Display device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a display device. The display device includes a display panel including a light emitting structure, and including a main display area and left and right edge display areas adjoining left and right edges of the main display area; and a first pattern film attached to below the display panel overlapping the main display area, the left edge display area, and the right edge display area, and having a higher stiffness than the display panel. A stress dispersion portion is formed in the first pattern film.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, and more particularly to a display device including a curved surface. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, thanks to technological advancements, display products have been produced that are smaller, lighter, and offer superior performance. While existing cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions have many advantages in terms of performance and price and are widely used in display devices, display devices that overcome the shortcomings of CRTs in terms of miniaturization and portability, offering advantages such as smaller size, lighter weight, and lower power consumption, such as plasma display devices, liquid crystal display devices, and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display devices, are attracting attention.

[0003] In particular, various structures for reducing the bezel portion of the non-display area surrounding the display area of ​​the display device have been proposed, and a structure for bending a part of the display device has been proposed, but there is a problem of damage or cracking caused by bending. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In this regard, the technical problem of the present invention focuses on the following point: the object of the present invention is to provide a display device that reduces the occurrence of breakage or cracks in curved portions and reduces the size of the bezel portion, which is a non-display area.

[0005] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described object of the present invention includes: a display panel including a light-emitting structure and including a main display area and a left edge display area and a right edge display area adjacent to the main display area; and a first pattern film attached below the display panel overlapping the main display area, the left edge display area and the right edge display area, and having a higher stiffness than the display panel. Stress dispersion portions are formed in the first pattern film.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the stress dispersion portion may be an opening in the form of a slit.

[0007] In one embodiment of the invention, the opening may be formed along a curve.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the opening may be an arc shape.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the opening may have an arc shape with multiple slits having the same center.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the left edge display area may include: a first left edge display area, connected to the main display area; and a second left edge display area and a third left edge display area, each connected to the two ends of the first left edge display area along its length. The stress dispersion portion may be formed in the second left edge display area and the third left edge display area.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the stress dispersion portion may be a groove formed on the surface of the first patterned film.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the groove may be formed on the surface where the first patterned film is in contact with the display panel.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the groove may be formed on the opposite surface of the surface of the first patterned film that is in contact with the display panel.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the trench may have multiple arc shapes having the same center.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the left edge display area and the right edge display area may be curved in a direction perpendicular to the main display area to each form a curved surface. Alternatively, the neutral plane in the curved surface may be located within the display panel, thereby exerting a compressive force on the first patterned film.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display panel may further include a bent region adjacent to the main display region. The bent region may be bent in a direction perpendicular to the main display region, such that a portion of the bent region is configured to face the back surface of the main display region and overlap with the main display region.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display device may further include: a second patterned film, attached below the bending area of ​​the display panel.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display panel may be a flexible organic light-emitting display panel, and the light-emitting structure includes: a first electrode; an organic light-emitting layer disposed on the first electrode; and a second electrode disposed on the organic light-emitting layer.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the patterned film may comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0020] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described object of the present invention includes: a display panel, comprising: a main display area disposed on a plane formed along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a curved display area adjacent to the main display area and curved relative to the plane in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions; and a patterned film attached below the display panel. It is possible that grooves or slits are formed in the portion of the patterned film overlapping the curved display area.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the neutral plane in the curved display area may be located within the display panel, thereby exerting a compressive force on the patterned film.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the curved display area may extend along the second direction, and the groove or the slit opening may be formed at both ends of the curved display area in the second direction.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the two ends of the curved display area in the second direction may have rounded edge shapes. Alternatively, the groove or the slit opening may have a curved shape adjacent to the rounded edge shape.

[0024] (The effect of the invention)

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display device includes: a display panel including a light-emitting structure, and including a main display area and a curved display area adjacent to the main display area; and a first pattern film attached to the display panel in an overlapping manner with the main display area and the curved display area, and having a higher stiffness than the display panel. In the first pattern film, stress is dispersed by stress-dispersing portions serving as slit openings or grooves, thereby preventing the material constituting the first pattern film from being squeezed out and bulging. Thus, damage and cracking of the display panel can be prevented at its corner portions.

[0026] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described, and various extensions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a top view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 It is intercepted along the second direction. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device.

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view of the first patterned film of the display device.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A top view of the patterned film of the display device.

[0032] Figure 6 It shows that Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the curved state of the right edge display area, left edge display area, and bending area of ​​the display device.

[0033] Figure 7a It is intercepted along the first direction. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the second left edge display area LEA2 when the display device is in the unfolded state.

[0034] Figure 7b It is intercepted along the first direction. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the second left edge display area LEA2 of the display device in a bent state.

[0035] Figure 8a It is intercepted along the second direction. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the second left edge display area LEA2 when the display device is in the unfolded state.

[0036] Figure 8b It is intercepted along the second direction. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the second left edge display area LEA2 of the display device in a bent state.

[0037] Figure 9a and Figure 9b It shows that as bending Figure 1 A top view showing the change in the slit opening SL of the first pattern film PFL1 caused by the edge display area of ​​the display device.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a top view of the first patterned film of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a top view of the first patterned film of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 12 It is intercepted along the first direction. Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the second left edge display area LEA2 of the display device.

[0041] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 14 It is shown Figure 13 The diagram shows an example of an electronic device implemented as a smartphone.

[0043] Figure 15 and Figure 16 This is a photograph showing damage or cracks at the end of the edge display area, used to illustrate the effects of the invention.

[0044] (Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram)

[0045] 10: Display device PN: Display panel

[0046] MDA: Main Display Area

[0047] LEA: Left edge display area

[0048] REA: Right edge display area

[0049] PEL1: First Pattern Film

[0050] SL: Slit Opening Detailed Implementation

[0051] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a top view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is intercepted along the second direction. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display device 10 may include a display panel PN, a first pattern film PFL1, and a second pattern film PFL2.

[0054] The display panel PN may include: a display area for displaying images; and a non-display area (not shown) surrounding the display area. The display area may include a main display area MDA, a right edge display area REA, and a left edge display area LEA.

[0055] The main display area MDA can be configured on a plane formed by a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0056] The right edge display area REA can extend towards the second direction D2 and connect to the main display area MDA towards the first direction D1. The right edge display area REA can be a curved display area that curves relative to the plane on which the main display area MDA is configured towards a third direction D3 perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0057] The right edge display area REA may include a first right edge display area REA1, a second right edge display area REA2, and a third right edge display area REA3. The first right edge display area REA1 may be connected to the main display area MDA in the first direction D1. The second right edge display area REA2 and the third right edge display area REA3 may each be connected to the two ends of the first right edge display area REA1 in the length direction, that is, the two ends in the second direction D2.

[0058] The left edge display area LEA can extend towards the second direction D2 and connect to the main display area MDA towards the first direction D1. The left edge display area LEA can be a curved display area that curves relative to the plane on which the main display area MDA is configured towards a third direction D3 perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0059] The left edge display area (LEA) may include a first left edge display area (LEA1), a second left edge display area (LEA2), and a third left edge display area (LEA3). The first left edge display area (LEA1) may be connected to the main display area (MDA) in the first direction D1. The second left edge display area (LEA2) and the third left edge display area (LEA3) may each be connected to the two ends of the first left edge display area (LEA1) along its length, i.e., the two ends along the second direction D2.

[0060] The display area, including the main display area MDA, the left edge display area LEA, and the right edge display area REA, can generally be a rectangular shape with rounded corners. That is, the second left edge display area LEA2, the third left edge display area LEA3, the second right edge display area REA2, and the third right edge display area REA3 can have rounded edges.

[0061] The display panel PN may further include a bending region BA. The bending region BA may be bent in a direction perpendicular to the main display area MDA, i.e., a third direction D3 perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, such that a portion of the bending region BA is configured to face and overlap the back surface of the main display area MDA. The bending region BA may be configured with a drive circuit for driving the display device 10 and pad electrodes for connection to external devices (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0062] The first pattern film PFL1 can be attached to the underside of the display panel PN, overlapping the main display area MDA, the left edge display area LEA, and the right edge display area REA. The first pattern film PFL1 can have higher stiffness than the display panel. The first pattern film PFL1 can be formed from materials such as synthetic resins. For example, the first pattern film PFL1 may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0063] The second patterned film PFL2 may be attached to the underside of the display panel PN, overlapping a portion of the bent area BA. The second patterned film PFL2 may be spaced apart from the first patterned film PFL1 and may be formed of the same material.

[0064] The display panel PN can be a flexible organic light-emitting display panel. For example, the display panel PN may include: a flexible substrate; thin-film transistors and circuit wiring disposed on the flexible substrate; a first electrode electrically connected to the thin-film transistors and circuit wiring; a light-emitting layer disposed on the first electrode; and a second electrode disposed on the light-emitting layer. On the other hand, as a flexible display panel, the display panel PN can have various known structures, and detailed descriptions of these are omitted.

[0065] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view of the first patterned film of the display device.

[0066] Reference Figures 1 to 3 At the four corners of the first pattern film PFL1 of the display device 10, that is, the portions corresponding to the second left edge display area LEA2, the third left edge display area LEA3, the second right edge display area REA2 and the third right edge display area REA3, slit openings SL can be formed as stress dispersion portions.

[0067] That is, the slit opening SL can be formed in the portion that overlaps with the second left edge display area LEA2, the third left edge display area LEA3, the second right edge display area REA2, and the third right edge display area REA3 of the display panel PN.

[0068] The slit opening SL can be formed along a curve. For example, the slit opening SL can have a curved shape adjacent to the rounded edge shape of the edge display area. For example, the slit opening SL can have an arc shape with multiple slit shapes having the same center. The slit opening SL can be formed on the first patterned film PFL1 using processes such as laser cutting.

[0069] On the other hand, although this embodiment describes the slit opening SL as being formed along a curve, it is not limited thereto. For example, it may also have a straight line shape extending along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, or it may have a straight line shape extending in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle to the first direction D1.

[0070] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A top view of the patterned film of the display device.

[0071] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The display device may include a display panel PN and a patterned film PFL. Except that the patterned film PFL is not separated and forms a single unit, the display device is... Figures 1 to 3 The display devices are essentially the same. Therefore, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0072] The patterned film PFL may include a main display area MDA, a right edge display area REA, a left edge display area LEA, and a bending area BA. The right edge display area REA may include a first right edge display area REA1, a second right edge display area REA2, and a third right edge display area REA3. The left edge display area LEA may include a first left edge display area LEA1, a second left edge display area LEA2, and a third left edge display area LEA3.

[0073] At the four corners of the patterned film PFL, that is, the portions corresponding to the second left edge display area LEA2, the third left edge display area LEA3, the second right edge display area REA2, and the third right edge display area REA3, slit openings SL can be formed as stress dispersion portions.

[0074] Figure 6It shows that Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the curved state of the right edge display area, left edge display area, and bending area of ​​the display device. Figure 7a It is intercepted along the first direction. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the second left edge display area LEA2 when the display device is in the unfolded state. Figure 7b It is intercepted along the first direction. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the second left edge display area LEA2 of the display device in a bent state. Figure 8a It is intercepted along the second direction. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the second left edge display area LEA2 when the display device is in the unfolded state. Figure 8b It is intercepted along the second direction. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the second left edge display area LEA2 of the display device in a bent state. Figure 9a and Figure 9b It shows that as bending Figure 1 A top view showing the change in the slit opening SL of the first pattern film PFL1 caused by the edge display area of ​​the display device.

[0075] Reference Figure 7a , Figure 8a and Figure 9a The diagram shows the state of the display panel PN before bending. No stress is applied to the first pattern film PFL1; therefore, the slit opening SL at each corner portion of the first pattern film PFL1, corresponding to the portions of the second left edge display area LEA2, the third left edge display area LEA3, the second right edge display area REA2, and the third right edge display area REA3, is not under stress. The slit opening SL may have a first width W1.

[0076] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 7b , Figure 8b and Figure 9b It is understood that as the left edge display area LEA of the display panel PN bends, stress is dispersed through the slit opening SL of the first pattern film PFL1 located below the second left edge display area LEA2. To protect the structure of the display panel PN, the neutral surface NP, which does not experience compressive or tensile stress when the left edge display area LEA of the display panel PN bends, can be designed to be located within the display panel PN. Thus, compressive stress acts on the first pattern film PFL1, and this compressive stress acts not only on the cross-sectional surfaces of the first direction D1 and the third direction D3 (refer to...). Figure 7bFurthermore, it also acts in the direction in which the first patterned film PFL1 is extruded along the second direction D2 (refer to...). Figure 6 and Figure 8b (The thick arrow in the middle).

[0077] Therefore, at the end of the first patterned film PFL1 in the second direction D2, with the compressive stress, the material constituting the first patterned film PFL1 may be squeezed out in the second direction D2 and bulge (see reference). Figure 15 Therefore, damage and cracks may occur to the display panel at the edges (see reference). Figure 16 The slit opening SL can be in a state with a second width W2 that is smaller than the first width W1 (or in a state where the walls of the slit opening SL are in contact with each other).

[0078] According to this embodiment, stress is dispersed by the slit opening SL of the first pattern film PFL1 located below the second left edge display area LEA2, thereby preventing the material constituting the first pattern film PFL1 from being squeezed out and bulging in the second direction D2. As a result, damage and cracks in the display panel can be prevented at the corners of the display panel PN.

[0079] Although not described in detail, the slit opening SL corresponding to the portions of the third left edge display area LEA3, the second right edge display area REA2, and the third right edge display area REA3 also serves to prevent damage and cracking of the display panel at the corners of the display panel PN.

[0080] Figure 10 This is a top view of the first patterned film of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Reference Figure 10 Except for the stress dispersion portion being formed as a groove GR instead of a slit opening, the display device and in Figures 1 to 9b The display devices described herein are essentially the same, therefore repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0082] The display device may include a display panel and a first pattern film PFL1.

[0083] The display panel may include a main display area MDA for displaying images, a right edge display area REA, and a left edge display area LEA. The right edge display area REA may include a first right edge display area REA1, a second right edge display area REA2, and a third right edge display area REA3. The left edge display area LEA may include a first left edge display area LEA1, a second left edge display area LEA2, and a third left edge display area LEA3.

[0084] Stress dispersion portions can be formed at the four corners of the first pattern film PFL1 in the display device, that is, the portions corresponding to the second left edge display area LEA2, the third left edge display area LEA3, the second right edge display area REA2, and the third right edge display area REA3.

[0085] The stress-dispersing portion may be a groove GR formed on the surface of the first patterned film PFL1. The groove GR may be formed on the surface of the first patterned film PFL1 that is in contact with the display panel.

[0086] On the other hand, in the accompanying drawings, the groove GR is illustrated as having a curved shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0087] Figure 11 This is a top view of the first patterned film of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 It is intercepted along the first direction. Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the second left edge display area LEA2 of the display device.

[0088] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 Except for the location of the surface where the groove GR is formed, the display device and in Figure 10 The display devices described herein are essentially the same, therefore repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0089] The display device may include a display panel and a first pattern film PFL1.

[0090] The display panel may include a main display area MDA for displaying images, a right edge display area REA, and a left edge display area LEA. The right edge display area REA may include a first right edge display area REA1, a second right edge display area REA2, and a third right edge display area REA3. The left edge display area LEA may include a first left edge display area LEA1, a second left edge display area LEA2, and a third left edge display area LEA3.

[0091] Stress dispersion portions can be formed at the four corners of the first pattern film PFL1 in the display device, that is, the portions corresponding to the second left edge display area LEA2, the third left edge display area LEA3, the second right edge display area REA2, and the third right edge display area REA3.

[0092] The stress-dispersing portion may be a groove GR formed on the surface of the first patterned film PFL1. The groove GR may be formed on the opposite side of the surface of the first patterned film PFL1 that is in contact with the display panel.

[0093] On the other hand, in the accompanying drawings, the groove GR is illustrated as having a curved shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0094] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 It is shown Figure 13 The diagram shows an example of an electronic device implemented as a smartphone.

[0095] Reference Figures 13 to 14 The electronic device 500 may include a processor 510, a memory device 520, a storage device 530, an input / output device 540, a power supply 550, and a display device 560. In this case, the display device 560 may correspond to... Figure 1 The electronic device 500 may also include various ports capable of communicating with video cards, sound cards, memory cards, USB devices, etc., or with other systems. In one embodiment, the electronic device 500 may be implemented as a television. In another embodiment, such as... Figure 14 As shown, the electronic device 500 can be implemented as a smartphone. However, this is exemplary, and the electronic device 500 is not limited to this. For example, the electronic device 500 can also be implemented as a mobile phone, video phone, smart pad, smart watch, tablet PC, vehicle navigation system, computer monitor, laptop computer, head-mounted display (HMD), etc.

[0096] The processor 510 can perform specific calculations or tasks. According to an embodiment, the processor 510 may be a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), etc. The processor 510 can be connected to other components via an address bus, control bus, and data bus. According to an embodiment, the processor 510 can also be connected to an expansion bus such as a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus. The memory device 520 can store data required for the operation of the electronic device 500. For example, the memory device 520 may include an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) device, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) device, a flash memory device, a phase-change random access memory (PRAM) device, a resistive random access memory (RRAM) device, a nano-floating gate memory (NFGM) device, or a polymer random access memory (PRAM). Non-volatile memory devices such as Memory (PoRAM) devices, Magnetic Random Access Memory (MRAM) devices, Ferroelectric Random Access Memory (FRAM) devices, and / or volatile memory devices such as Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) devices, Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) devices, and Mobile DRAM devices.The storage device 530 may include a solid-state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), an optical disc-read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. The input / output device 540 may include input tools such as a keyboard, auxiliary keyboard, touch panel, touch screen, and mouse, as well as output tools such as speakers and printers. The power supply 550 can supply the power required for the operation of the electronic device 500.

[0097] The display device 560 can be connected to other components via the bus or other communication links. According to an embodiment, the display device 560 may also be included in the input / output device 540. As described above, the display device 560 includes: a display panel including a light-emitting structure, and including a main display area and a curved display area adjacent to the main display area; and a first pattern film, which is attached to the display panel below the main display area and the curved display area, and has a higher stiffness than the display panel. In the first pattern film, stress is dispersed by stress-dispersing portions that function as slit openings or grooves, thereby preventing the material constituting the first pattern film from being squeezed out and bulging. This prevents damage and cracking of the display panel at its corners.

[0098] However, since this has already been mentioned above, a further explanation will be omitted.

[0099] Figure 16 The photograph shows damage or cracks at the end of the edge display area, illustrating the effects of the invention.

[0100] Reference Figure 16 At the end of the edge display area, as the pattern film is bent, extrusion occurs at the edge, which may lead to cracks and damage to the display panel. According to an embodiment of the present invention, stress is dispersed by acting as a stress-dispersing part, such as a slit opening or a groove, thereby preventing cracks and damage to the display panel.

[0101] (Potential for industrial application)

[0102] This invention can be applied to organic light-emitting display devices and various electronic devices including them. For example, this invention can be applied to mobile phones, smartphones, video phones, smart tablets, smartwatches, tablet PCs, vehicle navigation systems, televisions, computer monitors, laptops, head-mounted displays, etc.

[0103] Although the invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that, include: The display panel includes a light-emitting structure and includes a main display area and a left edge display area and a right edge display area adjacent to the main display area; as well as A first patterned film is attached to the underside of the display panel, overlapping the main display area, the left edge display area, and the right edge display area, and has higher rigidity than the display panel. A stress-dispersing portion is formed in the first patterned film. The stress-dispersing portion is either a slit-shaped opening penetrating the first patterned film or a groove formed on the surface of the first patterned film. Each of the left edge display area and the right edge display area includes a rounded edge. The stress-dispersing portion corresponds to the edge extending along the curve and having an arc shape.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening has an arc shape with multiple slits having the same center.

3. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The left edge display area includes: a first left edge display area, which is connected to the main display area; and a second left edge display area and a third left edge display area, each connected to one of the two ends of the first left edge display area along its length. The stress dispersion portion is formed in the second left edge display area and the third left edge display area.

4. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The left and right edge display areas curve in a direction perpendicular to the main display area, each forming a curved surface. The neutral surface in the curved surface is located within the display panel, thereby exerting a compressive force on the first patterned film.

5. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel further includes a bent area, which is connected to the main display area. The bending region bends in a direction perpendicular to the main display area, such that a portion of the bending region is configured to face the back of the main display area and overlap with the main display area.

6. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel is a flexible organic light-emitting display panel, and the light-emitting structure includes: a first electrode; an organic light-emitting layer disposed on the first electrode; and a second electrode disposed on the organic light-emitting layer.

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