Display device and method for manufacturing supporting member

Abstract

A display device and a method for manufacturing a supporting component are disclosed, the display device comprising: a display module; a supporting plate arranged below the display module; a supporting bar arranged below the display module and arranged in a first direction with the supporting plate; a supporting film arranged between the display module and the supporting plate and between the display module and the supporting bar; a first housing accommodating the display module, the supporting plate, the supporting film and the supporting bar; and a second housing coupled to the first housing to move in a direction approaching or away from the first housing along a first direction. Opposite sides of the supporting bar are respectively inserted into first guide grooves defined in inner side surfaces of the first housing facing each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the supporting bar moves along the first guide grooves.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and all benefits arising from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0175225, filed on December 26, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device and a method for manufacturing a supporting member. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device and a method for manufacturing a supporting member capable of improving the surface quality of a display module. Background Art

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

[0005] In recent years, with the development of display device technology, various types of display devices are being developed. Various flexible display devices that can be folded, rolled, or transformed into a curved shape are being developed. Flexible display devices are easy to carry and thus improve user convenience.

[0006] The flexible display device includes a flexible display module. The display module is accommodated in a housing and expands as needed after being withdrawn from the housing. A support member is attached to the rear surface of the display module to support the display module withdrawn to the outside. Summary of the invention

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide a display device capable of improving the surface quality of a display module.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a support member.

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention provides a display device, the display device comprising: a display module; a support plate disposed below the display module; a plurality of support bars disposed below the display module and arranged in a first direction together with the support plate; a support film disposed between the display module and the support plate and between the display module and the plurality of support bars; a first housing accommodating the display module, the support plate, the support film and the plurality of support bars; and a second housing coupled to the first housing and moving along a first direction. Opposite sides of the plurality of support bars are respectively inserted into first guide grooves defined in inner side surfaces of the first housing facing each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the plurality of support bars move along the first guide grooves.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a support member, the method comprising: preparing a metal plate including a sub-support plate; defining a first groove in an upper surface of the sub-support plate, the first groove being arranged in a first direction, extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and spaced apart from opposite sides of the sub-support plate that are opposite to each other in the second direction; defining a second groove from a lower surface of the sub-support plate to the first groove, the second groove being arranged in the first direction, extending in the second direction, overlapping with the first groove, and spaced apart from opposite sides of the sub-support plate; separating a support bar between an opening defined by the first groove and the second groove from the sub-support plate; and providing a support film on the support bar. Each of the second grooves is larger than each of the first grooves.

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a support member, the method comprising: preparing a metal plate, the metal plate comprising a first support plate, a second support plate and a sub-support plate arranged in a first direction; defining a first groove in an upper surface of the sub-support plate, the first groove being arranged in the first direction and extending to an opposite side of the sub-support plate in a second direction intersecting the first direction; providing a support layer on the first groove and the upper surface of the sub-support plate; and defining a second groove from a lower surface of the sub-support plate to the first groove, the second groove being arranged in the first direction, extending to an opposite side of the sub-support plate in the second direction and overlapping with the first groove, so as to define a plurality of support bars between the first grooves and the second grooves. Each of the second grooves is larger than each of the first grooves.

[0012] According to the above, the flat supporting film is disposed on the supporting bar supporting the display module, and the display module is disposed on the flat supporting film. Therefore, the surface quality of the display module can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The above and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent by referring to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a display device according to the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of an expanded mode of the display device shown in ;

[0016] Figure 3 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a display module shown in ;

[0017] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A plan view of the display module shown in ;

[0018] Figure 5 It is schematically shown Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a pixel shown in ;

[0019] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the housing shown in ;

[0020] Figure 7 It shows that the setting Figure 6 A perspective view of a roller component in a first housing shown in FIG.

[0021] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 6 A perspective view of a state in which the second housing shown in FIG. 1 is coupled to the first housing;

[0022] Fig.10 It is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' shown in FIG.

[0023] Fig.11 It is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' shown in FIG.

[0024] Fig.12 It is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' shown in FIG.

[0025] Fig.13 is to be set in Figure 6 A perspective view of the display module and the support member in the first housing shown in ;

[0026] Fig.14 It is shown Fig.13 A side view of the display module and the support member shown in FIG. 1 in a second direction;

[0027] Fig.15 It is along Fig.13 A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV' shown in FIG.

[0028] Fig.16 , Fig.17 and Fig.18 is a cross-sectional view showing a display module and a supporting member provided in a first housing and a second housing;

[0029] Fig.19 It shows that the setting Fig.17 an enlarged view of the support bar and roller components at the bend shown in FIG.

[0030] Fig. 20 It is shown Fig.17 A view of an extended mode of the display device shown in ;

[0031] Figure 21 to Figure 26 is a view showing an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a supporting member according to the present invention; and

[0032] Figures 27 to 30 is a view showing another embodiment of the method of manufacturing a supporting member according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In the present disclosure, it will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present.

[0034] The same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout. In the drawings, the thickness, ratio, and size of components are exaggerated in order to effectively describe the technical contents.

[0035] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0036] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. can be used in this article to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the first element discussed below can be referred to as the second element. As used herein, the singular forms "one", "an", and "the" are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as “under,” “below,” “lower,” “over,” and “upper,” etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or features as shown in the drawings.

[0038] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation of the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations of the stated value, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5%.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted as an idealized or overly formal meaning unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0040] It should also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms “include” and / or “including” specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0041] Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a display device DD according to the present invention. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 3 is a perspective view of an extended mode of the display device DD shown in .

[0043] refer to Figure 1 The display device DD in the embodiment of the present invention may include a display module DM and a case CS in which the display module DM is accommodated. The display module DM may be exposed to the outside through an opening OP defined through the case CS.

[0044] The case CS may include a first case CS1 and a second case CS2 coupled to the first case CS1 to accommodate the display module DM. The second case CS2 may be coupled to the first case CS1 to move in a first direction DR1. The configurations of the first case CS1 and the second case CS2 will be described in more detail below.

[0045] A direction crossing the first direction DR1 may also be referred to as a “second direction DR2”, and a direction perpendicularly crossing a plane defined by the first and second directions DR1 and DR2 may also be referred to as a “third direction DR3”. In the present invention, the expression “plan view” may mean a view on the third direction DR3.

[0046] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the second housing CS2 can move in the first direction DR1 to get closer to or farther away from the first housing CS1. When the second housing CS2 moves in the first direction DR1, the area of ​​the exposed surface of the display module DM can be adjusted according to the movement of the second housing CS2. As the second housing CS2 moves, the basic mode and the extended mode of the display device DD can be realized.

[0047] In an embodiment, the display module DM may be a flexible display module and may be supported by, for example, a support member (eg, Fig.13 The structure of the supporting member will be described in detail below. The supporting member may be connected to the second shell CS2, and when the second shell CS2 moves in the first direction DR1 to move away from the first shell CS1, the supporting member may also move in the first direction DR1 away from the first shell CS1.

[0048] Although not shown in the drawings, in addition to the portion of the display module DM exposed to the opening OP, a portion of the display module DM not exposed to the outside may also be disposed in the first housing CS1. As the second housing CS2 moves, the display module DM disposed on the support member may move in the first direction DR1 together with the support member, and as a result, the exposed surface of the display module DM may be expanded.

[0049] When the exposed surface of the display module DM can be expanded, the user can view images through a larger screen. The state in which the exposed surface of the display module DM of the display device DD is expanded may also be referred to as an "expanded mode."

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown in , when the first shell CS1 and the second shell CS2 are coupled to be close to each other, the exposed surface of the display module DM can be minimized. In an embodiment, when the second shell CS2 moves in the first direction DR1 to be close to the first shell CS1, the first shell CS1 and the second shell CS2 can be adjacent to each other, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 For example, this state of the display device DD may also be referred to as a “basic mode”.

[0051] Figure 3 It is schematically shown Figure 1 sectional view of the display module DM shown in FIG.

[0052] refer to Figure 3 , the display module DM may include a display panel DP, an input sensing part ISP disposed on the display panel DP, a window WIN disposed on the input sensing part ISP, and an adhesive OCA disposed between the window WIN and the input sensing part ISP.

[0053] The display panel DP in the embodiment of the present invention may be a light-emitting display panel, however, it should not be limited thereto or thereby. Various display panels that can display images (such as a liquid crystal display panel, an electrowetting display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, etc.) may be used as the display panel DP. The display panel DP may be a flexible display panel.

[0054] The display panel DP in the embodiment of the present invention may be a light-emitting display panel, however, it should not be particularly limited. In an embodiment, the display panel DP may be, for example, an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material. In an embodiment, the light-emitting layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include at least one of a quantum dot and a quantum rod. Hereinafter, the organic light-emitting display panel will be described as the display panel DP.

[0055] The display panel DP may include a substrate SUB, a pixel layer PXL disposed on the substrate SUB, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE disposed on the substrate SUB to cover the pixel layer PXL. The substrate SUB may be a transparent substrate and may include a flexible plastic substrate. In an embodiment, for example, the substrate SUB may include polyimide (PI).

[0056] The substrate SUB may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA. The pixel layer PXL may be disposed in the display area DA. The pixel layer PXL may include a plurality of pixels (eg, Figure 4 “PX” in ), and each pixel may include a light-emitting element.

[0057] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include at least two inorganic layers and an organic layer disposed between the inorganic layers. The inorganic layer may include an inorganic material and may protect the pixel layer PXL from moisture and oxygen. The organic layer may include an organic material and may protect the pixel layer PXL from foreign matter (such as dust particles).

[0058] The input sensing part ISP may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. The input sensing part ISP may sense an external input of an input medium such as a user's hand or a touch pen, and may convert the sensed input into a predetermined input signal. The input sensing part ISP may include a plurality of sensing electrodes to sense the external input. The sensing electrodes may sense the external input by a capacitive method.

[0059] When manufacturing the display module DM, the input sensing part ISP may be directly manufactured on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE, however, it should not be limited thereto or thereby. The input sensing part ISP may be manufactured as a touch panel separate from the display panel DP and may be attached to the display panel DP by an adhesive.

[0060] The window WIN may protect the display panel DP and the input sensing component ISP from external scratches and impacts. The window WIN may be attached to the input sensing component ISP by an adhesive OCA. In an embodiment, the adhesive OCA may include, for example, an optically transparent adhesive. The image generated by the display panel DP may be provided to the user after passing through the window WIN.

[0061] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A plan view of the display module DM shown in FIG.

[0062] refer to Figure 4 , the display module DM may include a display panel DP, a scan driver SDV, a data driver DDV, and an emission driver EDV. Figure 4 The configuration of the display panel DP is shown in a plan view, and a plan configuration of the input sensing part ISP is omitted.

[0063] The display panel DP may have a quadrilateral (e.g., rectangular) shape having long sides extending in a first direction DR1 and short sides extending in a second direction DR2. The display panel DP may include a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The display panel DP may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA.

[0064] The display panel DP may include a plurality of pixels PX, a plurality of scan lines SL1 to SLm, a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLn, and a plurality of emission lines EL1 to ELm. Each of "m" and "n" is a natural number. The pixels PX may be arranged in the display area DA and may be connected to the scan lines SL1 to SLm, the data lines DL1 to DLn, and the emission lines EL1 to ELm.

[0065] The scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the emission driver EDV may be disposed in the non-display area NDA. The scan driver SDV may be disposed in the non-display area NDA to be aligned with one side (eg, Figure 4 The one side of the display panel DP is adjacent to the left side of the display panel DP, and the one side of the display panel DP is defined by one of the long sides of the display panel DP.

[0066] The emission driver EDV may be disposed in the non-display area NDA to be aligned with the other side (eg, Figure 4 The data driver DDV may be disposed in the non-display area NDA to be adjacent to the short side (e.g., the right side) of the display panel DP, and the other side of the display panel DP is opposite to the above-mentioned one side of the display panel DP. Figure 4 of the upper and lower sides (e.g. Figure 4 The upper side of the middle is adjacent to the.

[0067] The scan lines SL1 to SLm may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be connected to the scan driver SDV. The data lines DL1 to DLn may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be connected to the data driver DDV. The emission lines EL1 to ELm may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be connected to the emission driver EDV.

[0068] The scan driver SDV may generate a plurality of scan signals, and the scan signals may be applied to the pixels PX through the scan lines SL1 to SLm. The scan signals may be sequentially applied to the pixels PX. The data driver DDV may generate a plurality of data voltages, and the data voltages may be applied to the pixels PX through the data lines DL1 to DLn. The emission driver EDV may generate a plurality of light emitting signals, and the light emitting signals may be applied to the pixels PX through the emission lines EL1 to ELm.

[0069] Although not shown in the drawings, the display module DM may include a timing controller (not shown) to control operations of the scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the emission driver EDV.

[0070] The timing controller may generate a scan control signal, a data control signal, and a light emitting control signal in response to a control signal provided from the outside. The timing controller may receive an image signal from the outside, may convert the data format of the image signal into a data format suitable for an interface between the data driver DDV and the timing controller, and may provide the image signal to the data driver DDV.

[0071] The scan driver SDV may generate a scan signal in response to the scan control signal, and the emission driver EDV may generate a light emission signal in response to the light emission control signal. The data driver DDV may receive an image signal whose data format is converted and may generate a data voltage corresponding to the image signal.

[0072] The pixel PX may receive a data voltage in response to a scan signal. The pixel PX may emit light having a brightness corresponding to the data voltage in response to a light emission signal to display an image. The light emission time of the pixel PX may be controlled by the light emission signal.

[0073] Figure 5 It is schematically shown Figure 4 0 is a cross-sectional view of one pixel PX shown in FIG.

[0074] refer to Figure 5, the pixel PX may include an organic light emitting device OLED and a transistor TR connected to the organic light emitting device OLED. The organic light emitting device OLED may include a first electrode E1, a second electrode E2, and an organic light emitting layer OEL disposed between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2. In an embodiment, the first electrode E1 may be an anode electrode, and the second electrode E2 may be a cathode electrode, but is not limited thereto.

[0075] The pixel PX may include a pixel area PA and a non-pixel area NPA surrounding the pixel area PA. The organic light emitting device OLED may be disposed in the pixel area PA, and the transistor TR may be disposed in the non-pixel area NPA.

[0076] The transistor TR and the organic light emitting device OLED may be disposed on a substrate SUB. A buffer layer BFL may be disposed on the substrate SUB, and the buffer layer BFL may include an inorganic material. The semiconductor layer SM of the transistor TR may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL, and the buffer layer BFL may include an inorganic material. The semiconductor layer SM of the transistor TR may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. In an embodiment, the semiconductor layer SM may include an inorganic semiconductor (such as amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon) or an organic semiconductor. In addition, the semiconductor layer SM may include, for example, an oxide semiconductor, but is not limited thereto.

[0077] Although in Figure 5 Although not shown in the drawings, the semiconductor layer SM may include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region defined between the source region and the drain region.

[0078] A first insulating layer INS1 may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL to cover the semiconductor layer SM. The first insulating layer INS1 may include an inorganic material. The gate electrode GE of the transistor TR may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1 to overlap the semiconductor layer SM. The gate electrode GE may overlap a channel region of the semiconductor layer SM.

[0079] A second insulating layer INS2 may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1 to cover the gate electrode GE. The second insulating layer INS2 may also be referred to as an “intermediate insulating layer.” The second insulating layer INS2 may include an organic material and / or an inorganic material.

[0080] The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR may be disposed on the second insulating layer INS2 to be spaced apart from each other. The source electrode SE may be connected to the source region of the semiconductor layer SM through a first contact hole CH1 defined through the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2. The drain electrode DE may be connected to the drain region of the semiconductor layer SM through a second contact hole CH2 defined through the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2.

[0081] A third insulating layer INS3 may be disposed on the second insulating layer INS2 to cover the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR. The third insulating layer INS3 may also be referred to as a “planarization layer”, which provides a flat upper surface and may include an organic material.

[0082] The first electrode E1 may be disposed on the third insulating layer INS3. The first electrode E1 may be connected to the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR through a third contact hole CH3 defined through the third insulating layer INS3. The first electrode E1 may also be referred to as a "pixel electrode".

[0083] A pixel defining layer PDL exposing a predetermined portion of the first electrode E1 may be disposed on the first electrode E1 and the third insulating layer INS3 . An opening PX_OP may be defined through the pixel defining layer PDL to expose a predetermined portion of the first electrode E1 .

[0084] The organic light emitting layer OEL may be disposed on the first electrode E1 in the opening PX_OP. In an embodiment, the organic light emitting layer OEL may generate light having one of red, green, and blue colors, however, it should not be limited thereto or thereby. In an embodiment, the organic light emitting layer OEL may generate white light by a combination of organic materials that respectively generate, for example, red, green, and blue light.

[0085] The second electrode E2 may be disposed on the pixel defining layer PDL and the organic light emitting layer OEL. The second electrode E2 may also be referred to as a “common electrode”.

[0086] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the organic light emitting device OLED to cover the pixel PX. A layer disposed between the substrate SUB and the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may also be referred to as a "pixel layer PXL."

[0087] A first voltage may be applied to the first electrode E1, and a second voltage may be applied to the second electrode E2. Holes and electrons injected into the organic light emitting layer OEL may be recombined to generate excitons, and the organic light emitting device OLED may emit light by returning the excitons from an excited state to a ground state. In an embodiment, the organic light emitting device OLED may emit red light, green light, and blue light according to, for example, current, so that an image may be displayed.

[0088] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the housing CS shown in FIG. Figure 7 It shows that the setting Figure 6 0 is a perspective view of the roller member ROL below the first shell CS1 shown in FIG.

[0089] exist Figure 7 , the third side wall SW3 is omitted to explain the roller part ROL.

[0090] refer to Figure 6 The housing CS may include a first housing CS1, a second housing CS2, and a roll member ROL. The roll member ROL may be disposed in the first housing CS1, and the roll member ROL may be disposed in the second housing CS2. Figure 7 The structure is described in detail.

[0091] The first case CS1 may include a first sidewall SW1, a second sidewall SW2, a third sidewall SW3, and a first bottom BP1. The first sidewall SW1 may include a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the third direction DR3, and may extend longer in the first direction DR1 than in the third direction DR3.

[0092] The second side wall SW2 may include a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the third direction DR3 and may extend longer in the first direction DR1 than in the third direction DR3. The second side wall SW2 may face the first side wall SW1 in the second direction DR2.

[0093] The first side wall SW1 and the second side wall SW2 may have substantially the same shape. One side of the first side wall SW1 and one side of the second side wall SW2 may have a convex curved shape.

[0094] The first and second sidewalls SW1 and SW2 may define a first guide groove GG1 therein. The first and second sidewalls SW1 and SW2 may define inner surfaces of the first case CS1 facing each other in the second direction DR2.

[0095] exist Figure 6 In the figure, due to the viewing position of the stereogram, the first guide groove GG1 defined in the inner surface of the first side wall SW1 is shown, however, the first guide groove GG1 may also be defined in the inner surface of the second side wall SW2. In an embodiment, the first guide groove GG1 may have a shape obtained by rotating the "U" shape by about 90 degrees in the counterclockwise direction, but is not limited thereto. The shape of the first guide groove GG1 will be described in detail below.

[0096] Hereinafter, the surface of the first side wall SW1 opposite to the inner surface of the first side wall SW1 will also be referred to as the “outer surface” of the first side wall SW1. The surface of the second side wall SW2 opposite to the inner surface of the second side wall SW2 will also be referred to as the “outer surface” of the second side wall SW2. In addition, the inner surface and the outer surface of the sub-elements of the first side wall SW1 and the second side wall SW2 to be described below may correspond to the inner surface and the outer surface of the first side wall SW1 and the second side wall SW2, respectively.

[0097] A second guide groove GG2 may be defined in an outer side surface of each of the first side wall SW1 and the second side wall SW2, and the second guide groove GG2 may extend in the first direction DR1. A third guide groove GG3 may be defined in an upper portion of each of the first side wall SW1 and the second side wall SW2, and the third guide groove GG3 may extend in the first direction DR1. Due to the observation point of the stereogram, the second guide groove GG2 and the third guide groove GG3 defined in the second side wall SW2 are shown, however, the second guide groove GG2 and the third guide groove GG3 may also be defined in the first side wall SW1.

[0098] Each of the first side wall SW1 and the second side wall SW2 may include a first portion PT1 and a second portion PT2 disposed on a predetermined portion of the first portion PT1, the second portion PT2 being adjacent to one side of the first portion PT1, and the first portion PT1 and the second portion PT2 extending in the first direction DR1. One side of the first portion PT1 may correspond to one side of each of the first side wall SW1 and the second side wall SW2. A portion of the first guide groove GG1 may be defined between the first portion PT1 and the second portion PT2.

[0099] The first portion PT1 may include a first sub-portion SPT1 not overlapping the second portion PT2 in the third direction DR3 and a second sub-portion SPT2 overlapping the second portion PT2 in the third direction DR3. The second sub-portion SPT2 may be disposed under the second portion PT2.

[0100] The inner surface of the first sub-portion SPT1 and the inner surface of the second sub-portion SPT2 may be arranged at the same plane. The outer surface of the second sub-portion SPT2 may be arranged to be further outward than the outer surface of the first sub-portion SPT1. That is, the thickness of the second sub-portion SPT2 in the second direction DR2 may be greater than the thickness of the first sub-portion SPT1 in the second direction DR2.

[0101] The second guide groove GG2 may be defined in the outer side surface of the second sub-portion SPT2. The second guide groove GG2 may be adjacent to the lower portion of the second sub-portion SPT2. The third guide groove GG3 may be defined in the upper portion of the second portion PT2. The third guide groove GG3 may be defined in the upper portion of the second portion PT2 to be adjacent to the outer side surface of the second portion PT2.

[0102] The third side wall SW3 may be disposed between one side of the first side wall SW1 and one side of the second side wall SW2. The third side wall SW3 may define one side of opposite sides of the first case CS1 opposite to each other in the first direction DR1. The second portion PT2 and the second sub-portion SPT2 may be adjacent to the third side wall SW3.

[0103] The first bottom portion BP1 may include a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The first bottom portion BP1 may be connected to lower portions of the first, second, and third side walls SW1, SW2, and SW3.

[0104] The second case CS2 may include a first outer sidewall OSW1, a second outer sidewall OSW2, a third outer sidewall OSW3, and a second bottom BP2. The first outer sidewall OSW1 may include a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the third direction DR3, and may extend longer in the first direction DR1 than in the third direction DR3.

[0105] The second outer sidewall OSW2 may include a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the third direction DR3 and may extend longer in the first direction DR1 than in the third direction DR3. The second outer sidewall OSW2 may face the first outer sidewall OSW1 in the second direction DR2. The first outer sidewall OSW1 and the second outer sidewall OSW2 may have substantially the same shape.

[0106] The second case CS2 may include a first protrusion P1 protruding from each of the inner surfaces of the first and second outer sidewalls OSW1 and OSW2 and extending in the first direction DR1. The first protrusion P1 may extend from each of one side of the first and second outer sidewalls OSW1 and OSW2 in the first direction DR1.

[0107] Due to the viewing position of the stereogram, Figure 6 , the first protrusion P1 disposed on the inner surface of the first outer side wall OSW1 is shown, however, the first protrusion P1 may also be disposed on the inner surface of the second outer side wall OSW2. The first protrusion P1 may be adjacent to the lower portion of each of the first outer side wall OSW1 and the second outer side wall OSW2. Generally, the first protrusion P1 may correspond to the position where the second guide groove GG2 is disposed.

[0108] When the first shell CS1 and the second shell CS2 are connected to each other, one side of the first outer side wall OSW1 can be basically defined as one end of the first outer side wall OSW1 adjacent to the above-mentioned one side of the first side wall SW1, and one side of the second outer side wall OSW2 can be basically defined as one end of the second outer side wall OSW2 adjacent to the above-mentioned one side of the second side wall SW2. In the following, the side of the first outer side wall OSW1 opposite to the above-mentioned one side of the first outer side wall OSW1 is also referred to as the "other side" of the first outer side wall OSW1, and the side of the second outer side wall OSW2 opposite to the above-mentioned one side of the second outer side wall OSW2 is also referred to as the "other side" of the second outer side wall OSW2.

[0109] The second case CS2 may include a second protrusion P2 protruding from each of an upper portion of the first outer side wall OSW1 and an upper portion of the second outer side wall OSW2 and extending in the first direction DR1. The second protrusion P2 may extend from each of one side of the first outer side wall OSW1 and one side of the second outer side wall OSW2 in the first direction DR1. The second protrusion P2 may correspond to a position where the third guide groove GG3 is provided.

[0110] A connection groove CG may be defined in each of the inner surface of the first outer side wall OSW1 and the inner surface of the second outer side wall OSW2. The connection groove CG may be defined adjacent to the other side of each of the first outer side wall OSW1 and the second outer side wall OSW2. Figure 6 , the connecting groove CG defined in the inner surface of the first outer side wall OSW1 is shown, however, the connecting groove CG may also be defined in the inner surface of the second outer side wall OSW2. The inner surface of the first outer side wall OSW1 and the inner surface of the second outer side wall OSW2 may define inner surfaces of the second shell CS2 facing each other in the second direction DR2.

[0111] The third outer sidewall OSW3 may face the third sidewall SW3 and may be disposed between the first outer sidewall OSW1 and the second outer sidewall OSW2. The third outer sidewall OSW3 may be disposed between the other side of the first outer sidewall OSW1 and the other side of the second outer sidewall OSW2.

[0112] The second bottom BP2 may include a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The second bottom BP2 may be connected to lower portions of the first outer sidewall OSW1, the second outer sidewall OSW2, and the third outer sidewall OSW3.

[0113] The roll part ROL may extend in the second direction DR2. The roll part ROL may have a cylindrical shape. The roll part ROL may rotate about a central axis of the roll part ROL extending in the second direction DR2.

[0114] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the roll part ROL may be disposed in the first housing CS1. The roll part ROL may be disposed between the first side wall SW1 and the second side wall SW2. The roll part ROL may be adjacent to one side of the first side wall SW1 and one side of the second side wall SW2 (or the third side wall SW3).

[0115] The roller part ROL may be connected to the first housing CS1. In an embodiment, for example, opposite ends of the roller part ROL opposite to each other in the second direction DR2 may be respectively inserted into a hole H defined in a portion of the first side wall SW1 adjacent to one side of the first side wall SW1 and a hole H defined in a portion of the second side wall SW2 adjacent to one side of the second side wall SW2.

[0116] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 6 0 is a perspective view of a state in which the second housing CS2 shown in FIG. 1 is coupled to the first housing CS1 .

[0117] refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the second housing CS2 may be inserted into the second guide groove GG2 and the third guide groove GG3, and may be coupled to the first housing CS1. In an embodiment, the first protrusion P1 may be inserted into the second guide groove GG2, the second protrusion P2 may be inserted into the third guide groove GG3, and thus, the second housing CS2 may be coupled to the first housing CS1. For example, referring to Fig.10 This configuration is described in detail.

[0118] The first outer sidewall OSW1 may be disposed on an outer side surface of the first sidewall SW1, and the second outer sidewall OSW2 may be disposed on an outer side surface of the second sidewall SW2. The second bottom BP2 may be disposed under the first bottom BP1.

[0119] When the second shell CS2 is connected to the first shell CS1, one side of the first outer wall OSW1 may be adjacent to one side of the first side wall SW1, and one side of the second outer wall OSW2 may be adjacent to one side of the second side wall SW2, and the other side of the first outer wall OSW1 may be adjacent to the other side of the first side wall SW1, and the other side of the second outer wall OSW2 may be adjacent to the other side of the second side wall SW2.

[0120] One side of the second case CS2 may be adjacent to one side of the first case CS1, and the other side of the second case CS2 opposite to the one side of the second case CS2 may be adjacent to the other side of the first case CS1. The other side of the second case CS2 may be defined by a third outer side wall OSW3.

[0121] Fig.10 It is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' shown in FIG. Fig.11 It is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' shown in FIG. Fig.12 It is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' shown in FIG.

[0122] refer to Fig.10 The inner surface of the first outer side wall OSW1 may be a surface of the first outer side wall OSW1 facing the outer surface of the first side wall SW1. The inner surface of the second outer side wall OSW2 may be a surface of the second outer side wall OSW2 facing the outer surface of the second side wall SW2.

[0123] The first protrusion P1 may protrude from the inner surface of the first outer sidewall OSW1 and the inner surface of the second outer sidewall OSW2 toward the first sidewall SW1 and the second sidewall SW2. The first protrusion P1 may be adjacent to the lower portion of the first outer sidewall OSW1 and the lower portion of the second outer sidewall OSW2, respectively. The first protrusion P1 may be inserted into the second guide grooves GG2, respectively.

[0124] The second protrusions P2 may protrude from upper portions of the first and second outer side walls OSW1 and OSW2 toward the first and second side walls SW1 and SW2 . The second protrusions P2 may be inserted into the third guide grooves GG3 , respectively.

[0125] refer to Fig.11 , the third side wall SW3 may have a convex curved shape. The inner side surface of the third side wall SW3 facing the third outer side wall OSW3 may have a concave curved shape. The outer side surface of the third side wall SW3 opposite to the inner side surface of the third side wall SW3 may have a convex curved shape.

[0126] The first guide groove GG1 may be closer to one side of the first side wall SW1 (or the second side wall SW2) than the other side of the first side wall SW1 (or the second side wall SW2). The first guide groove GG1 may include a first extension portion EX1, a second extension portion EX2, and a curved portion CVP. The first extension portion EX1 may extend in the first direction DR1. The second extension portion EX2 may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be disposed below the first extension portion EX1.

[0127] As an example, the length of the second extension portion EX2 in the first direction DR1 is shown to be greater than the length of the first extension portion EX1 in the first direction DR1 , however, the length relationship between the second extension portion EX2 and the first extension portion EX1 should not be limited thereto or thereby.

[0128] The curved portion CVP may extend from one side of the first extension portion EX1 to one side of the second extension portion EX2 to have a curved shape. One side of the first extension portion EX1 and one side of the second extension portion EX2 may be adjacent to one side of the first case CS1 (or the third side wall SW3). The curved portion CVP may have a curved shape convex to one side of the first case CS1 (or the third side wall SW3).

[0129] The roller part ROL may be disposed between the first extension portion EX1 and the second extension portion EX2. The roller part ROL may be disposed adjacent to the curved portion CVP. A portion of an outer circumferential surface of the roller part ROL may overlap an inner boundary of the curved portion CVP.

[0130] refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the height of the upper portion of the first outer side wall OSW1 and the height of the upper portion of the second outer side wall OSW2 may be greater than the height of the upper portion of the first sub-portion SPT1. The connection grooves CG may be defined in the first outer side wall OSW1 and the second outer side wall OSW2, respectively. When viewed in the second direction DR2, each of the connection grooves CG may be disposed on the same line as the first extension portion EX1 without overlapping the first extension portion EX1.

[0131] The connection groove CG may be defined in the first outer side wall OSW1 and the second outer side wall OSW2 so as not to overlap with the first extension portion EX1. In an embodiment, for example, the connection groove CG may be defined in a portion of the first outer side wall OSW1 and the second outer side wall OSW2 that is disposed higher than the first sub-portion SPT1. The connection groove CG may be adjacent to the other side of the second shell CS2 (or the third outer side wall OSW3).

[0132] Fig.13 is to be set in Figure 6 2 is a perspective view of the display module DM and the support member SP in the first housing CS1 shown in FIG. Fig.14 It is shown Fig.13 FIG. 4 is a side view of the display module DM and the supporting member SP in the second direction DR2 shown in FIG. Fig.15 It is along Fig.13 A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV' shown in FIG.

[0133] For ease of explanation, Fig.14 The coupled state of the display module DM and the supporting part SP is shown.

[0134] refer to Fig.13 and Fig.14 The display device DD may include a support member SP disposed on the rear surface of the display module DM to support the display module DM. The support member SP may include a support plate SPP, a plurality of support bars SB, and a support film SFL. The support plate SPP, the support bars SB, and the support film SFL may be disposed under the display module DM.

[0135] The support plate SPP and the support bar SB may be arranged in the first direction DR1. The support plate SPP may include a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The support plate SPP may include a first support plate SPP1 and a second support plate SPP2. The second support plate SPP2 may be disposed between the first support plate SPP1 and the support bar SB.

[0136] The length of the first support plate SPP1 in the second direction DR2 may be greater than the length of the second support plate SPP2 in the second direction DR2 and the length of each of the support bars SB in the second direction DR2. The length of the second support plate SPP2 in the second direction DR2 may be the same as the length of each of the support bars SB in the second direction DR2. The support bars SB may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be arranged in the first direction DR1. The support bars SB may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0137] The supporting film SFL may be disposed between the display module DM and the supporting plate SPP and between the display module DM and the supporting bar SB. The length of the supporting film SFL in the second direction DR2 may be smaller than the length of each of the first and second supporting plates SPP1 and SPP2 in the second direction DR2 and the length of each of the supporting bars SB in the second direction DR2.

[0138] In a plan view, the supporting film SFL may not overlap with the opposite sides of the supporting plate SPP and the opposite sides of the supporting bar SB in the second direction DR2. The opposite sides of the supporting film SFL in the second direction DR2 may be spaced apart from the opposite sides of the supporting bar SB in the second direction DR2. Therefore, the opposite sides of the supporting plate SPP and the opposite sides of the supporting bar SB may be exposed without being covered by the supporting film SFL.

[0139] refer to Fig.14 and Fig.15 , the support part SP may be attached to the rear surface of the display module DM. A first adhesive AD1 may be provided between the support plate SPP and the support film SFL and between the support bar SB and the support film SFL. A second adhesive AD2 may be provided between the display module DM and the support film SFL.

[0140] The supporting film SFL may be attached to the supporting plate SPP and the supporting bar SB by a first adhesive AD1. The display module DM may be attached to the supporting film SFL by a second adhesive AD2. The first adhesive AD1 and the second adhesive AD2 may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive, however, the first adhesive AD1 and the second adhesive AD2 should not be limited thereto or thereby, and may include various adhesives.

[0141] The thickness TH2 of the supporting film SFL may be less than the thickness TH1 of the supporting plate SPP and the thickness of each of the supporting bars SB. The supporting film SFL may include polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, silicone, urethane, or any combination thereof. The supporting film SFL may provide a flat surface on the lower surface of the display module DM.

[0142] In an embodiment, for example, the first gap GP1 between the central portion of the kth support bar SB and the central portion of the (k+1)th support bar SB may be in a range of about 0.5 millimeters (mm) to about 2.0 mm. Here, k may be a natural number. In an embodiment, for example, the second gap GP2 between the kth support bar SB and the (k+1)th support bar SB may be in a range of about 0.05 mm to about 0.5 mm.

[0143] Each of the supporting bars SB may have a hexagonal shape when viewed in the second direction DR2. Each of the supporting bars SB may include an upper side USF, a lower side LSF, a first side S1, a second side S2, a third side S3, and a fourth side S4 to have a hexagonal shape.

[0144] The upper side USF may face the lower surface of the display module DM. The lower side LSF may be a side opposite to the upper side USF. The first side S1 and the second side S2 may be connected to opposite ends of the upper side USF, respectively, and may extend downward to define an obtuse angle with the upper side USF.

[0145] The third side S3 and the fourth side S4 may be connected to opposite ends of the lower side LSF, respectively, and may extend upward to define an obtuse angle with the lower side LSF. The third side S3 may be connected to one end of the first side S1. The fourth side S4 may be connected to one end of the second side S2.

[0146] The length of the upper side USF in the first direction DR1 may be greater than the length of the lower side LSF in the first direction DR1. Among the support bars SB, for example, an angle θ1 defined by a fourth side S4 of the kth support bar SB and a third side S3 of the (k+1)th support bar SB may be in the range of about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees.

[0147] When the supporting film SFL is not used, the display module DM may be disposed on the supporting bars SB. In this case, when the supporting bars SB are spaced apart from each other, the display module DM may sag downward between the supporting bars SB. Therefore, the flatness (surface quality) of the display module DM may be reduced.

[0148] However, in an embodiment of the present invention, a supporting film SFL may be disposed between the supporting bar SB and the display module DM, and the supporting film SFL may provide a flat surface under the display module DM. The display module DM may maintain its flat state by the supporting film SFL. Therefore, the surface quality of the display module DM may be improved.

[0149] Fig.16 , Fig.17 and Fig.18 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the display module DM and the supporting part SP provided in the first and second casings CS1 and CS2. Fig.19 It shows that the setting Fig.17 An enlarged view of the support bar SB and the roller part ROL at the bend CVP is shown in FIG.

[0150] Fig.16 is basically corresponding to Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of Fig.17 is basically corresponding to Fig.11 sectional view, and Fig.18 is basically corresponding to Fig.12 sectional view of .

[0151] refer to Fig.16 and Fig.17 The portion of the front surface of the display module DM adjacent to the edge of the first housing CS1 can be Figure 1 The opening OP shown in is exposed to the outside. The front surface of the display module DM may be an image display surface. The support member SP may be connected to the second housing CS2, and opposite sides of the support member SP opposite to each other in the second direction DR2 may move in the first direction DR1 after being respectively inserted into the first guide grooves GG1.

[0152] refer to Fig.17 and Fig.18 , the support plate SPP may be connected to the second case CS2. In an embodiment, for example, opposite sides of the first support plate SPP1 that are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2 may be respectively inserted into the connection groove CG and may be connected to the second case CS2. A predetermined portion of the first support plate SPP1 that is adjacent to the opposite side of the first support plate SPP1 may be disposed on the first sub-portion SPT1 of the first side wall SW1 and the first sub-portion SPT1 of the second side wall SW2.

[0153] refer to Fig.16 and Fig.17, the length of the display module DM in the second direction DR2 may be smaller than the length of the second support plate SPP2 in the second direction DR2. Since the length of the second support plate SPP2 in the second direction DR2 is substantially the same as the length of each of the support bars SB in the second direction DR2, the length of the display module DM in the second direction DR2 may be smaller than the length of each of the support bars SB in the second direction DR2.

[0154] The display module DM and the supporting film SFL may not be inserted into the first guide groove GG1. The display module DM and the supporting film SFL may be disposed between the first side wall SW1 and the second side wall SW2.

[0155] Fig.17 The state of the display device DD shown in the figure may be a basic mode of the display device DD. In the basic mode of the display device DD, the opposite sides of the support plate SPP may be disposed at the first extension portion EX1. In an embodiment, for example, the opposite sides of the second support plate SPP2 that are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2 may be respectively inserted into the first extension portion EX1 and disposed at the first extension portion EX1. In the basic mode of the display device DD, the opposite sides of the support bar SB that are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2 may be respectively inserted into the second extension portion EX2 and the curved portion CVP and disposed at the second extension portion EX2 and the curved portion CVP.

[0156] Due to the arrangement of the support member SP described above, the display module DM and the support film SFL can be accommodated in the first shell CS1 and the second shell CS2 while being folded along the curved portion CVP. In an embodiment, for example, a portion of the display module DM located on the support bar SB provided on the curved portion CVP and a portion of the support film SFL located on the support bar SB provided on the curved portion CVP can be folded. The portion of the display module DM located on the support plate SPP can be folded by Figure 1 The opening OP shown in FIG. 1 is exposed to the outside, and a portion of the display module DM disposed on the supporting bar SB may not be exposed to the outside.

[0157] refer to Fig.17 and Fig.19 , the roller part ROL may rotate to allow the support bar SB provided on the curved portion CVP to move. In an embodiment, for example, the outer peripheral surface of the roller part ROL may contact the lower surface of the support bar SB. When the roller part ROL rotates, the support bar SB may move due to friction. The roller part ROL may include rubber.

[0158] Fig. 20 It is shown Fig.17 8 shows a view of an extended mode of the display device DD shown in FIG.

[0159] refer to Fig. 20 , for the extended mode of the display device DD, when the second housing CS2 moves in the first direction DR1 to move away from the first housing CS1, the support member SP may move along the first guide groove GG1. The first support plate SPP1 may be connected to the second housing CS2 to move in the first direction DR1 along the second housing CS2, and the second support plate SPP2 and the support bar SB may move along the first guide groove GG1. The roller member ROL may rotate to allow the support bar SB to move along the first guide groove GG1.

[0160] The second housing CS2 can be moved in various ways. In an embodiment, for example, the second housing CS2 can be moved by a driver (not shown) that rotates the roller part ROL. The roller part ROL can be rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction by the driver, and the support bar SB can be moved by the roller part ROL. In addition, the second housing CS2 can be moved by the user's own force. The expansion area of ​​the display module DM can be determined according to the movement amount of the second housing CS2.

[0161] In the extended mode, some of the support bars SB may move along the curved portion CVP and may be disposed on a portion of the first extension portion EX1 adjacent to the curved portion CVP. The support bars SB disposed on the first extension portion EX1 may support the display module DM. The supporting film SFL may be disposed under the display module DM, may support the display module DM, and may maintain a flat state of the display module DM.

[0162] Therefore, the display device DD in this embodiment can improve the surface quality of the display module DM.

[0163] Figure 21 to Figure 26 : is a view showing an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a supporting member SP according to the present invention.

[0164] Fig. 22 It is along Fig.21 A cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V' shown in FIG. Fig.24 and Fig.26 is corresponding to Fig. 22 sectional view of .

[0165] refer to Fig.21 and Fig. 22 , a metal plate MPT including a first support plate SPP1, a second support plate SPP2, and a sub-support plate SS may be prepared. The first support plate SPP1, the second support plate SPP2, and the sub-support plate SS may be arranged in a first direction DR1.

[0166] The first groove GV1 may be defined in the upper surface SS-U of the sub-support plate SS by the first cutting tool CT1. The first groove GV1 may be arranged in the first direction DR1 and may extend in the second direction DR2. The first groove GV1 may have a V-shape when viewed in the second direction DR2.

[0167] The length of each of the first grooves GV1 in the second direction DR2 may be smaller than the length of the sub-support plate SS in the second direction DR2, and the first grooves GV1 may not be limited to opposite sides of the sub-support plate SS. That is, the first grooves GV1 may be spaced apart from opposite sides of the sub-support plate SS that are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2.

[0168] refer to Fig.23 and Fig.24 , a second groove GV2 may be defined in the lower surface SS-L of the sub-support plate SS by the second cutting tool CT2, the lower surface SS-L of the sub-support plate SS being opposite to the upper surface SS-U of the sub-support plate SS. The second groove GV2 may be arranged in the first direction DR1 and may extend in the second direction DR2.

[0169] The length of each of the second grooves GV2 in the second direction DR2 may be less than the length of the sub-support plate SS in the second direction DR2, and the second grooves GV2 may not be limited to the opposite sides of the sub-support plate SS. That is, the second grooves GV2 may be spaced apart from the opposite sides of the sub-support plate SS that are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2. Each of the second grooves GV2 may be larger than each of the first grooves GV1.

[0170] The second groove GV2 may overlap the first groove GV1. The second groove GV2 may be defined from the lower surface SS-L of the sub-support plate SS to the first groove GV1, and as a result, an opening OP1 may be defined in the sub-support plate SS by the first groove GV1 and the second groove GV2. Therefore, a support bar SB between the openings OP1 may be defined in the sub-support plate SS. The opening OP1 may be arranged in the first direction DR1 and may extend in the second direction DR2.

[0171] refer to Fig.25 , a cutting line CL may be defined in the metal plate MPT. The cutting line CL may be spaced apart from opposite sides of the second support plate SPP2 and opposite sides of the sub-support plate SS in the second direction DR2, and may extend in the first direction DR1 via the opening OP1. The cutting line CL may extend toward both sides of the second support plate SPP2 in the second direction DR2 at a boundary between the first support plate SPP1 and the second support plate SPP2.

[0172] When the metal plate MPT is cut along the cutting line CL, the support bar SB between the openings OP1 may be separated from the sub-support plate SS. A portion from the cutting line CL to the left side of the opposite side of the sub-support plate SS and a portion from the cutting line CL to the right side of the opposite side of the second support plate SPP2 may be removed because they are dummy portions.

[0173] After the cutting process, the portion of the metal plate MPT remaining between the cutting lines CL may be Fig.13 The second support plate SPP2 and the support bar SB of the support member SP shown in FIG. The first support plate SPP1 may be Fig.13 The first support plate SPP1 is shown in FIG.

[0174] refer to Fig.26 , a supporting film SFL may be provided on the supporting bar SB and the supporting plate SPP including the first supporting plate SPP1 and the second supporting plate SPP2. A first adhesive AD1 may be provided between the supporting film SFL and the supporting plate SPP and between the supporting film SFL and the supporting bar SB. The supporting film SFL may be attached to the supporting plate SPP and the supporting bar SB by the first adhesive AD1, and thus, the supporting part SP in the embodiment of the present invention may be manufactured.

[0175] Figures 27 to 30 1 is a view showing another embodiment of the method of manufacturing the supporting member SP' according to the present invention.

[0176] Fig.28 It is along Fig. 27 A cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI' shown in FIG. Fig.29 and Fig.30 is corresponding to Fig.28 sectional view of .

[0177] refer to Fig. 27 and Fig.28 , a metal plate MPT' including a support plate SPP and a sub-support plate SS' arranged in a first direction DR1 may be prepared. The support plate SPP may include a first support plate SPP1 and a second support plate SPP2. The first support plate SPP1 and the second support plate SPP2 may be Fig.13 The first support plate SPP1 and the second support plate SPP2 shown in FIG. 1 are substantially identical.

[0178] A first groove GV1' may be defined in the upper surface SS-U' of the sub-support plate SS'. The first groove GV1' may be arranged in the first direction DR1 and may extend in the second direction DR2. The first groove GV1' may have a concave curved shape when viewed in the second direction DR2. The first groove GV1' may be defined to opposite sides of the sub-support plate SS' that are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2.

[0179] refer to Fig.29 , a support layer SFL' may be disposed on the first groove GV1' and the upper surface SS-U' of the sub-support plate SS'. The support layer SFL' may provide a flat surface on the lower portion of the display module DM like the support film SFL. The support layer SFL' may include silicone. The support layer SFL' may be disposed on the support plate SPP.

[0180] refer to Fig.30 , a second groove GV2' may be defined in a lower surface SS-L' of the sub-support plate SS' opposite to the upper surface SS-U' of the sub-support plate SS'. The second grooves GV2' may be arranged in the first direction DR1 and may extend in the second direction DR2. Each of the second grooves GV2' may be larger than each of the first grooves GV1'.

[0181] The second groove GV2' may overlap the first groove GV1'. The second groove GV2' may be defined to opposite sides of the sub-support plate SS' that are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2 like the first groove GV1'. The second groove GV2' may be defined from the lower surface SS-L' of the sub-support plate SS' to the first groove GV1'. As a result, a support bar SB' is provided between the first groove GV1' and the second groove GV2', and a support part SP' including a support plate SPP, a support layer SFL' and a support bar SB' may be manufactured.

[0182] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that the present invention should not be limited to these embodiments, but those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention claimed in the appended claims. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Display module; A support plate, arranged below the display module; a plurality of support bars, spaced apart from each other in a first direction, disposed below the display module, and arranged together with the support plate in the first direction; A support film, disposed between the display module and the support plate and between the display module and the plurality of support bars; A first housing, accommodating the display module, the support plate, the support film and the plurality of support bars; as well as a second housing connected to the first housing and moving along the first direction, Wherein, opposite sides of the plurality of support bars are respectively inserted into first guide grooves defined in inner side surfaces of the first shell facing each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the plurality of support bars move along the first guide grooves.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The supporting film has a thickness smaller than that of the supporting plate and the plurality of supporting bars.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The support film includes polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, silicone or urethane. 4 . The display device of claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive attaching the supporting film to the supporting plate and the plurality of supporting bars.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of support bars extend in the second direction.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: In the second direction, each of the plurality of support bars comprises: an upper side, facing the rear surface of the display module; a lower side, opposite to the upper side; a first side and a second side respectively connected to opposite ends of the upper side and defining an obtuse angle together with the upper side, and the first side and the second side extending downward; and The third side and the fourth side are respectively connected to opposite ends of the lower side and define an obtuse angle together with the lower side. The third side and the fourth side extend upward and are respectively connected to one end of the first side and one end of the second side.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: A length of the upper side in the first direction is greater than a length of the lower side in the first direction, and an angle defined by a fourth side of a kth support bar among the plurality of support bars and a third side of a (k+1)th support bar facing the fourth side of the kth support bar is in a range from 30 degrees to 60 degrees, where k is a natural number.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first guide grooves comprises: A first extending portion extending in the first direction; a second extending portion extending in the first direction and disposed below the first extending portion; and a bent portion extending from one side of the first extension portion to one side of the second extension portion, wherein the one side of each of the first extension portion and the second extension portion is adjacent to one side of the first shell among opposite sides of the first shell that are opposite to each other in the first direction, and the bent portion has a curved shape convex toward the one side of the first shell.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The support plate is connected to the second housing, opposite sides of the support plate are inserted into the first extension of the first guide groove, and the opposite sides of the plurality of support bars are inserted into the bent portion and the second extension of the first guide groove.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: When the second housing moves away from the first housing in the first direction, some of the plurality of support bars move along the bent portion and are disposed in a portion of the first extension portion adjacent to the bent portion.

11. The display device according to claim 8, further comprising a roller member extending in the second direction in the first housing, the roller member being disposed between the first extension portion and the second extension portion and adjacent to the bent portion, wherein The roller member contacts the plurality of support bars while rotating.

12. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The support plate comprises: a first support plate connected to the second housing; and a second support plate, disposed between the first support plate and the plurality of support bars; Wherein, opposite sides of the second support plate are inserted into the first extension portion of the first guide groove, and a length of the first support plate in the second direction is greater than a length of the second support plate in the second direction.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: Opposite sides of the first support plate are inserted into connecting grooves defined in inner side surfaces of the second shell, the inner side surfaces of the second shell face each other in the second direction, and the connecting grooves do not overlap with the first extension of the first guide groove in the second direction.

14. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The first housing comprises: a first side wall extending in the first direction; a second side wall extending in the first direction and facing the first side wall in the second direction; a third side wall disposed between one side of the first side wall and one side of the second side wall and defining the one side of the first housing; and A first bottom portion is connected to the lower portion of the first side wall, the lower portion of the second side wall and the lower portion of the third side wall, and the first guide groove is defined in the inner surface of the first side wall and the inner surface of the second side wall, and the inner surface of the first side wall and the inner surface of the second side wall face each other.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The supporting film and the display module are disposed between the first side wall and the second side wall without being inserted into the first guide groove.

16. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The second housing comprises: A first outer side wall, disposed on an outer side surface of the first side wall; a second outer side wall, disposed on an outer side surface of the second side wall; a third outer side wall facing the third side wall and disposed between the first outer side wall and the second outer side wall; A second bottom portion, disposed below the first bottom portion; and first protrusions protrude from inner surfaces of the first outer side wall and the second outer side wall facing each other, respectively, and extend in the first direction, Wherein, the first protrusion is inserted into a second guide groove, which is defined in the outer side surface of the first side wall and the outer side surface of the second side wall and extends in the first direction.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein: The second shell also includes a second protrusion that protrudes from the upper portion of the first outer side wall and the upper portion of the second outer side wall toward the first side wall and the second side wall respectively and extends in the first direction, and the second protrusion is inserted into a third guide groove, which is defined in the upper portion of the first side wall and the upper portion of the second side wall and extends in the first direction.

18. A method of manufacturing a support member, the method comprising: preparing a metal plate including a sub-support plate; defining a first groove in an upper surface of the sub-support plate, the first groove being arranged in a first direction, extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and spaced apart from opposite sides of the sub-support plate that are opposite to each other in the second direction; defining a second groove from the lower surface of the sub-support plate to the first groove, the second groove being arranged in the first direction, extending in the second direction, overlapping with the first groove and spaced apart from the opposite side of the sub-support plate; separating a plurality of support bars between openings defined by the first groove and the second groove from the sub-support plate, the plurality of support bars being spaced apart from each other in the first direction; as well as A supporting film is arranged on the supporting strip, Each of the second grooves is larger than each of the first grooves.

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