Display device

Abstract

This application relates to a display device. The display device includes: a display module having a first non-foldable region, a second non-foldable region, and a foldable region, the foldable region being disposed between the first non-foldable region and the second non-foldable region and being capable of folding about a folding axis extending in a first direction; and a barrier layer disposed adjacent to the display module, and the barrier layer includes: a first portion having a first region overlapping with the first non-foldable region, a second region overlapping with the foldable region, and a third region overlapping with the second non-foldable region; and a second portion extending in the first direction from at least a part of the second region of the first portion.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2020 - 0075724, filed on Jun. 22, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a display device, and more particularly, to a flexible display device. Background Art

[0004] A display device displays various images on a display screen and provides information to a user. Generally, a display device displays information within a designated screen. Recently, flexible display devices including foldable flexible display panels have been developed. Different from a rigid display device, a flexible display device can be foldable, rollable, or bendable. A flexible display device that can have various shapes is portable regardless of the existing screen size, and thus can have improved user convenience.

[0005] The above information disclosed in this background art section is only for understanding the background art of the inventive concept, and thus, it may include information that does not constitute the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The applicant has recognized that certain layers in a foldable display device may be cracked or damaged due to repeated folding and unfolding, which may adversely affect product reliability or performance and / or allow contaminants such as dust and moisture to enter the display module.

[0007] A display device constructed according to the principles and exemplary implementations of the present invention has improved product reliability. For example, a display device may include a display module and a barrier layer disposed under the display module. The barrier layer may include a first portion and a second portion protruding from a portion of the first portion that overlaps with a foldable region of the display module. When the display device is folded, the second portion may reduce the stress applied to the first portion and / or the barrier layer. Accordingly, cracks may be prevented from occurring in the first portion and / or the barrier layer, and the barrier layer and / or the display device may have improved reliability and lifespan. In addition, the barrier layer may prevent foreign impurities from infiltrating into the display module, which may further improve the lifespan of the display module and / or the display device.

[0008] Additional features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the following description, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concept.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display device includes: a display module having a first non-foldable region, a second non-foldable region, and a foldable region, the foldable region being disposed between the first non-foldable region and the second non-foldable region and being capable of folding about a folding axis extending in a first direction; and a barrier layer disposed adjacent to the display module, the barrier layer including: a first portion having a first region overlapping the first non-foldable region, a second region overlapping the foldable region, and a third region overlapping the second non-foldable region; and a second portion extending from at least a part of the second region of the first portion in the first direction.

[0010] The barrier layer may be foldable about the folding axis overlapping the second region such that the first region and the third region face each other.

[0011] The second portion may overlap the folding axis.

[0012] The second portion may include: a first sub-portion overlapping the first region in the first direction; a second sub-portion overlapping the second region in the first direction; and a third sub-portion overlapping the third region in the first direction. The second sub-portion overlaps the folding axis.

[0013] The barrier layer may include a barrier layer containing at least one of aluminum, copper, nickel, iron, and titanium.

[0014] The barrier layer may have a thickness in the range of about 10 to 50 μm (including the end values).

[0015] The first portion may include a substantially flat portion, and the second portion includes a protruding portion. The first region to the third region may be sequentially defined in the substantially flat portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the protruding portion may extend from the substantially flat portion in the first direction.

[0016] The width of the protruding portion in the second direction may be in the range of about 3 to 10 mm (including the end values).

[0017] The length that the protruding portion extends from the substantially flat portion in the first direction may be about 100 to 2,000 μm (including the end values).

[0018] The second portion may include at least one of a semi-circular shape and a substantially rectangular shape.

[0019] The second portion may include: a first protruding portion extending from a first side of the first portion; and a second protruding portion extending from a second side of the first portion substantially parallel to the first side.

[0020] The display device may further include at least one of a buffer layer and a metal plate disposed adjacent to the barrier layer.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a display device includes: a display module having a first non-foldable region, a foldable region, and a second non-foldable region sequentially defined in a first direction; and a barrier layer disposed adjacent to the display module and having a first region overlapping with the first non-foldable region, a second region overlapping with the foldable region, and a third region overlapping with the second non-foldable region. The barrier layer includes a first portion overlapping with the display module and a second portion extending from the first portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction and at least partially overlapping with the second region.

[0022] The barrier layer may include a barrier layer containing at least one of aluminum, nickel, copper, iron, and titanium.

[0023] Each of the first non-foldable region, the foldable region, the second non-foldable region, and the first to third regions may extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a length of the display module in the second direction may be greater than a length of the barrier layer in the second direction.

[0024] The second portion may be folded around a folding axis extending in the second direction.

[0025] The second portion may include a protruding portion including: a first sub-portion overlapping with the first region; a second sub-portion overlapping with the second region; and a third sub-portion overlapping with the third region. The second sub-portion overlaps with the folding axis.

[0026] A length by which the second portion protrudes from the first portion in the second direction may be about 100 to 2,000 μm (including the end values).

[0027] The barrier layer may have a thickness in the range of about 10 to 50 μm (including the end values).

[0028] According to still another aspect of the present invention, a display device includes: a substrate having a first substrate region, a second substrate region, and a third substrate region, the third substrate region being disposed between the first substrate region and the second substrate region and overlapping with the folding axis; and a barrier layer disposed adjacent to the substrate and including a first portion overlapping with the first substrate region, a second portion overlapping with the second substrate region, and a third portion overlapping with the third substrate region. The first substrate region, the third substrate region, and the second substrate region are defined on the substrate in the first direction, the folding axis extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the barrier layer further includes a fourth portion extending from at least one side of the third portion in the second direction, and at least a part of the fourth portion overlaps with the second portion in the second direction.

[0029] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide a further explanation of the claimed invention. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are used in conjunction with the specification to explain the inventive concept. The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification.

[0031] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device.

[0032] Figure 1B is of the Figure 1A display device in a folded position.

[0033] Figure 2A is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a display device.

[0034] Figure 2B is of the Figure 2A display device in a folded position.

[0035] Figure 3A is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention and having a plurality of modules.

[0036] Figure 3B is Figure 3A a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of one of the

[0037] Figure 4A is Figure 3A a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the

[0038] Figure 4B display device. Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of the

[0039] Figure 5A display device in a folded position. Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the

[0040] Figure 5B display device. Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of yet another exemplary embodiment of the

[0041] Figure 6A display device.

[0042] Figure 6B is Figure 6AEnlarged view of region AA.

[0043] Figure 6C Is a plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a barrier layer constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 6D Is in the folded position Figure 6C Perspective view of the barrier layer of.

[0045] Figure 7A Is a plan view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a barrier layer constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 7B Is a plan view of still another exemplary embodiment of a barrier layer constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 8A Is a plan view of yet still another exemplary embodiment of a barrier layer constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 8B Is a plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a barrier layer constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0049] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the present invention. As used herein, "embodiment" and "implementation" are interchangeable words that are non-limiting examples of a device or method that employs one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that the various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various exemplary embodiments. Additionally, the various exemplary embodiments may be different, but not necessarily exclusive. For example, without departing from the inventive concept, the specific shapes, configurations, and characteristics of an exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment.

[0050] Unless otherwise stated, the exemplary embodiments shown should be understood to provide exemplary features of different details in some ways in which the inventive concept of the present invention may be practiced. Thus, unless otherwise stated, without departing from the inventive concept, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions, and / or aspects, etc. (hereinafter, individually or collectively referred to as "elements") of the various embodiments may be combined, separated, interchanged, and / or rearranged otherwise.

[0051] In the drawings, cross-hatching and / or shading are generally used to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Thus, unless otherwise stated, the presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material property, dimension, scale, commonality between the illustrated elements, and / or any other characteristic, attribute, property, etc. of the elements. In addition, in the drawings, for clarity and / or descriptive purposes, the dimensions and relative dimensions of the elements may be exaggerated. When the exemplary embodiments can be implemented differently, the specific process sequences may be performed differently from the described sequences. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of the described sequence. In addition, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0052] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on", "directly connected to", or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For this reason, the term "connected" can represent physical connection, electrical connection, and / or fluid connection with or without intervening elements. In addition, the DR1 axis, DR2 axis, and DR3 axis are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system (such as the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis) and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the DR1 axis, DR2 axis, and DR3 axis can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purposes of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the set consisting of X, Y, and Z" can be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as by way of example XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

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

[0054] Spatial relative terms such as "beneath", "below", "under", "lower", "above", "upper", "over", "higher", "side" (e.g., as in "sidewall") may be used herein for descriptive purposes and, thus, to describe the relationship of one element to another(s) as shown in the figures. Except for the orientation depicted in the figures, the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features will then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an upper and a lower orientation. In addition, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and thus, the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0055] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to also include the plural forms. Additionally, when used in this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", and / or "including" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", and other similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are thus used to account for inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and / or provided values that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0056] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to sectional views and / or exploded views that are schematic illustrations of idealized exemplary embodiments and / or intermediate structures. As such, deviations from the illustrated shapes due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be construed as limited to the particular region shapes shown, but include deviations in shapes due to, for example, manufacturing. In this manner, the regions shown in the figures are schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shape of the regions of the device, and thus, are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0057] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0058] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device. Figure 1B is in the folded position Figure 1A of the display device.

[0059] Referring to Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the display device 1000 may be a foldable display device. The display device 1000 may be used in or implemented in various electronic devices, including large electronic devices such as televisions and monitors, and small and medium-sized electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, vehicle navigation devices, gaming consoles, or smart watches.

[0060] The upper surface of the display device 1000 may be defined as a display surface DS, and in the unfolded position, the display surface DS may be substantially parallel to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0061] The display surface DS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA adjacent to the display area DA. The display area DA is an area where an image IM is displayed, and the non-display area NDA is an area where the image IM is not displayed. FIG. 1 shows an application icon as an example of the image IM.

[0062] The display area DA may have a substantially rectangular shape. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and the shapes of the display area DA and the non-display area NDA may take various forms and designs without any limitation.

[0063] In the display device 1000, a first non-foldable area NFA1, a foldable area FA, and a second non-foldable area NFA2 may be sequentially defined in the first direction DR1. That is, the foldable area FA may be defined between the first non-foldable area NFA1 and the second non-foldable area NFA2. Figure 1A and Figure 1BA single foldable region FA and a first non-foldable region NFA1 and a second non-foldable region NFA2 are shown, but the number of the foldable region FA and the first non-foldable region NFA1 and the second non-foldable region NFA2 is not limited thereto. For example, the display device 1000 may include two or more non-foldable regions and foldable regions disposed between the non-foldable regions.

[0064] The display device 1000 may be folded about a folding axis FX. That is, the foldable region FA may be bent and / or folded about the folding axis FX. The folding axis FX may extend in a second direction DR2. The folding axis FX may be defined as being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extending side of the display device 1000.

[0065] When the display device 1000 is folded, the display surfaces of the first non-foldable region NFA1 and the second non-foldable region NFA2 may face each other. Accordingly, in the folded position, the display surface DS may not be exposed to the outside. However, this is merely an example, and the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In the exemplary embodiments, when the display device 1000 is folded, the display surfaces of the first non-foldable region NFA1 and the second non-foldable region NFA2 may face away from each other. Accordingly, in the folded position, the display surface DS may also be exposed to the outside.

[0066] Figure 2A is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the display device. Figure 2B is in the folded position Figure 2A of the display device.

[0067] Referring to Figure 2A and Figure 2B , the display device 1000-1 may include a first non-foldable region NFA1-1, a foldable region FA-1, and a second non-foldable region NFA2-1 sequentially defined in a second direction DR2. The foldable region FA-1 may be defined between the first non-foldable region NFA1-1 and the second non-foldable region NFA2-1.

[0068] The display device 1000-1 may be folded about a folding axis FX-1. That is, the foldable region FA-1 may be bent and / or folded about the folding axis FX-1. The folding axis FX-1 may extend in a first direction DR1. The folding axis FX-1 may be defined as being substantially parallel to the transverse axis of the short, transversely extending side of the display device 1000-1.

[0069] In the following, a description of a display device 1000 that folds about a longitudinal axis will be provided. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and the structures described later may also be applied to a display device 1000-1 that folds about a transverse axis.

[0070] Figure 3A is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device having a plurality of modules constructed according to the principles of the present invention. Figure 3B is Figure 3A a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of one of the modules of

[0071] Referring to Figure 3A , the display device 1000 may include a first module 10, a second module 20, and a third module 30. The first module 10, the second module 20, and the third module 30 may be coupled in the same order as in Figure 3A by an adhesive or a binder. In the exemplary embodiment, the first module 10 may be directly disposed on the second module 20, and the second module 20 may be directly disposed on the third module 30.

[0072] In the first module 10, a first non-foldable region NFA1, a foldable region FA, and a second non-foldable region NFA2 may be sequentially defined in a first direction DR1. The foldable region FA may be disposed between the first non-foldable region NFA1 and the second non-foldable region NFA2. Each of the first non-foldable region NFA1, the foldable region FA, and the second non-foldable region NFA2 may extend in a second direction DR2 that intersects the first direction DR1.

[0073] The foldable region FA may be folded about a folding axis FX defined on the upper surface of the first module 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the folding axis FX may extend longitudinally in the second direction DR2.

[0074] When the foldable region FA is folded, the first non-foldable region NFA1 and the second non-foldable region NFA2 may face each other. Figure 3A It is shown that the folding axis FX is defined on the upper surface of the first module 10, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and the folding axis FX may also be defined on the lower surface of the third module 30. When folding the foldable region FA, the bottom surface of the first non-foldable region NFA1 and the bottom surface of the second non-foldable region NFA2 may face each other.

[0075] The first module 10 may include a display module and a plurality of functional layers. This will be described in more detail in Figure 4A below.

[0076] The second module 20 may include a first region AR1, a second region AR2, and a third region AR3 that are sequentially defined in a first direction DR1. The first region AR1 overlaps with a first non-foldable region NFA1, the second region AR2 overlaps with a foldable region FA, and the third region AR3 overlaps with a second non-foldable region NFA2. The first region AR1 and the third region AR3 are non-foldable regions, and the second region AR2 may be a foldable region.

[0077] The second region AR2 may be folded about a folding axis FX defined on the upper surface of the first module 10. In this case, the upper surfaces of the first region AR1 and the third region AR3 may face each other. However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. Depending on the position of the folding axis FX, the bottom surfaces of the first region AR1 and the third region AR3 may face each other.

[0078] The second module 20 may include a first layer 1L and a second layer 2L. On the first layer 1L, a foldable region FA, a first non-foldable region NFA1, and a second non-foldable region NFA2 may be defined. The first layer 1L may include one or more barrier layers in the form of Figure 5A a barrier layer MB. The second layer 2L may include a plurality of functional layers, such as Figure 5A a buffer layer CS.

[0079] The third module 30 may correspond to a set of the display device 1000. For example, the third module 30 may include a metal plate, a camera module, a main board, and a battery. The third module 30 may include a third layer 3L.

[0080] The first layer 1L, the second layer 2L, and the third layer 3L may be coupled in a third direction DR3 via an adhesive or a binder. In the exemplary embodiment, the first layer 1L may be directly disposed on the second layer 2L, and the second layer 2L may be directly disposed on the third layer 3L.

[0081] The configuration of the display device 1000 is not limited thereto, and for example, the display device 1000 may further include a housing disposed below the third module 30. The housing may accommodate the first module 10, the second module 20, and the third module 30.

[0082] In the exemplary embodiment, the length LL1 of the first module 10 may be greater than the lengths LL2 of the second module 20 and LL3 of the third module 30. As used herein, the length refers to the length of an element measured in a second direction DR2.

[0083] Refer to Figure 3B, the second module 20 may include a first layer 1L and a second layer 2L. The first layer 1L may include a first portion and at least one second portion. The first portion may be in the form of a substantially flat portion PT2, and the second portion may be in the form of two protruding portions PT1 and PT3 spaced apart from each other. The protruding portions PT1 and PT3 may extend from the ends of the substantially flat portion PT2. All of the portions PT1 to PT3 may be substantially flat in a plane extending in directions DR1 and DR2.

[0084] When viewed in a plane, the length LL2-1 of the first layer 1L may be the maximum value of the distance between the ends of the two protruding portions PT1 and PT3. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, when the first layer 1L includes only one protruding portion, the length of the first layer 1L may be the maximum value of the length from one end of the protruding portion to one end of the flat portion.

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment, the length LL2-1 of the first layer 1L may be greater than the length LL2-3 of the second layer 2L. Specifically, the length LL2-2 of the first layer 1L may be smaller than the length LL2-3 of the second layer 2L, and due to the lengths of the protruding portions PT1 and PT3, the length LL2-1 of the first layer 1L may be greater than the length LL2-3 of the second layer 2L.

[0086] However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and the length LL2-1 of the first layer 1L may be equal to the length LL2-3 of the second layer 2L.

[0087] Within the range where the length LL2-1 of the first layer 1L and the length LL2-3 of the second layer 2L are smaller than the length LL1 of the first module 10, the length LL2-1 of the first layer 1L and the length LL2-3 of the second layer 2L may be changed without limitation.

[0088] Figure 4A is Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device. Figure 4B is in the folded position Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of a display device.

[0089] Figure 4A Shows the display device 1000 in the unfolded position. Figure 4B Shows the display device 1000 in the folded position.

[0090] Referring to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the display device 1000 may include a first module 10, a second module 20, and a third module 30.

[0091] The first module 10 may include a display module 100, an antireflection layer 200, a window 300, an upper protective film 400, and a lower protective film 500. Figure 4B The first module 10 is shown while omitting specific configuration details of the first module 10.

[0092] As used herein, the substrate may refer to at least one of the configurations included in the first module 10. For example, the substrate may be the display module 100. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and the substrate may be the first module 10. The description of the first module 10 will be applied to the substrate in the same manner. The display module 100 may display an image IM (see Figure 1A ) and detect an external input TC (see Figure 1A ). The external input TC may be a user input. The user input includes various types of external inputs, such as a part of the user's body, light, heat, a pen, or pressure. In Figure 1A , the external input TC is shown as the user's hand applied on the display surface DS. However, this is shown exemplarily, and as described above, the external input TC may be provided in various forms. In addition, the external input TC applied to the side surface and the rear surface of the display device 1000 may also be detected according to the structure of the display device 1000, and the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0093] The display module 100 may include a display panel that generates the image IM and an input detection layer that acquires coordinate information about the external input TC.

[0094] The display panel may be a light-emitting display panel and is not particularly limited. For example, the display panel may be an organic light-emitting display panel, a quantum dot light-emitting display panel, or other known panels. The light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots, quantum rods, etc.

[0095] The input detection layer may be directly disposed on the display panel. For example, the input detection layer may be directly formed on the display panel by a continuous process. The input detection layer may include a plurality of insulating layers and a plurality of conductive layers. The plurality of conductive layers may constitute detection electrodes for detecting the external input TC, detection lines connected to the detection electrodes, and detection pads connected to the detection lines. The input detection layer may detect the external input TC by a mutual capacitance method and / or a self-capacitance method. However, the external input detection method is not limited thereto.

[0096] In the display module 100, a first display region 100-1, a second display region 100-2, and a third display region 100-3 may be defined. The first display region 100-1 may correspond to Figure 1A 's first non-foldable region NFA1, the second display region 100-2 may correspond toFigure 1A a foldable region FA, and the third display region 100-3 can correspond to Figure 1A a second non-foldable region NFA2. In an exemplary embodiment, the first display region 100-1 and the third display region 100-3 can be non-foldable regions, and the second display region 100-2 can be a foldable region.

[0097] An anti-reflection layer 200 can be provided on the display module 100. The reflectance of external light incident from the outside of the anti-reflection layer 200 can be reduced. The anti-reflection layer 200 can include a retarder and a polarizer. The retarder can be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type, and includes a λ / 2 retarder and / or a λ / 4 retarder. The polarizer can also be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type. The film type polarizer can include a stretchable synthetic resin film, and the liquid crystal coating type polarizer can include liquid crystals aligned in a predetermined array. The retarder and the polarizer can also include a protective film.

[0098] Alternatively, the anti-reflection layer 200 can include a color filter. The color filter has a predetermined array. The array of the color filter can be determined in consideration of the emission color of pixels included in the display panel. The anti-reflection layer 200 can also include a black matrix adjacent to the color filter.

[0099] Alternatively, the anti-reflection layer 200 can include a destructive interference structure. For example, the destructive interference structure can include a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer provided on different layers. The first reflected light beam and the second reflected light beam reflected from the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer, respectively, can destructively interfere, and thus the external light reflectance can be reduced.

[0100] An adhesive layer 1100 can be provided between the display module 100 and the anti-reflection layer 200. The display module 100 and the anti-reflection layer 200 can be coupled to each other through the adhesive layer 1100.

[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive layer 1100 can be not provided. The adhesive layers described herein can include ordinary adhesives or adhesives. For example, the adhesive layers can each be a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), or an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0102] The window 300 may be disposed on the antireflection layer 200. The window 300 may include a base layer 301 and a functional coating 302. The base layer 301 may include a glass substrate and / or a synthetic resin film, etc. For example, the base layer 301 may include a polyimide film. The base layer 301 is not limited to a single layer. The base layer 301 may include two or more films joined by an adhesive member. For example, the base layer 301 may include a first synthetic resin layer, a silicon oxide layer disposed on the first synthetic resin layer, an amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer disposed on the silicon oxide layer, and a second synthetic resin layer disposed on the amorphous silicon layer.

[0103] Each of the first synthetic resin layer and the second synthetic resin layer may include a polyimide resin. In addition, each of the first synthetic resin layer and the second synthetic resin layer may include at least one of an acrylate resin, a methacrylate resin, a polyisoprene resin, a vinyl resin, an epoxy resin, a polyurethane resin, a cellulose resin, a silicone resin, a polyamide resin, and a perylene resin.

[0104] The functional coating 302 may include at least one of an anti-fingerprint layer, an antireflection layer, and a hard coating.

[0105] The adhesive layer 1200 may be disposed between the window 300 and the antireflection layer 200, but the adhesive layer 1200 may not be provided.

[0106] The upper protective film 400 may be disposed on the window 300. The impact resistance characteristics of the display device 1000 may be improved by adding the upper protective film 400. The upper protective film 400 may be a polymer film or a strengthened glass film. The adhesive layer 1300 may be disposed between the upper protective film 400 and the window 300, but the adhesive layer 1300 may not be provided. Alternatively, in an exemplary embodiment, the upper protective film 400 may not be provided.

[0107] The lower protective film 500 may be disposed under the display module 100. The lower protective film 500 may be a layer that protects the rear surface of the display module 100. The lower protective film 500 may include a synthetic resin film and may be, for example, a polyimide film or a polyethylene terephthalate film. However, this is merely an example, and the lower protective film 500 is not limited to this example. The adhesive layer 1400 may be disposed between the lower protective film 500 and the display module 100.

[0108] The second module 20 may include a first layer 1L and a second layer 2L. Exemplarily, the first layer 1L is shown disposed under the first module 10 and the second layer 2L is shown disposed under the first layer 1L.

[0109] In the first layer 1L, a first region AR1, a second region AR2, and a third region AR3 may be sequentially defined in a first direction DR1. The first region AR1 corresponds to and / or overlaps with a first non-foldable region NFA1 of the first module 10, the second region AR2 corresponds to and / or overlaps with a foldable region FA, and the third region AR3 corresponds to and / or overlaps with a second non-foldable region NFA2. That is, the first region AR1 and the third region AR3 are non-foldable regions, and the second region AR2 may be a foldable region.

[0110] In an exemplary embodiment, the first layer 1L may include a blocking portion in the form of a barrier layer MB, a first adhesive layer 2100, and a second adhesive layer 2200. The second layer 2L may include a buffer layer CS and a third adhesive layer 2300.

[0111] The barrier layer MB may be disposed under the first module 10. The first adhesive layer 2100 may be disposed between the barrier layer MB and the first module 10. The barrier layer MB and the first module 10 may be coupled to each other through the first adhesive layer 2100.

[0112] The barrier layer MB may be a metal-containing metal thin film. The thickness of the barrier layer MB may be about 10 to 50 μm (including the end values). The barrier layer MB may contain at least one of aluminum, nickel, copper, iron, and titanium. Alternatively, the barrier layer MB may include an alloy containing one or more of the metals. For example, the barrier layer MB may include stainless steel, a Ti alloy, or invar. However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. The buffer layer CS may be disposed under the barrier layer MB. The buffer layer CS may have an elongated rod shape made of a film or a pad. The buffer layer CS may include a sponge, a foamed form, a polyurethane resin, etc. The buffer layer CS may support the barrier layer MB and prevent a pressing phenomenon and plastic deformation in the thickness direction of the barrier layer MB. The deformation of the display module 100 and the barrier layer MB may be caused by repeated pressing, folding, and unfolding due to an external force.

[0113] The second adhesive layer 2200 may be disposed between the barrier layer MB and the buffer layer CS. The barrier layer MB and the buffer layer CS may be coupled to each other through the second adhesive layer 2200.

[0114] The third adhesive layer 2300 may be disposed under the buffer layer CS. The buffer layer CS and the third module 30 may be coupled to each other through the third adhesive layer 2300.

[0115] In an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive layers 2100, 2200, and 2300 may not be provided. The adhesive layers described herein may include ordinary adhesives or adhesives. For example, the adhesive layers may each be a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), or an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0116] The third module 30 may be disposed below the second module 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the third module 30 may include metal plates CM1 and CM2 in the third layer 3L.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, the metal plates CM1 and CM2 may include stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy thereof. The metal plates CM1 and CM2 have a thickness of at least about 150 μm, and thus may protect the first module 10 and the second module 20 from external influences and improve the durability of the display device 1000.

[0118] The metal plates CM1 and CM2 may overlap at least a part of the first region AR1, the third region AR3, and the second region AR2. The metal plates CM1 and CM2 may include a first plate CM1 and a second plate CM2 spaced apart from each other. Specifically, the first plate CM1 may support a portion corresponding to half of the first region AR1 and the second region AR2 adjacent to the first region AR1. The second plate CM2 may support a portion corresponding to half of the third region AR3 and the second region AR2 adjacent to the third region AR3.

[0119] By folding the foldable region FA and the second region AR2, the first module 10 and the second module 20 may be folded inward as Figure 4B shown. The third module 30 may not include a foldable region, and when the display device 1000 is folded, the third module 30 may be set in a shape in which the first plate CM1 and the second plate CM2 face each other.

[0120] In an exemplary embodiment, the barrier layer MB may have a substantially flat first position and a second position in which the second region AR2 is bent and the first region AR1 and the third region AR3 face each other. Specifically, Figure 4A the first position is shown, and Figure 4B the second position is shown. The first position may represent the unfolded position of the display device 1000, and the second position may represent the folded position of the display device 1000.

[0121] The barrier layer MB is provided with the second region AR2 overlapping the foldable region FA, and may prevent foreign impurities from infiltrating into the display module 100 while supporting the display module 100. For example, the barrier layer MB may prevent foreign impurities, etc. from infiltrating into cracks, tears, gaps, and holes in other defects in the display module 100 caused by repeated folding and unfolding of the display device 1000.

[0122] The exemplary embodiment is not limited to Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe stacked structure of the display device 1000 shown in the figure. For example, the stacked structure of the second module 20 can be changed. For example, at least one of the first layer 1L and the second layer 2L can be set to multiple. Alternatively, the upper and lower structures of the first layer 1L and the second layer 2L can be changed.

[0123] Figure 5A is Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the display device. Figure 5B is Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of yet another exemplary embodiment of the display device.

[0124] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The display devices 1000-1 and 1000-2 shown in the figure are embodiments in which the second module 20 is modified in the display device 1000 shown in Figure 4A For the sake of avoiding redundancy, the description of the same configuration will be omitted.

[0125] Referring to Figure 5A , in the display device 1000-1, the first layer 1L can be disposed on the third module 30. The second layer 2L can be disposed on the first layer 1L. The first module 10 can be disposed on the second layer 2L.

[0126] Specifically, the barrier layer MB can be disposed on the third module 30. The second adhesive layer 2200 can be disposed between the barrier layer MB and the third module 30. The buffer layer CS can be disposed on the barrier layer MB. The first adhesive layer 2100 can be disposed between the barrier layer MB and the buffer layer CS.

[0127] The first module 10 can be disposed on the buffer layer CS. The third adhesive layer 2300 can be disposed between the buffer layer CS and the first module 10.

[0128] Referring to Figure 5B , in the display device 1000-2, the second module 20-1 can include a plurality of second layers 2L-1 and 2L-2. For example, the first layer 1L can be disposed between the two second layers 2L-1 and 2L-2.

[0129] The first buffer layer CS1 can be disposed under the first module 10. The fourth adhesive layer 2400 can be disposed between the first module 10 and the first buffer layer CS1.

[0130] The first layer 1L can be disposed under the first buffer layer CS1.

[0131] The second buffer layer CS2 can be disposed under the first layer 1L. The third module 30 can be disposed under the second buffer layer CS2.

[0132] The third adhesive layer 2300 may be disposed between the second buffer layer CS2 and the third module 30.

[0133] Figure 6A is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a barrier layer constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Figure 6B is Figure 6A an enlarged view of region AA of Figure 6C is a plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a barrier layer constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Figure 6D is a perspective view of the Figure 6C barrier layer in a folded position.

[0134] Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B and Figure 6C show the barrier layers MB and MB-1 in an unfolded position.

[0135] Referring to Figure 6A , a first region AR1, a second region AR2, and a third region AR3 may be sequentially defined in a first direction DR1. The first region AR1 corresponds to Figure 3A the first non-foldable region NFA1 of the first module 10 of Figure 3A , the second region AR2 corresponds to Figure 3A the foldable region FA of

[0136] The barrier layer MB may include a substantially flat portion PT2 that overlaps with the Figure 4A display module 100 of

[0137] and a protruding portion PT1 having a shape extending from the substantially flat portion PT2. In an exemplary embodiment, the substantially flat portion PT2 may have a generally rectangular shape including a long side and a short side. In the substantially flat portion PT2, the first region AR1, the second region AR2, and the third region AR3 may be sequentially defined in the first direction DR1.

[0138] The protruding portion PT1 may extend from the substantially flat portion PT2 in a second direction DR2. The protruding portion PT1 may overlap with the first region AR1, the second region AR2, and the third region AR3 in the second direction DR2. For example, the protruding portion PT1 may overlap with at least a part of the first region AR1 and the third region AR3 in the second direction DR2 and overlap with the entire second region AR2. However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. In another exemplary embodiment, the protruding portion PT1 may only overlap with the second region AR2. Referring toFigure 6B , the protruding portion PT1 may include a first sub-portion PT1-1, a second sub-portion PT1-2, and a third sub-portion PT1-3.

[0139] In the second direction DR2, the first sub-portion PT1-1 may overlap with the first region AR1, the second sub-portion PT1-2 may overlap with the second region AR2, and the third sub-portion PT1-3 may overlap with the third region AR3. That is, the first sub-portion PT1-1 and the third sub-portion PT1-3 may overlap with the non-foldable regions NFA1 and NFA2, and the second sub-portion PT1-2 may overlap with the foldable region FA. The second sub-portion PT1-2 may overlap with Figure 3A the folding axis FX of Figure 3A and fold around the folding axis FX of

[0140] In this way, the protruding portion PT1 includes the second sub-portion PT1-2 that folds around the folding axis FX and the first sub-portion PT1-1 and the third sub-portion PT1-3 on both sides of the second sub-portion PT1-2, which can distribute the stress generated in the barrier layer MB during folding.

[0141] However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. According to another exemplary embodiment, the protruding portion PT1 may overlap with the second region AR2 without overlapping with the first region AR1 and the third region AR3. For example, the protruding portion PT1 may not be provided with the first sub-portion PT1-1 and the third sub-portion PT1-3, but only with the second sub-portion PT1-2.

[0142] The stress generated in the barrier layer MB due to folding can be appropriately distributed by adjusting the width WD1 of the protruding portion PT1. For example, the radius of curvature of the protruding portion PT1 can be adjusted to be smaller than the radius of curvature of the second region AR2.

[0143] Within the range of width WD1, the protruding portion PT1 may have a smaller radius of curvature than the substantially flat portion PT2. For example, the arc of the protruding portion PT1 may have a first length D1 that is longer than the width WD1, which may allow the protruding portion PT1 to fold with a radius of curvature smaller than that of the substantially flat portion PT2. Thus, the stress generated when the second region AR2 of the barrier layer MB folds can be distributed into the protruding portion PT1 to prevent damage to the barrier layer MB. For example, a relatively high stress applied to the edge of the substantially flat portion PT2 (such as a portion of the substantially flat portion PT2 adjacent to the protruding portion PT1) can be distributed into the protruding portion PT1. The height (or length) HH by which the protruding portion PT1 extends from the substantially flat portion PT2 may be about 100 to 2000 μm. For example, the height HH may be about 400 to 500 μm. Within the range of the height HH, the protruding portion PT1 is not exposed outside the first module 10, does not affect the appearance of the display device 1000, and can reduce the stress generated in the display device 1000.

[0144] Referring to Figure 6C , the barrier layer MB-1 may include a plurality of protruding portions. For example, the barrier layer MB-1 may include a first protruding portion PT1 and a second protruding portion PT3. The first protruding portion PT1 may protrude from one side (such as the first side) of the substantially flat portion PT2 in a direction substantially parallel to the second direction DR2. The second protruding portion PT3 may protrude from the other side (such as the second side) of the substantially flat portion PT2 that is substantially parallel to one side of the substantially flat portion PT2. Specifically, each of the first protruding portion PT1 and the second protruding portion PT3 may extend from the substantially flat portion PT2 that overlaps with the second region AR2 toward both sides.

[0145] Figure 6C It is shown that the barrier layer MB-1 includes two protruding portions PT1 and PT3, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto, and the barrier layer may include three or more protruding portions.

[0146] Figure 6D The barrier layer MB-1 in the folded position is shown.

[0147] Referring to Figure 6D , in the barrier layer MB-1, the second region AR2 may be a foldable region. The second region AR2 may bend about the folding axis FX. The folding axis FX may be defined on Figure 3A the upper surface of the first module 10.

[0148] Referring to Figure 6D and Figure 4BWhen the display device 1000 is folded, the protruding portions PT1 and PT3 can be folded, and at the same time, the second region AR2 of the blocking layer MB-1 included in the second module 20 is folded.

[0149] At this time, since folding can generate stress in the blocking layer MB-1, and the stress may be particularly concentrated at the end of the substantially flat portion PT2 that overlaps with the second region AR2. The blocking layer MB-1 includes the protruding portions PT1 and PT3 on at least one of the ends of the substantially flat portion PT2 that overlap with the second region AR2, and thus, the stress can be more evenly distributed. Therefore, damages such as cracks, tears, gaps, openings, etc. that may occur in the blocking layer MB-1 due to folding can be reduced or prevented.

[0150] In Figures 6A to 6D it is shown that the first protruding portion PT1 has a substantially semicircular shape, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0151] Figure 7A is a plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a blocking layer constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0152] Referring to Figure 7A the blocking layer MB-2 may include a protruding portion PT10 and a substantially flat portion PT20. The protruding portion PT10 may have a substantially rectangular shape.

[0153] The width WD3 of the protruding portion PT10 may be about 3 to 10 mm (including the end values). For example, the width WD3 may be about 3 to 5 mm (including the end values) or about 6 to 10 mm (including the end values). The height (or length) HH' of the protruding portion PT10 protruding from the substantially flat portion PT20 may be about 100 to 2000 μm. For example, the height HH' may be about 400 to 500 μm (including the end values). Figures 6A to 6D The description of

[0154] Figure 7B is a plan view of still another exemplary embodiment of a blocking layer constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0155] Referring to Figure 7B the blocking layer MB-3 may include a plurality of protruding portions PT10 and PT30 and a substantially flat portion PT20. For example, the blocking layer MB-3 may include a first protruding portion PT10 and a second protruding portion PT30 each having a substantially rectangular shape.

[0156] The first protruding portion PT10 can protrude from one side of the substantially flat portion PT20 in a direction substantially parallel to the second direction DR2. The second protruding portion PT30 can protrude from the other side of the substantially flat portion PT20 that is substantially parallel to one side of the substantially flat portion PT20 in the second direction DR2. Specifically, each of the first protruding portion PT10 and the second protruding portion PT30 can extend from the substantially flat portion PT20 that overlaps with the second region AR2 toward both sides.

[0157] Figures 6A to 6D The description can be applied to other configurations and embodiments and will not be repeated here to avoid redundancy.

[0158] Figure 8A is a plan view of still another exemplary embodiment of a barrier layer constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0159] Referring to Figure 8A , the barrier layer MB-4 can include a pattern PN1 having a shape that is recessed into the substantially flat portion PT2-1. In an exemplary embodiment, the width WD4 of the pattern PN1 can be larger than the width WD2 of the second region AR2. The pattern PN1 can overlap with the first region AR1, the second region AR2, and the third region AR3 in the second direction DR2. For example, the protruding portion PT1 can overlap with at least a part of the first region AR1 and the third region AR3 in the second direction DR2 and overlap with the entire second region AR2 in the second direction DR2.

[0160] However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. In another exemplary embodiment, the pattern PN1 can only overlap with the second region AR2. For example, the width WD4 of the pattern PN1 can be less than or equal to the width WD2 of the second region AR2.

[0161] In addition, it is shown that the barrier layer MB-4 includes two patterns PN1 disposed on both sides of the substantially flat portion PT2-1, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto, and one or three or more patterns PN1 can be provided as needed.

[0162] Figure 8A It is shown that the pattern PN1 has a substantially semi-circular shape, but the shape is not limited thereto, and the pattern PN1 can have various shapes, such as a substantially polygonal shape or a circular shape.

[0163] Figure 8B is a plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a barrier layer constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0164] Referring to Figure 8B, the barrier layer MB-5 includes a pattern PN2 having a substantially rectangular shape. The pattern PN2 may have a substantially rectangular shape that is recessed into a substantially flat portion PT20-1.

[0165] The width WD5 of the pattern PN2 may be greater than the width WD2 of the second region AR2. The pattern PN2 may overlap the first region AR1, the second region AR2, and the third region AR3 in the second direction DR2. For example, the pattern PN2 may overlap at least a portion of the first region AR1 and the third region AR3 in the second direction DR2, and may overlap the entire second region AR2 in the second direction DR2.

[0166] However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In another exemplary embodiment, the pattern PN2 may overlap only the second region AR2. For example, the width WD5 of the pattern PN2 may be less than or equal to the width WD2 of the second region AR2.

[0167] In addition, Figure 8B The barrier layer MB-5 is shown to include two patterns PN2 disposed on both sides of a substantially flat portion PT20-1, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and one or three or more patterns PN2 may be provided as needed.

[0168] (Experimental Example 1)

[0169] In Table 1 below, the barrier layers of Example 1, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2 were folded at room temperature, and the number of folding operations was counted. Example 1 corresponds to the illustrated embodiment of the barrier layer including one or more protruding portions. Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 correspond to embodiments having a metal thin film barrier layer having a substantially rectangular shape that does not include protruding portions.

[0170] [Table 1]

[0171] Classification Number of folding operations Crack occurrence Example 1 200,000 No Comparative Example 1 80,000 Yes Comparative Example 2 80,000 Yes

[0172] The results in Table 1 show that even when folded 200,000 times at room temperature, no cracks appeared in the barrier layer of Example 1, but when folded 80,000 times at room temperature, cracks appeared in the barrier layers of Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2. Specifically, cracks appeared at the edges of the foldable region of the metal thin film, and the cracks extended into the metal thin film. From Table 1, it can be understood that since the barrier layer constructed according to the principles and exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a substantially flat portion and protruding portions extending from the substantially flat portion and has at least a portion overlapping the foldable region, when the barrier layer is folded, the protruding portions reduce the stress applied to the barrier layer, and improve the reliability and / or lifespan of the display device including the barrier layer.

[0173] (Experimental Example 2)

[0174] In Table 2 below, the stress applied to the barrier layer when the barrier layer is folded and the number of folding operations at which cracks appear are measured. Example 2 corresponds to the illustrated embodiment of the barrier layer including the protruding portion. Comparative Example 3 corresponds to a metal thin film barrier layer having a substantially rectangular shape that does not include the protruding portion as described herein.

[0175] [Table 2]

[0176] Classification Stress (MPa) Service life (N) Example 2 1,067 115,000 Comparative Example 3 1,135 80,000

[0177] Referring to the results in Table 2, the barrier layer of Example 2 has a stress of 1,067 MPa when folded, and cracks appear when the barrier layer is folded 115,000 times. In contrast, the barrier layer of Comparative Example 3 has a stress of 1,135 MPa during folding, and cracks appear when the barrier layer is folded 80,000 times. Therefore, when folded, the barrier layer of Example 2 is subjected to a stress smaller than that in Comparative Example 3, and thus, compared to Comparative Example 3, the barrier layer of Example 2 can be folded significantly more times without cracks appearing. That is, the barrier layer of Example 2 has a longer service life than the barrier layer of Comparative Example 3. The results summarized in Table 1 and Table 2 above are significant and unexpected.

[0178] Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Accordingly, the inventive concept is not limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the appended claims and to various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display module having a first non-foldable region, a second non-foldable region, and a foldable region, the foldable region being disposed between the first non-foldable region and the second non-foldable region and being foldable about a folding axis extending in a first direction; and A barrier layer disposed adjacent to the display module and including: A first portion having a first region overlapping with the first non-foldable region, a second region overlapping with the foldable region, and a third region overlapping with the second non-foldable region; and A second portion extending in the first direction from at least a portion of the second region of the first portion, wherein, within the range of the width in a second direction intersecting the first direction of the second portion, the arc of the second portion has a length longer than the width.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The barrier layer is foldable about the folding axis overlapping with the second region such that the first region faces the third region.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The second portion overlaps with the folding axis.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The second portion includes: A first sub-portion overlapping with the first region in the first direction; A second sub-portion overlapping with the second region in the first direction; and A third sub-portion overlapping with the third region in the first direction, wherein the second sub-portion overlaps with the folding axis.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The barrier layer contains at least one of aluminum, copper, nickel, iron, and titanium.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the barrier layer is greater than or equal to 10 μm and less than or equal to 50 μm.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first portion includes a flat portion, and the second portion includes a protruding portion; The first region, the second region, and the third region are sequentially defined in the flat portion in the second direction; and The protruding portion extends from the flat portion in the first direction.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The width of the protruding portion in the second direction is greater than or equal to 3 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The length by which the protruding portion extends from the flat portion in the first direction is greater than or equal to 100 μm and less than or equal to 2,000 μm.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second portion includes: A first protruding portion extending from a first side of the first portion; and A second protruding portion extending from a second side of the first portion parallel to the first side.

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