Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes a display panel including a first opening portion and a display region at least partially surrounding the first opening portion, a spacer layer positioned below the display panel and including a second opening portion corresponding to the first opening portion and having a planar size smaller than a planar size of the first opening portion, a support member positioned in the first opening portion above the spacer layer, and a cover window supported by the support member and aligned above the display panel.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0108461, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 2, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] One or more embodiments relate to a display device. Background Technology

[0004] Recently, display devices have been used for a variety of purposes. In addition, due to their relatively small thickness and light weight, the potential applications of display devices have been expanded.

[0005] As the potential uses of display devices expand, various methods can be used to design the form of display devices, and the functions that can be added to or linked to display devices are increasing.

[0006] Furthermore, as display devices become more widely used, foldable display devices can be utilized more extensively.

[0007] The information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background, and therefore the information discussed in this Background section does not necessarily constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] As a method for adding or linking functionality to a display device, one or more exemplary embodiments include a display device having a region in which cameras and sensors, etc., can be arranged inside the display area.

[0009] One or more exemplary embodiments include a foldable display device with relatively high reliability.

[0010] However, the above features are merely examples of some features according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and the scope of embodiments according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0011] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the detailed description that follows, and will also be apparent in part from this description, or may be learned by practice of the exemplary embodiments presented in this disclosure.

[0012] According to some exemplary embodiments, the display device includes a display panel, a pad, a support member, and a cover window, wherein the display panel includes a first opening and a display area at least partially surrounding the first opening, the pad is located below the display panel and includes a second opening corresponding to the first opening and having a planar dimension smaller than that of the first opening, the support member is located in the first opening above the pad, and the cover window is supported by the support member and arranged above the display panel.

[0013] According to some exemplary embodiments, the planar dimension of the support member may be larger than the planar dimension of the second opening.

[0014] According to some exemplary embodiments, the support member may be configured to cover the second opening.

[0015] According to some exemplary embodiments, the planar dimension of the support member may be larger than the planar dimension of the second opening and smaller than the planar dimension of the first opening.

[0016] According to some exemplary embodiments, the display device may also include a metal plate beneath the pad, and the metal plate includes a third opening corresponding to the second opening.

[0017] According to some exemplary embodiments, the planar dimension of the third opening may be less than or equal to the planar dimension of the second opening.

[0018] According to some exemplary embodiments, the width of the plane including the first point in the support member in one direction may be greater than the width of the plane including the second point in the support member in that direction, and the second point may be closer to the cover window than the first point.

[0019] According to some exemplary embodiments, the support member may include glass or polymer resin.

[0020] According to some exemplary embodiments, the display device may also include a component located below the support member.

[0021] According to some exemplary embodiments, the support members and components may be spaced apart from each other.

[0022] According to some exemplary embodiments, the planar dimensions of the component may be smaller than the planar dimensions of the second opening.

[0023] According to some exemplary embodiments, the transmittance of the support member can be in the range of 70% to 100%.

[0024] According to some exemplary embodiments, the display panel may include a flexible display panel.

[0025] According to some exemplary embodiments, the display device includes a display panel, a cover window, a cover glass, and a pad, wherein the display panel includes a first opening and a display area at least partially surrounding the first opening, the cover window is located above the display panel, the cover glass is connected to the cover window and arranged in the first opening, and the pad is located below the cover glass, wherein the pad may include a second opening corresponding to the first opening, and the planar dimension of the first opening is larger than the planar dimension of the second opening.

[0026] According to some exemplary embodiments, the cover glass may be configured to cover the second opening.

[0027] According to some exemplary embodiments, the display device may also include a metal plate beneath the pad, and the metal plate includes a third opening corresponding to the second opening.

[0028] According to some exemplary embodiments, the planar dimension of the third opening may be less than or equal to the planar dimension of the second opening.

[0029] According to some exemplary embodiments, the display device may also include a component located below the cover glass.

[0030] According to some exemplary embodiments, the planar dimensions of the upper surface of the cover glass may be smaller than the planar dimensions of the lower surface of the cover glass.

[0031] According to some exemplary embodiments, the display panel may include a flexible display panel.

[0032] Other aspects, features, and characteristics not described above will become clearer through the accompanying drawings, claims, and detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The above and other aspects, features, and characteristics of certain embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1A This is a schematic perspective view of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0035] Figure 1B This is a perspective view showing a display device folded in one direction according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0036] Figure 1C This illustrates a display device according to some exemplary embodiments in conjunction with... Figure 1B A perspective view of a state where the plane is folded in the opposite direction;

[0037] Figure 2A This is a top view showing the layout of pixels in a display panel according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0038] Figure 2B This is an excerpt of a top view of the periphery of the first area of ​​a display panel according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0039] Figure 3 It is an equivalent circuit diagram of pixels included in the display panel of a display device according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0041] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view is shown corresponding to a portion of a first pixel, which is a portion of a display panel according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a first region in a display device according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a first region in a display device according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0044] Figure 8A Simulation results based on some exemplary embodiments are shown; and

[0045] Figure 8B Simulation results for a comparative example used to compare with the implementation method are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Reference will now be made in detail to various aspects of embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein similar symbols consistently indicate similar elements. In this respect, these exemplary embodiments may take different forms and should not be construed as limited to the description set forth herein. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments are described below only by reference to the accompanying drawings to explain various aspects of this specification. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Throughout the description, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all or variations thereof of a, b, and c.

[0047] Reference will now be made in more detail to various aspects of some embodiments, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein similar symbols always indicate similar elements, and some overlapping or repeated descriptions may be omitted.

[0048] It will be understood that although terms such as “first” and “second” can be used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms, and these terms are only used to distinguish one component from another.

[0049] Unless explicitly indicated by the context, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used in this text are intended to include the plural forms as well.

[0050] It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “includes,” “including,” and / or “comprising” used herein specifically describe the presence of the stated feature or component, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features or components.

[0051] In exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being on another layer, region, or component, the layer, region, or component may be directly on the other layer, region, or component, or there may be intermediate layers, regions, or components therein.

[0052] For ease of explanation, the sizes of the components in the accompanying drawings may be enlarged or reduced. In other words, since the dimensions and thicknesses of the components in the accompanying drawings are arbitrarily shown for ease of explanation, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0053] When a particular implementation can be carried out differently, the specific process sequence can be performed in a different order than that described. For example, two consecutively described processes can be performed approximately simultaneously or in the reverse order of their description.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiments described below, when a layer, region, or component is connected to another layer, region, or component, it may be directly connected to the other layer, region, or component, or indirectly connected to the other layer, region, or component with other layers, regions, or components in between. For example, in this specification, when a layer, region, or component is electrically connected to another layer, region, or component, it may be directly electrically connected to the other layer, region, or component, or indirectly electrically connected to the other layer, region, or component with other layers, regions, or components in between.

[0055] Figure 1A A display device 1 according to some exemplary embodiments is schematically shown. Figure 1B The illustration shows a display device 1 folded in one direction according to some exemplary embodiments, and Figure 1C A display device 1 according to some exemplary embodiments is shown in (with) Figure 1B The state of folding in the opposite direction.

[0056] Reference Figure 1A The display device 1 may include a display panel 100 and a housing or casing 20.

[0057] As a device for displaying images, display device 1 may include portable mobile devices such as handheld game consoles, multimedia devices, and ultra-micro personal computers (PCs). Display device 1, described below, may include liquid crystal displays, electrophoretic displays, organic light-emitting displays, inorganic light-emitting displays, field emission displays, surface conduction electron emission displays, quantum dot displays, plasma displays, and cathode ray displays, etc. Hereinafter, display device 1 according to some exemplary embodiments is described using organic light-emitting displays as examples; however, as described above, embodiments can be applied to various types of display devices.

[0058] The display panel 100 may include a display area DA that can provide an image and a first area R1 that is at least partially surrounded by the display area DA. According to some exemplary embodiments, the first area R1 may be completely surrounded by the display area DA. However, according to some exemplary embodiments, the first area R1 may only be partially surrounded by the display area DA. Additionally, the first area R1 may include a transmissive area. Although... Figure 1A The diagram shows that the first area R1 is arranged as one area at the edge of the display panel 100, but according to some exemplary embodiments, the first area R1 may be arranged as multiple areas at various locations of the display panel 100.

[0059] The housing 20 may include a first portion 21 and a second portion 23 that respectively support portions of the display panel 100. The housing 20 may be folded about a folding axis between the first portion 21 and the second portion 23. According to some exemplary embodiments, a third portion 25 between the first portion 21 and the second portion 23 may have a hinge structure.

[0060] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B The display panel 100 can be folded together with the housing 20, and the portions of the display panel 100 folded around the folding axis FAX that traverses the display area DA can face each other. In the following text, for ease of explanation, the portions arranged on opposite sides of the display area DA, which is the screen area, around the folding axis FAX are referred to as the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2, respectively.

[0061] The display panel 100 and housing 20 can be folded relative to the folding axis so that the first portion 21 and the second portion 23 face each other. For example, see reference Figure 1CThe first portion 21 and the second portion 23 can be arranged to face each other. In other words, the two portions of the rear surface of the display device 1 can be arranged to face each other. Accordingly, an image can be displayed in a first display area DA1 exposed in one direction and a second display area DA2 exposed in the other direction.

[0062] although Figures 1A to 1C Only one folding axis FAX is shown, but according to some exemplary embodiments, the display device 1 may include multiple folding axis FAXs. Additionally, the folding axis FAXs may be arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. For example, the folding axis FAXs may be parallel to the y-direction. However, the folding axis FAXs may also be parallel to the x-direction intersecting the y-direction.

[0063] The state of display device 1 before folding will be described in more detail below.

[0064] Figure 2A This is a top view showing the layout of pixels of a display panel 100 according to some exemplary embodiments, and Figure 2B This is an excerpt of a top view of the periphery of the first region R1 of a display panel 100 according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0065] Reference Figure 2A Multiple pixels can be arranged in the display areas of the display panel 100 (i.e., the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2). The multiple first pixels P1 arranged in the first display area DA1 can each emit red, green, or blue light, and the first display area DA1 can provide or display an image using the light emitted from the first pixel P1. The multiple second pixels P2 arranged in the second display area DA2 can each emit red, green, or blue light, and the second display area DA2 can provide or display an image (e.g., a preset image) using the light emitted from the second pixel P2.

[0066] Each of the plurality of first regions R1 is an unarranged region, and first pixels P1 may be arranged around the first region R1. The plurality of first pixels P1 are arranged along the edges of the first regions R1, and two adjacent first pixels P1 may be arranged along the edges of the first regions R1. Two adjacent first pixels P1 may be spaced apart from each other if the first regions R1 are located therebetween.

[0067] Multiple first pixels P1 can each be electrically connected to a scan line SL extending in a first direction (e.g., the x-direction) and a data line DL extending in a second direction (e.g., the y-direction). The scan line SL and the data line DL extending in the first and second directions, respectively, can be routed around a first region R1. Figure 2BAs shown, multiple scan lines SL can each extend in a first direction and travel along or around the edge of the first region R1, and multiple data lines DL can each extend in a second direction and travel along or around the edge of the first region R1.

[0068] As described above, the scan line SL and / or the data line DL can be arranged between the first area R1 and the first display area DA1 along the first winding area MA1 they traverse.

[0069] Figure 3 It is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel P included in a display panel 100 of a display device 1 according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0070] Reference Figure 3 Pixel P may include pixel circuit PC and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) as a display element connected to pixel circuit PC.

[0071] The pixel circuit PC may include a first thin-film transistor T1, a second thin-film transistor T2, and a storage capacitor Cst. Each pixel P may emit red, green, or blue light from an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), or emit red, green, blue, or white light.

[0072] A second thin-film transistor T2, acting as a switching thin-film transistor, can be connected to the scan line SL and the data line DL, and can be configured to transmit the data voltage input from the data line DL to the first thin-film transistor T1 based on the switching voltage input from the scan line SL. A storage capacitor Cst can be connected to the second thin-film transistor T2 and the drive voltage line PL, and stores a voltage corresponding to the difference between the voltage received from the second thin-film transistor T2 and the first power supply voltage ELVDD supplied to the drive voltage line PL.

[0073] A first thin-film transistor T1, acting as a driving thin-film transistor, can be connected to a driving voltage line PL and a storage capacitor Cst, and controls the driving current flowing from the driving voltage line PL to the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) to correspond to the value of the voltage stored in the storage capacitor Cst. The OLED can emit light with a certain brightness according to the driving current. The common electrode (e.g., cathode) of the OLED can receive a second power supply voltage ELVSS.

[0074] Although reference Figure 3 A pixel circuit PC comprising two thin-film transistors and one storage capacitor has been described; however, according to some exemplary embodiments, the number of thin-film transistors and the number of storage capacitors can be modified in various ways depending on the design of the pixel circuit PC. For example, in addition to the two thin-film transistors described above, the pixel circuit PC may also include one or more thin-film transistors.

[0075] Reference Figure 3 The described pixel P can correspond to the reference above. Figure 2A and Figure 2B Each of the first pixel P1 and the second pixel P2 described herein. For example, the first pixel P1 may include a first pixel circuit and a first organic light-emitting diode OLED1 connected to the first pixel circuit (see [link to documentation]). Figure 5 The second pixel P2 may include a second pixel circuit and a second organic light-emitting diode connected to the second pixel circuit.

[0076] The first pixel circuit and the second pixel circuit may include the same number of thin-film transistors and storage capacitors. According to some exemplary embodiments, the first pixel circuit and the second pixel circuit may include different numbers of thin-film transistors and storage capacitors. For example, the first pixel circuit may include two thin-film transistors and one storage capacitor, and the second pixel circuit may include one or more thin-film transistors in addition to the two thin-film transistors.

[0077] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel 100 according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0078] Reference Figure 4 The display panel 100 includes a display layer DL1 arranged on a substrate 101. The substrate 101 may be flexible. The substrate 101 may include a polymer resin.

[0079] The substrate 101 may include polymer resins such as polyethersulfone, polyarylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyimide, polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (TAC), and cellulose acetate propionate.

[0080] A barrier layer may also be included between the display layer DL1 and the substrate 101. As a barrier layer used to prevent or reduce the penetration of external foreign matter or contaminants, the barrier layer may be made of materials such as silicon nitride (SiN). x (x>0) or silicon dioxide (SiO) x Single or multiple layers of inorganic materials (x>0).

[0081] The display layer DL1 may include a display element layer DEL and a pixel circuit layer PCL. The display element layer DEL includes multiple display elements, and the pixel circuit layer PCL includes pixel circuitry and an insulating layer. The display element layer DEL may include display elements, such as a first organic light-emitting diode (OLED1) and a second organic light-emitting diode as described above. The pixel circuit layer PCL may include pixel circuitry connected to the first organic light-emitting diode OLED1 or the second organic light-emitting diode, and an insulating layer. The pixel circuit layer PCL may include multiple transistors, storage capacitors, and an insulating layer located between the multiple transistors and the storage capacitors.

[0082] The display element may be covered by an encapsulation component such as a thin-film encapsulation layer (TFE). The TFE may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer covering the display element layer (DEL). The display panel 100 includes a substrate 101 and a thin-film encapsulation layer (TFE), wherein the substrate 101 comprises a polymer resin and the TFE comprises an inorganic encapsulation layer and an organic encapsulation layer. Accordingly, the display panel 100 may be a flexible display panel.

[0083] A touch electrode layer (TSL) including touch electrodes is arranged on a thin-film encapsulation layer (TFE), and an optical functional layer (OFL) may be arranged on the touch electrode layer (TSL). The touch electrode layer (TSL) can obtain coordinate information based on external output (e.g., touch events). The optical functional layer (OFL) can reduce the reflectivity of light incident from the outside toward the display panel 100 (external light) and / or improve the color purity of light emitted from the display panel 100. According to some exemplary embodiments, the optical functional layer (OFL) may include a retarder and a polarizer. The retarder may include a film-type or liquid crystal-coated retarder, and may include λ / 2 and / or λ / 4 retarders. The polarizer may also include a film-type polarizer or a liquid crystal-coated polarizer. The film-type polarizer may include a stretched synthetic resin film, and the liquid crystal-coated polarizer may include liquid crystals arranged in a certain configuration. The retarder and polarizer may also include a protective film.

[0084] As another example, the optical functional layer (OFL) may include a black matrix and color filters. Multiple color filters may be arranged to represent the color of light emitted from each pixel of the display panel 100. Each of the multiple color filters may include a red, green, or blue pigment or dye. Alternatively, in addition to the pigments or dyes described above, each of the multiple color filters may also include quantum dots. Alternatively, some of the multiple color filters may not include the pigments or dyes described above and may include dispersed particles such as titanium dioxide.

[0085] As another example, the optical functional layer (OFL) may include a destructive interference structure. The destructive interference structure may include a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer arranged in different layers. First reflected light and second reflected light reflected from the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer, respectively, can undergo destructive interference, and accordingly, the reflectivity of external light can be reduced.

[0086] The adhesive component can be arranged between the touch electrode layer (TSL) and the optical functional layer (OFL). Common adhesive components known in the art can be used without limitation. The adhesive component can be a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0087] The display panel 100 may include a first opening 100OA corresponding to the first region R1. The multiple layers constituting the display panel 100 (e.g., substrate 101, display layer DL1, and thin film encapsulation layer TFE) may each include multiple openings 101OA, PCLOA, and TFE corresponding to the first opening 100OA.

[0088] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view is shown corresponding to a portion of a first pixel P1, which is a portion of a display device 1 according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0089] The pixel circuit layer PCL is arranged on the substrate 101. Figure 5 The pixel circuit layer PCL is shown to include a thin-film transistor (TFT) and a buffer layer 111, a first gate insulating layer 113a, a second gate insulating layer 113b, an interlayer insulating layer 115, and a planarization insulating layer 117 arranged below and / or above the components of the TFT.

[0090] The buffer layer 111 may include inorganic materials such as silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and silicon oxide, and may include a single layer or multiple layers containing the aforementioned inorganic materials.

[0091] The thin-film transistor (TFT) may include a semiconductor layer 112, and the semiconductor layer 112 may include polycrystalline silicon. Alternatively, the semiconductor layer 112 may include amorphous silicon, oxide semiconductor, or organic semiconductor, etc. The semiconductor layer 112 may include a channel region 112c and a drain region 112a and a source region 112b respectively arranged on both sides of the channel region 112c. The gate electrode 114 may overlap with the channel region 112c.

[0092] The gate electrode 114 may include a low-resistance metallic material. The gate electrode 114 may include a conductive material comprising molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), and titanium (Ti), and may include a multilayer or a single layer comprising the above materials.

[0093] The first gate insulating layer 113a located between the semiconductor layer 112 and the gate electrode 114 may include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN). x ), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2) or zinc oxide (ZnO2).

[0094] The second gate insulating layer 113b may be configured to cover the gate electrode 114. Similar to the first gate insulating layer 113a, the second gate insulating layer 113b may comprise an inorganic insulating material, such as SiO2 or SiN. x , SiON, Al2O3, TiO2, Ta2O5, HfO2 or ZnO2.

[0095] The upper electrode Cst2 of the storage capacitor Cst can be arranged on the second gate insulating layer 113b. The upper electrode Cst2 can overlap with the gate electrode 114 located below the upper electrode Cst2. In this case, the overlapping gate electrode 114 and the upper electrode Cst2, with the second gate insulating layer 113b between them, can constitute the storage capacitor Cst. That is, the gate electrode 114 can serve as the lower electrode Cst1 of the storage capacitor Cst.

[0096] As described, the storage capacitor Cst and the thin-film transistor TFT can be formed to overlap each other. According to some exemplary embodiments, the storage capacitor Cst can also be formed not to overlap with the thin-film transistor TFT.

[0097] The upper electrode Cst2 may include aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and / or copper (Cu), and may include a single layer or multiple layers containing the above materials.

[0098] The interlayer insulating layer 115 may cover the upper electrode Cst2. The interlayer insulating layer 115 may include silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN). x The inorganic insulating layer 115 may include single or multiple layers containing the aforementioned inorganic insulating materials, such as silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO2).

[0099] Drain electrode 116a and source electrode 116b may each be located on interlayer insulating layer 115. Drain electrode 116a and source electrode 116b may comprise materials with excellent conductivity. Drain electrode 116a and source electrode 116b may each comprise a conductive material including Mo, Al, Cu, and Ti, and may comprise a multilayer or a single layer containing the above materials. According to some exemplary embodiments, drain electrode 116a and source electrode 116b may each have a Ti / Al / Ti multilayer structure.

[0100] The planarization insulation layer 117 may include an organic insulation layer. The planarization insulation layer 117 may include organic insulating materials, such as common commercial polymers like polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polystyrene (PS), polymer derivatives having phenol groups, acrylic polymers, imide polymers, aryl ether polymers, amide polymers, fluoropolymers, p-xylyl polymers, vinyl alcohol polymers, and mixtures thereof.

[0101] The display element layer DEL is arranged on the pixel circuit layer PCL of the above structure. The display element layer DEL may include a first organic light-emitting diode OLED1, and the pixel electrode 121 of the first organic light-emitting diode OLED1 may be electrically connected to the thin film transistor TFT through a contact hole in the planarization insulating layer 117.

[0102] Pixel electrode 121 may include a conductive oxide, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3), indium gallium oxide (IGO), or zinc aluminum oxide (AZO). According to some exemplary embodiments, pixel electrode 121 may include a reflective film comprising Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, or compounds thereof. According to some exemplary embodiments, pixel electrode 121 may include a film comprising ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3 above / below the aforementioned reflective film.

[0103] A pixel defining layer 119 having an opening 119OP exposing the central portion of the pixel electrode 121 is arranged on the pixel electrode 121. The pixel defining layer 119 may comprise an organic insulating material and / or an inorganic insulating material. The opening 119OP may define an emission region (hereinafter referred to as the first emission region EA1) of light emitted from the first organic light-emitting diode OLED 1. For example, the width of the opening 119OP may correspond to the width of the first emission region EA1.

[0104] The emitting layer 122 may be arranged in the opening 119OP of the pixel defining layer 119. The emitting layer 122 may include a high molecular weight organic material or a low molecular weight organic material that emits light of a certain color. According to some exemplary embodiments, a first functional layer and a second functional layer may be arranged below and above the emitting layer 122, respectively. For example, the first functional layer may include a hole transport layer (HTL), or include an HTL and a hole injection layer (HIL). The second functional layer is a component arranged on the emitting layer 122 and may be omitted. The second functional layer may include an electron transport layer (ETL) and / or an electron injection layer (EIL). The first functional layer and / or the second functional layer may be a common layer formed to completely cover the substrate 101, such as the common electrode 123, which will be described below.

[0105] The common electrode 123 may include a conductive material with a low work function. For example, the common electrode 123 may include a (semi-)transparent layer comprising Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, and alloys thereof. Alternatively, the common electrode 123 may further include a layer such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3 on the (semi-)transparent layer comprising the above-mentioned materials.

[0106] The thin-film encapsulation layer TFE includes at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. According to some exemplary embodiments, Figure 5 The thin-film encapsulation layer TFE is shown to include a first inorganic encapsulation layer 131, an organic encapsulation layer 132, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer 133 stacked sequentially.

[0107] The first inorganic encapsulation layer 131 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 133 may comprise one or more inorganic materials selected from aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride. The organic encapsulation layer 132 may comprise a polymer-based material. Polymer-based materials may include acrylic resins, epoxy resins, polyimides, and polyethylene, etc. According to some exemplary embodiments, the organic encapsulation layer 132 may comprise acrylates.

[0108] The above reference Figure 5 The cross-sectional structure corresponding to the first pixel P1, which is part of the display panel 100, has been described. However, according to some exemplary embodiments, the second pixel P2, which is part of the display panel 100, may have the same cross-sectional structure as described above. Figure 5 The first pixel P1 has the same structure as described. For example, the second organic light-emitting diode of the second pixel P2 may include a pixel electrode, an emitter layer, and a common electrode. (Refer to the above...) Figure 5 As described, the second emission region of the second organic light-emitting diode may be defined by an opening in the pixel-defining layer that exposes the pixel electrode of the second organic light-emitting diode.

[0109] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the first region R1 in a display device 1 according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 6 In the middle, due to with Figure 4 and Figure 5 The same symbols in the text indicate the same components, so some of their repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0110] The display device 1 may include a display panel 100, a cover window CW located above the display panel 100, and a protective member 200 located below the display panel 100. Additionally, the display device 1 may include a support member 300 corresponding to the first region R1. The display panel 100 may include a first opening 100OA as described above.

[0111] The cover window CW can be a flexible window component. The cover window CW can be flexibly bent by external force without cracking or other damage, and protects the display panel 100. The cover window CW can include glass, sapphire, or plastic. For example, the cover window CW can include ultra-thin glass (UTG) or colorless polyimide (CPI). Commonly known cover windows in the art can be used as cover window CWs without limitation. For example, the cover window CW can have a structure in which flexible polymer layers are arranged on the surface of a glass substrate or may consist only of polymer layers. The display device 1 may also include a protective film above the cover window CW.

[0112] The display device 1 may include a protective member 200 below the display panel 100. The protective member 200 absorbs external impacts to prevent damage to the organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and similar components arranged in the display panel 100 from external impacts. In addition, the protective member 200 is attached to the display panel 100 without damaging other components such as the housing 20.

[0113] The protective component 200 may include a membrane layer 201, a pad layer 203, and a metal plate 205.

[0114] The film layer 201 can be arranged below the display panel 100. The film layer 201 can cover an area of ​​the display panel 100 other than the area where the image is output, so that the user cannot observe this area. In addition, the film layer 201 can block static electricity.

[0115] The membrane layer 201 may include a membrane opening corresponding to the first opening 100OA. In other words, the membrane layer 201 may include a membrane opening corresponding to the first region R1. The planar dimensions of the membrane opening (e.g., the coverage area when viewed in a plan view) may be the same as the planar dimensions of the first opening 100OA (e.g., the coverage area when viewed in a plan view). Additionally, the membrane opening may be connected to the first opening 100OA.

[0116] Film 201 may include at least one of carbon black, carbon nanotubes, and CrO2. In addition to the materials described above, film 201 may also include materials mixed with resins and the like. Alternatively, film 201 may include black adhesive tape. Film 201 may include known materials capable of blocking light.

[0117] The padding layer 203 can be arranged below the film layer 201. The padding layer 203 can protect the display panel 100 from external impacts.

[0118] The padding layer 203 may include a second opening 203OP. The second opening 203OP may be arranged to correspond to the first opening 100OA. In other words, the second opening 203OP may be arranged to correspond to the first region R1.

[0119] The planar dimensions of the second opening 203OP can be smaller than the planar dimensions of the first opening 100OA. In this regard, Figure 6 It is shown that the width 203R of the second opening 203OP in one direction is smaller than the width 100R of the first opening 100OA in that direction.

[0120] The portion of the pad 203 adjacent to the second opening 203OP can be arranged in the first opening 100OA. That is, at least a portion of the upper surface of the pad 203 can be arranged in the first opening 100OA. Accordingly, the support member 300, which will be described in more detail later, can be supported by the pad 203.

[0121] The padding layer 203 may include a polymer resin foam. For example, the padding layer 203 may include a foam comprising polyurethane, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or polyolefin. However, the above materials are merely examples, and the padding layer 203 may include materials that have excellent compressive stress resistance and excellent absorption properties against impact and vibration.

[0122] The pad 203 and the membrane 201 can be connected to each other using a first adhesive member PSA1. When the pad 203 includes an adhesive material, the first adhesive member PSA1 can be omitted. The first adhesive member PSA1 may include an adhesive material such as a polyurethane-based material, a polyacrylic acid-based material, a polyester-based material, a polyepoxy-based material, or a polyethylene acetate-based material. However, the first adhesive member PSA1 is not limited to these, and the first adhesive member PSA1 may include any suitable adhesive material for connecting the pad 203 and the membrane 201.

[0123] The metal plate 205 can be arranged below the pad 203. The metal plate 205 can protect the display panel 100 from external heat and electromagnetic waves.

[0124] The metal plate 205 may include a third opening 205OP. The third opening 205OP may be arranged to correspond to the second opening 203OP. In addition, the third opening 205OP and the second opening 203OP may be connected to each other.

[0125] The planar dimensions of the third opening 205OP may be less than or equal to the planar dimensions of the second opening 203OP. For example, the width of the third opening 205OP in one direction may be less than or equal to the width of the second opening 203OP in that direction. Accordingly, the metal plate 205 can stably support the pad 203, which in turn supports the support member 300.

[0126] The metal plate 205 may include a high-modulus material. For example, the metal plate 205 may include at least one of Invar alloy, nobinite, stainless steel, and alloys thereof. Because the metal plate 205 may include a high-modulus material, the metal plate 205 will not deform even when the display panel 100 is repeatedly bent.

[0127] The support member 300 may be arranged above the pad 203. For example, the support member 300 may be supported by the pad 203.

[0128] The support members 300 can be arranged to correspond to the first opening 100OA. Accordingly, the support members 300 can be arranged on and cover the second opening 203OP. In other words, the support members 300 can be arranged on the area of ​​the pad 203 adjacent to the second opening 203OP.

[0129] The support member 300 can support the cover window CW. For example, the lower part of the support member 300 can be connected to the padding layer 203, and the upper part of the support member 300 can be connected to the cover window CW. The support member 300 can be connected to the padding layer 203 via a first adhesive member PSA1. Additionally, the support member 300 can also be connected to the cover window CW via a second adhesive member PSA2. (See reference...) Figure 6 The second adhesive member PSA2 is arranged on the entire lower surface of the cover window CW. However, according to some exemplary embodiments, the second adhesive member PSA2 is detachably arranged in the portion attached to the display panel 100 and the portion attached to the support member 300.

[0130] The planar dimension of the support member 300 may be larger than the planar dimension of the second opening 203OP. For example, the width 300R of the support member 300 in one direction may be greater than the width 203R of the second opening 203OP in that direction. Accordingly, the support member 300 may cover the second opening 203OP and be connected to the padding layer 203. The width 300R of the support member 300 in one direction may be smaller than the width 100R of the first opening 100OA in that direction. Accordingly, the support member 300 may be arranged in the first opening 100OA of the display panel 100.

[0131] The planar dimension of the support member 300 may be larger than the planar dimension of the third opening 205OP. For example, the width 300R of the support member 300 in one direction may be larger than the width of the third opening 205OP in that direction. Accordingly, the support member 300 may be supported by the pad 203, and the pad 203 may be stably supported by the metal plate 205.

[0132] According to some exemplary embodiments, the thickness of the support member 300 (e.g., its length in the z-direction) may be the same as the thickness of the display panel 100. According to some exemplary embodiments, the thickness of the support member 300 may be greater than the thickness of the display panel 100. Accordingly, the support member 300 can stably support the cover window CW.

[0133] The support member 300 may comprise glass, sapphire, or polymer resin. Alternatively, the support member 300 may comprise a high-modulus material. Additionally, the support member 300 may comprise a transparent material that transmits sound or light from the component 400, which will be described later. For example, the support member 300 may comprise a material having a transmittance in the range of about 70% to about 100%. Accordingly, the support member 300 may stably support the cover window CW and prevent or reduce deformation of the cover window CW. Furthermore, the support member 300 may transmit light or sound from the component 400.

[0134] Component 400 may be arranged to overlap with the first region R1. Component 400 may be arranged below the display panel 100. For example, component 400 may be arranged in the second opening 203OP or the third opening 205OP. Accordingly, component 400 may be arranged below the support member 300. However, according to some exemplary embodiments, component 400 may be arranged below the third opening 205OP. The first region R1 can be understood as the location where component 400 is arranged, i.e., a component area (e.g., a camera area and a sensor area, etc.).

[0135] The components 400 may be arranged spaced apart from the support member 300, such that a gap exists between the components 400 and the support member 300. For example, the components 400 may be arranged below the support member 300 and spaced apart from it. When the display device 1 is folded, the padding 203 may shrink or compress. In this case, the components 400 may remain sufficiently separated from the support member 300 and may not be disturbed by or in contact with the support member 300.

[0136] The planar dimension of component 400 may be smaller than the planar dimension of the second opening 203OP. Additionally, the planar dimension of component 400 may be smaller than the planar dimension of the third opening 205OP. For example, the width 400R of component 400 in one direction may be smaller than the width 203R of the second opening 203OP in that direction. Furthermore, the width 400R of component 400 in one direction may be smaller than the width of the third opening 205OP in that direction. Accordingly, component 400 may be arranged in either the second opening 203OP or the third opening 205OP.

[0137] Component 400 may be an electronic element capable of outputting and / or receiving sound or light. For example, the electronic element may include sensors (such as infrared sensors) for outputting and / or receiving light, cameras for receiving light and capturing images, small lamps for outputting light, speakers for outputting sound, and microphones for receiving sound. Sensors may include proximity sensors, brightness sensors, sensors for recognizing irises, and sensors for recognizing fingerprints. Light-using electronic elements may utilize light of various wavelengths, such as visible light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light.

[0138] The first zone R1 may be a zone through which sound or light traveling from or toward the component 400 can pass. Sound and / or light emitted from the component 400 can travel to the outside via the first zone R1, and external light and / or sound can travel toward the component 400 via the first zone R1.

[0139] The support members 300 can be arranged to prevent or reduce deformation of the cover window CW when the display device 1 is folded. When the display device 1 is a foldable display device 1 and is repeatedly folded, the cover window CW may deform. For example, when the cover window CW is not supported by the support members 300 in the first zone R1, the cover window CW may deform in the first zone R1. When the cover window CW in the first zone R1 deforms, light or sound traveling toward (i.e., being received by) the component 400 may be distorted.

[0140] To minimize or reduce the aforementioned phenomena, according to some exemplary embodiments, the support member 300 may be arranged on the pad 203. That is, even when the display device 1 is repeatedly folded, the support member 300, which has a relatively high modulus, may be arranged below the cover window CW, and deformation of the cover window CW may be prevented or reduced. Accordingly, distortion of light or sound traveling toward the components 400 arranged in the first region R1 may be prevented or reduced. In addition, according to some exemplary embodiments, even when the cover window CW is repeatedly folded, breakage of the cover window CW in the first region R1 may be prevented or reduced.

[0141] External impacts can be transmitted from the cover window CW to the support member 300. However, according to some exemplary embodiments, when the support member 300 is arranged above the pad 203, the pad 203 can absorb the impact.

[0142] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the first region R1 in a display device 1' according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 7 In the middle, due to with Figure 6 The same symbols in the diagram indicate the same components, so their repeated descriptions can be omitted.

[0143] The display device 1' may include a display panel 100, a cover window CW located above the display panel 100, and a protective member 200 located below the display panel 100. Additionally, the display device 1' may include a support member 300' corresponding to the first zone R1.

[0144] The size of the upper surface of the support member 300' may be smaller than the size of the lower surface of the support member 300'. For example, the width 300UR of the upper surface of the support member 300' in one direction may be smaller than the width 300DR of the lower surface of the support member 300' in that direction. For example, the width 301R of the plane in the support member 300' including the first point 301 in one direction may be greater than the width 302R of the plane in the support member 300' including the second point 302 in that direction. In this case, the second point 302 may be closer to the cover window CW than the first point 301.

[0145] According to some exemplary embodiments, in a plan view, the support member 300' may have a trapezoidal shape. According to some exemplary embodiments, it may be sufficient even when the support member 300' has an upper surface smaller than its lower surface.

[0146] When the display device 1' is folded, the degree of deformation of the upper part of the display panel 100 can be greater than the degree of deformation of the lower part of the display panel 100. That is, the degree of deformation of the display panel 100 can increase from the substrate 101 of the display panel 100 toward the cover window CW.

[0147] Accordingly, the support member 300' can be designed based on the thickness direction of the display panel 100, taking into account the degree of deformation of the display panel 100. In other words, since the width 300UR of the upper surface of the support member 300' in one direction is smaller than the width 300DR of the lower surface of the support member 300' in that direction, interference between the support member 300' and the display panel 100 can be prevented or reduced.

[0148] Figure 8A Simulation results of the implementation method are shown. Figure 8B Simulation results for a comparative example used for comparison with the implementation method are shown.

[0149] Reference Figure 8A When the support members are arranged on the padding layer to connect to the cover window, and the display device is repeatedly folded and unfolded, the cover window can deform. As a simulation result based on some exemplary embodiments, the maximum deformation value of the cover window is 0.48 μm. This deformation is the deformation of the cover window in the thickness direction.

[0150] Figure 8B Simulation results of the deformation of the cover window of the comparative example display device when it is repeatedly folded and unfolded are shown. In the comparative example, no support members are arranged. In the comparative example, the maximum deformation of the cover window is 6.6 μm. This deformation is the deformation of the cover window in the thickness direction.

[0151] Accordingly, when the support members are arranged on the padding and connected to the cover window, deformation of the cover window can be prevented or reduced.

[0152] A display device according to some exemplary embodiments has been described using a support member 300, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the support member 300 can also be understood as a cover glass.

[0153] As described above, according to some exemplary embodiments, a display device with high reliability is provided, which prevents deformation of the cover window by arranging support members in a transmission area in which a camera or the like is arranged.

[0154] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are to be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects within each embodiment should generally be regarded as other similar features or aspects that may be used in other embodiments. Although one or more exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope and spirit defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: The display panel includes a first opening and a display area at least partially surrounding the first opening; A padding layer located below the display panel and including a second opening, the second opening corresponding to the first opening and having a smaller planar dimension than the first opening; A support member located in the first opening above the padding layer; as well as A cover window, supported by the support member and arranged above the display panel. The planar dimension of the support member is smaller than the planar dimension of the first opening, and the support member is supported by the padding layer.

2. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The planar dimension of the support member is larger than the planar dimension of the second opening.

3. The display device as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The support member is configured to cover the second opening.

4. The display device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: The metal plate beneath the padding layer includes a third opening corresponding to the second opening.

5. The display device as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The planar dimension of the third opening is less than or equal to the planar dimension of the second opening.

6. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The width of the plane including the first point in the support member in one direction is greater than the width of the plane including the second point in the support member in that direction, and the second point is closer to the cover window than the first point.

7. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The support member comprises glass or polymer resin.

8. The display device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: The component located below the supporting member.

9. The display device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The support member and the component are spaced apart from each other.

10. The display device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The planar dimension of the component is smaller than the planar dimension of the second opening.

11. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The transmittance of the support member is in the range of 70% to 100%.

12. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The display panel includes a flexible display panel.

13. A display device, comprising: The display panel includes a first opening and a display area at least partially surrounding the first opening; A cover window, located above the display panel; A cover glass, which is connected to the cover window and arranged in the first opening; as well as A cushion layer, the cushion layer being located beneath the cover glass, The padding layer includes a second opening corresponding to the first opening, and The planar dimension of the first opening is larger than the planar dimension of the second opening. The cover glass has a smaller planar dimension than the first opening, and the cover glass is supported by the padding layer.

14. The display device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The cover glass is configured to cover the second opening.

15. The display device of claim 13, further comprising: The metal plate beneath the padding layer includes a third opening corresponding to the second opening.

16. The display device as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The planar dimension of the third opening is less than or equal to the planar dimension of the second opening.

17. The display device of claim 13, further comprising: The component located below the cover glass.

18. The display device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The planar dimension of the upper surface of the cover glass is smaller than the planar dimension of the lower surface of the cover glass.

19. The display device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The display panel includes a flexible display panel.

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