Display device

Abstract

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a display device, which includes: a display panel, the display panel having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface being used to display an image; a first support member and a second support member, the first support member and the second support member being arranged on the lower surface of the display panel; a first hinge member, the first hinge member connecting one side of the first support member and one side of the second support member and defining a first axis; a cover member, the cover member being arranged on the other side of the second support member; and a second hinge member, the second hinge member connecting the other side of the second support member and one side of the cover member and defining a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis, wherein the cover member includes a transparent material and a recess arranged on the one side of the cover member connected to the second hinge member.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0046558, filed on Apr. 17, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device that can protect a display module from external impact. Background Art

[0004] The display device is a device that displays an image and includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic light emitting display panel including an organic light emitting diode (OLED) or a quantum dot electroluminescent (QD-EL) device.

[0005] Mobile electronic devices include display devices that provide images to users. Compared with conventional mobile electronic devices, the proportion of mobile electronic devices having the same or smaller volume or thickness but with larger display screens is increasing. In addition, foldable or bendable display devices are being developed that can be folded and unfolded to provide a larger screen only when in use.

[0006] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for understanding the background of the present inventive concept and therefore the above information may contain information that does not constitute the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0007] The thickness of the cover window on the foldable display panel should be minimized to ensure reliable folding. Applicants have realized that a thin cover window can be easily damaged by continuous touches such as by a typing user or by external impacts.

[0008] The foldable display device constructed according to the principles and exemplary embodiments of the present invention is thin enough to be reliably folded and unfolded while protecting the display module from external impact. For example, the foldable display device not only provides sufficient thinness to facilitate folding, but also protects the display module from external impact.

[0009] Additional features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concept.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display device includes: a display panel, the display panel having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface being used to display an image; a first support member and a second support member, the first support member and the second support member being arranged on the lower surface of the display panel; a first hinge member, the first hinge member connecting one side of the first support member and one side of the second support member and defining a first axis; a cover member, the cover member being arranged on the other side of the second support member; and a second hinge member, the second hinge member connecting the other side of the second support member and one side of the cover member and defining a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis, wherein the cover member includes a transparent material and a recess arranged on the one side of the cover member connected to the second hinge member.

[0011] The first and second hinges may include first and second hinge members, respectively, and the second hinge member may include a shaft received in the second support to define the second axis and a pair of rotatable couplings supported at either end of the shaft.

[0012] At least one of the pair of rotatable couplings may include a coupling member or joint and an extension integrally formed with one side of the body portion.

[0013] The second support member may include a pair of first recessed portions, which are arranged at two corners adjacent to the cover member; a second recessed portion, which is additionally recessed from a surface of each first recessed portion; and a step portion, which is formed by each first recessed portion and the second recessed portion.

[0014] The extension may include an extension portion configured to rotate about the second axis to be received in the second recess.

[0015] The second support member may include a protrusion extending between the pair of first recessed portions, the protrusion being received in the recess of the cover member.

[0016] The cover may include a pair of attachment portions disposed such that the recess is interposed therebetween.

[0017] The cover member may include a pair of connection members respectively provided at the pair of attachment portions.

[0018] At least one of the connectors may include one or more adhesive members or a magnet.

[0019] The cover may include a cover member including a first substrate, a first buffer layer disposed on a surface of the first substrate, and a second buffer layer disposed on another surface of the first substrate.

[0020] The first buffer layer and the second buffer layer may include a polyurethane-based material.

[0021] The display panel may include: a first non-folding area, which is arranged on the first support member; a second non-folding area, which is arranged on the second support member; and a folding area, which is arranged on the first hinge member, and the cover member can be rotatable around the second axis to overlap with the second non-folding area in the thickness direction.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, a display device includes: a display panel, the display panel having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface being used to display an image; a first support member and a second support member, the first support member and the second support member being arranged on the lower surface of the display panel; a first hinge member, the first hinge member connecting one side of the first support member and one side of the second support member and defining a first axis; and a cover member, the cover member having a substantially U-shaped cross-section, the cross-section defining an opening to accommodate an end portion of the second support member and an end portion of the display panel that are detachably inserted into the opening; wherein the cover member includes a first substantially flat portion arranged on the upper surface of the display panel, a second substantially flat portion arranged on the lower surface of the second support member, and a connecting portion connecting the first substantially flat portion and the second substantially flat portion.

[0023] The first substantially planar portion may include a pair of key holes.

[0024] The cover may include a cover member including a transparent display panel, and the second substantially flat portion may include an electrode pad portion electrically connected to the transparent display panel.

[0025] A distance between the first substantially flat portion and the second substantially flat portion in a thickness direction may be greater than a thickness of the second support member.

[0026] The display device may further include: a first buffer member, which may be disposed on a surface of the first substantially flat portion facing the upper surface of the display panel; and a second buffer member, which may be disposed on a surface of the second substantially flat portion facing the lower surface of the second support member.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, a display device includes: a display panel, the display panel having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface is used to display an image; a first support member and a second support member, the first support member and the second support member are arranged on the lower surface of the display panel; a first hinge, the first hinge connecting the first support member and the second support member and defining a first axis; a cover member, the cover member is arranged on one side of the first support member; and a second hinge, the second hinge connecting the first support member and the cover member and defining a second axis intersecting the first axis.

[0028] The cover member may be detachably coupled to the first support member.

[0029] The cover may include a cover member including a transparent display layer.

[0030] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the inventive concept.

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention in an unfolded position.

[0033] Figure 2 It is in the first folded state Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a display device.

[0034] Figure 3 It is in the second folded state Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a display device.

[0035] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a display module taken along line AA′.

[0036] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a display panel.

[0037] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a second hinge member of a display device.

[0038] Figure 7 and Figure 8 yes Figure 6 FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of portion “B”.

[0039] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a cover member of a display device.

[0040] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a cover member of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0041] Fig.11 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention in an unfolded state.

[0042] Fig.12 It is in the first folded state Fig.11 A three-dimensional diagram of a display device.

[0043] Fig.13 It is in the second folded state Fig.11 A three-dimensional diagram of a display device.

[0044] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of a display device.

[0045] Fig.15 yes Fig.12 An enlarged perspective view of portion “C” of an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Fig.16 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention in an unfolded state.

[0047] Fig.17 It is in the first folded state Fig.16 A three-dimensional diagram of a display device.

[0048] Fig.18 It is in the second folded state Fig.16 A three-dimensional diagram of a display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are set forth to provide a full understanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the present invention. "Embodiment" and "implementation" as used in this article are interchangeable words as non-limiting examples of one or more devices or methods using the inventive concept disclosed in this article. However, it is obvious that various exemplary embodiments can be practiced without these specific details or using one or more equivalent arrangements. In other cases, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessary ambiguity of various exemplary embodiments. In addition, various exemplary embodiments can be different, but not necessarily exclusive. For example, without departing from the inventive concept, the specific shape, configuration and characteristics of the exemplary embodiment can be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment.

[0050] Unless otherwise noted, the exemplary embodiments shown will be understood as providing exemplary features of different details of some ways in which the inventive concept can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise noted, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions and / or aspects, etc. (hereinafter, individually or collectively referred to as "elements") of the various embodiments may be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged in other ways without departing from the inventive concept.

[0051] The use of cross hatching and / or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally provided to make the boundaries between adjacent elements clear. Thus, unless otherwise indicated, the presence or absence of cross hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for the specific material, material properties, scale, ratio, commonality between the elements shown and / or any other characteristics, attributes, performances, etc. of the elements. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the size and relative size of the elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of clarity and / or description. When the exemplary embodiments can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence can be performed differently from the described sequence. For example, two processes described in succession can be performed substantially simultaneously or in an order opposite to the described sequence. In addition, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0052] When an element such as a layer is referred to as "on" another element, "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, the element may be directly on another element, directly connected to or directly coupled to another element, or there may be an intermediate element. However, when an element is referred to as "directly on" another element, "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, there is no intermediate element. For this reason, the term "connection" may refer to a physical connection, electrical connection and / or fluid connection with or without an intermediate element. In addition, the first direction X, the second direction Y and the third direction Z are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the first direction X, the second direction Y and the third direction Z may be perpendicular to each other, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purpose of this disclosure, "at least one (kind) of X, Y and Z" and "at least one (kind) selected from the group consisting of X, Y and Z" may be interpreted as any combination of only X, only Y, only Z or two (kinds) or more (kinds) of X, Y and Z, such as, for example, XYZ, XYY, YZ and ZZ. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0053] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another element. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the first element discussed below may be named as the second element.

[0054] For descriptive purposes, spatially relative terms such as "under," "below," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," "above," "higher," and "side" (e.g., as in "sidewall") may be used herein and thereby describe the relationship of one element to another element (or elements) as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations depicted in the accompanying drawings, spatially relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, elements or features described as "under" or "beneath" other elements or features will subsequently be oriented to be "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "under" can cover both "above" and "under" orientations. In addition, the device can be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and as such, the spatially relative descriptors used herein can be interpreted accordingly.

[0055] The terms used in this article are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to be restrictive. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "a kind of" and "the" as used in this article are also intended to include plural forms. In addition, when used in this specification, the terms "comprises, comprising" and / or "includes, including" illustrate the existence of stated features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups, but do not exclude the existence or increase of one or more other features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups. It is also noted that, as used in this article, the terms "substantially", "approximately" and other similar terms are used as approximate terms and are not used as degree terms, and so, the terms "substantially", "approximately" and other similar terms are used to explain the inherent deviations of measured values, calculated values ​​and / or provided values ​​that will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0056] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views and / or exploded views, which serve as schematic views of idealized exemplary embodiments and / or intermediate structures. As such, deviations from the shapes of the illustrations due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be interpreted as being limited to the specific illustrated shapes of the regions, but will include deviations in shapes such as those caused by manufacturing. In this way, the regions shown in the accompanying drawings may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of the regions of the device, and as such, are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0057] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this article have the same meaning as commonly understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. Unless explicitly defined as such in this article, terms such as those defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal meaning.

[0058] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention in an unfolded state. Figure 2 It is in the first folded state Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a display device. Figure 3 It is in the second folded state Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a display device.

[0059] The display device 1 according to some exemplary embodiments may include various devices that display images. For example, examples of the display device 1 may include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a television, a game console, a watch-type electronic device, a head-mounted display, a monitor of a personal computer, a notebook computer, a car navigation system, a car dashboard, a digital camera, a portable camera, an external billboard, an electronic sign, various medical devices, various inspection devices, various home appliances including a display unit such as a refrigerator and a washing machine, or an Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.

[0060] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , the display device 1 may have a substantially rectangular shape that is longer in a first direction X in a plan view. In some exemplary embodiments, in a plan view, the display device 1 may have two long sides in the first direction X and two short sides in a second direction Y intersecting the first direction X. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and the display device 1 may have various shapes.

[0061] The display device 1 may be a foldable device. The display device 1 may be folded or unfolded. Here, "folding" may include "bending". Specifically, the display device 1 may be bent so that one portion overlaps with another portion or is inclined relative to another portion, or the entire display device 1 may be spread out flat. In some exemplary embodiments, the display device 1 may be folded so that the angle between one portion and another portion of the display device 1 is greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 180 degrees, or may be unfolded so that the angle between one portion and another portion of the display device 1 is about 180 degrees.

[0062] The display device 1 includes a display module DM, a first support in the form of a first support member 10, a second support in the form of a second support member 20, a cover in the form of a cover member 30, a first hinge in the form of a first hinge member 40 and a second hinge in the form of a second hinge member 50.

[0063] The display module DM may have a substantially rectangular shape that is long in a first direction X in a plan view. The display module DM may be disposed on a first support member 10 and a second support member 20 to be described below. Each corner of the display module DM adjacent to a cover member 30 to be described below may be recessed in a substantially “L” shape.

[0064] The display module DM has flexibility. When the first support member 10 and the second support member 20 described below are folded or unfolded, the display module DM can be folded or unfolded along the first axis AX1 of the second direction Y. Figure 2 and Figure 3A detailed folding or unfolding operation of the display device 1 is described.

[0065] The display module DM may include a folding area FA, a first non-folding area NFA1, and a second non-folding area NFA2. The folding area FA is an area that is folded or unfolded when the first support member 10 and the second support member 20 to be described below are folded or unfolded. The first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be areas that are neither folded nor unfolded. The folding area FA may be folded to have a predetermined radius of curvature relative to a first axis AX1 to be described below.

[0066] The first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be arranged in the first direction X, and the folding area FA may be disposed between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. The folding area FA, the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be substantially rectangular in a plan view. In some exemplary embodiments, the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be substantially flat and have a size larger than the folding area FA. The folding area FA may have a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the second direction Y in a plan view.

[0067] In some exemplary embodiments, the display module DM includes one folding area FA and two non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 , but the number of the folding area FA and the number of the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 are not limited thereto.

[0068] In a plan view, the first support member 10, the second support member 20 and the cover member 30 may be arranged sequentially in the first direction X. The first support member 10, the second support member 20 and the cover member 30 may be substantially rectangular in a plan view. As will be described below, the first support member 10, the second support member 20 and the cover member 30 may have different shapes. The first support member 10, the second support member 20 and the cover member 30 may have substantially the same size. In some exemplary embodiments, the first support member 10, the second support member 20 and / or the cover member 30 may have different sizes. For example, the size of the cover member 30 may be equal to or smaller than the size of the first support member 10 and / or the second support member 20. In detail, the first support member 10, the second support member 20 and / or the cover member 30 may have the same width in the second direction Y, but may have different widths in the first direction X.

[0069] The first support member 10 and the second support member 20 are independently disposed on the lower surface of the display module DM. The first support member 10 and the second support member 20 may be disposed substantially symmetrically with respect to the folding area FA or the first axis AX1 of the display module DM. In detail, the first support member 10 may be disposed at the first non-folding area NFA1 of the display module DM, and the second support member 20 may be disposed at the second non-folding area NFA2 of the display module DM.

[0070] The first hinge member 40 connects one side 10_S of the first support member 10 and one side 20_S of the second support member 20. The first hinge member 40 defines a first axis AX1. The first support member 10 and the second support member 20 can be connected by the first hinge member 40 so that the first support member 10 and the second support member 20 can rotate around the first axis AX1. The first axis AX1 may include at least one rotation axis or a folding axis. The first axis AX1 may be a physical axis provided in the first hinge member 40 or an imaginary axis provided outside the first hinge member 40. The first hinge member 40 may extend in the second direction Y between the first support member 10 and the second support member 20. In some exemplary embodiments, the first hinge member 40 may include a retractable hinge that is compressed or stretched according to the folding or unfolding of the display device 1. In some exemplary embodiments, as described below, the first hinge member 40 may include a mechanical hinge that includes at least one axis and at least one rotating member that rotates around the axis, as described for the second hinge member 50. Alternatively, the first hinge member 40 may have a hinge structure different from that of the second hinge member 50. The first hinge member 40 may include a friction hinge that can maintain the angle between the first support member 10 and the second support member 20.

[0071] The second hinge member 50 connects the other side 64 of the second support member 20 and one side of the cover member 30. The second hinge member 50 defines a second axis AX2. The second support member 20 and the cover member 30 can be connected by the second hinge member 50 so that the second support member 20 and the cover member 30 can rotate around the second axis AX2. The second axis AX2 may include at least one rotation axis. In some exemplary embodiments, the second hinge member 50 may include a mechanical hinge. The second hinge member 50 may include a friction hinge that can maintain the angle between the second support member 20 and the cover member 30. The coupling relationship between the second hinge member 50 and each of the second support member 20 and the cover member 30 will be described below with reference to Figures 6 to 8 Described in detail.

[0072] Reference Figures 1 to 3The display device 1 may have an unfolded state and one or more folded states. The folded states may include a first folded state and a second folded state. Figure 1 The expanded state may be a state in which the first support member 10, the second support member 20, and the cover member 30 are substantially stretched and flat to be placed side by side in substantially the same plane. For example, the angle between the first support member 10 and the second support member 20 and the angle between the second support member 20 and the cover member 30 may each be approximately 180 degrees.

[0073] Reference Figure 2 The first folded state may be a state in which the cover member 30 overlaps the second support member 20 in the thickness direction. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the cover member 30 may be rotated in the counterclockwise direction about the second axis AX2 to overlap the second support member 20 in the thickness direction. Here, the angle between the second support member 20 and the cover member 30 may be about 0 degrees or about 360 degrees.

[0074] In the first folding state, the cover member 30 may cover a portion of the front surface of the display module DM. In detail, the cover member 30 may cover a portion of the front surface of the display module DM disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2 of the display module DM.

[0075] The first folded state may include a state in which the first support member 10 is folded or bent to form a predetermined angle with the second support member 20. Therefore, the display module DM disposed on the first support member 10 and the second support member 20 may also be folded or bent to have a predetermined angle. For example, the predetermined angle may be greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 180 degrees. For another example, the predetermined angle may be greater than about 90 degrees and less than about 150 degrees.

[0076] In the first folded state, the cover member 30 may protect the second non-folding area NFA2 of the display module DM. For example, when an image of a keyboard is displayed on the second non-folding area NFA2 of the display module DM, repeated impacts may be applied to this area by a user's touch input. Here, the cover member 30 may cover a portion of the display module DM to protect the display module DM.

[0077] Reference Figure 3 The second folded state may be a state in which the first support member 10, the second support member 20, and the cover member 30 overlap in the thickness direction. Figure 2 and Figure 3, the first support member 10 may rotate in a clockwise direction about the first axis AX1 to overlap the second support member 20 and the cover member 30 in the thickness direction. Here, the angle between the second support member 20 and the cover member 30 and the angle between the first support member 10 and the second support member 20 may be about 0 degrees or about 360 degrees.

[0078] When the first support member 10 and the second support member 20 overlap in the thickness direction, the display module DM can be folded inward so that a portion and another portion of the front surface of the display module DM face each other. In the second folded state, the cover member 30 can be disposed between a portion of the front surface of the display module DM (disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1 of the display module DM) and another portion of the front surface of the display module DM (disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2). In some exemplary embodiments, in the second folded state, the cover member 30 may contact a portion of the front surface disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2 of the display module DM and another portion of the front surface disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1. In some exemplary embodiments, in the second folded state, the cover member 30 may be spaced apart from a portion of the front surface disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1 of the display module DM. Reference will now be made to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The display module DM is described in detail.

[0079] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a display module taken along line AA′. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a display panel.

[0080] Reference Figure 4 , the display module DM may include a display panel 100, a front stack structure 200, and a rear stack structure 300. The display module DM may include the display panel 100, the front stack structure 200 is disposed on an upper surface 92 of the display panel 100, and the rear stack structure 300 is disposed on a lower surface 94 of the display panel 100. The display panel 100 may also have an end 96. As described herein, the "front" may be a direction in which the display panel 100 displays a screen, and the "rear" may be a direction "opposite" to the front.

[0081] The display panel 100 is a panel that displays a screen or an image. Examples of the display panel 100 may include self-luminous display panels such as an organic light-emitting display panel, an inorganic electroluminescent (EL) display panel, a quantum dot light-emitting display (QED) panel, a micron light-emitting diode (LED) display panel, a nano-LED display panel, a plasma display panel (PDP), a field emission display (FED) panel, and a cathode ray tube (CRT) display panel, and a light receiving display panel such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel and an electrophoretic display (EPD) panel. Hereinafter, an organic light-emitting display panel will be described as an example of the display panel 100, and unless a specific distinction is required, an organic light-emitting display panel applied to some exemplary embodiments will be simply abbreviated as a display panel 100. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited to organic light-emitting display panels, and other display panels listed above or known in the art are also applicable.

[0082] 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 attached to the display panel 100. However, the touch member may also be provided inside the display panel 100 in the form of a touch layer. In the following exemplary embodiments, a case where the touch member is provided and included in the display panel 100 will be described, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0083] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The display panel 100 may include a substrate SUB, a circuit driving layer DRL disposed on the substrate SUB, a light emitting layer EML disposed on the circuit driving layer DRL, an encapsulation layer ENL disposed on the light emitting layer EML, and a touch layer TSL disposed on the encapsulation layer ENL.

[0084] The substrate SUB may be a flexible substrate including a flexible polymer material such as polyimide (PI). Therefore, the display panel 100 may be roughly bent, curved, folded, or curled. In some exemplary embodiments, the substrate SUB may include a plurality of sub-substrates overlapping each other in a thickness direction, with a barrier layer interposed between the plurality of sub-substrates. In this case, each sub-substrate may be a flexible substrate.

[0085] The circuit driving layer DRL may be disposed on the substrate SUB. The circuit driving layer DRL may include a circuit for driving the light emitting layer EML of each pixel. The circuit driving layer DRL may include a plurality of thin film transistors.

[0086] The light emitting layer EML may be disposed on the circuit driving layer DRL. The light emitting layer EML may include an organic light emitting layer. The light emitting layer EML may emit light of various brightness levels according to a driving signal received from the circuit driving layer DRL.

[0087] The encapsulation layer ENL may be disposed on the light emitting layer EML. The encapsulation layer ENL may include an inorganic layer or a laminate of an inorganic layer and an organic layer.

[0088] The touch layer TSL may be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENL. The touch layer TSL is a layer for recognizing a touch input and may be used as a touch member. The touch layer TSL may include a plurality of sensing regions and sensing electrodes.

[0089] Refer again Figure 4 , the front stack structure 200 is disposed on the upper surface 92 of the display panel 100. The front stack structure 200 may include a polarization member 230, a cover window 220, and a cover window protective layer 210 sequentially stacked from the display panel 100 in a forward direction.

[0090] The polarization member 230 polarizes the light passing through the polarization member 230. The polarization member 230 can reduce the reflection of external light. In some exemplary embodiments, the polarization member 230 can be a polarizing film. The polarizing film may include a polarizing layer and a protective substrate that sandwiches the polarizing layer from above and below the polarizing layer. The polarizing layer may include a polyvinyl alcohol film. The polarizing layer may be stretched in one direction. The stretching direction of the polarizing layer may be an absorption axis, and the direction substantially perpendicular to the stretching direction may be a transmission axis. The protective substrates may be respectively disposed on one surface and the other surface of the polarizing layer. The protective substrate may be made of a cellulose resin such as triacetyl cellulose (TAC) or a polyester resin, but is not limited to a cellulose resin such as triacetyl cellulose (TAC) or a polyester resin.

[0091] The cover window 220 may be disposed in front of the polarization member 230. The cover window 220 protects the display panel 100. The cover window 220 may be made of a transparent material. The cover window 220 may be made of, for example, glass or plastic. When the cover window 220 includes glass, the glass may be ultra-thin glass (UTG) or thin film glass. Since UTG or thin film glass has flexible properties, the UTG or thin film glass may be bent, folded, or curled. The glass may have a thickness of, for example, about 10 μm to about 300 μm, specifically about 30 μm to about 80 μm, or about 50 μm. The glass of the cover window 220 may include soda-lime glass, alkali aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, or lithium aluminosilicate glass. The glass of the cover window 220 may include chemically strengthened or thermally strengthened glass to have strong strength. Chemical strengthening may be achieved by an ion exchange process performed in an alkali metal salt. The ion exchange process may be performed twice or more.

[0092] When the cover window 220 includes plastic, the cover window 220 can better exhibit flexible properties such as folding. Examples of plastics suitable for the cover window 220 may include, but are not limited to, polyimide (PI), polyacrylate (PAR), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polystyrene (PS), ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polyether sulfone (PES), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallylate, triacetyl cellulose (TAC), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). The plastic cover window 220 may include one or more of the plastic materials listed above.

[0093] The cover window protection layer 210 may be disposed in front of the cover window 220. The cover window protection layer 210 may perform at least one of anti-scattering, shock absorption, anti-dent, anti-fingerprint, and anti-glare functions for the cover window 220. The cover window protection layer 210 may include a transparent polymer film. The transparent polymer film may include at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether sulfone (PES), polyimide (PI), polyacrylate (PAR), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and cyclic olefin copolymer (COC).

[0094] The front stacked structure 200 may include a first bonding member 251, a second bonding member 252, and a third bonding member 253 (hereinafter collectively referred to as front bonding members 251 to 253) that bond adjacent stacked members together. For example, the first bonding member 251 may be disposed between the cover window 220 and the cover window protective layer 210 to bond the cover window 220 and the cover window protective layer 210 together, the second bonding member 252 may be disposed between the cover window 220 and the polarization member 230 to bond the cover window 220 and the polarization member 230 together, and the third bonding member 253 may be disposed between the polarization member 230 and the display panel 100 to bond the polarization member 230 and the display panel 100 together. That is, the front bonding members 251 to 253 are members that bond the layer to the surface of the display panel 100. The first bonding member 251 may be a protective layer bonding member for bonding the cover window protective layer 210, the second bonding member 252 may be a window bonding member for bonding the cover window 220, and the third bonding member 253 may be a polarizer bonding member for bonding the polarization member 230. The front bonding members 251 to 253 may all be optically transparent.

[0095] The rear stack structure 300 is disposed on the lower surface 94 of the display panel 100. The rear stack structure 300 may include a polymer film layer 310 and a heat dissipation member 320 sequentially stacked from the display panel 100 in a rearward direction.

[0096] The polymer film layer 310 may include a polymer film. The polymer film layer 310 may include, for example, polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polysulfone (PSF), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), triacetyl cellulose (TAC) or cycloolefin polymer (COP). The polymer film layer 310 may include a functional layer on at least one surface. The functional layer may include, for example, a light absorbing layer. The light absorbing layer may include a light absorbing material such as a black pigment or dye. The light absorbing layer may be a black ink and may be formed on the polymer film by coating or printing.

[0097] The heat dissipation member 320 may be disposed behind the polymer film layer 310. The heat dissipation member 320 dissipates heat generated from the display panel 100 or other components of the display device 1. The heat dissipation member 320 may be a heat sink including graphite or carbon nanotubes. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in , the heat dissipation member 320 may be divided by the first axis AX1 to facilitate folding of the display device 1. In some exemplary embodiments, the heat dissipation member 320 may remain undivided.

[0098] The rear stack structure 300 may include a fourth combining member 351 and a fifth combining member 352 (hereinafter may also be collectively referred to as the rear combining members 351 and 352) that combine adjacent stack members together. For example, the fourth combining member 351 may be disposed between the display panel 100 and the polymer film layer 310 to combine the display panel 100 and the polymer film layer 310 together, and the fifth combining member 352 may be disposed between the polymer film layer 310 and the heat dissipation member 320 to combine the polymer film layer 310 and the heat dissipation member 320 together. In some exemplary embodiments, the rear stack structure 300 may further include a buffer member. The buffer member may, for example, be disposed between the polymer film layer 310 and the heat dissipation member 320. Reference will now be made to Figure 6 The coupling relationship between the second support member 20 and the cover member 30 is described in detail.

[0099] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a second hinge member of a display device. Figure 7 and Figure 8 yes Figure 6 FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of portion “B”.

[0100] Reference Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 6 to 8 As described above, the second support member 20 and the cover member 30 may be connected by the second hinge member 50 so that the second support member 20 and the cover member 30 can rotate about the second axis AX2. In some exemplary embodiments, the cover member 30 may be non-removably coupled to the second hinge member 50. In some exemplary embodiments, the cover member 30 may be detachably coupled to the second hinge member 50.

[0101] Reference Figures 6 to 8 , the second support member 20 may include a pair of first recessed portions 21, a pair of second recessed portions 22, a step portion 23, and a protrusion 24. The pair of first recessed portions 21 may be respectively provided in two corner regions of a side provided with the second hinge member 50. The pair of first recessed portions 21 may be provided so that the two corner regions of one side of the second support member 20 are recessed into a substantially "L" shape in a plan view. The pair of first recessed portions 21 may respectively accommodate a pair of coupling members in the form of coupling members 52 of the second hinge member 50 to be described below.

[0102] The pair of second concave portions 22 may be provided in the pair of first concave portions 21. The second concave portions 22 may be formed by additionally concavely extending a portion of the surface of the first concave portion 21 in the first direction X. The first direction X may be Figure 6 Therefore, a step portion 23 may be formed in each corner region of one side of the second support member 20 by the first recessed portion 21 and the second recessed portion 22. A pair of second recessed portions 22 may respectively accommodate extension portions 522 of a pair of coupling members 52 to be described below.

[0103] The protrusion 24 is provided between the pair of first recessed portions 21 and / or the pair of second recessed portions 22. As will be described below, the protrusion 24 may be accommodated in the recessed portion during the rotation of the cover member 30, and the recessed portion is in the form of a notch portion 31 of the cover member 30. The protrusion 24 may be penetrated by a shaft 51 of a second hinge member 50 to be described below. The cover member 30 may include the notch portion 31 and a pair of attachment portions 32. The cover member 30 may also include a pair of connectors in the form of an adhesive member 33.

[0104] The notch portion 31 is provided on one side of the cover member 30 adjacent to the second axis AX2. The notch portion 31 accommodates the protrusion 24 of the second support member 20 to prevent interference between the second support member 20 and the cover member 30 during rotation of the cover member 30. The pair of attachment portions 32 is provided so that the notch portion 31 is interposed between the pair of attachment portions 32. The pair of attachment portions 32 may be respectively connected to a pair of coupling members 52 of a second hinge member 50 to be described below.

[0105] A pair of adhesive members 33 may be provided at a pair of attachment portions 32, respectively. The adhesive member 33 may be provided between the attachment portion 32 and a coupling member 52 to be described below. The adhesive member 33 couples the attachment portion 32 and the coupling member 52. In some exemplary embodiments, the cover member 30 may be firmly coupled to the coupling member 52 by the adhesive member 33. In some exemplary embodiments, the cover member 30 may be detachably coupled to the second hinge member 50. For example, the cover member 30 may be coupled to the second hinge member 50 by magnetic force. Specifically, the coupling member 52 to be described below may include metal, and the pair of adhesive members 33 may include magnets.

[0106] The second hinge member 50 may include a shaft 51 and a pair of coupling members 52. The shaft 51 has a generally rod shape that is long in the second direction Y and provides a second axis AX2. The shaft 51 may penetrate the protrusion 24 of the second support member 20. A pair of coupling members 52 are provided at both ends of the shaft 51. The pair of coupling members 52 supports the shaft 51 and the cover member 30, and couples the shaft 51 and the cover member 30 together. Each of the pair of coupling members 52 may include a main body portion 521 and an extension portion 522. The main body portion 521 may have a generally cylindrical shape forming a hollow passage, and the shaft 51 passes through the hollow passage.

[0107] The extension portion 522 protrudes from one side 524 of the main body portion 521. The extension portion 522 may have a predetermined length to extend substantially parallel to the upper surface of the cover member 30. The extension portion 522 may provide an area for providing a sufficient coupling force to couple the second support member 20 and the second hinge member 50. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 5 , the extension portion 522 may be received in each first recessed portion 21 in the first folded state, and may be received in each second recessed portion 22 in the unfolded state.

[0108] In some exemplary embodiments, the second hinge member 50 may be provided in the cover member 30. Specifically, a shaft 51 may penetrate the cover member 30, and a portion of the second support member 20 may be coupled to a pair of coupling members 52 provided at both ends of the shaft 51.

[0109] Reference Figure 1 and Figures 6 to 8 Since the second hinge member 50 is disposed on one side of the second supporting member 20 through the first recess 21, the second recess 22, and the protrusion 24, a non-display area, such as a bezel area of ​​the display module DM, can be effectively used.

[0110] Reference Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 6 to 8, the cover member 30 may be made of a transparent material. Therefore, in the first folded state in which the cover member 30 overlaps the second support member 20 and a portion of the display module DM on the second support member 20 in the thickness direction, an image displayed in the second non-folding area NFA2 may be visible through the cover member 30. The cover member 30 may include a plurality of layers made of a light-transmitting material. Now, reference will be made to Fig. 9 The stacking structure of the cover member 30 is described.

[0111] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a cover member of a display device.

[0112] Reference Fig. 9 The cover member 30 may include a first substrate SUB1, a first buffer member BF1 on one surface SUR1 of the first substrate SUB1, and a second buffer member BF2 on another surface SUR2 of the first substrate SUB1. The first buffer member BF1, the first substrate SUB1, and the second buffer member BF2 may be made of a transparent material.

[0113] The first substrate SUB1 may be made of a transparent glass or plastic material having a predetermined strength. For example, the first substrate SUB1 may be made of a tempered glass such as aluminum silicate or soda-lime glass. For another example, the first substrate SUB1 may be made of an industrial plastic material such as polyamide (PA), polyacetal (POM), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or denatured polyphenylene oxide.

[0114] The first and second buffer members BF1 and BF2 may be made of a transparent elastic material. For example, the first and second buffer members BF1 and BF2 may be made of a rubber or polyurethane-based material. The first and second buffer members BF1 and BF2 may absorb external shocks and prevent damage due to interference between the members.

[0115] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a cover member of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0116] Fig.10 The cover member 30a and Fig. 9 The cover member 30 is different in that Fig.10 The cover member 30a further includes a second substrate SUB2, a third substrate SUB3, a functional layer FL and a transparent display layer TDPL. Figures 1 to 8 and Fig.10 , the cover member 30a may have Figures 1 to 8 The cover member 30 has substantially the same shape and arrangement.

[0117] The cover member 30a may include a second buffer member BF2, a first substrate SUB1 disposed on the second buffer member BF2, a transparent display layer TDPL disposed on the first substrate SUB1, a second substrate SUB2 disposed on the transparent display layer TDPL, a functional layer FL disposed on the second substrate SUB2, a third substrate SUB3 disposed on the functional layer FL, and the first buffer member BF1 disposed on the third substrate SUB3.

[0118] The second substrate SUB2 and the third substrate SUB3 may be made of a transparent glass or plastic material having a predetermined strength. For example, the second substrate SUB2 and the third substrate SUB3 may be made of a tempered glass such as aluminum silicate or soda-lime glass. For another example, the second substrate SUB2 and the third substrate SUB3 may be made of an industrial plastic material such as polyamide (PA), polyacetal (POM), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or modified polyphenylene ether.

[0119] The transparent display layer TDPL may be, for example, an organic light emitting layer. In this case, the cover member 30a may be divided into a transmission portion TA that transmits incident light as it is, a light emitting portion LA that emits light, and a non-light emitting portion NLA that does not emit light. The light emitting portion LA may include a first light emitting portion LA_R, a second light emitting portion LA_G, and a third light emitting portion LA_B that emit red light, green light, and blue light, respectively.

[0120] The transmission part TA, the light emitting part LA, and the non-light emitting part NLA may be repeatedly arranged. In some exemplary embodiments, the transmission part TA, the light emitting part LA, and the non-light emitting part NLA may be sequentially arranged in the order of the non-light emitting part NLA, the first light emitting part LA_R, the non-light emitting part NLA, the second light emitting part LA_G, the non-light emitting part NLA, the third light emitting part LA_B, the non-light emitting part NLA, and the transmission part TA. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and the transmission part TA, the light emitting part LA, and the non-light emitting part NLA may also be arranged in various ways. Since the transmission part TA is arranged between the repeatedly arranged light emitting parts LA, the transmission part TA may have a high light transmittance.

[0121] When the light emitting portion LA does not emit light, the background behind the cover member 30 may be seen through the transmission portion TA. When the light emitting portion LA emits light, an image such as a keyboard image may be displayed on the cover member 30 through the light emitting portion LA.

[0122] The transparent display layer TDPL may include a buffer layer 102 disposed on a first substrate SUB1, a semiconductor layer 113 disposed on the buffer layer 102, a first insulating layer 103 disposed on the semiconductor layer 113, a first conductive layer 123 disposed on the first insulating layer 103, a second insulating layer 104 disposed on the first conductive layer 123, second conductive layers 135 and 136 disposed on the second insulating layer 104, a first through-hole layer 151 disposed on the second conductive layers 135 and 136, a third conductive layer 141 disposed on the first through-hole layer 151, a dam layer 152 disposed on the third conductive layer 141, an organic layer EL disposed between portions of the dam layer 152, a common electrode 160 disposed on the organic layer EL, an adhesive layer 170 disposed on the common electrode 160, and a black matrix BM disposed on the adhesive layer 170.

[0123] The functional layer FL may include a first sensing electrode layer SL1 disposed on the second substrate SUB2, an inorganic insulating layer IOL disposed on the first sensing electrode layer SL1, a second sensing electrode layer SL2 disposed on the inorganic insulating layer IOL, and an organic layer OL disposed on the inorganic insulating layer IOL and the second sensing electrode layer SL2. The functional layer FL may be a touch sensor for sensing a touch input and / or a digitizer for receiving an input from an external input device such as a stylus.

[0124] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 6 and Fig.10 As discussed below, in some exemplary embodiments, each adhesive member 33 may also include Fig.15 , and the electrode pads PAD electrically connected to the transparent display layer TDPL and / or the functional layer FL as depicted in FIG. In addition, the second hinge member 50 may further include a circuit that electrically connects a control device such as a computer mounted on the first support member 10 or the second support member 20 to the electrode pads PAD. Therefore, in the second folded state, the display device 1 can display a keyboard image on the cover member 30a, can receive a user's touch input to the keyboard image, and can be used as a device such as a laptop computer. In some exemplary embodiments, any one of the transparent display layer TDPL and the functional layer FL may be omitted.

[0125] Apart from Fig.10 The cover member 30a further includes a second substrate SUB2, a third substrate SUB3, a functional layer FL and a transparent display layer TDPL. Fig.10 The cover member 30a and Fig. 9 The cover member 30 is substantially the same or similar, and therefore the description of Fig.10 Some descriptions of the cover member 30a are provided to avoid redundancy.

[0126] Fig.11 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention in an unfolded state. Fig.12 It is in the first folded state Fig.11 A three-dimensional diagram of a display device. Fig.13 It is in the second folded state Fig.11 A three-dimensional diagram of a display device. Fig.14 yes Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of a display device. Fig.15 yes Fig.12 An enlarged perspective view of portion “C” of an exemplary embodiment.

[0127] Fig.11 The display device 1a and Figures 1 to 9 The display device 1 of FIG. 1 is different in the shape of the cover member 30 a and the coupling relationship between the cover member 30 a and other members. Figures 11 to 15 , the display device 1a includes a first support member 10, a second support member 20, a cover member 30a and a first hinge member 40. Figures 1 to 9 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second support member 20 may not have the first recessed portion 21, the second recessed portion 22, and the protrusion 24 on one side. The cover member 30a may be detachably coupled to the display module DM and / or the second support member 20.

[0128] The cover member 30a may have a substantially U-shaped cross section. The cover member 30a may have one side open in the first direction X to define an opening. One end of the display module DM and / or one end of the second support member 20 may be inserted into the open side 78 of the cover member 30a. Therefore, the cover member 30a may surround a portion of the front surface of the display module DM, a side surface of one side of the display module DM, a side surface of one side of the second support member 20, and a lower surface 68 of the second support member 20. In some exemplary embodiments, both sides of the cover member 30a in the second direction Y may also be open.

[0129] Reference Figures 11 to 13 The display device 1a may have a first state in which the cover member 30a is separated from other members and a second state in which one end of the second support member 20 and one end of the display module DM are inserted into the cover member 30a.

[0130] The display device 1a may have an unfolded state, a first folded state, and a second folded state. Here, the display device 1a may be in the second state. For example, the first support member 10 may be folded into the first folded state, and the first support member 10 in the first folded state forms an angle greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 180 degrees with the second support member 20 in the second state. For another example, the first support member 10 may be folded into the second folded state, and the first support member 10 in the second folded state forms an angle of about 0 degrees or about 360 degrees with the second support member 20 in the second state. In this case, the first support member 10 may overlap with the second support member 20 in the thickness direction to be substantially parallel to the second support member 20.

[0131] Reference Fig.14 , the cover member 30a may include a first substantially flat portion 31a, a second substantially flat portion 32a, and a connecting portion 33a. In the second state, the first substantially flat portion 31a may be disposed on the upper surface of the second support member 20 and / or a portion of the front surface of the display module DM disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2. The second substantially flat portion 32a may be disposed on the lower surface 68 of the second support member 20. The connecting portion 33a may connect one side of the first substantially flat portion 31a and one side of the second substantially flat portion 32a. The connecting portion 33a may be bent to have a predetermined radius of curvature. The connecting portion 33a may be bent to have, for example, a substantially "C" shaped cross section.

[0132] In the second state, the first substantially flat portion 31a, a portion of the display module DM disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2, the second supporting member 20, and the second substantially flat portion 32a may overlap in the thickness direction. In the second folded state, the first substantially flat portion 31a, a portion of the display module DM disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2, the second supporting member 20, the second substantially flat portion 32a, another portion of the display module DM disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1, and the first supporting member 10 may overlap in the thickness direction.

[0133] In the second state, the second substantially flat portion 32a may be spaced apart from the lower surface 68 of the second support member 20 by a predetermined distance G. In some exemplary embodiments, the second substantially flat portion 32a may be in close contact with the lower surface 68 of the second support member 20. The cover member 30a may be made of a transparent glass or plastic material having a predetermined strength. For example, the cover member 30a may be made of a reinforced glass such as aluminum silicate or soda-lime glass. For another example, the cover member 30a may be made of an industrial plastic material such as polyamide (PA), polyacetal (POM), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or modified polyphenylene ether.

[0134] The cover member 30a may further include a third buffer member BF3 disposed on the surface 31b of the first substantially flat portion 31a and a fourth buffer member BF4 disposed on the other surface 31c of the first substantially flat portion 31a. The third buffer member BF3 and the fourth buffer member BF4 may be made of a transparent elastic material. For example, the third buffer member BF3 and the fourth buffer member BF4 may be made of a rubber or polyurethane-based material. The third buffer member BF3 and the fourth buffer member BF4 may absorb external shocks and prevent damage due to interference between the members.

[0135] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the first substantially flat portion 31a and the second substantially flat portion 32a may include as discussed above. Fig.10 at least one of the first substrate SUB1, the transparent display layer TDPL, the second substrate SUB2, the functional layer FL and the third substrate SUB3.

[0136] Reference Fig.15 , the cover member 30a may further include a key hole AK and an electrode pad PAD. The key hole AK may be provided in a corner region of the first substantially flat portion 31a and / or the second substantially flat portion 32a. The key hole AK may align the positions of the cover member 30a and the second support member 20 in the second state. In some exemplary embodiments, a pair of key holes AK may be provided in a corner region of the first substantially flat portion 31a. In some exemplary embodiments, a pair of key holes AK may be provided in a corner region of the second substantially flat portion 32a. In some exemplary embodiments, the key hole AK may be replaced with a magnet.

[0137] The electrode pad PAD may be disposed in a corner region of the first substantially flat portion 31a and / or the second substantially flat portion 32a. The electrode pad PAD may be electrically connected to a first substantially flat portion 31a and / or the second substantially flat portion 32a. Fig.10 . In some exemplary embodiments, the electrode pad PAD may be disposed in a corner region of the second substantially flat portion 32a. Thus, when the display device 1a is viewed from above, the electrode pad PAD may not be visible. In some exemplary embodiments, the electrode pad PAD may be disposed in a corner region of the first substantially flat portion 31a.

[0138] Due to the shape of the cover member 30a and the coupling relationship between the cover member 30a and other members, Fig.11 The display device 1a and Figures 1 to 9 The display devices 1 are substantially the same or similar, and thus repeated description of the display device 1a will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0139] Fig.16is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention in an unfolded state. Fig.17 It is in the first folded state Fig.16 A three-dimensional diagram of a display device. Fig.18 It is in the second folded state Fig.16 A three-dimensional diagram of a display device.

[0140] Since in addition to the cover member 30b being coupled to the first support member 10, Figures 16 to 18 The display device 1b and Figures 1 to 9 The display device 1 is substantially the same or similar, so the description will be omitted. Figures 16 to 18 Description of the display device 1b is repeated to avoid redundancy.

[0141] Fig.16 The display device 1b and Figures 1 to 9 The display device 1 of FIG. 1 is different in that the cover member 30b is coupled to the first support member 10. The display device 1b includes the first support member 10, the second support member 20, the cover member 30b, the first hinge member 40, and the second hinge member 50.

[0142] The first support member 10, the second support member 20, and the cover member 30b are separated from each other. The first support member 10 and the second support member 20 may be sequentially arranged in the first direction X, and the display panel may be disposed on the first support member 10 and the second support member 20. The first hinge member 40 may connect the first support member 10 and the second support member 20 so that each of the first support member 10 and the second support member 20 may rotate about the first axis AX1 in the second direction Y.

[0143] The cover member 30b may be detachably coupled to the first support member 10. Specifically, the cover member 30b may be detachably coupled to a side surface of the first support member 10 extending in the first direction X by a second hinge member 50. The second hinge member 50 may connect the first support member 10 and the cover member 30b so that each of the first support member 10 and the cover member 30b may rotate about a second axis AX2 in the first direction X. In an exemplary embodiment, the second hinge member 50 may be provided in the cover member 30b.

[0144] The display device 1b may have a first state in which the first support member 10 and the cover member 30b are separated from each other and a second state in which the first support member 10 and the cover member 30b are coupled to each other. The display device 1b may have an unfolded state, a first folded state, and a second folded state. Fig.17 As depicted in , the display device 1b may be in a second state.

[0145] The first folded state may be a state in which the cover member 30b is folded to form a predetermined angle with the first support member 10 relative to the second axis AX2. For example, the predetermined angle may be greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 180 degrees. The first folded state may include a state in which the first support member 10 is folded to form a predetermined angle with the second support member 20. For example, the predetermined angle may be greater than about 90 degrees and less than about 180 degrees.

[0146] The second folded state may be a state in which the cover member 30b and the first support member 10 overlap in the thickness direction to be substantially parallel to each other. The second folded state may be a state in which the cover member 30b and the first support member 10 may completely overlap. Here, the angle formed by the cover member 30b and the first support member 10 may be about 0 degrees.

[0147] The second folded state may include a state in which the first support member 10, the second support member 20, and the cover member 30b overlap in the thickness direction to be substantially parallel to each other. In some exemplary embodiments, in the second folded state, the first support member 10, the cover member 30b, and the second support member 20 may be sequentially arranged from the bottom to overlap in the thickness direction.

[0148] The cover member 30b may be made of a transparent glass or plastic material having a predetermined strength. For example, the cover member 30b may be made of a tempered glass such as aluminum silicate or soda-lime glass. For another example, the cover member 30b may be made of an industrial plastic material such as polyamide (PA), polyacetal (POM), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or modified polyphenylene ether.

[0149] In some exemplary embodiments, referring to Fig.10 and Figures 16 to 18 The cover member 30b may include a first buffer member BF1, a first substrate SUB1, a transparent display layer TDPL, a second substrate SUB2, a functional layer FL, a third substrate SUB3, and a second buffer member BF2. In some exemplary embodiments, the cover member 30b may include a mechanical keyboard.

[0150] The foldable display device constructed according to various embodiments of the present invention not only provides sufficient thinness to facilitate folding, but also protects the display module from external impact.

[0151] Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Therefore, the inventive concept is not limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the appended claims and to various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein: The display device comprises: A display panel, the display panel having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface being used to display an image; a first support member and a second support member, wherein the first support member and the second support member are disposed on the lower surface of the display panel; a first hinge connecting one side of the first support member and one side of the second support member and defining a first axis; a cover member disposed on the other side of the second support member; and a second hinge member connecting the other side of the second support member and one side of the cover member and defining a second axis parallel to the first axis; wherein the first hinge and the second hinge include a first hinge member and a second hinge member, respectively, and the second hinge member includes a shaft received in the second support to define the second axis and a pair of rotatable couplings supported at either end of the shaft; wherein at least one of the pair of rotatable coupling members comprises a main body portion and an extension member integrally formed with one side of the main body portion; and Wherein, the second support member includes: a pair of first recessed portions, which are arranged at two corners adjacent to the cover member; a second recessed portion, which is additionally recessed from the surface of each first recessed portion; and a step portion, which is formed by each first recessed portion and the second recessed portion.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The extension member includes an extension portion configured to rotate about the second axis to be received in the second recessed portion.

3. The display device according to claim 1, The cover member includes a recess provided on the one side of the cover member connected to the second hinge member, and in, The second support member includes a protrusion extending between the pair of first recessed portions, the protrusion being received in the recess of the cover.

4. The display device according to claim 1, in, The cover member includes a recess provided on the one side of the cover member connected to the second hinge member, and a pair of attachment portions provided so that the recess is interposed between the pair of attachment portions.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The cover member further includes a pair of connection members, and the pair of connection members are respectively provided at the pair of attachment portions.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: At least one of the pair of connectors includes one or more adhesive members or a magnet.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The cover includes a cover member including a first substrate, a first buffer layer disposed on a surface of the first substrate, and a second buffer layer disposed on the other surface of the first substrate.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The first buffer layer and the second buffer layer include a polyurethane-based material.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display panel includes: a first non-folding area, which is arranged on the first support member; a second non-folding area, which is arranged on the second support member; and a folding area, which is arranged on the first hinge member, and the cover member is rotatable around the second axis to overlap with the second non-folding area in the thickness direction.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The cover comprises a transparent material.

Images