Display device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a display device, which includes: a display module; a first shell, arranged below the display module; a second shell, arranged below the display module and arranged with the first shell along a first direction; a third shell, arranged between the first shell and the second shell; and a cover, arranged below the third shell, connected to the first shell and the second shell, and inserted into the first shell or led out from the first shell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a display device. Background Art

[0002] Electronic devices such as smart phones, digital cameras, notebook computers, navigation devices, and smart TVs that provide images to users include a display device for displaying images. The display device generates images and provides the images to users through a display screen.

[0003] Recently, with the development of display device technology, various display devices are being developed. For example, various flexible display devices that can be deformed into a curved surface, folded or rolled are being developed. Flexible display devices that can be deformed into various shapes are easy to carry and can improve user convenience.

[0004] The foldable display device in the flexible display device can be folded based on a folding axis extending in one direction. The foldable display device may include a display module and a plurality of housings for receiving the display modules. External foreign matter may flow into the display module through the space between the housings. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of preventing the inflow of external foreign matter.

[0006] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a display module; a first shell, arranged below the display module; a second shell, arranged below the display module and aligned with the first shell along a first direction; a third shell, arranged between the first shell and the second shell; and a cover, arranged below the third shell, connected to the first shell and the second shell, and inserted into the first shell or led out from the first shell.

[0007] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a display module; a first shell, arranged below the display module; a second shell, arranged below the display module and aligned with the first shell along a first direction; a third shell, arranged between the first shell and the second shell; and a cover, arranged below the third shell, wherein a portion of the cover can be inserted into or led out of any one of the first shell and the second shell.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cover connected to the first shell and the second shell can be inserted into the first shell or drawn out from the first shell according to the folding operation and the unfolding operation of the display device, thereby blocking the space between the first shell, the second shell and the third shell from the outside. Therefore, external foreign matter that may flow in through the space between the first shell, the second shell and the third shell can be blocked by the cover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a graphic Figure 1 A diagram showing a folded state of the display device is shown.

[0011] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the configuration of a display device.

[0012] Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 It is shown Figure 3 A diagram showing the folding operation of the display device is shown.

[0013] Figure 7 It is an exemplary illustration Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a display module is shown.

[0014] Figure 8 It is an exemplary illustration Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a display panel is shown.

[0015] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A plan view of the display panel is shown.

[0016] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram Fig. 9 A diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of any pixel shown.

[0017] Fig.11 is an exemplary diagram along Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional structure of a display device taken along line II'.

[0018] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 An enlarged view of the housing is shown.

[0019] Fig.13 as well as Fig.14 It is a graphic Fig.11 A diagram showing the folding operation of the display device is shown.

[0020] Fig.15as well as Fig.16 The following are diagrams showing the configuration of a cover according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Fig.17 as well as Fig.18 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Description of reference numerals:

[0023] DD: Display device FA: Folding area

[0024] NFA1: First non-folding region

[0025] NFA2: Second non-folding region

[0026] DM: Display module CS: Casing

[0027] CVP: Cover

[0028] CS1: First Shell

[0029] CS2: Second Shell

[0030] CS3: Third Shell

[0031] PT1: Part 1

[0032] PT2: Part 2

[0033] PT3: Part 3

[0034] SUP1: First support part

[0035] SUP2: Second support part

[0036] SSP1: First sub-support part

[0037] SSP2: Second sub-support part

[0038] SSP3: The third sub-support

[0039] SSP4: Fourth sub-support part

[0040] CSP1: First housing part

[0041] CSP2: Second housing part

[0042] CSP3: Third housing part

[0043] CSP4: Fourth Shell Part

[0044] ELP1: First elastic part

[0045] ELP2: Second elastic part

[0046] CVT1: First cavity

[0047] CVT2: Second cavity DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In this specification, when a certain component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is mentioned as being "on" another component, "connected to" another component, or "combined with" another component, it means that it can be directly arranged / connected / combined on the other component, or a third component can be arranged between them.

[0049] The same reference numerals refer to the same components. In addition, in order to effectively explain the technical content, the thickness, ratio and size of the components are exaggerated in the drawings.

[0050] “And / or” means that all of the combinations of more than one possible definition of the related components are included.

[0051] The terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe a variety of constituent elements, but the constituent elements should not be limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one constituent element from another constituent element. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first constituent element may be named as the second constituent element, and similarly, the second constituent element may be named as the first constituent element. Singular expressions include plural expressions as long as they do not clearly indicate different meanings in the context.

[0052] Furthermore, terms such as “below”, “lower side”, “above”, and “upper side” are used to describe the correlation between the components shown in the drawings. These terms are described as relative concepts based on the directions shown in the drawings.

[0053] Unless defined differently, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in this specification have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Also, terms that are defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant technology, and are explicitly defined in this specification unless interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal meaning.

[0054] The terms “including” or “having” should be understood as intending to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, parts or combinations thereof recorded in the specification, and are not intended to preclude the existence or additional possibility of one or more other features or numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, parts or combinations thereof.

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is a graphic Figure 1 A diagram showing a folded state of the display device is shown.

[0057] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display device DD may have a rectangular shape having a long side extending along a first direction DR1 and a short side extending along a second direction DR2 crossing the first direction DR1. However, the display device DD is not limited thereto, and may have various shapes such as a circular shape and a polygonal shape. The display device DD may be a flexible display device.

[0058] Hereinafter, a direction substantially perpendicularly intersecting a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 is defined as a third direction DR3. In this specification, the meaning of "when viewed from a plane" may refer to a state viewed along the third direction DR3.

[0059] The display device DD may include a first non-folding area NFA1, a second non-folding area NFA2, and a folding area FA disposed between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. The first non-folding area NFA1, the second non-folding area NFA2, and the folding area FA may be arranged along a first direction DR1.

[0060] Exemplarily, one folding area FA and two non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 are shown, but the number of folding areas FA and non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 is not limited thereto. For example, the display device DD may include more than two non-folding areas and multiple folding areas arranged between the non-folding areas.

[0061] An upper surface of the display device DD may be defined as a display surface DS, and may have a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. An image IM generated on the display device DD through the display surface DS may be provided to a user.

[0062] The display surface DS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA around the display area DA. The display area DA may display an image IM, and the non-display area NDA may not display the image IM. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA and may define an edge of the display device DD printed in a predetermined color.

[0063] Reference Figure 2The display device DD may be a foldable (foldable) display device DD that is folded or unfolded. For example, the folding area FA is bent with the folding axis FX parallel to the second direction DR2 as a reference, so that the display device DD may be folded.

[0064] When the display device DD is folded, the upper surfaces of the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may face each other. Therefore, the display device DD may be in-folded in a manner that the display surface DS is not exposed to the outside.

[0065] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the configuration of a display device. Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 It is shown Figure 3 A diagram showing the folding operation of the display device is shown.

[0066] For example, Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The figure shows a side surface of the display device DD viewed along the second direction DR2.

[0067] Reference Figure 3 The display device DD may include a display module DM and a housing CS for receiving the display module DM. The display module DM may have a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2.

[0068] The display module DM may have a rectangular shape having long sides extending along the first direction DR1 and short sides extending along the second direction DR2. However, it is not limited thereto, and the display module DM may have various shapes such as a circular shape and a polygonal shape according to the shape of the display device DD. The display module DM may be a flexible display module.

[0069] The display module DM may include a first non-folding area NFA1, a folding area FA, and a second non-folding area NFA2 arranged along a first direction DR1. The folding area FA may be arranged between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. When the display device DD is folded, the folding area FA of the display module DM may be bent to fold the display module DM.

[0070] The case CS may include a first case CS1 and a second case CS2 arranged along a first direction DR1. The first case CS1 and the second case CS2 may be connected to each other to accommodate the display module DM.

[0071] The housing CS may define a folding axis FX. The folding axis FX may include biaxial folding axes FX1 and FX2 parallel to the second direction DR2. For example, the folding axis FX may include a first folding axis FX1 and a second folding axis FX2 extending along the second direction DR2 and spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1.

[0072] The first folding axis FX1 may be defined at a portion of the first shell CS1 adjacent to one side of the first shell CS1. The second folding axis FX2 may be defined at a portion of the second shell CS2 adjacent to one side of the second shell CS2. One side of the first shell CS1 and one side of the second shell CS2 may face each other in the first direction DR1.

[0073] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 can rotate with the first folding axis FX1 and the second folding axis FX2 as references, respectively. As the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 rotate, the folding area FA can be bent to fold the display device DD.

[0074] The housing CS may include a third housing CS3 disposed between the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2. The third housing CS3 may be disposed below the display module DM. Between the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2, the lower portion of the display module DM may be protected from being exposed to the outside by the third housing CS3. A more detailed configuration of the third housing CS3 will be described in detail below.

[0075] The display device DD may include a cover CVP disposed below the third housing CS3. The cover CVP may be connected to the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2. The cover CVP may be inserted into the first housing CS1 or drawn out from the first housing CS1. The structure of such a cover CVP will be described in detail below.

[0076] Figure 7 It is an exemplary illustration Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a display module is shown.

[0077] Reference Figure 7 The display device DD may include a display module DM and a first support part SUP1 below the display module DM. The display module DM may include a display panel DP, an input sensing part ISP, a reflection prevention layer RPL, a window WIN, a panel protection film PPF, and a cushion layer CSL.

[0078] In the display module DM, the input sensing part ISP, the reflection preventing layer RPL, and the window WIN may be disposed on the display panel DP. The panel protection film PPF, the cushion layer CSL, and the first support part SUP1 may be disposed under the display panel DP.

[0079] The display panel DP may be a flexible display panel. For example, the display panel DP may include a plurality of electronic components arranged on a flexible substrate. The display panel DP may include a first non-folding area NFA1, a second non-folding area NFA2, and a folding area FA arranged between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2, like the display module DM.

[0080] The display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a light-emitting display panel, without particular limitation. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting substance. The light-emitting layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots and quantum rods, etc. In the following, the display panel DP is described as an organic light-emitting display panel.

[0081] The input sensing part ISP may be arranged on the display panel DP. The input sensing part ISP may include a plurality of sensor parts (not shown) for sensing external input. The sensor part may sense external input in a capacitive manner. The input sensing part ISP may be directly manufactured on the display panel DP when the display panel DP is manufactured. However, it is not limited thereto, and the input sensing part ISP may also be manufactured as a panel independent of the display panel DP and adhered to the display panel DP by means of an adhesive layer.

[0082] The reflection prevention layer RPL may be arranged on the input sensing part ISP. The reflection prevention layer RPL may be defined as an external light reflection prevention film. The reflection prevention layer RPL may reduce the reflectivity of external light incident from the top of the display device DD toward the display panel DP. Exemplarily, the reflection prevention layer RPL may include a phase retarder and / or a polarizer.

[0083] The window WIN may be disposed on the anti-reflection layer RPL. The window WIN may protect the display panel DP, the input sensing part ISP, and the anti-reflection layer RPL from external scratches and impacts. The window WIN may have an optically transparent property.

[0084] The panel protection film PPF may be arranged below the display panel DP. The panel protection film PPF may be defined as a protective substrate. The panel protection film PPF may protect the lower portion of the display panel DP. The panel protection film PPF may include a flexible plastic material. For example, the panel protection film PPF may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0085] The cushion layer CSL may be disposed under the panel protection film PPF. The cushion layer CSL may absorb external impact applied to the lower portion of the display module DM to protect the display panel DP. The cushion layer CSL may include a foam sheet having a predetermined elastic force.

[0086] The first support portion SUP1 may be disposed under the cushion layer CSL. The first support portion SUP1 may support the display module DM. The first support portion SUP1 may include a first sub-support portion SSP1 and a second sub-support portion SSP2 spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0087] The first sub-support portion SSP1 is arranged below the first non-folding area NFA1 of the display module DM, and when viewed from a plane, the first sub-support portion SSP1 may overlap with the first non-folding area NFA1. The second sub-support portion SSP2 is arranged below the second non-folding area NFA2 of the display module DM, and when viewed from a plane, the second sub-support portion SSP2 may overlap with the second non-folding area NFA2. The first sub-support portion SSP1 may support the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second sub-support portion SSP2 may support the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0088] The first sub-support part SSP1 and the second sub-support part SSP2 may include metal. For example, the first sub-support part SSP1 and the second sub-support part SSP2 may include stainless steel, aluminum, or alloys thereof. The rigidity of the first sub-support part SSP1 and the second sub-support part SSP2 may be greater than the rigidity of the display panel DP.

[0089] The first adhesive layer AL1 may be disposed between the display panel DP and the panel protection film PPF. The display panel DP and the panel protection film PPF may be adhered to each other by the first adhesive layer AL1.

[0090] The second adhesive layer AL2 may be disposed between the anti-reflection layer RPL and the input sensing part ISP. The anti-reflection layer RPL and the input sensing part ISP may be bonded to each other by the second adhesive layer AL2.

[0091] The third adhesive layer AL3 may be disposed between the window WIN and the anti-reflection layer RPL. The window WIN and the anti-reflection layer RPL may be bonded to each other by the third adhesive layer AL3.

[0092] The fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be disposed between the panel protection film PPF and the cushion layer CSL. The panel protection film PPF and the cushion layer CSL may be bonded to each other via the fourth adhesive layer AL4.

[0093] The fifth adhesive layer AL5 may be disposed between the cushion layer CSL and the first support part SUP1. The cushion layer CSL and the first support part SUP1 may be bonded to each other by the fifth adhesive layer AL5. When viewed from a plane, the fifth adhesive layer AL5 may not be disposed between the cushion layer CSL and the first support part SUP1 in the folding area FA.

[0094] If the fifth adhesive layer AL5 is disposed between the cushion layer CSL and the first support part SUP1 overlapping the folding area FA, the first support part SUP1 may be attached to the cushion layer CSL in the folding area FA. The display module DM having flexibility may be bent, whereas the first support part SUP1 including metal and having greater rigidity may not be bent.

[0095] In this case, when the folding operation of the display module DM is performed, the folding area FA may not be bent due to the first sub-support portion SSP1 and the second sub-support portion SSP2 having a greater rigidity than the display module DM. In order to make the folding area FA easy to bend, the fifth adhesive layer AL5 may not be arranged at a portion overlapping the folding area FA.

[0096] Figure 8 It is an exemplary illustration Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a display panel is shown.

[0097] Reference Figure 8 The display panel DP may include: a substrate SUB; a circuit element layer DP-CL arranged on the substrate SUB; a display element layer DP-OLED arranged on the circuit element layer DP-CL; and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE arranged on the display element layer DP-OLED.

[0098] The substrate SUB may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA around the display area DA. The substrate SUB may include a flexible plastic material. For example, the substrate SUB may include polyimide (PI).

[0099] The display element layer DP-OLED may be arranged on the display area DA. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be arranged on the circuit element layer DP-CL in a manner of covering the display element layer DP-OLED.

[0100] A plurality of pixels may be arranged in the circuit element layer DP-CL and the display element layer DP-OLED. Each pixel may include a transistor arranged in the circuit element layer DP-CL and a light emitting element arranged in the display element layer DP-OLED and connected to the transistor. The composition of the pixel will be described in detail below.

[0101] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include at least two inorganic layers and an organic layer arranged between the inorganic layers. The inorganic layer may contain inorganic substances and may protect the pixels from moisture / oxygen. The organic layer may contain organic substances and may protect the pixels from foreign matter such as dust particles.

[0102] The input sensing part ISP may be directly disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. For example, in order to directly manufacture the input sensing part ISP on the display panel DP, at least one insulating layer (not shown) may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. The at least one insulating layer may contain inorganic and / or organic substances.

[0103] The first conductive layer (not shown) may be arranged on the insulating layer. In the case where a plurality of insulating layers are provided, the first conductive layer may be directly arranged on the uppermost insulating layer of the plurality of insulating layers. A second conductive layer may be arranged on the first conductive layer. A plurality of sensor portions (not shown) for sensing external input may be defined by the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.

[0104] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A plan view of the display panel is shown.

[0105] Reference Fig. 9 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display device DD may include a display panel DP, a scan driver SDV, a data driver DDV, and an emission driver EDV. The scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the emission driver EDV may be arranged on the display panel DP.

[0106] The display panel DP may have a rectangular shape having long sides extending in the first direction DR1 and short sides extending in the second direction DR2. The display panel DP may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA.

[0107] The display panel DP may include a plurality of pixels PX, a plurality of scan lines SL1-SLm, a plurality of data lines DL1-DLn, and a plurality of emission lines EL1-ELm. m and n are positive integers. The pixels PX may be arranged in the display area DA and may be connected to the scan lines SL1-SLm, the data lines DL1-DLn, and the emission lines EL1-ELm.

[0108] The scanning driving unit SDV, the data driving unit DDV and the light emitting driving unit EDV may be arranged in the non-display area NDA. The scanning driving unit SDV and the light emitting driving unit EDV may be arranged adjacent to the long sides of the display panel DP, respectively. The data driving unit DDV may be manufactured in the form of an integrated circuit chip, and may be arranged adjacent to any one of the short sides of the display panel DP.

[0109] The scan lines SL1-SLm may extend along the second direction DR2 and be connected to the scan driving part SDV. The data lines DL1-DLn may extend along the first direction DR1 and be connected to the data driving part DDV. The light emitting lines EL1-ELm may extend along the second direction DR2 and be connected to the light emitting driving part EDV.

[0110] The scan driving unit SDV may generate a plurality of scan signals, which may be applied to the pixels PX through the scan lines SL1 to SLm. The scan signals may be applied to the pixels PX in sequence. The data driving unit DDV may generate a plurality of data voltages, which may be applied to the pixels PX through the data lines DL1 to DLn. The light emitting driving unit EDV may generate a plurality of light emitting signals, which may be applied to the pixels PX through the light emitting lines EL1 to ELm.

[0111] Although not shown, the display device DD may include a timing controller (not shown) for controlling operations of the scan driving part SDV, the data driving part DDV, and the light emitting driving part EDV.

[0112] The pixel PX may receive a data voltage in response to a scan signal, and emit light of brightness corresponding to the data voltage in response to a light emission signal, thereby displaying an image, and the light emission time of the pixel PX may be controlled by the light emission signal.

[0113] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram Fig. 9 A diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of any pixel shown.

[0114] Reference Fig.10, the pixel PX may include a light emitting element OLED and a transistor TR connected to the light emitting element OLED. The light emitting element OLED may include a first electrode AE, a second electrode CE, a hole control layer HCL, an electron control layer ECL, and a light emitting layer EML. The first electrode AE ​​may be an anode electrode, and the second electrode CE may be a cathode electrode. The light emitting element OLED may be defined as an organic light emitting element.

[0115] The transistor TR and the light emitting element OLED may be arranged on the substrate SUB. The display area DA may include a light emitting area PXA corresponding to each pixel PX and a non-light emitting area NPXA around the light emitting area PXA. The light emitting element OLED may be arranged in the light emitting area PXA, and the transistor TR may be arranged in the non-light emitting area NPXA.

[0116] A buffer layer BFL is arranged on the substrate SUB, and the buffer layer BFL may include an inorganic substance. The semiconductor layer SM of the transistor TR may be arranged on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor layer SM may include a semiconductor of an inorganic material such as amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon or an organic semiconductor. Furthermore, the semiconductor layer SM may include an oxide semiconductor.

[0117] Although not in Fig.10 Although not shown in the figure, the semiconductor layer SM may include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region between the source region and the drain region.

[0118] The first insulating layer INS1 may be arranged on the buffer layer BFL in a manner covering the semiconductor layer SM. The first insulating layer INS1 may include an inorganic substance. The gate electrode GE of the transistor TR overlapping the semiconductor layer SM may be arranged on the first insulating layer INS1. The gate electrode GE may be arranged to overlap the channel region of the semiconductor layer SM.

[0119] The second insulating layer INS2 may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1 in such a manner as to cover the gate electrode GE. The second insulating layer INS2 may include an organic substance and / or an inorganic substance.

[0120] The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR may be arranged on the second insulating layer INS2 in a manner spaced apart from each other. The source electrode SE may be connected to the source region of the semiconductor layer SM through a first contact hole CH1 defined in the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2. The drain electrode DE may be connected to the drain region of the semiconductor layer SM through a second contact hole CH2 defined in the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2.

[0121] The third insulating layer INS3 may be arranged on the second insulating layer INS2 in a manner covering the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR. The third insulating layer INS3 may include an organic substance. The connection electrode CNE may be arranged on the third insulating layer INS3. The connection electrode CNE may be connected to the drain electrode DE through a third contact hole CH3 defined in the third insulating layer INS3.

[0122] The fourth insulating layer INS4 may be disposed on the third insulating layer INS3 in a manner of covering the connection electrode CNE. The first electrode AE ​​may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer INS4. The first electrode AE ​​may be connected to the connection electrode CNE through a fourth contact hole CH4 defined in the fourth insulating layer INS4.

[0123] A pixel definition layer PDL exposing a predetermined portion of the first electrode AE ​​may be disposed on the first electrode AE ​​and the fourth insulating layer INS4 . An opening PX_OP exposing the predetermined portion of the first electrode AE ​​may be defined in the pixel definition layer PDL.

[0124] The hole control layer HCL may be disposed on the first electrode AE ​​and the pixel definition layer PDL. The hole control layer HCL may be disposed in common in the light emitting area PXA and the non-light emitting area NPXA. The hole control layer HCL includes a hole transport layer and may further include a hole injection layer.

[0125] The light-emitting layer EML may be arranged on the hole control layer HCL. The light-emitting layer EML may be arranged in an area corresponding to the opening PX_OP. That is, the light-emitting layer EML may be formed in a manner separated from each other in the pixel PX. The light-emitting layer EML may include an organic substance and / or an inorganic substance. The light-emitting layer EML may generate any one of red light, green light, and blue light. However, it is not limited thereto, and the light-emitting layer EML may also generate white light by a combination of organic substances that generate red light, green light, and blue light.

[0126] The electron control layer ECL may be arranged on the light emitting layer EML. The electron control layer ECL may be arranged on the hole control layer HCL in a manner covering the light emitting layer EML. That is, the electron control layer ECL may be arranged together in the light emitting area PXA and the non-light emitting area NPXA. The electron control layer ECL includes an electron transport layer and may further include an electron injection layer.

[0127] The second electrode CE may be disposed on the electronic control layer ECL. The second electrode CE may be commonly disposed on the pixel PX. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the second electrode CE.

[0128] A layer from the buffer layer BFL to the fourth insulating layer INS4 may be defined as a circuit element layer DP-CL. A layer from the first electrode AE ​​to the second electrode CE may be defined as a display element layer DP-OLED.

[0129] A first voltage may be applied to the first electrode AE, and a second voltage having a level lower than the first voltage may be applied to the second electrode CE. The holes and electrons injected into the light-emitting layer EML are combined to form excitons, and the excitons may transition to a ground state to make the light-emitting element OLED emit light. The light-emitting element OLED emits light, thereby displaying an image.

[0130] Fig.11 is an exemplary diagram along Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional structure of a display device taken along line II'. Fig.12 yes Fig.11 An enlarged view of the housing is shown.

[0131] exist Fig.12 The cover CVP, the third case CS3, a portion of the first case CS1 where the cover CVP is arranged, and a portion of the second case CS2 where the cover CVP is arranged are exemplarily illustrated in an enlarged manner.

[0132] Reference Fig.11 as well as Fig.12 The first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 may be disposed below the display module DM and spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1. The third housing CS3 may be disposed between the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2.

[0133] The first non-folding area NFA1 is arranged on the first shell CS1, and when viewed from a plane, the first non-folding area NFA1 can overlap with the first shell CS1. The second non-folding area NFA2 is arranged on the second shell CS2, and when viewed from a plane, the second non-folding area NFA2 can overlap with the second shell CS2. The folding area FA is arranged on the third shell CS3, and when viewed from a plane, the folding area FA can overlap with the third shell CS3.

[0134] The first sub-support portion SSP1 may be disposed between the first housing CS1 and the first non-folding area NFA1. The second sub-support portion SSP2 may be disposed between the second housing CS2 and the second non-folding area NFA2. The first folding axis FX1 and the second folding axis FX2 may overlap the folding area FA and be defined below the first sub-support portion SSP1 and the second sub-support portion SSP2.

[0135] The display device DD may further include a second supporting portion SUP2 disposed below the first supporting portion SUP 1. The second supporting portion SUP 2 may include a third sub-support portion SSP3 and a fourth sub-support portion SSP4 spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0136] The third sub-support portion SSP3 may be arranged between the first shell CS1 and the first sub-support portion SSP1 to overlap with the first non-folding area NFA1. The fourth sub-support portion SSP4 may be arranged between the second shell CS2 and the second sub-support portion SSP2 to overlap with the second non-folding area NFA2. The third sub-support portion SSP3 may also support the first non-folding area NFA1. The fourth sub-support portion SSP4 may also support the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0137] The third sub-support part SSP3 and the fourth sub-support part SSP4 may include metal. For example, the third sub-support part SSP3 and the fourth sub-support part SSP4 may include stainless steel, aluminum or alloys thereof. The rigidity of the third sub-support part SSP3 and the fourth sub-support part SSP4 may be greater than the rigidity of the display panel DP.

[0138] The lower surface of the third housing CS3 may have a curved surface convex toward the lower portion. The upper surface of the third housing CS3 may have a curved surface concave toward the lower portion. Therefore, a predetermined storage space may be defined on the upper surface of the third housing CS3.

[0139] The first shell CS1 may include a first shell portion CSP1 and a second shell portion CSP2. The first shell portion CSP1 may surround a portion of the lower surface of the third shell CS3 adjacent to the first shell CS1. Furthermore, the first shell portion CSP1 protrudes upward and is arranged below the first sub-support portion SSP1, and may support the first sub-support portion SSP1. The second shell portion CSP2 may extend from the first shell portion CSP1 along the first direction DR1 and be arranged below the third sub-support portion SSP3.

[0140] The second shell CS2 may include a third shell portion CSP3 and a fourth shell portion CSP4. The third shell portion CSP3 may surround a portion of the lower surface of the third shell CS3 adjacent to the second shell CS2. Furthermore, the third shell portion CSP3 protrudes upward and is arranged below the second sub-support portion SSP2, and may support the second sub-support portion SSP2. The fourth shell portion CSP4 may extend from the third shell portion CSP3 in the opposite direction of the first direction DR1 and be arranged below the fourth sub-support portion SSP4.

[0141] The third sub-support portion SSP3 may be spaced from the first case portion CSP1 in the first direction DR1 and disposed below the first sub-support portion SSP1. The fourth sub-support portion SSP4 may be spaced from the third case portion CSP3 in the opposite direction of the first direction DR1 and disposed below the second sub-support portion SSP2.

[0142] The cover CVP may be arranged below the third housing CS3. The cover CVP may be connected to the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2. The cover CVP may be inserted into the first housing CS1 or drawn out from the first housing CS1. The cover CVP may be fixed in the second housing CS2.

[0143] A first cavity CVT1 extending in a first direction DR1 may be defined in the first housing CS1. A second cavity CVT2 extending in the first direction DR1 may be defined in the second housing CS2. With reference to the first direction DR1, the length of the first cavity CVT1 may be longer than the length of the second cavity CVT2.

[0144] The first cavity CVT1 may open at one side of the first case CS1 facing the second case CS2 and extend in the first direction DR1. The second cavity CVT2 may open at one side of the second case CS2 facing the first case CS1 and extend in the first direction DR1.

[0145] A portion of the cover CVP is disposed in the first cavity CVT1 and can be inserted into or drawn out of the first cavity CVT1. Another portion of the cover CVP is disposed in the second cavity CVT2 and can be fixed to the second case CS2 in the second cavity CVT2.

[0146] The cover portion CVP may include a first portion PT1, a second portion PT2, and a third portion PT3. The first portion PT1 may be disposed in the first cavity CVT1, and the second portion PT2 may be disposed in the second cavity CVT2. The third portion PT3 may not be disposed in the first cavity CVT1 and the second cavity CVT2. The third portion PT3 may be disposed below the third case CS3 between the first case CS1 and the second case CS2.

[0147] The first portion PT1 may be drawn out from the first cavity CVT1 or inserted into the first cavity CVT1. For such operation, the display device DD may further include a first elastic portion ELP1 extending along the first direction DR1 and disposed in the first cavity CVT1.

[0148] The first elastic part ELP1 may be arranged at the end of the first cavity CVT1 and connected to the first shell CS1 and the first part PT1. One side of the first elastic part ELP1 may be connected to the first shell CS1 at the end of the first cavity CVT1, and the other side of the first elastic part ELP1 opposite to the one side of the first elastic part ELP1 may be connected to the end of the first part PT1. According to the elasticity of the first elastic part ELP1 that expands and contracts along the first direction DR1, the first part PT1 may be drawn out or inserted into the first cavity CVT1.

[0149] The second portion PT2 may be connected to the second housing CS2 at the end of the second cavity CVT2 and fixed to the second housing CS2. The third portion PT3 may be exposed to the outside. The third portion PT3 may cover the lower portion of the third housing CS3 not covered by the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2.

[0150] The cover CVP may include a metal having a predetermined elasticity. The cover CVP may be manufactured in a sheet form including metal. However, it is not limited thereto, and the cover CVP may also include a plastic material having a predetermined elasticity.

[0151] By way of example, the cover CVP fixed to the second housing CS2 and inserted into the first housing CS1 or led out from the first housing CS1 is described, however, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, the cover CVP may be configured to be fixed to the first housing CS1 and inserted into the second housing CS2 or led out from the second housing CS2.

[0152] Fig.13 as well as Fig.14 It is a graphic Fig.11 A diagram showing the folding operation of the display device is shown.

[0153] Reference Fig.13 as well as Fig.14 , the display device DD can be folded by rotating around the first folding axis FX1 and the second folding axis FX2. In order to fold the display device DD, the first housing CS1 can be rotated around the first folding axis FX1, and the second housing CS2 can be rotated around the second folding axis FX2. As a result, the folding area FA can be bent to fold the display module DM. The display module DM can be folded inwardly in the following manner: the upper surface of the first non-folding area NFA1 and the upper surface of the second non-folding area NFA2 face each other.

[0154] As the first and second cases CS1 and CS2 rotate, one side of the first and second sub-support portions SSP1 and SSP2 facing each other in the first direction DR1 may be disposed in a receiving space defined in the third case CS3 .

[0155] When the display device DD is folded, the first portion PT1 of the cover CVP disposed on the first shell CS1 can be pulled out to the outside of the first shell CS1 because the second portion PT2 of the cover CVP is fixed to the second shell CS2. Therefore, the first elastic portion ELP1 expands, and the first portion PT1 can be drawn out to the outside of the first shell CS1 through the first cavity CVT1 of the first shell CS1.

[0156] When the display device DD is folded, the portion of the cover CVP exposed to the outside between the first shell CS1 and the second shell CS2 can expand. Therefore, the first portion PT1 can shrink, and the third portion PT3 can expand. The third portion PT3 can expand to cover the lower portion of the third shell CS3. Even if the display device DD is folded, the third shell CS3 can be prevented from being exposed to the outside by the cover CVP.

[0157] like Fig.11 As shown, when the display device DD is unfolded again, the cover portion CVP may be reinserted into the first cavity CVT1 of the first housing CS1 along with the contracted first elastic portion ELP1.

[0158] When the display device DD is folded, a predetermined space may be defined between the first housing CS1 and the third housing CS3 and between the second housing CS2 and the third housing CS3. External foreign matter may flow into the display device DD through such a space.

[0159] In the embodiment of the present invention, the cover CVP can be drawn out from or inserted into the first housing CS1 along with the folding operation and the unfolding operation of the display device DD. Therefore, while the area of ​​the cover CVP exposed to the outside between the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 changes, the cover CVP can cover the third housing CS3. As a result, the third housing CS3 may not be exposed to the outside.

[0160] Furthermore, while the area of ​​the cover CVP exposed to the outside changes, the space between the first shell CS1 and the third shell CS3 and between the second shell CS2 and the third shell CS3 can be blocked from the outside by the cover CVP. Therefore, foreign matter from the outside can be prevented from flowing into the display device DD.

[0161] As a result, the display device DD according to the embodiment of the present invention can block external foreign substances through the cover portion CVP.

[0162] Fig.15 as well as Fig.16 The following are diagrams showing the configuration of a cover according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0163] In the following, we will use Fig.12 The different structures of the cover CVP shown are mainly explained Fig.15 as well as Fig.16 The cover parts CVP_1 and CVP_2 are shown in FIG. Fig.15 as well as Fig.16 The diagrams are respectively Fig.12 Corresponding to the part of the housing CS.

[0164] Reference Fig.15 The cover CVP_1 may be arranged below the third housing CS3 and connected to the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2. The cover CVP_1 may be inserted into the first housing CS1 or drawn out from the first housing CS1. Also, the cover CVP_1 may be inserted into the second housing CS2 or drawn out from the second housing CS2.

[0165] A first cavity CVT1_1 may be defined in the first housing CS1, and a second cavity CVT2_1 may be defined in the second housing CS2. With reference to the first direction DR1, the length of the first cavity CVT1_1 may be the same as the length of the second cavity CVT2_1.

[0166] The cover portion CVP_1 may include: a first portion PT1_1 disposed in the first cavity CVT1_1; a second portion PT2_1 disposed in the second cavity CVT2_1; and a third portion PT3_1 disposed between the first case CS1 and the second case CS2.

[0167] The first portion PT1_1 may be drawn out from or inserted into the first cavity CVT1_1. For such operation, the first elastic portion ELP1 may be arranged at the end of the first cavity CVT1_1 and connected to the first housing CS1, and may be connected to the first portion PT1_1. According to the elasticity of the first elastic portion ELP1 that expands and contracts along the first direction DR1, the first portion PT1_1 may be drawn out from or inserted into the first cavity CVT1_1.

[0168] The second portion PT2_1 may be drawn out from the second cavity CVT2_1 or may be inserted into the second cavity CVT2_1. For such operation, the second elastic portion ELP2 may be arranged at the end of the second cavity CVT2_1 and connected to the second housing CS2, and may be connected to the second portion PT2_1. According to the elasticity of the second elastic portion ELP2 that expands and contracts along the first direction DR1, the second portion PT2_1 may be drawn out from or inserted into the second cavity CVT2_1.

[0169] The third portion PT3_1 may be exposed to the outside so as to cover the lower portion of the third case CS3 between the first case CS1 and the second case CS2.

[0170] and Fig.12 The cap CVP shown is different, Fig.15 The cover portion CVP_1 shown may be drawn out from the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 , or may be inserted into the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 .

[0171] Reference Fig.16 The cover CVP_2 may be arranged below the third housing CS3 and connected to the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2. The cover CVP_2 may be fixed to the second housing CS2 and may be inserted into or led out of the first housing CS1.

[0172] A first cavity CVT1_2 may be defined in the first shell CS1, and a second cavity CVT2_2 may be defined in the second shell CS2. A first space SPC1 may be defined at the end of the first cavity CVT1_2. A space between an entrance of the first cavity CVT1_2 and the first space SPC1 may be defined as a tunnel portion TUN. When viewed from the first direction DR1, the size of the first space SPC1 may be larger than the size of the tunnel portion TUN.

[0173] The cover portion CVP_2 may include: a first portion PT1_2 disposed in the first cavity CVT1_2; a second portion PT2_2 disposed in the second cavity CVT2_2; and a third portion PT3_2 disposed between the first case CS1 and the second case CS2.

[0174] The first portion PT1_2 may be drawn out from the first cavity CVT1_2 or inserted into the first cavity CVT1_2. A roller ROL may be disposed in the first space SPC1. The first portion PT1_2 may be wound around the roller ROL. The roller ROL may rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction around a rotation axis RX parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0175] As the roller ROL rotates, the first portion PT1_2 may be wound around or unwound from the roller ROL. As the roller ROL rotates, the first portion PT1_2 may be drawn out of or inserted into the first cavity CVT1_2.

[0176] The second portion PT2_2 may be connected to the second housing CS2 and fixed to the second housing CS2. The third portion PT3_2 may cover the lower portion of the third housing CS3 between the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2.

[0177] Fig.17 as well as Fig.18 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0178] For example, Fig.17 as well as Fig.18 The diagram corresponds to Fig.11 as well as Fig.14 The following will be Fig.11 as well as Fig.14 The different structures of the display device DD shown are mainly explained Fig.17 as well as Fig.18 The structure of the display device DD_1 is shown.

[0179] Reference Fig.17 as well as Fig.18 , the display device DD_1 can be as follows Fig.17 as shown, or can be expanded as Fig.18 The cover part CVP may include plastic or metal having a predetermined elasticity.

[0180] and Fig.11 as well as Fig.14 Unlike the display device DD shown, the display device DD_1 may not include the first elastic portion ELP1. The first portion PT1 may be disposed in the first cavity CVT1. The second portion PT2 may be connected to the second housing CS2 at the end of the second cavity CVT2 and fixed to the second housing CS2.

[0181] When the first elastic portion ELP1 is arranged in the first cavity CVT1, the first portion PT1 can be more easily drawn out or inserted into the first cavity CVT1. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. Even if the first elastic portion ELP1 is not provided in the first cavity CVT1, when the display device DD_1 is folded, the first portion PT can be drawn out or inserted into the first cavity CVT1 according to the elasticity of the cover portion CVP.

[0182] By way of example, the structure in which the first part PT1 is inserted into the first shell CS1 or drawn out from the first shell CS1, and the second part PT2 is fixed to the second shell CS2 is described, however, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, the second part PT2 may be inserted into the second shell CS2 or drawn out from the second shell CS2, and the first part PT1 may be fixed to the first shell CS1.

[0183] Although the above description is made with reference to the embodiments, it is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the concept and field of the present invention recorded in the claims. In addition, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present invention, and all technical concepts within the scope of the claims and equivalents thereof should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display device, include: A display module including a folding area that is folded when a folding operation is performed; A first housing is arranged below the display module; A second housing is arranged below the display module and is aligned with the first housing along a first direction; a third shell, arranged between the first shell and the second shell and below the folding area; as well as The cover is arranged below the third shell, connected to the first shell and the second shell, and inserted into the first shell or led out from the first shell. The upper surface of the third shell has a curved surface that is concave downward and a predetermined storage space is defined on the upper surface. When the folding operation is performed, the folding area is folded and located in the storage space. The cover portion comprises: A first portion disposed in a first cavity defined in the first housing; A second portion disposed in a second cavity defined in the second housing; and The third part is arranged between the first shell and the second shell and below the third shell.

2. The display device according to claim 1, in, The second part is fixed to the second shell.

3. The display device according to claim 1, in, The first cavity opens at a side of the first shell facing the second shell and extends along the first direction. The second cavity opens at a side of the second shell facing the first shell and extends along the first direction.

4. The display device according to claim 1, in, The first part is led out from the first cavity or inserted into the first cavity.

5. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: include: The first elastic portion is arranged in the first cavity and connected to the first portion.

6. The display device according to claim 5, in, The first elastic portion is connected to the first shell at an end of the first cavity.

7. The display device according to claim 1, in, The second portion is connected to the second housing at an end of the second cavity.

8. The display device according to claim 1, in, The second part is led out from the second cavity or inserted into the second cavity.

9. The display device according to claim 8, further comprising: include: A second elastic portion is arranged in the second cavity and connected to the second portion, Wherein, the second elastic portion is connected to the second shell at the end of the second cavity.

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