Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided, comprising: a display panel including a front surface and a rear surface; a first circuit board electrically connected to a first side of the display panel; a second circuit board electrically connected to a second side of the display panel opposite to the first side; a third circuit board disposed on the rear surface and electrically connected to the first and second circuit boards, the third circuit board extending in a first direction; and a support plate disposed on the rear surface. The display panel is foldable along a fold line extending in a second direction. The support plate has a first opening extending along the fold line and an opening pattern located near a portion of the first opening. The third circuit board is stacked with said portion of the first opening. The opening pattern includes slits, and the third circuit board is stacked with the slits.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0017579, filed on February 13, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a display device. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a display device including a foldable display panel. Background Technology

[0003] Display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays include a display panel comprising a plurality of pixels capable of displaying images. Each pixel includes a pixel electrode for receiving data signals, and the pixel electrode is connected to at least one transistor to receive data signals.

[0004] Recently, deformable display devices have been developed in which the display panel can be bent or folded (i.e., bendable or foldable) to deform its shape.

[0005] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the background of the invention, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art known to a person skilled in the art in this country. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide a display device that can have improved reliability by preventing defects caused by deformation of the display device in a circuit board included in a deformable display device that can be bent or folded.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a display device includes: a display panel including a front surface and a rear surface opposite to each other; a first circuit board electrically connected to a first side of the display panel; a second circuit board electrically connected to a second side of the display panel opposite to the first side; a third circuit board disposed on the rear surface of the display panel and electrically connected to the first and second circuit boards, the third circuit board extending in a first direction; and a support plate disposed on the rear surface of the display panel. The display panel is foldable along a fold line extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The support plate has a first opening extending along the fold line and an opening pattern located near a portion of the first opening. The third circuit board is stacked with said portion of the first opening. The opening pattern includes a plurality of slits, and the third circuit board is stacked with said plurality of slits.

[0008] The plurality of slits are spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

[0009] The display device also includes an adhesive layer disposed between the third circuit board and the support plate.

[0010] The width of the third circuit board in the second direction is less than or equal to the width of the patterned area of ​​the support plate on which the plurality of slits are provided in the second direction.

[0011] The opening pattern also includes a first vertical opening extending along a first edge of the pattern area in a first direction and a second vertical opening extending along a second edge opposite to the first edge in the first direction. The distance in a second direction between the edge of the third circuit board and the edge of the first vertical opening is 0 mm or greater. The edges of the third circuit board and the first vertical opening are closer to the first edge of the pattern area than the second edge of the pattern area opposite to the first edge.

[0012] The width of the third circuit board in the second direction is greater than the width of the patterned area of ​​the support plate on which the plurality of slits are provided in the second direction.

[0013] The opening pattern also includes a vertical opening extending along the edge of the pattern area in a first direction, and the third circuit board is stacked with the vertical opening.

[0014] The support plate also includes a horizontal opening spaced apart in a first direction from the patterned area of ​​the support plate on which the plurality of slits are disposed. The horizontal opening extends in a second direction. A third circuit board passes through the horizontal opening.

[0015] The portion of the third circuit board that overlaps with the patterned area of ​​the support plate is positioned between the support plate and the display panel.

[0016] The support plate may be made of metal, and the third circuit board may be flexible.

[0017] The support plate includes a first surface facing the display panel and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The support plate may have a hole disposed in the second surface. A third circuit board and the hole may extend in a first direction, and the third circuit board may be disposed in the hole.

[0018] The plurality of slits are adjacent to the holes in the thickness direction of the support plate.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a display device includes: a display panel including a front surface and a rear surface opposite to each other; a first circuit board electrically connected to a first side of the display panel; a second circuit board electrically connected to a second side of the display panel opposite to the first side; a third circuit board disposed on the rear surface of the display panel and electrically connected to the first and second circuit boards, the third circuit board extending in a first direction; and a support plate disposed on the rear surface of the display panel, the display panel being foldable along a fold line extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the support plate having a first opening extending along the fold line, a second opening located near a portion of the first opening, and a pad disposed in the second opening, the third circuit board being stacked with said portion of the first opening. The third circuit board is stacked with the pad.

[0020] The upper surface of the pad is higher than the upper surface of the support plate.

[0021] The distance in a second direction between the edge of the third circuit board extending in the first direction and the first edge of the second opening extending in the first direction is greater than the distance in a second direction between the edge of the pad extending in the first direction and the first edge of the second opening of the support plate. The edges of the third circuit board and the pad are closer to the first edge of the second opening than the second edge of the second opening opposite to the first edge.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a display device includes: a display panel including a front surface and a rear surface opposite to each other; a first circuit board electrically connected to a first side of the display panel; a second circuit board electrically connected to a second side of the display panel opposite to the first side; a third circuit board disposed on the rear surface of the display panel and electrically connected to the first and second circuit boards, the third circuit board extending in a first direction; and a support plate disposed on the rear surface of the display panel. The display panel is foldable along a fold line extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The support plate includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The support plate has a hole formed on the first surface and extending in the first direction. The third circuit board is disposed in the hole.

[0023] Compared to the first surface, which is closer to the support plate, the display panel is closer to the second surface of the support plate.

[0024] The support plate has an opening that is positioned closer to the second surface of the support plate, and the opening of the support plate is adjacent to the hole of the support plate in the thickness direction of the support plate.

[0025] The opening in the support plate connects to the hole in the support plate, and the third circuit board passes through the opening.

[0026] The third circuit board, which is set in the hole in the support plate, can intersect with the fold line.

[0027] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the reliability of a display device can be increased by preventing defects caused by deformation of the display device in a circuit board included in the deformable display device, which can be bent or folded. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 A top view of the front surface of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the display device is in an unfolded state.

[0029] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a pixel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 3 A top view of the rear surface of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the display device is in an unfolded state.

[0031] Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 3 The enlarged view of part AA shown.

[0032] Figure 5 An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of a portion of the display device shown is taken along lines Va-Vb.

[0033] Figure 6 An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown along the folded state of the display device. Figure 3 The sectional view taken by line R1.

[0034] Figure 7 An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown along the folded state of the display device. Figure 3 A sectional view taken from line R2.

[0035] Figure 8 and Figure 9 Plan view of a portion of the rear surface of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 10 An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown along Figure 9 The cross-sectional view of the portion of the display device shown is taken along lines Xa-Xb.

[0037] Figure 11 and Figure 12 Plan view of the rear surface of the display device in the unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0038] Figure 13 An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 12 The image shown is an enlarged view of part BB.

[0039] Figure 14 An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown along Figure 13 The cross-sectional view of the portion of the display device shown is taken along lines XIVa-XIVb.

[0040] Figure 15 and Figure 17 Plan view of the rear surface of the display device in the unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0041] Figure 16 An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown along Figure 15 The cross-sectional view of the display device shown is taken along lines XVIa-XVIb.

[0042] Figure 18 An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown along Figure 17 The cross-sectional view of the display device shown is taken along lines XVIIIa-XVIIIb.

[0043] Figure 19 An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 17 and Figure 18 The cross-sectional view of the display device shown in its folded state.

[0044] Figure 20 An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 17 and Figure 18 The cross-sectional view of the display device in its unfolded state is shown.

[0045] Figure 21 and Figure 23 Plan view of the rear surface of the display device in the unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0046] Figure 22 An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown along Figure 21 The cross-sectional view of the display device shown is taken by lines XXIIa-XXIIb.

[0047] Figure 24 An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown along Figure 23 The cross-sectional view of the display device shown is taken by lines XXIVa-XXIVb.

[0048] Figure 25An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 23 and Figure 24 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the display device in its folded state.

[0049] Figure 26 An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 23 and Figure 24 The cross-sectional view of the display device in its unfolded state is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The invention will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are illustrated. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

[0051] Parts irrelevant to the description will be omitted in order to clearly describe this disclosure. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0052] Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the dimensions and thicknesses of each element are arbitrarily shown for ease of description, and this disclosure is not limited to the dimensions and thicknesses of each element shown in the drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the thicknesses of layers, films, panels, regions, areas, etc., are exaggerated for clarity. In the accompanying drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for ease of description.

[0053] It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, the element may be directly on the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intermediate elements present. Furthermore, in the specification, the terms "on" or "above" indicate that an element is disposed on or above another element, and do not necessarily mean that the element is disposed on the upper side of the other element based on the direction of gravity.

[0054] In addition, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the word “including” and its variations shall be understood to mean that the stated elements are included but not excluded any other elements.

[0055] Throughout this specification, plan views represent views of surfaces parallel to two intersecting directions (e.g., a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2), and sectional views represent views of surfaces cut in a direction perpendicular to the surfaces parallel to the first and second directions DR1 (e.g., a third direction DR3). Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the stacking of two constituent elements is indicated by stacking the two constituent elements in a third direction DR3 (e.g., a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the substrate).

[0056] First, refer to Figures 1 to 7 A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0057] Figure 1 A top view of the front surface of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the display device is in an unfolded state, is shown. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a pixel of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 A top view of the rear surface of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the display device is in an unfolded state.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display device 1000 includes a display panel 300, which includes a display area DA in an unfolded state and a peripheral area PA disposed around the outside of the display area DA.

[0059] The display area DA is the area that displays the image based on the input image signal, and includes multiple pixels PX and multiple signal lines. These signal lines may include gate lines for transmitting gate signals and data lines for transmitting data signals.

[0060] A pixel (PX) is a basic unit for displaying an image. Each pixel (PX) may include a pixel circuit containing at least one transistor and a display component for displaying light to display the image.

[0061] Reference Figure 2 The display panel 300 may include a substrate 110 containing insulating material and at least one insulating layer 120 disposed on the substrate 110.

[0062] A pixel circuit 130 including at least one transistor may be disposed on an insulating layer 120, and at least one insulating layer 140 may be disposed on the pixel circuit 130.

[0063] The light-emitting element ED can be disposed on the insulating layer 140. The light-emitting element ED may include a light-emitting layer 370, a pixel electrode 191, and a common electrode 271, with the pixel electrode 191 and the common electrode 271 facing each other, and the light-emitting layer 370 located between the pixel electrode 191 and the common electrode 271. The light-emitting element ED may be a light-emitting diode.

[0064] Pixel electrode 191 can be directly electrically connected to the transistor of pixel circuit 130, or pixel electrode 191 can be indirectly electrically connected to the transistor of pixel circuit 130 through another electrical component.

[0065] An insulating layer 350, which may include an organic insulating material, may be disposed between the light-emitting layer 370 and the insulating layer 140. The insulating layer 350 may have an opening that exposes the pixel electrode 191, and the light-emitting layer 370 may contact the pixel electrode 191 within the opening of the insulating layer 350.

[0066] The light-emitting layer 370 may include organic light-emitting materials or inorganic light-emitting materials.

[0067] At least one insulating layer 360 may be disposed on the light-emitting element ED.

[0068] At least one light-emitting element ED may be disposed in the display component of each pixel PX to emit light toward the front of the display device 1000.

[0069] The peripheral region PA can be an area where almost no image is displayed, and it can be an area adjacent to the display area DA. For example, the peripheral region PA can surround the display area DA. The peripheral region PA where no image is displayed is called dead space.

[0070] Voltage lines, drive signal lines, drive circuits, etc., can be set in the peripheral area PA.

[0071] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display device 1000 may include at least one flexible circuit board (FPCB) 510, a first circuit board (PCB) 520, at least one second flexible circuit board 610 and a second circuit board (PCB) 620 electrically connected to the display panel 300.

[0072] At least one first flexible circuit board 510 may be attached to one side peripheral region PA (e.g., the lower peripheral region PA) of the display panel 300 for electrical connection to the display panel 300. At least one driving circuit chip 500 may be mounted on each first flexible circuit board 510.

[0073] The first flexible circuit board 510 can be attached to and electrically connected to the first circuit board 520. Therefore, the first circuit board 520 can be electrically connected to the underside of the display panel 300 through at least one first flexible circuit board 510. The first circuit board 520 can transmit various driving voltages, driving signals, and data signals to the display panel 300 through the driving circuit chip 500.

[0074] The first circuit board 520 may include a connecting component 530.

[0075] At least one second flexible circuit board 610 may be attached to the other peripheral region PA (e.g., the upper peripheral region PA) of the display panel 300 for electrical connection to the display panel 300. The second flexible circuit board 610 may be attached to and electrically connected to the second circuit board 620. Therefore, the second circuit board 620 can be electrically connected to the upper side of the display panel 300 through at least one second flexible circuit board 610.

[0076] The second circuit board 620 can be electrically connected to the first circuit board 520 disposed below it to receive various driving voltages, driving signals, and data signals. For example, the second circuit board 620 can be electrically connected to the first circuit board 520 disposed below it to receive various driving voltages. The driving voltage can be applied to the transistors of the pixel circuit 130 of the pixel PX described above to enable the light-emitting element ED to emit light.

[0077] The second circuit board 620 may include a connecting component 630.

[0078] In some embodiments, the second circuit board 620 may be omitted. In this case, the second flexible circuit board 610 may be electrically connected to the first circuit board 520 disposed below it to receive various drive voltages, drive signals, and data signals.

[0079] The first flexible circuit board 510 and the second flexible circuit board 610 can be bent toward the rear surface of the display panel 300 to be fixed to the rear surface of the display panel 300.

[0080] Figure 3 The rear surface of the display device 1000 is shown in a state in which the first flexible circuit board 510 and the second flexible circuit board 610 are bent to the rear surface of the display panel 300.

[0081] A support plate 200 may be disposed on the rear surface of the display device 1000. The support plate 200 may comprise a metal such as stainless steel (SUS), in which case it may also be referred to as a metal plate. The support plate 200 may have less flexibility than the display panel 300. In embodiments, the support plate 200 may be rigid. The support plate 200 may provide functions such as heat dissipation and impact resistance for the display panel 300. A first circuit board 520 and a second circuit board 620 may be disposed on the rear surface of the support plate 200 for fixation to the support plate 200.

[0082] The display device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a third flexible circuit board 400, which can electrically connect a second circuit board 620 disposed on its upper side to a first circuit board 520 disposed on its lower side.

[0083] One end (i.e., the first side) of the third flexible circuit board 400 can be electrically connected to the connecting member 530 of the first circuit board 520, and the other end (i.e., the second side) of the third flexible circuit board 400 can be electrically connected to the connecting member 630 of the second circuit board 620. The first side and the second side can be opposite to each other.

[0084] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 According to an embodiment, the display panel 300 of the display device 1000 may have an elongated shape in a plan view along one direction (e.g., a first direction DR1). For example, the length of the display panel 300 in the first direction DR1 may be longer than the length in the second direction DR2. The display panel 300 may be folded inward based on a folding line FL extending along a direction substantially parallel to the second direction DR2. The display area DA of the folded display panel 300 may be divided into two parts that face each other and overlap each other. For example, when the display panel 300 is folded, the display area DA is folded inward such that the two parts of the display area DA face each other.

[0085] Reference Figure 3 The third flexible circuit board 400 can be extended substantially in the first direction DR1 and includes a portion that intersects with the fold line FL.

[0086] The support plate 200 may be provided with a folding opening 250 that overlaps with and extends parallel to the folding line FL. In an embodiment, the support plate 200 may be divided into two parts based on the folding opening 250. For example, the folding opening 250 may extend along the folding line FL in a second direction DR2, thus dividing the support plate 200 into two parts.

[0087] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 An enlarged view of part AA shown. Figure 5 It shows along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of a portion of the display device shown is taken along lines Va-Vb.

[0088] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the area where the third flexible circuit board 400 and the fold line FL intersect each other, the support plate 200 may include a patterned area FA in which a portion of the support plate 200 is removed.

[0089] The patterned area FA of the support plate 200 may be provided with an opening pattern 240. The opening pattern 240 may include a plurality of slits 241 arranged substantially parallel to a first direction DR1. Each slit 241 may have a shape that extends substantially in a second direction DR2. In an embodiment, each slit 241 may extend parallel to a fold line FL. The plurality of slits 241 arranged in the first direction DR1 may be spaced apart from each other, such that the support plate 200 can be integral with the patterned area FA.

[0090] The opening pattern 240 may further include vertical openings 242 disposed at the left and right edges of the pattern area FA and extending substantially in the first direction DR1. The width of the vertical opening 242 in the second direction DR2 may be larger than the width of each slit 241 in the first direction DR1, but the invention is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, a plurality of slits 241 may be disposed between two vertical openings 242 opposite to each other. The length direction of the vertical opening 242 is parallel to the first direction DR1, and the length direction of each of the plurality of slits 241 is parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0091] The opening pattern 240 may also include openings 244 disposed at the upper and lower portions of the vertical opening 242. The openings 244 may have various shapes such as circles and ellipses, and may have a width greater than the width of the second direction DR2 of the vertical opening 242.

[0092] In one embodiment, the opening pattern 240 may be positioned near the portion of the folded opening 250 that overlaps with the third flexible circuit board 400. The opening pattern 240 may be symmetrical with respect to the folded opening 250 in the first direction DR1.

[0093] The third flexible circuit board 400 may be stacked with the patterned region FA of the support plate 200. In an embodiment, the third flexible circuit board 400 may be stacked with the opening pattern 240 of the patterned region FA. For example, the third flexible circuit board 400 may be stacked with a plurality of slits 241 between the vertical openings 242 of the opening pattern 240 that are opposite to each other.

[0094] The width W1 of the second direction DR2 of the third flexible circuit board 400 can be less than or equal to the width W2 of the second direction DR2 of the pattern region FA in which a plurality of slits 241 are provided. The distance between an edge of the third flexible circuit board 400 and a vertical opening 242 of the opening pattern 240 adjacent to said edge can be zero or greater. In an embodiment, the opposite edge of the third flexible circuit board 400 can be spaced apart from the vertical opening 242 of the adjacent opening pattern 240. In an embodiment, the third flexible circuit board 400 is not superimposed on the vertical opening 242 of the opening pattern 240.

[0095] The two parts of the support plate 200, which are divided by the folding opening 250 of the support plate 200, can be spaced apart from each other by the width GP1 of the first direction DR1 of the folding opening 250. The width GP1 can be between approximately 0.5 mm and 1 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0096] Reference Figure 5 An adhesive layer 51, such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), can be disposed between the third flexible circuit board 400 and the support plate 200.

[0097] The surface of the support plate 200 to which the adhesive layer 51 is attached is referred to as the rear surface MF of the support plate 200, and the opposite surface of the rear surface MF is referred to as the front surface MD of the support plate 200. The front surface MD of the support plate 200 may be the surface facing the display panel 300. For example, the front surface MD of the support plate 200 may face the rear surface of the display device 1000.

[0098] Figure 6 This illustrates the folded state of the display device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 The sectional view taken by line R1. Figure 7 This illustrates the folded state of the display device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 A sectional view taken from line R2.

[0099] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 When the display device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention is folded along the fold line FL, the third flexible circuit board 400 is not disposed therein. Figure 3 In the part corresponding to line R2, the display device 1000 can be folded so that the two parts of the separate support plate 200 with the folding opening 250 therebetween are stacked on top of each other while facing each other.

[0100] The third flexible circuit board 400 is provided therein. Figure 3 In the portion corresponding to line R1, the support plate 200, which includes multiple slits 241, can be folded with relatively small stress. For example, the support plate 200 may have multiple slits 241 in the area where the third flexible circuit board 400 overlaps with the folding opening 250. The multiple slits 241 can be arranged such that the third flexible circuit board 400 is folded with a gradually changing curvature. Therefore, defects in the third flexible circuit board 400 due to folding of the display device 1000 can be prevented.

[0101] Since the third flexible circuit board 400 is adhered to the support plate 200 via the adhesive layer 51, when the display device 1000 is folded along the fold line FL, the third flexible circuit board 400 can be pushed along the surface of the third flexible circuit board 400 facing the support plate 200. Therefore, the influence and stress applied to the third flexible circuit board 400 caused by the folding of the support plate 200 can be reduced.

[0102] Since the third flexible circuit board 400 is adhered to the support plate 200 through the adhesive layer 51, when the display device 1000 is folded and then unfolded, the third flexible circuit board 400 is loosely lifted near the fold line FL, thus preventing the third flexible circuit board 400 from touching or being damaged by components of the display device 1000.

[0103] When the support plate 200 is not patterned in the patterned region FA as in the embodiment of the invention and the patterned region FA is completely removed from the support plate 200, the portion of the patterned region FA of the support plate 200 that has been removed can be viewed. However, according to the embodiment of the invention, because the patterned region FA of the support plate 200 includes a plurality of slits 241 and because the portion between the slits 241 is retained, the portion corresponding to the patterned region FA as seen from the outside can be minimized.

[0104] The opening 244 provided at the edge of the opening pattern 240 of the support plate 200 can prevent damage to the support plate 200 due to stress concentration at the end of the vertical opening 242 when the display device 1000 is folded.

[0105] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 8 The above-described accompanying drawings illustrate a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Figure 8 A plan view of a portion of the rear surface of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0107] Reference Figure 8 Except for the patterned area FA in the area where the third flexible circuit board 400 intersects with the fold line FL in the support plate 200, the display device according to this embodiment is almost identical to the display device 1000 described above.

[0108] According to this embodiment, the width W3 of the pattern region FA in the second direction DR2 can be greater than... Figure 4 The width W2 of the second direction DR2 of the pattern area FA shown is small.

[0109] Specifically, in this embodiment, the width W1 of the third flexible circuit board 400 can be larger than the width W3 of the second direction DR2 of the pattern region FA in which a plurality of slits 241 are provided. For example, the opposite edges of the third flexible circuit board 400 can overlap with the vertical openings 242 of the opening pattern 240.

[0110] According to this embodiment, when compared with the above description Figure 4 Compared to the embodiment shown, the third flexible circuit board 400 can be subjected to less stress when the display device is folded.

[0111] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The above-described accompanying drawings illustrate a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Figure 9 A plan view of a portion of the rear surface of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 10 It shows along Figure 9 The cross-sectional view of the portion of the display device shown is taken along lines Xa-Xb.

[0113] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 Except that the support plate 200 according to this embodiment may also include a pair of horizontal openings 245, the display device according to this embodiment is almost identical to the display device 1000 described above.

[0114] A pair of horizontal openings 245 can be set near the upper and lower edges of the pattern area FA, or can be set at a certain distance from the upper and lower edges of the pattern area FA in the first direction DR1.

[0115] The width of the second direction DR2 of each horizontal opening 245 can be larger than the width of the second direction DR2 of the third flexible circuit board 400.

[0116] The third flexible circuit board 400 may include a first portion disposed on the rear surface MF of the support plate 200 in a region other than the patterned region FA of the support plate 200, and may pass through the horizontal opening 245 of the support plate 200 from the rear surface MF toward the front surface MD of the support plate 200, such that a second portion of the third flexible circuit board 400 is disposed on the front surface MD of the support plate 200 in the patterned region FA of the support plate 200.

[0117] and Figure 9 and Figure 10Unlike the embodiment shown, the horizontal opening 245 can be positioned at a location spaced apart from the patterned region FA along the first direction DR1. Even in this case, the third flexible circuit board 400 can include a first portion disposed on the rear surface MF of the support plate 200 and a second portion disposed on the front surface MD of the support plate 200 through the horizontal opening 245. The third flexible circuit board 400 disposed on the front surface MD of the support plate 200 can be stacked with the patterned region FA of the support plate 200.

[0118] According to this embodiment, because the third flexible circuit board 400 is disposed near the fold line FL where the display device is folded, between the support plate 200 and the display panel, the third flexible circuit board 400 can be positioned closer to the inner side of the display device, thereby being positioned closer to the neutral plane of the folded display device. Therefore, the stress on the third flexible circuit board 400 generated when the display device is folded can be further reduced.

[0119] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 11 to 14 The above-described accompanying drawings illustrate a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] Figure 11 and Figure 12 A plan view of the rear surface of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention in its unfolded state is shown. Figure 13 It shows Figure 12 A magnified view of part BB shown. Figure 14 It shows along Figure 13 The cross-sectional view of the portion of the display device shown is taken along lines XIVa-XIVb.

[0121] Except that the support plate 200 may have an opening 246 in the area where the third flexible circuit board 400 intersects with the fold line FL instead of the pattern area FA described above, the display device according to this embodiment is almost identical to the display device 1000 described above.

[0122] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The opening 246 of the support plate 200 can be combined with the folding opening 250 to form a continuous opening. For example, the opening 246 of the support plate 200 can be connected to the folding opening 250. The display device according to this embodiment may also include a pad 700 disposed in the opening 246 of the support plate 200. The material of the pad 700 may be softer than the material of the support plate 200 and have greater elasticity than the material of the support plate 200. The material of the pad 700 may include, for example, sponge, foam, or polyurethane resin.

[0123] Reference Figure 14When the surface of the pad 700 facing the third flexible circuit board 400 is referred to as the upper surface of the pad 700, the upper surface of the pad 700 is higher than the support plate 200, and the step H1 between the heights of the upper surface of the pad 700 and the upper surface of the support plate 200 can be greater than zero. In an embodiment, the upper surface of the pad 700 is step H1 higher than the rear surface MF of the support plate 200. In an embodiment, the lower surface of the pad 700 opposite to the upper surface and the front surface MD of the support plate 200 can be positioned at the same height. The front surface MD of the support plate 200 can be closer to the display panel 300 than the rear surface MF of the support plate 200.

[0124] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 The distance GP2 between the pad 700 and the support plate 200 can be greater than 0. The distance GP3 between the edge of the third flexible circuit board 400 extending in the first direction DR1 and the edge of the opening 246 adjacent to it extending in the first direction DR1 can be greater than the distance GP2 between the pad 700 and the support plate 200.

[0125] An adhesive layer can be disposed on the bottom surface of the gasket 700, so that the bottom surface of the gasket 700 can be attached to the component below it.

[0126] The third flexible circuit board 400 can be stacked with the pad 700, while passing through the upper part of the pad 700 in the area where it intersects with the fold line FL.

[0127] An adhesive layer can also be disposed between the third flexible circuit board 400 and the pad 700.

[0128] According to this embodiment, since the third flexible circuit board 400 passes over the pad 700, which has an upper surface that is higher than the upper surface of the support plate 200, the third flexible circuit board 400 can be prevented from being damaged or stressed due to collision with the edge of the support plate 200 when the display device is folded along the fold line FL.

[0129] When the pad 700 is not present in the opening 246 of the support plate 200, a portion of the opening 246 of the support plate 200 is visible from the outside. However, according to this embodiment, since the pad 700 is provided in the opening 246 of the support plate 200, the opening 246 visible from the outside can be minimized. In this embodiment, as the distance GP2 between the pad 700 and the support plate 200 is minimized, the opening 246 of the support plate 200 visible from the outside can be further minimized.

[0130] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 15 to 20 The above-described accompanying drawings illustrate a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] Figure 15 and Figure 17 A plan view of the rear surface of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention in its unfolded state is shown. Figure 16 It shows along Figure 15 The cross-sectional view of the display device shown is taken along lines XVIa-XVIb. Figure 18 It shows along Figure 17 The cross-sectional view of the display device shown is taken along lines XVIIIa-XVIIIb. Figure 19 It shows Figure 17 and Figure 18 The cross-sectional view shown is of the display device in a folded state. Figure 20 It shows Figure 17 and Figure 18 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the display device in its unfolded state.

[0132] Except that the support plate 200 may be provided with a hole (or groove) 260 in which a portion of the rear surface MF is removed, the display device according to this embodiment is almost identical to the display device 1000 described above. Unlike the various openings described above, the hole 260 can be formed by removing a portion of the support plate 200 in the thickness direction of the support plate 200.

[0133] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 17 The hole 260 of the support plate 200 can extend substantially in the first direction DR1 and can extend along an imaginary line extending in the first direction DR1 between the connecting member 530 of the first circuit board 520 and the connecting member 630 of the second circuit board 620.

[0134] Reference Figure 17 and Figure 18 The third flexible circuit board 400 can be disposed in the hole 260 of the support plate 200.

[0135] An adhesive layer for securing the third flexible circuit board 400 may also be disposed in the hole 260 between the third flexible circuit board 400 and the rear surface MF of the support plate 200.

[0136] As in the above embodiment, the support plate 200 may have an opening pattern 240 disposed in the intersection region of the third flexible circuit board 400 and the fold line FL. The opening pattern 240 may be as follows: Figure 18 The shown pattern is positioned closer to the front surface MD of the support plate 200 and may be adjacent to the hole 260 on the third direction DR3 (i.e., in the thickness direction of the support plate 200). In an embodiment, the opening pattern 240 may be connected to the hole 260.

[0137] Reference Figure 19Since the third flexible circuit board 400 is disposed in the hole 260 of the support plate 200, when the display device according to this embodiment is folded, the third flexible circuit board 400 can be positioned closer to the inside of the display device. Therefore, since the third flexible circuit board 400 can be positioned closer to the neutral plane of the folded display device, the stress applied to the third flexible circuit board 400 when the display device is folded can be further reduced.

[0138] Reference Figure 20 Even when the folded display device is unfolded, since the third flexible circuit board 400 is disposed in the hole 260 of the support plate 200 and fixed to the support plate 200, the third flexible circuit board 400 is loosely lifted near the fold line FL, thus preventing the third flexible circuit board 400 from touching or being damaged by the components of the display device.

[0139] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 21 to 26 The above-described accompanying drawings illustrate a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] Figure 21 and Figure 23 A plan view of the rear surface of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention in its unfolded state is shown. Figure 22 It shows along Figure 21 The cross-sectional view of the display device shown is taken along lines XXIIa-XXIIb. Figure 24 It shows along Figure 23 The cross-sectional view of the display device shown is taken along lines XXIVa-XXIVb. Figure 25 It shows in Figure 23 and Figure 24 The cross-sectional view shown is of the display device in a folded state. Figure 26 It shows in Figure 23 and Figure 24 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the display device in its unfolded state.

[0141] Except that the support plate 200 may be provided with a hole (or groove) 270 in which a portion of the front surface MD of the support plate 200 is removed, the display device according to this embodiment is almost identical to the display device 1000 described above.

[0142] Reference Figure 21 and Figure 23 The hole 270 of the support plate 200 can extend substantially in the first direction DR1 and can overlap with and extend parallel to the imaginary line extending between the connecting part 530 of the first circuit board 520 and the connecting part 630 of the second circuit board 620.

[0143] Reference Figure 23 and Figure 24 The third flexible circuit board 400 can be disposed in the hole 270 of the support plate 200. An adhesive layer for fixing the third flexible circuit board 400 can also be disposed in the hole 270 between the third flexible circuit board 400 and the front surface MD of the support plate 200.

[0144] Reference Figure 23 The support plate 200 may also have openings 280 located near the upper and lower ends of the hole 270.

[0145] The third flexible circuit board 400 can be disposed at the rear surface MF of the support plate 200 in the portion connecting the first circuit board 520 to the connecting portion 530 of the first circuit board 520 and the second circuit board 620, can pass through the opening 280 of the support plate 200, and can be disposed at the front surface MD of the support plate 200 in the area overlapping with the hole 270 of the support plate 200. That is, the third flexible circuit board 400 disposed at the front surface MD of the support plate 200 can intersect with the fold line FL.

[0146] Reference Figure 25 Since the third flexible circuit board 400, which intersects the display device along its fold line FL, is disposed between the support plate 200 and the display panel 300, the third flexible circuit board 400 can be positioned closer to the inside of the display device when the display device is folded. Therefore, since the third flexible circuit board 400 can be positioned closer to the neutral plane of the folded display device, the stress applied to the third flexible circuit board 400 when the display device is folded can be further reduced.

[0147] Reference Figure 26 Since the third flexible circuit board 400 is disposed between the support plate 200 and the display panel 300, when the folded display device is unfolded, the third flexible circuit board 400 is loosely lifted near the fold line FL, thus preventing the third flexible circuit board 400 from touching or being damaged by components of the display device. Furthermore, since the third flexible circuit board 400 is disposed in the hole 270 of the support plate 200 and fixed to the support plate 200, the reliability of the third flexible circuit board 400 can be further increased.

[0148] according to Figures 21 to 26 The manufacturing process of the display device in the illustrated embodiment may primarily include assembling the third flexible circuit board 400 into the hole 270 on the front surface MD of the support plate 200. Alternatively, the manufacturing process may include attaching the support plate 200 to the display panel 300, and then connecting the opposite ends of the third flexible circuit board 400 to the connection member 530 of the first circuit board 520 and the connection member 630 of the second circuit board 620, respectively.

[0149] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with embodiments now considered practical, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: The display panel includes a front surface and a rear surface that are opposite to each other; The first circuit board is electrically connected to the first side of the display panel; The second circuit board is electrically connected to the second side of the display panel opposite to the first side; A third circuit board is disposed on the rear surface of the display panel and electrically connected to the first circuit board and the second circuit board, wherein the third circuit board extends from the first side of the display panel to the second side of the display panel in a first direction; and A support plate is disposed on the rear surface of the display panel. The display panel is foldable along a folding line extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The support plate has a first opening extending along the fold line and an opening pattern located near a portion of the first opening. The third circuit board is stacked on top of the portion of the first opening, and The opening pattern includes multiple slits, and the third circuit board is stacked with the multiple slits.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of slits are spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the display device further comprises an adhesive layer disposed between the third circuit board and the support plate.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The width of the third circuit board in the second direction is less than or equal to the width of the patterned area of ​​the support plate on which the plurality of slits are provided in the second direction.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The opening pattern also includes: A first vertical opening extends along a first edge of the patterned area in the first direction; and The second vertical opening extends in the first direction along the second edge opposite to the first edge. The distance in the second direction between the edge of the third circuit board and the edge of the first vertical opening is 0 mm or greater, and The edge of the third circuit board and the edge of the first vertical opening are closer to the first edge of the patterned area than the second edge of the patterned area.

6. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The width of the third circuit board in the second direction is greater than the width of the patterned area of ​​the support plate on which the plurality of slits are provided in the second direction.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, The opening pattern also includes a vertical opening extending along the edge of the pattern area in the first direction, and The third circuit board is stacked with the vertical opening.

8. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The support plate also has horizontal openings spaced apart in the first direction from the patterned areas on which the plurality of slits are provided. The horizontal opening extends in the second direction, and The third circuit board passes through the horizontal opening.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein, The portion of the third circuit board that overlaps with the patterned area of ​​the support plate is disposed between the support plate and the display panel.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The support plate comprises metal, and The third circuit board is flexible.

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