Display device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a display device. The display device includes a display module; and a protective layer disposed on the display module and defining a first area and a second area adjacent to the first area, a plurality of grooves spaced apart from each other are defined in the first area, a sum of widths of the plurality of grooves in a first direction is less than 0.23 times a width of the first area in the first direction and greater than 0 times the width of the first area in the first direction, and each of the plurality of grooves has a width greater than 0 micrometers and less than or equal to 400 micrometers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a display device that improves product reliability. Background Technology

[0002] Display devices display various images on a screen to provide information to users. Generally, display devices display information within a designated screen area. Recently, flexible display devices, including foldable flexible display panels, have been developed. Unlike rigid display devices, flexible display devices can be folded, rolled up, or bent. Flexible display devices, with their versatile shapes, can be carried without being limited by existing screen sizes, thus improving user convenience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a display device that improves product reliability.

[0004] The display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a display module; and a protective layer disposed on the display module and defining a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region. A plurality of slots spaced apart from each other are defined in the first region. The sum of the widths of the plurality of slots in a first direction is less than 0.23 times the width of the first region in the first direction and greater than 0 times the width of the first region in the first direction. The width of each of the plurality of slots is greater than 0 micrometers and less than 400 micrometers.

[0005] The protective layer may include a lower surface facing the display module and an upper surface that is positioned in the middle and separated from the display module, wherein each of the plurality of grooves is recessed from the lower surface toward the upper surface.

[0006] Alternatively, the protective layer may include a lower surface facing the display module and an upper surface that is positioned in the middle and separated from the display module, wherein each of the plurality of grooves is recessed from the upper surface toward the lower surface.

[0007] Alternatively, the multiple slots may be spaced apart from each other at the same interval.

[0008] It is possible that the plurality of slots includes a first slot, a second slot, and a third slot arranged sequentially along the first direction, wherein the distance between the first slot and the second slot is different from the distance between the second slot and the third slot.

[0009] Alternatively, the plurality of slots may include a first slot and a second slot spaced apart along the first direction, wherein the width of the first slot in the first direction and the width of the second slot in the first direction are different from each other.

[0010] In cross-section, each of the multiple grooves can be a regular quadrilateral, a trapezoid, an inverted trapezoid, or a lens shape.

[0011] It is possible that at least a portion of the plurality of slots is configured with air.

[0012] Alternatively, the display device may further include an adhesive layer attached to the protective layer, with at least a portion of the adhesive layer being accommodated in at least a portion of the plurality of slots.

[0013] The display device may further include an adhesive layer attached to the protective layer, with air disposed in a portion of each of the plurality of slots and a portion of the adhesive layer contained in another portion of each of the plurality of slots.

[0014] Alternatively, the width of each of the plurality of slots may be smaller than the interval between two adjacent slots.

[0015] Alternatively, the depth of each of the plurality of grooves may be less than the thickness of the protective layer.

[0016] The protective layer may include tempered glass or a synthetic resin film.

[0017] Alternatively, the plurality of slots may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and each of the plurality of slots may extend in a second direction that intersects the first direction.

[0018] Alternatively, the plurality of slots may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction and in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0019] The display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a display module; and a window disposed on the display module, including a lower surface facing the display module and an upper surface that places the lower surface in the middle and is spaced apart from the display module, wherein the window defines a plurality of grooves recessed from the lower surface toward the upper surface and spaced apart from each other along a first direction.

[0020] It can be that the window defines a first region that overlaps with all of the plurality of slots and a second region adjacent to the first region, the boundary between the first region and the second region overlaps with the sidewall of the slot arranged on the outermost contour of the plurality of slots, and the sum of the widths of the plurality of slots in the first direction is less than 0.23 times the width of the first region in the first direction and greater than 0 times the width of the first region in the first direction.

[0021] It is possible that the width of each of the plurality of slots is greater than 0 micrometers and less than 400 micrometers.

[0022] Alternatively, the width of each of the plurality of slots may be smaller than the interval between two adjacent slots.

[0023] It may be that at least one of air and an adhesive substance is disposed in each of the plurality of slots.

[0024] (The effect of the invention)

[0025] According to embodiments of the present invention, the folding characteristics of the display device can be improved by providing multiple slots in the protective layer. Furthermore, by adjusting the ratio of the sum of the widths of the multiple slots to the width of the folding area, and by adjusting the width of each individual slot, the multiple slots can be made invisible to the external eye. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1a This is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 1b This is an operational state diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a display module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

[0031] Figure 5 This is a graph showing the visual recognizability index based on the width of the slot.

[0032] Figure 6a This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6b This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 7a This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 7b This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 14 This is a top view of the protective layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 15 This is a top view of the protective layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 16 This is a top view of the protective layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 17 This is a top view of the protective layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] (Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram)

[0051] 1000: Display device; 100: Display module

[0052] 200: Upper layer; 300: Lower layer

[0053] 210: First adhesive layer; 220: First protective layer

[0054] 230: Second adhesive layer; 240: Second protective layer

[0055] 250: Functional coating; 221: Multiple grooves Detailed Implementation

[0056] In this specification, when a constituent element (or region, layer, part, etc.) is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "integrated with" another constituent element, it means that the constituent element can be directly configured / connected / integrated on the other constituent element, or that a third constituent element can be configured between them.

[0057] The same reference numerals refer to the same constituent elements. Furthermore, in the drawings, the thickness, scale, and dimensions of the constituent elements are enlarged for the purpose of effectively illustrating the technical content.

[0058] "and / or" includes all combinations that can be defined by the relevant composition.

[0059] The terms "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe various constituent elements, but the constituent elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one constituent element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the invention, a first constituent element may be named a second constituent element, and similarly, a second constituent element may be named a first constituent element. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless explicitly stated in the context.

[0060] In addition, terms such as "lower," "lower side," "upper," and "upper side" are used to describe the relational relationships of the components shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are explained based on the directions indicated in the accompanying drawings.

[0061] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Furthermore, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted as having the same meaning in the context of the relevant art, and may be explicitly defined herein as long as they are not interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning.

[0062] Terms such as “including” or “having” should be understood as specifying the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof as described in the specification, and do not preclude the existence or additional possibilities of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0063] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] Figure 1a This is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1b This is an operational state diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Reference Figure 1a as well as Figure 1b The display device 1000 can be a device activated by an electrical signal. For example, the display device 1000 can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, car navigation system, game console, or wearable device, but is not limited to these. Figure 1a In the example shown, the display device 1000 is a mobile phone.

[0066] The display device 1000 may be a foldable display device. A first non-foldable region 1000NF1, a foldable region 1000F, and a second non-foldable region 1000NF2 may be sequentially defined along a first direction DR1 in the display device 1000. That is, the foldable region 1000F may be defined between the first non-foldable region 1000NF1 and the second non-foldable region 1000NF2.

[0067] exist Figure 1a as well as Figure 1b The diagram shows a folded region 1000F and two non-folded regions 1000NF1 and 1000NF2, but the number of folded regions 1000F, the first non-folded region 1000NF1, and the second non-folded region 1000NF2 is not limited thereto. For example, the display device 1000 may include more than two non-folded regions and folded regions arranged between the non-folded regions.

[0068] The display device 1000 can display images through the active region 1000A. In its unfolded state, the active region 1000A may include a surface parallel to the surface defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The thickness direction of the display device 1000 may be parallel to a third direction DR3, which intersects the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Therefore, the front (or top) and back (or bottom) surfaces of the components constituting the display device 1000 may be defined with reference to the third direction DR3.

[0069] If the display device 1000 is folded, the display surfaces of the first non-folded region 1000NF1 and the second non-folded region 1000NF2 can face each other. Therefore, in the fully folded state of the display device 1000, the active region 1000A is not exposed to the outside. This can be referred to as an inward fold. However, this is illustrative, and the invention is not limited thereto.

[0070] If the display device 1000 is folded, the display surfaces of the first non-folded region 1000NF1 and the second non-folded region 1000NF2 can face each other. Therefore, in the folded state, the active region 1000A can also be exposed to the outside. This can be referred to as an outward fold. Alternatively, the display device 1000 can be both inward and outward folded. For example, a folding region 1000F can be both inward and outward folded. Or, the display device 1000 can also include multiple folding regions, some of which are inward folded and others are outward folded.

[0071] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Reference Figure 2 The display device 1000 may include a display module 100, an upper layer 200, and a lower layer 300.

[0073] Display module 100 can display images and sense external input. External input can be user input. User input includes various forms of external input such as a part of the user's body, light, heat, pen, or pressure.

[0074] The display module 100 may include a display panel 110 for generating images and an input sensor 120 for acquiring coordinate information from external input.

[0075] Display panel 110 can be a light-emitting display panel, but is not particularly limited thereto. For example, display panel 110 can be an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of an organic light-emitting display panel may include organic light-emitting materials. The light-emitting layer of a quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots and quantum rods, etc.

[0076] The input sensor 120 can be configured on the display panel 110. The input sensor 120 can sense external input using mutual capacitance and / or self-capacitance. However, the external input sensing method is not limited to the examples described.

[0077] The upper layer 200 can be configured above the display module 100. The display module 100 can display images in the direction of the upper layer 200. The upper layer 200 can be configured above the display module 100 to protect the display module 100. The specific description of the upper layer 200 is described below.

[0078] The lower layer 300 may be disposed below the display module 100. The lower layer 300 may protect the back side of the display module 100. For example, the lower layer 300 may include a synthetic resin film such as a polyimide film or a polyethylene terephthalate film, and a cushion layer disposed below the synthetic resin film, including a sponge, foam, or polyurethane resin, etc.

[0079] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a display module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Reference Figure 3 For example, let's describe the case where the display panel 110 is an organic light-emitting display panel.

[0081] The display panel 110 may include a substrate layer 111, a circuit element layer 112 disposed on the substrate layer 111, a display element layer 113, and a thin film encapsulation layer 114. Although not shown separately, the display panel 110 may also include functional layers such as a buffer layer and a refractive index adjustment layer.

[0082] The substrate 111 may include a synthetic resin film. A synthetic resin layer is formed on a working substrate used in manufacturing the display panel 110. A conductive layer and an insulating layer, etc., are then formed on the synthetic resin layer. If the working substrate is removed, the synthetic resin layer may correspond to the substrate 111. The synthetic resin layer may include a thermosetting resin. In particular, the synthetic resin layer may be a polyimide resin layer, and the material is not particularly limited. Alternatively, the substrate 111 may include a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or an organic / inorganic composite material substrate, etc.

[0083] The circuit element layer 112 includes at least one insulating layer and circuit elements. Hereinafter, the insulating layer included in the circuit element layer 112 is referred to as an intermediate insulating layer. The intermediate insulating layer may include at least one intermediate inorganic film and / or at least one intermediate organic film. The circuit elements include signal lines, pixel driving circuits, etc. The circuit element layer 112 can be formed by insulating layer, semiconductor layer, and conductive layer formation processes based on coating, vapor deposition, etc., and by patterning processes of insulating layer, semiconductor layer, and conductive layer based on photolithography.

[0084] Display element layer 113 may include light-emitting elements. Display element layer 113 may include organic light-emitting diodes. Display element layer 113 may also include organic films such as pixel-defining films.

[0085] A thin-film encapsulation layer 114 seals the display element layer 113. The thin-film encapsulation layer 114 includes at least one insulating layer. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the thin-film encapsulation layer 114 may include at least one inorganic film (hereinafter, encapsulating inorganic film). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the thin-film encapsulation layer 114 may include at least one organic film (hereinafter, encapsulating organic film) and at least one encapsulating inorganic film.

[0086] An inorganic encapsulation film protects the display element layer 113 from moisture / oxygen, while an organic encapsulation film protects the display element layer 113 from foreign matter such as dust particles. The inorganic encapsulation film may include, but is not particularly limited to, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. The organic encapsulation film may include, but is not particularly limited to, acrylic-based organic films.

[0087] The input sensor 120 may include a substrate insulating layer 121, a first conductive layer 122, a first insulating layer 123, a second conductive layer 124, and a second insulating layer 125.

[0088] The substrate insulating layer 121 can be an inorganic layer including silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and silicon oxide compounds. Alternatively, the substrate insulating layer 121 can also be an organic layer including epoxy resin, acrylic resin, or imide series resins. The substrate insulating layer 121 can be formed directly on the display panel 110. Alternatively, the substrate insulating layer 121 can be formed on a separate substrate layer, which is bonded to the display panel 110 by an adhesive component. Alternatively, the substrate insulating layer 121 can be omitted.

[0089] The first conductive layer 122 and the second conductive layer 124 may each include a sensing electrode or a signal line. The first conductive layer 122 and the second conductive layer 124 may each have a monolayer structure or a multilayer structure stacked along a third direction DR3. The monolayer conductive layer may include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer may include at least one of molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, and their alloys. The transparent conductive layer may include transparent conductive oxides such as ITO (indium tin oxide), IZO (indium zinc oxide), ZnO (zinc oxide), and ITZO (indium tin zinc oxide). In addition, the transparent conductive layer may include conductive polymers such as PEDOT (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), metal nanowires, graphene, etc.

[0090] The conductive layer of a multilayer structure may include multiple metal layers. The multilayer metal layers may have a three-layer structure, such as titanium / aluminum / titanium. The conductive layer of a multilayer structure may include at least one metal layer and at least one transparent conductive layer.

[0091] The first insulating layer 123 and the second insulating layer 125 may each have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The first insulating layer 123 and the second insulating layer 125 may each include inorganic materials, organic materials, or composite materials.

[0092] At least one of the first insulating layer 123 and the second insulating layer 125 may include an inorganic film. The inorganic film may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide.

[0093] At least one of the first insulating layer 123 and the second insulating layer 125 may include an organic film. The organic film may include at least one of acrylic resins, isobutylene resins, polyisoprene, plastic resins, epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, cellulose resins, siloxane resins, polyimide resins, polyamide resins, and polyester resins.

[0094] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a graph showing the visual recognizability index based on the width of the slot.

[0095] Reference Figure 4 The upper layer 200 may include a first adhesive layer 210, a first protective layer 220, a second adhesive layer 230, a second protective layer 240, and a functional coating 250, which are sequentially stacked along the third direction DR3. The first adhesive layer 210 may form the lower layer 200-B of the upper layer 200, and the functional coating 250 may form the upper layer 200-U.

[0096] Figure 4 The above is merely one example of the structure constituting the upper layer 200, and the structure constituting the upper layer 200 is not limited to the example described above. For example, the upper layer 200 may include only a portion of the structures mentioned above. Alternatively, the upper layer 200 may also include other layers in addition to the structures mentioned above. Furthermore, the stacking order of the structures constituting the upper layer 200 is not limited to... Figure 4 The example shown is shown in the image.

[0097] The first adhesive layer 210 and the second adhesive layer 230 may each comprise a conventional adhesive or bonding agent. For example, the first adhesive layer 210 and the second adhesive layer 230 may each be a transparent adhesive component such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive film (PSA), an optically clear adhesive film (OCA), or an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0098] The first adhesive layer 210 can be configured on the display module 100 (see reference). Figure 2 The upper layer 200 can be attached to the display module 100 (see reference 100) via the first adhesive layer 210. Figure 2 ).

[0099] The first protective layer 220 may be disposed on the first adhesive layer 210. The first protective layer 220 may also be referred to as a window. The first protective layer 220 may include tempered glass, for example, the tempered glass may be ultra-thin tempered glass. Ultra-thin tempered glass may also be referred to as ultra-thin glass. The maximum thickness of ultra-thin tempered glass may be less than several hundred μm. For example, the maximum thickness of ultra-thin tempered glass may be less than 50 μm.

[0100] Ultra-thin tempered glass has scratch resistance compared to polyimide film. When ultra-thin tempered glass is applied to the first protective layer 220, it can improve the display device 1000 (refer to...). Figure 1a The impact resistance of the glass is improved. In addition, when the ultra-thin tempered glass is applied to the first protective layer 220, wrinkles generated in the folded area 1000F can be reduced, and buckling problems can also be improved.

[0101] The first protective layer 220 may include the display module 100 (see reference). Figure 2 The lower 220-B facing the display module 100 and the upper 220-U that places the lower 220-B in the middle and separates it from the display module 100.

[0102] To improve the folding characteristics of the first protective layer 220, a plurality of slots (hereinafter, slots) 221 may be defined in the first protective layer 220. The slots 221 may be defined spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1, and the slots 221 may be provided by being recessed from the bottom 220-B toward the top 220-U. Air may be disposed in the slots 221.

[0103] The first protective layer 220 may have a first region 220A1 defining a groove 221 and a second region 220A2 adjacent to the first region 220A1. The boundary between the first region 220A1 and the second region 220A2 may overlap with the sidewall of the groove disposed on the outermost contour of the groove 221. Alternatively, the first region 220A1 may be included in the folded region 1000F, and the second region 220A2 may be included in the first non-folded region 1000NF1 and the second non-folded region 1000NF2.

[0104] A portion of the first protective layer 220 disposed between the slots 221 can be defined as a patterned portion 222. Within the first region 220A1, a slot 221 and a patterned portion 222 can be repeatedly and alternately arranged.

[0105] The depth 221b of the groove 221 can be less than the thickness 220b of the second region 220A2 of the first protective layer 220. Within the first region 220A1, the thickness 220b of the region where the patterned portion 222 is disposed can be substantially the same as the thickness 220b of the second region 220A2.

[0106] According to the present invention, a portion of the first protective layer 220 overlapping the folded region 1000F can improve folding characteristics through the groove 221. In addition, a portion of the first protective layer 220 overlapping the first non-folded region 1000NF1 and the second non-folded region 1000NF2 can improve impact resistance by having a thickness greater than a predetermined value.

[0107] The sum of the widths 221a of the groove 221 and the sum of the widths 222a of the patterned portion 222 can be the same as the width 220a of the first region 220A1. The widths 220a, 221a, and 222a can all be widths in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1.

[0108] The width 221a of the groove 221 can have a value that is different from the width 222a of the pattern portion 222. For example, the width 221a of the groove 221 can have a value that is smaller than the width 222a of the pattern portion 222.

[0109] In one embodiment of the invention, the slots 221 may be arranged spaced apart from each other at the same interval. The width 222a of each patterned portion 222 may correspond to the interval between two adjacent slots 221. Therefore, the width 222a of the patterned portions 222 may be the same as each other.

[0110] The width 221a of the slot 221 can be selected within a range that satisfies predetermined conditions. The first condition may be related to the individual values ​​of the width 221a, and the second condition may be related to the proportion of the slot 221 within the first region 220A1. The width 221a of the slot 221 can be selected within a range that satisfies both conditions.

[0111] According to the first condition, the width 221a of each groove 221 can be less than 500 μm, for example, less than 400 μm. Additionally, the width 221a of each groove 221 can be greater than 0 μm. According to the second condition, the sum of the widths 221a of the grooves 221 can be less than 0.23 times the width 220a of the first region 220A1, and greater than 0 times the width 220a of the first region 220A1.

[0112] Figure 5These are graphs GP1, GP2, GP3, GP4, and GP5 illustrating the visual recognizability index based on the number of slots 221 and the width 221a of the slots 221 configured in the first region 220A1. The first graph GP1 represents the visual recognizability index based on the width 221a of the slots 221 when there are 2 slots 221; the second graph GP2 represents the visual recognizability index based on the width 221a of the slots 221 when there are 3 slots 221; the third graph GP3 represents the visual recognizability index based on the width 221a of the slots 221 when there are 4 slots 221; the fourth graph GP4 represents the visual recognizability index based on the width 221a of the slots 221 when there are 5 slots 221; and the fifth graph GP5 represents the visual recognizability index based on the width 221a of the slots 221 when there are 6 slots 221.

[0113] The visual recognizability index can be an index that determines whether the groove 221 within the first region 220A1 is visually recognizable by the user. The visual recognizability index can be derived by combining the Contrast Sensitivity Function (CSF) and the Lab color space. L represents the degree of brightness, +a represents the degree of red, -a represents the degree of green, +b represents the degree of yellow, and -b represents the degree of blue. ΔE represents the color difference and can be expressed mathematically as follows.

[0114]

[0115] Multiplying βE by the contrast sensitivity function yields the visual recognition index. The visual recognition index can be an index with a minimization characteristic; when the visual recognition index is below a predetermined value, slot 221 can be considered not visually recognized by the user. The predetermined value can be 1. The predetermined value can be changed according to the target object.

[0116] Table 1 below records Figure 5 The table below shows the values ​​of the curves. In Table 1 below, values ​​with a visual recognition index below 1 are indicated in bold.

[0117] [Table 1]

[0118]

[0119]

[0120] Table 2 below shows the percentage values ​​of the sum of the widths 221a of the slots 221 corresponding to the values ​​recorded in Table 1, relative to the width 220a of the first region 220A1. The width 220a of the first region 220A1 is 8 mm, and the first decimal place is rounded in Table 2.

[0121] [Table 2]

[0122]

[0123] Observing Tables 1 and 2, when the conditions are met that the width 221a of the slot 221 is less than 400 μm and the ratio of the sum of the widths 221a of the slots 221 to the width 220a of the first region 220A1 is less than 23%, the slot 221 can be visually undetectable by the user. According to an embodiment of the present invention, by selecting the width 221a of the slot 221 within the range that satisfies the conditions, a first protective layer 220 with improved folding characteristics and visual recognizability can be provided. Therefore, the display device 1000 (see reference) can be improved. Figure 1a Product reliability.

[0124] The second adhesive layer 230 can be attached to the top of the first protective layer 220 220-U.

[0125] The second protective layer 240 may be disposed on and attached to the second adhesive layer 230. The second protective layer 240 may be a synthetic resin film, such as a polyimide film. The second protective layer 240 is not limited to a single layer. For example, the second protective layer 240 may also comprise two or more films bonded together by an adhesive layer. Additionally, in one embodiment of the invention, the second protective layer 240 may also be ultra-thin tempered glass.

[0126] The functional coating 250 may be disposed on the second protective layer 240. The functional coating 250 may include at least one of a fingerprint-resistant layer, an anti-reflective layer, and a hard coating.

[0127] Figure 6a This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] Reference Figure 6a The upper layer 200-1 may include a first adhesive layer 210, a first protective layer 220-1, a second adhesive layer 230, a second protective layer 240, and a functional coating 250, which are sequentially stacked along the third direction DR3.

[0129] To improve the folding characteristics of the first protective layer 220-1, multiple slots 221-1a, 221-1b, and 221-1c may be defined in the first protective layer 220-1. The multiple slots 221-1a, 221-1b, and 221-1c may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1. The multiple slots 221-1a, 221-1b, and 221-1c may be spaced apart at different intervals.

[0130] Multiple slots 221-1a, 221-1b, and 221-1c can be sequentially defined as a first slot 221-1a, a second slot 221-1b, and a third slot 221-1c in a direction away from the second region 220A2. The interval 221a-1a between the first slot 221-1a and the second slot 221-1b can be greater than the interval 221a-1b between the second slot 221-1b and the third slot 221-1c. That is, the interval between slots 221-1a, 221-1b, and 221-1c can become larger as it moves from the center of the first region 220A1 toward the outer contour of the first region 220A1.

[0131] Figure 6b This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] Reference Figure 6b The upper layer 200-2 may include a first adhesive layer 210, a first protective layer 220-2, a second adhesive layer 230, a second protective layer 240, and a functional coating 250, which are sequentially stacked along the third direction DR3.

[0133] To improve the folding characteristics of the first protective layer 220-2, multiple slots 221-2a, 221-2b, and 221-2c may be defined in the first protective layer 220-2. The multiple slots 221-2a, 221-2b, and 221-2c may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. The multiple slots 221-2a, 221-2b, and 221-2c may be spaced apart at different intervals.

[0134] Multiple slots 221-2a, 221-2b, and 221-2c can be sequentially defined as a first slot 221-2a, a second slot 221-2b, and a third slot 221-2c in a direction away from the second region 220A2. The interval 221a-2a between the first slot 221-2a and the second slot 221-2b can be smaller than the interval 221a-2b between the second slot 221-2b and the third slot 221-2c. That is, the interval between slots 221-2a, 221-2b, and 221-2c can become smaller as it moves from the center of the first region 220A1 toward the outer contour of the first region 220A1.

[0135] Figure 7a This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] Reference Figure 7a The upper layer 200-3 may include a first adhesive layer 210, a first protective layer 220-3, a second adhesive layer 230, a second protective layer 240, and a functional coating 250, which are sequentially stacked along the third direction DR3.

[0137] To improve the folding characteristics of the first protective layer 220-3, multiple slots 221-3a, 221-3b, and 221-3c may be defined in the first protective layer 220-3. The multiple slots 221-3a, 221-3b, and 221-3c may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0138] Multiple slots 221-3a, 221-3b, and 221-3c can be sequentially defined as a first slot 221-3a, a second slot 221-3b, and a third slot 221-3c in a direction away from the second region 220A2. The widths of the first slot 221-3a, the second slot 221-3b, and the third slot 221-3c can be different from each other. For example, the width 221a-3a of the first slot 221-3a can be smaller than the width 221a-3c of the third slot 221-3c. That is, the width of each of the multiple slots 221-3a, 221-3b, and 221-3c can decrease as it moves from the center of the first region 220A1 toward the outer contour of the first region 220A1.

[0139] Figure 7b This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] Reference Figure 7b The upper layer 200-4 may include a first adhesive layer 210, a first protective layer 220-4, a second adhesive layer 230, a second protective layer 240, and a functional coating 250, which are sequentially stacked along the third direction DR3.

[0141] To improve the folding characteristics of the first protective layer 220-4, multiple slots 221-4a, 221-4b, and 221-4c may be defined in the first protective layer 220-4. The multiple slots 221-4a, 221-4b, and 221-4c may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0142] Multiple slots 221-4a, 221-4b, and 221-4c can be sequentially defined as a first slot 221-4a, a second slot 221-4b, and a third slot 221-4c in a direction away from the second region 220A2. The widths of the first slot 221-4a, the second slot 221-4b, and the third slot 221-4c can be different from each other. For example, the width 221a-4a of the first slot 221-4a can be greater than the width 221a-4c of the third slot 221-4c. That is, the widths of the multiple slots 221-4a, 221-4b, and 221-4c can increase as they move from the center of the first region 220A1 toward the outer contour of the first region 220A1.

[0143] exist Figure 7a as well as Figure 7b In the example, the width of each of the multiple slots gradually changes as it approaches the outer contour from the center of the first region 220A1, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the width of each of the multiple slots may also be provided randomly.

[0144] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] Reference Figure 8 The upper layer 200-5 may include a first adhesive layer 210, a first protective layer 220-5, a second adhesive layer 230, a second protective layer 240, and a functional coating 250, which are sequentially stacked along the third direction DR3.

[0146] To improve the folding characteristics of the first protective layer 220-5, multiple slots 221-5 may be defined in the first protective layer 220-5.

[0147] in front of, Figure 4 , Figure 6a , Figure 6b , Figure 7a as well as Figure 7b The groove shown in the image has a quadrilateral shape in cross-section, but... Figure 8 The multiple slots 221-5 shown can have a trapezoidal shape. In the preceding... Figure 4 , Figure 6a , Figure 6b , Figure 7a as well as Figure 7b The groove shown can also be deformed into a trapezoidal shape. In addition, in order to prevent the grooves 221-5 from being visually recognized, some of the multiple grooves 221-5 may have a quadrilateral shape while others have a trapezoidal shape.

[0148] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] Reference Figure 9The upper layer 200-6 may include a first adhesive layer 210, a first protective layer 220-6, a second adhesive layer 230, a second protective layer 240, and a functional coating 250, which are sequentially stacked along the third direction DR3.

[0150] To improve the folding characteristics of the first protective layer 220-6, a plurality of grooves 221-6 may be defined in the first protective layer 220-6. Each of the plurality of grooves 221-6 may have a lens shape with curvature.

[0151] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] Reference Figure 10 The upper layer 200-7 may include a first adhesive layer 210, a first protective layer 220-7, a second adhesive layer 230, a second protective layer 240, and a functional coating 250, which are sequentially stacked along the third direction DR3.

[0153] To improve the folding characteristics of the first protective layer 220-7, a plurality of grooves 221-7 may be defined in the first protective layer 220-7. Each of the plurality of grooves 221-7 may have an inverted trapezoidal shape.

[0154] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0155] Reference Figure 11 The upper layer 200-8 may include a first adhesive layer 210-1, a first protective layer 220, a second adhesive layer 230, a second protective layer 240, and a functional coating 250, which are sequentially stacked along the third direction DR3.

[0156] The first adhesive layer 210-1 may include a protrusion 210f-1 that protrudes toward the first protective layer 220. The protrusion 210f-1 may be accommodated in a groove 221 provided in the first protective layer 220.

[0157] The refractive index difference between the protrusion 210f-1 and the first protective layer 220 can be smaller than the refractive index difference between the first protective layer 220 and the air layer. Therefore, the probability of external light being reflected can be further reduced. Consequently, the probability of the groove 221 being visually recognized by the user can be reduced.

[0158] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0159] Reference Figure 12 The upper layer 200-9 may include a first adhesive layer 210-2, a first protective layer 220, a second adhesive layer 230, a second protective layer 240, and a functional coating 250, which are sequentially stacked along the third direction DR3.

[0160] The first adhesive layer 210-2 may include a protrusion 210f-2 projecting toward the first protective layer 220. The protrusion 210f-2 may be accommodated in a groove 221 provided in the first protective layer 220. Alternatively, the protrusion 210f-2 may be accommodated in a portion of each groove 221, and air may be disposed in the other portion of each groove 221.

[0161] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0162] Reference Figure 13 The upper layer 200-10 may include a first adhesive layer 210-3, a first protective layer 220-3, a second adhesive layer 230, a second protective layer 240, and a functional coating 250, which are sequentially stacked along the third direction DR3.

[0163] The first adhesive layer 210-3 may include protrusions 210f-3a and 210f-3b projecting toward the first protective layer 220-3. The protrusions 210f-3a and 210f-3b may be accommodated in a portion of the grooves 221-3a, 221-3b, and 221-3c provided in the first protective layer 220-3. For example, the protrusions 210f-3a and 210f-3b may be accommodated in grooves 221-3b and 221-3c that are relatively wide.

[0164] Figure 14 This is a top view of the protective layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0165] Reference Figure 14 This is a top view showing the first protective layer 220. As previously explained, the first protective layer 220 may define a plurality of slots 221. These slots 221 may be spaced apart in a first direction DR1, and each slot 221 may extend along a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. The second direction DR2 may correspond to the folded region 1000F (see reference). Figure 1a The direction of extension of ).

[0166] Additionally, refer to Figure 6a , Figure 6b , Figure 7a , Figure 7b , Figures 8 to 13 The groove used to illustrate this can have, for example... Figure 14 That kind of planar shape.

[0167] Figure 15 This is a top view of the protective layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0168] Reference Figure 15This is a top view showing the first protective layer 220-x. Multiple slots 221-x may be defined in the first protective layer 220-x. The multiple slots 221-x may be arranged spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2.

[0169] Figure 15 The example illustrates that the lengths of the second direction DR2 of each of the multiple slots 221-x are the same, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the lengths of the second direction DR2 of the multiple slots 221-x can also be provided in various ways.

[0170] Additionally, refer to Figure 6a , Figure 6b , Figure 7a , Figure 7b , Figures 8 to 13 The groove used to illustrate this can have, for example... Figure 15 That kind of planar shape.

[0171] Figure 16 This is a top view of the protective layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0172] Reference Figure 16 This is a top view showing the first protective layer 220-y. The first protective layer 220-y defines a plurality of slots 221-y. The plurality of slots 221-y are arranged spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The space between two slots in the plurality of slots 221-y that are spaced apart in the second direction DR2 may overlap with the slots when viewed in the first direction DR1.

[0173] Additionally, refer to Figure 6a , Figure 6b , Figure 7a , Figure 7b , Figures 8 to 13 The groove used to illustrate this can have, for example... Figure 16 That kind of planar shape.

[0174] Figure 17 This is a top view of the protective layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0175] Reference Figure 17 This is a top view showing the first protective layer 220-z. A plurality of slots 221-z may be defined in the first protective layer 220-z. Each of the slots 221-z may be provided as a point. For example, in a plane, the plurality of slots 221-z may have a regular quadrilateral, circular, or polygonal shape. The plurality of slots 221-z may be arranged along a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2.

[0176] Additionally, refer to Figure 6a , Figure 6b , Figure 7a , Figure 7b , Figures 8 to 13The groove used to illustrate this can have, for example... Figure 17 That kind of planar shape.

[0177] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0178] Reference Figure 18 The upper layer 200-11 may include a first adhesive layer 210, a first protective layer 220-8, a second adhesive layer 230, a second protective layer 240, and a functional coating 250, which are sequentially stacked along the third direction DR3.

[0179] To improve the folding characteristics of the first protective layer 220-8, a plurality of grooves (hereinafter, grooves) 221-8 may be defined in the first protective layer 220-8. The grooves 221-8 may be defined spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1, and the grooves 221-8 may be provided by being recessed from the upper 220-U direction toward the lower 220-B direction.

[0180] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0181] Reference Figure 19 The upper layer 200-12 may include a first adhesive layer 210, a first protective layer 220, a second adhesive layer 230, a second protective layer 240-1, and a functional coating 250, which are sequentially stacked along the third direction DR3.

[0182] To improve the folding characteristics of the second protective layer 240-1, a plurality of slots (hereinafter, slots) 241 may also be defined in the second protective layer 240-1. The slots 241 may be defined spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0183] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0184] Reference Figure 20 The upper layer 200-13 may include a first adhesive layer 210, a first protective layer 220-9, a second adhesive layer 230, a second protective layer 240-1, and a functional coating 250, which are sequentially stacked along the third direction DR3.

[0185] The slots in the first protective layer 220-9 can be omitted. In order to improve the folding characteristics of the second protective layer 240-1, multiple slots 241 can be defined only in the second protective layer 240-1.

[0186] Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0187] Reference Figure 21The upper layer 200-14 may include a first adhesive layer 210-14, an anti-reflective layer 220-14, a second adhesive layer 230-14, a first protective layer 240-14, a functional coating 250-14, a third adhesive layer 260-14, and a second protective layer 270-14, which are sequentially stacked along the third direction DR3.

[0188] The antireflective layer 220-14 reduces the reflectivity of externally incident light. The antireflective layer 220-14 may include a phase retarder and a polarizer. Alternatively, the antireflective layer 220-14 may include a color filter. Alternatively, the antireflective layer 220-14 may include a destructive interference structure.

[0189] The first protective layer 240-14 and the second protective layer 270-14 can each be ultra-thin tempered glass or a synthetic resin film. For example, the first protective layer 240-14 can be ultra-thin tempered glass, and the second protective layer 270-14 can be a synthetic resin film. The first protective layer 240-14 can be referred to as a window, and the second protective layer 270-14 can also be referred to as a protective film.

[0190] At least one of the first protective layer 240-14 and the second protective layer 270-14 may be provided with a groove. For example, the first protective layer 240-14 may be provided with a groove 241-14. Providing a groove 241-14 in the folding region 1000F can improve the folding characteristics of the upper layer 200-14. In one embodiment of the invention, a groove 241-14 may also be additionally provided in the second protective layer 270-14 or the anti-reflective layer 220-14.

[0191] The present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art or those with ordinary knowledge in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the present invention without departing from the concept and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited by the details described in the specification, but should be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A display device comprising: a display module; and a protective layer disposed on the display module and defining a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region, a plurality of grooves being defined in the first region, a sum of widths of the plurality of grooves in a first direction being less than 0.23 times a width of the first region in the first direction and greater than 0 times the width of the first region in the first direction, each of the widths of the plurality of grooves being greater than 0 micrometers and less than or equal to 400 micrometers, wherein the plurality of grooves includes a first groove, a second groove, and a third groove arranged in order along the first direction, a distance between the first groove and the second groove being different from a distance between the second groove and the third groove.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the protective layer includes a lower face facing the display module and an upper face spaced apart from the display module with the lower face interposed therebetween, each of the plurality of grooves is recessed in a direction from the lower face toward the upper face.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the protective layer includes a lower face facing the display module and an upper face spaced apart from the display module with the lower face interposed therebetween, each of the plurality of grooves is recessed in a direction from the upper face toward the lower face.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of grooves includes a first groove and a second groove spaced apart along the first direction, a width of the first groove in the first direction and a width of the second groove in the first direction are different from each other.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of grooves is a regular quadrangle, a trapezoid, an inverted trapezoid, or a lens shape in cross section.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of grooves is configured with air.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device further includes an adhesive layer attached to the protective layer, at least a portion of the plurality of grooves accommodates a portion of the adhesive layer.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device further includes an adhesive layer attached to the protective layer, a portion of each of the plurality of grooves is configured with air, and another portion of each of the plurality of grooves accommodates a portion of the adhesive layer.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a width of each of the plurality of grooves is less than an interval between two grooves adjacent to each other among the plurality of grooves.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a depth of each of the plurality of grooves is less than a thickness of the protective layer.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the protective layer includes tempered glass or a synthetic resin film.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of grooves are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, each of the plurality of grooves extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of grooves is spaced apart from each other in the first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction.

14. A display device comprising: A display module; and A window disposed above the display module and including a lower face facing the display module and an upper face spaced apart from the display module with the lower face interposed therebetween, a plurality of grooves recessed from the lower face toward the upper face and spaced apart from each other in a first direction are defined in the window, the plurality of grooves include first grooves spaced apart in the first direction and second grooves, widths of the first grooves in the first direction and widths of the second grooves in the first direction are different from each other.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein a first region overlapping all of the plurality of grooves and a second region adjacent to the first region are defined in the window, a boundary between the first region and the second region overlaps a side wall of a groove disposed at an outermost profile among the plurality of grooves, a sum of widths of the plurality of grooves in the first direction is less than 0.23 times a width of the first region in the first direction and greater than 0 times the width of the first region in the first direction.

16. The display device according to claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of grooves has a width greater than 0 micrometers and less than or equal to 400 micrometers.

17. The display device according to claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of grooves has a width less than a spacing between two grooves adjacent to each other among the plurality of grooves.

18. The display device according to claim 14, wherein at least one of air and an adhesive substance is disposed in each of the plurality of grooves.

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