Display device

Abstract

Disclosed in this text is a display device. The display device includes: a display panel; a digital converter disposed under the display panel; and an intermediate coupling layer disposed between the display panel and the digital converter, wherein the digital converter includes: a flexible substrate layer disposed under the display panel; a first circuit pattern disposed on the upper surface of the substrate layer facing the display panel and extending in a first direction; a second circuit pattern disposed on the lower surface of the substrate layer and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a first insulating layer disposed on the upper surface of the substrate layer to cover the first circuit pattern and including a light-absorbing material.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Electronic devices such as smart phones, digital cameras, laptop computers, navigation devices, and smart TVs that provide images to users include a display device for displaying an image.

[0003] As electronic devices change into various forms, display devices also change accordingly. Recently developed electronic devices require flexible display devices such as bendable display devices, foldable display devices, and rollable display devices.

[0004] In addition, recent electronic devices support touch input features using an electronic pen (e.g., a stylus) as well as a part of a user's body. Compared with touch input using a part of a user's body, such an electronic pen allows more precise touch input. Summary of the Invention

[0005] [Technical Problem]

[0006] Touch input using a stylus can utilize electromagnetic resonance. Specifically, a digital converter included in an electronic device senses an electromagnetic force emitted from the stylus to detect touch input. At least one conductive circuit capable of sensing an external electromagnetic force may be patterned in the digital converter.

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a display device including a digital converter having improved flexibility.

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure also provide a display device including a digital converter having improved flexibility, wherein a pattern of the digital converter is less noticeable.

[0009] These and other aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the present disclosure will become immediately apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description and claims.

[0010] [Technical Solution]

[0011] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a display device including: a display panel; a digital converter disposed under the display panel; and an intermediate coupling layer disposed between the display panel and the digital converter. The digital converter includes: a substrate layer disposed under the display panel and having flexibility; a first circuit pattern disposed on an upper surface of the substrate layer facing the display panel and extending in a first direction; a second circuit pattern disposed on a lower surface of the substrate layer and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction; and a first insulating layer disposed on the upper surface of the substrate layer to cover the first circuit pattern and including a light-absorbing material.

[0012] In some embodiments, the intermediate coupling layer may be in direct contact with the display panel and the first insulating layer.

[0013] In some embodiments, the intermediate coupling layer may include an adhesive resin layer and voids dispersed in the adhesive resin layer.

[0014] In some embodiments, the intermediate coupling layer may be implemented as a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and the shear modulus of the intermediate coupling layer may range from 80 KPa to 150 KPa at -20 °C.

[0015] In some embodiments, the digital converter may further include: a second insulating layer disposed on the lower surface of the base layer to cover the second circuit pattern and including an organic material.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second insulating layer may be a light absorption layer.

[0017] In some embodiments, the display device may further include: a light absorption member disposed between the display panel and the intermediate coupling layer, and the intermediate coupling layer may be in direct contact with the light absorption member and the first insulating layer.

[0018] In some embodiments, the display device may further include: a touch sensor disposed on the display panel. The display panel may include: a base substrate, a self-luminous element disposed on the base substrate, and a packaging layer disposed on the self-luminous element, and, wherein, the touch sensor includes a touch element layer and a protective layer, the touch element layer is disposed on the packaging layer, and the protective layer is disposed on the touch element layer and contains an organic material.

[0019] In some embodiments, the display device may further include: a buffer member disposed under the digital converter and coupled to the digital converter.

[0020] In some embodiments, the display device may further include: a lower coupling layer disposed between the digital converter and the buffer member, wherein, the digital converter further includes: a second insulating layer disposed on the lower surface of the base layer to cover the second circuit pattern and containing an organic material, and the lower coupling layer may be in direct contact with the buffer member and the second insulating layer.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a display device is provided, including: a display panel; a digital converter disposed under the display panel; and an intermediate coupling layer disposed between the display panel and the digital converter. The digital converter includes: a substrate layer disposed under the display panel and having flexibility; a first circuit pattern disposed on an upper surface of the substrate layer facing the display panel and extending in a first direction; a first insulating layer disposed on the first circuit pattern to cover the first circuit pattern; a second circuit pattern disposed on the first insulating layer and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a second insulating layer disposed on the second circuit pattern, and wherein the second insulating layer includes a light-absorbing material.

[0022] In some other embodiments, the intermediate coupling layer may be in direct contact with the display panel and the second insulating layer.

[0023] In some other embodiments, the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer may include organic materials.

[0024] In some other embodiments, the first insulating layer may be a light-absorbing layer.

[0025] In some other embodiments, the display device may further include: a light-absorbing member disposed between the display panel and the intermediate coupling layer, and the intermediate coupling layer may be in direct contact with the light-absorbing member and the second insulating layer.

[0026] In some other embodiments, the display device may further include: a buffer member disposed under the digital converter and coupled to the digital converter; and a lower coupling layer disposed between the buffer member and the digital converter, wherein the lower coupling layer is in direct contact with the substrate layer and the buffer member.

[0027] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a display device is provided, including: a window; a functional layer disposed under the window and coupled to the window; a display panel structure disposed under the functional layer and coupled to the functional layer; a digital converter disposed under the display panel structure; and a buffer member disposed under the digital converter and coupled to the digital converter. The digital converter includes a plurality of circuit patterns disposed under the display panel structure and an insulating layer disposed between the plurality of circuit patterns and the display panel structure and having flexibility, and the insulating layer includes a light-absorbing material.

[0028] In some other embodiments, the display panel structure includes: a display panel including self-luminous elements and having flexibility; and a touch sensor disposed on the display panel and having flexibility.

[0029] In some other embodiments, the display device may further include: an intermediate coupling layer disposed between the display panel structure and the digital converter, and the shear modulus of the intermediate coupling layer may range from 80 KPa to 150 KPa at -20°C.

[0030] In some other embodiments, the display device may further include: a light absorption member disposed between the display panel structure and the digital converter, and the light absorption member may be coupled to the display panel structure, and the digital converter may be coupled to the light absorption member.

[0031] Details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description.

[0032] [Beneficial effects]

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device including a digital converter may have improved flexibility.

[0034] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device including a digital converter may have improved flexibility, wherein the pattern of the digital converter is less obvious.

[0035] It should be noted that the effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and through the following description, other effects of the present disclosure will be obvious to those skilled in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 is a showing Figure 1 exploded perspective view of the display device shown in.

[0038] Figure 3 is a showing along Figure 1 and Figure 2 sectional view of the display device taken along the line X1-X1'.

[0039] Figure 4 is a showing Figure 3 magnified view of part Q of.

[0040] Figure 5 is a showing Figure 3 modified sectional view of the example shown in.

[0041] Figure 6 is a showing Figure 3 another modified sectional view of the example shown in.

[0042] Figure 7 is a showing Figure 6Modified cross-sectional view of the example shown in

[0043] Figure 8 shows Figure 3 Another modified cross-sectional view of the example shown in

[0044] Figure 9 shows Figure 8 Modified cross-sectional view of the example shown in

[0045] Figure 10 shows Figure 8 Another modified cross-sectional view of the example shown in

[0046] Figure 11 shows Figure 10 Modified cross-sectional view of the example shown in

[0047] Figure 12 Perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a normal state.

[0048] Figure 13 Perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in an outwardly folded state.

[0049] Figure 14 shows along Figure 13 Cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line X3-X3'.

[0050] Figure 15 Perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when a part of the display device slides in an outwardly folded state.

[0051] Figure 16 Perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in an inwardly folded state.

[0052] Figure 17 shows along Figure 16 Cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line X5-X5'.

[0053] Figure 18 Perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when a part of the display device slides in an inwardly folded state. Detailed Description

[0054] By describing embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings hereinafter, the advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for realizing the advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent. However, the present invention can be modified in many different ways and should not be considered limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

[0055] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may also be present. In contrast, when an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers.

[0056] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” etc. are used to arbitrarily distinguish the elements described by such terms, and thus these terms do not necessarily aim to indicate the temporal or other precedence of such elements. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, as used herein, a first element may be a second element within the scope of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0057] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms are also intended to include the plural forms. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0058] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to plan and perspective views of schematic diagrams of idealized embodiments that are the subject matter of the present invention. As such, variations in the illustrated shapes due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to specific features but may include variations depending on the manufacturing process. Thus, the regions shown in the drawings have a schematic nature, and the shapes of the regions shown in the drawings are for illustrative purposes of specific shapes and are not used to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0059] In this document, like or similar elements are denoted by like reference numerals.

[0060] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0061] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Figure 1 An example of an application of a portable terminal using the display device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The portable terminal may include a tablet PC, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a game device, and a wristwatch-type electronic device, etc. However, it should be understood that the type of the display device 1 is not limited to the types listed above. For example, according to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the display device 1 may be used in large electronic devices such as televisions and electronic billboards, and medium and small electronic devices such as personal computers, laptop computers, vehicle navigation devices, and cameras.

[0063] ReferenceFigure 1 When viewed from the top, the display device 1 may have a rectangular shape. The display device 1 may include two longer sides extending in a first direction x and two shorter sides extending in a second direction y intersecting the first direction x. Although the corners where the longer sides and shorter sides of the display device 1 intersect may form right angles, this is merely illustrative. The display device 1 may have rounded corners. In addition, the shape of the display device 1 when viewed from the top is not limited to the shape shown in the drawings. The display device 1 may have a circular shape or other shapes.

[0064] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the terms "on", "upper side", "above", "top", and "upper surface" refer to the side indicated by the arrow in a third direction z that intersects the first direction x and the second direction y as shown in the drawings. The terms "under", "lower side", "below", "bottom", and "lower surface" refer to the side opposite to the side indicated by the arrow in the third direction z as shown in the drawings.

[0065] The display device 1 includes a display area DA and a non-display area NDA adjacent to the display area DA. An image is displayed in the display area DA. No image is displayed in the non-display area NDA. In the display area DA, the image is displayed on the upper side or the side indicated by the arrow in the third direction z. In some embodiments, the non-display area NDA may be located around the display area DA and may surround the display area DA.

[0066] In some embodiments, the display device 1 may be flexible. For example, the display device 1 may be bent, curled, or folded.

[0067] Figure 2 is a exploded perspective view showing Figure 1 the display device shown in Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the display device taken along the line X1-X1' of Figure 1 and Figure 2 the display device. Figure 4 is a magnified view showing Figure 3 part Q of

[0068] Refer to Figures 2 to 4, the display device 1 includes a display panel structure DP and a digital converter 700 disposed below the display panel structure DP. In addition, the display device 1 may further include an intermediate coupling layer 61 disposed between the digital converter 700 and the display panel structure DP. In addition, the display device 1 may further include a window 100 disposed above the display panel structure DP, a functional layer 200 disposed between the window 100 and the display panel structure DP, a first coupling layer 51 disposed between the functional layer 200 and the window 100, and a second coupling layer 52 disposed between the functional layer 200 and the display panel structure DP.

[0069] The window 100 may be disposed on the upper side of the display panel structure DP to protect the display panel structure DP. The window 100 may be disposed to overlap the display panel structure DP and cover the entire surface of the display panel structure DP. In some embodiments, the window 100 may be larger than the display panel structure DP. For example, the window 100 may protrude outward from the shorter side of the display panel structure DP. The window 100 may also protrude outward from the longer side of the display panel structure DP. The window 100 may protrude more at the shorter side than at the longer side.

[0070] The window 100 may be made of glass, plastic, etc. In some embodiments, the window 100 may be flexible. When the window 100 is made of a glass material, the window 100 may be implemented as an ultra-thin glass to have flexibility. The window 100 made of ultra-thin glass may have a thickness of 500 μm or less, and in some embodiments may have a thickness of 25 μm to 125 μm. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The window 100 may include polymers such as polyimide resin, acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyisoprene resin, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, cellulose resin, and perylene resin.

[0071] The functional layer 200 may be disposed between the window 100 and the display panel structure DP.

[0072] In some embodiments, when the window 100 is made of a glass material, the functional layer 200 may be a shatterproof film. Since the functional layer 200 as a shatterproof film is bonded under the window 100, even if the window 100 is damaged, the fragments of the window 100 can be prevented from scattering.

[0073] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The functional layer 200 may also have a function of reducing the reflectance of external light incident from the upper side of the window 100, that is, the functional layer 200 may be an antireflection layer. For example, the functional layer 200 may include a retarder and a polarizer. The retarder may be implemented as a film or a substrate coated with liquid crystal, and may include a λ / 2 retarder and / or a λ / 4 retarder. The polarizer may also be implemented as a film or a substrate coated with liquid crystal. The thin film type retarder may include a stretchable synthetic resin film, and the retarder coated with liquid crystal may include liquid crystal arranged in a predetermined pattern.

[0074] Alternatively, the functional layer 200 may include a destructive interference structure. For example, the destructive interference structure may include a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer provided on different layers. The first reflected light and the second reflected light respectively reflected by the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer may destructively interfere with each other, and thereby the reflectance of external light may be reduced.

[0075] In some embodiments, the window 100 and the functional layer 200 may be coupled by a first coupling layer 51, and the functional layer 200 and the display panel structure DP may be coupled by a second coupling layer 52. In some embodiments, the first coupling layer 51 and the second coupling layer 52 may be optically transparent. For example, the first coupling layer 51 and the second coupling layer 52 may be an optically clear adhesive (OCA) or an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0076] As Figure 4 shown, the display panel structure DP may include a display panel 500, and may also include a touch sensor 300.

[0077] In some embodiments, the display panel 500 may include a self-luminous element. In an embodiment, the self-luminous element may include at least one of an organic light emitting diode, a quantum dot light emitting diode, an inorganic-based micro light emitting element (e.g., a micro light emitting diode), and an inorganic-based nano light emitting element (e.g., a nano light emitting diode). In the following description, for the sake of convenience of explanation, an example in which the self-luminous element is an organic light emitting diode will be described.

[0078] The display panel 500 may include a substrate base 510, a first electrode 520, a pixel defining layer 530, an emission layer 540, a second electrode 550, and a packaging layer 570.

[0079] The substrate base 510 may be disposed on the intermediate coupling layer 61. The substrate base 510 may be an insulating substrate. The substrate base 510 may be flexible and may include a flexible polymer material. The polymer material may be polyimide (PI), polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PA), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallylate, polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (CAT), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), or a combination thereof.

[0080] The first electrode 520 may be disposed on the substrate base 510. In some embodiments, the first electrode 520 may be an anode electrode.

[0081] Although not shown in the drawings, a plurality of elements may be further disposed between the substrate base 510 and the first electrode 520. For example, the elements may include a buffer layer, a plurality of conductive wirings, an insulating layer, a plurality of thin film transistors, and the like.

[0082] The pixel defining layer 530 may be disposed on the first electrode 520. The pixel defining layer 530 includes openings each exposing at least a portion of the corresponding first electrode 520.

[0083] The emission layer 540 may be disposed on the first electrode 520.

[0084] In some embodiments, the emission layer 540 may emit one of red light, green light, and blue light. The wavelength of the red light may be in the range from approximately 620 nm to 750 nm, and the wavelength of the green light may be in the range from approximately 495 nm to 570 nm. In addition, the wavelength of the blue light may be in the range from approximately 450 nm to 495 nm. The emission layer 540 may be composed of a single layer. Alternatively, the emission layer 540 may have a structure in which a plurality of organic emission layers are stacked on each other, such as a tandem structure.

[0085] Alternatively, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the emission layer 540 may emit white light. When the emission layer 540 emits white light, the emission layer 540 may have a stacked structure of a red organic emission layer, a green organic emission layer, and a blue organic emission layer.

[0086] The second electrode 550 may be disposed on the emission layer 540 and the pixel defining layer 530. For example, the second electrode 550 may be completely disposed on the emission layer 540 and the pixel defining layer 530. In some embodiments, the second electrode 550 may be a cathode electrode.

[0087] The first electrode 520, the second electrode 550, and the emission layer 540 may form a self-emitting element EL.

[0088] The encapsulation layer 570 may be disposed on the self-luminous element EL. The encapsulation layer 570 may seal the self-luminous element EL and may prevent moisture and the like from penetrating into the self-luminous element EL from the outside.

[0089] In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer 570 may be implemented as a thin film encapsulation layer and may include one or more organic layers and one or more inorganic layers. For example, the encapsulation layer 570 may include a first inorganic layer 571 disposed on the second electrode 550, an organic layer 572 disposed on the first inorganic layer 571, and a second inorganic layer 573 disposed on the organic layer 572.

[0090] The first inorganic layer 571 may prevent moisture and oxygen and the like from penetrating into the self-luminous element EL. The first inorganic layer 571 may be made of silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, zirconium nitride, titanium nitride, hafnium nitride, tantalum nitride, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, silicon oxynitride (SiON), etc.

[0091] The organic layer 572 may be disposed on the first inorganic layer 571. The organic layer 572 may improve flatness. The organic layer 572 may be formed of a liquid organic material and may be formed of an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, polyisoprene, a vinyl resin, an epoxy resin, a polyurethane resin, a cellulose resin, a perylene resin, etc. Such an organic material may be provided on the substrate base 510 by deposition, printing, and coating, and a curing process may be performed.

[0092] The second inorganic layer 573 may be disposed on the organic layer 572. The second inorganic layer 573 may perform substantially the same or similar functions as the first inorganic layer 571 and may be made of substantially the same or similar materials as the first inorganic layer 571. The second inorganic layer 573 may completely cover the organic layer 572. In some embodiments, the second inorganic layer 573 and the first inorganic layer 571 may be in contact with each other in the non-display area NDA (refer to Figure 1 ) to form an inorganic-inorganic junction.

[0093] However, the structure of the encapsulation layer 570 is not limited thereto, but may vary according to the implementation. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the encapsulation layer 570 may be formed of a glass substrate or the like.

[0094] The touch sensor 300 may be disposed on the encapsulation layer 570. In some embodiments, the touch sensor 300 may be directly disposed on the encapsulation layer 570. That is, the encapsulation layer 570 may serve as a substrate for the touch sensor 300.

[0095] The touch sensor 300 may include a touch element layer 310 and a protective layer 330. The touch element layer 310 may include touch electrodes and touch signal lines connected to the touch electrodes, etc. In some embodiments, the touch electrodes may include a metal and may have a mesh shape. That is, the touch electrodes may be formed as a metal mesh pattern, and thereby the flexibility of the touch element layer 310 may be improved.

[0096] The protective layer 330 may be disposed on the touch element layer 310 and may protect the touch element layer 310. In some embodiments, the protective layer 330 may include an organic material and may be made of, for example, an acrylic polymer. When the protective layer 330 is made of an organic material, the flexibility of the touch sensor 300 may be improved.

[0097] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the digital converter 700 may be disposed under the display panel structure DP. In some embodiments, the digital converter 700 may sense the proximity or contact of an electronic pen, such as a touch pen supporting electromagnetic resonance (EMR). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the digital converter 700 may include a conductive circuit pattern capable of sensing an external electromagnetic force. For example, the digital converter 700 may sense the electromagnetic force emitted from the touch pen based on the conductive circuit pattern and may determine the point where the sensed electromagnetic force is maximum as the touch coordinate. In addition, since the digital converter 700 may distinguish the proximity or contact of the touch pen from a part of the user's body, the digital converter 700 may support the palm rejection ability to ignore the proximity or contact of a part of the body.

[0098] In some embodiments, the digital converter 700 may include a substrate layer 710, a first circuit pattern 730, and a second circuit pattern 750, and may further include a first insulating layer 770 and a second insulating layer 790.

[0099] The substrate layer 710 may be flexible and may include an insulating material. For example, the substrate layer 710 may include an insulating material such as polyimide.

[0100] The circuit patterns may be located on both sides of the substrate layer 710. For example, the first circuit pattern 730 extending in the first direction x may be disposed on one surface (or the upper surface) of the substrate layer 710 facing the display panel structure DP or the display panel 500 (reference Figure 4 ). The second circuit pattern 750 extending in the second direction y may be disposed on the surface (or the lower surface) of the substrate layer 710 opposite to the one surface of the substrate layer 710.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first circuit pattern 730 may include lines regularly spaced apart from each other in the second direction y, and the second circuit pattern 750 may include lines regularly spaced apart from each other in the first direction x. When viewed from the top, the first circuit pattern 730 and the second circuit pattern 750 may form a lattice structure.

[0102] Although not shown in the drawings, at least two of the lines positioned at both ends of the first circuit pattern 730 may be electrically connected to each other to form a loop. Similarly, at least two of the lines positioned at both ends of the second circuit pattern 750 may be electrically connected to each other to form a loop.

[0103] In some embodiments, the first circuit pattern 730 and the second circuit pattern 750 may include a metal material such as copper, silver, nickel, and tungsten.

[0104] Although each of the first circuit pattern 730 and the second circuit pattern 750 is shown in a stripe shape in the drawings, this is merely illustrative. The shape of each of the first circuit pattern 730 and the second circuit pattern 750 may be modified to a shape in which rhombuses are repeatedly arranged or a honeycomb shape in which hexagons are repeatedly arranged.

[0105] A first insulating layer 770 covering the first circuit pattern 730 may be provided on one surface of the substrate layer 710 facing the display panel structure DP or the display panel 500 (refer to Figure 4 ). The first insulating layer 770 may provide a flat surface on the first circuit pattern 730 and may protect the first circuit pattern 730. In addition, when the digital converter 700 is bent or folded, the first insulating layer 770 may reduce the stress applied to the first circuit pattern 730 by adjusting the position of the neutral plane.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first insulating layer 770 may include an organic material. For example, the first insulating layer 770 may be made of, but not limited to, an acrylic resin, a polyimide resin, etc. Since the first insulating layer 770 includes an organic material, the first insulating layer 770 may be flexible, and thus the flexibility of the digital converter 700 may be improved.

[0107] In some embodiments, the first insulating layer 770 may be a light absorption layer and may include a light absorption material such as a black dye and a black pigment. That is, the first insulating layer 770 may block the transmission of light. Since the first circuit pattern 730 and the second circuit pattern 750 are made of a material such as metal and have a high reflectivity, they may effectively reflect the light incident from the upper side. If the reflected light exits from the display device 1 through the display area, the user may recognize the shapes of the first circuit pattern 730 and the second circuit pattern 750. As a result, the image quality of the display device 1 may be reduced.

[0108] The first insulating layer 770 blocks such reflected light from being emitted toward the screen. The first insulating layer 770 first blocks light from being transmitted to the lower side, and second blocks the reflected light from being transmitted to the upper side.

[0109] The first insulating layer 770 may have a sufficient thickness to prevent the first circuit pattern 730 and the second circuit pattern 750 from being noticed and to provide a flat surface on the substrate layer 710. If the thickness of the first insulating layer 770 is equal to or greater than 2 μm, the first insulating layer 770 exhibits an optical density (OD) of 3.4 or higher, such that the first insulating layer 770 can sufficiently reduce the reflectance of the first circuit pattern 730 and the second circuit pattern 750 toward the screen. As a result, the first circuit pattern 730 and the second circuit pattern 750 can be prevented from being noticed.

[0110] As the thickness of the first insulating layer 770 increases, the optical density can further increase. However, considering the efficiency of the coating or printing process, durability, thickness of the display device, etc., the thickness of the first insulating layer 770 may be 10 μm or less.

[0111] The second insulating layer 790 covering the second circuit pattern 750 may be disposed under the substrate layer 710. The second insulating layer 790 can eliminate or reduce the height difference caused by the second circuit pattern 750 and can provide a substantially flat surface under the substrate layer 710. In addition, the second insulating layer 790 can protect the second circuit pattern 750.

[0112] In some embodiments, the second insulating layer 790 may include an organic material. Since the second insulating layer 790 includes an organic material, the second insulating layer 790 may be flexible, and thus the flexibility of the digitizer 700 can be improved. In addition, when the digitizer 700 is bent or folded, the second insulating layer 790 can reduce the stress applied to the second circuit pattern 750 by adjusting the positioning of the neutral plane.

[0113] In some embodiments, unlike the first insulating layer 770, the second insulating layer 790 may not include a light-absorbing material. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments described later, the second insulating layer 790 may include a light-absorbing material like the first insulating layer 770.

[0114] Figure 3 The optical path is shown. Refer to Figure 3, when light L1 is incident downward from the display panel structure DP onto the first circuit pattern 730, light L1 reaches the first insulating layer 770 through the intermediate coupling layer 61. The first insulating layer 770 absorbs a part of the light and transmits the other part of the light downward. The transmitted light is reflected by the first circuit pattern 730 to change its path and travel upward. The light traveling upward reaches the first insulating layer 770 again, and the first insulating layer 770 at least partially absorbs the incident light. The unabsorbed part of light L2 can be transmitted upward. A large amount of light is absorbed by the first insulating layer 770, and finally the amount of light L2 reflected and emitted is much less than the amount of light L1 initially incident.

[0115] Similarly, when light L3 is incident downward from the display panel structure DP onto the second circuit pattern 750, a part of the light is partially absorbed by the first insulating layer 770, while the other part of the light transmits through the first insulating layer 770. The transmitted light is reflected by the second circuit pattern 750, and a part of the reflected light is absorbed by the first insulating layer 770. Therefore, the amount of light L4 reflected by the second circuit pattern 750 and finally emitted is reduced.

[0116] The intermediate coupling layer 61 can be disposed between the display panel structure DP and the digital converter 700, and the display panel structure DP and the digital converter 700 can be coupled through the intermediate coupling layer 61.

[0117] In some embodiments, the intermediate coupling layer 61 can be a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0118] In some embodiments, the intermediate coupling layer 61 can have a shear modulus lower than that of the display panel 500 (refer to Figure 4 ). In an embodiment, considering the manufacturing process, the shear modulus of the intermediate coupling layer 61 at -20 °C can be 80 KPa or higher, and can be 150 KPa or lower for the flexibility of the display device 1.

[0119] In some embodiments, as Figure 4 shown, the intermediate coupling layer 61 can include an adhesive resin layer 611 and a plurality of voids 613 dispersed in the adhesive resin layer 611. The voids 613 can be filled with a vacuum or a gas such as air and inert gas. Since the voids 613 are formed in the intermediate coupling layer 61, the flexibility of the intermediate coupling layer 61 can be further improved.

[0120] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the intermediate coupling layer 61 can be in direct contact with the lower surface of the base substrate 510 of the display panel 500 and the upper surface of the first insulating layer 770.

[0121] Since the display panel structure DP and the digital converter 700 are coupled by the flexible intermediate coupling layer 61, the display device 1 having a digital function and flexibility can be realized. In addition, since the digital converter 700 has a light-blocking function, there is an advantage that the pattern of the digital converter 700 can be reduced or prevented from being noticed from the outside of the display device 1.

[0122] The buffer member 800 is disposed under the digital converter 700. The buffer member 800 absorbs external shocks to prevent damage to the digital converter 700 or the display panel structure DP. The buffer member 800 may be a cushion layer. The buffer member 800 may be composed of a single layer or a stack of multiple layers. The buffer member 800 may include materials having elasticity such as polyurethane and polyethylene resins. In some embodiments, the buffer member 800 may be made of a foam material similar to a sponge.

[0123] The lower coupling layer 63 may be disposed between the digital converter 700 and the buffer member 800, and the digital converter 700 and the buffer member 800 may be coupled to each other through the lower coupling layer 63. In some embodiments, the lower coupling layer 63 may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive. In some embodiments, the lower coupling layer 63 may be in direct contact with the second insulating layer 790 and the buffer member 800.

[0124] Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figures 5 to 11 Describe the modification of the display device 1. In the following description, redundant descriptions will be omitted and the description will focus on the differences.

[0125] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing Figure 3 a modification of the example shown in

[0126] Except that the second insulating layer 790a of the digital converter 700a in the display device 1a also includes a light-absorbing material like the first insulating layer 770, Figure 5 the embodiment of Figure 3 is substantially the same as the embodiment of

[0127] According to this embodiment, some of the light incident on the second circuit pattern 750 from the display panel structure DP downward can be absorbed by the first insulating layer 770, while the other light in the light transmits downward. Some of the transmitted light in the transmitted light passes through the space of the second circuit pattern 750 and is absorbed by the second insulating layer 790a, and some of the other transmitted light in the transmitted light transmits toward the lower side of the digital converter 700a. The light transmitted to the lower side of the digital converter 700a is reflected by an element such as a bracket (not shown) disposed below the digital converter 700a, and reaches the second insulating layer 790a again. The second insulating layer 790a absorbs at least some of the light that arrives. Some of the light that is not absorbed is absorbed by the first insulating layer 770, and thus the amount of light emitted from the display device 1a is greatly reduced.

[0128] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing Figure 3 another modification of the example shown in.

[0129] Except that a light absorption member 400 is further provided between the display panel structure DP and the digital converter 700, the light absorption member 400 and the display panel structure DP are coupled by a third coupling layer 53, and the digital converter 700 and the light absorption member 400 are coupled by an intermediate coupling layer 61, the display device 1b according to Figure 6 the embodiment of is substantially the same as the display device 1 according to Figure 3 the embodiment of.

[0130] The light absorption member 400 may include light absorption materials such as black pigments and black dyes. In some embodiments, the light absorption member 400 may be a layer coated with a light absorption material on one or both surfaces of a substrate, that is, a light blocking layer.

[0131] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The light absorption member 400 may be formed by directly coating a light absorption material on the lower surface of the display panel structure DP.

[0132] Similar to the first coupling layer 51 and the second coupling layer 52, the third coupling layer 53 may be an optically transparent adhesive or an optically transparent resin. When the light absorption member 400 is directly coated on the lower surface of the display panel structure DP, the third coupling layer 53 can be removed.

[0133] The intermediate coupling layer 61 may be in direct contact with the light absorption member 400 and the first insulating layer 770.

[0134] Since the light absorption member 400 is further provided between the digital converter 700 and the display panel structure DP, the amount of light incident on the digital converter 700 from the display panel structure DP and the amount of light reflected away from the digital converter 700 and emitted to the outside can be further reduced.

[0135] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the example shown in Figure 6 .

[0136] Except that the second insulating layer 790a of the digital converter 700a in the display device 1c also includes a light-absorbing material like the first insulating layer 770, Figure 7 the embodiment of Figure 6 is substantially the same as the embodiment of

[0137] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing yet another modification of the example shown in Figure 3 .

[0138] Figure 8 The embodiment of Figure 3 differs from the embodiment of

[0139] in that the stacking structure of the digital converter 701 of the display device 1d is different. A first circuit pattern 730 is provided on the base layer 710 of the digital converter 701, and a first insulating layer 771 is provided on the first circuit pattern 730. A second circuit pattern 750 is provided on the first insulating layer 771, and a second insulating layer 791 is provided on the second circuit pattern 750.

[0140] The second insulating layer 791 can be made of an organic material and can also include a light-absorbing material.

[0141] Different from the second insulating layer 791, the first insulating layer 771 can be made of an organic material and may not include a light-absorbing material.

[0142] The intermediate coupling layer 61 can be in direct contact with the lower surface of the display panel 500 (refer to Figure 4 ) or the display panel structure DP, and can be in direct contact with the upper surface of the second insulating layer 791.

[0143] In addition, the lower coupling layer 63 can be in direct contact with the base layer 710 and the buffer member 800.

[0144] Other elements are substantially the same as the elements described above in Figure 3 ; and, therefore, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0145] According to this embodiment, since the second insulating layer 791 serves as a light absorption layer, the first circuit pattern 730 and the second circuit pattern 750 can be prevented or suppressed from being noticed from the outside.

[0146] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing Figure 8 a modification of the example shown in

[0147] Except that the first insulating layer 771a of the digital converter 701a in the display device 1e further includes a light absorption material, Figure 9 the embodiment of Figure 8 is substantially the same as the embodiment of

[0148] According to this embodiment, since both the first insulating layer 771a and the second insulating layer 791 serve as light absorption layers, the pattern of the digital converter 701a can be further prevented from being noticed due to reflected light.

[0149] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing Figure 8 another modification of the example shown in

[0150] Except that the light absorption member 400 is further provided between the display panel structure DP and the digital converter 701, the light absorption member 400 and the display panel structure DP are coupled by the third coupling layer 53, and the digital converter 701 and the light absorption member 400 are coupled by the intermediate coupling layer 61, the display device 1f according to Figure 10 the embodiment of Figure 8 is substantially the same as the display device 1d according to Figure 6 the embodiment of

[0151] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing Figure 10 a modification of the example shown in

[0152] Except that the first insulating layer 771a of the digital converter 701a in the display device 1g also includes a light absorption material like the second insulating layer 791, Figure 11 the embodiment of Figure 10 is substantially the same as the embodiment of

[0153] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a normal state.Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in an outward folded state. Figure 14 is a sectional view showing the display device taken along the line Figure 13 X3 - X3' of. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when a part of the display device slides in an outward folded state.

[0154] Refer to Figures 12 to 15 , as shown in Figure 12 , the display device 1 may include a plurality of regions defined according to how they operate. In some embodiments, the display device 1 may include a bendable region BA that can be bent based on a bending axis BX and a first non - bendable region NBA1 and a second non - bendable region NBA2 that do not bend. In the normal state where the display device 1 is not bent, the entire display region DA may face upward. As used herein, the state in which the display device 1 is folded so that the back surfaces of the first non - bendable region NBA1 and the second non - bendable region NBA2 face each other is referred to as an outward folded state, and the state in which the display device 1 is not bent is referred to as a normal state.

[0155] As shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14 , the display device 1 may be bent outward so that the display region DA (refer to Figure 12 ) is exposed to the outside.

[0156] The display device 1 may be bent outward by a user's manipulation with a predetermined radius of curvature BR. The radius of curvature BR may be constant, and the first non - bendable region NBA1 and the second non - bendable region NBA2 may face each other in parallel. The size of the bendable region BA may be determined according to the radius of curvature BR. When the display device 1 is in the outward folded state, a part of the back surface of the digital converter 700 in the first non - bendable region NBA1 and a part of the back surface of the digital converter 700 in the second non - bendable region NBA2 may overlap each other. In addition, a part of the back surface of the buffer member 800 in the first non - bendable region NBA1 and a part of the back surface of the buffer member 800 in the second non - bendable region NBA2 may face each other. Other elements of the display device 1 such as the window 100, the first coupling layer 51, the second coupling layer 52, the functional layer 200, the display panel structure DP, and the intermediate coupling layer 61 are the same as the other elements described above; and, therefore, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0157] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 15As shown, a part of the display device 1 can slide in a first direction x in an outwardly folded state with a predetermined radius of curvature. When a part of the display device 1 slides, a part of the rear surface of the first non-bending area NBA1 can be not covered by the second non-bending area NBA2, but can be exposed on the upper side. In addition, when a part of the display device 1 slides, a part of the bendable area BA can overlap with the second non-bending area NBA2.

[0158] In some embodiments, when a part of the display device 1 slides in an outwardly folded state, a camera or the like can be disposed on the first non-bending area NBA1 exposed on the upper side.

[0159] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in an inwardly folded state. Figure 17 is shown along Figure 16 a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line X5-X5'. Figure 18 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when a part of the display device slides in an inwardly folded state.

[0160] Reference Figures 16 to 18 , the display device 1 can be bent inwardly such that the display area DA of the first non-bending area NBA1 (refer to Figure 12 ) and the display area DA of the second non-bending area NBA2 (refer to Figure 12 ) face each other. As used herein, the state in which the display device 1 is bent such that the display area DA of the first non-bending area NBA1 (refer to Figure 12 ) and the display area DA of the second non-bending area NBA2 (refer to Figure 12 ) face each other is referred to as an inwardly folded state.

[0161] When the display device 1 is in the inwardly folded state, a part of the front surface of the window 100 in the first non-bending area NBA1 and a part of the front surface of the window 100 in the second non-bending area NBA2 can face each other. Other elements of the display device 1 such as the digital converter 700, the first coupling layer 51, the second coupling layer 52, the functional layer 200, the display panel structure DP, and the intermediate coupling layer 61 are the same as the other elements described above; and, therefore, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0162] In some embodiments, as Figure 18 shown, a part of the display device 1 can slide in a first direction x in an inwardly folded state with a predetermined radius of curvature. When a part of the display device 1 slides, the display area DA in the second non-bending area NBA2 (refer to Figure 12A portion of () may not be covered by the first non-bending region NBA1 but may be exposed on the upper side. In addition, when a portion of the display device 1 slides, a portion of the bendable region BA may overlap with the first non-bending region NBA1.

[0163] In some embodiments, when a portion of the display device 1 slides in the inward folded state, a sensor such as a fingerprint sensor may be provided on the display area DA (refer to Figure 12 ) that is exposed on the upper side.

[0164] Although the digital converter 700 shown in Figures 12 to 18 is adopted in the example shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , it should be noted that this is merely illustrative. Figures 4 to 11 The digital converter shown in Figures 12 to 18 may also be adopted by the display device 1 shown in

[0165] The display device according to the above embodiments may include a digital converter without impairing flexibility. In addition, since the pattern of the digital converter can be prevented or suppressed from being noticed from the outside, deterioration of the display quality can be prevented or reduced.

[0166] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be modified. Such modifications and substitutions are also construed as falling within the scope of the present disclosure defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein, The display device includes: a display panel; a digital converter disposed under the display panel; and an intermediate coupling layer disposed between the display panel and the digital converter, wherein the digital converter includes: a substrate layer disposed under the display panel and having flexibility; a first circuit pattern disposed on the upper surface of the substrate layer facing the display panel and extending in a first direction; a second circuit pattern disposed on the lower surface of the substrate layer and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a first insulating layer disposed on the upper surface of the substrate layer to cover the first circuit pattern and including a light-absorbing material, wherein the shear modulus of the intermediate coupling layer ranges from 80 KPa to 150 KPa at -20°C, and wherein the first insulating layer directly contacts the upper surface of the substrate layer and the first circuit pattern.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The intermediate coupling layer directly contacts the display panel and the first insulating layer.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The intermediate coupling layer includes an adhesive resin layer and voids dispersed in the adhesive resin layer.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The intermediate coupling layer is a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The digital converter further includes: a second insulating layer disposed on the lower surface of the substrate layer, covering the second circuit pattern, and including an organic material.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, The second insulating layer is a light-absorbing layer.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display device further includes: a light-absorbing member disposed between the display panel and the intermediate coupling layer, wherein the intermediate coupling layer directly contacts the light-absorbing member and the first insulating layer.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display device further includes: a touch sensor disposed on the display panel, wherein the display panel includes: a substrate base, self-luminous elements disposed on the substrate base, and a packaging layer disposed on the self-luminous elements, and wherein the touch sensor includes a touch element layer and a protective layer, the touch element layer is disposed on the packaging layer, and the protective layer is disposed on the touch element layer and includes an organic material.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display device further includes: a buffer member disposed under the digital converter and coupled to the digital converter.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein, The display device further includes: a lower coupling layer disposed between the digital converter and the buffer member, wherein the digital converter further includes: a second insulating layer disposed on the lower surface of the substrate layer, covering the second circuit pattern and including an organic material, and wherein the lower coupling layer directly contacts the buffer member and the second insulating layer.

11. A display device, wherein, The display device includes: a display panel; a digital converter disposed under the display panel; and an intermediate coupling layer disposed between the display panel and the digital converter, wherein the digital converter includes: a substrate layer disposed under the display panel and having flexibility; a first circuit pattern disposed on the upper surface of the substrate layer facing the display panel and extending in a first direction; a first insulating layer disposed on the first circuit pattern to cover the first circuit pattern; A second circuit pattern, disposed on the first insulating layer and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and A second insulating layer, disposed on the second circuit pattern, and wherein the second insulating layer includes a light-absorbing material, wherein the shear modulus of the intermediate coupling layer ranges from 80 KPa to 150 KPa at -20 °C, and wherein the second insulating layer is in direct contact with the second circuit pattern.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The intermediate coupling layer is in direct contact with the display panel and the second insulating layer.

13. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, Each of the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer includes an organic material.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein, The first insulating layer is a light-absorbing layer.

15. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The display device further includes: A light-absorbing member, disposed between the display panel and the intermediate coupling layer, wherein the intermediate coupling layer is in direct contact with the light-absorbing member and the second insulating layer.

16. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The display device further includes: A buffer member, disposed under the digital converter and coupled to the digital converter; and A lower coupling layer, disposed between the buffer member and the digital converter, wherein the lower coupling layer is in direct contact with the substrate layer and the buffer member.

17. A display device, wherein, The display device includes: A window; A functional layer, disposed under the window and coupled to the window; A display panel structure, disposed under the functional layer and coupled to the functional layer; A digital converter, disposed under the display panel structure; and A buffer member, disposed under the digital converter and coupled to the digital converter, wherein the digital converter includes a plurality of circuit patterns disposed under the display panel structure and an insulating layer disposed between the plurality of circuit patterns and the display panel structure and having flexibility, wherein the insulating layer includes a light-absorbing material, wherein the insulating layer is in direct contact with the plurality of circuit patterns, wherein the display device further includes: An intermediate coupling layer, disposed between the display panel structure and the digital converter, wherein the shear modulus of the intermediate coupling layer ranges from 80 KPa to 150 KPa at -20 °C.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein, The display panel structure includes: A display panel, including self-luminous elements and having flexibility; and a touch sensor, disposed on the display panel and having flexibility.

19. The display device according to claim 17, wherein, The intermediate coupling layer is a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

20. The display device according to claim 17, wherein, The display device further includes: A light-absorbing member, disposed between the display panel structure and the digital converter, wherein the light-absorbing member is coupled to the display panel structure, and wherein the digital converter is coupled to the light-absorbing member.

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