth support, respectively, and the first side of the third support and the first side of the fourth support may face each other in the first direction. When the third support and the fourth support rotate through the hinge portion, the sliding portion connected to the first support and the sliding portion connected to the second support may move in a direction closer to each other through the elastic portion.

[0015] The spacer may include: a support bar, disposed between the third support and the fourth support and connected to a lower portion of the hinge portion; and a protrusion, protruding upward from the support bar and disposed between the first support and the second support. The display module may not overlap with the spacer in a plan view. The elastic portion may be disposed in a guide groove defined in each of the third support and the fourth support, and extend from the opening in the first direction and contact the sliding portion. The sliding portion may include a bottom portion; and a moving portion, extending upward from the bottom portion, disposed in the opening, and connected to a corresponding one of the first support and the second support, wherein a width of the bottom portion in the first direction may be greater than a width of the opening in the first direction, and a width of the moving portion in the first direction may be less than a width of the opening in the first direction.

[0016] In an embodiment, a display device may include: a display module; a first support member disposed below the display module; a second support member disposed below the display module together with the first support member in a first direction; a third support member disposed below the first support member; a fourth support member disposed below the second support member; spacers disposed between the first support member and the second support member and between the third support member and the fourth support member; a hinge portion connected to the third support member and the fourth support member; a first sliding portion disposed in a first opening defined in the third support member and connected to the first support member; a second sliding portion disposed in a second opening defined in the fourth support member and connected to the second support member; a first elastic portion disposed in a first guide groove defined in the third support member and extending from the first opening toward a distal side of the third support member opposite to a first side of the third support member; and a second elastic portion disposed in a second guide groove defined in the fourth support member and extending from the second opening toward a distal side of the fourth support member opposite to a first side of the fourth support member. The first sides of the third support member and the fourth support member may face each other in the first direction.

[0017] According to the above, when the display device is folded, the first support member and the second support member that support the display module may move toward the central portion of the display device. Accordingly, the tension in the folding region may be reduced, and the folding region may be prevented from being deformed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The embodiments will be described with reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the specification. Other embodiments and / or modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2 is shown Figure 1 a view showing a folded state of the display device shown in;

[0021] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 4 is shown Figure 3 a view showing a folded state of the display device shown in;

[0023] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0024] Figure 6 is schematically shown Figure 5A cross-sectional view of the display module shown in;

[0025] Figure 7 is a view showing Figure 6 A plan view of the display module shown in;

[0026] Figure 8 is a view showing Figure 7 A schematic equivalent circuit diagram of the pixel shown in;

[0027] Figure 9 is a view showing the part corresponding to the light-emitting element shown in Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of;

[0028] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the support member of the display device according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 11 is a view showing the structure in which the sliding part, the elastic part, and the spacer are arranged in the Figure 10 Third support member and fourth support member shown in;

[0030] Figure 12 is a view showing the structure in which the first support member and the second support member are provided on the Figure 10 Third support member and fourth support member shown in;

[0031] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I' shown in Figure 12 ;

[0032] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II' shown in Figure 12 ;

[0033] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III' shown in Figure 12 ;

[0034] Figure 16 is a view showing the structure in which the hinge part is connected to the Figure 10 First support member and second support member shown in;

[0035] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV' shown in Figure 16 ;

[0036] Figure 18 is a view showing the spacer connected to the Figure 17 Hinge part shown in;

[0037] Figure 19 is a view showing the structure in which the cover part is connected to the third support member and the fourth support member and in which the display module is provided inFigure 10 A plan view of the structures on the first support member and the second support member shown in

[0038] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V' shown in Figure 19 ;

[0039] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI' shown in Figure 19 ;

[0040] Figure 22 is a view showing the folded state of the display device shown in Figure 21 ; and

[0041] Figure 23 is a view showing the folded state of a comparative display device without the application of an elastic portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In the present disclosure, it will be understood that 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, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there can be one or more intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element or layer is referred to as being directly "on" another element or layer, then there can be no intervening elements or layers therebetween. Additionally, these terms can include being on or under an object and do not necessarily imply a gravity-based direction.

[0043] Throughout the text, like reference numerals denote like elements. In the drawings, the thickness, proportions, and dimensions of the components are exaggerated for effective description of the technical content.

[0044] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0045] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first section discussed below can be referred to as the second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second section. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0046] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "below", "beneath", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature shown in the figures to another element (elements) or feature (features). In addition, these terms do not necessarily mean a direction based on gravity.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. 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 should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0048] It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "includes" and / or "including" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device DD according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is showing Figure 1 a view of the folded state of the display device DD shown in

[0051] Referring to Figure 1 , a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have a rectangular shape defined by a short side extending in a first direction DR1 and a long side extending in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. However, the shape of the display device DD should not be limited to a rectangular shape, and the display device DD may have various shapes, such as a circular shape or a polygonal shape. The display device DD may be, but is not limited to, a flexible display device.

[0052] Hereinafter, a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be referred to as "third direction DR3". In the present disclosure, the expression "in a plan view" may mean a state observed in the third direction DR3.

[0053] The display device DD may include a folding area FA and non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. The non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 may include a first non-folding area NFA1 and a second non-folding area NFA2. The folding area FA may be disposed between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. The folding area FA, the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be arranged in a first direction DR1.

[0054] In an embodiment, one folding area FA and two non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 are shown as an example. However, the number of the folding area FA and the number of the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 should not be limited to this or be restricted by this. For example, the display device DD may include more than two non-folding areas and folding areas disposed between the non-folding areas.

[0055] The upper surface of the display device DD may be referred to as a "display surface DS" and may be a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. An image IM generated by the display device DD may be provided to a user through the display surface DS.

[0056] The display surface DS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA. The display area DA displays an image, and the non-display area NDA does not display an image. The non-display area NDA surrounds the display area DA and defines an edge of the display device DD, and the edge of the display device DD may be printed in a color.

[0057] Refer to Figure 2 , the display device DD may be, but is not limited to, a foldable or unfoldable display device DD. The folding area FA may be folded about a folding axis FX substantially parallel to the second direction DR2, and thus the display device DD may be folded. The folding axis FX may be defined as a long axis substantially parallel to the long side of the display device DD.

[0058] When the display device DD is folded, the display device DD may be folded inward (inner folding) such that the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 face each other and the display surface DS is not exposed to the outside.

[0059] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a display device DD_1 according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is a view showing Figure 3 the folded state of the display device DD_1 shown in

[0060] Figure 3The display device DD_1 shown can have the same configuration as the display device DD shown in FIG. 1, except for the folding operation. Therefore, the folding operation of the display device DD_1 will be mainly described.

[0061] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the display device DD_1 can include a folding region FA' and non-folding regions NFA1' and NFA2'. The non-folding regions NFA1' and NFA2' can include a first non-folding region NFA1' and a second non-folding region NFA2'. The folding region FA' can be provided between the first non-folding region NFA1' and the second non-folding region NFA2'. The folding region FA', the first non-folding region NFA1', and the second non-folding region NFA2' can be arranged in the second direction DR2.

[0062] The folding region FA' folds about a folding axis FX' that is substantially parallel to the first direction DR1, and thus the display device DD_1 is folded. The folding axis FX' can be defined as a short axis that is substantially parallel to the short side of the display device DD_1. Figure 1 The display device DD shown in Figure 3 can be folded about the long axis, and

[0063] the display device DD_1 shown in

[0064] Figure 5 can be folded about the short axis. The display device DD_1 can be folded inward (i.e., inner-folded) such that the display surface DS is not exposed to the outside.

[0065] Referring to Figure 5 , the display device DD can include a display module DM, a support SP, and a hinge portion HIG. The display module DM and the support SP can have a rectangular shape having a short side in the first direction DR1 and a long side in the second direction DR2. The display module DM can be, but is not limited to, a flexible display module. The display module DM can include components for causing the display device DD to display an image and perform operations for causing the display device DD to display an image.

[0066] The support SP can be provided below the display module DM and can support the display module DM. The detailed configuration of the support SP will be described in detail below. The display module DM can be attached to the support SP by an adhesive. For example, the adhesive can be provided between the display module DM and the support SP. The adhesive can be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, but it should not be limited to this or restricted by this.

[0067] The hinge portions HIG can be respectively provided at opposite sides of the support member SP in the second direction DR2. As an example, two hinge portions HIG are shown, however, the number of hinge portions HIG should not be limited to two. For example, one hinge portion HIG can be connected to a side among the second side and the third side of the support member SP that are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2.

[0068] The hinge portions HIG can provide a folding axis FX extending in the second direction DR2 in the support member SP. The hinge portions HIG can fold the support member SP relative to the folding axis FX. The display module DM can be folded due to the folding of the support member SP.

[0069] The folding axis FX can include two rotation axes. For example, the folding axis FX can include a first rotation axis RX1 extending in the second direction DR2 and a second rotation axis RX2 extending in the second direction DR2 and spaced apart from the first rotation axis RX1 in the first direction DR1. The support member SP can be folded by rotating around the first rotation axis RX1 and the second rotation axis RX2.

[0070] Figure 6 is schematically shown Figure 5 a cross-sectional view of the display module DM shown in

[0071] Referring to Figure 6 , the display module DM can include a display panel DP, an input sensing unit TSP provided on the display panel DP, a window WIN provided on the input sensing unit TSP, an adhesive OCA provided between the input sensing unit TSP and the window WIN, and a buffer layer CSL provided below the display panel DP.

[0072] The display panel DP according to an embodiment can be a light-emitting type display panel, but should not be particularly limited to this type of display panel. For example, the display panel DP can be an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel can include an organic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel can include quantum dots or quantum rods. Hereinafter, the organic light-emitting display panel will be described as an example of the display panel DP.

[0073] The display panel DP can include a substrate SUB, a pixel layer PXL provided on the substrate SUB, a thin film encapsulation layer TFE provided on the substrate SUB to cover the pixel layer PXL, and a protective substrate PS provided below the substrate SUB. The substrate SUB can include a transparent flexible plastic substrate. As an example, the substrate SUB can include polyimide (PI).

[0074] The substrate SUB may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA as a display surface DS of the display device DD. A pixel layer PXL may be disposed in the display area DA. The pixel layer PXL may include a plurality of pixels, and each of the pixels may include a light-emitting element.

[0075] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include at least two inorganic layers and an organic layer disposed between the inorganic layers. The inorganic layer may include an inorganic material and may protect the pixel layer PXL from moisture and oxygen. The organic layer may include an organic material and may protect the pixel layer PXL from foreign substances such as dust particles.

[0076] The protective substrate PS may protect the lower portion of the substrate SUB. The protective substrate PS may include a flexible plastic substrate. As an example, the protective substrate PS may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0077] The input sensing unit TSP may sense an external input (e.g., a user's touch), may convert the sensed input into an input signal, and may provide the input signal to the display panel DP. The input sensing unit TSP may include a touch sensor unit to sense an external input. The touch sensor unit may sense an external input by a capacitive method. The display panel DP may receive the input signal from the input sensing unit TSP and may generate an image corresponding to the input signal.

[0078] The window WIN may protect the display panel DP and the input sensing unit TSP from external scratches and impacts. The window WIN may be attached to the input sensing unit TSP by an adhesive OCA. The adhesive OCA may include an optically clear adhesive. An image generated by the display panel DP may be provided to a user after passing through the window WIN.

[0079] The buffer layer CSL may absorb an external impact applied to the lower portion of the display module DM to protect the display panel DP. The buffer layer CSL may include an elastic foam sheet.

[0080] Figure 7 is a plan view showing Figure 6 the display module DM shown in

[0081] Referring to Figure 7 , the display module DM may include a display panel DP, a scan driver SDV, a data driver DDV, and an emission driver EDV. Figure 7 The configuration of the display panel DP in a plan view is shown, and the configuration of the input sensing unit TSP in the plan view is omitted.

[0082] The display panel DP can be a flexible display panel. For example, the display panel DP can include electronic components disposed on a flexible substrate. The display panel DP can have a rectangular shape defined by a short side extending in a first direction DR1 and a long side extending in a second direction DR2. The display panel DP can include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA as a display surface DS of the display device DD.

[0083] The display panel DP can include pixels PX, scan lines SL1 to SLm, data lines DL1 to DLn, and emission lines EL1 to ELm. Each of "m" and "n" is a natural number. The pixels PX can be arranged in a matrix form, however, they should not be limited to this or restricted by this. The pixels PX can be arranged in the display area DA and can be connected to the scan lines SL1 to SLm, the data lines DL1 to DLn, and the emission lines EL1 to ELm.

[0084] The scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the emission driver EDV can be arranged in the non-display area NDA. The scan driver SDV and the emission driver EDV can be provided to be adjacent to the long side of the display panel DP respectively. The data driver DDV can be in the form of an integrated circuit chip and can be provided to be adjacent to one of the short sides of the display panel DP.

[0085] However, the data driver DDV can be mounted on a flexible circuit board connected to the display panel DP. The data driver DDV can be connected to the display panel DP via the flexible circuit board.

[0086] The scan lines SL1 to SLm can extend in the first direction DR1 and can be connected to the scan driver SDV. The data lines DL1 to DLn can extend in the second direction DR2 and can be connected to the data driver DDV. The emission lines EL1 to ELm can extend in the first direction DR1 and can be connected to the emission driver EDV.

[0087] The scan driver SDV can generate a scan signal, and the scan signal can be applied to the pixels PX through the scan lines SL1 to SLm. The scan signal can be sequentially applied to the pixels PX. The data driver DDV can generate a data voltage, and the data voltage can be applied to the pixels PX through the data lines DL1 to DLn. The emission driver EDV can generate an emission signal, and the emission signal can be applied to the pixels PX through the emission lines EL1 to ELm.

[0088] The display module DM can include a timing controller to control the operations of the scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the emission driver EDV.

[0089] The timing controller can generate a scan control signal, a data control signal, and a light emission control signal in response to a control signal externally applied thereto. The timing controller can receive an image signal from the outside, can convert the data format of the image signal according to an interface with the data driver DDV, and can provide the converted image signal to the data driver DDV.

[0090] The scan driver SDV can generate a scan signal in response to the scan control signal, and the emission driver EDV can generate a light emission signal in response to the light emission control signal. The data driver DDV can receive the image signal with the converted data format, and can generate a data voltage corresponding to the image signal in response to the data control signal.

[0091] The pixel PX can receive the data voltage in response to the scan signal. The pixel PX can emit light having a brightness corresponding to the data voltage in response to the light emission signal to display an image. The light emission time of the pixel PX can be controlled by the light emission signal.

[0092] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing Figure 7 the equivalent circuit of the pixel PX shown in

[0093] Referring to Figure 8 , the pixel PX can include a light emitting element OLED and a pixel circuit CC. The pixel circuit CC can include transistors T1 to T7 and a capacitor CP. The pixel circuit CC can control the amount of current flowing through the light emitting element OLED in response to the data voltage.

[0094] The light emitting element OLED can emit light with a certain brightness in response to the amount of current provided from the pixel circuit CC. To this end, the level of the first voltage ELVDD can be set to be higher than the level of the second voltage ELVSS.

[0095] Each of the transistors T1 to T7 can include an input electrode (or source electrode), an output electrode (or drain electrode), and a control electrode (or gate electrode). In the following description, for ease of explanation, one of the input electrode and the output electrode can be referred to as the "first electrode", and the other of the input electrode and the output electrode can be referred to as the "second electrode".

[0096] The first electrode of the first transistor T1 can be connected to the power line PL to which the first voltage ELVDD is applied via the fifth transistor T5, and the second electrode of the first transistor T1 can be connected to the anode of the light emitting element OLED via the sixth transistor T6. In the present disclosure, the first transistor T1 can be referred to as a "driving transistor". The first transistor T1 can control the amount of current flowing through the light emitting element OLED in response to the voltage applied to the control electrode of the first transistor T1.

[0097] The second transistor T2 can be connected between the data line DL and the first electrode of the first transistor T1, and the control electrode of the second transistor T2 can be connected to the i-th scan line SLi. The second transistor T2 can be turned on in response to the i-th scan signal applied thereto via the i-th scan line SLi, and can electrically connect the data line DL to the first electrode of the first transistor T1.

[0098] The third transistor T3 can be connected between the second electrode and the control electrode of the first transistor T1. The control electrode of the third transistor T3 can be connected to the i-th scan line SLi. The third transistor T3 can be turned on in response to the i-th scan signal applied thereto via the i-th scan line SLi, and can electrically connect the second electrode of the first transistor T1 to the control electrode of the first transistor T1. When the third transistor T3 is turned on, the first transistor T1 can be connected in a diode configuration.

[0099] The fourth transistor T4 can be connected between the node ND and the initialization power generator. The control electrode of the fourth transistor T4 can be connected to the (i - 1)-th scan line SLi-1. The fourth transistor T4 can be turned on in response to the (i - 1)-th scan signal applied thereto via the (i - 1)-th scan line SLi-1, and can supply the initialization voltage Vint to the node ND.

[0100] The fifth transistor T5 can be connected between the power line PL and the first electrode of the first transistor T1. The control electrode of the fifth transistor T5 can be connected to the i-th emission line ELi.

[0101] The sixth transistor T6 can be connected between the second electrode of the first transistor T1 and the anode of the light-emitting element OLED. The control electrode of the sixth transistor T6 can be connected to the i-th emission line ELi.

[0102] The seventh transistor T7 can be connected between the initialization power generator and the anode of the light-emitting element OLED. The control electrode of the seventh transistor T7 can be connected to the (i + 1)-th scan line SLi+1. The seventh transistor T7 can be turned on in response to the (i + 1)-th scan signal applied thereto via the (i + 1)-th scan line SLi+1, and can supply the initialization voltage Vint to the anode of the light-emitting element OLED.

[0103] The capacitor CP can be provided between the power line PL and the node ND. The capacitor CP can be charged with the data voltage. When the fifth transistor T5 and the sixth transistor T6 are turned on due to the voltage charged in the capacitor CP, the amount of current flowing through the first transistor T1 can be determined.

[0104] Figure 8An example of PMOS is shown as transistors T1 to T7. However, transistors T1 to T7 are not limited to PMOS. According to another embodiment, transistors T1 to T7 can be implemented with NMOS.

[0105] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion corresponding to the Figure 8 light-emitting element OLED shown in.

[0106] Referring to Figure 9 , the pixel PX may include a light-emitting element OLED and a transistor TR connected to the light-emitting element OLED. The light-emitting element OLED may include 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 may be the Figure 8 sixth transistor T6 shown in. The light-emitting element OLED may be an organic light-emitting element.

[0107] The first electrode E1 may be an anode electrode, and the second electrode E2 may be a cathode electrode. The first electrode E1 may be referred to as a "pixel electrode", and the second electrode E2 may be referred to as a "common electrode".

[0108] The pixel PX may include a pixel region PA and a non-pixel region NPA surrounding the pixel region PA. The light-emitting element OLED may be disposed in the pixel region PA, and the transistor TR may be disposed in the non-pixel region NPA.

[0109] The transistor TR and the light-emitting element OLED may be disposed on a substrate SUB. A buffer layer BFL may be disposed on the substrate SUB, and the buffer layer BFL may include an inorganic material.

[0110] The semiconductor layer SM of the transistor TR may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor layer SM may include an inorganic semiconductor (such as amorphous silicon or polysilicon) or an organic semiconductor. Additionally, the semiconductor layer SM may include an oxide semiconductor. The semiconductor layer SM may include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region defined between the source region and the drain region.

[0111] A first insulating layer INS1 may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL to cover the semiconductor layer SM. The first insulating layer INS1 may include an inorganic material. The gate electrode GE of the transistor TR may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1 to overlap with the semiconductor layer SM. The gate electrode GE may be disposed to overlap with the channel region of the semiconductor layer SM.

[0112] A second insulating layer INS2 may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1 to cover the gate electrode GE. The second insulating layer INS2 may include an organic material and / or an inorganic material.

[0113] The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR can be disposed on the second insulating layer INS2 to be spaced apart from each other. The source electrode SE can be connected to the source region of the semiconductor layer SM through a first contact hole CH1 defined to penetrate through the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2. The drain electrode DE can be connected to the drain region of the semiconductor layer SM through a second contact hole CH2 defined to penetrate through the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2.

[0114] A third insulating layer INS3 can be disposed on the second insulating layer INS2 to cover the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR. The third insulating layer INS3 can be referred to as a planarization layer and can include an organic material, where the planarization layer provides a flat upper surface.

[0115] A first electrode E1 can be disposed on the third insulating layer INS3. The first electrode E1 can be connected to the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR through a third contact hole CH3 defined to penetrate through the third insulating layer INS3.

[0116] A pixel defining layer PDL can be disposed on the first electrode E1 and the third insulating layer INS3 to expose a part of the first electrode E1. A pixel opening PX_OP can be defined in the pixel defining layer PDL to expose the said part of the first electrode E1.

[0117] An organic light emitting layer OEL can be disposed on the first electrode E1 in the pixel opening PX_OP. The organic light emitting layer OEL can generate light of one of red, green, and blue, however, it should not be limited thereto or restricted thereby. The organic light emitting layer OEL can generate white light through a combination of organic materials that respectively generate red, green, and blue light.

[0118] A second electrode E2 can be disposed on the pixel defining layer PDL and the organic light emitting layer OEL. A thin film encapsulation layer TFE can be disposed on the light emitting element OLED to cover the pixel PX. The layer disposed between the substrate SUB and the thin film encapsulation layer TFE can be referred to as a pixel layer PXL.

[0119] A first voltage ELVDD can be applied to the first electrode E1, and a second voltage ELVSS can be applied to the second electrode E2. Holes and electrons injected into the organic light emitting layer OEL recombine to generate excitons, and the light emitting element OLED emits light through the excitons returning from the excited state to the ground state. The light emitting element OLED can emit red, green, and blue light according to the current, such that an image can be displayed.

[0120] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a support SP (e.g., Figure 5 the support SP shown in

[0121] For ease of explanation, in Figure 10 the area where the display module DM is provided is indicated by a dashed line.

[0122] Referring to Figure 10 , the support member SP may include a first support member SP1, a second support member SP2, a third support member SP3, a fourth support member SP4, a spacer SC, sliding portions SU1 and SU2, elastic portions EU1 and EU2, and a cover portion COV.

[0123] The first support member SP1, the second support member SP2, the third support member SP3, and the fourth support member SP4 may include a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2 may be arranged in the first direction DR1. The third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4 may be arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0124] The first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2 may be provided below the display module DM to support the display module DM. The first support member SP1 may be provided in the first non-foldable area NFA1. The second support member SP2 may be provided in the second non-foldable area NFA2.

[0125] The third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4 may be provided below the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2. The third support member SP3 may be provided below the first support member SP1, and the fourth support member SP4 may be provided below the second support member SP2.

[0126] A first side S1 of the third support member SP3 and a first side S2 of the fourth support member SP4 may face each other in the first direction DR1. A distal side S3 of the third support member SP3 may be opposite to the first side S1 of the third support member SP3. A distal side S4 of the fourth support member SP4 may be opposite to the first side S2 of the fourth support member SP4. The distal side S3 of the third support member SP3 and the distal side S4 of the fourth support member SP4 may define an exterior of the third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4 that are arranged to face each other in the first direction DR1.

[0127] The openings OP1 and OP2 may be defined in the third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4. The openings OP1 and OP2 may be defined to be adjacent to the distal side S3 of the third support member SP3 and the distal side S4 of the fourth support member SP4. The openings OP1 and OP2 may include a first opening OP1 defined in (or defined to pass through) the third support member SP3 and a second opening OP2 defined in (or defined to pass through) the fourth support member SP4. The first opening OP1 may be defined to be adjacent to the distal side S3 of the third support member SP3, and the second opening OP2 may be defined to be adjacent to the distal side S4 of the fourth support member SP4.

[0128] The guide grooves GG1 and GG2 may extend from the openings OP1 and OP2 in a first direction DR1 and may be defined in the third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4. The guide grooves GG1 and GG2 may extend from the openings OP1 and OP2 toward the distal portions of the third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4. For example, the guide grooves GG1 and GG2 may extend from the openings OP1 and OP2 to the distal side S3 of the third support member SP3 and the distal side S4 of the fourth support member SP4.

[0129] The guide grooves GG1 and GG2 may include a first guide groove GG1 defined in the third support member SP3 and a second guide groove GG2 defined in the fourth support member SP4. The first guide groove GG1 may extend in the first direction DR1 from the first opening OP1 toward the distal side S3 of the third support member SP3. The second guide groove GG2 may extend in the first direction DR1 from the second opening OP2 toward the distal side S4 of the fourth support member SP4.

[0130] The first guide groove GG1 may be defined between the first opening OP1 and the distal side S3 of the third support member SP3. For example, the first guide groove GG1 may be defined to be adjacent to the distal side S3 of the third support member SP3 without passing through the distal side S3 of the third support member SP3. The second guide groove GG2 may be defined between the second opening OP2 and the distal side S4 of the fourth support member SP4. For example, the second guide groove GG2 may be defined to be adjacent to the distal side S4 of the fourth support member SP4 without passing through the distal side S4 of the fourth support member SP4.

[0131] The sliding portions SU1 and SU2 may be disposed in the openings OP1 and OP2. The sliding portions SU1 and SU2 may include a first sliding portion SU1 disposed in the first opening OP1 and a second sliding portion SU2 disposed in the second opening OP2. Figure 11The structure in which the sliding parts SU1 and SU2 are provided in the openings OP1 and OP2 is shown. Each of the first sliding part SU1 and the second sliding part SU2 may include a bottom part BP and a moving part MP extending upward from the bottom part BP.

[0132] The elastic parts EU1 and EU2 may be provided in the guide grooves GG1 and GG2. The elastic parts EU1 and EU2 may include a first elastic part EU1 provided in the first guide groove GG1 and a second elastic part EU2 provided in the second guide groove GG2. Figure 11 The structure in which the elastic parts EU1 and EU2 are provided in the guide grooves GG1 and GG2 is shown.

[0133] The groove G may be defined in the second sides BS1 and third sides BS1 of the third support member SP3 that face each other in the second direction DR2 and the second sides BS2 and third sides BS2 of the fourth support member SP4 that face each other in the second direction DR2. In the case where the third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4 are a support plate, the groove G may be defined at the central portions of each of the second side and the third side of the support plate that face each other in the second direction DR2.

[0134] The groove G may be defined at the portions where the first side S1 of the third support member SP3 is connected to the second sides BS1 and third sides BS1 of the third support member SP3 that face each other in the second direction DR2 and the portions where the first side S2 of the fourth support member SP4 is connected to the second sides BS2 and third sides BS2 of the fourth support member SP4 that face each other in the second direction DR2. Therefore, the groove G may be defined between the second sides BS1 and third sides BS1 of the third support member SP3 and the second sides BS2 and third sides BS2 of the fourth support member SP4. As an example, the groove G may be defined in a stepped shape.

[0135] The spacer SC may be provided in the groove G. Figure 11 The structure in which the spacer SC is provided in the groove G is shown. Two spacers SC are shown as an example. However, the number of spacers SC should not be limited to this or restricted by this. For example, at least one spacer SC may be provided in the display device DD. Each of the spacers SC may include a support bar SB extending in the second direction DR2 and a protrusion PRT protruding upward from the support bar SB. The protrusion PRT may protrude from the end of the support bar SB.

[0136] The hinge part HIG may be connected to the portions of the third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4 adjacent to the second sides BS1 and third sides BS1 of the third support member SP3 and the second sides BS2 and third sides BS2 of the fourth support member SP4. Refer to Figure 16 The above-described structure is shown in detail.

[0137] Each of the hinge portions HIG may include a main body portion BD, a first wing portion WP1 connected to the main body portion BD, and a second wing portion WP2 connected to the main body portion BD. The first wing portion WP1 and the second wing portion WP2 may be respectively connected to opposite sides of the main body portion BD in a first direction DR1. The first wing portion WP1 and the second wing portion WP2 may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0138] A first side of the first wing portion WP1 and a first side of the second wing portion WP2 may be connected to the main body portion BD rotatably, wherein the first side of the first wing portion WP1 and the first side of the second wing portion WP2 face each other in the first direction DR1. The hinge portion HIG may define a first rotation axis RX1 extending from a second side of the first wing portion WP1 in a second direction DR2 and a second rotation axis RX2 extending from a second side of the second wing portion WP2 in the second direction DR2.

[0139] The cover portion COV may have a stepped shape. The cover portion COV may be connected to a third support member SP3 and a fourth support member SP4, and this structure will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 19 This structure will be described in detail later with reference to

[0140] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 11 to 19 This will be described in detail Figure 10 the connection relationship between the components of the support member SP shown in Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 16 and Figure 19 show a plan view.

[0141] Figure 11 FIG. Figure 10 is a plan view showing a structure in which the sliding portions SU1 and SU2, the elastic portions EU1 and EU2, and the spacer SC are arranged in the third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4 shown in

[0142] With reference to Figure 11 , the sliding portions SU1 and SU2 may be inserted into the openings OP1 and OP2 and may be respectively provided in the openings OP1 and OP2. The first sliding portion SU1 may be inserted into the first opening OP1 and may be respectively provided in the first opening OP1. The second sliding portion SU2 may be inserted into the second opening OP2 and may be respectively provided in the second opening OP2.

[0143] The elastic parts EU1 and EU2 can be respectively arranged in the guiding grooves GG1 and GG2. Therefore, the elastic parts EU1 and EU2 can be arranged between the distal sides S3 of the third support member SP3 and the distal sides S4 of the fourth support member SP4 and the sliding parts SU1 and SU2.

[0144] The first elastic part EU1 can be respectively arranged in the first guiding groove GG1. Therefore, the first elastic part EU1 can be arranged between the distal side S3 of the third support member SP3 and the first sliding part SU1. The second elastic part EU2 can be respectively arranged in the second guiding groove GG2. Therefore, the second elastic part EU2 can be arranged between the distal side S4 of the fourth support member SP4 and the second sliding part SU2.

[0145] The elastic parts EU1 and EU2 can contact the sliding parts SU1 and SU2 facing the distal sides S3 of the third support member SP3 and the distal sides S4 of the fourth support member SP4. Specifically, the first elastic part EU1 can contact the first sliding part SU1, and the first sliding part SU1 is inside the distal side S3 of the third support member SP3. The second elastic part EU2 can contact the second sliding part SU2, and the second sliding part SU2 is inside the distal side S4 of the fourth support member SP4.

[0146] The spacers SC can be arranged in the second direction DR2 and can be respectively arranged in the grooves G. The protrusions PRT can be arranged in the groove G which is relatively narrow in the first direction DR1 among the grooves G having a stepped shape.

[0147] Figure 12 is a plan view showing the structure in which the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2 are arranged on Figure 10 the third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4 shown in Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I' shown in Figure 12 Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II' shown in Figure 12 Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III' shown in Figure 12

[0148] Referring to Figure 12 , the first support member SP1 can be arranged on the third support member SP3, and the second support member SP2 can be arranged on the fourth support member SP4. The second side BS3 and the third side BS3 of the first support member SP1 that face each other in the second direction DR2 and the second side BS4 and the third side BS4 of the second support member SP2 that face each other in the second direction DR2 can have a stepped shape.

[0149] Referring to Figure 12 and​​​Figure 13 The spacer SC can be disposed between the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2 and between the third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4. For example, the protrusion PRT of the spacer SC can be disposed between the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2, and the support bars SB of the spacer SC can be respectively disposed in the grooves G. The protrusion PRT can be disposed adjacent to the second side BS3 and the third side BS3 of the first support member SP1 and the second side BS4 and the third side BS4 of the second support member SP2.

[0150] The first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2 can be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1 by the protrusion PRT. The first side S5 of the first support member SP1 and the first side S6 of the second support member SP2 can be spaced apart from each other by the width of the protrusion PRT, wherein the first side S5 of the first support member SP1 and the first side S6 of the second support member SP2 extend in the second direction DR2 and face each other in the first direction DR1.

[0151] The distal side S7 of the first support member SP1 opposite to the first side S5 of the first support member SP1 can be disposed at the distal end of the distal side S3 of the third support member SP3. The distal side S8 of the second support member SP2 opposite to the first side S6 of the second support member SP2 can be disposed at the distal end of the distal side S4 of the fourth support member SP4.

[0152] The first sliding part SU1 and the second sliding part SU2 can be connected to the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2 by the first pin part PU1. The structure in which the first sliding part SU1 is connected to the first support member SP1 can be substantially the same as the structure in which the second sliding part SU2 is connected to the second support member SP2. Therefore, hereinafter, reference will be made to Figure 14 As an example, the structure in which one of the second sliding parts SU2 is connected to the second support member SP2 will be described. In addition, reference will be made to Figure 15 As an example, the structure in which one of the second elastic parts EU2 is disposed in the second guide groove GG2 will be described.

[0153] Reference is made to Figure 14 and Figure 15 , the second sliding part SU2 can be disposed in the second opening OP2 and can be connected to the second support member SP2 by the first pin part PU1. For example, the first pin part PU1 can be inserted into the first hole H1 defined in the second support member SP2 and the second sliding part SU2, so that the second support member SP2 and the second sliding part SU2 are connected to each other. As an example, the first pin part PU1 can be a screw.

[0154] The bottom part BP can be disposed below the fourth support member SP4. The moving part MP can be disposed in the second opening OP2 and can be connected to the second support member SP2 through the first pin part PU1. The width of the bottom part BP in the first direction DR1 can be greater than the width of the second opening OP2 in the first direction DR1. The moving part MP can move along the second opening OP2 in the first direction DR1. Accordingly, the second sliding part SU2 can move along the second opening OP2 in the first direction DR1.

[0155] The second elastic part EU2 can be disposed in the second guiding groove GG2 and can contact the moving part MP of the second sliding part SU2. The second sliding part SU2 can be disposed on the right side of the second opening OP2. Since the protruding part PRT is disposed between the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2, the second elastic part EU2 can not push the second sliding part SU2 to the left side of the second opening OP2. This structure will be described in detail with reference to Figure 21 this.

[0156] Figure 16 is a plan view showing a structure in which the hinge part HIG is connected to Figure 10 the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2 shown in Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV' shown in Figure 16 this. Figure 18 is a perspective view showing a spacer SC connected to the hinge part HIG shown in Figure 17 this.

[0157] By reversing the hinge part HIG shown in Figure 17 this, the part of the hinge part HIG shown in Figure 18 this is obtained, and the part of the hinge part HIG shown in Figure 18 this can be the lower part of the hinge part HIG.

[0158] Referring to Figure 16 this, the hinge part HIG can be disposed on the third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4. The hinge part HIG can be connected to the parts of the third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4 adjacent to the second side BS1 and the third side BS1 of the third support member SP3 and the second side BS2 and the third side BS2 of the fourth support member SP4. For example, the first wing part WP1 and the second wing part WP2 of the hinge part HIG can be respectively connected to the third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4 through the second pin part PU2.

[0159] In the plan view, the main body part BD can overlap with the groove G. The first wing part WP1 and the second wing part WP2 can not overlap with the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2.

[0160] Since the structure in which the first wing part WP1 is connected to the third support member SP3 is substantially the same as the structure in which the second wing part WP2 is connected to the fourth support member SP4, hereinafter, the structure in which the second wing part WP2 is connected to the fourth support member SP4 will be described by way of example. Figure 17 Refer to

[0161] Refer to Figure 17 , the second wing part WP2 of the hinge part HIG can be connected to the fourth support member SP4 through the second pin part PU2. For example, the second pin part PU2 can be inserted into the second hole H2 defined in the second wing part WP2 and the fourth support member SP4, so that the second wing part WP2 and the fourth support member SP4 are connected to each other. As an example, the second pin part PU2 can be a screw.

[0162] Refer to Figure 16 , the hinge part HIG can provide a first rotation axis RX1 and a second rotation axis RX2 extending in the second direction DR2 to the third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4 respectively. The third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4 can rotate around the first rotation axis RX1 and the second rotation axis RX2 through the hinge part HIG.

[0163] Refer to Figure 18 , the spacer SC can be connected to the lower part of the hinge part HIG and can extend in the second direction DR2. For example, the support bar SB of the spacer SC can be connected to the lower part of the hinge part HIG and can extend in the second direction DR2.

[0164] The support bar SB can be connected to the lower part of the main body part BD and can extend in the second direction DR2. The third pin part PU3 can be connected to the main body part BD through the third hole H3 defined in the support bar SB. The protrusion PRT can protrude from the end of the support bar SB that is not connected to the main body part BD. In the plan view, the protrusion PRT may not overlap with the first wing part WP1 and the second wing part WP2.

[0165] Figure 19 is a plan view showing the structure in which the cover part COV is connected to the third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4 and the structure in which the display module DM is disposed on the Figure 10 first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2 shown in Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V' shown in Figure 19 .

[0166] Refer to Figure 19, in the plan view, the display module DM can be disposed between the spacers SC. Specifically, the display module DM can be disposed between the protrusions PRT. Thus, the display module DM can not overlap with the spacers SC.

[0167] The cover portion COV can not overlap with the hinge portion HIG. The cover portion COV can cover the second side BS1 and the third side BS1 of the third support member SP3, the second side BS2 and the third side BS2 of the fourth support member SP4, the second side BS3 and the third side BS3 of the first support member SP1, and the second side BS4 and the third side BS4 of the second support member SP2.

[0168] The cover portion COV can be disposed on the portions of the third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4 adjacent to the second side BS1 and the third side BS1 of the third support member SP3 and the second side BS2 and the third side BS2 of the fourth support member SP4, and can be connected to the third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4 by a plurality of fourth pin portions PU4. The cover portion COV can be disposed on the portions of the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2 adjacent to the second side BS3 and the third side BS3 of the first support member SP1 and the second side BS4 and the third side BS4 of the second support member SP2, and can not be connected to the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2.

[0169] The structures in which the cover portion COV is connected to the third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4 and disposed on the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2 can be substantially the same as each other. Therefore, hereinafter, reference will be made to Figure 20 Describe the structure in which one cover portion COV is connected to the fourth support member SP4 and disposed on the second support member SP2.

[0170] Refer to Figure 20 , the cover portion COV can be disposed on the portion of the fourth support member SP4 adjacent to one of the second side BS2 and the third side BS2 of the fourth support member SP4, and can be connected to the fourth support member SP4. The fourth hole H4 can be defined in the cover portion COV and the fourth support member SP4, and the fourth pin portion PU4 can be inserted into the fourth hole H4 so that the cover portion COV and the fourth support member SP4 are connected to each other.

[0171] The cover portion COV can be disposed on the portion of the second support member SP2 adjacent to one of the second side BS4 and the third side BS4 of the second support member SP2, and can not be connected to the second support member SP2.

[0172] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the Figure 19 line VI-VI' shown in Figure 22 is a view showing Figure 21View of the folded state of the display device DD shown therein. Figure 23 Is a view showing the folded state of a comparative display device DD' to which no elastic part is applied.

[0173] For ease of explanation, Figure 22 and Figure 23 Schematically shows the states of the display device DD and the display device DD' folded at approximately 90 degrees. Additionally, the hinge part HIG is omitted from Figure 23 Is omitted.

[0174] Referring to Figure 21 , the first elastic part EU1 and the second elastic part EU2 can be respectively provided at the distal ends of the first sliding part SU1 and the second sliding part SU2, and can provide elastic force to the first sliding part SU1 and the second sliding part SU2. The elastic force can be provided toward the central part of the display device DD. The elastic force can be transmitted to the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2 connected to the first sliding part SU1 and the second sliding part SU2.

[0175] Since the protruding part PRT is provided between the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2, even if the elastic force is transmitted to the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2, the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2 do not move toward the central part of the display device DD. The third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4 can rotate around the rotation axes RX1 and RX2 through the hinge part HIG.

[0176] Referring to Figure 22 , the third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4 can rotate to allow the display module DM to fold inward (inward folding). For example, as the third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4 rotate, the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2 move together with the third support member SP3 and the fourth support member SP4, and thus, the display module DM can fold inward.

[0177] Referring to Figure 23 , when the comparative display device DD' to which the elastic parts EU1 and EU2 are not applied is folded, the first sliding part SU1 can remain positioned at the right side of the first opening OP1. Additionally, the second sliding part SU2 can remain positioned at the left side of the second opening OP2. Therefore, the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2 can be spaced apart from the protruding part PRT. The distance between the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2 can be widened, and tension is generated in the folding area FA. As a result, the folding area FA may be deformed.

[0178] Referring to Figure 22, when the display device DD is folded, the first sliding part SU1 and the second sliding part SU2 can move in a direction closer to each other through the elastic parts EU1 and EU2. For example, the main body part BD of the first sliding part SU1 can move toward the central part of the display device DD through the first elastic part EU1 and can be disposed on the left side of the first opening OP1. The main body part BD of the second sliding part SU2 can move toward the central part of the display device DD through the second elastic part EU2 and can be disposed on the right side of the second opening OP2.

[0179] As the first sliding part SU1 and the second sliding part SU2 move closer to each other, the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2 respectively connected to the first sliding part SU1 and the second sliding part SU2 can move in a direction closer to each other.

[0180] Since the first support member SP1 is not fixed to the cover part COV, when the first sliding part SU1 connected to the first support member SP1 moves along the first opening OP1, the first support member SP1 can move together with the first sliding part SU1. Since the second support member SP2 is not fixed to the cover part COV, when the second sliding part SU2 connected to the second support member SP2 moves along the second opening OP2, the second support member SP2 can move together with the second sliding part SU2.

[0181] Since the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2 move closer to each other, the tension generated in the folding area FA can be reduced. Therefore, when the display device DD is folded, the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2 that support the display module DM move toward the central part of the display device DD, the tension in the folding area FA can be reduced, and thus, the deformation of the folding area FA can be prevented.

[0182] When the display device DD is unfolded as shown in Figure 21 the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2 can be spaced apart from each other by the protrusion PRT. Since the first support member SP1 and the second support member SP2 are spaced apart from each other by the protrusion PRT without contacting each other, the display device DD can be unfolded more easily so that the folding area FA has no creases.

[0183] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that the present invention should not be limited to these embodiments, but various changes and modifications can be made by those of ordinary skill in the art within the spirit and scope of the claimed present invention. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any embodiment described herein, and the scope of the present invention will be determined according to the claims.

Claims

1. Display device, comprising: Flexible display module; A first support member and a second support member, disposed below the display module and arranged in a first direction; A spacer, disposed between the first support member and the second support member; A third support member and a fourth support member, respectively disposed below the first support member and the second support member; A hinge portion, connected to the third support member and the fourth support member; A sliding portion, disposed in an opening defined in the third support member and the fourth support member and connected to the first support member and the second support member; And An elastic portion, disposed in a guiding groove defined in the third support member and the fourth support member, the guiding groove extending in the first direction from the opening toward a distal portion of the third support member and a distal portion of the fourth support member, the distal portions of the third support member and the fourth support member being portions away from the hinge portion in the first direction.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The spacer is arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and The display module is disposed between the spacers.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The display device further includes: A groove, defined at a portion where a first side of the third support member is connected to a second side and a third side of the third support member and at a portion where a first side of the fourth support member is connected to a second side and a third side of the fourth support member, wherein, The second side and the third side of the third support member are opposite to each other in the second direction, The second side and the third side of the fourth support member are opposite to each other in the second direction, The first side of the third support member and the first side of the fourth support member face each other in the first direction, The groove extends in the second direction, and The spacer is disposed in the groove.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The hinge portion is disposed on the third support member and the fourth support member and connected to portions of the third support member and the fourth support member adjacent to the second side and the third side of the third support member and the second side and the third side of the fourth support member.

5. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The hinge portion provides a rotation axis extending in the second direction to the third support member and the fourth support member respectively, and The third support member and the fourth support member rotate about the rotation axis.

6. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the spacers includes: A support bar, connected to a lower portion of a corresponding hinge portion in the hinge portion and extending in the second direction; and A protrusion, protruding upward from the support bar, Wherein, The support bar of the spacer is disposed in the groove, and The protrusion of the spacer is disposed between the first support member and the second support member.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, The protrusion is disposed adjacent to the second side and the third side of the first support member opposite to each other in the second direction and the second side and the third side of the second support member opposite to each other in the second direction.

8. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, Each of the hinge portions includes: A main body portion, overlapping with the groove in a plan view; and A first wing portion and a second wing portion, connected to the main body portion, extending in the first direction and arranged in the first direction, Among them, the first wing part and the second wing part are respectively connected to the third support member and the fourth support member, and one side of the first wing part and one side of the second wing part are connected to the main body part so as to be rotatable, and the one side of the first wing part and the one side of the second wing part face each other.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein, The support bar is connected to the lower part of the main body part, and the protrusion does not overlap with the first wing part and the second wing part in the plan view.

10. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, It further includes a cover part that covers: the second side and the third side of the first support member that face each other in the second direction, the second side and the third side of the second support member that face each other in the second direction, the second side and the third side of the third support member that face each other in the second direction, and the second side and the third side of the fourth support member that face each other in the second direction.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein, The cover part: is disposed on the portions of the third support member and the fourth support member adjacent to the second side and the third side of the third support member and the second side and the third side of the fourth support member, is connected to the third support member and the fourth support member, and is disposed on the portions of the first support member and the second support member adjacent to the second side and the third side of the first support member and the second side and the third side of the second support member.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The cover part does not overlap with the hinge part and is not connected to the first support member and the second support member.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first side of the third support member and the first side of the fourth support member face each other in the first direction, and the opening is adjacent to the distal sides of the third support member and the fourth support member, wherein the distal side of the third support member is opposite to the first side of the third support member, and the distal side of the fourth support member is opposite to the first side of the fourth support member.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein, The guide groove is defined between the opening defined in the third support member and the distal side of the third support member and between the opening defined in the fourth support member and the distal side of the fourth support member.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, The elastic part contacts the side of the sliding part that faces the distal sides of the third support member and the fourth support member.

16. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the sliding parts includes: a bottom part; and a moving part that extends upward from the bottom part and is disposed in a corresponding one of the openings, wherein, the bottom part of the sliding part is disposed below the third support member and the fourth support member, and the moving part of the sliding part is connected to the first support member and the second support member.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein, The width of the bottom part in the first direction is greater than the width of each of the openings in the first direction, and the width of the moving part in the first direction is less than the width of each of the openings in the first direction.

18. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, When the third support member and the fourth support member rotate through the hinge portion, the sliding portion connected to the first support member and the sliding portion connected to the second support member move in a direction closer to each other through the elastic portion.

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