Organic light emitting display device

Abstract

The present application relates to an organic light-emitting display device, comprising a display panel, a supporting layer, a coating layer and a cushion layer. The display panel comprises a foldable region. The supporting layer is arranged on the bottom surface of the display panel, and a plurality of openings are defined through the supporting layer on the foldable region. The coating layer is arranged on the top surface of the supporting layer and on the sidewall of the supporting layer defining the openings. The cushion layer is arranged between the coating layer and the display panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments generally relate to organic light emitting display devices. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to flexible organic light emitting display devices. Background Art

[0002] Flat panel display devices are used as display devices due to their light weight and thin characteristics. For example, such flat panel display devices may include liquid crystal display devices and organic light emitting display devices.

[0003] Recently, a flexible organic light-emitting display device has been developed, in which a lower substrate and an upper substrate of a display panel included in the organic light-emitting display may include a flexible material, and a portion of the display panel may be bent or folded. In such a flexible organic light-emitting display device, for example, a lower substrate included in the display panel may be formed of a polyimide substrate, and an upper substrate included in the display panel may have a thin film encapsulation structure. In addition, the flexible organic light-emitting display device may display an image even in a portion in which the display panel is folded. In other words, the flexible organic light-emitting display device may include a display area for displaying an image, and a portion of the display area may be folded. Summary of the invention

[0004] In a flexible organic light-emitting display device in which a portion of a display area is folded, the flexible organic light-emitting display device may further include a support member having a plurality of openings and disposed on a bottom surface of a display panel, and an adhesive member bonding the display panel to the support member. The opening of the support member may overlap with a portion in which the display panel is folded. However, when the flexible organic light-emitting display device is folded and unfolded, the adhesive member and the support member may delaminate at the folded and unfolded portion, thereby causing defects in the flexible organic light-emitting display device.

[0005] The embodiment provides a flexible display device.

[0006] According to an embodiment, an organic light emitting display device includes a display panel, a support member, a primer layer and a shock absorbing member. In such an embodiment, the display panel includes a foldable area. In such an embodiment, the support member is arranged on the bottom surface of the display panel, and a plurality of openings are defined through the support member on the foldable area. In such an embodiment, the primer layer is arranged on the top surface of the support member and on the sidewall of the support member defining the opening. In such an embodiment, the shock absorbing member is arranged between the primer layer and the display panel.

[0007] In an embodiment, the shock absorbing member may be disposed in each of the openings, and the shock absorbing member may be in direct contact with the primer layer.

[0008] In an embodiment, the shock absorbing member may be filled in the base coating layer provided on the side wall of the supporting member.

[0009] In an embodiment, the shock absorbing member may comprise polyurethane foam.

[0010] In embodiments, the primer layer may include a polyisocyanate and a polyol.

[0011] In an embodiment, the primer layer may have a thickness less than a thickness of the shock absorbing member.

[0012] In an embodiment, the organic light emitting display device may further include a first adhesive member disposed between the display panel and the shock absorbing member.

[0013] In an embodiment, a top surface of the first adhesive member may be in direct contact with the bottom surface of the display panel, and a bottom surface of the first adhesive member may be in direct contact with a top surface of the shock absorbing member.

[0014] In an embodiment, the display panel may further include a display area, and the foldable area may be defined by a portion of the display area.

[0015] In an embodiment, the openings of the supporting member may include 1st to nth openings arranged in a first direction parallel to the top surface of the display panel, where n is an integer of 1 or greater than 1, and the kth opening among the 1st to nth openings may be positioned to be shifted in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, where k is an even number from 1 to n.

[0016] In an embodiment, the supporting member may further include a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion being positioned in a third direction opposite to the second direction of the k-1th opening and the k+1th opening among the 1st to nth openings, and the base coating may be disposed on a top surface of each of the protrusions.

[0017] In an embodiment, a groove may be defined by a space between two adjacent ones of the protrusions, and the primer layer may be disposed on a sidewall of the groove.

[0018] In an embodiment, the organic light emitting display device may further include a first step compensation member disposed on a first portion of the bottom surface of the support member and a second step compensation member disposed on a second portion of the bottom surface of the support member opposite to the first portion.

[0019] In an embodiment, the organic light emitting display device may further include an elastic member disposed on a bottom surface of the supporting member and a second adhesive member disposed between the supporting member and the elastic member.

[0020] In an embodiment, the second adhesive member may be in direct contact with the bottom surface of the support member and the top surface of the elastic member, and the second adhesive member may cover the opening.

[0021] In an embodiment, the primer layer and the shock absorbing member disposed in the opening may be in direct contact with the second adhesive member.

[0022] In an embodiment, the organic light emitting display device may further include a first metal member and a second metal member. In such an embodiment, the first metal member may be disposed on a first portion of the bottom surface of the elastic member, and the second metal member may be disposed on a second portion opposite to the first portion of the bottom surface of the elastic member, wherein the second metal member may be spaced apart from the first metal member.

[0023] In an embodiment, each of the first portion and the second portion may partially overlap the foldable area.

[0024] In an embodiment, the organic light emitting display device may further include a third adhesive member and a fourth adhesive member. In such an embodiment, the third adhesive member may be disposed between the first metal member and the elastic member, and the fourth adhesive member may be disposed between the second metal member and the elastic member, wherein the fourth adhesive member may be spaced apart from the third adhesive member.

[0025] In an embodiment, the display panel may include a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, and when the foldable area is folded, the first side surface and the second side surface of the display panel may be positioned adjacent to each other.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the organic light emitting display device of the present invention, the primer layer may be included so that the shock absorbing member may be bonded to the supporting member without the adhesive member. Therefore, since the adhesive member is not included, the adhesive member and the supporting member may not be delaminated due to repeated folding and unfolding of the foldable region of the display panel, so that wrinkles may be effectively prevented from occurring on the display panel in the foldable region.

[0027] In such an embodiment, the shock-absorbing member fills the opening and the groove so that the supporting member positioned on the foldable area may not be cut off, and even when the foldable area of ​​the organic light-emitting display device is repeatedly folded and unfolded, foreign matter or particles can be effectively prevented from penetrating into the opening and the groove.

[0028] In an embodiment of the organic light emitting display device according to the present invention, the shock absorbing member may be filled in the opening and the groove so that deformation of the opening and the groove beyond the elastic limit may be prevented. Therefore, the width of each of the openings, the width of each of the protrusions, and the width of each of the grooves may be made relatively large, and a precise etching process may not be performed.

[0029] The embodiment of the organic light emitting display device according to the present invention may include the metal member so that the display panel can be prevented from sagging in the foldable region and static electricity, electromagnetic waves, electric fields, magnetic fields, etc. generated from the outside can be shielded.

[0030] In an embodiment of the method for manufacturing the organic light-emitting display device according to the present invention, the primer layer is formed on the support member instead of the adhesive member, so that the adhesive strength between the support member and the shock-absorbing member can be relatively increased. Therefore, without a process of replacing the release paper, the adhesive member can be attached to the shock-absorbing member. Therefore, the steps of the manufacturing process of the organic light-emitting display device can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the organic light-emitting display device can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The exemplary embodiments may be understood in more detail from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is a plan view showing an organic light emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 It is shown that the Figure 1 A plan view of a supporting member in an organic light emitting display device;

[0034] Figure 3 It is shown that the Figure 1 A perspective view of a shape in which a display panel in an organic light emitting display device is folded;

[0035] Figure 4 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line II';

[0036] Figure 5 yes Figure 2A partially enlarged plan view of an area 'A' of an organic light emitting display device;

[0037] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A partial enlarged cross-sectional view of a region 'B' of an organic light emitting display device;

[0038] Figures 7 to 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view showing an organic light emitting display device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

[0040] Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view showing an organic light emitting display device according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The present invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are shown. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. Similar reference numerals refer to similar elements throughout the text.

[0042] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may exist between them. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0043] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this article, the first "element", "component", "region", "layer" or "part" discussed below can be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or part.

[0044] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include plural forms, including "at least one", unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. "Or" means "and / or". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more than one of the relevant listed items. It should be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", or "includes" and / or "including" when used in this specification indicate the presence of specified features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more than one other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0045] In addition, relative terms such as "lower" or "bottom" and "upper" or "top" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device other than the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in one drawing is turned over, the element described as being on the "lower" side of the other elements will be oriented on the "upper" side of the other elements. Therefore, depending on the specific orientation of the drawings, the exemplary term "lower" can cover both the "lower" and "upper" directions. Similarly, if the device in one drawing is turned over, the element described as being "below" or "under" the other elements will be oriented "above" the other elements. Therefore, the exemplary terms "below" or "under" can cover both the upper and lower directions.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It should be further 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 art and the present disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0047] Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional diagrams, which are schematic diagrams of idealized embodiments. As such, variations in the shapes of the diagrams due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances should be expected. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific shapes of the zones as illustrated herein, but should include deviations in shapes resulting from, for example, manufacturing. For example, a zone illustrated or described as flat may typically have rough and / or nonlinear features. In addition, illustrated acute angles may be rounded. Therefore, the zones illustrated in the accompanying drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shapes of the zones, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of an organic light emitting display device and a method of manufacturing the same according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Figure 1 is a plan view showing an organic light emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is shown that the Figure 1 A plan view of a supporting member in an organic light emitting display device. Figure 3 It is shown that the Figure 1 A perspective view of a shape in which a display panel of an organic light emitting display device is folded, and Figure 4 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'. Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A partial enlarged plan view of an area 'A' of an organic light emitting display device. More specifically, Figure 1 and Figure 4 An embodiment of the organic light emitting display device 100 is shown in an unfolded state.

[0050] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , an embodiment of the organic light emitting display device 100 may include a display panel 200, an adhesive member 205, a shock absorbing member 410 (eg, a cushion layer), a primer layer 415 (eg, a coating layer), and a support member 500 (eg, a support layer). In an embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the organic light-emitting display device 100 may include a display area 10 and a foldable area 20. The display area 10 is an area in which an image is displayed by the display panel 200, and the foldable area 20 is an area in which the organic light-emitting display device 100 is folded or unfolded. In an embodiment, a portion of the display area 10 may define the foldable area 20. In such an embodiment, an image may also be displayed in the foldable area 20. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 5 , a plurality of openings 535, a plurality of protrusions 530, and a plurality of grooves 520 may be defined or formed in the support member 500. In such an embodiment, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The width of the foldable region 20 in the first direction D1 parallel to the top surface of the organic light-emitting display device 100 may be significantly narrower than Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the drawings, for the convenience of illustration and description, the width is shown as relatively wide.

[0051] In an embodiment of the organic light-emitting display device 100, a display panel 200 may be provided. The display panel 200 may include a plurality of pixels, and may display an image through the pixels. In one embodiment, for example, the display panel 200 may have a first surface S1 on which an image is displayed and a second surface S2 opposite to the first surface S1. In an embodiment, the display panel 200 may have a first side surface SS1 and a second side surface SS2 opposite to the first side surface SS1 (or facing the first side surface SS1). Figure 3 , when the display panel 200 positioned in the foldable region 20 is folded (or folded inwardly), the first side surface SS1 and the second side surface SS2 may be positioned adjacent to each other. In an embodiment, the display panel 200 positioned in the foldable region 20 may have a curved shape. In such an embodiment, the first surface S1 may be positioned inside, and the second surface S2 may be positioned outside. In such an embodiment, the display panel 200 may be folded (or folded outwardly) so that the first surface S1 is positioned outside, and the second surface S2 is positioned inside.

[0052] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the embodiment of the organic light-emitting display device 100, the support member 500 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the display panel 200. In such an embodiment, the support member 500 may be disposed on the second surface S2 of the display panel 200, and a plurality of openings 535 may be defined or formed through the support member 500 on the foldable region 20 or overlap the foldable region 20. In an embodiment, the openings 535 may include an opening 531 arranged in a first direction D1 parallel to the top surface of the organic light-emitting display device 100, and an opening 532 shifted in a second direction D2 orthogonal to the first direction D1 and arranged in the first direction D1. In such an embodiment, the support member 500 may further include a plurality of protrusions 530 protruding in a third direction D3 opposite to the second direction D2. In such an embodiment, the space between two adjacent protrusions in the protrusions 530 may define a groove 520.

[0053] In one embodiment, for example, the openings 535 may include 1st to nth (where n is an integer of 2 or greater) openings arranged in the first direction D1, and the kth (where k is an even number of 1 to n) opening among the 1st to nth openings may be shifted in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. In such an embodiment, the support member 500 may further include a protrusion positioned in the third direction D3 of the (k-1)th opening and the (k+1)th opening among the 1st to nth openings, and the groove may be defined by the protrusion.

[0054] The support member 500 can be used to support the display panel 200, and can also be used to enable the display panel 200 to be folded. In one embodiment, for example, the support member 500 can be provided on the entire portion of the second surface S2 of the display panel 200 to support the display panel 200, and the display panel 200 positioned in the foldable region 20 can be prevented from sagging due to the protrusion 530 between the support member 500 and the opening 535 positioned on the foldable region 20. In an embodiment, the opening 535 is defined or formed on the foldable region 20 so that the display panel 200 can be effectively folded in the foldable region 20.

[0055] In the embodiment of the organic light-emitting display device 100, the primer layer 415 and the shock absorbing member 410 may be disposed in the opening 535. In one embodiment, for example, the primer layer 415 may be disposed on the sidewall of the support member 500 defining the opening 535, and the shock absorbing member 410 may be filled on the primer layer 415 disposed on the sidewall of the support member 500. In such an embodiment, the primer layer 415 may be relatively thinly coated on the top surface of the support member 500 and on the sidewall 533 of each of the openings 531 and the sidewall 534 of each of the openings 532 on the foldable region 20, and the shock absorbing member 410 may be disposed on the primer layer 415. In such an embodiment, the sidewall of the support member 500 may be defined as the sidewall 533 of each of the openings 531 and the sidewall 534 of each of the openings 532.

[0056] In an embodiment, the primer layer 415 and the shock absorbing member 410 may also be disposed on the top surface of each of the protrusions 530 and the sidewalls 521 of each of the grooves 520. In one embodiment, for example, the primer layer 415 may be disposed on the sidewalls 521 of each of the grooves 520, and the shock absorbing member 410 may be filled on the primer layer 415 disposed on the sidewalls 521 of each of the grooves 520. In such an embodiment, the primer layer 415 may be relatively thinly coated on the top surface of each of the protrusions 530 on the foldable region 20 and on the sidewalls 521 of each of the grooves 520, and the shock absorbing member 410 may be disposed on the primer layer 415.

[0057] In an embodiment, when the organic light-emitting display device 100 is folded, the shape of each opening 535 may be deformed. In one embodiment, for example, each of the openings 535 has a geometric shape such that the support member 500 positioned on the foldable region 20 may not be deformed in the depth direction (e.g., in the direction from the support member 500 to the display panel 200), but may be deformed in the longitudinal direction (e.g., in the first direction D1).

[0058] The support member 500 may include a metal, plastic, or the like having relatively large elasticity or relatively large resilience. In one embodiment, for example, the support member 500 may include stainless steel ("SUS"). In an embodiment, the support member 500 may include an alloy (e.g., a superelastic metal) such as nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti), nickel-aluminum (Ni-Al), copper-zinc-nickel (Cu-Zn-Ni), copper-aluminum-nickel (Cu-Al-Ni), copper-aluminum-manganese (Cu-Al-Mn), titanium-nickel-copper-molybdenum (Ti-Ni-Cu-Mo), cobalt-nickel-gallium: iron (Co-Ni-Ga:Fe), silver-nickel (Ag-Ni), gold-cadmium (Au-Cd), iron-platinum (Fe-Pt), iron-nickel (Fe-Ni), and indium-cadmium (In-Cd).

[0059] In the embodiment, each of the openings 535 may have a rectangular plan shape, but its shape is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, for example, each of the openings 535 may have a polygonal plan shape (e.g., a triangular plan shape or a rhombus plan shape), a circular plan shape, an orbital plan shape, or an elliptical plan shape.

[0060] In an embodiment, the primer layer 415 may be disposed on the top surface of the support member 500 and the sidewalls of each of the sidewalls of the support member 500 and the grooves 520 defined by the opening 535. In such embodiments, the primer layer 415 may be coated with a relatively thin thickness along the profile of the top surface of the support member 500, and may be disposed on the entire portion of the support member 500. In an embodiment, the thickness of the primer layer 415 may be less than the thickness of the shock absorbing member 410. In one embodiment, for example, the thickness of the primer layer 415 may be several hundred nanometers to several angstroms. In such embodiments, the primer layer 415 may have a film (or ultra-thin film) shape. In such embodiments where the primer layer 415 has a film shape, even when the primer layer 415 is disposed on the sidewalls (e.g., the sidewalls of the support member 500 and the sidewalls of the grooves 520), the primer layer 415 may not completely fill the openings 535 and the grooves 520. In such embodiments, the shock absorbing member 410 is disposed on the primer layer 415 in the openings 535 and the grooves 520, such that the shock absorbing member 410 may completely fill the openings 535 and the grooves 520. In embodiments, the primer layer 415 may have a relatively low molecular weight.

[0061] In an embodiment, a primer 415 may be provided to improve adhesion between the support member 500 and the shock absorbing member 410. For example, the primer 415 may include at least one selected from a urethane-based primer, an acrylic-based primer, an acrylic-urethane-based primer, and a vinyl-based primer. In an embodiment, the primer 415 may be a urethane-based primer, and the primer 415 may include polyisocyanates, polyols, and the like. In an embodiment, for example, the shock absorbing member 410 includes polyurethane ("PU"), and the primer 415 may include polyisocyanates, polyols, and the like as constituent materials of the PU. In such embodiments, the constituent materials of the primer 415 may be determined based on the constituent materials of the shock absorbing member 410 or may be selected from the constituent materials of the shock absorbing member 410.

[0062] In an alternative embodiment, a thin film layer may be formed on the top surface of the support member 500, or the roughness of the top surface of the support member 500 may be changed by performing a plasma treatment process, an anodizing process, a polishing process, etc. on the top surface of the support member 500 instead of the primer layer 415. The bonding strength between the support member 500 and the shock absorbing member 410 may be improved through the above scheme.

[0063] In an embodiment, the shock absorbing member 410 may be disposed on the primer layer 415. In such an embodiment, the shock absorbing member 410 may be interposed between the primer layer 415 and the display panel 200, and may be disposed on the entire portion of the primer layer 415. In an embodiment, the shock absorbing member 410 may be disposed in each of the openings 535, and may be in direct contact with the primer layer 415. In one embodiment, for example, the shock absorbing member 410 may be filled in the primer layer 415 disposed on the side wall of the support member 500. In an embodiment, the shock absorbing member 410 may be disposed on the groove 520 and on the top surface of each of the protrusions 530, and the shock absorbing member 410 may be filled in the primer layer 415 disposed on each side wall of the groove 520. In such an embodiment in which the shock absorbing member 410 is filled in the opening 535 and the groove 520, the deformation of the opening 535 and the groove 520 may be effectively prevented from exceeding the elastic limit, and foreign substances or particles may be effectively prevented from penetrating into the opening 535 and the groove 520.

[0064] In an embodiment, the shock absorbing member 410 may protect the display panel 200 from external vibrations. In such an embodiment, the shock absorbing member 410 may include a ductile material so that the display panel 200 can be easily folded. In one embodiment, for example, the shock absorbing member 410 may include PU, polystyrene ("PS"), etc. In an embodiment, the shock absorbing member 410 may include a foam type material, such as PU foam.

[0065] The adhesive member 205 may be disposed between the display panel 200 and the shock absorbing member 410. In an embodiment, the top surface of the adhesive member 205 may be in direct contact with the bottom surface of the display panel 200, and the bottom surface of the adhesive member 205 may be in direct contact with the top surface of the shock absorbing member 410. In an embodiment, the adhesive member 205 may bond the display panel 200 to the shock absorbing member 410. For example, the adhesive member 205 may include at least one selected from an optically clear adhesive ("OCA"), a pressure sensitive adhesive ("PSA"), and a photocurable or thermosetting resin. In one embodiment, for example, the adhesive may include at least one selected from polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"), polyethylene naphthalate ("PEN"), polypropylene ("PP"), polycarbonate ("PC"), PS, polysulfone ("PSul"), polyethylene ("PE"), polyphthalamide ("PPA"), polyethersulfone ("PES"), polyarylate ("PAR"), polycarbonate oxide ("PCO"), and modified polyphenylene ether ("MPPO"). The resin of the adhesive member 205 may include epoxy resin, amino resin, phenol resin, urea resin, melamine resin, unsaturated polyester resin, PU resin, polyimide resin, etc.

[0066] In a conventional organic light-emitting display device, the shock-absorbing member 410 may be coupled to the support member 500 by an adhesive member. In such a conventional organic light-emitting display device, the adhesive member may not be disposed in the opening 535, and the opening 535 may exist as an empty space. When the foldable region 20 of the conventional organic light-emitting display device is repeatedly folded and unfolded, the adhesive member on the foldable region 20 and the portion of the support member 500 may be delaminated, thereby causing wrinkles in the foldable region 20 on the display panel 200. In addition, when the opening 535 exists as an empty space, foreign matter may infiltrate the opening 535, or a portion of particles generated during the formation of the opening 535 of the support member 500 positioned on the foldable region 20 may be separated from the support member 500 and positioned in the opening 535. Foreign matter and particles may not escape from the opening 535. Therefore, in such a conventional organic light emitting display device, the support member 500 positioned on the foldable region 20 may be damaged or the shape of the opening 535 may be deformed due to foreign substances and particles, so that defects of the conventional organic light emitting display device may be caused in the foldable region 20 .

[0067] The embodiment of the organic light emitting display device 100 according to the present invention may include the primer layer 415 so that the shock absorbing member 410 may be bonded to the supporting member 500 without the adhesive member. Therefore, since the adhesive member is not included, the adhesive member and the supporting member 500 may not be delaminated, so that wrinkles may be prevented from occurring on the display panel 200 positioned in the foldable region 20.

[0068] In such an embodiment, the shock-absorbing member 410 fills the opening 535 and the groove 520 so that the support member 500 positioned on the foldable region 20 may not be cut, and even when the foldable region 20 of the organic light-emitting display device 100 is repeatedly folded and unfolded, foreign matter or particles can be effectively prevented from penetrating into the opening 535 and the groove 520.

[0069] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of a region 'B' of an organic light emitting display device.

[0070] refer to Figure 6 , the embodiment of the display panel 200 may include a substrate 110, a semiconductor element 250, a planarization layer 270, a lower electrode 290, a pixel defining layer 310, a light emitting layer 330, an upper electrode 340, a first inorganic thin film encapsulation layer 451, an organic thin film encapsulation layer 452, a second inorganic thin film encapsulation layer 453, etc. In such an embodiment, the semiconductor element 250 may include an active layer 130, a gate insulating layer 150, a gate electrode 170, an insulating interlayer 190, a source electrode 210, and a drain electrode 230.

[0071] In the embodiment of the display panel 200, a substrate 110 comprising a transparent or opaque material may be provided. The substrate 110 may be disposed on the bonding member 205. The substrate 110 may include a transparent resin substrate or be formed by a transparent resin substrate. In one embodiment, for example, the transparent resin substrate may include a polyimide substrate. In such embodiments, the polyimide substrate may include a first polyimide layer, a barrier film layer, a second polyimide layer, etc. In alternative embodiments, the substrate 110 may include a quartz substrate, a synthetic quartz substrate, a calcium fluoride substrate, a fluorine-doped (F-doped) quartz substrate, a soda-lime glass substrate, a non-alkaline glass substrate, etc.

[0072] In an embodiment of the display panel 200, a buffer layer may be provided on the substrate 110. The buffer layer may prevent metal atoms or impurities from diffusing from the substrate 110 to the semiconductor element 250, and may be able to obtain a substantially uniform active layer by adjusting the rate of heat transfer during a crystallization process for forming the active layer. In an embodiment in which the surface of the substrate 110 is uneven, the buffer layer may be used to improve the flatness of the surface of the substrate 110. Alternatively, based on the type of the substrate 110, at least two buffer layers may be provided on the substrate 110, or the buffer layer may be omitted. In one embodiment, for example, the buffer layer may include an organic material or an inorganic material.

[0073] In the embodiment of the display panel 200, the active layer 130 may be disposed on the substrate 110. The active layer 130 may include a metal oxide semiconductor, an inorganic semiconductor (eg, amorphous silicon and polycrystalline silicon), an organic semiconductor, etc. The active layer 130 may have a source region and a drain region.

[0074] In such embodiments, the gate insulating layer 150 may be disposed on the active layer 130. In one embodiment, for example, the gate insulating layer 150 may fully cover the active layer 130 on the substrate 110, and may have a substantially flat upper surface without generating steps around the active layer 130. Alternatively, the gate insulating layer 150 may be disposed to have a uniform thickness along the contour of the active layer 130 while covering the active layer 130 on the substrate 110. The gate insulating layer 150 may include a silicon compound, a metal oxide, and the like. In one embodiment, for example, the gate insulating layer 150 may include at least one selected from silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon oxycarbide, silicon carbonitride, aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zirconium oxide, and titanium oxide. In an embodiment, the gate insulating layer 150 may have a multilayer structure including a plurality of insulating layers. In one embodiment, for example, the insulating layers may have different thicknesses or include materials different from each other.

[0075] In an embodiment of the display panel 200, the gate electrode 170 may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 150. The gate electrode 170 may be disposed on a portion of the gate insulating layer 150, and the active layer 130 is positioned below the portion of the gate insulating layer 150. The gate electrode 170 may include a metal, an alloy, a metal nitride, a conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, and the like. In one embodiment, for example, the gate electrode 170 may include a material selected from gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), copper (Cu), platinum (Pt), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), palladium (Pd), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), lithium (Li), chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), molybdenum (Mo), scandium (Sc), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), an alloy containing aluminum, aluminum nitride (AlN), an alloy containing silver, tungsten nitride (WN 2 ), copper-containing alloys, molybdenum-containing alloys, titanium nitride (TiN), chromium nitride (CrN), tantalum nitride (TaN), strontium ruthenium oxide (SrRuO 3 ), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin oxide (“ITO”), tin oxide (SnO 2 ), indium oxide (In 2 O 3 ), gallium oxide (Ga 2 O 3 ) and at least one of indium zinc oxide ("IZO"). These materials may be used alone or in combination. In an embodiment, the gate electrode 170 may include a multilayer structure including a plurality of metal layers. In an embodiment, for example, the metal layers may have different thicknesses or include materials different from each other.

[0076] In an embodiment of the display panel 200, an insulating interlayer 190 may be disposed on the gate electrode 170. In one embodiment, for example, the insulating interlayer 190 may fully cover the gate electrode 170 on the gate insulating layer 150, and may have a substantially flat upper surface without generating steps around the gate electrode 170. Alternatively, the insulating interlayer 190 may be disposed to have a uniform thickness along the contour of the gate electrode 170 while covering the gate electrode 170 on the gate insulating layer 150. The insulating interlayer 190 may include a silicon compound, a metal oxide, and the like. In an embodiment, the insulating interlayer 190 may have a multilayer structure including a plurality of insulating layers. In one embodiment, for example, the insulating layers may have different thicknesses or include materials different from each other.

[0077] The source electrode 210 and the drain electrode 230 may be disposed on the insulating interlayer 190. The source electrode 210 may be connected to the source region of the active layer 130 via a first contact hole formed by removing the first portion of the gate insulating layer 150 and the insulating interlayer 190, and the drain electrode 230 may be connected to the drain region of the active layer 130 via a second contact hole formed by removing the second portion of the gate insulating layer 150 and the insulating interlayer 190. For example, each of the source electrode 210 and the drain electrode 230 may include at least one selected from metals, alloys, metal nitrides, conductive metal oxides, and transparent conductive materials. These materials may be used alone or in combination. In an embodiment, each of the source electrode 210 and the gate electrode 230 may have a multilayer structure including a plurality of metal layers. In one embodiment, for example, the metal layers may have different thicknesses or include materials different from each other.

[0078] Thus, the semiconductor element 250 including the active layer 130 , the gate insulating layer 150 , the gate electrode 170 , the insulating interlayer 190 , the source electrode 210 , and the drain electrode 230 may be disposed on the substrate 110 .

[0079] In an embodiment, the semiconductor element 250 may have a top gate structure, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, for example, the semiconductor element 250 may have a bottom gate structure, a double gate structure, etc.

[0080] In an embodiment, the organic light emitting display device 100 may include a single semiconductor element for each pixel thereof, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, for example, each pixel of the organic light emitting display device 100 may include at least one semiconductor element and at least one storage capacitor.

[0081] The planarization layer 270 may be disposed on the insulating interlayer 190, the source electrode 210, and the drain electrode 230. In one embodiment, for example, the planarization layer 270 may be arranged relatively thick or have a thickness greater than a predetermined thickness, which is determined to provide a planarized surface on the insulating interlayer 190, the source electrode 210, and the drain electrode 230. In such an embodiment, the planarization layer 270 may have a substantially flat top surface, and the planarization layer 270 may be additionally subjected to a planarization process to achieve a flat upper surface of the planarization layer 270. In an alternative embodiment, the planarization layer 270 may be disposed to have a uniform thickness along the contours of the source electrode 210 and the drain electrode 230 on the insulating interlayer 190. The planarization layer 270 may include an organic material or an inorganic material, or be formed of an organic material or an inorganic material. In an embodiment, the planarization layer 270 may include an organic material. In one embodiment, for example, the planarization layer 270 may include at least one selected from photoresist, a polyacryl-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, an acryl-based resin, and an epoxy-based resin.

[0082] The lower electrode 290 may be disposed on the planarization layer 270. The lower electrode 290 may be connected to the drain electrode 230 via a contact hole formed by removing a portion of the planarization layer 270. The lower electrode 290 may be electrically connected to the semiconductor element 250. For example, the lower electrode 290 may include at least one selected from metals, alloys, metal nitrides, conductive metal oxides, and transparent conductive materials. These materials may be used alone or in combination. In an embodiment, the lower electrode 290 may have a multilayer structure including a plurality of metal layers. In one embodiment, for example, the metal layers may have different thicknesses or include materials different from each other.

[0083] The pixel defining layer 310 may be disposed on the planarization layer 270. In one embodiment, for example, the pixel defining layer 310 may expose a portion of the top surface of the lower electrode 290 while covering the opposite side of the lower electrode 290. The pixel defining layer 310 may include an organic material or an inorganic material, or be formed of an organic material or an inorganic material. In one embodiment, for example, the pixel defining layer 310 may include an organic material.

[0084] The light-emitting layer 330 may be disposed on the pixel defining layer 310 and the lower electrode 290. In an embodiment, the light-emitting layer 330 may include at least one of the light-emitting materials capable of emitting colored light (e.g., red light, green light, and blue light) corresponding to each pixel, or may be formed using at least one of the light-emitting materials capable of emitting colored light (e.g., red light, green light, and blue light) corresponding to each pixel. In an alternative embodiment, the light-emitting layer 330 may be defined or formed by laminating a plurality of light-emitting materials capable of producing different colored light (e.g., red light, green light, and blue light), so that white light may be emitted from the light-emitting layer 330. In such an embodiment, a color filter may be disposed on the light-emitting layer 330 disposed on the lower electrode 290. The color filter may include at least one selected from a red color filter, a green color filter, and a blue color filter. Alternatively, the color filter may include a yellow color filter, a cyan color filter, and a magenta color filter. The color filter may include a photosensitive resin or a color photoresist.

[0085] The upper electrode 340 may be disposed on the light emitting layer 330 and the pixel defining layer 310. For example, the upper electrode 340 may include at least one selected from metals, alloys, metal nitrides, conductive metal oxides, and transparent conductive materials. These materials may be used alone or in combination. In an embodiment, the upper electrode 340 may have a multilayer structure including a plurality of metal layers. In one embodiment, for example, the metal layers may have different thicknesses or include materials different from each other.

[0086] The first inorganic thin film encapsulation layer 451 may be disposed on the upper electrode 340. The first inorganic thin film encapsulation layer 451 may be disposed to have a uniform thickness along the contour of the upper electrode 340 while covering the upper electrode 340. In an embodiment, the first inorganic thin film encapsulation layer 451 may prevent the light emitting layer 330 from being degraded due to the penetration of moisture, oxygen, etc. In such an embodiment, the first inorganic thin film encapsulation layer 451 may also play a role in protecting the display panel 200 from external impacts. The first inorganic thin film encapsulation layer 451 may include a flexible inorganic material.

[0087] The organic thin film encapsulation layer 452 may be disposed on the first inorganic thin film encapsulation layer 451. The organic thin film encapsulation layer 452 may improve the flatness of the display panel 200 and may protect the display panel 200. The organic thin film encapsulation layer 452 may include a flexible organic material.

[0088] The second inorganic thin film encapsulation layer 453 may be disposed on the organic thin film encapsulation layer 452. The second inorganic thin film encapsulation layer 453 may be disposed to have a uniform thickness along the contour of the organic thin film encapsulation layer 452 while covering the organic thin film encapsulation layer 452. The second inorganic thin film encapsulation layer 453 together with the first inorganic thin film encapsulation layer 451 may prevent the light emitting layer 330 from being degraded due to the penetration of moisture, oxygen, etc. In addition, the second inorganic thin film encapsulation layer 453 together with the first inorganic thin film encapsulation layer 451 and the organic thin film encapsulation layer 452 may also play a role in protecting the display panel 200 from external impacts. The second inorganic thin film encapsulation layer 453 may include a flexible inorganic material.

[0089] Therefore, the display panel 200 including the substrate 110, the semiconductor element 250, the planarization layer 270, the lower electrode 290, the pixel defining layer 310, the light emitting layer 330, the upper electrode 340, the first inorganic thin film encapsulation layer 451, the organic thin film encapsulation layer 452 and the second inorganic thin film encapsulation layer 453 can be defined or provided as described above.

[0090] Figures 7 to 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] refer to Figure 7 In an embodiment of manufacturing an organic light-emitting display device, a display panel 200 may be provided. The display panel 200 may include a plurality of pixels, and an image may be displayed through the pixels. In one embodiment, for example, the display panel 200 may have a first surface S1 on which an image is displayed and a second surface S2 opposite to the first surface S1. In such an embodiment, the display panel 200 may have a first side surface SS1 and a second side surface SS2 opposite to the first side surface SS1. In such an embodiment, the display panel 200 may include a display area 10 and a foldable area 20. The display area 10 is an area in which an image is displayed by the display panel 200, and the foldable area 20 is an area in which the display panel 200 is folded or unfolded. A portion of the display area 10 may define the foldable area 20. In such an embodiment, an image may also be displayed in the foldable area 20.

[0092] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 8, in an embodiment of manufacturing an organic light-emitting display device, a support member 500 may be provided. In such an embodiment, a plurality of openings 535 may be formed through the support member 500 on the foldable region 20. In an embodiment, the openings 535 may include an opening 531 arranged in a first direction D1, and an opening 532 shifted in a second direction D2 orthogonal to the first direction D1 and arranged in the first direction D1. In such an embodiment, the support member 500 may further include a plurality of protrusions 530 protruding in a third direction D3. In such an embodiment, a space between two adjacent ones of the protrusions 530 may define a groove 520.

[0093] The support member 500 may include metal, plastic, etc. having relatively large elasticity or relatively large resilience. In an embodiment, the support member 500 may be manufactured using SUS. Alternatively, for example, the support member 500 may be manufactured using alloys such as Ni-Ti, Ni-Al, Cu-Zn-Ni, Cu-Al-Ni, Cu-Al-Mn, Ti-Ni-Cu-Mo, Co-Ni-Ga:Fe, Ag-Ni, Au-Cd, Fe-Pt, Fe-Ni, and In-Cd.

[0094] After providing the support member 500, the polyurethane coating solution may be sprayed on the entire portion of the upper side of the support member 500. In one embodiment, for example, the polyurethane coating solution may be prepared using polyisocyanate, polyol, and the like.

[0095] refer to Figure 5 and Fig. 9 , after spraying the polyurethane coating solution, a primer layer 415 may be formed on the support member 500. In one embodiment, for example, the primer layer 415 may be coated with a relatively thin thickness along the contour of the top surface of the support member 500, and may be disposed on the entire upper portion and inner portion of the support member 500.

[0096] In an embodiment, the primer layer 415 may be formed on the sidewalls of the support member 500 defining the openings 535. In such an embodiment, the primer layer 415 may be relatively thinly coated on the top surface of the support member 500 and on the sidewalls 533 of each of the openings 531 and the sidewalls 534 of each of the openings 532 on the foldable region 20. In such an embodiment, the sidewalls of the support member 500 defining the openings 531 and the openings 532 may be defined as the sidewalls 533 of each of the openings 531 and the sidewalls 534 of each of the openings 532. Herein, such sidewalls of the support member 500 may be the inner side surface of the support member 500, which is an inner surface substantially parallel to the thickness direction of the support member 500.

[0097] In an embodiment, the primer layer 415 may also be provided or formed on the top surface of each of the protrusions 530 and the sidewalls 521 of each of the grooves 520. In one embodiment, for example, the primer layer 415 may be provided on the sidewalls 521 of each of the grooves 520. In such an embodiment, the primer layer 415 may be relatively thinly coated on the top surface of each of the protrusions 530 on the foldable region 20 and on the sidewalls 521 of each of the grooves 520.

[0098] The thickness of the primer layer 415 can be several hundred nanometers to several angstroms. In an embodiment, the primer layer 415 can have a thin film shape. Since the primer layer 415 has a thin film shape, even when the primer layer 415 is disposed on the sidewall, each of the opening 535 and the groove 520 may not be completely filled. In such embodiments, the primer layer 415 can have a relatively low molecular weight.

[0099] For example, the primer layer 415 may include at least one selected from a urethane-based primer layer, an acrylic-based primer layer, an acrylic-urethane-based primer layer, and a vinyl-based primer layer. In an embodiment, the primer layer 415 may be a urethane-based primer layer, and the polyurethane coating solution may be prepared using polyisocyanates, polyols, etc., so that the primer layer 415 may also include polyisocyanates, polyols, etc.

[0100] In an alternative embodiment, a thin film layer can be formed on the top surface of the support member 500, or the roughness of the top surface of the support member 500 can be changed by performing a plasma treatment process, an anodizing process, a polishing process, etc. on the top surface of the support member 500 instead of the process of spraying the polyurethane coating solution.

[0101] refer to Fig.10 The support member 500 on which the primer layer 415 is formed may be positioned within the mold 630. After the support member 500 on which the primer layer 415 is formed is positioned, the resin foam may be sprayed onto the primer layer 415 by using the nozzle 610.

[0102] In an embodiment, for example, the resin foam may include at least one selected from polyurethane foam, polyurethane derivative resin foam, urea foam, urea derivative resin foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, polyvinyl chloride derivative resin foam, polypropylene foam, polypropylene derivative resin foam, polystyrene foam, polystyrene derivative resin foam, polyethylene foam, polyethylene derivative resin foam, polyvinyl acetate foam, polyvinyl acetate derivative resin foam, melamine resin foam, melamine derivative resin foam, phenol resin foam, and phenol derivative resin foam. In an embodiment, the resin foam may be manufactured using polyurethane foam.

[0103] refer to Fig.11 In an alternative embodiment, the resin foam may be sprayed on the primer layer 415 while the nozzle 610 moves over the support member 500 on which the primer layer 415 is formed.

[0104] refer to Fig.12 , after spraying the resin foam, the shock absorbing member 410 may be formed on the primer layer 415. In an embodiment, the shock absorbing member 410 may be formed in each of the openings 535 and may be in direct contact with the primer layer 415. In one embodiment, for example, the shock absorbing member 410 may be filled in the primer layer 415 formed on the side wall of the support member 500. In such an embodiment, the shock absorbing member 410 may be formed on the groove 520 and on the top surface of each of the protrusions 530, and the shock absorbing member 410 may be filled in the primer layer 415 formed on each side wall of the groove 520. In an embodiment in which the resin foam is manufactured using polyurethane foam, the shock absorbing member 410 may include PU foam.

[0105] The adhesive member 205 may be provided or formed on the shock absorbing member 410. For example, the adhesive member 205 may include at least one selected from OCA, PSA, a photocurable resin, and a thermosetting resin. In one embodiment, for example, at least one selected from PET, PEN, PP, PC, PS, PSul, PE, PPA, PES, PAR, PCO, MPPO, etc. may be used to manufacture the adhesive. The resin of the adhesive member 205 may be manufactured using epoxy resin, amino resin, phenol resin, urea resin, melamine resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyurethane resin, polyimide resin, etc.

[0106] Refer to Figure 4 , the display panel 200 may be bonded to the adhesive member 205. Thus, it is possible to manufacture Figures 1 to 6 The organic light emitting display device 100 is shown in FIG.

[0107] In the conventional method of manufacturing the organic light-emitting display device 100, the shock-absorbing member 410 may be bonded to the supporting member 500 by the bonding member. In addition, in the process of attaching the bonding member 205 to the shock-absorbing member 410 after the shock-absorbing member 410 is bonded to the supporting member 500 by the bonding member, the bonding strength of the bonding member having a relatively large molecular weight and a relatively thick thickness (e.g., 25 angstroms or more) is relatively small. Therefore, before attaching the bonding member 205 to the shock-absorbing member 410, a process of replacing the release paper of the bonding member 205 (e.g., a process of replacing the heavy liner with an easy liner) may be performed. When the bonding member 205 is attached to the shock-absorbing member 410 without the process of replacing the release paper, the bonding member 205 or the shock-absorbing member 410 may be delaminated from the supporting member 500 during the removal of the release paper attached to the top surface of the bonding member 205. Therefore, when the process of replacing the release paper is performed, the manufacturing process steps may be increased, and the manufacturing cost may also be increased.

[0108] In an embodiment of the method of manufacturing the organic light-emitting display device 100 according to the present invention, the primer layer 415 is formed on the support member 500 instead of the adhesive member, so that the adhesive strength between the support member 500 and the shock-absorbing member 410 can be relatively increased. Therefore, without a process of replacing the release paper, the adhesive member 205 can be effectively attached to the shock-absorbing member 410. Therefore, the steps of the manufacturing process of the organic light-emitting display device 100 can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the organic light-emitting display device 100 can be reduced.

[0109] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an organic light emitting display device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] In addition to the shape of the support member 500, Fig.14 The organic light emitting display device 700 illustrated in the embodiment may have the same structure as that of the above reference Figures 1 to 6 The described organic light emitting display device 100 has substantially the same or similar configuration. Fig.14 The same or similar elements shown in FIG. 1 have been used to describe Figures 1 to 6 The embodiments of the organic light emitting display device 100 shown in the drawings are denoted by the same reference symbols, and any repeated detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified hereinafter.

[0111] refer to Fig.14, an embodiment of the organic light-emitting display device 700 may include a display panel 200, an adhesive member 205, a shock absorbing member 410, a primer layer 415, a support member 500, and the like. The organic light-emitting display device 700 may include a display area 10 and a foldable area 20. The display area 10 is an area in which an image is displayed by the display panel 200, and the foldable area 20 is an area in which the organic light-emitting display device 700 is folded or unfolded. A portion of the display area 10 may define the foldable area 20. In such an embodiment, an image may also be displayed in the foldable area 20. In an embodiment, as Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 5 , a plurality of openings 535, a plurality of protrusions 530, and a plurality of grooves 520 may be defined or formed in the support member 500. In such an embodiment, the width of the foldable region 20 in the first direction D1 may be significantly narrower than Fig.14 In the drawings, for the convenience of illustration and description, the width is shown as relatively wide.

[0112] The support member 500 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the display panel 200. In an embodiment, the support member 500 may be disposed on the second surface S2 of the display panel 200, and a plurality of openings 535 may be defined or formed through the support member 500 on the foldable region 20. In an embodiment, the openings 535 may include an opening 531 arranged in a first direction D1, and an opening 532 shifted in a second direction D2 orthogonal to the first direction D1 and arranged in the first direction D1. In an embodiment, the support member 500 may further include a plurality of protrusions 530 protruding in a third direction D3. In an embodiment, the space between two adjacent protrusions in the protrusions 530 may define a groove 520.

[0113] In the implementation scheme, Fig.14 As shown in Figure 4 When compared with the embodiment shown in Fig.14 The number of openings 535 and / or the number of grooves 520 formed in the support member 500 of the organic light-emitting display device 100 may be relatively small, and the width of each opening 535, the width of each protrusion 530, and the width of each groove 520 may be relatively large. In a case where a precise etching process is performed to form the openings 535 and the grooves 520 having relatively small widths in the support member 500 of the organic light-emitting display device 100, productivity may be reduced due to the precise etching process.

[0114] In the embodiment of the organic light emitting display device 700 according to the present invention, the shock absorbing member 410 may be filled in the opening 535 and the groove 520, so that the deformation of the opening 535 and the groove 520 exceeding the elastic limit may be effectively prevented. Therefore, the width of each opening 535, the width of each protrusion 530, and the width of each groove 520 may be made relatively large, and a precise etching process may not be performed.

[0115] Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view showing an organic light emitting display device according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] In addition to the second adhesive member 425, the third adhesive member 436, the fourth adhesive member 437, the elastic member 430, the step compensating member 460, and the metal member 705, Fig.15 The organic light emitting display device 800 illustrated in FIG. 1 may have the same structure as that of the reference Figures 1 to 6 The described organic light emitting display device 100 has substantially the same or similar configuration. Fig.15 The same or similar elements shown in FIG. 1 have been used to describe Figures 1 to 6 The embodiments of the organic light emitting display device 100 shown in the drawings are denoted by the same reference symbols, and any repeated detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified hereinafter.

[0117] refer to Fig.15 , an embodiment of an organic light emitting display device 800 may include a display panel 200, a first adhesive member 205, a shock absorbing member 410, a primer layer 415, a support member 500, a second adhesive member 425, a third adhesive member 436, a fourth adhesive member 437, an elastic member 430, a step compensation member 460, a metal member 705, etc. The organic light emitting display device 800 may include a display region 10 and a foldable region 20. In such an embodiment, as Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 5 , a plurality of openings 535, a plurality of protrusions 530, and a plurality of grooves 520 may be defined or formed in the support member 500. In such embodiments, as Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 4 , the step compensating member 460 may include a first step compensating member 461 and a second step compensating member 462 . The metal member 705 may include a first metal member 710 and a second metal member 720 .

[0118] The elastic member 430 may be disposed on a portion of the bottom surface of the support member 500. In an embodiment, the elastic member 430 may be disposed to overlap the opening 535 and the groove 520 on the bottom surface of the support member 500 on the foldable region 20. When the organic light emitting display device 800 is repeatedly folded and unfolded, the elastic member 430 may be stretched and contracted. The elastic member 430 may include an elastomer having a relatively large elastic force or a relatively large restoring force. In one embodiment, for example, the elastic member 430 may include an elastic material such as silicone, urethane, and thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU").

[0119] The second adhesive member 425 may be disposed between the support member 500 and the elastic member 430. In an embodiment, the top surface of the second adhesive member 425 may be in direct contact with the bottom surface of the base coating 415, the shock absorbing member 410 and the support member 500, and the bottom surface of the second adhesive member 425 may be in direct contact with the top surface of the elastic member 430. In such embodiments, the second adhesive member 425 may cover the opening 535. The second adhesive member 425 may bond the elastic member 430 to the bottom surface of the support member 500. In such embodiments, when the organic light emitting display device 800 is repeatedly folded and unfolded, the second adhesive member 425 may be stretched and contracted. For example, the second adhesive member 425 may include at least one selected from OCA, PSA, photocurable resin and thermosetting resin. In one embodiment, for example, the adhesive may include at least one selected from PET, PEN, PP, PC, PS, PSul, PE, PPA, PES, PAR, PCO and MPPO. The resin of the second adhesive member 425 may include at least one selected from epoxy resin, amino resin, phenol resin, urea resin, melamine resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyurethane resin, and polyimide resin.

[0120] The metal member 705 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the elastic member 430. In one embodiment, for example, the first metal member 710 may be disposed on a first portion of the bottom surface of the elastic member 430, and the second metal member 720 may be disposed on a second portion of the bottom surface of the elastic member 430. Each of the first portion and the second portion of the elastic member 430 may partially overlap the foldable region 20. In an embodiment, the first metal member 710 and the second metal member 720 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1. The spacing distance may be determined based on the radius of curvature of the foldable region 20. In an embodiment, the metal member 705 may prevent the display panel 200 from sagging in the foldable region 20, and may be used to shield static electricity, electromagnetic waves, electric fields, magnetic fields, etc. that may be generated from the outside. In an embodiment, the metal member 705 may include SUS. Alternatively, for example, the metal member 705 may include a material selected from Au, Ag, Al, W, Cu, Pt, Ni, Ti, Pd, Mg, Ca, Li, Cr, Ta, Mo, Sc, Nd, Ir, an alloy containing aluminum, AlN, an alloy containing silver, WN 2 , copper-containing alloys, molybdenum-containing alloys, TiN, CrN, TaN, SrRuO, ZnO, ITO, SnO, InO, GaO, and IZO. These materials can be used alone or in combination. In an alternative embodiment, a step compensation member and an adhesive member can be additionally disposed on the bottom surface of the metal member 705. The adhesive member can be in contact with a set member surrounding the organic light-emitting display device 800, and the step compensation member together with the metal member 705 can prevent the display panel 200 from sagging in the foldable area 20.

[0121] The third adhesive member 436 may be disposed between the first metal member 710 and the elastic member 430. In an embodiment, the top surface of the third adhesive member 436 may be in direct contact with the elastic member 430, and the bottom surface of the third adhesive member 436 may be in direct contact with the first metal member 710. The third adhesive member 436 may bond the first metal member 710 to a first portion on the bottom surface of the elastic member 430. The fourth adhesive member 437 may be disposed between the second metal member 720 and the elastic member 430. In an embodiment, the top surface of the fourth adhesive member 437 may be in direct contact with the elastic member 430, and the bottom surface of the fourth adhesive member 437 may be in direct contact with the second metal member 720. In an embodiment, the third adhesive member 436 and the fourth adhesive member 437 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1. The fourth adhesive member 437 may bond the second metal member 720 to a second portion on the bottom surface of the elastic member 430. For example, each of the third adhesive member 436 and the fourth adhesive member 437 may include at least one selected from OCA, PSA, a photocurable resin, and a thermosetting resin.

[0122] The step compensation member 460 may be spaced apart from the second adhesive member 425, the elastic member 430, the third adhesive member 436, the fourth adhesive member 437, and the metal member 705 on the bottom surface of the support member 500. In one embodiment, for example, the first step compensation member 461 may be disposed on a first portion of the bottom surface of the support member 500, and the second step compensation member 462 may be disposed on a second portion of the bottom surface of the support member 500. In an embodiment, the bottom surface of the step compensation member 460 and the bottom surface of the metal member 705 may be positioned at the same level as each other or on the same plane. The step compensation member 460 may prevent the display panel 200 from sagging in a portion where the metal member 705 is not disposed. For example, the step compensation member 460 may include at least one selected from PET, PEN, PP, PC, PS, PSul, PE, PPA, PES, PAR, PCO, and MPPO. In an embodiment, an adhesive member may be additionally disposed on the bottom surface of the step compensation member 460. The adhesive member may contact a set member surrounding the organic light-emitting display device 800.

[0123] An embodiment of the organic light emitting display device 800 according to the present invention may include the metal member 705 so that the display panel 200 can be prevented from sagging in the foldable region 20 and static electricity, electromagnetic waves, electric fields, magnetic fields, etc. generated from the outside can be shielded.

[0124] Embodiments of the present invention can be applied to various electronic devices including organic light-emitting display devices, such as vehicle display devices, ship display devices, aircraft display devices, portable communication devices, display devices for display or for information transmission, medical display devices, etc.

[0125] The present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0126] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An organic light emitting display device, comprising: a display panel including a foldable region; a support layer disposed on a bottom surface of the display panel, wherein a plurality of openings are defined through the support layer on the foldable region; a coating disposed on a top surface of the support layer and sidewalls of the support layer defining the opening; as well as A shock absorbing member is disposed between the coating layer and the display panel, and the opening is filled with the shock absorbing member.

2. The organic light emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein The shock absorbing member is disposed in each of the openings, and The shock absorbing member is in direct contact with the coating layer. 3 . The organic light emitting display device of claim 1 , wherein the shock absorbing member is filled in the coating layer disposed on the side wall of the supporting layer. 4 . The organic light emitting display device of claim 1 , wherein the shock absorbing member comprises polyurethane foam. 5 . The organic light emitting display device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the coating layer comprises polyisocyanate and polyol. 6 . The organic light emitting display device of claim 1 , wherein the coating layer has a thickness smaller than a thickness of the shock absorbing member.

7. The organic light emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein the organic light emitting display device further comprises: A first adhesive member is disposed between the display panel and the shock absorbing member.

8. The organic light emitting display device according to claim 7, wherein A top surface of the first adhesive member is in direct contact with the bottom surface of the display panel, and A bottom surface of the first adhesive member is in direct contact with a top surface of the shock absorbing member.

9. The organic light emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein The display panel further includes a display area, and The foldable area is defined by a portion of the display area.

10. The organic light emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein The openings of the support layer include 1st to nth openings arranged in a first direction parallel to a top surface of the display panel, wherein n is an integer of 1 or greater, and A k-th opening among the 1st to n-th openings is positioned to be shifted in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, wherein k is an even number from 1 to n.

11. The organic light emitting display device according to claim 10, wherein The support layer further includes a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion being positioned in a third direction opposite to the second direction of the k-1th opening and the k+1th opening among the 1st to nth openings, and The coating is disposed on a top surface of each of the protrusions.

12. The organic light emitting display device according to claim 11, wherein A groove is defined by a space between two adjacent ones of the protrusions, and The coating is disposed on the sidewalls of the trench.

13. The organic light emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein the organic light emitting display device further comprises: a first step compensation member disposed on a first portion of a bottom surface of the support layer; as well as A second step compensation member is disposed on a second portion opposite to the first portion of the bottom surface of the support layer.

14. The organic light emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein the organic light emitting display device further comprises: an elastic member disposed on a bottom surface of the support layer; as well as A second adhesive member is disposed between the support layer and the elastic member.

15. The organic light emitting display device according to claim 14, wherein the second adhesive member is in direct contact with the bottom surface of the support layer and the top surface of the elastic member, and The second adhesive member covers the opening. 16 . The organic light emitting display device of claim 14 , wherein the coating layer and the shock absorbing member disposed in the opening are in direct contact with the second adhesive member.

17. The organic light emitting display device according to claim 14, wherein the organic light emitting display device further comprises: a first metal member disposed on a first portion of a bottom surface of the elastic member; as well as a second metal member disposed on a second portion of the bottom surface of the elastic member opposite to the first portion, The second metal component is spaced apart from the first metal component. 18 . The organic light emitting display device of claim 17 , wherein each of the first portion and the second portion partially overlaps the foldable area.

19. The organic light emitting display device according to claim 17, wherein the organic light emitting display device further comprises: a third adhesive member disposed between the first metal member and the elastic member; as well as a fourth adhesive member disposed between the second metal member and the elastic member, wherein the fourth bonding member is spaced apart from the third bonding member.

20. The organic light emitting display device according to claim 1, wherein The display panel includes a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, and When the foldable area is folded, the first side surface and the second side surface of the display panel are positioned adjacent to each other.

Images