Foldable display device

Abstract

A foldable display device is disclosed. The foldable display device includes a display panel, a first support member located on a rear surface of the display panel and in a first non-folded area, a second support member located on the rear surface of the display panel and in a second non-folded area and spaced apart from the first support member, and a barrier sheet located on the rear surface of the first support member and the rear surface of the second support member to overlap the first non-folded area, a folding axis, and the second non-folded area. The barrier sheet is parallel to the folding axis and includes an extension portion extending in a direction of the folding axis. The first support member includes a first groove portion formed at a corner of the first support member adjacent to the folding axis, and the second support member includes a second groove portion formed at a corner of the second support member adjacent to the folding axis.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0010460, filed on January 29, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a foldable display device, and more specifically, to a foldable display device having a blocking sheet. Background Technology

[0004] Display devices for displaying images include display panels, such as organic light-emitting display panels or liquid crystal display panels that include organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) or quantum dot electroluminescent devices (QD-ELs).

[0005] Meanwhile, mobile electronic devices include display devices that provide images to users. The proportion of mobile electronic devices that have the same or smaller volume or thickness compared to conventional mobile electronic devices, and have larger display screens compared to conventional mobile electronic devices, has increased. Furthermore, to provide larger display screens, foldable or flexible display devices with structures that can be folded and unfolded have been developed.

[0006] Gaps can be formed between external or internal components used in foldable display devices. When foreign objects are introduced into the display panel through these gaps, the display panel may be damaged or defective.

[0007] The information disclosed in this background section is only for understanding the background technology of the inventive concept, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The applicant has discovered that when a foldable display device with a folding structure is folded or unfolded, foreign objects can easily be introduced into the foldable display device through the gaps in the folding structure, thereby increasing its defect rate.

[0009] The display device constructed according to the principles and exemplary embodiments of the present invention can prevent the infiltration of foreign objects by providing a barrier sheet covering the gaps in the foldable structure. For example, the barrier sheet having a covering portion and an extension portion is configured to cover the gaps between separate support members of the foldable structure of the display device, thereby preventing foreign objects from being introduced into the foldable structure.

[0010] Other features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concept.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a foldable display device having a first non-foldable region and a second non-foldable region with a folding axis between the first non-foldable region and the second non-foldable region includes: a display panel; a first support member disposed on a rear surface of the display panel and located in the first non-foldable region; a second support member disposed on a rear surface of the display panel and located in the second non-foldable region, the second support member being spaced apart from the first support member; and a blocking piece disposed on the rear surfaces of the first support member and the second support member to overlap with the first non-foldable region, the folding axis, and the second non-foldable region, wherein the blocking piece is parallel to the folding axis and includes an extension portion extending along the direction of the folding axis, and wherein: the first support member includes a first groove portion formed at a corner of the first support member adjacent to the folding axis, and the second support member includes a second groove portion formed at a corner of the second support member adjacent to the folding axis.

[0012] The extended portion of the blocking plate can be bent to be accommodated in the space defined by the first groove portion of the first support member and the second groove portion of the second support member.

[0013] The blocking sheet may also include a covering portion that covers the space between the first support member and the second support member, and an extension portion of the blocking sheet may include an overlapping portion and a curved portion, the overlapping portion being configured to overlap the covering portion in the thickness direction, and the curved portion connecting the covering portion and the overlapping portion in the thickness direction.

[0014] The curved portion of the blocking plate can be bent in a direction intersecting the folding axis.

[0015] The curved portion of the blocking sheet may have a U-shaped structure, with an open side facing the center of the foldable display device or facing the space between the covering portion and the overlapping portion, and the curved portion having one end connected to the covering portion and the other end connected to the overlapping portion.

[0016] The curved portion of the blocking sheet can cover the gap between the display panel and the covering portion in the thickness direction.

[0017] The curved portion of the blocking plate can protrude outward beyond the edge of the display panel.

[0018] The covering portion, overlapping portion, and curved portion of the blocking sheet can be folded or unfolded according to the change in the angle between the first support member and the second support member.

[0019] The covering portion of the blocking sheet can be attached to the rear surface of the first support member and the rear surface of the second support member, and the overlapping portion of the blocking sheet is attached to the rear surface of the display panel.

[0020] The foldable display device may further include: a first adhesive member disposed between the first support member and the blocking sheet; and a second adhesive member disposed between the second support member and the blocking sheet.

[0021] The first adhesive component and the second adhesive component are disposed along the edge of the covered portion of the barrier sheet, and the overlapping portion is located between the first adhesive component and the second adhesive component.

[0022] Each of the first groove portion and the second groove portion may include a first side surface extending in a direction intersecting the direction of the folding axis and a second side surface extending in a direction of the folding axis.

[0023] The extended portion of the blocking plate can be spaced apart from the first side surface and in contact with the second side surface.

[0024] The foldable display device may also include an adhesive layer disposed between the overlapping portion of the barrier sheet and the display panel to attach the upper surface of the overlapping portion of the barrier sheet to the rear surface of the display panel.

[0025] The foldable display device may also include a connecting portion disposed in the rearward direction of the blocking sheet and connecting the first support member and the second support member, the connecting portion being configured to change the angle between the first support member and the second support member.

[0026] The connecting portion may also include a hinge structure having at least one axis of rotation and a hinge cover covering the hinge structure; a blocking plate is disposed within the hinge cover; and an extension of the blocking plate covers the gap between the edge of the display panel and the inner surface of the hinge cover.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, a foldable display device includes: a display panel; a first support member and a second support member disposed on a rear surface of the display panel in a first direction; and a blocking sheet disposed to overlap with the rear surfaces of the first support member and the second support member, and including an extension portion extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the first support member includes a first recessed portion at a corner of the first support member adjacent to the second support member, the second support member includes a second recessed portion at a corner of the second support member adjacent to the first support member, and the extension portion of the blocking sheet is bent to be disposed in a space defined by the first recessed portion of the first support member and the second recessed portion of the second support member.

[0028] Each of the first groove portion and the second groove portion may include a first side surface extending in a first direction and a second side surface extending in a second direction.

[0029] The foldable display device may further include: a first adhesive member disposed between the first support member and the blocking sheet; and a second adhesive member disposed between the second support member and the blocking sheet.

[0030] The foldable display device may further include a connecting portion that connects the first support member and the second support member, the connecting portion being configured to change the angle between the first support member and the second support member, wherein the connecting portion further includes a hinge structure having at least one axis of rotation and a hinge cover covering the hinge structure, and a blocking plate is disposed within the hinge cover.

[0031] It will be understood that both the foregoing overview and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed invention. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the specification, serve to illustrate the inventive concept.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a foldable display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A 3D view of the foldable display device in its folded state.

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a foldable display device.

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the display module.

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the display panel.

[0038] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the support components, blocking plates, and adhesive components of a foldable display device.

[0039] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An enlarged 3D view of part D.

[0040] Figure 8 This is viewed from the front of the display panel. Figure 6 Plan view of the support components, blocking plates and adhesive components.

[0041] Figure 9 This is viewed from behind the display panel. Figure 6 Plan view of the support components, blocking plates and adhesive components.

[0042] Figure 10 It is along Figure 6 The sectional view taken by line A-A' in the unfolded state.

[0043] Figure 11 It is along Figure 6 The sectional view taken by line A-A' in the folded state.

[0044] Figure 12 It is along Figure 6 The sectional view taken by line B-B' in the unfolded state.

[0045] Figure 13 It is along Figure 6 The sectional view taken by line B-B' in a folded state.

[0046] Figure 14 It is along Figure 6 The sectional view taken by line C-C' in the unfolded state.

[0047] Figure 15 This is a perspective view showing the curved portion of another exemplary embodiment of a foldable display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0048] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for illustrative purposes to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the invention. As used herein, “implementation” and “method” are interchangeable terms and are non-limiting examples of apparatuses or methods employing one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other examples, well-known structures and apparatuses are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, the various exemplary embodiments may be different, but are not necessarily exclusive. For example, a particular shape, configuration, and characteristic of an exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment without departing from the inventive concept.

[0049] Unless otherwise stated, the exemplary embodiments shown should be understood as providing exemplary features of different details of some ways in which the inventive concept can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions and / or aspects (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as “elements”) of various embodiments may be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged without departing from the inventive concept.

[0050] The use of crosshairs and / or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the presence or absence of crosshairs or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material properties, size, scale, commonalities between illustrated elements, and / or any other characteristics, properties, etc., of the elements. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the dimensions and relative dimensions of elements may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. When exemplary embodiments can be implemented differently, the specific order of processes may be performed differently than the order described. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously, or in the reverse order of their description. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0051] When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to, or attached to the other element or layer, or there may be an intermediate element or layer. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to" another element or layer, there is no intermediate element or layer. Therefore, the term "connection" can refer to a physical connection, electrical connection, and / or fluid connection, with or without an intermediate element. Furthermore, the DR1, DR2, and DR3 axes are not limited to the three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system (such as the x, y, and z axes) and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the DR1, DR2, and DR3 axes can be perpendicular to each other, or they can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purposes of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the set consisting of X, Y, and Z" can be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0052] Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element.

[0053] Spatial relative terms such as “beneath,” “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “over,” “higher,” and “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”) may be used herein for descriptive purposes and thus to describe the relationship of one element to another(s) as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will then be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and thus the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein shall be interpreted accordingly.

[0054] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, as used herein. Furthermore, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “comprises,” and / or “including” indicate the presence of stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or sets thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or sets thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree, and are therefore used to allow for inherent deviations in measurements, calculated values, and / or provided values ​​that will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0055] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional and / or exploded views, which are schematic diagrams of idealized exemplary embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Therefore, deviations from the illustrated shapes due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are expected. Consequently, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be construed as limited to the specific shapes of the regions shown, but will include deviations in shape due to, for example, manufacturing processes. In this way, the regions shown in the figures may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of the areas of the device, and are therefore not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0056] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the context of the relevant art and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0057] In the following description, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a foldable display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention, and Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A 3D view of the foldable display device in its folded state.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 intersect each other in different directions. Figure 1 In the perspective view, for ease of description, the horizontal direction of the foldable display device 1 is defined as the first direction DR1, its vertical direction is defined as the second direction DR2, and its thickness direction is defined as the third direction DR3.

[0060] For ease of description, in the following text, Figure 1 The third direction DR3, with the middle surface facing upwards, is referred to as the forward direction, and the direction opposite to the forward direction is referred to as the rearward direction. Furthermore, the surface facing the forward direction is referred to as the front surface, and the surface opposite to the front surface is referred to as the rear surface. However, the directions mentioned in the exemplary embodiment should be understood as relative directions, and the exemplary embodiment is not limited to the aforementioned directions.

[0061] The foldable display device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment may include various means for displaying images. Examples of the foldable display device 1 may include, but are not limited to, foldable smartphones, desktop PCs, and laptop computers.

[0062] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The foldable display device 1 may have a rectangular shape, having a long side in a first direction DR1 and a short side in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited to this, and the foldable display device 1 may have various shapes.

[0063] In the foldable display device 1, a display surface DS is defined. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, the front surface, which is substantially parallel to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, can be defined as the display surface DS. An image IM can be provided to the user through the display surface DS.

[0064] In the foldable display device 1, a plurality of display surfaces DS may be defined. For example, the plurality of display surfaces DS may be defined on at least two of the front surface, the rear surface, and the side surface extending between the front and rear surfaces of the foldable display device 1. Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments in which the display surface DS is defined on only one surface will be described primarily, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0065] The display surface DS includes a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA. The display area DA may display an image IM, and the non-display area NDA may not display an image IM. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA and provide an edge portion of the foldable display device 1 that is formed or printed with a predetermined color.

[0066] The display surface DS can be configured to span the folded region FA, which will be described later, as well as the non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2.

[0067] The foldable display device 1 can be folded or unfolded. Here, "folded" can include "bent". Specifically, the foldable display device 1 can be configured such that one part overlaps with another part, one part is bent to be tilted relative to another part, or the whole is flattened.

[0068] The foldable display device 1 can be folded in a direction that faces another part of its front surface. In other words, a portion of the front surface of the foldable display device 1 can be folded to form an angle less than a right angle with respect to another part of its front surface. For example, the foldable display device 1 can be folded in a direction that faces another part of its rear surface.

[0069] The foldable display device 1 can be folded so that one part of the display surface DS faces the other part. For example, as Figure 2As shown, the foldable display device 1 can be folded such that a portion of a display surface DS defined on the front surface faces another portion of it. Optionally, the foldable display device 1 can be folded such that multiple display surfaces DS face each other. In other words, the foldable display device 1 can be folded inward. In the following text, the folded state refers to the state in which the foldable display device 1 is folded inward.

[0070] The foldable display device 1 can have a folded state or an unfolded state. The folded state includes a bent state of the foldable display device 1. Specifically, the folded state can be a state in which a portion of the foldable display device 1 is bent relative to another portion, and the unfolded state can be a state in which a portion of the foldable display device 1 is positioned substantially parallel to the other portion in a plane. Optionally, the folded state can be a state in which the angle between a portion of the foldable display device 1 and the other portion is about 0° or greater than 0° and less than about 180° and / or greater than about 180° and less than about 360°, and the unfolded state can be a state in which the angle between a portion of the foldable display device 1 and the other portion is about 180°. In this document, the portion and the other portion can be the non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2, which will be described later.

[0071] The foldable display device 1 can be divided into a folding region FA and non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2. The folding region FA is the area that is folded when the foldable display device 1 is folded. In other words, the folding region FA is the area that is bent when the foldable display device 1 is folded. The non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2 are areas that are neither folded nor bent. In other words, the non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2 can be areas that remain flat regardless of whether the foldable display device 1 is folded or not. The non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2 can be arranged in a first direction DR1, and the folding region FA can be disposed between the non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2. For example, the non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2 can include a first non-folding region NFA1 and a second non-folding region NFA2. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, one folding region FA is defined in the foldable display device 1, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited to this, and multiple folding regions can be defined in the foldable display device 1.

[0072] The foldable display device 1 can be folded or unfolded based on the folding axis FX. For example, the foldable display device 1 can be folded or unfolded based on the folding axis FX set on the second direction DR2.

[0073] The folding axis FX includes one or more rotation axes RX1 and RX2. The folding axis FX may include a first rotation axis RX1 and a second rotation axis RX2 that are adjacent to each other. For example, the foldable display device 1 can be folded or unfolded to have two centers of curvature. The first rotation axis RX1 and the second rotation axis RX2 may be configured to overlap with the folding region FA. The foldable display device 1 may include a display module 10 and a folding member 20. Referring below... Figures 3 to 15 The display module 10 and the folding component 20 are described in detail.

[0074] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a foldable display device.

[0075] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The foldable display device 1 includes a display module 10 and a folding member 20.

[0076] The display module 10 is disposed on the front surface of the foldable display device 1. The display module 10 is flexible. The display module 10 can be configured to span the folding region FA and the non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2, and can be folded based on the folding region FA. In the following text, reference will be made to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 A more detailed description of the display module 10 is provided.

[0077] The folding member 20 is disposed on the rear surface of the display module 10 and supports the display module 10. When the foldable display device 1 is folded, the folding member 20 is folded together with the display module 10. For example, the flexible display module 10 can be folded by the folding member 20.

[0078] The folding member 20 may include a support member 210, a baffle 250, an adhesive member 230, a connecting portion 270, and a rear cover 290.

[0079] A support member 210 is disposed on the rear surface of the display module 10 to support the display module 10. The support member 210 can support the display module 10 and dissipate heat generated therein. For example, the support member 210 can be a metal plate with excellent thermal conductivity, including copper, silver, etc. As another example, the support member 210 can be a heat sink including graphite or carbon nanotubes. The support member 210 may include a first support member 211 and a second support member 213.

[0080] The first support member 211 can be disposed on one side of the second direction DR2 based on the folding axis FX, and the second support member 213 can be disposed on the other side of the second direction DR2 based on the folding axis FX. Specifically, the first support member 211 can be disposed in the first non-folding region NFA1, and the second support member 213 can be disposed in the second non-folding region NFA2. The first support member 211 and the second support member 213 can be disposed to partially overlap with the folding region FA. The first support member 211 and the second support member 213 can be disposed separately from each other, or can be disposed at least partially connected to each other. The first support member 211 and the second support member 213 can be disposed symmetrically with respect to the folding axis FX.

[0081] A baffle 250 is disposed in the rearward direction of the support member 210. The baffle 250 covers the gap between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213. The baffle 250 may be formed of an elastic material, and its length is variable as the gap between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 changes. For example, the baffle 250 may comprise an elastic and easily processable thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). As another example, the baffle 250 may comprise elastic fibers with a mesh structure. Referring below... Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 A more detailed description of the blocking plate 250 is provided.

[0082] An adhesive member 230 is disposed between the support member 210 and the stop sheet 250 to attach the support member 210 to the stop sheet 250. The adhesive member 230 may be formed as a single layer, may be formed as multiple laminated adhesive layers, or may include adhesive layers on one and the other sides of a substrate (e.g., double-sided tape). For example, the adhesive member 230 may include at least one of silicone adhesives, acrylic adhesives, crystalline polymers, and rubber polymers. Referring below... Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 A more detailed description is given of the adhesive component 230.

[0083] The connecting portion 270 is disposed in the rear direction of the blocking piece 250. The connecting portion 270 is configured to overlap with the folding axis FX in the third direction DR3 to connect the side of the first support member 211 adjacent to the folding axis FX and the side of the second support member 213 adjacent to the folding axis FX, thereby changing the angle between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213.

[0084] The connecting portion 270 may include at least one hinge structure 271 disposed in the second direction DR2 and a hinge cover 273 covering the hinge structure 271 in the rearward direction of the blocking piece 250.

[0085] The hinge structure 271 can be a multi-axis hinge structure. For example, the hinge structure 271 includes multiple supports and multiple gears, and can be driven such that when the angle between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 changes, the supports connected to the first support member 211 and the supports connected to the second support member 213 rotate in different directions based on the first rotation axis RX1 and the second rotation axis RX2, respectively, through the multiple gears.

[0086] However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to the hinge structure 271. For example, the structure or number of the connecting portions 270 may vary. For example, the connecting portions 270 may include any structure that allows the foldable display device 1 to be folded or unfolded by changing the angle between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 by connecting the first support member 211 and the second support member 213.

[0087] The rear cover 290 is configured to face the rear surface of the support member 210. The rear cover 290 may include a first rear cover 291 and a second rear cover 293.

[0088] The first rear cover 291 may be configured to cover the first support member 211 on its rear surface. The first rear cover 291 may also cover a portion (e.g., the upper end of the rear surface of the hinged cover 273) disposed between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213. The first rear cover 291 may have rounded corners. The first rear cover 291 may be hollow on its inner side, or a hollow space may be formed between the first rear cover 291 and the first support member 211 when engaged with the first support member 211. For example, the first rear cover 291 may have a structure in which a bottom surface (having a quadrilateral shape) and three sidewalls extending from its bottom surface are formed. For example, one side of the rectangular shape may have an open structure without sidewalls. For example, the second rear cover 293 may have substantially the same shape as the first rear cover 291. The first rear cover 291 and the second rear cover 293 may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the second direction DR2.

[0089] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The display module 10 is described in detail.

[0090] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the display module, and Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the display panel.

[0091] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the display module 10, and Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the display panel 110.

[0092] Reference Figure 4 The display module 10 may include a display panel 110, a front lamination structure 120, and a rear lamination structure 130. Each of the lamination structures may include at least one connecting member.

[0093] Display panel 110 can generate images and provide those images to a user. For example, display panel 110 may include self-emissive display panels, such as organic light-emitting display panels (OLED), inorganic light-emitting display panels (LED), quantum dot light-emitting display panels (QLED), micron-emitting display panels (micron-LED), nano-emitting display panels (nano-LED), plasma display panels (PDP), field emission display panels (FED), and cathode ray display panels (CRT). Furthermore, display panel 110 may include light-receiving display panels, such as liquid crystal display panels (LCD) and electrophoretic display panels (EPD). Hereinafter, organic light-emitting display panels will be described as an example of display panel 110. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited to organic light-emitting display panels, and other display panels listed above or known in the art may be used to implement exemplary embodiments.

[0094] The display panel 110 may also include a touch component. The touch component may be a panel separate from and attached to the display panel 110, or a film separate from and attached to the display panel 110, but it may also be a touch layer within the display panel 110. In the exemplary embodiments described below, the touch component is disposed within the display panel 110 to be included in the display panel 110, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0095] Reference Figure 5 The display panel 110 may include a substrate SUB, a circuit driving layer DRL on the substrate SUB, a light emitting layer EML on the circuit driving layer DRL, an encapsulation layer ENL on the light emitting layer EML, and a touch layer TSL on the encapsulation layer EML.

[0096] The substrate SUB can be a flexible substrate, comprising a flexible polymer material such as polyimide. Therefore, the display panel 110 can be warped, bent, folded, or rolled. In some exemplary embodiments, the substrate SUB may include a plurality of sub-substrates overlapping each other in the thickness direction (e.g., the third direction DR3), with a barrier layer interposed between the plurality of sub-substrates. In this case, each of the sub-substrates can be a flexible substrate.

[0097] The circuit driving layer DRL can be disposed on the substrate SUB. The circuit driving layer DRL may include circuitry for driving the light emitting layer EML of the pixels. The circuit driving layer DRL may include multiple thin-film transistors.

[0098] An optical emitting layer (EML) can be disposed on a circuit driving layer (DRL). The EML may include an organic optical emitting layer. The EML can emit light with different brightness levels depending on the driving signal sent from the DRL.

[0099] The encapsulation layer ENL can be disposed on the light emitting layer EML. The encapsulation layer ENL may include an inorganic film, or a laminate that may include an inorganic film and an organic film.

[0100] The touch layer (TSL) can be disposed on the encapsulation layer (ENL). The touch layer (TSL) is the layer that recognizes touch input and can be used as a touch component. The touch layer (TSL) may include multiple sensing areas and multiple sensing electrodes.

[0101] Reference Figure 4 The front lamination structure 120 is disposed in the front direction of the display panel 110. The front lamination structure 120 may include a polarizing member 125, a cover window 123, and a cover window protective layer 121 sequentially laminated from the display panel 110 in the front direction.

[0102] Polarizing member 125 polarizes light. Polarizing member 125 can reduce external light reflection. In an exemplary embodiment, polarizing member 125 may be a polarizing film. The polarizing film may include a polarizing layer and a protective substrate for sandwiching the polarizing layer in between. The polarizing layer may include polyvinyl alcohol. The polarizing layer may be stretched in one direction. The stretching direction of the polarizing layer may be the absorption axis, and the direction substantially perpendicular to it may be the transmission axis. The protective substrate may be disposed on one side and the other side of the polarizing layer, respectively. The protective substrate may be made of cellulose resin (such as triacetyl cellulose, polyester resin, etc.), but the exemplary embodiment is not limited to its material.

[0103] Cover window 123 may be positioned in the forward direction of polarizing member 125. Cover window 123 may protect display panel 110. Cover window 123 may be made of a transparent material. For example, cover window 123 may be made of glass or plastic. When cover window 123 includes glass, the glass may be ultra-thin glass (UTG) or thin-film glass. When the glass is made of ultra-thin film or thin film, the glass may have flexible properties to be bent, folded, or rolled. The thickness of the glass may range from about 10 μm to about 300 μm, specifically from about 30 μm to about 80 μm, or it may be about 50 μm. The glass of cover window 123 may include soda-lime glass, alkaline aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, or lithium aluminosilicate glass. The glass of cover window 123 may include chemically strengthened or thermally strengthened glass to have high strength. Chemical strengthening may be achieved by an ion exchange treatment process in an alkaline salt. The ion exchange treatment process may be performed two or more times.

[0104] When the cover window 123 comprises plastic, it may be more advantageous to exhibit flexible properties such as folding. Examples of plastics suitable for the cover window 123 may include polyimide, polyacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polystyrene, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyethersulfone (PES), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallyl ester, triacetyl cellulose (TAC), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. The plastic cover window 123 may be made of at least one of the above-described plastic materials.

[0105] The protective layer 121 of the cover window can be disposed in the front direction of the cover window 123. The protective layer 121 of the cover window can perform at least one of the following functions for the cover window 123: anti-scattering, shock reduction, scratch resistance, fingerprint resistance, and anti-glare. The protective layer 121 of the cover window can include a transparent polymer film. The transparent polymer film can include at least one of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), PES (polyethersulfone), PI (polyimide), PAR (polyarylate), PC (polycarbonate), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), and COC (cyclic olefin copolymer).

[0106] The front lamination structure 120 may include a plurality of front connecting members 127_1, 127_2 and 127_3, which connect adjacent lamination members.

[0107] The rear lamination structure 130 is disposed in the rear direction of the display panel 110. The rear lamination structure 130 may include a polymer film layer 131.

[0108] The polymer film layer 131 may include a polymer. For example, the polymer film layer 131 may include polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polysulfone (PSF), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), or cyclic olefin polymer (COP). The polymer film layer 131 may include a functional layer on at least one surface. The functional layer may include, for example, a light-absorbing layer. The light-absorbing layer may include a light-absorbing material, such as a black pigment or dye. The light-absorbing layer is made of black ink and can be formed on the polymer film layer 131 by coating or printing.

[0109] The back lamination structure 130 may include a back connection member 133_1 that connects the display panel 110 and the polymer film layer 131.

[0110] When the foldable display device 1 displays an image only on the front surface, unlike the front connecting members 127_1, 127_2 and 127_3, the rear connecting member 133_1 does not need to be optically transparent.

[0111] The front connecting members 127_1, 127_2, and 127_3 and the rear connecting member 133_1 may each include an adhesive material. The front connecting members 127_1, 127_2, and 127_3 and the rear connecting member 133_1 may be formed as a single adhesive layer, may be formed as multiple laminated adhesive layers, or may be formed as double-sided tape such that one surface of the substrate and the other surface are respectively coated with an adhesive layer.

[0112] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The support member 210, the blocking plate 250, and the adhesive member 230 are described in detail.

[0113] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the support components, blocking plates, and adhesive components of a foldable display device. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified stereoscopic view of part D. Figure 8 This is viewed from the front of the display panel. Figure 6 Plan view of the support components, baffles, and adhesive components, and Figure 9 This is viewed from behind the display panel. Figure 6 Plan view of the support components, blocking plates and adhesive components.

[0114] For ease of description, Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9The connecting portion 270 and the rear cover 290 are not shown. Figures 6 to 9 In the diagram, boundaries or components that are not shown due to another component are indicated by dashed lines.

[0115] In the following text, the direction toward the space between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 is referred to as the lateral direction, and the direction opposite to the lateral direction is referred to as the other lateral direction.

[0116] Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The support member 210, the blocking plate 250, and the adhesive member 230 of the foldable display device in the unfolded state are shown.

[0117] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 A first support member 211 and a second support member 213 are disposed on the rear surface of the display module 10. The first support member 211 and the second support member 213 may be disposed within the rear surface of the display module 10. In some exemplary embodiments, the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 may be configured to protrude from the edge of the rear surface of the display module 10. In some exemplary embodiments, the edges of the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 may be configured to overlap with the edge of the display module 10.

[0118] The width of each of the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 in the second direction DR2 may be less than the width of the rear cover 290 in the second direction DR2 or the width of the hinged cover 273 in the second direction DR2.

[0119] The first support member 211 and the second support member 213 may be configured to span the folded region FA and the non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2. Specifically, the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 may be configured such that their edges adjacent to the folding axis FX extend in a lateral direction and partially overlap with the folded region FA.

[0120] Each of the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 may include a first groove portion 211_1 and a second groove portion 213_1.

[0121] The first groove portion 211_1 and the second groove portion 213_1 are disposed at the corners of the first support member 211 and the second support member 213. Specifically, the first groove portion 211_1 is disposed at the corner of the first support member 211 located in one direction, and the second groove portion 213_1 is disposed at the corner of the second support member 213 located in one direction.

[0122] The first groove portion 211_1 and the second groove portion 213_1 can be configured to at least partially overlap with the folded region FA. Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the embodiment, the first groove portion 211_1 and the second groove portion 213_1 are disposed in the folded region FA, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. In some exemplary embodiments, the first groove portion 211_1 and the second groove portion 213_1 may be disposed across the folded region FA and the non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2. Based on the space between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213, the first groove portion 211_1 and the second groove portion 213_1 may be symmetrically disposed with respect to the first support member 211 and the second support member 213, respectively. Optionally, the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 may include groove portions with different shapes and sizes.

[0123] In the following description, an exemplary embodiment in which the first groove portion 211_1 and the second groove portion 213_1 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 will be described. The description of the first groove portion 211_1 can be applied in the same or similar way to the second groove portion 213_1.

[0124] The first groove portion 211_1 can be formed such that the corner of the first support member 211 is recessed inward. Specifically, the first groove portion 211_1 can be formed by making the side surface of the corner of the first support member 211 in one direction recessed in the other direction compared to the side surface of the center of the first support member 211 in one direction. For example, the first groove portion 211_1 can be formed in an L-shape at the corner of the first support member 211 in one direction.

[0125] Multiple first groove portions 211_1 can be arranged. The multiple first groove portions 211_1 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to two corners on one side of the first support member 211 based on a virtual axis in the first direction DR1.

[0126] The first groove portion 211_1 and the second groove portion 213_1 can be configured to overlap with the covering portion 251 of the blocking sheet 250, which will be described later. The overlapping portion 253 of the blocking sheet 250, which will be described later, can be inserted between the first groove portion 211_1 and the second groove portion 213_1.

[0127] For example, the first groove portion 211_1 and the second groove portion 213_1 can be replaced by a first chamfer portion and a second chamfer portion, which include an inclined surface or a curved surface that forms a predetermined angle with the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0128] The first groove portion 211_1 and the second groove portion 213_1 may respectively include first side surfaces 211_S1 and 213_S1 and second side surfaces 211_S2 and 213_S2.

[0129] The first side surfaces 211_S1 and 213_S1 extend along the first direction DR1. The width of each of the first side surfaces 211_S1 and 213_S1 in the first direction DR1 may be less than half the width of the folded region FA.

[0130] The first side surfaces 211_S1 and 213_S1 may be disposed within the adhesive member 230. Specifically, the first side surfaces 211_S1 and 213_S1 may be spaced apart from the edge of the barrier sheet 250 or the display module 10 in the second direction DR2, while the adhesive member 230 is disposed along the periphery of the covering portion 251 of the barrier sheet 250.

[0131] For example, the width of each of the first side surfaces 211_S1 and 213_S1 in the first direction DR1 can be from about 1 mm to about 4 mm.

[0132] The second side surfaces 211_S2 and 213_S2 extend along the second direction DR2. The second side surfaces 211_S2 and 213_S2 may be disposed in the folded region FA.

[0133] The width of each of the second side surfaces 211_S2 and 213_S2 in the second direction DR2 may be greater than the width of a portion of the adhesive member 230 disposed along the first direction DR1 in the second direction DR2. Optionally, with Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 Unlike those shown, the width of each of the second side surfaces 211_S2 and 213_S2 in the second direction DR2 may be substantially equal to or less than the width of the portion of the adhesive member 230 disposed along the first direction DR1 in the second direction DR2.

[0134] For example, the width of each of the second side surfaces 211_S2 and 213_S2 in the second direction DR2 can be from about 1 mm to about 4 mm.

[0135] The first side surfaces 211_S1 and 213_S1 and at least one of the second side surfaces 211_S2 and 213_S2 can be configured to be spaced apart from the overlapping portion 253 of the blocking sheet 250, which will be described later. For example, the second side surfaces 211_S2 and 213_S2 can be in close contact with the overlapping portion 253 of the blocking sheet 250, but the first side surfaces 211_S1 and 213_S1 can be spaced apart from the overlapping portion 253 of the blocking sheet 250, taking into account the pressure on the components due to folding and the change in the spacing between the components.

[0136] The width of each of the first side surfaces 211_S1 and 213_S1 in the first direction DR1 can be substantially equal to or less than the width of each of the second side surfaces 211_S2 and 213_S2 in the second direction DR2. For example, the width of each of the first side surfaces 211_S1 and 213_S1 in the first direction DR1 can be about 1 mm or more and about 2 mm or less, and the width of each of the second side surfaces 211_S2 and 213_S2 in the second direction DR2 can be greater than about 2 mm and about 4 mm or less.

[0137] The barrier 250 may include a covering portion 251 and an extension portion.

[0138] The covering portion 251 of the blocking plate 250 is configured to extend across at least a portion of the rear surface of the first support member 211 and at least a portion of the rear surface of the second support member 213 to cover the rear surface of the display module 10 exposed between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213.

[0139] The covering portion 251 of the blocking sheet 250 can be configured to span the folded region FA and the non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2. Specifically, the covering portion 251 of the blocking sheet 250 can be configured to cover the entire folded region FA and a portion of each of the first non-folded region NFA1 and the second non-folded region NFA2. For example, the covering portion 251 of the blocking sheet 250 can be configured to cover only the folded region FA.

[0140] The width of the covering portion 251 of the blocking plate 250 in the second direction DR2 can be substantially equal to or less than the width of the first support member 211 or the second support member 213 in the second direction DR2. For example, the width of the covering portion 251 in the second direction DR2 can be less than the width of the first support member 211 or the second support member 213 in the second direction DR2.

[0141] The extension of the baffle 250 is configured to overlap with the folding axis FX on the third direction DR3 and extend in the direction of the folding axis FX. The extension of the baffle 250 can extend from the edge of the baffle 250 to the outside.

[0142] The extended portion of the blocking sheet 250 may include an overlapping portion 253 and a curved portion 255.

[0143] The overlapping portion 253 of the extension of the blocking sheet 250 is configured to be adjacent to the edge of the covering portion 251 extending along the first direction DR1, and to overlap the front surface of the covering portion 251 in the thickness direction (e.g., the third direction DR3). The overlapping portion 253 may be configured to be spaced apart from the front surface of the covering portion 251, for example, in the third direction DR3. In some exemplary embodiments, the overlapping portion 253 may be configured to be in close contact with the covering portion 251.

[0144] The overlapping portion 253 of the blocking plate 250 may be disposed, for example, in the first direction DR1, between the first groove portion 211_1 and the second groove portion 213_1. Specifically, the overlapping portion 253 may be disposed between the second side surface 211_S2 of the first groove portion 211_1 and the second side surface 213_S2 of the second groove portion 213_1.

[0145] The overlapping portion 253 of the blocking sheet 250 can be disposed in the folded area FA. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 Unlike those shown, the overlapping portion 253 can be configured to span the folded region FA as well as the non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2.

[0146] The width of the overlapping portion 253 of the blocking plate 250 in the first direction DR1 can be greater than the distance between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213. Specifically, the width of the overlapping portion 253 in the first direction DR1 can be greater than the distance between the side surfaces of the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 located at the outermost position in one direction.

[0147] At least a portion of the overlapping portion 253 of the blocking piece 250 may be spaced apart from the first groove portion 211_1 and the second groove portion 213_1. For example, the width of the overlapping portion 253 in the first direction DR1 may be less than the distance between the second side surface 211_S2 of the first groove portion 211_1 and the second side surface 213_S2 of the second groove portion 213_1 in the first direction DR1. As another example, the width of the overlapping portion 253 in the second direction DR2 may be less than the width of the second side surface 211_S2 of the first groove portion 211_1 or the second side surface 213_S2 of the second groove portion 213_1 in the second direction DR2. The overlapping portion 253 may be in close contact with the first side surfaces 211_S1 and 213_S1, and may be spaced apart from the second side surfaces 211_S2 and 213_S2.

[0148] The overlapping portion 253 of the blocking plate 250 can be attached to the rear surface of the display module 10. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 Unlike those shown, the overlapping portion 253 may not be attached to the rear surface of the display module 10.

[0149] The folding member 20 may also include an adhesive layer 260 between the front surface of the overlapping portion 253 and the rear surface of the display module 10.

[0150] The curved portion 255 of the extension of the blocking sheet 250 connects the covering portion 251 and the overlapping portion 253 in the thickness direction (e.g., the third direction DR3). Specifically, the curved portion 255 has a U-shaped structure with an open side. For example, the open side of the curved portion 255 may face the center of the foldable display device and may face the space between the covering portion 251 and the overlapping portion 253. For example, one end of the curved portion 255 may be connected to the covering portion 251, and the other end of the curved portion 255 may be connected to the overlapping portion 253. For example, the curved portion 255 may be bent outward.

[0151] The curved portion 255 of the extension of the blocking sheet 250 can be bent in the second direction DR2 to connect a portion of another edge of the covering portion 251 extending along the first direction DR1 and another edge of the overlapping portion 253 extending along the first direction DR1. The other edge of the overlapping portion 253 can be the edge closest to the edge of the display module 10 extending along the first direction DR1.

[0152] The width of the curved portion 255 of the extension of the blocking piece 250 in the first direction DR1 can be substantially equal to the width of the overlapping portion 253 in the first direction DR1. In some exemplary embodiments, the width of the curved portion 255 in the first direction DR1 can be greater than the width of the overlapping portion 253 in the first direction DR1. In some exemplary embodiments, the width of the curved portion 255 in the first direction DR1 can be substantially equal to or less than the distance between the second side surface 211_S2 of the first groove portion 211_1 and the second side surface 213_S2 of the second groove portion 213_1.

[0153] The covering portion 251, overlapping portion 253, and curved portion 255 of the blocking sheet 250 can be integrally formed. Specifically, the curved portion 255 can protrude from the edge of the covering portion 251 to have a predetermined width, and the overlapping portion 253 can extend from the end portion of the curved portion 255 in the second direction DR2. For example, the curved portion 255 can be bent or folded such that the overlapping portion 253 and / or the curved portion 255 are inserted, for example, between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 in the first direction DR1. Alternatively, the covering portion 251, overlapping portion 253, and curved portion 255 of the blocking sheet 250 can be separate components connected to each other.

[0154] The adhesive component 230 may include a first adhesive component 231 and a second adhesive component 233.

[0155] The first adhesive component 231 is disposed between the first support component 211 and the blocking sheet 250. The second adhesive component 233 is disposed between the second support component 213 and the blocking sheet 250.

[0156] The first adhesive member 231 and the second adhesive member 233 may be spaced apart from each other, for example, in the first direction DR1. For example, the first adhesive member 231 may be disposed in the first non-folded region NFA1, and the second adhesive member 233 may be disposed in the second non-folded region NFA2. The first adhesive member 231 and the second adhesive member 233 may be disposed only in the regions of the stop sheet 250 and the support member 210 corresponding to the non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2.

[0157] The first adhesive member 231 and the second adhesive member 233 may be disposed along at least a portion of the periphery of the stop sheet 250. For example, the first adhesive member 231 and the second adhesive member 233 may have a U-shape or II-shape in plan view, having an open side. For example, based on the space between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213, the first adhesive member 231 and the second adhesive member 233 may be disposed such that their open sides face each other toward the folding axis FX. The first adhesive member 231 and the second adhesive member 233 may be spaced apart from each other, and an overlapping portion 253 and / or a bent portion 255 may be inserted between the first adhesive member 231 and the second adhesive member 233.

[0158] The first adhesive component 231 and the second adhesive component 233 may be spaced apart from the periphery of the barrier sheet 250 by a predetermined distance. Second side surfaces 211_S2 and 213_S2 and the overlapping portion 253 may be disposed between the first adhesive component 231 and the second adhesive component 233. The first adhesive component 231 and the second adhesive component 233 may be spaced apart from the second side surfaces 211_S2 and 213_S2 by a predetermined distance.

[0159] The first adhesive component 231 and the second adhesive component 233 can be arranged symmetrically based on the first support component 211 and the second support component 213.

[0160] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 The connection relationship between the display module 10, the support member 210, the adhesive member 230 and the blocking plate 250 is described in detail.

[0161] Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is along Figure 6 A sectional view taken by line A-A'. Figure 12 and Figure 13 It is along Figure 6 The sectional view taken by line B-B'. Figure 14 It is along Figure 6 A sectional view taken by line C-C'.

[0162] In the following text, for ease of description, the minimum distance between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 in the first direction DR1 is referred to as the first gap G1, and the distance between the second side surface 211_S2 of the first groove portion 211_1 and the second side surface 213_S2 of the second groove portion 213_1 in the first direction DR1 is referred to as the second gap G2. The first gap G1 may be the gap between the side surfaces of each of the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 located at the outermost position in one side direction.

[0163] Figure 10 It is along Figure 6 The sectional view taken by line A-A' in the unfolded state, and Figure 11 It is along Figure 6 The sectional view taken by line A-A' in the folded state.

[0164] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The first support member 211 and the second support member 213 are attached to the rear surface of the display module 10. For example, at least one member or layer for adhesion may be disposed between the support member 210 and the display module 10.

[0165] like Figure 11 As shown, the portions of the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 disposed in the folded region FA can be attached to the rear surface of the display module 10, while the portions of the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 disposed in the non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2 can be left unattached to the rear surface of the display module 10. Therefore, the portions disposed in the non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2 can be in close contact with the rear surfaces of the non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2 of the display module 10 in the unfolded state to support the display module 10. Furthermore, the portions disposed in the non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2 can be spaced apart from the rear surface of the display module 10 in the folded state, allowing the display module 10 to have a radius of curvature.

[0166] The width of each of the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 in the first direction DR1 can be greater than the width of the hinge cover 273 in the first direction DR1. Therefore, the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 can be configured to span the hinge cover 273 in the unfolded state.

[0167] The first support member 211 and the second support member 213 are arranged in the unfolded state to form a first gap G1. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the first gap G1 can be smaller than the width of the folded region FA in the first direction DR1. Figure 11As shown, when the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 are folded, the first gap G1 between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 in the first direction DR1 can be increased.

[0168] The covering portion 251 of the blocking sheet 250 is configured to extend across the rear surfaces of the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 to cover the variable first gap G1. Specifically, the covering portion 251 can stretch and contract in the first direction DR1 when the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 are folded or unfolded. Therefore, the portion of the rear surface of the display module 10 exposed downward (e.g., in the third direction DR3) between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 can be covered by the covering portion 251.

[0169] The width of the cover portion 251 in the first direction DR1 may be greater than the first gap G1. The width of the cover portion 251 in the first direction DR1 may be less than the width of the hinged cover 273 in the first direction DR1. The cover portion 251 can be accommodated in the internal space formed by the hinged cover 273 and the rear cover 290 in the folded and unfolded states.

[0170] The cover portion 251 can be attached to the support member 210 via the adhesive member 230. Specifically, at least a portion of the front surface of the cover portion 251 adjacent to one side edge of the cover portion 251 in the first direction DR1 can be attached to the first support member 211 via the first adhesive member 231, and another portion of the front surface of the cover portion 251 adjacent to the other side edge of the cover portion 251 in the first direction DR1 can be attached to the second support member 213 via the second adhesive member 233.

[0171] Cover portion 251 can prevent foreign objects from seeping in. Specifically, cover portion 251 can prevent foreign objects that seep between hinge cover 273 and rear cover 290 from seeping back into the space between display panel 110 and cover portion 251.

[0172] Figure 12 It is along Figure 6 The sectional view taken by line B-B' in the unfolded state. Figure 13 It is along Figure 6 The sectional view taken by line B-B' in a folded state. Figure 14 It is along Figure 6 The sectional view taken by line C-C' in the unfolded state, and Figure 15 This is a perspective view showing the curved portion of another exemplary embodiment of a foldable display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0173] Reference Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 As described above, the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 support the rear surface of the display module 10.

[0174] When a groove is formed at one side edge of the first support member 211 and one side edge of the second support member 213, a second gap G2 can be formed between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213. Therefore, in the unfolded state, the distance between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 can vary according to the distance from the short side of the first support member 211 or the second support member 213 in the first direction DR1 along the second direction DR2. The second gap G2 can be greater than the first gap G1.

[0175] The overlapping portion 253 of the blocking sheet 250 can be disposed between the display module 10 and the covering portion 251. As described above, the overlapping portion 253 can be attached to the display module 10 via an adhesive layer 260, and the covering portion 251 can be attached to the support member 210 via an adhesive member 230. The adhesive layer 260 can be disposed in the front surface of the overlapping portion 253.

[0176] The overlapping portion 253 may be spaced apart from the second side surfaces 211_S2 and 213_S2. At least a portion of the overlapping portion 253 may be configured to overlap with the first side surfaces 211_S1 and 213_S1 or the second side surfaces 211_S2 and 213_S2 in the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2.

[0177] The overlapping portion 253 may be spaced apart from the covering portion 251 in the thickness direction (e.g., the third direction DR3). The overlapping portion 253 may be thinner than the supporting member 210. (Refer to...) Figure 12 and 13 The overlapping portion 253 can be spaced apart from the covering portion 251 in the unfolded state, and can be in close contact with the covering portion 251 in the folded state.

[0178] The overlapping portion 253 and the covering portion 251 can have different curvatures while extending in the first direction DR1 in the folded state. Specifically, the curvature of the overlapping portion 253 can be greater than the curvature of the covering portion 251 in the folded state. Optionally, the radius of curvature of the overlapping portion 253 can be smaller than the radius of curvature of the covering portion 251 in the folded state.

[0179] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 14The curved portion 255 covers the gap between the overlapping portion 253 and the covering portion 251. The curved portion 255 prevents foreign matter 90 that has seeped into the space between the display module 10 and the hinge cover 273 from seeping back into the space between the overlapping portion 253 and the covering portion 251, as well as the space between the support member 210 and the baffle 250.

[0180] The outermost end of the curved portion 255 may be configured to be substantially parallel to the edge of the display module 10 or the edge of the support member 210 in the third direction DR3. In some exemplary embodiments, the curved portion 255 may protrude outward beyond the edge of the display module 10 or the support member 210 in the first direction DR1. The curved portion 255 may contact the hinge cover 273 to prevent foreign matter 90 introduced between the hinge cover 273 and the display module 10 from seeping back into the connection portion 270 or the hinge cover 273. In some exemplary embodiments, the curved portion 255 may be configured not to protrude outward beyond the display module 10 or the support member 210.

[0181] According to an exemplary embodiment, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from penetrating through the gaps formed between components.

[0182] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the foregoing, and various other effects are anticipated herein.

[0183] While exemplary embodiments have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the appended claims.

[0184] While specific exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from that description. Therefore, the inventive concept is not limited to these embodiments, but is limited by the appended claims and various obvious modifications, as well as equivalent arrangements that will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A foldable display device having a first non-foldable region and a second non-foldable region, wherein a folding axis is located between the first non-foldable region and the second non-foldable region, the foldable display device comprising: Display panel; A first support member is disposed on the rear surface of the display panel and located in the first non-folded area; A second support member is disposed on the rear surface of the display panel and located in the second non-folded area, the second support member being spaced apart from the first support member; as well as A blocking plate is disposed on the rear surface of the first support member and the rear surface of the second support member to overlap with the first non-folded area, the folding axis, and the second non-folded area. Wherein, the blocking sheet is parallel to the folding axis and includes a covering portion that covers the space between the first support member and the second support member, and an extension portion that connects to the covering portion and extends along the folding axis, wherein: The first support member includes a first groove portion formed at a corner adjacent to the folding axis of the first support member, and The second support member includes a second groove portion formed at a corner of the second support member adjacent to the folding axis.

2. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein, The extended portion of the blocking plate is bent to be received within the space defined by the first recessed portion of the first support member and the second recessed portion of the second support member, and The extended portion of the blocking sheet includes an overlapping portion and a curved portion, the overlapping portion being configured to overlap the covering portion in the thickness direction, and the curved portion connecting the covering portion and the overlapping portion in the thickness direction.

3. The foldable display device according to claim 2, wherein, The curved portion of the blocking sheet has a U-shaped structure, the U-shaped structure having an open side facing the center of the foldable display device or facing the space between the covering portion and the overlapping portion, and the curved portion having one end connected to the covering portion and the other end connected to the overlapping portion.

4. The foldable display device according to claim 2, wherein, Depending on the change in angle between the first support member and the second support member, the covering portion, the overlapping portion, and the curved portion of the blocking sheet are folded or unfolded, wherein the covering portion of the blocking sheet is attached to the rear surface of the first support member and the rear surface of the second support member, and the overlapping portion of the blocking sheet is attached to the rear surface of the display panel.

5. The foldable display device according to claim 4, further comprising: A first adhesive component is disposed between the first support component and the blocking sheet; A second adhesive component is disposed between the second support component and the blocking sheet; as well as An adhesive layer is disposed between the overlapping portion of the barrier sheet and the display panel to attach the upper surface of the overlapping portion of the barrier sheet to the rear surface of the display panel.

6. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first groove portion and the second groove portion includes a first side surface extending in a direction intersecting the direction of the folding axis and a second side surface extending in the direction of the folding axis.

7. The foldable display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A connecting portion is disposed in the rearward direction of the blocking plate and connects the first support member and the second support member, the connecting portion being configured to change the angle between the first support member and the second support member.

8. A foldable display device, comprising: Display panel; The first support member and the second support member are disposed on the rear surface of the display panel in a first direction; as well as The blocking plate is configured to overlap with the rear surfaces of the first support member and the second support member, and includes a covering portion that covers the space between the first support member and the second support member, and an extension portion that connects to the covering portion and extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first support member includes a first groove portion at the corner of the first support member adjacent to the second support member. The second support member includes a second recessed portion at a corner on the side adjacent to the first support member, and The extended portion of the blocking plate is bent into a space defined by the first groove portion of the first support member and the second groove portion of the second support member.

9. The foldable display device according to claim 8, wherein, Each of the first groove portion and the second groove portion includes a first side surface extending in the first direction and a second side surface extending in the second direction.

10. The foldable display device according to claim 8, further comprising: A first adhesive component is disposed between the first support component and the blocking sheet; as well as A second adhesive component is disposed between the second support component and the blocking sheet.

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