Metal plate and display device including the same

Abstract

Disclosed are a metal plate and a display device including the same, the display device including a display panel and a metal plate, the display panel including a front surface and a rear surface, the front surface displaying an image, wherein the display panel is foldable with respect to a folding axis extending in a first direction, the metal plate being disposed on the rear surface of the display panel, wherein the metal plate includes: a first body and a second body arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a connection portion (also referred to as a patterned portion) disposed between the first body and the second body to overlap the folding axis in a thickness direction of the display device; and at least one protrusion protruding parallel to the folding axis from an edge of at least one of the first body, the second body, and the connection portion.

Description

[0001] Intersection of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to and all benefits arising therefrom of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0048634, filed on April 22, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to metal plates and display devices including metal plates. Background Technology

[0004] Display devices are devices for displaying images and include display panels, such as liquid crystal display panels, organic light-emitting display panels with organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), or quantum dot light-emitting display panels with quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs).

[0005] Mobile electronic devices include display units that provide images to users. Generally, mobile electronic devices with a volume or thickness equal to or less than that of conventional mobile electronic devices, and a larger display screen, are gaining market share. Foldable or flexible display devices with structures capable of folding and unfolding to provide larger screens have also been developed.

[0006] Foldable display devices may include a metal plate disposed on the rear surface of a display panel and configured such that at least a portion of the metal plate is extendable and retractable when the display panel is folded. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure provides a metal plate with precise dimensions and a display device including the metal plate.

[0008] However, the aspects of this disclosure are not limited to those set forth herein. These and other aspects of this disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure.

[0009] Embodiments of the display device may include a display panel and a metal plate. The display panel includes a front surface and a rear surface, the front surface displaying an image. The display panel is foldable relative to a folding axis extending in a first direction. The metal plate is disposed on the rear surface of the display panel. The metal plate may include: a first body and a second body arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a connecting portion (also called a patterned portion) disposed between the first body and the second body to overlap with the folding axis in the thickness direction of the display device; and at least one protrusion projecting parallel to the folding axis from an edge of at least one of the first body, the second body, and the connecting portion.

[0010] At least one protrusion may include multiple protrusions disposed in the first body and the second body.

[0011] Each of the first body and the second body may include a first side surface and a second side surface extending in a second direction. A plurality of protrusions may include a pair of first protrusions disposed on the first side surface and the second side surface of the first body, and a pair of second protrusions disposed on the first side surface and the second side surface of the second body.

[0012] Each of the first and second bodies may include a first recessed portion on a first side surface and a second recessed portion on a second side surface, the first and second recessed portions being recessed in a direction parallel to the folding axis. A pair of first protrusions may be disposed in the first and second recessed portions of the first body. A pair of second protrusions may be disposed in the first and second recessed portions of the second body.

[0013] The depth of the first recessed portion and the depth of the second recessed portion may each be greater than the protrusion length of the first protrusion and the protrusion length of the second protrusion.

[0014] At least one protrusion may include a rough edge located at the end portion of the at least one protrusion.

[0015] The thickness of at least one protrusion may decrease toward the end portion of at least one protrusion.

[0016] At least one protrusion may include an inclined surface relative to the front or rear surface. Burrs may be provided at the ends of the inclined surface.

[0017] Multiple protrusions can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the folding axis.

[0018] At least one protrusion may include multiple protrusions disposed in the connecting portion. The connecting portion may include a pattern forming multiple openings. The multiple protrusions and patterns may be integral with each other.

[0019] The embodiment of the metal plate may include: a first body and a second body arranged in a first direction; a connecting portion disposed between the first body and the second body; and a pair of bridging members that limit the extension and retraction of the connecting portion within a range, each of the pair of bridging members including a first end connected to the first body and a second end connected to the second body.

[0020] A pair of bridging members may be spaced apart from the connecting portion and may surround the two side surfaces of the connecting portion respectively.

[0021] Each of the pair of bridging members may include: an extension portion extending in a first direction; a first connecting portion (also referred to as a first fixing portion) connecting a first end of the extension portion to a first body; and a second connecting portion (also referred to as a second fixing portion) connecting a second end of the extension portion to a second body.

[0022] Each of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion may include a plurality of connecting legs and at least one opening located between the plurality of connecting legs.

[0023] Each of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion may include a slot.

[0024] The metal plate may also include at least one alignment portion disposed between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

[0025] Each of the first body and the second body may include a first recessed portion and a second recessed portion recessed in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion may be respectively disposed in the first recessed portion and the second recessed portion.

[0026] The embodiment of the metal plate may include: a first body and a second body arranged in a first direction; a connecting portion (also called a patterned portion) disposed between the first body and the second body; and a pair of bridging members that limit the extension and contraction of the connecting portion within a range, each of the pair of bridging members including a first end connected to a first side of the connecting portion and a second end connected to a second side of the connecting portion.

[0027] The connecting portion may include a pattern forming multiple openings. A pair of bridging elements and patterns may be integral with each other.

[0028] Each of the pair of bridging members may include: an extension portion extending in a first direction; a first connecting portion (also referred to as a first fixing portion) connecting a first side of the extension portion to a first corner region of the connecting portion; and a second connecting portion (also referred to as a second fixing portion) connecting a second side of the extension portion to a second corner region of the connecting portion.

[0029] The metal plate and the display device including the metal plate according to the exemplary embodiments may have precise dimensions.

[0030] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and various other effects are included in this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The above and other aspects and features of this disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1This is a schematic perspective view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0033] Figure 2 It is in a collapsed state (also known as a collapsed configuration). Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the display device;

[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic exploded perspective view of the display device;

[0035] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken by line A-A';

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of a metal plate of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic plan view of the metal plate of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0039] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic enlarged plan view of part B;

[0040] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view of a metal plate cut by line C-C';

[0041] Figure 10 This is a schematic perspective view of a metal plate according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0042] Figure 11 Yes Figure 10 A schematic plan view of the metal plate;

[0043] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A schematic enlarged plan view of part D;

[0044] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A schematic enlarged stereoscopic view of part E;

[0045] Figure 14 This is a schematic enlarged plan view of the first fixing portion of a metal plate according to another embodiment; and

[0046] Figure 15 This is a schematic enlarged perspective view of a metal plate bridging component according to yet another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated. However, the invention may be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0048] It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, it may be directly on that other layer or substrate, or there may be an intervening layer. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly" on another element, there is no intervening element. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0049] In the specification and claims, for purposes of meaning and interpretation, the phrase "at least one of..." is intended to include the meaning of "at least one selected from the group consisting of...". For example, "at least one of A and B" can be understood to mean "A, B, or A and B".

[0050] When this document describes a component “connecting” another component to or being “connected” to another component, these components may be connected to each other as separate elements, or they may be integral to each other.

[0051] In the following, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 It is in a foldable configuration Figure 1 A schematic 3D view of the display device.

[0053] In the following text, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z intersect each other in different directions. The first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z can be the width direction, the length direction, and the thickness direction, respectively. The third direction Z can include a front direction toward the upper side of the figure and a rear direction toward the lower side of the figure. Therefore, a surface of the member facing forward can be called the front surface; and another surface of the member facing backward can be called the rear surface. However, it should be understood that directions indicate relative directions and are not limited to the above examples.

[0054] The display device 1 according to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may include various devices that display images on a screen. Examples of the display device 1 may include, but are not limited to, smartphones, mobile phones, tablet PCs, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), televisions, game consoles, wristwatch-type electronic devices, head-mounted displays, monitors for personal computers, laptop computers, car navigation systems, car dashboards, digital cameras, camcorders, external billboards, electronic billboards, various medical devices, various examination devices, various household appliances (such as refrigerators and washing machines) that include a display portion, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc.

[0055] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display device 1 may have a rectangular shape in a plan view. In one embodiment, in a plan view, the display device 1 may include two sides extending in a first direction X and two sides extending in a second direction Y intersecting the first direction X. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display device 1 may have various shapes.

[0056] The display device 1 may include a front surface and a rear surface. The display device 1 may also include at least one side surface located between the front surface and the rear surface.

[0057] Display device 1 includes at least one display surface DS. In an exemplary embodiment, the display surface DS may be the front surface of display device 1. The display surface DS may extend over the folded region FA and the non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2, which will be described below. In some embodiments, both the front surface and the rear surface of display device 1 may be the display surface DS. In some embodiments, the display surface DS may be two or more of the front surface, rear surface, and side surface of display device 1.

[0058] The display surface DS may include the display area DA and the non-display area NDA.

[0059] The display area DA displays images or videos. The display area DA can be set to a certain number of pixels.

[0060] The non-display area NDA is configured to be adjacent to (or surround) the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may surround the display portion. The non-display area NDA may not display images or video. In one embodiment, the display area DA may have a rectangular shape, and the non-display area NDA may be configured to surround the four sides of the display portion, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. A black matrix may be provided in the non-display area NDA to prevent light leakage emitted from adjacent pixels.

[0061] Display device 1 may be a foldable device. Display device 1 may be folded or unfolded. The term "foldable" may include "bent". Display device 1 may be folded such that a portion of display device 1 overlaps with or is tilted relative to another portion, or display device 1 may be unfolded to be completely flat. In an exemplary embodiment, display device 1 may be folded such that a portion of display device 1 is tilted relative to another portion at an angle greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 180 degrees, or display device 1 may be unfolded at an angle of about 180 degrees.

[0062] Display device 1 may be inwardly folded and / or outwardly folded. Inward folding means that display device 1 is folded such that a portion of its display surface DS faces another portion of the display surface DS, and outward folding means that display device 1 is folded such that a portion of its display surface DS does not face another portion of the display surface DS. In outward folding, display device 1 may be folded such that a portion of the surface opposite to the display surface DS faces another portion of the surface opposite to the display surface DS. In an exemplary embodiment, display device 1 is inwardly folded, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0063] Display device 1 can be in a folded configuration or an unfolded configuration. A folded configuration includes a configuration where display device 1 is bent. A folded configuration can be a configuration where display device 1 is bent such that one part of display device 1 is tilted relative to another part. An unfolded configuration can be a configuration where one part and another part of display device 1 are arranged side-by-side on a plane. As another example, a folded configuration can be a configuration where the angle between one part and another part of display device 1 is greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 180 degrees and / or the angle is greater than about 180 degrees and less than about 360 degrees. An unfolded configuration can be a configuration where the angle between one part and another part of display device 1 is about 180 degrees. Here, the one part and the other part can be the non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2, which will be described below, respectively.

[0064] Display device 1 can be divided into a folding region FA and non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2. The folding region FA is the region that folds or bends when display device 1 is folded. The non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2 are regions that do not fold or bend. The non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2 may include a first non-folding region NFA1 and a second non-folding region NFA2. In an exemplary embodiment, the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2 may be arranged in a second direction Y, and the folding region FA may be disposed between the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2. This embodiment defines one folding region FA and two non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2 in display device 1, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, multiple folding regions FA and multiple non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2 may be defined in display device 1.

[0065] Display device 1 can be folded or unfolded relative to a folding axis FX. The folding axis FX can be arranged to overlap with the folding region FA in the thickness direction. In an exemplary embodiment, display device 1 can be folded or unfolded relative to a folding axis FX arranged in a first direction X, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The folding axis FX may include at least one rotation axis. For example, display device 1 can be folded or unfolded relative to at least one center of curvature.

[0066] Display device 1 may include display module 10 and metal plate 200.

[0067] In some embodiments, the display device 1 may further include at least one of the following: an elastic sheet disposed on the rear surface of the metal plate 200; at least one adhesive layer disposed between the elastic sheet and the metal plate 200; a hinge member for folding or unfolding the display device 1; and a rear surface cover.

[0068] Further references will be made below. Figures 3 to 13 The display module 10 and the metal plate 200 are described in detail.

[0069] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic exploded perspective view of the display device. Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken by line A-A'. Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel.

[0070] refer to Figures 1 to 5 The display module 10 can be disposed on the front surface of the metal plate 200. The front surface of the display module 10 can constitute the front surface of the display device 1.

[0071] The display module 10 is flexible. The display module 10 can be configured to span a first non-folding region NFA1, a folding region FA, and a second non-folding region NFA2, and can be folded relative to the folding axis FX.

[0072] refer to Figure 4 The display module 10 may include a display panel 100, a front stacking structure 300 and a rear stacking structure 400.

[0073] The display module 10 may include a display panel 100, a front stacking structure 300 located on the front side of the display panel 100, and a rear stacking structure 400 located on the rear side of the display panel 100. The front side may be the side of the display panel 100 on which the display screen is displayed, and the rear side may be the side opposite to the front side.

[0074] Display panel 100 is a panel used to display a screen or image. Examples of display panel 100 may include not only self-emissive display panels, such as organic light-emitting display (OLED) panels, inorganic electroluminescent (EL) display panels, quantum dot (QED) display panels, micron-LED display panels, nano-LED display panels, plasma display panels (PDP), field emission display (FED) panels, and cathode ray tube (CRT) display panels, but also light-receiving display panels, such as liquid crystal display (LCD) panels and electrophoretic display (EPD) panels. Hereinafter, an organic light-emitting display panel will be described as an example of display panel 100, and the organic light-emitting display panel applied to the embodiments will be simply referred to as display panel 100 unless otherwise specified. However, the embodiments are not limited to organic light-emitting display panels, and other display panels described above or known in the art can be applied within the scope of the same technical concept.

[0075] The display panel 100 may also include a touch component. The touch component may be a panel or film separate from the display panel 100 and attached to the display panel 100, or it may be disposed within the display panel 100 as a touch layer. The following embodiments illustrate a case where the touch component is disposed within and included in the display panel 100, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0076] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The display panel 100 may include a substrate SUB, a circuit driving layer DRL located on the substrate SUB, a light-emitting layer EML located on the circuit driving layer DRL, an encapsulation layer ENL located on the light-emitting layer EML, and a touch layer TSL located on the encapsulation layer EML.

[0077] The substrate SUB can be a flexible substrate comprising a flexible polymer material such as polyimide. Therefore, the display panel 100 can be bent, folded, or rolled. In some embodiments, the substrate SUB may include sub-substrates that overlap in the thickness direction with a barrier layer interposed between them. In this case, each sub-substrate can be a flexible substrate.

[0078] The circuit driving layer DRL can be disposed on the substrate SUB. The circuit driving layer DRL may include circuitry for driving the light-emitting layer EML of the pixel. The circuit driving layer DRL may include thin-film transistors.

[0079] An emissive layer (EML) may be disposed on a circuit driving layer (DRL). The EML may include an organic emissive layer. The EML can emit light with various brightness levels according to the driving signal transmitted from the DRL.

[0080] The encapsulation layer ENL can 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.

[0081] The touch layer (TSL) can be disposed on the encapsulation layer (ENL). The touch layer (TSL) is a layer used to identify touch inputs and can be used as a touch component. The touch layer (TSL) may include a sensing area and sensing electrodes.

[0082] Return to reference Figure 4 The front stack structure 300 is disposed on the front side of the display panel 100. The front stack structure 300 may include a polarizing member 330, a cover window 320 and a cover window protective layer 310 that are sequentially stacked forward from the display panel 100.

[0083] The polarizing member 330 polarizes light passing through it. The polarizing member 330 can be used to reduce the reflection of external light. In one embodiment, the polarizing member 330 may be a polarizing film. The polarizing film may include a polarizing layer and a protective substrate sandwiching the polarizing layer therebetween. 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 the absorption axis, and the direction perpendicular to it may be the transmission axis. The protective substrate may be disposed on one surface and another surface of the polarizing layer, respectively. The protective substrate may be made of a cellulose resin (such as triacetyl cellulose, polyester resin, etc.), but is not limited thereto.

[0084] A cover window 320 may be disposed on the front side of the polarizing member 330. The cover window 320 is used to protect the display panel 100. The cover window 320 may be made of a transparent material. The cover window 320 may include, for example, glass or plastic.

[0085] When the cover window 320 includes glass, the glass can be ultrathin glass (UTG) or thin glass. When the glass is ultrathin or thin glass, it may have flexible properties, allowing it to be bent, folded, or rolled. The thickness of the glass may, for example, be in the range of about 10 μm to about 300 μm, particularly between about 30 μm and about 80 μm, or between about 30 μm and about 50 μm. The glass of the cover window 320 may include soda-lime glass, alkaline aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, or lithium aluminosilicate glass. The glass of the cover window 320 may include chemically strengthened or thermally strengthened glass to have high rigidity. Chemical strengthening can be achieved through an ion exchange process in an alkaline salt. The ion exchange process may be performed two or more times.

[0086] When the cover window 320 comprises plastic, it is more advantageous to exhibit flexible properties such as folding. Examples of plastics suitable for the cover window 320 include, but are not limited to, polyimide, polyacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polystyrene, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyethersulfone (PES), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate (PAR), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). The plastic cover window 320 may be formed to include one or more of the above-mentioned plastic materials.

[0087] A protective layer 310 may be provided on the front side of the cover window 320. The protective layer 310 may perform at least one of the following functions on the cover window 320: anti-scattering, shock absorption, scratch resistance, fingerprint resistance, and anti-glare. The protective layer 310 may be formed as a transparent polymer film. The transparent polymer film may include at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethersulfone (PES), polyimide (PI), polyarylate (PAR), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and cyclic olefin copolymer (COC).

[0088] The front stacking structure 300 may include front bonding members 351, 352, and 353 for bonding adjacently stacked components. For example, a first bonding member 351 may be disposed between the cover window protective layer 310 and the cover window 320 to bond them, and a second bonding member 352 may be disposed between the cover window 320 and the polarizing member 330 to bond them. A third bonding member 353 may be disposed between the polarizing member 330 and the display panel 100 to bond them. For example, front bonding members 351 to 353 may be components for attaching layers to a surface of the display panel 100. The first bonding member 351 may be a protective layer bonding member for attaching the cover window protective layer 310, the second bonding member 352 may be a window bonding member for attaching the cover window 320, and the third bonding member 353 may be a polarizing portion bonding member for attaching the polarizing member 330. All of the front bonding members 351 to 353 may be optically transparent.

[0089] The rear stack structure 400 is disposed on the rear side of the display panel 100. The rear stack structure 400 may include a polymer film layer 410 and a heat dissipation member 420 sequentially stacked rearward from the display panel 100.

[0090] The polymer film layer 410 may include a polymer film. The polymer film layer 410 may include, for example, polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polysulfone (PSF), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), cyclic olefin polymers (COP), etc. The polymer film layer 410 may include a functional layer located on at least one surface thereon. The functional layer may include, for example, a light-absorbing layer. The light-absorbing layer may include a light-absorbing material such as black pigment or dye. The light-absorbing layer may be formed by coating or printing black ink onto the polymer film.

[0091] A heat dissipation component 420 may be disposed on the rear side of the polymer film layer 410. The heat dissipation component 420 is used to dissipate heat generated from the display panel 100 or other components of the display device 1. The heat dissipation component 420 may be a heat sink including graphite, carbon nanotubes, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat dissipation component 420 may be separated by a folded region FA to achieve, for example... Figure 2 The display device 1 shown is folded. In some embodiments, the heat dissipation component 420 may be connected as a single body.

[0092] The rear stack structure 400 may include rear bonding members 451 and 452 for bonding adjacently stacked components. For example, a fourth bonding member 451 may be disposed between the display panel 100 and the polymer film layer 410 to bond them, and a fifth bonding member 452 may be disposed between the polymer film layer 410 and the heat dissipation member 420 to bond them.

[0093] In some embodiments, the rear stack structure 400 may also include a buffer member. The buffer member may be disposed, for example, between the polymer film layer 410 and the heat dissipation member 420.

[0094] Refer again Figures 1 to 5 The metal plate 200 is disposed on the rear surface of the display module 10. The metal plate 200 can be attached to the rear surface of the rear stack structure 400.

[0095] Metal plate 200 is disposed over a first non-folded region NFA1, a folded region FA, and a second non-folded region NFA2. Metal plate 200 is flexible such that it can be folded relative to a folding axis FX. Metal plate 200 may include a pattern forming openings and may be configured such that at least a portion thereof is extendable and retractable.

[0096] The metal plate 200 may have a rectangular shape that extends in the second direction Y, but the shape of the metal plate 200 is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the metal plate 200 may include a front surface and a rear surface that are parallel to a plane formed by the intersection of the first direction X and the second direction Y, and a side surface that extends in the third direction Z between the front surface and the rear surface.

[0097] The metal plate 200 may have a size substantially equal to that of the display module 10. In some embodiments, the length of the metal plate 200 in the first direction X may be equal to the length of the display module 10 in the first direction X, while the length of the metal plate 200 in the second direction Y may be greater than or less than the length of the display module 10 in the second direction Y.

[0098] The metal sheet 200 may have a thickness of, for example, from about 0.1 mm to about 0.2 mm.

[0099] The metal sheet 200 may include stainless steel. Stainless steel may include at least one of iron, chromium, carbon, nickel, silicon, manganese, and molybdenum and their alloys. In an exemplary embodiment, the metal sheet 200 may be formed of austenitic stainless steel.

[0100] In some embodiments, the display device 1 further includes at least one layer disposed between the display module 10 and the metal plate 200 or disposed on the rear surface of the metal plate 200 for purposes such as bonding, absorbing shock, dissipating heat, or sensing input from external devices.

[0101] The metal plate 200 may include a first body 210, a second body 220, and a connecting portion 230.

[0102] The first body 210 and the second body 220 are arranged in the second direction Y. The first body 210 and the second body 220 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the folding axis FX or the folding region FA. In an exemplary embodiment, the first body 210 and the second body 220 may be respectively disposed in the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2. Therefore, the first body 210 and the second body 220 may remain flat regardless of whether the display device 1 is folded or not. The first body 210 and the second body 220 may have a rectangular shape in a plan view, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, the first body 210 and the second body 220 may be portions that maintain their length or size without extending or shrinking when the display device 1 is folded.

[0103] The connecting portion 230 may be disposed between the first body 210 and the second body 220. The connecting portion 230 may be arranged in the folding region FA. The connecting portion 230 may be configured to overlap with a folding axis FX extending in the first direction X in the thickness direction. The connecting portion 230 is flexible. The connecting portion 230 may extend or contract by folding or unfolding the metal plate 200. The connecting portion 230 may have greater elasticity than the first body 210 and / or the second body 220. The connecting portion 230 may reduce tensile or compressive stress caused by bending of the metal plate 200. The connecting portion 230 may include a pattern forming an opening. The connecting portion 230 may be referred to as a patterned portion.

[0104] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 6 to 13 A more detailed description of metal plate 200.

[0105] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of a metal plate of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 This is a schematic plan view of the metal plate of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic enlarged plan view of part B. Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view of a metal plate taken along line C-C'.

[0106] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 The first body 210 and the second body 220 may respectively include front surfaces 210_F and 220_F and rear surfaces 210_R and 220_R parallel to the first direction X and the second direction Y, and side surfaces 210_S and 220_S extending in the third direction Z between the front surfaces 210_F and 220_F and the rear surfaces 210_R and 220_R.

[0107] The side surfaces 210_S and 220_S of the first body 210 and the second body 220 may respectively include first side surfaces 210_SS1 and 220_SS1 extending in the first direction X, second side surfaces 210_LS1 and 220_LS1 extending in the second direction Y, and third side surfaces 210_LS2 and 220_LS2. Figure 7 From this perspective, the first side surface 210_SS1, the second side surface 210_LS1, and the third side surface 210_LS2 of the first body 210 can be side surfaces positioned on the upper side, left side, and right side, respectively. Similarly, the first side surface 220_SS1, the second side surface 220_LS1, and the third side surface 220_LS2 of the second body 220 can be side surfaces positioned on the lower side, left side, and right side, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the lengths of the first side surfaces 210_SS1 and 220_SS1 in the first direction X can be less than the lengths of the second side surfaces 210_LS1 and 220_LS1 in the second direction Y, or the lengths of the third side surfaces 210_LS2 and 220_LS2 in the second direction Y.

[0108] The metal plate 200 may also include a protrusion P.

[0109] A protrusion P is disposed on the side surfaces of the first body 210 and the second body 220 and protrudes parallel to the folding axis FX. The protrusion P may be configured to overlap the first body 210, the second body 220, and the connecting portion 230 in the first direction X or the second direction Y. In an exemplary embodiment, the protrusion P may be integrally formed with the first body 210 and the second body 220. In some embodiments, the protrusion P may be disposed on the side surface of the connecting portion 230 extending in the second direction Y. In this case, the protrusion P may be integrally formed with the pattern of the connecting portion 230.

[0110] The protrusion P may have a trapezoidal shape in a plan view, wherein the width of the protrusion P narrows towards the end portion of the protrusion P, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the protrusion P may have a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

[0111] The protrusion P may include a first protrusion P1 and a second protrusion P2.

[0112] The first protrusion P1 and the second protrusion P2 may be symmetrically disposed on the first body 210 and the second body 220 respectively with respect to the folding region FA or the folding axis FX. The first protrusion P1 and the second protrusion P2 may be disposed closer to the folding region FA or the folding axis FX than the first side surface 210_SS1 of the first body 210 and the first side surface 220_SS1 of the second body 220. For example, the distance between the first protrusion P1 and the first side surface 210_SS1 of the first body 210 may be equal to or greater than four times the distance between the folding region FA and the first protrusion P1.

[0113] A first protrusion P1 may be disposed on each of the second side surface 210_LS1 and the third side surface 210_LS2 of the first body 210. In an exemplary embodiment, a pair of first protrusions P1 may be disposed on each of the second side surface 210_LS1 and the third side surface 210_LS2 of the first body 210. In some embodiments, one first protrusion P1 may be disposed on each of the second side surface 210_LS1 and the third side surface 210_LS2 of the first body 210. In some embodiments, three or more first protrusions P1 may be disposed on each of the second side surface 210_LS1 and the third side surface 210_LS2 of the first body 210.

[0114] The second protrusion P2 may be disposed on each of the second side surface 220_LS1 and the third side surface 220_LS2 of the second body 220. In an exemplary embodiment, a pair of second protrusions P2 may be disposed on each of the second side surface 220_LS1 and the third side surface 220_LS2 of the second body 220. In some embodiments, one second protrusion P2 may be disposed on each of the second side surface 220_LS1 and the third side surface 220_LS2 of the second body 220. In some embodiments, three or more second protrusions P2 may be disposed on each of the second side surface 220_LS1 and the third side surface 220_LS2 of the second body 220.

[0115] The first protrusion P1 and the second protrusion P2 may be respectively disposed in the first recessed portion CC1 and the second recessed portion CC2, which will be described below.

[0116] The first body 210 and the second body 220 may each include a first recessed portion CC1 and a second recessed portion CC2.

[0117] The first recessed portion CC1 and the second recessed portion CC2 may be symmetrically disposed at the first body 210 and the second body 220 with respect to the folding region FA or the folding axis FX, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, a pair of first recessed portions CC1 may be disposed in the second side surface 210_LS1 and the third side surface 210_LS2 of the first body 210, respectively. A pair of second recessed portions CC2 may be disposed in the second side surface 220_LS1 and the third side surface 220_LS2 of the second body 220, respectively. In some embodiments, one first recessed portion CC1 and one second recessed portion CC2 may be disposed at the first body 210 and the second body 220, respectively. In some embodiments, three or more first recessed portions CC1 and three or more second recessed portions CC2 may be disposed at the first body 210 and the second body 220, respectively.

[0118] The first recessed portion CC1 and the second recessed portion CC2 can be configured to be closer to the folding region FA or the folding axis FX than the first side surface 210_SS1 of the first body 210 and the first side surface 220_SS1 of the second body 220. For example, the distance between the first recessed portion CC1 and the first side surface 210_SS1 of the first body 210 can be equal to or greater than four times the distance between the folding region FA and the first recessed portion CC1.

[0119] The first recessed portion CC1 and the second recessed portion CC2 can be recessed in a direction parallel to the folding axis FX. The first recessed portion CC1 can be formed by recessing the second side surface 210_LS1 and the third side surface 210_LS2 of the first body 210 extending in the second direction Y, and the second recessed portion CC2 can be formed by recessing the second side surface 220_LS1 and the third side surface 220_LS2 of the second body 220 extending in the second direction Y. Each of the first recessed portion CC1 and the second recessed portion CC2 can be recessed in a U-shape with a predetermined recess depth L1. Therefore, the edges of the front surfaces 210_F and 220_F and the rear surfaces 210_R and 220_R of the first body 210 and the second body 220 can also have recessed portions corresponding to the first recessed portion CC1 and the second recessed portion CC2.

[0120] The second protrusion P2 and the second recess CC2 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the folding axis FX or the folding region FA, along with the first protrusion P1 and the first recess CC1. Therefore, the first protrusion P1 and the first recess CC1 will be described primarily below.

[0121] refer to Figure 8The recess depth L1 of the first recessed portion CC1 can be equal to or greater than the protrusion length L2 of the first protrusion P1. For example, the first protrusion P1 and the second protrusion P2 can be accommodated in the first recessed portion CC1 and the second recessed portion CC2, respectively, so as not to protrude outward beyond the second side surfaces 210_LS1 and 220_LS1 or the third side surfaces 210_LS2 and 220_LS2. Therefore, in the plan view, the first protrusion P1 and the second protrusion P2 can be disposed inward from the second side surfaces 210_LS1 and 220_LS1 or the third side surfaces 210_LS2 and 220_LS2. For example, the width of the first protrusion P1 in the second direction Y can be in the range of about 0.2 mm to about 0.3 mm. For another example, the distance between a pair of first protrusions P1 can be in the range of about 3 mm to about 5 mm.

[0122] refer to Figure 9 The first protrusion P1 may include a flat portion P1_1, an inclined portion P1_2, and an end portion P1_3.

[0123] The flat portion P1_1 is parallel to the front surface of the first body 210 (see...). Figure 6 The portion extending from the top surface ("210_F") may be located in the forward direction of the metal plate 200, parallel to the front surface of the first body 210 (see "210_F" in the figure). In an exemplary embodiment, the flat portion P1_1 may be positioned in the forward direction of the metal plate 200, parallel to the front surface of the first body 210 (see "210_F" in the figure). Figure 6 (Extended from "210_F" in the text).

[0124] The inclined portion P1_2 may be configured to be opposite to the flat portion P1_1. In an exemplary embodiment, the inclined portion P1_2 may be positioned on the rear side of the metal plate 200. The inclined portion P1_2 may be configured to be inclined relative to the flat portion P1_1. The inclined portion P1_2 may be inclined such that the thickness of the first protrusion P1 decreases toward the end portion P1_3. As will be described below, the inclined surface may be formed by bending and cutting the portion (not shown) of the metal plate 200 connected to the protrusion (described below by way of the first protrusion P1) during the manufacturing (or assembly) process of the display device 1. The inclined portion P1_2 may include at least one inclined surface.

[0125] The end portion P1_3 may be the outermost portion of a protrusion (e.g., a first protrusion P1). The end portion P1_3 may be disposed between one end of the flat portion P1_1 and one end of the inclined portion P1_2. In an exemplary embodiment, the end portion P1_3 may be arranged to connect one end of the flat portion P1_1 and one end of the inclined portion P1_2.

[0126] The end portion P1_3 may include an uneven portion. The uneven portion may include burrs. As will be described below, burrs may be formed by bending and cutting the portion of the metal plate 200 that is connected to the protrusion (e.g., the first protrusion P1).

[0127] Return to reference Figure 7 The metal plate 200 may also include a functional hole 250.

[0128] A functional aperture 250 may be disposed in the first body 210 and / or the second body 220. In one embodiment, the functional aperture 250 may be formed to penetrate the first body 210 in the third direction Z. In some embodiments, the functional aperture 250 may overlap with a sensing device such as a camera, an infrared sensor, a motion sensor, etc. in the thickness direction.

[0129] The metal plate 200 may also include an alignment portion 270.

[0130] Alignment portions 270 are disposed at the first body 210 and the second body 220. Each alignment portion 270 may be disposed between the folded region FA and the protrusion P. The alignment portion 270 may be disposed closer to the folded region FA or the folding axis FX than the first side surface 210_SS1 of the first body 210 and the first side surface 220_SS1 of the second body 220. In an exemplary embodiment, one alignment portion 270 may be disposed between the first protrusion P1 and the folded region FA, and another alignment portion 270 may be disposed between the second protrusion P2 and the folded region FA. In a plan view, the alignment portions 270 may protrude from the second side surface 210_LS1 and the third side surface 210_LS2 of the first body 210 and the second side surface 220_LS1 and the third side surface 220_LS2 of the second body 220. Each alignment portion 270 may include an alignment hole. When connecting the metal plate 200 to another component, the alignment portion 270 may provide a reference point for alignment.

[0131] refer to Figures 7 to 9 The metal plate 200 is made of a flexible metal film, allowing for easy deformation during the assembly process. Therefore, the metal plate 200 can be integrally formed with a separate removable structure to maintain its shape and / or size until the display module 10, fixture, etc., are attached to the first body 210, second body 220, and / or connecting portion 230 of the metal plate 200. For example, the metal plate 200 may have different shapes and / or structures before and after being fixed to the display module 10, fixture, etc., and the protrusions P described above (especially the burrs and inclined portions P1_2 of the protrusions P) can be components formed by removing the removable structure.

[0132] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 10 to 15A detailed description of the metal plate attached to the display module 10.

[0133] Figure 10 This is a schematic perspective view of a metal plate according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A schematic plan view of the metal plate. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A schematic enlarged plan view of part D. Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A schematic enlarged stereoscopic view of part E.

[0134] Except that the metal plate 200a includes a pair of bridging members BR instead of the protrusion P. Figures 10 to 13 Metal plate 200a and Figures 6 to 9 The metal plates 200 are essentially the same or similar. The following will primarily describe... Figures 10 to 13 Metal plate 200a and Figures 6 to 9 The difference between the metal plates 200.

[0135] refer to Figures 10 to 13 The metal plate 200a may include a pair of bridging members BR, a first body 210 and a second body 220 arranged in a second direction Y, and a connecting portion 230 arranged between the first body 210 and the second body 220. In one embodiment, the first body 210, the second body 220, the connecting portion 230 and the pair of bridging members BR may be integrally formed.

[0136] The first body 210 and the second body 220 may respectively include front surfaces 210_F and 220_F, rear surfaces 210_R and 220_R, and side surfaces 210_S and 220_S located between the front surfaces 210_F and 220_F and the rear surfaces 210_R and 220_R.

[0137] In the plan view, the side surfaces 210_S and 220_S of the first body 210 and the second body 220 may respectively include first side surfaces 210_SS1 and 220_SS1 extending in the first direction X, second side surfaces 210_LS1 and 220_LS1 extending in the second direction Y, and third side surfaces 210_LS2 and 220_LS2. Figure 10 From this perspective, the first side surface 210_SS1, the second side surface 210_LS1, and the third side surface 210_LS2 of the first body 210 can be side surfaces located on the upper side, left side, and right side, respectively. The first side surface 220_SS1, the second side surface 220_LS1, and the third side surface 220_LS2 of the second body 220 can be side surfaces located on the lower side, left side, and right side, respectively.

[0138] The first body 210 may include a pair of first recessed portions CC1 disposed in the second side surface 210_LS1 and the third side surface 210_LS2 of the first body 210, and the second body 220 may include a pair of second recessed portions CC2 disposed in the second side surface 220_LS1 and the third side surface 220_LS2 of the second body 220. One end and the other end of the bridging member BR, which will be described later, may be connected to the first recessed portions CC1 and the second recessed portions CC2, respectively.

[0139] The arrangement and shape of the first body 210, the second body 220, and the connecting portion 230 of the metal plate 200a can be consistent with... Figures 6 to 9 The arrangement and shape of the first body 210, the second body 220 and the connecting portion 230 of the metal plate 200 of the display device 1 are substantially the same or similar, and therefore repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0140] Each of the bridging members BR may include one end connected to the first body 210 and the other end connected to the second body 220. A pair of bridging members BR may be respectively connected to at least a portion of the side surfaces 210_S and 220_S of the metal plate 200a extending in the second direction Y. Figure 10 One end of the bridging member BR on the bottom side can be connected to the second side surface 210_LS1 of the first body 210, and its other end can be connected to the second side surface 220_LS1 of the second body 220. Similarly, in Figure 10 One end of the bridging member BR on the top side can be connected to the third side surface 210_LS2 of the first body 210, and the other end can be connected to the third side surface 220_LS2 of the second body 220. A pair of bridging members BR can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the connecting portion 230. A pair of bridging members BR can protect the connecting portion 230. In one embodiment, each of the bridging members BR may have a U-shaped form, wherein a recessed portion is provided between the end of the bridging member BR connected to the first body 210 and the other end of the bridging member BR connected to the second body 220, spaced apart from the connecting portion 230. Therefore, a first opening BR_OP1 extending in the second direction Y may be formed between the bridging member BR and the first body 210, the second body 220 and / or the connecting portion 230. The length of the first opening BR_OP1 in the second direction Y may be greater than the length of the connecting portion 230 in the second direction Y. For example, the length of the connecting portion 230 in the second direction Y may be in the range of about 10 mm to about 20 mm.

[0141] The first body 210, the second body 220, the connecting portion 230, and the pair of bridging members BR can be disposed on the same plane (or the same layer). For example, the pair of bridging members BR can be disposed to overlap at least a portion of the first body 210, the second body 220, and the connecting portion 230 in a first direction X or a second direction Y. Figure 10 In this configuration, a pair of bridging members BR may be configured to protrude from the edges of the first body 210, the second body 220, and / or the connecting portion 230 in a plan view. For example, a pair of bridging members BR may be configured to protrude from the edges of the first body 210, the second body 220, and / or the connecting portion 230 in a plan view at a distance of approximately 5 mm to approximately 6 mm.

[0142] A pair of bridging members BR can limit the extension and retraction of the connecting portion 230. The pair of bridging members BR can maintain the distance between the first body 210 and the second body 220 in the second direction Y, or the length of the connecting portion 230 in the second direction Y, within a predetermined range. Therefore, the pair of bridging members BR can prevent deformation of the metal plate 200a and maintain the overall size of the metal plate 200a constant, allowing the metal plate 200a to have precise dimensions.

[0143] A pair of bridging members BR can be formed as removable, and can be formed Figures 6 to 9 The metal plate 200 has a flat portion P1_1, an inclined portion P1_2, and an end portion P1_3. For example, Figures 6 to 9 The metal plate 200 can be Figures 10 to 13 The metal plate 200a of the pair of bridging members BR has been removed from it.

[0144] Since a pair of bridging elements BR can be symmetrically arranged on both sides of the metal plate 200a, the following will mainly describe the arrangement of... Figure 11 The bridging component BR on the left side.

[0145] Each bridging component BR may include an extension portion BR_E, a first fixed portion BR_C1, and a second fixed portion BR_C2.

[0146] The extension portion BR_E connects the first fixed portion BR_C1 to the second fixed portion BR_C2, which will be described later. The extension portion BR_E may have a rectangular shape extending in the second direction Y, but its shape is not limited to this. In one embodiment, the length of the extension portion BR_E in the second direction Y may be in the range of approximately 20 mm to approximately 30 mm. The extension portion BR_E may be configured to be spaced apart from the connecting portion 230 in the first direction X. For example, the extension portion BR_E may be spaced apart from the connecting portion 230 in the first direction X by approximately 1 mm to approximately 2 mm.

[0147] The first fixing portion BR_C1 connects one side of the extension portion BR_E to the first body 210. The first fixing portion BR_C1 can be connected to the second side surface 210_LS1 of the first body 210. In one embodiment, the first fixing portion BR_C1 can be connected to the first recessed portion CC1.

[0148] The second fixing portion BR_C2 connects the other side of the extension portion BR_E to the second body 220. The second fixing portion BR_C2 can be connected to the second side surface 220_LS1 of the second body 220. In one embodiment, the second fixing portion BR_C2 can be connected to the second recessed portion CC2.

[0149] The distance between the first fixed part BR_C1 and the second fixed part BR_C2 in the second direction Y can be greater than the length of the connecting part 230 in the second direction Y.

[0150] The first fixing portion BR_C1 and the second fixing portion BR_C2 may include connecting legs CL. In one embodiment, the first fixing portion BR_C1 may include a pair of connecting legs CL, between which a second opening BR_OP2 extending in the second direction Y is formed. The second fixing portion BR_C2 may include a pair of connecting legs CL, between which a third opening BR_OP3 extending in the second direction Y is formed. The widths of the second opening BR_OP2 and the third opening BR_OP3 in the second direction Y may be greater than the width of the connecting legs CL in the second direction Y. For example, the widths of the second opening BR_OP2 and the third opening BR_OP3 in the second direction Y may be at least ten (10) times greater than the width of the connecting legs CL in the second direction Y. As another example, the widths of the second opening BR_OP2 and the third opening BR_OP3 in the second direction Y may be in the range of about 2 mm to about 6 mm, and the width of the connecting legs CL in the second direction Y may be in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 0.4 mm. The widths of the second opening BR_OP2 and the third opening BR_OP3 in the first direction X may be similar to the width of the connecting legs CL in the second direction Y. For example, the widths of the second opening BR_OP2 and the third opening BR_OP3 in the first direction X can be in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 0.4 mm.

[0151] Each of the first fixed portion BR_C1 and the second fixed portion BR_C2 may include a groove BR_CT.

[0152] The groove BR_CT can be formed in the rear surface of the first fixed portion BR_C1 and the second fixed portion BR_C2 in the second direction Y. For example... Figure 13As shown, the groove BR_CT may have a shape that is recessed forward from the rear surface of the connecting leg CL. The groove BR_CT may be formed in the middle portion of the connecting leg CL to connect to a second opening BR_OP2 or a third opening BR_OP3 formed by a pair of connecting legs CL (in Figure 13 In the second opening BR_OP2, the groove BR_CT may include two inclined surfaces arranged such that the gap between the inclined surfaces narrows as it approaches the front surface of the connecting leg CL. In some embodiments, the inclined surfaces may include curved surfaces.

[0153] A pair of bridging members BR can be bent at the notch BR_CT to easily detach from the first body 210 and the second body 220. The pair of bridging members BR can be almost completely removed at the notch BR_CT, and the remainder of the connecting leg CL of the bridging members BR can become... Figures 6 to 9 The protrusion P of the metal plate 200 shown. At least a portion of the inclined surface forming the groove BR_CT can be Figures 6 to 9 The sloping portion P1_2 of the protrusion P.

[0154] because Figures 10 to 13 The alignment hole of the alignment portion 270 of the metal plate 200a shown is... Figures 6 to 9 The alignment holes of the alignment portion 270 of the metal plate 200 shown are substantially the same or similar, and repeated descriptions will be omitted below.

[0155] Figure 14 This is a schematic enlarged plan view of the first fixing portion of a metal plate according to another embodiment.

[0156] Figure 14 Metal plate 200b and Figure 10 The difference of the metal plate 200a is at least that the metal plate 200b includes multiple connecting legs CL.

[0157] Since the second fixed part BR_C2 is symmetrical with respect to the connecting part 230 and the first fixed part BR_C1, the first fixed part BR_C1 will be mainly described below.

[0158] refer to Figure 14 The first fixed portion BR_C1 may include three or more connecting legs CL and a second opening BR_OP2b. In one embodiment, the first fixed portion BR_C1 may include eleven connecting legs CL and ten second openings BR_OP2b located between them. In this case, the second openings BR_OP2b may be configured such that the width of the second opening BR_OP2b in the first direction X is greater than the width of the second opening BR_OP2b in the second direction Y.

[0159] According to Figure 14 In the embodiment of the metal plate 200b, when the flexibility of the metal plate 200b is relatively high, the deformation of the metal plate 200b can be minimized by using a relatively large number of connecting legs CL until another component is attached to the metal plate 200b or the metal plate 200b is mounted on a clamp for fixing.

[0160] In addition to the metal plate 200b including multiple connecting legs CL, Figure 14 Metal plate 200b and Figure 10 The metal plate 200a is substantially the same or similar, so repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0161] Figure 15 This is a schematic enlarged perspective view of a metal plate bridging component according to yet another embodiment.

[0162] Figure 15 Metal plate 200c and Figure 10 The difference of the metal plate 200a is at least that the bridging element BRa is provided at the connection part 230.

[0163] refer to Figure 15 A bridging member BRa may be disposed at the connecting portion 230. The bridging member BRa may be integrally connected to a portion of the connecting portion 230. One end and the other end of the bridging member BRa may be integrally connected to the pattern forming the opening in the connecting portion 230. A first fixing portion BR_C1a of the bridging member BRa may be integrally connected to a pattern area adjacent to the first body 210, and a second fixing portion BR_C2a of the bridging member BRa may be integrally connected to another pattern area adjacent to the second body 220. A first opening BR_OP1 may be formed between the connecting portion 230 and the extension portion BR_E of the bridging member BRa. The first fixing portion BR_C1a and the second fixing portion BR_C2a of the bridging member BRa may be disposed between the alignment portion 270.

[0164] One patterned area and another patterned area of ​​the connecting portion 230 may be the outermost areas of the connecting portion 230. The one patterned area and the other patterned area may be corner areas of the connecting portion 230.

[0165] The groove BR_CT can be formed in the second direction Y at the boundary between the first fixed portion BR_C1a and the connecting portion 230 and at the boundary between the second fixed portion BR_C2a and the connecting portion 230.

[0166] In the metal plate 200c, the bridging member BRa can be integrally connected to the pattern of the connecting portion 230 to limit the extension and contraction of the connecting portion 230 in the second direction Y, so that the metal plate 200c can maintain precise dimensions until another component is attached to the metal plate 200c, or until the metal plate 200c is mounted on a clamp for fixing.

[0167] Since, apart from the bridging component BRa being located at the connection portion 230, Figure 15 Metal plate 200c and Figure 10 The metal plate 200a is substantially the same or similar, so repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0168] In concluding this detailed description, those skilled in the art will understand that many variations and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments without substantially departing from the principles of the invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments of the invention are described in a general and descriptive sense only and are not intended to be limiting.

Claims

1. A display device, including: The display panel includes: Front surface, displaying images; and The rear surface, wherein the display panel is foldable relative to a folding axis extending in a first direction; and A metal plate is disposed on the rear surface of the display panel; The metal plate includes: The first main body and the second main body are arranged in a second direction that intersects with the first direction; A patterned portion is disposed between the first body and the second body to overlap with the folding axis in the thickness direction of the display device; and At least one protrusion protrudes parallel to the folding axis from the edge of at least one of the first body, the second body, and the patterned portion, and The at least one protrusion includes a rough edge located at the end portion of the at least one protrusion.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions disposed in the first body and the second body, and Each of the first body and the second body includes a first side surface and a second side surface extending in the second direction, and The plurality of protrusions includes: A pair of first protrusions are disposed on the first side surface and the second side surface of the first body; and A pair of second protrusions are disposed on the first side surface and the second side surface of the second body.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the first body and the second body includes a first recessed portion located on the first side surface and a second recessed portion located on the second side surface, the first recessed portion and the second recessed portion being recessed in a direction parallel to the folding axis. The pair of first protrusions are disposed in the first recessed portion and the second recessed portion of the first body, and The pair of second protrusions are disposed in the first recessed portion and the second recessed portion of the second body.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one protrusion includes an inclined surface relative to the front surface or the rear surface, and the burr is located at the end of the inclined surface. The thickness of the at least one protrusion decreases toward the end portion of the at least one protrusion.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions disposed in the patterned portion, the plurality of protrusions being arranged symmetrically with respect to the folding axis, the patterned portion including a pattern forming a plurality of openings, and the plurality of protrusions and the pattern being integral with each other.

6. Metal sheet, including: The first and second main bodies are arranged in the first direction; The patterned portion is disposed between the first main body and the second main body; as well as A pair of bridging members that restrict the extension and contraction of the patterned portion within a certain range, each of the pair of bridging members comprising: The first end is connected to the first body; as well as The second end is connected to the second body.

7. The metal plate according to claim 6, wherein, The pair of bridging members are spaced apart from the patterned portion and respectively surround the side surface of the patterned portion, and Each of the pair of bridging members includes: The extension portion extends in the first direction; A first fixing portion connects the first end of the extension portion to the first body; and The second fixing part connects the second end of the extension part to the second body.

8. The metal plate according to claim 7, wherein, Each of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion includes: Multiple connecting legs; and At least one opening is located between the plurality of connecting legs, and Each of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion includes a groove, and Each of the first body and the second body includes a first recessed portion and a second recessed portion recessed in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion are respectively disposed in the first recessed portion and the second recessed portion.

9. The metal plate according to claim 7, further comprising at least one alignment portion disposed between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion.

10. Metal sheet, including: The first and second main bodies are arranged in the first direction; The patterned portion is disposed between the first main body and the second main body; as well as A pair of bridging members that restrict the extension and contraction of the patterned portion within a certain range, each of the pair of bridging members comprising: The first end is connected to the first side of the patterned portion; as well as The second end is connected to the second side of the patterned portion.

Images