Foldable display device

Abstract

A foldable display device is provided. The foldable display device includes a flexible display module, a supporting member and a protective layer, wherein the flexible display module includes a first non-bendable portion, a second non-bendable portion and a bendable portion located between the first non-bendable portion and the second non-bendable portion, the supporting member is arranged on the flexible display module, the supporting member includes a hinge portion, a first portion connected to the hinge portion and supporting the first non-bendable portion, and a second portion connected to the hinge portion and supporting the second non-bendable portion to allow the first portion and the second portion to rotate around the hinge portion, and the protective layer is attached to the first portion and the second portion to cover the bendable portion arranged between the first portion and the second portion, and the protective layer includes a stretchable material having a mesh structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate generally to display devices, and more particularly, to foldable display devices. Background Art

[0002] A display device can provide information to a user by displaying an image. Recently, a flexible display device that can be deformed in various forms has been developed. Unlike a flat panel display, a flexible display device can be folded, bent, or curled like paper. A flexible display device can be portable and can improve user convenience.

[0003] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for understanding the background of the inventive concept and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0004] Applicants have discovered that foreign matter that can interfere with the function and / or reliability of a foldable display device may be introduced into the display device at the bendable portion of the device.

[0005] A foldable display device constructed according to the principles and exemplary implementations of the present invention has improved reliability. For example, the foldable display device may include a protective layer to cover the bendable portion of the display module. In a specific embodiment, the protective layer may include a stretchable material such as a synthetic fabric with a mesh structure, so that the protective layer blocks foreign matter from being introduced into the bendable portion of the display module, and the display module and / or the foldable display device has improved reliability.

[0006] Additional features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concept.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a foldable display device includes a flexible display module, a supporting member and a protective layer, wherein the flexible display module includes a first non-bendable portion, a second non-bendable portion and a bendable portion located between the first non-bendable portion and the second non-bendable portion, the supporting member is arranged on the flexible display module, the supporting member includes a hinge portion, a first portion connected to the hinge portion and supporting the first non-bendable portion, and a second portion connected to the hinge portion and supporting the second non-bendable portion to allow the first portion and the second portion to rotate around the hinge portion, and the protective layer is attached to the first portion and the second portion to cover the bendable portion arranged between the first portion and the second portion, and the protective layer includes a stretchable material having a mesh structure.

[0008] The protective layer may include a film formed of at least one of nylon and polyurethane (PU).

[0009] The stretchable material may include a synthetic fabric including a twisted plurality of filaments coupled to each other, and each of the plurality of filaments may have a thickness in a range of about 20 μm to about 400 μm.

[0010] The protective layer may include at least one hole formed by a plurality of filaments, and the hole may have a width of about 40 μm or less.

[0011] The protective layer may include a plurality of sub-protective layers stacked on each other and each formed of a stretchable material having a mesh structure.

[0012] The supporting member may include a folding unit, the first portion may include a first supporting portion, and the second portion may include a second supporting portion. The first supporting portion may include a first cover disposed on the first non-bendable portion and a first supporting plate disposed between the first non-bendable portion and the first cover. The second supporting portion may include a second cover disposed on the second non-bendable portion and a second supporting plate disposed between the second non-bendable portion and the second cover.

[0013] A protective layer may be attached to the first support plate and the second support plate.

[0014] A protective layer may be attached to the first cover and the second cover.

[0015] A protective layer may be attached to an upper surface of the first cover and an upper surface of the second cover.

[0016] A protective layer may be attached to a lower surface of the first cover and a lower surface of the second cover.

[0017] The first supporting portion may further include a third supporting plate disposed between the first non-bendable portion and the first supporting plate, and the second supporting portion may further include a fourth supporting plate disposed between the second non-bendable portion and the second supporting plate.

[0018] A protective layer may be attached to the third support plate and the fourth support plate.

[0019] The folding unit may further include a fifth supporting plate disposed between the third supporting plate and the fourth supporting plate and having a lattice pattern.

[0020] Each of the first support plate and the second support plate may be formed of at least one of stainless steel, copper (Cu), and graphite.

[0021] Each of the first and second support plates may include a first sub-support plate formed of stainless steel, a second sub-support plate disposed on the first sub-support plate and formed of stainless steel, and a third sub-support plate disposed between the first and second sub-support plates and formed of at least one of copper and graphite.

[0022] The protective layer may have first and second ends attached to the first and second portions, respectively, and when the flexible display module is bent, a distance between the first and second ends of the protective layer may be at least four times a radius of curvature of the bendable portion.

[0023] The foldable display device may further include a first adhesive member disposed between the first end of the protective layer and the first portion, and a second adhesive member disposed between the second end of the protective layer and the second portion.

[0024] The foldable display device may further include a protection member disposed between the flexible display module and the support member, the protection member including a base layer and a cushion layer disposed on the base layer and having a porous structure.

[0025] The cushion layer may be formed of synthetic resin foam.

[0026] The first non-bendable portion and the second non-bendable portion may each have a display surface facing each other when the flexible display module is bent.

[0027] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the inventive concept.

[0029] Figure 1 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a foldable display device constructed according to the present inventive concept in an unfolded state.

[0030] Figure 2 It is in folded state Figure 1 A perspective view of a foldable display device.

[0031] Figure 3 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA'.

[0032] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the foldable display device in the unfolded state and the folded state. Figure 3 An enlarged plan view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of a protective film.

[0033] Figure 5 It is in folded state Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a foldable display device.

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 1A cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a flexible display module.

[0035] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A plan view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of a display panel.

[0036] Figure 8 is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB'.

[0037] Fig. 9 yes Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a first support plate.

[0038] Fig.10 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a protective film.

[0039] Fig.11 is a diagram showing another exemplary embodiment of a foldable display device. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA'.

[0040] Fig.12 and Fig.13 is a diagram showing another exemplary embodiment of a foldable display device. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA'.

[0041] Fig.14 is another exemplary embodiment of a foldable display device. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA'.

[0042] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 A plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a fifth support plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the present invention. As used herein, "implementation" and "implementation" are interchangeable words, which are non-limiting examples of devices or methods using one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it is apparent that various exemplary embodiments can be practiced without specific details or in the case of one or more equivalent arrangements. In other examples, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessary confusion of various exemplary embodiments. In addition, various exemplary embodiments may be different, but need not be exclusive. For example, without departing from the inventive concept, the specific shape, configuration and characteristics of the exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment.

[0044] Unless otherwise specified, the exemplary embodiments shown will be understood as providing exemplary features of different details that can implement some ways of the inventive concept in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions and / or aspects, etc. (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as "elements") of various embodiments may be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged in other ways without departing from the inventive concept.

[0045] The use of cross hatching and / or shading in the drawings is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Thus, unless otherwise specified, the presence or absence of cross hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material performance, size, ratio, commonality between the elements shown, and / or any other characteristics, attributes, performances, etc. of the elements. In addition, in the drawings, the size and relative size of the elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of clarity and / or description. When the exemplary embodiments may be implemented differently, the specific process sequence may be performed differently from the described sequence. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in an order opposite to the described sequence. In addition, similar reference numerals represent similar elements.

[0046] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, connected to or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be an intermediate element or layer. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly" "on", "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there is no intermediate element or layer. For this reason, the term "connection" may refer to a physical, electrical and / or fluid connection with or without an intermediate element. In addition, the D1-axis, D2-axis and D3-axis are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system (such as an x-axis, a y-axis and a z-axis), and may be interpreted as a broader meaning. For example, the D1-axis, D2-axis and D3-axis may be perpendicular to each other, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purpose of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" may be interpreted as any combination of only X, only Y, only Z, or two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for example, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0047] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another element. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element.

[0048] Spatially relative terms such as "below," "below," "below," "above," "on," "above," "higher," "side" (e.g., as in "sidewall"), etc. may be used herein for descriptive purposes, and therefore, to describe the relationship of one element to another element as shown in the figures. In addition to the orientations depicted in the figures, spatially relative terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features will subsequently be oriented to be "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary term "below" can cover both orientations of above and below. In addition, the device can be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and thus, the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0049] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one" and "the" as used herein are also intended to include plural forms. In addition, the term "comprising", when used in this specification, indicates the existence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or its clusters, but does not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or its clusters. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially", "about" and other similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree, and thus, are utilized to consider the inherent deviations of measured values, calculated values ​​and / or provided values ​​that will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0050] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sections and / or exploded illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized exemplary embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Thus, variations in the shapes of the illustrations resulting from, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. Thus, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be construed as limited to the particular illustrated shapes of regions, but rather include deviations in shape resulting from, for example, manufacturing. In this manner, the regions illustrated in the figures may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of the regions of the device, and thus, are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Unless explicitly defined as such herein, 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 technology and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0052] Figure 1 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a foldable display device constructed according to the present inventive concept in an unfolded state. Figure 2 It is in folded state Figure 1 A perspective view of a foldable display device.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the foldable display device may include a flexible display module 100 and a supporting member which may be in the form of a folding unit 200 .

[0054] The flexible display module 100 may include a display area DA and a peripheral area PA. The display area DA may display an image, and the peripheral area PA may surround the display area DA to form a frame of the foldable display device.

[0055] The flexible display module 100 may include a flexible substrate including flexible plastic or the like, but not a rigid substrate including rigid glass or the like. Accordingly, the flexible display module 100 may be freely folded or unfolded within a predetermined range. The flexible display module 100 may be supported to be folded or unfolded by the folding unit 200.

[0056] The folding unit 200 may include a first support portion 210, a second support portion 220, and a hinge portion 230. The first support portion 210 may be connected to the hinge portion 230 in a first direction DR1, and the second support portion 220 may be connected to the hinge portion 230 in a second direction DR2 opposite to the first direction DR1. The hinge portion 230 may be located between the first support portion 210 and the second support portion 220 to allow folding of the first support portion 210 and the second support portion 220 around the hinge portion 230.

[0057] Figure 3 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA'.

[0058] Reference Figure 3 , the foldable display device may include a flexible display module 100 , a folding unit 200 , and a protective layer which may be in the form of a protective film 300 .

[0059] The flexible display module 100 may include a first non-bendable portion 110, a second non-bendable portion 120, and a bendable portion 130. The bendable portion 130 may be located between the first non-bendable portion 110 and the second non-bendable portion 120. The first non-bendable portion 110 may be positioned in a first direction DR1 from the bendable portion 130, and the second non-bendable portion 120 may be positioned in a second direction DR2 from the bendable portion 130. The first non-bendable portion 110 and the second non-bendable portion 120 may be substantially rigid and may not be foldable. The bendable portion 130 may be flexible and may be foldable.

[0060] The flexible display module 100 may include a display surface 140 and a rear surface 150 opposite to the display surface 140. The flexible display module 100 may display an image toward the display surface 140. The rear surface 150 may be a non-display surface that does not display an image. The folding unit 200 including the first support portion 210 and the second support portion 220 may be disposed on the rear surface 150 of the flexible display module 100.

[0061] The first supporting part 210 may include a first cover 211 , a first supporting plate 212 , and a first adhesive layer 213 .

[0062] The first cover 211 may be disposed on the first non-bendable portion 110 of the flexible display module 100. The first cover 211 may be disposed on and overlap the rear surface 150 of the first non-bendable portion 110 and the rear surface 150 of the bendable portion 130 adjacent to the first non-bendable portion 110 to protect the rear surface 150 of the first non-bendable portion 110 and the rear surface 150 of the bendable portion 130 adjacent to the first non-bendable portion 110.

[0063] The first support plate 212 may be disposed between the first non-bendable portion 110 and the first cover 211 of the flexible display module 100. The first support plate 212 may support the first non-bendable portion 110 and the bendable portion 130 adjacent to the first non-bendable portion 110. For example, an adhesive layer may be interposed between the first support plate 212 and the rear surface 150 of the first non-bendable portion 110. The first support plate 212 may be attached to the first non-bendable portion 110 to support the first non-bendable portion 110 in a fixed state. In addition, in the case where it is not attached to the bendable portion 130 adjacent to the first non-bendable portion 110, the first support plate 212 may support the bendable portion 130 adjacent to the first non-bendable portion 110 in an unfixed state.

[0064] The first adhesive layer 213 may be disposed between the first cover 211 and the first support plate 212. The first adhesive layer 213 may combine and / or attach the first cover 211 and the first support plate 212. The first adhesive layer 213 may overlap at least a portion of the first non-bendable portion 110, and may not overlap the bendable portion 130.

[0065] The second supporting part 220 may include a second cover 221 , a second supporting plate 222 , and a second adhesive layer 223 .

[0066] The second cover 221 may be disposed on the second non-bendable portion 120 of the flexible display module 100. The second cover 221 may be disposed on and overlap the rear surface 150 of the second non-bendable portion 120 and the rear surface 150 of the bendable portion 130 adjacent to the second non-bendable portion 120 to protect the rear surface 150 of the second non-bendable portion 120 and the rear surface 150 of the bendable portion 130 adjacent to the second non-bendable portion 120.

[0067] The second support plate 222 may be disposed between the second non-bendable portion 120 of the flexible display module 100 and the second cover 221. The second support plate 222 may support the second non-bendable portion 120 and the bendable portion 130 adjacent to the second non-bendable portion 120. For example, an adhesive layer may be interposed between the second support plate 222 and the rear surface 150 of the second non-bendable portion 120. The second support plate 222 may be attached to the second non-bendable portion 120 to support the second non-bendable portion 120 in a fixed state. In addition, in the case where it is not attached to the bendable portion 130 adjacent to the second non-bendable portion 120, the second support plate 222 may support the bendable portion 130 adjacent to the second non-bendable portion 120 in an unfixed state.

[0068] The second adhesive layer 223 may be disposed between the second cover 221 and the second support plate 222. The second adhesive layer 223 may combine and / or attach the second cover 221 and the second support plate 222. The second adhesive layer 223 may overlap at least a portion of the second non-bendable portion 120 and may not overlap the bendable portion 130.

[0069] The first support plate 212 and the second support plate 222 may be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. Accordingly, a portion of the rear surface 150 of the bendable portion 130 of the flexible display module 100 corresponding to the space and / or gap G between the first support plate 212 and the second support plate 222 may be exposed due to the space and / or gap G between the first support plate 212 and the second support plate 222.

[0070] Each of the first support plate 212 and the second support plate 222 may be formed of at least one of stainless steel (SUS), copper (Cu), and graphite. When each of the first support plate 212 and the second support plate 222 is formed of stainless steel, the durability of each of the first support plate 212 and the second support plate 222 may be improved. In addition, when each of the first support plate 212 and the second support plate 222 is formed of copper or graphite, the heat dissipation characteristics of each of the first support plate 212 and the second support plate 222 may be improved.

[0071] The protective film 300 may be attached to the first support portion 210 and the second support portion 220 to cover the rear surface 150 of the bendable portion 130 of the flexible display module 100 including a portion corresponding to the gap G exposed by the first support portion 210 and the second support portion 220. A first end 301 of the protective film 300 may be attached to the first support portion 210, and a second end 302 of the protective film 300 may be attached to the second support portion 220.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, a first adhesive member 410 may be disposed between the first end 301 of the protective film 300 and the first support 210, and a second adhesive member 420 may be disposed between the second end 302 of the protective film 300 and the second support 220. The first adhesive member 410 may bond the first end 301 of the protective film 300 to the first support 210, and the second adhesive member 420 may bond the second end 302 of the protective film 300 to the second support 220.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first adhesive member 410 and the second adhesive member 420 may be a double-sided adhesive having adhesive properties on opposite sides. In this case, one side of the first adhesive member 410 and one side of the second adhesive member 420 may be respectively bonded to the first support portion 210 and the second support portion 220, and the other side of the first adhesive member 410 and the other side of the second adhesive member 420 may be respectively bonded to the first end 301 of the protective film 300 and the second end 302 of the protective film 300.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the protective film 300 may be attached to the first support plate 212 and the second support plate 222. For example, the protective film 300 may be disposed in a region formed between the first cover 211 and the first support plate 212 and between the second cover 221 and the second support plate 222, and the first end 301 of the protective film 300 may be attached to the lower surface 212a of the first support plate 212, and the second end 302 of the protective film 300 may be attached to the lower surface 222a of the second support plate 222. Accordingly, the protective film 300 may cover and / or overlap the rear surface 150 of the bendable portion 130 including a portion corresponding to the gap G. In this case, the first adhesive member 410 may be disposed between the lower surface 212a of the first support plate 212 and the first end 301 of the protective film 300, and the second adhesive member 420 may be disposed between the lower surface 222a of the second support plate 222 and the second end 302 of the protective film 300.

[0075] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the foldable display device in the unfolded state and the folded state. Figure 3 FIG. 1 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of a protective film 300 .

[0076] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the protective film 300 may be formed of a stretchable material such as a synthetic fabric having a mesh structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the protective film 300 may be formed of at least one of nylon and polyurethane (PU).

[0077] The protective film 300 may include a plurality of filaments FM twisted and coupled to each other. The filaments FM may be used to block foreign matter from entering through the protective film 300 from the outside and / or being introduced into the bendable portion 130 of the flexible display module 100 .

[0078] The filament FM may be formed of a synthetic fabric having a mesh structure. The protective film 300 may include holes HL1 formed by the filament FM. In an exemplary embodiment, the width WT of each of the plurality of holes HL1 may be about 40 μm or less. Since the width WT of each of the plurality of holes HL1 is about 40 μm or less, foreign matter having a width greater than about 40 μm may not pass through the protective film 300. Accordingly, the protective film 300 may block foreign matter from entering and / or being introduced onto the rear surface 150 of the bendable portion 130 of the flexible display module 100.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness TH of each of the plurality of filaments FM may be about 20 μm to about 400 μm. As the thickness TH of each of the plurality of filaments FM increases, the width WT of each of the plurality of holes HL1 may decrease. Accordingly, as the thickness TH of each of the plurality of filaments FM increases, the size of foreign matter that the protective film 300 can block may decrease.

[0080] Since the protective film 300 is formed of a synthetic fabric having a mesh structure, the protective film 300 may be stretchable and / or deformable. Since the protective film 300 is stretchable, the protective film 300 may be deformed according to the movement of the first support portion 210 and the second support portion 220 to which the protective film 300 is attached. For example, when tensile stress is applied to the protective film 300, the filaments FM of the protective film 300 may be stretched in the direction to which the tensile stress is applied. Therefore, the length of the protective film 300 may increase in the direction to which the tensile stress is applied.

[0081] The rear surface 150 of the bendable portion 130 of the flexible display module 100 exposed by the first support portion 210 and the second support portion 220 and the outside can be blocked by the protective film 300. Accordingly, the protective film 300 can block foreign matter from entering and / or being introduced into the flexible display module 100 from the outside through the space and / or gap G between the first support portion 210 and the second support portion 220, and therefore, the reliability of the foldable display device can be improved.

[0082] Figure 5 It is in folded state Figure 3A cross-sectional view of a foldable display device.

[0083] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the unfolded state, the flexible display module 100 may be unfolded so that a portion of the display surface 140 is horizontally arranged on the same plane. For example, when an external force is applied to the folded foldable display device in an outward direction, the first support portion 210 and the second support portion 220 may rotate in a counterclockwise direction and a clockwise direction, respectively, about the hinge portion 230 so that the flexible display module 100 is unfolded. When the flexible display module 100 is unfolded, the display surface 140 of the first non-bendable portion 110 and the display surface 140 of the second non-bendable portion 120 may be substantially parallel to each other.

[0084] In the folded state, the flexible display module 100 may be folded inwardly so that portions of the display surface 140 face each other. For example, when an external force is applied to the unfolded foldable display device in an inward direction, the first support portion 210 and the second support portion 220 may rotate in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, respectively, about the hinge portion 230 so that the flexible display module 100 is folded. When the flexible display module 100 is folded, the display surface 140 of the first non-bendable portion 110 and the display surface 140 of the second non-bendable portion 120 may face each other.

[0085] like Figure 4 As shown in , when the flexible display module 100 is unfolded, the protective film 300 may shrink (contract), and when the flexible display module 100 is folded, the protective film 300 may stretch (stretch). Since the interval between the first support portion 210 and the second support portion 220 is reduced when the flexible display module 100 is unfolded, the flexible protective film 300 attached to the first support portion 210 and the second support portion 220 may shrink to a substantially flat shape due to its inherent elastic restoring force. Since the interval between the first support portion 210 and the second support portion 220 increases when the flexible display module 100 is folded, the flexible protective film 300 attached to the first support portion 210 and the second support portion 220 may stretch to a bent shape along the shape of the bendable portion 130 of the flexible display module 100 due to tensile stress.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, when the flexible display module 100 is bent, the distance DT between the first end 301 and the second end 302 of the protective film 300 may be at least four times the radius of curvature R of the bendable portion 130 of the flexible display module 100. In such an exemplary embodiment, the radius of curvature R of the bendable portion 130 of the flexible display module 100 may be the distance from the bending axis BX to the rear surface 150 of the first non-bendable portion 110 or the rear surface 150 of the second non-bendable portion 120 when the flexible display module 100 is bent. When the distance DT between the first end 301 and the second end 302 of the protective film 300 (e.g., the length of the protective film 300 in the first direction DR1) is small, the elongation of the protective film 300 due to the bending of the flexible display module 100 may be large. When the elongation of the protective film 300 exceeds the maximum elongation of the protective film 300, the protective film 300 may be damaged. Accordingly, the protective film 300 cannot be properly stretched, and / or the protective film 300 cannot block the inflow and / or introduction of foreign matter. However, the distance DT between the first end 301 and the second end 302 of the protective film 300 may be at least four times the radius of curvature R of the bendable portion 130 of the flexible display module 100, so that the protective film 300 has a length sufficient to be stretched in response to the bending of the flexible display module 100. Accordingly, damage to the protective film 300 caused by the bending of the flexible display module 100 can be prevented.

[0087] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a flexible display module 100 .

[0088] Reference Figure 6 , the flexible display module 100 may include a display panel 600, a sensing layer 700, a polarizing layer 800, and a window 900. As described above, since the flexible display module 100 may be folded or unfolded, each of the display panel 600, the sensing layer 700, the polarizing layer 800, and the window 900 may have flexible characteristics.

[0089] The display panel 600 may include a plurality of pixels and may generate an image formed by combining light beams emitted from the pixels. The display panel 600 may include a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The display panel 600 may display an image toward the first surface, and the second surface of the display panel 600 may correspond to the rear surface 150 of the flexible display module 100.

[0090] The sensing layer 700 may be disposed on the display panel 600. The sensing layer 700 may sense an external input, such as an external object that is in contact with or close to the foldable display device. For example, the sensing layer 700 may sense the external input by using a capacitive scheme.

[0091] The polarizing layer 800 may be disposed on the sensing layer 700. The polarizing layer 800 may reduce the reflection of external light of the foldable display device. For example, when external light passes through the polarizing layer 800, is reflected from the lower portion of the polarizing layer 800 (e.g., the display panel 600), and passes through the polarizing layer 800 again, the external light passes through the polarizing layer 800 twice, and therefore, the phase of the external light may be changed. Accordingly, the phase of the reflected light is different from the phase of the incident light entering the polarizing layer 800, so that destructive interference may occur, and the reflection of the external light is reduced, so that the visibility of the foldable display device may be improved.

[0092] The window 900 may be disposed on the polarizing layer 800. The window 900 may protect the display panel 600, the sensing layer 700, and the polarizing layer 800 from external impacts, and may provide a display surface 140 of the flexible display module 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the window 900 may include a polymer resin (such as polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyarylate (PAR), polyethersulfone (PES), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN)) glass, and the like.

[0093] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of a display panel 600 . Figure 8 is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB'.

[0094] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The display panel 600 may include a plurality of pixels each including a switching thin film transistor T1, a driving thin film transistor T2, a capacitor CAP, and a light emitting element EE. A pixel represents a minimum unit for displaying an image, and the display panel 600 may display an image through the pixel.

[0095] although Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is shown that two thin film transistors and one capacitor are provided in one pixel, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and one pixel may be provided with at least three thin film transistors and / or at least two capacitors.

[0096] The display panel 600 may include a substrate 610, a gate line 631 disposed on the substrate 610, a data line 641 insulated from and intersecting the gate line 631, and a common power line 642. Generally, one pixel may be defined by a boundary between the gate line 631, the data line 641, and the common power line 642, but the pixel is not limited to the above definition. The pixel may be defined by a black matrix or a pixel defining layer.

[0097] The substrate 610 may include a flexible material such as plastic. For example, the substrate 610 may be formed of polyethersulfone (PES), polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyacrylate (PAR), fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), or the like.

[0098] The substrate 610 may have a thickness in the range of about 5 μm to about 200 μm. When the substrate 610 has a thickness less than about 5 μm, it may be difficult for the substrate 610 to stably support the light emitting element EE. In addition, when the substrate 610 has a thickness greater than about 200 μm, the flexibility of the substrate 610 may be deteriorated.

[0099] The buffer layer 611 may be disposed on the substrate 610. The buffer layer 611 may be used to prevent the penetration of impurities and to flatten the surface. The buffer layer 611 may be formed of silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, or the like. However, the buffer layer 611 is not necessarily required and may be omitted depending on the type of the substrate 610 and process conditions.

[0100] A switching semiconductor layer 621 and a driving semiconductor layer 622 may be disposed on the buffer layer 611. The switching semiconductor layer 621 and the driving semiconductor layer 622 may be formed of one of polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, and an oxide semiconductor (such as indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO), or the like). For example, when the driving semiconductor layer 622 is formed of polycrystalline silicon, the driving semiconductor layer 622 may include a channel region not doped with impurities and a source region and a drain region formed by doping impurities on opposite sides of the channel region. In this case, the doped impurities are P-type impurities such as boron (B), and B may be mainly used. 2 H 6The impurity may vary according to the type of the thin film transistor. Although a thin film transistor having a PMOS structure using a P-type impurity is used as the driving thin film transistor T2 in the illustrated embodiment, the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto, and a thin film transistor having an NMOS structure or a CMOS structure may be used as the driving thin film transistor T2.

[0101] A gate insulating layer 612 may be disposed on the switching semiconductor layer 621 and the driving semiconductor layer 622. The gate insulating layer 612 may be formed of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), silicon nitride, silicon oxide, or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the gate insulating layer 612 may have a double-layer structure in which a silicon nitride layer having a thickness of about 40 nm and a tetraethoxysilane layer having a thickness of about 80 nm are sequentially stacked.

[0102] A gate wiring including a plurality of gate electrodes 632 and 635 may be provided on the gate insulating layer 612. The gate wiring may also include a gate line 631, a first storage plate 638, and the like. The plurality of gate electrodes 632 and 635 may be provided to overlap at least a portion (e.g., a channel region) of the plurality of semiconductor layers 621 and 622. When impurities are doped in the source region and the drain region of the plurality of semiconductor layers 621 and 622 in the process of forming the plurality of semiconductor layers 621 and 622, the plurality of gate electrodes 632 and 635 may be used to block impurities from being doped in the channel region.

[0103] The plurality of gate electrodes 632 and 635 and the first storage plate 638 may be disposed on the same layer and may be formed of substantially the same metal. For example, the plurality of gate electrodes 632 and 635 and the first storage plate 638 may be formed of molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), tungsten (W), or the like.

[0104] An interlayer insulating layer 613 covering the plurality of gate electrodes 632 and 635 may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 612. Like the gate insulating layer 612, the interlayer insulating layer 613 may be formed of tetraethyl orthosilicate, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, or the like, but the material of the interlayer insulating layer 613 is not limited thereto.

[0105] Data wiring including a plurality of source electrodes 643 and 646 and a plurality of drain electrodes 644 and 647 may be provided on the interlayer insulating layer 613. The data wiring may also include a data line 641, a common power line 642, a second storage plate 648, and the like. The plurality of source electrodes 643 and 646 and the plurality of drain electrodes 644 and 647 may be connected to the source region and the drain region of the plurality of semiconductor layers 621 and 622 through a plurality of contact holes formed in the gate insulating layer 612 and the interlayer insulating layer 613, respectively.

[0106] The switching thin film transistor T1 may include a switching semiconductor layer 621, a switching gate electrode 632, a switching source electrode 643, and a switching drain electrode 644, and the driving thin film transistor T2 may include a driving semiconductor layer 622, a driving gate electrode 635, a driving source electrode 646, and a driving drain electrode 647. In addition, the capacitor CAP may include a first storage plate 638 and a second storage plate 648, and the first storage plate 638 and the second storage plate 648 are disposed with the interlayer insulating layer 613 located therebetween.

[0107] The switching thin film transistor T1 may be used as a switching element, and the switching element is used to select a pixel configured to emit light. The switching gate electrode 632 may be connected to the gate line 631. The switching source electrode 643 may be connected to the data line 641. The switching drain electrode 644 may be spaced apart from the switching source electrode 643 and connected to the first storage plate 638.

[0108] The driving thin film transistor T2 may apply driving power to the pixel electrode 650, and the driving power drives the light emitting layer 660 of the light emitting element EE in the selected pixel. The driving gate electrode 635 may be connected to the first storage plate 638. The driving source electrode 646 and the second storage plate 648 may be connected to the common power line 642. The driving drain electrode 647 may be connected to the pixel electrode 650 of the light emitting element EE through a contact hole.

[0109] According to the above structure, the switching thin film transistor T1 can be operated by the gate voltage applied to the gate line 631, so as to transmit the data voltage applied to the data line 641 to the driving thin film transistor T2. A voltage corresponding to the difference between the common voltage applied to the driving thin film transistor T2 from the common power line 642 and the data voltage transmitted from the switching thin film transistor T1 can be stored in the capacitor CAP, and a current corresponding to the voltage stored in the capacitor CAP flows into the light emitting element EE through the driving thin film transistor T2, so that the light emitting element EE can emit light.

[0110] The planarization layer 614 may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 613 to cover the data line 641 , the common power line 642 , the plurality of source electrodes 643 and 646 , the plurality of drain electrodes 644 and 647 , and the second storage plate 648 .

[0111] The planarization layer 614 can be used to remove and planarize the steps to increase the brightness efficiency of the light emitting element EE formed thereon. The planarization layer 614 can be formed of acrylic resin (polyacrylate resin), epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyphenylene resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, benzocyclobutene (BCB) or the like.

[0112] The pixel electrode 650 of the light emitting element EE may be disposed on the planarization layer 614. The pixel electrode 650 may be connected to the drain electrode 647 through a contact hole formed in the planarization layer 614.

[0113] The pixel defining layer 615 may be disposed on the planarization layer 614 to expose at least a portion of the pixel electrode 650, thereby defining a pixel region. The pixel electrode 650 may be disposed to correspond to the pixel region of the pixel defining layer 615. The pixel defining layer 615 may be formed of a polyacrylate resin, a polyimide resin, or the like.

[0114] The light-emitting layer 660 may be disposed on the pixel electrode 650 in the pixel region, and the common electrode 670 may be disposed on the pixel defining layer 615 and the light-emitting layer 660. The light-emitting layer 660 may be formed of a low-molecular organic material or a high-molecular organic material. At least one of a hole injection layer (HIL) and a hole transport layer (HTL) may be disposed between the pixel electrode 650 and the light-emitting layer 660, and at least one of an electron transport layer (ETL) and an electron injection layer (EIL) may be disposed between the light-emitting layer 660 and the common electrode 670.

[0115] Each of the pixel electrode 650 and the common electrode 670 may be formed as any one of a transmissive electrode, a transflective electrode, and a reflective electrode.

[0116] Transparent conductive oxide (TCO) can be used to form a transmissive electrode. Transparent conductive oxide (TCO) can include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In 2 O 3 ) and the like.

[0117] In order to form the transflective electrode and the reflective electrode, a metal such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), gold (Au), calcium (Ca), lithium (Li), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu) or an alloy thereof may be used. The determination between the transflective electrode and the reflective electrode may depend on the thickness. Generally, the transflective electrode may have a thickness of about 200 nm or less, and the reflective electrode may have a thickness of about 300 nm or more. The transflective electrode may have a higher transmittance but a higher resistance as the thickness decreases, and may have a lower transmittance as the thickness increases. In addition, the transflective electrode and the reflective electrode may be formed into a multilayer structure, and the multilayer structure includes a metal layer formed of a metal or a metal alloy and a transparent conductive oxide layer stacked on the metal layer.

[0118] A thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the common electrode 670. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one inorganic layer (e.g., a plurality of inorganic layers 681, 683, and 685) and at least one organic layer (e.g., a plurality of organic layers 682 and 684). The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may have a structure in which a plurality of inorganic layers 681, 683, and 685 and a plurality of organic layers 682 and 684 are alternately stacked. In this case, the inorganic layer 681 may be disposed at the bottom. In other words, the inorganic layer 681 may be disposed closest to the light emitting element EE.

[0119] although Figure 8 It is shown that the thin film encapsulation layer TFE includes three inorganic layers 681 , 683 , and 685 and two organic layers 682 and 684 , but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0120] The plurality of inorganic layers 681, 683 and 685 may be made of Al 2 O 3 、TiO 2 、ZrO、SiO 2 、AlON、AlN、SiON、Si 3 N 4 , ZnO and Ta 2 O 5 The plurality of inorganic layers 681, 683 and 685 may be formed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD). The plurality of inorganic layers 681, 683 and 685 may mainly block the penetration of moisture or oxygen. The plurality of inorganic layers 681, 683 and 685 may block most of moisture and oxygen from penetrating into the light emitting element EE.

[0121] The plurality of organic layers 682 and 684 may be formed of a polymer-based material. The polymer-based material may include an acrylate resin, an epoxy resin, a polyimide, a polyethylene, and the like. In addition, the plurality of organic layers 682 and 684 may be formed by a thermal deposition process. The thermal deposition process for forming the plurality of organic layers 682 and 684 may be performed within a temperature range that does not damage the light emitting element EE.

[0122] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may have a thickness of about 10 μm or less. Accordingly, the overall thickness of the display panel 600 may be formed to be very thin. Accordingly, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the light emitting element EE so that the flexibility characteristics of the display panel 600 may be maximized.

[0123] Fig. 9 yes Figure 3 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a first support plate 212 .

[0124] Reference Figure 3 and Fig. 9 , the first support plate 212 may include a plurality of sub-support plates stacked on each other. The structure of the second support plate 222 may be substantially the same as that of the first support plate 212, and for the sake of brevity, repeated description of the second support plate 222 will be omitted.

[0125] In an exemplary embodiment, the first support plate 212 may include a first sub-support plate 212b, a second sub-support plate 212c disposed on the first sub-support plate 212b, and a third sub-support plate 212d disposed between the first sub-support plate 212b and the second sub-support plate 212c. Fig. 9 It is shown that the first support plate 212 includes three sub-support plates, however the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. In another exemplary embodiment, the first support plate 212 may include two or four or more sub-support plates.

[0126] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first sub-support plate 212b and the second sub-support plate 212c may be formed of stainless steel, and the third sub-support plate 212d may be formed of at least one of copper and graphite. In such an embodiment, the durability of the first support plate 212 may be improved by the first sub-support plate 212b and the second sub-support plate 212c, and the heat dissipation characteristics of the first support plate 212 may be improved by the third sub-support plate 212d.

[0127] Fig.10 yes Figure 3 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a protective film 300 .

[0128] Reference Figure 3 and Fig.10In an exemplary embodiment, the protective film 300 may include a plurality of sub-protective films stacked on each other. Each of the plurality of sub-protective films may be formed of a synthetic fabric having a mesh structure.

[0129] In exemplary embodiments, the protective film 300 may include a first sub-protecting film 310 and a second sub-protecting film 320 disposed on the first sub-protecting film 310 . Fig.10 It is shown that the protective film 300 includes two sub-protective films, however exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In another exemplary embodiment, the protective film 300 may include three or more sub-protective films.

[0130] The protective film 300 may include a plurality of sub-protective films stacked on each other, so that the protective film 300 can block foreign matter having a smaller size from entering and / or being introduced into the bendable portion 130 of the flexible display module 100. For example, the holes included in the plurality of sub-protective films may partially overlap with each other, so that even if foreign matter introduced from the outside passes through a hole of one sub-protective film, the foreign matter cannot pass through holes of other sub-protective films.

[0131] Fig.11 is a diagram showing another exemplary embodiment of a foldable display device. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA'.

[0132] In addition to the addition of the protection member 500, Fig.11 The foldable display device can be compared with the reference Figure 3 The foldable display devices described are substantially the same or similar. Accordingly, for the sake of brevity, the description of repeated elements may be omitted.

[0133] Reference Fig.11 , the foldable display device may further include a protective member 500. The protective member 500 may be disposed between the flexible display module 100 and the folding unit 200. The protective member 500 may include a base layer 510 and a cushion layer 520.

[0134] The base layer 510 may be disposed on the rear surface 150 of the flexible display module 100. The base layer 510 may be formed of an insulating material. In an exemplary embodiment, the base layer 510 may be formed of a flexible insulating material so that the base layer 510 may be easily deformed by stress applied from the outside. For example, the base layer 510 may be formed of polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or the like.

[0135] The cushion layer 520 may be disposed between the base layer 510 and the folding unit 200. The cushion layer 520 may be formed directly on the lower surface of the base layer 510. The cushion layer 520 may be a porous structure. A plurality of holes PP may be defined in the cushion layer 520. The holes PP may easily absorb the impact applied to the cushion layer 520, and therefore, the protective member 500 may protect the flexible display module 100 from the impact from the outside. In addition, even if foreign matter introduced from the outside passes through the protective film 300, the holes PP may capture the foreign matter. Therefore, the protective member 500 may block foreign matter from being introduced into the flexible display module 100 from the outside together with the protective film 300.

[0136] The cushion layer 520 may be formed of synthetic resin foam. For example, the cushion layer 520 may be formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) copolymer foam, polyurethane (PU) foam, polyethylene (PE) foam, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam, or the like.

[0137] Fig.12 and Fig.13 is a diagram showing another exemplary embodiment of a foldable display device. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA'.

[0138] In addition to the protective film 1300 and the protective film 1350, Fig.12 and Fig.13 The foldable display device can be compared with the reference Figure 3 The foldable display devices described are substantially the same or similar. Accordingly, for the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of repeated elements may be omitted.

[0139] Reference Fig.12 and Fig.13 In an exemplary embodiment, a protective film may be attached to the first cover 211 and the second cover 221. Fig.12 As shown in , in an exemplary embodiment, the first end 1301 of the protective film 1300 may be attached to the upper surface 211a of the first cover 211, and the second end 1302 of the protective film 1300 may be attached to the upper surface 221a of the second cover 221. In this case, the first adhesive member 1410 may be disposed between the upper surface 211a of the first cover 211 and the first end 1301 of the protective film 1300, and the second adhesive member 1420 may be disposed between the upper surface 221a of the second cover 221 and the second end 1302 of the protective film 1300.

[0140] like Fig.13As shown in , in an exemplary embodiment, the protective film 1350 may be disposed below the first cover 211 and the second cover 221. The first end 1351 of the protective film 1350 may be attached to the lower surface 211b of the first cover 211, and the second end 1352 of the protective film 1350 may be attached to the lower surface 221b of the second cover 221. In this case, the first adhesive member 1360 may be disposed between the lower surface 211b of the first cover 211 and the first end 1351 of the protective film 1350, and the second adhesive member 1370 may be disposed between the lower surface 221b of the second cover 221 and the second end 1352 of the protective film 1350.

[0141] Fig.14 is another exemplary embodiment of a foldable display device. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA'.

[0142] In addition to the addition of the third support plate 214, the fourth support plate 224 and the fifth support plate 240 and the position of the protective film 2300, Fig.14 The foldable display device can be compared with the reference Figure 3 The foldable display devices described are substantially the same or similar. Accordingly, for the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of repeated elements may be omitted.

[0143] Reference Fig.14 In an exemplary embodiment, the first support portion 210 may further include a third support plate 214 and a third adhesive layer 215 , and the second support portion 220 may further include a fourth support plate 224 and a fourth adhesive layer 225 . In addition, the folding unit 200 may further include a fifth support plate 240 .

[0144] The third support plate 214 may be disposed between the first non-bendable portion 110 of the flexible display module 100 and the first support plate 212. The third support plate 214 may support the first non-bendable portion 110. The third adhesive layer 215 may be disposed between the first support plate 212 and the third support plate 214. The third adhesive layer 215 may combine and / or attach the first support plate 212 and the third support plate 214.

[0145] The fourth support plate 224 may be disposed between the second non-bendable portion 120 and the second support plate 222 of the flexible display module 100. The fourth support plate 224 may support the second non-bendable portion 120. The fourth adhesive layer 225 may be disposed between the second support plate 222 and the fourth support plate 224. The fourth adhesive layer 225 may combine and / or attach the second support plate 222 and the fourth support plate 224.

[0146] In an exemplary embodiment, the protective film 2300 may be attached to the third support plate 214 and the fourth support plate 224. For example, the protective film 2300 may be disposed in an area formed between the first support plate 212 and the third support plate 214 and between the second support plate 222 and the fourth support plate 224, and the first end 2301 of the protective film 2300 may be attached to the lower surface 214a of the third support plate 214, and the second end 2302 of the protective film 2300 may be attached to the lower surface 224a of the fourth support plate 224. Accordingly, the protective film 2300 may cover and / or overlap the rear surface 150 of the bendable portion 130. In this case, the first adhesive member 2410 may be disposed between the lower surface 214a of the third support plate 214 and the first end 2301 of the protective film 2300, and the second adhesive member 2420 may be disposed between the lower surface 224a of the fourth support plate 224 and the second end 2302 of the protective film 2300. In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 3 Unlike the foldable display device of FIG. 1 , the first adhesive layer 213 may overlap the first non-bendable portion 110 and the bendable portion 130 , and the second adhesive layer 223 may overlap the second non-bendable portion 120 and the bendable portion 130 .

[0147] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 240 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a fifth support plate 240.

[0148] Reference Fig.14 and Fig.15 , the fifth supporting plate 240 may be disposed between the third supporting plate 214 and the fourth supporting plate 224. The fifth supporting plate 240 may be disposed on the rear surface 150 of the bendable portion 130 of the flexible display module 100, the rear surface 150 of the first non-bendable portion 110 of the flexible display module 100 adjacent to the bendable portion 130, and the rear surface 150 of the second non-bendable portion 120 of the flexible display module 100 adjacent to the bendable portion 130.

[0149] The fifth support plate 240 may have a plurality of holes HL2 formed therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of holes HL2 may be alternately arranged along the first direction DR1 in a plan view. In an exemplary embodiment, the fifth support plate 240 may have a lattice pattern LTC formed by the plurality of holes HL2. The fifth support plate 240 may have a deformable lattice pattern LTC so that when the foldable display device is folded, the fifth support plate 240 may be bent along with the bending of the bendable portion 130 of the flexible display module 100. In addition, the lattice pattern LTC may be used to block foreign matter from being introduced into the fifth support plate 240 and / or the flexible display module 100 from the outside.

[0150] In an exemplary embodiment, the foldable display device may be applied to a display device included in a computer, a notebook computer, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a smart tablet, a PMP, a PDA, an MP3 player, or the like.

[0151] Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Accordingly, the inventive concept is not limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the appended claims and to various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements as are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A foldable display device, comprising: A flexible display module, the flexible display module comprising a first non-bendable portion, a second non-bendable portion, and a bendable portion located between the first non-bendable portion and the second non-bendable portion; a supporting member disposed on the flexible display module, the supporting member comprising a hinge portion, a first portion connected to the hinge portion and supporting the first non-bendable portion, and a second portion connected to the hinge portion and supporting the second non-bendable portion, so as to allow the first portion and the second portion to rotate around the hinge portion; and a protective layer attached to the first portion and the second portion to cover the bendable portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the protective layer comprising a stretchable material having a mesh structure, wherein the first portion comprises a first supporting portion, and the second portion comprises a second supporting portion, The first supporting portion includes a first cover disposed on the first non-bendable portion and a first supporting plate disposed between the first non-bendable portion and the first cover. The second supporting portion includes a second cover disposed on the second non-bendable portion and a second supporting plate disposed between the second non-bendable portion and the second cover. The first supporting portion further includes a third supporting plate disposed between the first non-bendable portion and the first supporting plate. The second supporting portion further includes a fourth supporting plate disposed between the second non-bendable portion and the second supporting plate, and The protection layer does not contact the flexible display module.

2. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The protective layer includes a film formed of at least one of nylon and polyurethane.

3. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The stretchable material comprises a synthetic fabric including a plurality of twisted filaments coupled to each other, and Wherein, each of the plurality of filaments has a thickness in a range of 20 μm to 400 μm.

4. The foldable display device according to claim 3, wherein: The protective layer includes at least one hole formed by the plurality of filaments, and Wherein, the hole has a width of 40 μm or less.

5. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The protective layer includes a plurality of sub-protective layers stacked on each other and each formed of the stretchable material having the mesh structure.

6. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The protective layer is attached to the first support plate and the second support plate.

7. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The protective layer is attached to the first cover and the second cover.

8. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The protective layer is attached to the third support plate and the fourth support plate.

9. The foldable display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a protective member, the protective member being disposed between the flexible display module and the supporting member, the protective member comprising a base layer and a cushion layer disposed on the base layer and having a porous structure, Wherein, the cushion layer is formed of synthetic resin foam.

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