Display device

Abstract

The present application relates to a display device. The display device includes a display panel having a folding area, and a metal plate disposed below the display panel. The metal plate includes a first plate and a second plate that are spaced apart from each other and face each other, at least one spacer disposed between the first plate and the second plate, and a space between the first plate and the second plate, the space not including the at least one spacer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device capable of improving impact resistance. Background Art

[0002] Electronic devices that provide images to users, such as smart phones, tablet personal computers (PCs), digital cameras, notebook computers, navigation devices, and smart televisions (TVs), include a display device capable of displaying images.

[0003] Recently, foldable display devices have attracted more and more attention. Foldable display devices are very portable and provide a wide screen. Therefore, foldable display devices can provide advantages of both smart phones and tablet PCs.

[0004] The folding of the foldable display device may exert stress on each layer forming the foldable display device. Some of the stacked structures of the foldable display device may be damaged by such stress during the process of folding or unfolding the foldable display device.

[0005] It will be understood that this background technology section is intended, in part, to provide a useful background for understanding the technology. However, this background technology section may also include concepts, ideas or understandings that were not part of what was known or understood by a person skilled in the relevant art before the corresponding effective filing date of the subject matter disclosed herein. Summary of the invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a display device capable of improving impact resistance.

[0007] However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described herein. The above and other embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs by referring to the detailed description of the present disclosure given below.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device may include a display panel having a folding area, and a metal plate disposed below the display panel. The metal plate may include a first plate and a second plate spaced apart from each other and facing each other, a spacer disposed between the first plate and the second plate, and a space between the first plate and the second plate, the space not including the spacer.

[0009] In an embodiment, the spacer may not overlap with the folding area, and a portion of the space may overlap with the folding area.

[0010] In an embodiment, a portion of the spacers and a portion of the spaces may overlap with the folding area.

[0011] In an embodiment, an area of ​​a portion of the spacers overlapping the folding region may be smaller than an area of ​​a remaining portion of the spacers not overlapping the folding region.

[0012] In an embodiment, a shape of a portion of the spacer overlapping the folding region in a plan view may be different from a shape of a remaining portion of the spacer not overlapping the folding region in a plan view.

[0013] In an embodiment, the spacers may occupy about 10% to about 90% of the surface area of ​​the first plate.

[0014] In an embodiment, the space may occupy about 10% to about 90% of the surface area of ​​the first plate.

[0015] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a bonding layer disposed between a surface of the spacer and a first plate or a second plate adjacent to the surface of the spacer, the bonding layer may connect the spacer and the first plate or the second plate, and the bonding layer may overlap with the spacer and not overlap with the space.

[0016] In an embodiment, the display device may further include an adhesive member disposed between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the adhesive member may be disposed along edges of the first plate and the second plate.

[0017] In an embodiment, the bonding member may surround the spacer and the space in a plan view.

[0018] According to the above and other embodiments of the present disclosure, the spacer can be formed in the metal plate so that a gap can be set between the first plate and the second plate. Therefore, by allowing the gap between the first plate and the second plate to absorb and disperse the impact, the impact resistance of the display device can be improved.

[0019] Other features and embodiments may be apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The above and other embodiments and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing in detail embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a display device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a display device in a folded state;

[0023] Figure 3is a schematic perspective view of a display device in an unfolded state according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of a display device in a folded state;

[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device in an unfolded state according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display device in a folded state;

[0027] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a metal plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic plan view of a metal plate;

[0029] Fig. 9 Is shown that the pen falls on the Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of a metal plate on a display device;

[0030] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display device in a folded state;

[0031] Fig.11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a metal plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 12 to Figure 14 yes Fig.11 A schematic plan view of a metal plate;

[0033] Fig.15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a metal plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Fig.16 is a schematic plan view of a metal plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Fig.17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a metal plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Fig.18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a metal plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 A schematic plan view of a metal plate;

[0038] Fig. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a metal plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 A schematic plan view of a metal plate;

[0040] Fig. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0041] Fig.23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The present invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the present invention are shown. However, the present invention may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0043] It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being 'on' another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or intervening layers may also be present. The same reference numerals refer to the same components throughout the specification.

[0044] The term "overlapping" may include stacking, stacking, facing or facing, extending over, extending below, covering or partially covering, or may be any other suitable term as will be appreciated and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The expression "not overlapping" may include "separated from," "disposed beside," or "offset from," and any other suitable equivalents as will be appreciated and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0045] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and the mean within an acceptable deviation range of the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5% of the stated value.

[0046] "Space" should be interpreted to include gaps between components, air spaces, areas that are holes in another component and in which air or other fluids may exist as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0047] The use of the singular form may also include the plural form.

[0048] The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, "A and / or B" may be understood to mean "A, B, or A and B". The terms "and" and "or" may be used in a conjunction sense or an inverse conjunction sense, and may be understood to be equivalent to "and / or".

[0049] For the purpose of its meaning and interpretation, the term "at least one of" is intended to include the meaning of "at least one selected from the group of..." For example, "at least one of A and B" may be understood to mean "A, B, or A and B."

[0050] Terms such as "front", "rear", "above", "below" and the like may be used to describe the relative association of components shown in the drawings. These terms may be relative concepts and are described based on the directions expressed in the drawings. These components should not be limited by these terms.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in the specification.

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a display device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional diagram of a display device in a folded state.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 , the display device 10 may be a foldable display device. Hereinafter, the display device 10 will be described as being applicable to, for example, a smart phone, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the display device 10 may also be applied to various other electronic devices, such as mobile phones, tablet personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), televisions (TVs), game consoles, watch-type electronic devices, head-mounted displays, computer displays, notebook computers, car navigation systems, car dashboards, digital cameras, video cameras, outdoor billboards, electronic display boards, medical devices, test devices, household appliances (e.g., refrigerators or washing machines), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2, the first direction DR1 may be a direction parallel to a first side of the display device 10 in a plan view (for example, a horizontal direction of the display device 10 ), the second direction DR2 may be a direction parallel to a side of the display device 10 in a plan view and intersecting with the first side of the display device 10 , and the third direction DR3 may be a thickness direction of the display device 10 .

[0055] The display device 10 may be formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. The display device 10 may be formed in a rectangular shape having right angle corners or rounded corners in a plan view. In a plan view, the display device 10 may have two short sides arranged in a first direction DR1 and two long sides arranged in a second direction DR2.

[0056] The display device 10 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. In a plan view, the shape of the display area DA may correspond to the shape of the display device 10. For example, if the display device 10 has a rectangular shape in a plan view, the display area DA may also have a rectangular shape in a plan view.

[0057] The display area DA may be an area including pixels and displaying an image. The pixels may be arranged in rows and columns. In a plan view, the pixels may have a rectangular shape, a diamond shape, or a square shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in a plan view, the pixels may have various other shapes, such as a quadrilateral shape other than a rectangular shape, a diamond shape, or a square shape, a non-quadrilateral polygonal shape, a circular shape, or an elliptical shape.

[0058] The non-display area NDA may be an area that does not include pixels and thus does not display an image. The non-display area NDA may be disposed adjacent to the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may be configured as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display area DA is shown to be disposed to surround the display area DA, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The display area DA may be partially surrounded by the non-display area NDA.

[0059] The display device 10 may be able to maintain a folded or unfolded state. Figure 2 , so that the display area DA can be disposed inside the display device 10. When folded inward, portions of the top surface of the display device 10 can face each other. In other embodiments, the display device 10 can be folded outward so that the display area DA can be disposed outside the display device 10. When folded outward, portions of the bottom surface of the display device 10 can face each other.

[0060] The display device 10 may be a foldable device. The term "foldable device" as used herein means a device that may be foldable, and is used not only to represent a device that has been folded, but also to represent a device that can be both folded and unfolded. The display device 10 may be folded at an angle of about 180°, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Even when folded at an angle greater than or less than about 180° or at an angle of about 90° to about 180°, the display device 10 may be understood to be folded. In addition, even when not completely folded, if the display device 10 is folded enough to be out of its unfolded state, the display device 10 may also be referred to as being in its folded state. For example, even when folded at an angle of about 90° or less, the display device 10 may also be referred to as being in its folded state when the maximum folding angle is about 90° or more, to be distinguished from its unfolded state. When folded, the radius of curvature of the display device 10 may be about 5 mm or less, may be about 1 mm to about 2 mm, or may be about 1.5 mm, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0061] The display device 10 may include a folding area FDA, a first non-folding area NFA1, and a second non-folding area NFA2. The folding area FDA may be an area in which the display device 10 may be folded, and the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be areas in which the display device 10 may not be folded.

[0062] The first non-folding area NFA1 may be disposed on one side of the folding area FDA, for example, on the upper side of the folding area FDA. The second non-folding area NFA2 may be disposed on the other side of the folding area FDA, for example, on the lower side of the folding area FDA. The folding area FDA may be an area that may be bent to have a curvature.

[0063] In one embodiment, the folding area FDA may be set at a fixed position. The display device 10 may include one folding area FDA at a specific position, or may include two or more folding areas FDA. In another embodiment, the folding area FDA may not be fixed to a specific position, but may be freely set at different positions.

[0064] In one embodiment, the display device 10 may be bent in the second direction DR2. As a result, since the length of the display device 10 in the second direction DR2 may be reduced by half, the display device 10 may be easily carried.

[0065] There is no particular limitation on the direction in which the display device 10 can be folded. For example, the display device 10 can be folded in, for example, the first direction DR1, in which case the length of the display device 10 in the first direction DR1 can be reduced by half.

[0066] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display area DA and the non-display area NDA are shown to overlap with the folding area FDA, the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second non-folding area NFA2, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the display area DA and the non-display area NDA may overlap with at least one of the folding area FDA, the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0067] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a display device in an unfolded state according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of a display device in a folded state.

[0068] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the first direction DR1 may be a direction parallel to a first side of the display device 10 in a plan view (e.g., a vertical direction of the display device 10), the second direction DR2 may be a direction parallel to a side of the display device 10 intersecting the first side of the display device 10 in a plan view, and the third direction DR3 may be a thickness direction of the display device 10. In a plan view, the display device 10 may have two long sides arranged in the first direction DR1 and two short sides arranged in the second direction DR2.

[0069] The display device 10 may be Figure 4 The display device 10 may be folded inwardly as shown in the figure so that the display area DA can be set inside the display device 10, or may be folded outwardly so that the display area DA can be set outside the display device 10. The display device 10 may include a folding area FDA, a first non-folding area NFA1, and a second non-folding area NFA2. The folding area FDA may be an area that can be bent to have a curvature. The display device 10 may be folded in the second direction DR2. As a result, since the length of the display device 10 in the second direction DR2 can be reduced by half, the display device 10 can be easily carried.

[0070] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device in an unfolded state according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Schematic cross-sectional view of a display device in a folded state.

[0071] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6, the display device 10 may include a display panel 100, a front stack structure 200 that may be stacked at the front of the display panel 100, and a rear stack structure 300 that may be stacked at the rear of the display panel 100. Here, the front of the display panel 100 may refer to a display direction of the display panel 100, and the rear of the display panel 100 may refer to a direction opposite to the front of the display panel 100. The first surface of the display panel 100 may be at the front of the display panel 100, and the second surface of the display panel 100 may be at the rear of the display panel 100.

[0072] For example, the display panel 100 (which may be a panel that displays an image) may be a self-luminous display panel (such as an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel, an inorganic electroluminescent (EL) display panel, a quantum dot light emitting diode (QLED) display panel, a micron light emitting diode (microLED) display panel, a nano light emitting diode (nanoLED) display panel, a plasma display panel (PDP), a field emission display (FED) panel, or a cathode ray tube (CRT) display panel), or may be a light receiving display panel (such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel or an electrophoretic display panel (EPD)). Hereinafter, the display panel 100 will be described as, for example, an OLED display panel, which will be referred to as the display panel 100 for short unless otherwise specified. However, the display panel 100 is not particularly limited to the OLED display panel, and a variety of other display panels may be used as the display panel 100.

[0073] The display panel 100 may further include a touch member. The touch member may be provided as a panel or film separated from the display panel 100, and may be attached to the display panel 100. In other embodiments, the touch member may be provided as a touch layer located in the display panel 100. Hereinafter, the touch member will be described as being provided and included in the display panel 100, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0074] The front stack structure 200 may be disposed at the front of the display panel 100. The front stack structure 200 may include a polarization member 230, an impact absorbing layer 220, and a cover window 210, which are sequentially stacked at the front of the display panel 100.

[0075] The polarization member 230 may polarize the light passing therethrough. The polarization member 230 may reduce the reflection of external light. In one embodiment, the polarization member 230 may be a polarizing film. The polarizing film may include a polarizing layer and a protective member that sandwiches the polarizing layer from above and below the polarizing layer. The polarizing layer may be a polyvinyl alcohol film. The polarizing layer may be stretched in one direction. The direction along which the polarizing layer may be stretched may be the absorption axis of the polarizing layer, and the direction perpendicular to the absorption axis of the polarizing layer may be the transmission axis of the polarizing layer. The protective member may be disposed on both surfaces of the polarizing layer. The protective member may be formed of a cellulose resin such as triacetyl cellulose or a polyester resin, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0076] The impact absorbing layer 220 may be disposed at the front of the polarization member 230. The impact absorbing layer 220 may protect the display panel 100 from external impact. In one embodiment, the impact absorbing layer 220 may be a polymer film. The polymer film may include at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether sulfone (PES), polyimide (PI), polyarylate (PAR), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) resins.

[0077] The cover window 210 may be disposed at the front of the impact absorbing layer 220. The cover window 210 may protect the display panel 100. The cover window 210 may be formed of a transparent material. The cover window 210 may include, for example, glass, plastic, or a combination thereof.

[0078] The cover window 210 may include glass, such as ultra-thin glass (UTG) or thin glass. The cover window 210 may be flexible, for example, bendable, foldable or rollable. Specifically, glass having a thickness of, for example, about 10 μm to about 300 μm, specifically about 10 μm to about 100 μm or about 30 μm can be used. The cover window 210 may include soda-lime glass, alkali aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, lithium aluminosilicate glass, or a combination thereof. The cover window 210 may include chemically strengthened glass or thermally strengthened glass. Chemically strengthened glass can be obtained by ion exchange treatment using an alkali metal salt, and the ion exchange treatment may be performed twice or more. The cover window 210 may be a polymer film having two surfaces coated with thin glass.

[0079] In the case where the cover window 210 includes plastic, the cover window 210 may be further adapted to provide flexibility such as foldability. The cover window 210 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following plastic materials: polyimide, polyacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polystyrene, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyether sulfone (PES), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallyl ester, cellulose triacetate (TAC), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP).

[0080] In some embodiments, the front stacked structure 200 may further include a front combining member that couples a plurality of adjacent pairs of members stacked in the front stacked structure 200. For example, the front combining member may be disposed between the cover window 210 and the impact absorbing layer 220 and between the impact absorbing layer 220 and the polarizing member 230 to couple the cover window 210 and the impact absorbing layer 220 together, and to couple the impact absorbing layer 220 and the polarizing member 230 together. The front combining member may be a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0081] The rear stack structure 300 may be disposed at the rear of the display panel 100. The rear stack structure 300 may include a buffer layer 310 and a metal plate 400 sequentially stacked at the rear of the display panel 100.

[0082] The buffer layer 310 may absorb external impact to prevent damage to the display panel 100. The buffer layer 310 may be formed as a single layer, or may be formed as a stack of multiple layers. The buffer layer 310 may be formed of an elastic material such as, for example, polyurethane or polyethylene resin. In one embodiment, the buffer layer 310 may be formed of a sponge-like foam material.

[0083] The metal plate 400 may be disposed at the rear of the buffer layer 310. The metal plate 400 may be a support member for coupling the display device 10 to the housing. The metal plate 400 may include a rigid material. In one embodiment, the metal plate 400 may be formed of a single metal or a metal alloy such as stainless steel (SUS).

[0084] In some embodiments, the rear stack structure 300 may further include a heat dissipation member. The heat dissipation member may be disposed at the rear of the metal plate 400. The heat dissipation member may prevent the spread of heat generated from the display panel 100 or other parts of the display device 10. In some embodiments, the heat dissipation member may include a first heat dissipation layer and a second heat dissipation layer, wherein the first heat dissipation layer may include graphite or carbon nanotubes, and the second heat dissipation layer may be capable of blocking electromagnetic waves and may be formed as a thin metal layer including a metal having excellent thermal conductivity (such as copper, nickel, ferrite, or silver).

[0085] The metal plate 400 may have rigidity and thus may protect the display panel 100 from external impact. In order to improve the impact resistance of the metal plate 400, stress and strain of the metal plate 400 need to be considered.

[0086] Hereinafter, a metal plate that may improve impact resistance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0087] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a metal plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Schematic plan view of a metal plate, Fig. 9 Is shown that the pen falls on the Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of a metal plate display device, and Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 Schematic cross-sectional view of a display device in a folded state.

[0088] Reference Figure 7 The metal plate 400 may include a first plate 410 and a second plate 440 coupled to each other via a bonding layer 430, and a spacer 420 and a space 450 disposed between the first plate 410 and the second plate 440. The metal plate 400 may define a Figure 1 and Figure 2 or Figure 3 and Figure 4 The folding area FDA of the display device 10 is the same as the folding area FDA.

[0089] Specifically, the first plate 410 may support the display device and may protect the display device. Figure 5 The display panel 100 is protected from external impact.

[0090] The first plate 410 may include a rigid or semi-rigid material. Specifically, the first plate 410 may be formed of a metal material such as SUS or aluminum. For example, the first plate 410 may be a stainless steel film having a thickness of about 10 μm to about 200 μm. In another example, the first plate 410 may be an aluminum film having a thickness of about 10 μm to about 200 μm.

[0091] In one embodiment, the first plate 410 may be formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. The first plate 410 may have a rectangular shape with right-angled corners in a plan view. In other embodiments, the first plate 410 may be Figure 1 and Figure 2 or Figure 3 and Figure 4The display devices 10 have the same shape, for example, a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The first plate 410 may have two short sides arranged in the first direction DR1 and two long sides arranged in the second direction DR2.

[0092] The spacer 420 may be disposed on the first plate 410. The spacer 420 may maintain a gap between the first plate 410 and the second plate 440. In one embodiment, the spacer 420 may be disposed to contact a first surface of the first plate 410 facing the second plate 440.

[0093] In one embodiment, the spacer 420 may be formed of a liquid organic material (such as, for example, acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyisoprene, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, cellulose resin, or perylene resin). The spacer 420 may include a photoresist (PR). The liquid organic material may be disposed on the first plate 410 by printing or coating, and may be subjected to photolithography to form the spacer 420.

[0094] The spacer 420 may have a rectangular shape or a trapezoidal shape in a cross-sectional view taken along its thickness direction. In the case where the spacer 420 is a trapezoidal shape, the length of the lower side of the spacer 420 in contact with the first plate 410 may be greater than the length of the upper side of the spacer 420. In other embodiments, the length of the lower side of the spacer 420 in contact with the first plate 410 may be less than the length of the upper side of the spacer 420, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0095] Reference Figure 8 , the spacers 420 may be provided at a plurality of points on the first plate 410. The spacers 420 may have a circular shape in a plan view. In other embodiments, the spacers 420 may have a polygonal shape, such as a quadrilateral shape, in a plan view. The spacers 420 may be spaced a certain distance from each other, or the distance between the spacers 420 may be different from one area to another. The spacers 420 may be regularly arranged, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the spacers 420 may be irregularly arranged.

[0096] In one embodiment, the spacer 420 may have a height. The height of the spacer 420 may be about 1 μm to about 200 μm, or may be about 10 μm to about 100 μm. The height of the spacer 420 may be adjusted within a range capable of maintaining a gap between the first plate 410 and the second plate 440 .

[0097] The spacer 420 may occupy a certain percentage of the area of ​​the top surface of the first plate 410. Specifically, the spacer 420 may occupy about 10% to about 90% of the area of ​​the top surface of the first plate 410. In the case where the spacer 420 occupies about 10% or more of the area of ​​the top surface of the first plate 410, the spacer 420 may keep the gap between the first plate 410 and the second plate 440 uniform. In the case where the spacer 420 occupies about 90% or less of the area of ​​the top surface of the first plate 410, a space for the space 450 may be ensured between the spacers 420, so that the impact resistance of the metal plate 400 may be improved. Since the spacer 420 may not overlap with the folding area FDA, but may overlap the space 450 with the folding area FDA, the foldability of the metal plate 400 may be improved.

[0098] like Figure 7 As shown in , the second plate 440 may be disposed to face the first plate 410. The second plate 440 may be formed of the same material as the first plate 410. For example, the second plate 440 may include a metal material such as SUS or aluminum, and may be a SUS film or an aluminum film having a thickness of about 10 μm to about 200 μm. The second plate 440 may have a rectangular shape in a plan view.

[0099] The bonding layer 430 may be disposed on a first surface of the second plate 440 facing the first plate 410. In one embodiment, the bonding layer 430 may be disposed on the entire first surface of the second plate 440.

[0100] The bonding layer 430 may be an adhesive layer or a resin layer. The bonding layer 430 may be, for example, PSA, an optically clear adhesive (OCA), or an optically clear resin (OCR). The bonding layer 430 may be PSA.

[0101] The bonding layer 430 may have a thickness of about 300 μm or less. In one embodiment, the thickness of the bonding layer 430 may be about 200 μm or less, or may be about 100 μm or less. There may be no lower limit to the thickness of the bonding layer 430, but the thickness of the bonding layer 430 may be at least about 10 μm so that the bonding layer 430 exhibits minimal adhesion.

[0102] The bonding layer 430 may be formed as a single layer, or may be a stack of a plurality of layers, or may be a base member having bonding films attached on both surfaces thereof, such as a double-sided tape.

[0103] In other embodiments, the bonding layer 430 may include a silicone adhesive or an acrylic adhesive. In other embodiments, the bonding layer 430 may include a crystalline polymer and a rubber-based polymer. However, there is no particular limitation on the material of the bonding layer 430. Various other well-known materials or compositions may also be used as the material of the bonding layer 430.

[0104] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 4 , the top surface of the spacer 420 may be in contact with the bonding layer 430. The spacer 420 disposed on the first plate 410 may be placed in contact with the bonding layer 430 on the second plate 440 so that the first plate 410 and the second plate 440 may be bonded together.

[0105] The bonding layer 430 may be partially in contact with the top surface of the spacer 420 and partially spaced apart from the spacer 420. A portion of the bonding layer 430 may be exposed toward the first plate 410. The contact area between the spacer 420 and the bonding layer 430 may be adjusted, so that the first plate 410 and the second plate 440 may be prevented from being separated from each other during repeated folding and unfolding of the metal plate 400. By adjusting the size and number of the spacer 420, the contact area between the spacer 420 and the bonding layer 430 may be enlarged or reduced.

[0106] A space 450 may be provided between the first plate 410 and the second plate 440. Specifically, the space 450 may be provided between the bonding layer 430 and the first plate 410. Figure 7 As shown in , the space 450 may be provided between the spacers 420, between the first plate 410 and the bonding layer 430. For example, a region in which the spacer 420 is not provided may be the space 450. The space 450 may be in contact with the first plate 410, the spacer 420, and the bonding layer 430. The space 450 may be in contact with the top surface of the first plate 410, the side of each of the spacers 420, and the bottom surface of the bonding layer 430.

[0107] In one embodiment, the space 450 may be a region in which, for example, air exists. Fig. 9 As shown in , the space 450 can absorb external impact by dispersing the external impact in the air. For example, in the case where a pen may fall on the top of the display panel 100, the impact can be dispersed into the air and absorbed by the space 450 of the metal plate 400. As a result, the metal plate 400 can improve the impact resistance of the display device 10.

[0108] In one embodiment, the space 450 may occupy a certain percentage of the area of ​​the top surface of the first plate 410. Specifically, the space 450 may occupy about 10% to about 90% of the area of ​​the top surface of the first plate 410. In the case where the space 450 occupies about 10% or more of the area of ​​the top surface of the first plate 410, the space 450 may improve the impact resistance of the metal plate 400. In the case where the space 450 occupies about 90% or less of the area of ​​the top surface of the first plate 410, a plurality of spacers 420 may be ensured so that the gap between the first plate 410 and the second plate 440 may be maintained.

[0109] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown in , the space 450 of the metal plate 400 may be arranged to overlap the folding area FDA, and the spacer 420 may be arranged not to overlap the folding area FDA. If the spacer 420 overlaps the folding area FDA, when the display device 10 is folded, stress may be applied to the spacer 420, and as a result, the display device 10 may not be easily folded. However, due to Figures 7 to 9 In the embodiment, the spacer 420 of the metal plate 400 may be arranged not to overlap with the folding area FDA, and the space 450 of the metal plate 400 may be arranged to overlap with the folding area FDA, which may facilitate folding and unfolding of the metal plate 400.

[0110] In addition, when the display device 10 is folded, stress may be applied to the metal plate 400. Since a space 450 (which may be filled with, for example, air) may be provided in the metal plate 400, stress may be absorbed by the space 450 and thus may be reduced, and as a result, folding of the display device 10 may be facilitated. In addition, since the space 450 may be provided in the metal plate 400, strain that deforms the metal plate 400 may be increased by the stress applied to the metal plate 400, and as a result, folding of the metal plate 400 may be facilitated.

[0111] Fig.11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a metal plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 12 to Figure 14 yes Fig.11 Schematic plan view of a metal plate.

[0112] Figures 11 to 14 The implementation method and Figures 7 to 10 The embodiment differs in that the spacer can be arranged in the folding area. Figures 7 to 10 The differences in the implementation methods of Figures 11 to 14 The implementation method is described below.

[0113] Reference Fig.11 and Fig.12, the metal plate 401 may include a spacer 421 and a space 451 .

[0114] The spacers 421 and the spaces 451 may be arranged to overlap the folding area FDA. The spacers 421 may be formed and arranged as dots. The spacers 421 may be spaced a certain distance apart from each other in the folding area FDA, or the distances between the spacers 421 may be uniform or may vary.

[0115] When the display device 10 is folded, stress may be applied to the folding area FDA. Even if there is a gap between the first plate 410 and the second plate 440 due to the presence of the spacer 421, the first plate 410 and the second plate 440 may be placed in contact with each other in the folding area FDA when the display device 10 is folded. If the first plate 410 and the second plate 440 can be placed in contact with each other, the space 451 may disappear, so that the metal plate 401 may become vulnerable to external impact. However, since the spacer 421 may be provided even in the folding area FDA, the first plate 410 and the second plate 440 may be prevented from contacting each other when the display device 10 is folded, so that the impact resistance of the metal plate 401 may be maintained.

[0116] Reference Fig.13 , the plane area of ​​the spacer 421 overlapping with the folding area FDA may be smaller than the plane area of ​​the spacer 421 not overlapping with the folding area FDA, such as the area of ​​each of the spacers overlapping with the folding area in the spacer is smaller than the area of ​​each of the remaining spacers not overlapping with the folding area in the spacer. Here, the plane area of ​​the spacer 421 may represent the area of ​​the spacer 421 in a plan view. The smaller the plane area of ​​the spacer 421, the greater the number of spacers 421 that can be arranged in the folding area FDA. The greater the number of spacers 421 that can be provided, the more uniform the first plate 410 and the second plate 440 can be combined with each other throughout the folding area FDA. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the plane area of ​​the spacer 421 that overlaps with the folding area FDA may be greater than the plane area of ​​the spacer 421 that may not overlap with the folding area FDA.

[0117] Reference Fig.14, the spacer 421 may have a rectangular shape in a plan view. In one embodiment, the plan shape of at least some of the spacers 421 overlapping the folding area FDA may be different from the plan shape of at least some of the spacers 421 not overlapping the folding area FDA. For example, in a plan view, the spacer 421 overlapping the folding area FDA may have a rectangular shape, while the spacer 421 not overlapping the folding area FDA may have a square shape. In this example, the spacer 421 overlapping the folding area FDA may be arranged so that its length direction is parallel to the short side of the first plate 410. In some embodiments, the spacer 421 overlapping the folding area FDA may have a rectangular shape extending longer in the first direction DR1 than in the second direction DR2, in which case the folding of the display device 10 may be facilitated because the spacer 421 may be narrow in the direction in which stress may be applied when the display device 10 is folded.

[0118] Fig.15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a metal plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig.16 is a schematic plan view of a metal plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig.17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a metal plate according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] Figures 15 to 17 The implementation method and Figures 7 to 14 The embodiment of the invention is different in that the space can be formed and arranged as a point. Figures 7 to 14 The differences in the implementation methods are 15 to Fig.17 The implementation method is described below.

[0120] Reference Fig.15 and Fig.16 , the metal plate 402 may include a spacer 422 that may be formed as a layer, and a space 452 that may be formed as an opening in the spacer 422. For example, the space 452 may be a hole formed in the spacer 422.

[0121] The spacer 422 may be provided as a layer on the first plate 410. The spacer 422 may be formed by coating the first plate 410 with, for example, a photoresist. The space 452 may be formed by exposing and removing a portion of the photoresist. In the case where the spacer 422 may be formed as a layer, the contact area of ​​the spacer 422 and the bonding layer 430 increases, and as a result, the adhesion between the first plate 410 and the second plate 440 may be improved.

[0122] exist Figures 7 to 14 In the embodiment of FIG. 4 , the spacer 421 may be formed as an island pattern. Figures 15 to 17In the embodiment of FIG. 4 , the spacer 422 may be formed as a layer, and the space 452 may be formed as an island type opening.

[0123] Reference Fig.16 , the space 452 may be formed as an opening exposed to the side of the first plate 410 in the folding area FDA, and may be formed as an island-type opening surrounded by the spacer 422 in the area other than the folding area FDA. Since the spacer 422 may not overlap with the folding area FDA but the space 452 overlaps with the folding area FDA, folding of the metal plate 402 may be facilitated.

[0124] Reference Fig.17 In some embodiments, the spacer 422 may partially overlap the folding area FDA. The space 452 may be provided between portions of the spacer 422 in the folding area FDA and may overlap the folding area FDA. Therefore, the adhesion between the first plate 410 and the second plate 440 and the impact resistance of the metal plate 402 may be improved.

[0125] Fig.18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a metal plate 403 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig.19 yes Fig.18 Schematic plan view of the metal plate 403.

[0126] Fig.18 and Fig.19 The implementation method and Figures 7 to 17 The difference between the embodiments is that a bonding member can be further provided between the first plate and the second plate. Figures 7 to 17 The differences in the implementation of Fig.18 and Fig.19 The implementation method is described below.

[0127] Reference Fig.18 and Fig.19 , the adhesive member 460 may be disposed between the first plate 410 and the second plate 440. The adhesive member 460 may be disposed along an edge of each of the first plate 410 and the second plate 440. In one embodiment, the adhesive member 460 may be a sealant, but various other well-known materials or compositions may also be used as the adhesive member 460.

[0128] The adhesive member 460 may be disposed in the form of a closed loop along the edge of each of the first plate 410 and the second plate 440. The adhesive member 460 may be disposed to overlap the folding area FDA. Since the adhesive member 460 has a large modulus, the adhesive member 460 may be easily foldable even if disposed in the folding area FDA.

[0129] The spacer 423 and the space 453 may be provided in the region defined by the bonding member 460. The space 453 may include, for example, air. In the case where the first plate 410 and the second plate 440 may be combined together in an atmospheric pressure environment, the space 453 may include, for example, air. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, in the case where the first plate 410 and the second plate 440 may be combined together in a vacuum environment, the space 453 may include a vacuum.

[0130] As described above, the first plate 410 and the second plate 440 may be bonded together using the adhesive member 460. Therefore, the adhesiveness between the first plate 410 and the second plate 440 may be improved when the display device 10 is folded.

[0131] Fig. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a metal plate 404 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 Schematic plan view of the metal plate 404.

[0132] Fig. 20 and Fig.21 The implementation method and Figures 7 to 19 The embodiment of the present invention is different in that the bonding layer can be provided only on the top surface of the spacer. Figures 7 to 19 The differences in the implementation of Fig. 20 and Fig.21 The implementation method is described below.

[0133] Reference Fig. 20 and Fig.21 , the bonding layer 431 may be provided at least on a portion of the top surface of the spacer 424. Specifically, the bonding layer 431 may be provided between the spacer 424 and the second plate 440. The bonding layer 431 may be provided on the top surface of the spacer 424 to bond the spacer 424 and the second plate 440 together. The bonding layer 431 may be formed on a first surface of the second plate 440 facing the spacer 424 by, for example, a dispenser.

[0134] A portion of the top surface of the spacer 424 may overlap with the bonding layer 431, and a portion of the top surface of the spacer 424 may not overlap with the bonding layer 431. The space 454 may be provided between the second plate 440 and the portion of the top surface of the spacer 424 that may not overlap with the bonding layer 431. For example, the portion of the top surface of the spacer 424 that does not overlap with the bonding layer 431 may overlap with the space 454. In other embodiments, the entire top surface of the spacer 424 may overlap with the bonding layer 431. The bonding layer 431 may not overlap with the portion of the top surface of the first plate 410 that does not overlap with the spacer 424. The space 454 may contact the first plate 410, the spacer 424, the bonding layer 431, and the second plate 440.

[0135] The bonding layer 431 may overlap the spacer 424 but not the folding area FDA, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. If the spacer 424 overlaps the folding area FDA, the bonding layer 431 may be disposed on the top surface of the spacer 424 to overlap the folding area FDA.

[0136] like Fig.21 , the planar area of ​​the bonding layer 431 may be smaller than the planar area of ​​the spacer 424, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the planar area of ​​the bonding layer 431 may be the same as the planar area of ​​the spacer 424, in which case the side of each of the bonding layers 431 may be aligned with the side of the corresponding spacer 424.

[0137] exist Fig. 20 and Fig.21 In the embodiment of the present invention, the bonding layer 431 may be provided only on the top surface of the spacer 424. Therefore, when the display device 10 is folded, the stress applied to the bonding layer 431 may be appropriately dispersed, thereby facilitating the folding of the display device 10.

[0138] Fig. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] Fig. 22 The implementation method and Figures 7 to 21 The difference between the embodiments is that the metal plate can be divided into two metal plates. Figures 7 to 21 The differences in the implementation of Fig. 22 The implementation method is described below.

[0140] Reference Fig. 22, the metal plate 405 may include a first metal plate 470 and a second metal plate 480, which may be horizontally isolated or spaced apart from each other. The first metal plate 470 and the second metal plate 480 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the folding area FDA and may not overlap the folding area FDA. The first metal plate 470 and the second metal plate 480 may have the same thickness and width, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0141] Each of the first metal plate 470 and the second metal plate 480 may include a first plate 411, a second plate 441, a spacer 425, a bonding layer 432, and a space 455. The spacer 425 and the space 455 may be disposed not to overlap with the folding area FDA.

[0142] Since the metal plate 405 includes the first metal plate 470 and the second metal plate 480 that can be separated from each other, it can facilitate folding of the display device 11. In addition, since the space 455 can be provided in the metal plate 405, the impact resistance of the metal plate 405 can be improved.

[0143] Fig.23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0144] Fig.23 The implementation method and Figures 7 to 22 The difference between the embodiments is that a camera hole may be provided in the display device. Figures 7 to 22 The differences in the implementation of Fig.23 The implementation method is described below.

[0145] Reference Fig.23 , the display device 12 may include a camera hole 490, and the camera may be disposed in the camera hole 490. The camera hole 490 may be a hole that penetrates the buffer layer 310 and the metal plate 406 (which may include the first plate 412 and the second plate 442) from a portion of the display panel 100. The camera hole 490 may be a hole through which the camera may be inserted from below the metal plate 406.

[0146] The space 456 of the metal plate 406 may be arranged to overlap with the camera hole 490, and the camera hole 490 may penetrate one of the spaces 456. The spacer 426 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the camera hole 490, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the camera hole 490 may overlap with one of the spacers 426. The bonding layer 433 may overlap with the camera hole 490 and may be penetrated by the camera hole 490. In other embodiments, the bonding layer 433 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the camera hole 490.

[0147] The camera hole region including the camera hole 490 may be susceptible to impact. However, since one of the spaces 456 may be provided in a region overlapping the camera hole 490, the impact resistance of the camera hole region may be improved.

[0148] At the end of the detailed description, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing substantially from the principles of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention disclosed are used in an overview and descriptive sense only and not for a limiting purpose.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: the display panel, including the folding area, and A metal plate is disposed behind the display panel, and the metal plate includes: a first plate and a second plate, the first plate and the second plate being spaced apart from each other and facing each other; a spacer disposed between the first plate and the second plate; and a space between the first plate and the second plate, the space not including the spacer and the space being filled with air, Wherein, the display device further includes: Touch components; and A front stack member is disposed at the front of the display panel and includes a cover window.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The spacer does not overlap the folding area, and A portion of the space overlaps with the folding area.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: A portion of the spacers and a portion of the spaces overlap the folding area.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: An area of ​​the portion of the spacers overlapping the folding region is smaller than an area of ​​the remaining portion of the spacers not overlapping the folding region.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The shape of the portion of the spacers overlapping the folding region in a plan view is different from the shape of the remaining portion of the spacers not overlapping the folding region in the plan view.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The spacers occupy 10% to 90% of the surface area of ​​the first plate.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The space occupies 10% to 90% of the surface area of ​​the first plate.

8. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a bonding layer disposed between a surface of the spacer and the first plate or the second plate adjacent to the surface of the at least one spacer, wherein the bonding layer connects the spacer to the first plate or the second plate, and The bonding layer overlaps with the spacer and does not overlap with the space.

9. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a bonding member disposed between the first plate and the second plate, The bonding member is disposed along edges of the first plate and the second plate.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: The bonding member surrounds the spacer and the space in a plan view.

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