Display device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a display device. The display device includes a display panel including a folding area and first and second non-folding areas; first and second support members disposed at a rear surface of the display panel, apart from each other with the folding area interposed therebetween; a first barrier sheet having at least a portion fixed to a rear surface of the first support member and extending toward a rear surface of the second support member; and a second barrier sheet having at least a portion fixed to a rear surface of the second support member and extending toward a rear surface of the first support member and covering the first barrier sheet, wherein the first and second barrier sheets can overlap the first support member, the folding area, and the second support member, respectively, and the first barrier sheet can be accommodated in a space between the second barrier sheet and the second support member.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, digital cameras, notebook computers, navigation systems, and smart TVs that provide images to users include display devices for displaying images.

[0003] Recently, foldable display devices have received much attention. Foldable display devices have good portability and can have a wide screen, thus combining the advantages of both smartphones and tablet PCs.

[0004] Gaps may be formed between external or internal components constituting a foldable display device. If foreign matter flows into the lower portion of the display panel through these gaps, defects such as wrinkling of the display panel may occur. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a display device that can prevent foreign matter from entering through gaps between components of the display device.

[0006] The subject matter of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned subject matter, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description.

[0007] A display device according to one embodiment for solving the problem may include: a display panel including a folding area and a first non-folding area and a second non-folding area, the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area being adjacent to each other with the folding area in between; a first supporting member and a second supporting member arranged on the rear surface of the display panel, separated from each other with the folding area in between; a first barrier sheet, at least a portion of which is fixed on the rear surface of the first supporting member and extends toward the rear surface of the second supporting member; and a second barrier sheet, at least a portion of which is fixed on the rear surface of the second supporting member, and extends toward the rear surface of the first supporting member and covers the first barrier sheet, wherein the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet may overlap with the first supporting member, the folding area and the second supporting member, respectively, and the first barrier sheet may be received in the space between the second barrier sheet and the second supporting member.

[0008] The first supporting component may overlap with the first unfolding non-region, and the second supporting component may overlap with the second unfolding non-region.

[0009] The display device can further include a first adhesive member disposed between the first support member and the first barrier sheet, and a second adhesive member disposed between the second support member and the second barrier sheet, wherein the first adhesive member can be disposed on one side of the first barrier sheet to adhere the first support member and the first barrier sheet, and the second adhesive member can be disposed on at least two corners of the second barrier sheet to adhere the second support member and the second barrier sheet, respectively.

[0010] The second adhesive member can have a thickness greater than a thickness of the first adhesive member.

[0011] The second barrier sheet can overlap the entire first barrier sheet, and the first barrier sheet can be disposed in a space between the first support member and the second barrier sheet and a space between the second support member and the second barrier sheet.

[0012] The first barrier sheet can include a first barrier area overlapping the first support member, the folding area, and the second support member, and a second barrier area overlapping the second support member and not overlapping the first support member and the folding area.

[0013] The first barrier area can have a width greater than a width of the second barrier area, the second barrier area being disposed between the second adhesive member in a plane.

[0014] The second barrier sheet can cover the entire first barrier sheet, thereby overlapping the entire first barrier sheet, and can have a planar area greater than a planar area of the first barrier sheet.

[0015] The second barrier sheet can have a maximum length greater than or equal to a maximum length of the first barrier sheet.

[0016] The second barrier sheet can overlap a portion of the first barrier sheet and can not overlap a remaining portion of the first barrier sheet.

[0017] The display device can further include a third barrier sheet disposed in an area of a rear surface of the first barrier sheet not overlapping the second barrier sheet and spaced apart from the second barrier sheet, wherein the third barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet can be disposed on the same plane.

[0018] The third barrier sheet can be attached to a rear surface of the first barrier sheet through a third adhesive member disposed in an area of the rear surface of the first barrier sheet not overlapping the second barrier sheet.

[0019] The separation gap between the third barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet can not overlap the folding area.

[0020] The separation gap between the third barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet can overlap the first support member and not overlap the second support member.

[0021] The side of the first support member adjacent to the folding area and the side of the second support member can face each other and be configured as a hemming structure.

[0022] The display device can further include a connection portion disposed behind the second barrier sheet, wherein the connection portion can include a first hinge bracket overlapping the first support member, a second hinge bracket overlapping the second support member, and a hinge structure combining the first hinge bracket and the second hinge bracket, the hinge structure can overlap the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet.

[0023] Also, a display device according to an embodiment can include a display panel including a folding area and first and second non-folding areas adjacent to each other with the folding area interposed therebetween, first and second support members disposed at a rear surface of the display panel, spaced apart from each other with the folding area interposed therebetween, first and second adhesive members, the first adhesive member disposed at a rear surface of the first support member, the second adhesive member disposed at a rear surface of the second support member, a first barrier sheet at least partially adhered to the first adhesive member and extending toward a rear surface of the second support member, and a second barrier sheet at least partially adhered to the second adhesive member and extending toward a rear surface of the first support member and overlapping the first barrier sheet, wherein the first and second barrier sheets can overlap a separation gap between the first and second support members, the first barrier sheet can be disposed between the second barrier sheet and the second support member, and the second barrier sheet can be disposed between the first barrier sheet and the first support member.

[0024] The display device can further include a hinge structure disposed behind the second barrier sheet, wherein the first and second barrier sheets are configured to be bent along a shape of an upper surface of the hinge structure when the display device is in a folded state.

[0025] An upper surface of the hinge structure and at least a portion of the second barrier sheet can contact each other, and at least a portion of the first and second barrier sheets can contact each other.

[0026] One side of the first barrier sheet can face one side of the second bonding member, and a distance between the one side of the first barrier sheet and the one side of the second bonding member in the unfolded state of the display device can be shorter than a distance between the one side of the first barrier sheet and the one side of the second bonding member in the folded state of the display device.

[0027] The details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

[0028] According to the display device of the embodiment, the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet are provided to overlap each other, and in the folded state, the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet slide in different directions from each other, thereby double covering the interval between the first support member and the second support member to prevent foreign substances from flowing in.

[0029] The effects according to the embodiment are not limited to what has been explained above, and more various effects are included in the present specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a display device according to an embodiment is unfolded.

[0031] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a display device according to an embodiment is folded.

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a display device according to another embodiment is unfolded.

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a display device according to another embodiment is folded.

[0034] Figure 5 is a sectional view of an unfolded state of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 6 is a sectional view schematically showing a display panel according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 8 is a plan view schematically showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 9 is a plan view showing a barrier sheet according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 10 is a sectional view taken along Figure 8 A-A' of FIG. 10.

[0040] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 8 B-B' of FIG. 1.

[0041] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a folded state of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a folded state of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figures 14 to 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating various structures of a barrier sheet of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0044] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an unfolded state of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0045] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a folded state of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0046] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an unfolded state of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0047] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a folded state of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0048] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an unfolded state of a display device according to still another embodiment.

[0049] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a folded state of a display device according to still another embodiment.

[0050] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an unfolded state of a display device according to still another embodiment.

[0051] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a folded state of a display device according to still another embodiment.

[0052]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0053] 10: display device 100: display panel

[0054] 320: support member 321: first support member

[0055] 322: second support member 400: first barrier sheet

[0056] 450: first bonding member 500: second barrier sheet

[0057] 550: second bonding member 600: heat dissipation member

[0058] 610: first heat dissipation member 620: second heat dissipation member

[0059] 700: connecting portion 710: hinge structure

[0060] 720: first hinge bracket 730: second hinge bracket

[0061] FDA: folded area NFA1: first non-folded area

[0062] NFA2: second non-folded area DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Reference Signs List Figure 1 Advantages and features of the present application and methods of accomplishing the same can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of embodiments and when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. The present application may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the application to those skilled in the art, and no feature of the application is considered a critical, essential, or indispensable part of the application.

[0064] Reference to elements or layers "on" other elements or layers includes being located on the immediate surface of the other element or layer or intervening layers or elements. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification. The shapes, sizes, proportions, angles, numbers, and the like disclosed in the drawings for the purpose of describing embodiments are exemplary, and thus the present application is not limited to the matters indicated in the drawings.

[0065] Although the terms first, second, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, the first element mentioned below could also be the second element within the scope of the present application.

[0066] The respective features of the various embodiments of the present application can be partially or wholly combined or integrated with each other, and can be technically linked and driven in various combinations, and the respective embodiments can be independently implemented or implemented together in a related manner.

[0067] Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a display device according to an embodiment is unfolded. Figure 2is a perspective view showing a state in which the display device according to an embodiment is folded. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the display device according to another embodiment is unfolded. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the display device according to another embodiment is folded.

[0069] Referring to Figure 1 , the display device 10 according to an embodiment can be a foldable display device. Although described centering on the case where the display device 10 is applied to a smartphone, it is not limited thereto. For example, in addition to the smartphone, the display device 10 according to an embodiment of the present specification can be applied to a portable phone, a tablet PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a television, a game console, a watch-type electronic device, a head-mounted display, a display of a personal computer, a notebook computer, a car navigation, a car dashboard, a digital camera, a camcorder, an external advertising board, an electric light board, a medical device, an examination device, various home appliances such as a refrigerator and a washing machine, or an Internet of Things device. Hereinafter, specific embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] In Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the first direction DR1 is a direction parallel to one side of the display device 10, for example, can be a horizontal direction of the display device 10 when viewed in a plane. The second direction DR2 is a direction parallel to the other side of the display device 10 in contact with the one side when viewed in a plane, can be a vertical direction of the display device 10. The third direction DR3 can be a thickness direction of the display device 10.

[0071] In an embodiment, the display device 10 can be configured to be rectangular when viewed in a plane. The display device 10 can be a rectangular shape with right angles or a rectangular shape with rounded corners when viewed in a plane. The display device 10 can include two short sides arranged in the first direction DR1 and two long sides arranged in the second direction DR2 when viewed in a plane.

[0072] The display device 10 includes a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA can correspond to the shape of the display device 10 when viewed in a plane. For example, if the display device 10 is rectangular when viewed in a plane, the display area DA can also be rectangular.

[0073] The display area DA may be an area including a plurality of pixels for displaying an image. The plurality of pixels may be arranged in rows and columns. When viewed on a plane, the plurality of pixels may be rectangular, diamond, or square, but is not limited thereto. For example, when viewed on a plane, the plurality of pixels may be quadrilaterals other than rectangles, diamonds, or squares, polygons other than quadrilaterals, circles, or ellipses.

[0074] The non-display area NDA may be an area that does not include pixels and does not display an image. The non-display area NDA may be arranged around the display area DA. Figure 2 and Figure 1 As shown, the non-display area NDA may be arranged in a manner of surrounding the display area DA, but is not limited thereto. The display area DA may be partially surrounded by the non-display area NDA.

[0075] In one embodiment, the display device 10 can maintain a folded state and an unfolded state. Figure 2 As shown, the display device 10 can be folded in an in-folding manner with the display area DA arranged on the inner side. When the display device 10 is folded in the in-folding manner, the upper surfaces of the display device 10 can be arranged so as to face each other. As another example, the display device 10 can be folded in an out-folding manner with the display area DA arranged on the outer side. When the display device 10 is folded in the out-folding manner, the lower surfaces of the display device 10 can be arranged so as to face each other.

[0076] In one embodiment, the display device 10 may be a foldable device. In this specification, a foldable device is a device that can be folded, and is used to refer not only to folded devices but also to devices that can have both a folded state and an unfolded state. Furthermore, while folding typically includes folding at an angle of approximately 180°, this is not limited to this. A folding angle greater than 180° or less than 180° (for example, bending at an angle of 90° to 180°, or at an angle of 120° to 180°) can also be considered folded. Furthermore, even if the folded state is not completely folded, as long as it is bent out of the unfolded state, it can be referred to as a folded state. For example, even if it is bent at an angle of less than 90°, it can be described as being in a folded state to distinguish it from an abnormal unfolded state where the maximum folding angle is greater than 90°. The radius of curvature when folded can be less than 5 mm, preferably in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm, or approximately 1.5 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0077] In an embodiment, the display device 10 can include a folding area FDA, a first non-folding area NFA1, and a second non-folding area NFA2. The folding area FDA can be an area in which the display device 10 is folded, and the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 can be areas in which the display device 10 is not folded.

[0078] The first non-folding area NFA1 can be disposed at one side (e.g., an upper side) of the folding area FDA. The second non-folding area NFA2 can be disposed at the other side (e.g., a lower side) of the folding area FDA. The folding area FDA can be an area that is curved with a predetermined curvature.

[0079] In an embodiment, the folding area FDA of the display device 10 can also be positioned at a specific location. In the display device 10, the folding area FDA positioned at the specific location can be one, or two or more. In another embodiment, the folding area FDA is not positioned at a specific location in the display device 10, but is freely set in various areas.

[0080] In an embodiment, the display device 10 can be folded in the second direction DR2. Accordingly, the length of the second direction DR2 of the display device 10 can be reduced to about half, and thus the user can conveniently carry the display device 10.

[0081] In an embodiment, the direction in which the display device 10 is folded is not limited to the second direction DR2. For example, the display device 10 can be folded in the first direction DR1. In this case, the length of the first direction DR1 of the display device 10 can be reduced to about half.

[0082] Figure 3 And Figure 4 It is shown that the display area DA and the non-display area NDA overlap the folding area FDA, the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second non-folding area NFA2, respectively, but is not limited thereto. For example, the display area DA and the non-display area NDA can overlap at least one of the folding area FDA, the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second non-folding area NFA2, respectively.

[0083] In addition, referring to Figure 4 And Figure 5In the display device 10 according to another embodiment, the first direction DR1 is a direction parallel to one side of the display device 10 when viewed in plan, for example, a longitudinal direction of the display device 10. The second direction DR2 is a direction parallel to the other side of the display device 10 in contact with the one side when viewed in plan, for example, a lateral direction of the display device 10. The third direction DR3 can be a thickness direction of the display device 10. The display device 10 can include two long sides arranged in the first direction DR1 and two short sides arranged in the second direction DR2 when viewed in plan.

[0084] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the display device 10 can be folded in an in-folding manner in which the display region DA is arranged on the inner side, or in an out-folding manner in which the display region DA is arranged on the outer side. Figure 6 The display device 10 can include a folding region FDA, a first non-folding region NFA1, and a second non-folding region NFA2. The folding region FDA can be a region bent with a predetermined curvature. The display device 10 can be folded in the second direction DR2. Accordingly, the length of the second direction DR2 of the display device 10 can be reduced to about half, and thus the user can conveniently carry the display device 10.

[0085] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an unfolded state of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 6 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a display panel according to an embodiment.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 1, Figure 5 The display device 10 can include a display panel 100, a front laminated structure 200 laminated on a front of the display panel 100, and a rear laminated structure 300 laminated on a rear of the display panel 100. Herein, the front of the display panel 100 is a direction in which the display panel 100 displays a picture, and the rear indicates a reverse direction of the front. One surface of the display panel 100 is located on the front, and the other surface of the display panel 100 is located on the rear.

[0087] The display panel 100 is a panel that displays a picture or an image, and examples thereof include not only self-luminous display panels such as an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), an inorganic EL display panel, a quantum dot light emitting display panel (QED), a micro-LED display panel, a nano-LED display panel, a plasma display panel (PDP), a field emission display panel (FED), and a cathode ray tube display panel (CRT), but also light-receiving display panels such as a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) and an electrophoretic display panel (EPD). Hereinafter, an organic light emitting display panel will be described as an example of the display panel 100, and the organic light emitting display panel to which the embodiments are applied will be simply referred to as the display panel 100 unless a particular distinction is required. However, the embodiments are not limited to the organic light emitting display panel, and other display panels 100 exemplified above or known in the art can be applied within the scope of sharing technical ideas.

[0088] The display panel 100 can further include a touch component. The touch component can be provided by a panel or a film independent of the display panel 100 and attached to the display panel 100, but can also be provided in the form of a touch layer inside the display panel 100. In the following embodiments, a case in which the touch component is arranged inside the display panel 100 and included in the display panel 100 is exemplified, but is not limited thereto.

[0089] Referring to Figure 7 The display panel 100 can include a substrate SUB, a circuit driving layer DRL on the substrate SUB, an emitting layer EML on the circuit driving layer DRL, an encapsulation layer ENL on the emitting layer EML, and a touch layer TSL on the encapsulation layer ENL.

[0090] The substrate SUB can be a flexible substrate including a flexible high polymer material such as polyimide. Accordingly, the display panel 100 can be bent, folded, folded, or rolled. In some embodiments, the substrate can include a plurality of sub-substrates overlapped in a thickness direction with a barrier layer interposed therebetween. In this case, each of the sub-substrates can be a flexible substrate.

[0091] The circuit driving layer DRL can be arranged on the substrate SUB. The circuit driving layer DRL can include a circuit that drives the emitting layer EML of a pixel. The circuit driving layer DRL can include a plurality of thin film transistors.

[0092] The emitting layer EML can be arranged on the circuit driving layer DRL. The emitting layer EML can include an organic emitting layer. The emitting layer EML can emit light at a plurality of luminances according to a driving signal transmitted from the circuit driving layer DRL.

[0093] An encapsulation layer ENL can be disposed on the light-emitting layer EML. The encapsulation layer ENL can include an inorganic film or a stacked film of an inorganic film and an organic film.

[0094] A touch layer TSL can be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENL. The touch layer TSL is a layer that recognizes a touch input, and can perform a function of a touch component. The touch layer TSL can include a plurality of sensing areas and sensing electrodes.

[0095] Referring back to Figure 8 A front lamination structure 200 can be disposed in front of the display panel 100. The front lamination structure 200 can include a polarizing member 230, an impact absorbing layer 220, and a cover window 210, which are sequentially laminated in a front direction from the display panel 100.

[0096] The polarizing member 230 can polarize light passing therethrough. The polarizing member 230 can function to reduce reflection of external light. In an embodiment, the polarizing member 230 can be a polarizing film. The polarizing film can include a polarizing layer and protective substrates that sandwich the polarizing layer from upper and lower portions. The polarizing layer can include a polyvinyl alcohol film. The polarizing layer can extend in one direction. The direction of extension of the polarizing layer can become an absorption axis, and a direction perpendicular thereto can become a transmission axis. The protective substrates can be disposed on one surface and the other surface of the polarizing layer, respectively. The protective substrates can be composed of a cellulose resin such as triacetyl cellulose, a polyester resin, or the like, but are not limited thereto.

[0097] The impact absorbing layer 220 can be disposed in front of the polarizing member 230. The impact absorbing layer 220 can function to protect a structure such as a display panel below from external impact. In an embodiment, the impact absorbing layer 220 can be a polymer film. The polymer film can include at least one of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether sulfone (PES), polyimide (PI), polyarylate (PAR), polycarbonate (PC), poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA), and cyclo olefin copolymer (COC) resins.

[0098] The cover window 210 can be disposed in front of the impact absorbing layer 220. The cover window 210 functions to protect the display panel 100. The cover window 210 can be composed of a transparent material. For example, the cover window 210 can be composed of glass or plastic.

[0099] In the case where the cover window 210 includes glass, the glass can be ultra thin glass (UTG) or thin film glass. When the glass is composed of an ultra thin film or a thin film, it can have a characteristic that can be bent, folded, folded, or rolled due to the flexible characteristic. The thickness of the glass can be in the range of, for example, 10 to 300 μm, and specifically, a glass having a thickness of 10 to 100 μm or a thickness of about 30 μm can be applied. The glass of the cover window 210 can include soda lime glass, alkali alumino silicate glass, borosilicate glass, or aluminumborosilicate glass. In order to have high strength, the glass of the cover window 210 can include glass that is chemically or thermally strengthened. Chemical strengthening can be achieved by an ion exchange treatment process in an alkali salt. The ion exchange treatment process can also be performed more than twice. Also, the cover window 210 can also be configured by coating glass in a thin film form on both sides of a polymer film.

[0100] In the case where the cover window 210 includes plastic, it can be more advantageous in terms of exhibiting a flexible characteristic such as folding. Examples of plastic that can be applied to the cover window 210 can include polyimide, polyacrylate, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), polystyrene, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyethersulphone (PES), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate, tri-acetyl cellulose (TAC), cellulose acetate propionate, etc., but are not limited thereto. The plastic cover window 210 can be configured to include one or more of the above-listed plastic materials.

[0101] In several embodiments, the front stack structure 200 can further include front coupling members that couple the components of the adjacent layers. For example, front coupling members can be disposed between the cover window 210 and the impact absorbing layer 220, and between the impact absorbing layer 220 and the polarizing member 230 to couple them. The front coupling members can be pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0102] A rear stack structure 300 is disposed behind the display panel 100. The rear stack structure 300 can include a spacer 310 and a support member 320 that are sequentially stacked behind the display panel 100.

[0103] The spacer 310 can function to absorb external impact to prevent damage to the display panel 100. The spacer 310 can be composed of a single layer of a stacked film or composed of a plurality of stacked films. For example, the spacer 310 can be composed of a material, such as polyurethane or polyethylene resin, that has elasticity. In an embodiment, the spacer 310 can be composed of a foam material similar to a sponge.

[0104] The support member 320 can be disposed behind the spacer 310. The support member 320 can be a support member for coupling the display device 10 to a housing. The support member 320 can be composed of a material that has rigidity. In an embodiment, the support member 320 can be composed of a metal alloy, such as stainless steel (SUS), or a single metal.

[0105] In several embodiments, the rear stack structure 300 can further include a heat dissipation member. The heat dissipation member can be disposed behind the support member 320. The heat dissipation member functions to diffuse heat generated from the display panel 100 or other components of the display device 10. In several embodiments, the heat dissipation member can include a first heat dissipation layer including graphite or carbon nanotubes, etc., and a second heat dissipation layer formed of a metal thin film, such as copper, nickel, ferrite, silver, etc., that can shield electromagnetic waves and has excellent heat conductivity.

[0106] To facilitate folding, the aforementioned support member 320 can be formed of a first support member 321 and a second support member 322 that are spaced apart from each other with a folding area FDA interposed therebetween. Since the first support member 321 and the second support member 322 are disposed apart from each other, foreign matter can flow in from the space between them to degrade display quality. Hereinafter, a display device that can prevent foreign matter from flowing in from the space between the first support member 321 and the second support member 322 is described.

[0107] Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 10 FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating the display device according to the embodiment.Figure 8 is a plan view showing a barrier sheet according to an embodiment. Figure 11 It is along Figure 8 A-A' cross-sectional view. Figure 12 It is along Figure 13 Cross-sectional view taken along line BB'. Figure 5 and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a folded state of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0108] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 As described above, the display device 10 may include a front laminate structure 200 disposed on the front surface of the display panel 100, and a rear laminate structure 300 disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 100. The front laminate structure 200 may include a polarizing member 230, an impact absorbing layer 220, and a cover window 210. The rear laminate structure 300 may include a cushion layer 310 disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 100, and a support member 320 disposed on the rear surface of the cushion layer 310.

[0109] The support member 320 may include a first support member 321 and a second support member 322, spaced apart from each other. The first support member 321 may be arranged in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2 with respect to the folding area FDA, while the second support member 322 may be arranged in the second direction DR2. Specifically, the first support member 321 may correspond to and overlap the first unfolding area NFA1. The second support member 322 may correspond to and overlap the second unfolding area NFA2. A portion of each of the first and second support members 321 and 322 may overlap the folding area FDA. The first and second support members 321 and 322 may be spaced apart from each other. The first and second support members 321 and 322 may be spaced apart with a gap G between them overlapping the folding area FDA. In some embodiments, the first and second support members 321 and 322 may be connected at least partially. The first and second support members 321 and 322 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the folding area FDA.

[0110] The display device 10 according to an embodiment may include a first barrier sheet 400 and a second barrier sheet 500 disposed on the rear surface of the support member 320 .

[0111] The first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500 can be disposed behind the support member 320. The first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500 can cover the separation gap G between the first support member 321 and the second support member 322. In particular, the first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500 can cover the separation gap G as the separation gap G between the first support member 321 and the second support member 322 changes. The first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500 can be composed of a flexible material that can be bent, folded, or bended when the display apparatus 10 is folded and unfolded. For example, the first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500 can be plastic such as polyimide, polyacrylate, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), polystyrene, ethylene vinylalcohol copolymer, polyethersulphone (PES), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate, tri-acetyl cellulose (TAC), cellulose acetate propionate, or the like. In another embodiment, the first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500 can also be a metal thin film. In yet another embodiment, the first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500 can also include elastic fibers having a mesh structure.

[0112] In an embodiment, the first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500 can be attached to the support member 320 by an adhesive member. In particular, the first barrier sheet 400 can be attached to the rear surface of the first support member 321 by a first adhesive member 450. The second barrier sheet 500 can be attached to the rear surface of the second support member 322 by a second adhesive member 550.

[0113] The first adhesive member 450 and the second adhesive member 550 can be configured as a single layer, can be configured of a plurality of layers of adhesive layers stacked, and can include an adhesive layer on one side and the other side of the substrate like a double-sided tape. For example, the first adhesive member 450 and the second adhesive member 550 can include at least one of a silicon-based adhesive, an acrylic-based adhesive, a crystalline polymer, and a rubber-based polymer.

[0114] The first adhesive member 450 can be disposed at a side edge of the first barrier sheet 400. The first adhesive member 450 can be disposed to extend from a side of the first barrier sheet 400 in the first direction DR1. The first adhesive member 450 can be disposed to overlap the first support member 321 without overlapping the folding area FDA.

[0115] The second adhesive member 550 can be disposed at at least one side corner of the second barrier sheet 500. In an embodiment, the second adhesive member 550 can be disposed at at least two corners overlapping the second support member 322, respectively. In another embodiment, the second adhesive member 550 can also be disposed to extend from a side edge of the second barrier sheet 500 in the second direction DR2.

[0116] Further, the display device 10 according to an embodiment can include a heat dissipation member 600 disposed at a rear surface of the support member 320. The heat dissipation member 600 can include a first heat dissipation member 610 and a second heat dissipation member 620 disposed apart from each other.

[0117] The first heat dissipation member 610 can be disposed in the opposite direction of the second direction DR2 with the folding area FDA as a reference, and the second heat dissipation member 620 can be disposed in the second direction DR2. Specifically, the first heat dissipation member 610 can be disposed at a rear surface of the first support member 321 to overlap the first support member 321. The second heat dissipation member 620 can be disposed at a rear surface of the second support member 322 to overlap the second support member 322. The first heat dissipation member 610 and the second heat dissipation member 620 can be disposed apart from each other.

[0118] The first heat dissipation member 610 can be disposed on the same plane as the first barrier sheet 400 to be disposed apart from the first barrier sheet 400. In other words, a portion of the rear surface of the first support member 321 can be disposed with the first heat dissipation member 610, and the remaining portion can be disposed with the first barrier sheet 400. The second heat dissipation member 620 can be disposed on the same plane as the second barrier sheet 500 to be disposed apart from the second barrier sheet 500. In other words, a portion of the rear surface of the second support member 322 can be disposed with the second heat dissipation member 620, and the remaining portion can be disposed with the second barrier sheet 500.

[0119] The display device 10 according to an embodiment can include a connection portion 700 disposed behind the first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500. The connection portion 700 can include a hinge structure 710 disposed corresponding to the folding area FDA, and first and second hinge brackets 720 and 730 coupled to the hinge structure 710 and coupled to the first and second support members 321 and 322, respectively.

[0120] The hinge structure 710 is disposed in the first direction DR1 to make the angle between the first and second support members 321 and 322 variable in the folding area FDA, thereby enabling folding and unfolding.

[0121] The hinge structure 710 can be a multi-axis hinge structure. Although not shown in detail in Figure 8 the hinge structure 710 includes a plurality of brackets and a plurality of gears and is driven to rotate the first and second hinge brackets 720 and 730 coupled to the first and second support members 321 and 322, respectively, in different directions from each other with reference to their respective rotation axes by the plurality of gears as the angle between the first and second support members 321 and 322 changes. In the present embodiment, the structure or number of the connection portion 700 is not limited to the hinge structure 710, and the connection portion 700 can include any structure that connects the first and second support members 321 and 322 in a manner to make the angle between the first and second support members 321 and 322 variable to enable folding or unfolding of the display device.

[0122] Hereinafter, the first and second barrier sheets 400 and 500, and the first and second heat dissipation members 610 and 620 disposed behind the support member 320 are described in detail. Figure 9 To show a planar view from the rear of the display device 10, the first and second barrier sheets 400 and 500, and the first and second heat dissipation members 610 and 620 are shown without the connection portion 700.

[0123] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9The first support member 321 and the second support member 322 can be disposed apart from each other with a gap G in a region overlapping the folding area FDA. The first coupling member 750 can be disposed on one side in the rear surface of the first support member 321, i.e., on one side edge in the opposite direction of the second direction DR2, and the second coupling member 760 can be disposed on the other side edge in the second direction DR2. The first coupling member 750 can bond the first hinge bracket 720 to the rear surface of the first support member 321, and the second coupling member 760 can bond the second hinge bracket 730 to the rear surface of the second support member 322. The first coupling member 750 and the second coupling member 760 can be disposed extending in the first direction DR1, respectively.

[0124] The first heat dissipation member 610 can be disposed in a region of the rear surface of the first support member 321 disposed in the second direction DR2 from the first coupling member 750. The first heat dissipation member 610 can be disposed apart from the first coupling member 750 by a predetermined interval. The second heat dissipation member 620 can be disposed in a region of the rear surface of the second support member 322 disposed in the opposite direction of the second direction DR2 from the second coupling member 760. The second heat dissipation member 620 can be disposed apart from the second coupling member 760 by a predetermined interval.

[0125] The first bonding member 450 can be disposed in a region of the rear surface of the first support member 321 disposed in the second direction DR2 from the first heat dissipation member 610. The first bonding member 450 can be disposed apart from the first heat dissipation member 610 by a predetermined interval, and can be disposed extending to an edge of the first support member 321 adjacent to the folding area FDA. The second bonding member 550 can be disposed in a region of the rear surface of the second support member 322 disposed in the opposite direction of the second direction DR2 from the second heat dissipation member 620. The second bonding member 550 can be disposed on a portion of the upper side edge and a portion of the lower side edge of the second support member 322, respectively. The second bonding member 550 can be disposed apart from the second heat dissipation member 620 by a predetermined interval, and can be disposed apart from an edge of the second support member 322 close to the folding area FDA.

[0126] The first barrier sheet 400 is disposed behind the first support member 321 and the second support member 322, and at least a portion of the first barrier sheet 400 can be fixed to the first support member 321. At least a portion of the first barrier sheet 400 can be bonded to the first bonding member 450 formed in the first support member 321 and fixed to the first support member 321.

[0127] The first barrier sheet 400 can include a first barrier area 410 and a second barrier area 420. The first barrier area 410 can be an area overlapping the first support member 321, the folding area FDA, and the second support member 322, and the second barrier area 420 can be an area overlapping the second support member 322 but not overlapping the first support member 321 and the folding area FDA. The width W1 of the first barrier area 410 can be greater than the width W2 of the second barrier area 420. That is, the area of the first barrier sheet 400 having a greater width in the first direction DR1 can be the first barrier area 410, and the area of the first barrier sheet 400 having a relatively smaller width in the first direction DR1 can be the second barrier area 420. Also, in plan, the second barrier area 420 of the first barrier sheet 400 can be disposed between the second bonding members 550.

[0128] The second barrier sheet 500 is disposed behind the first support member 321 and the second support member 322, and at least a portion of the second barrier sheet 500 can be fixed to the second support member 322. At least a portion of the second barrier sheet 500 can be bonded to the second bonding members 550 formed in the second support member 322 to be fixed to the second support member 322. The second barrier sheet 500 can be substantially quadrangular, and can be bonded to the second bonding members 550 disposed at both side corners, respectively.

[0129] As shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11 , the second barrier sheet 500 can cover and overlap the entire first barrier sheet 400. To this end, the planar area of the second barrier sheet 500 can be configured to be greater than the planar area of the first barrier sheet 400. The four long sides of the first barrier sheet 400 can be aligned with the four long sides of the second barrier sheet 500 to be consistent with each other. Among them, the long side refers to the four longest sides among all the sides of each of the first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500. However, due to the second barrier area 420, the planar area of the first barrier sheet 400 can be relatively smaller than the planar area of the second barrier sheet 500.

[0130] Hereinafter, the unfolded and folded states of the display device 10 according to an embodiment will be described in detail through cross-sectional views.

[0131] Referring to Figure 11 and Figure 10According to an embodiment, the display device 10 can include an upper laminated structure 200 disposed in front of the display panel 100, and a lower laminated structure 300 including a cushion layer 310 and a support member 320 disposed behind the display panel 100. Third coupling members 261, 262, 263 can be disposed between the display panel 100 and the upper laminated structure 200, between the display panel 100 and the cushion layer 310, and between the cushion layer 310 and the support member 320, respectively, so as to couple them to each other. The third coupling members 261, 262, 263 can be composed of a transparent material, for example, can be a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0132] The first support member 321 and the second support member 322 can be spaced apart from each other by a gap G in a region overlapping the folding area FDA. The gap G between the first support member 321 and the second support member 322 can act as a passage for foreign matter to flow in. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, by forming the first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500 capable of overlapping the gap G to cover the gap G, it is possible to block the foreign matter from flowing into the gap G.

[0133] Specifically, a portion of the rear surface of the first support member 321 can have the first barrier sheet 400 attached thereto through the first adhesive member 450. A portion of the rear surface of the second support member 322 can have the second barrier sheet 500 attached thereto through the second adhesive member 550.

[0134] The first barrier sheet 400 is disposed to extend from the first support member 321 to the second support member 322, so as to be disposed overlapping the first support member 321, the folding area FDA, and the second support member 322. Also, the first barrier sheet 400 overlaps the gap G between the first support member 321 and the second support member 322, so as to cover the gap G. A side of the first barrier sheet 400 disposed in the opposite direction of the second direction DR2 can be spaced apart from the first heat dissipation member 610 disposed on the rear surface of the first support member 321. The first coupling member 750 can be disposed on the rear surface of the first support member 321 in the opposite direction of the second direction DR2 of the first heat dissipation member 610. A portion of the first barrier sheet 400 disposed in the other side of the second direction DR2 can be adjacent to and spaced apart from the second adhesive member 550. Also, as shown, another portion of the first barrier sheet 400 disposed in the other side of the second direction DR2 can be adjacent to and spaced apart from the second heat dissipation member 620. Figure 11

[0135] ​The second barrier sheet 500 is arranged to extend from the second support member 322 toward the first support member 321, so as to be arranged to overlap the second support member 322, the folding area FDA, and the first support member 321. Also, the second barrier sheet 500 and the first support member 321 overlap the gap G from the second support member 322, so as to cover the gap G. One side of the second barrier sheet 500 arranged in the second direction DR2 can be spaced apart from the second heat dissipation member 620 arranged on the rear surface of the second support member 322. The second coupling member 760 can be arranged on the rear surface of the second support member 322 in the second direction DR2 of the second heat dissipation member 620. The other side of the second barrier sheet 500 arranged in the opposite direction of the second direction DR2 can be adjacent to the first heat dissipation member 610 while being spaced apart from the first heat dissipation member 610.

[0136] In an embodiment, the first barrier sheet 400 can be received in the space SP between the second barrier sheet 500 and the first support member 321 and between the second barrier sheet 500 and the second support member 322. As shown in FIG. 6A, the first barrier sheet 400 can be arranged to overlap the second barrier sheet 500 in the third direction DR3. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown in FIG. 6A, the second barrier sheet 500 can cover the entire first barrier sheet 400 and overlap the entire first barrier sheet 400 in the third direction DR3. To this end, the thickness of the second adhesive member 550 fixing the second barrier sheet 500 to the second support member 322 can be greater than the thickness of the first adhesive member 450 fixing the first barrier sheet 400 to the first support member 321. Accordingly, the second barrier sheet 500 can be arranged behind the first barrier sheet 400 to cover the first barrier sheet 400 from behind.

[0137] The first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500 can be arranged to substantially contact each other. In an embodiment, the thickness of the second adhesive member 550 can be substantially the same as the sum of the thickness of the first adhesive member 450 and the thickness of the first barrier sheet 400. In another embodiment, the first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500 can also be arranged to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the third direction DR3. In still another embodiment, the first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500 can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the third direction DR3 in at least one area, and can contact each other in another area.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 6A, the second barrier sheet 500 can cover the entire first barrier sheet 400 and overlap the entire first barrier sheet 400 in the third direction DR3. To this end, the thickness of the second adhesive member 550 fixing the second barrier sheet 500 to the second support member 322 can be greater than the thickness of the first adhesive member 450 fixing the first barrier sheet 400 to the first support member 321. Accordingly, the second barrier sheet 500 can be arranged behind the first barrier sheet 400 to cover the first barrier sheet 400 from behind. Figure 12As shown, the maximum length L1 of the second barrier sheet 500 can be greater than or equal to the maximum length L2 of the first barrier sheet 400. In the unfolded display device 10, the second barrier sheet 500 covers the first barrier sheet 400 to the greatest extent possible, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering through the gap G between the first support member 321 and the second support member 322. In another embodiment, as long as the second barrier sheet 500 can cover the gap G between the first support member 321 and the second support member 322, the maximum length L1 of the second barrier sheet 500 can also be less than the maximum length L2 of the first barrier sheet 400.

[0139] Reference Figure 12 The display device 10 in the folded state is observed as follows.

[0140] like Figure 10 As shown, when the display device 10 is in the folded state, the portions of the first and second support members 321 and 322 arranged in the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 can be attached to the cushion layer 310, while the portions arranged in the folding area FDA can be separated from the rear surface of the cushion layer 310. Therefore, in the unfolded state, the portions of the first and second support members 321 and 322 arranged in the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 can be in close contact with the rear surface of the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 of the cushion layer 310 to support the display panel 100. Furthermore, in the folded state, the portions of the first and second support members 321 and 322 arranged in the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 can be spaced apart from the rear surface of the cushion layer 310 to ensure the curvature radius of the display panel 100.

[0141] The first supporting member 321 and the second supporting member 322 may be arranged to form a gap G between them when the display device 10 is in the unfolded state. Figure 12 As shown, in the folded state of the display device 10 , the gap G between the first supporting member 321 and the second supporting member 322 may be increased.

[0142] As the gap G between the first supporting member 321 and the second supporting member 322 increases, the first barrier sheet 400 of this embodiment can slide in the space between the second barrier sheet 500 and the first supporting member 321, and in the space between the second barrier sheet 500 and the second supporting member 322, in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2. Consequently, the side of the first barrier sheet 400 adjacent to the second adhesive member 550 can move away from the second adhesive member 550. As the gap G between the first supporting member 321 and the second supporting member 322 increases, the second barrier sheet 500 can slide in the second direction DR2. Consequently, the side of the second barrier sheet 500 adjacent to the first adhesive member 450 can move away from the first adhesive member 450.

[0143] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first barrier sheet 400 can be disposed to face the second bonding member 550 in the unfolded state of the display device 10. The first barrier sheet 400 can be disposed to face the second bonding member 550 in the folded state of the display device 10. Figure 12 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first barrier sheet 400 can be disposed to face the second bonding member 550 in the unfolded state of the display device 10. The first barrier sheet 400 can be disposed to face the second bonding member 550 in the folded state of the display device 10. Figure 12 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first barrier sheet 400 can be disposed to face the second bonding member 550 in the unfolded state of the display device 10. The first barrier sheet 400 can be disposed to face the second bonding member 550 in the folded state of the display device 10.

[0144] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first barrier sheet 400 can be disposed to face the second bonding member 550 in the unfolded state of the display device 10. The first barrier sheet 400 can be disposed to face the second bonding member 550 in the folded state of the display device 10.

[0145] The hinge structure 710 can guide the second barrier sheet 500 to be bent. The hinge structure 710 can be disposed such that at least a portion of a surface (i.e., an upper surface) facing the second barrier sheet 500 is side by side with the second barrier sheet 500. Accordingly, when the display device 10 is folded, the second barrier sheet 500 can slide in the second direction DR2 and be bent or folded by the upper surface of the hinge structure 710, and can maintain the bent shape or the folded shape. That is, the second barrier sheet 500 can be bent or folded according to the shape of the upper surface of the hinge structure 710, and the first barrier sheet 400 can be bent or folded according to the bent or folded shape of the second barrier sheet 500. Figure 13 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first barrier sheet 400 can be disposed to face the second bonding member 550 in the unfolded state of the display device 10. The first barrier sheet 400 can be disposed to face the second bonding member 550 in the folded state of the display device 10.

[0146] The hinge structure 710 can be combined to the first hinge bracket 720 and the second hinge bracket 730, and be driven to rotate the first hinge bracket 720 and the second hinge bracket 730 by a plurality of gears included in the hinge structure 710, respectively. As shown in Figures 14 to 16 , when folded, the first hinge bracket 720 and the second hinge bracket 730 are connected with the hinge structure 710, and one end of each can be inserted inside the hinge structure 710. Also, as shown in Figure 14 , the first hinge bracket 720 and the second hinge bracket 730 can be connected with the hinge structure 710, and one end of each can be disposed apart from the upper portion of the hinge structure 710.

[0147] The second barrier sheet 500 can be disposed between the hinge structure 710 and the first support member 321 and between the hinge structure 710 and the second support member 322. The second barrier sheet 500 can overlap the side surface of the first support member 321 and the side surface of the second support member 322, and also overlap the gap G between the first support member 321 and the second support member 322. The first barrier sheet 400 is guided by the curved shape of the second barrier sheet 500, and thus can be curved identically to the second barrier sheet 500. The first barrier sheet 400 can be disposed between the second barrier sheet 500 and the first support member 321 and between the second barrier sheet 500 and the second support member 322. The first barrier sheet 400 can overlap the side surface of the first support member 321 and the side surface of the second support member 322, and also overlap the gap G between the first support member 321 and the second support member 322.

[0148] Accordingly, the first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500 can double cover the gap G between the first support member 321 and the second support member 322, and thus can prevent inflow of foreign substances.

[0149] Further, the aforementioned second barrier sheet 500 can also cover only a portion of the first barrier sheet 400.

[0150] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing various structures of a barrier sheet of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0151] Referring to Figure 15The second barrier sheet 500 may overlap a portion of the first barrier sheet 400. The second barrier sheet 500 may overlap the first support member 321, the folding area FDA, and the second support member 322. A side edge of the second barrier sheet 500 in the direction opposite to the second direction DR2 may be spaced apart from a side edge of the first barrier sheet 400 in the direction opposite to the second direction DR2. If there is an area where the second barrier sheet 500 does not overlap with the first barrier sheet 400, the difference in thickness between the area where the second barrier sheet 500 overlaps with the first barrier sheet 400 may make it easier to identify potential wrinkle hazards near the folding area FDA of the display device 10.

[0152] In this embodiment, to compensate for the difference in thickness of the display device 10 in the non-overlapping region between the first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500, a third barrier sheet 430 may be disposed on the rear surface of the first barrier sheet 400 that does not overlap with the second barrier sheet 500. Similar to the first and second barrier sheets 400 and 500, the third barrier sheet 430 may be made of a flexible material. The third barrier sheet 430 may overlap with the first support member 321 and the first barrier sheet 400, but may not overlap with the folding area FDA and the second support member 322.

[0153] A third adhesive member 460 may be disposed between the third barrier sheet 430 and the first barrier sheet 400 to attach the third barrier sheet 430 to the first barrier sheet 400. The third adhesive member 460 is configured to be the same size as the third barrier sheet 430, thereby preventing wrinkles from being detected due to thickness variations in the display device 10. However, in another embodiment, the third adhesive member 460 may be configured to be smaller than the third barrier sheet 430.

[0154] like Figure 16 As shown, the third barrier sheet 430 and the second barrier sheet 500 can be arranged on the same plane and spaced apart from each other. The gap GG between the third barrier sheet 430 and the second barrier sheet 500 can overlap with the first support member 321 and not overlap with the folding area FDA. The gap GG between the third barrier sheet 430 and the second barrier sheet 500 may serve as a reason for identifying wrinkles. Therefore, preferably, the gap GG between the third barrier sheet 430 and the second barrier sheet 500 does not overlap with the folding area FDA.

[0155] In addition, if Figure 17 As shown, the second barrier panel 500 may also be configured with a length smaller than that of the first barrier panel 400. As the length of the second barrier panel 500 becomes smaller, the length of the third barrier panel 430 may become longer.

[0156] One side edge of the second direction DR2 of the second barrier sheet 500 can be aligned with one side edge of the second support member 322. One side edge of the second direction DR2 of the third barrier sheet 430 can overlap the folding area FDA. Accordingly, the separation gap GG between the third barrier sheet 430 and the second barrier sheet 500 can not overlap the first support member 321 and the second support member 322, and can overlap the folding area FDA.

[0157] Also, as shown in Figure 18 , the second barrier sheet 500 can also be configured in a length smaller than that of the first barrier sheet 400. As the length of the second barrier sheet 500 becomes smaller, the length of the third barrier sheet 430 can become longer.

[0158] One side edge of the second direction DR2 of the second barrier sheet 500 can be aligned with one side edge of the second support member 322. One side edge of the second direction DR2 of the third barrier sheet 430 can overlap the folding area FDA. Accordingly, the separation gap GG between the third barrier sheet 430 and the second barrier sheet 500 can not overlap the first support member 321 and the second support member 322, and can overlap the folding area FDA.

[0159] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a folded state of a display device according to another embodiment. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a folded state of a display device according to another embodiment. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an unfolded state of a display device according to another embodiment. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a folded state of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0160] Referring to Figures 7 to 16 and Figure 17 , the display device 10 according to the present embodiment can include a first barrier sheet 400, a second barrier sheet 500, and a hinge structure 710. In particular, the difference from the above-described embodiment of Figure 18 is that the shape of the hinge structure 710 is different, and thus the shape of the bending of the first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500 is different, and the structures other than this are substantially the same or similar. Accordingly, the repeated description is omitted, and the description is mainly made with the difference.

[0161] Referring to Figure 18The hinge structure 710 is configured as a concave arc and may include a space capable of accommodating the first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500. The hinge structure 710 may be coupled to the first hinge bracket 720 and the second hinge bracket 730 and driven to rotate the first hinge bracket 720 and the second hinge bracket 730, respectively, via a plurality of gears included in the hinge structure 710. The hinge structure 710 is arranged to overlap with the first hinge bracket 720 and the second hinge bracket 730, and may also overlap with the first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500.

[0162] like Figure 19 As shown, in the folded state of the display device 10 , the gap G between the first supporting member 321 and the second supporting member 322 may be increased.

[0163] As the gap G between the first supporting member 321 and the second supporting member 322 increases, the first barrier sheet 400 of this embodiment can slide in the space between the second barrier sheet 500 and the first supporting member 321, and in the space between the second barrier sheet 500 and the second supporting member 322, in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2. Consequently, the side of the first barrier sheet 400 adjacent to the second adhesive member 550 can move away from the second adhesive member 550. As the gap G between the first supporting member 321 and the second supporting member 322 increases, the second barrier sheet 500 can slide in the second direction DR2. Consequently, the side of the second barrier sheet 500 adjacent to the first adhesive member 450 can move away from the first adhesive member 450.

[0164] The hinge structure 710 can guide the second barrier sheet 500 to bend. The hinge structure 710 can be formed into a curved concave shape on one side facing the second barrier sheet 500. Therefore, when the display device 10 is folded, the second barrier sheet 500 can bend along the concave shape of the hinge structure 710 while sliding in the second direction DR2, and the curved shape can be maintained. Figure 20 , the second barrier sheet 500 is shown as being spaced apart from the hinge structure 710 . However, at least a portion of the second barrier sheet 500 may be in contact with the hinge structure 710 .

[0165] Reference Figure 17 as well as Figure 18 In some embodiments, the hinge structure 710 may be formed into a shape that is arcuately concave on a side facing the second barrier sheet 500. Figure 21 and Figure 22Differently, the thickness of the hinge structure 710 can be formed thick. The area where the thickness of the hinge structure 710 is formed thick can include a plurality of gears or the like capable of folding and unfolding the hinge structure 710, the first hinge bracket 720, and the second hinge bracket 730.

[0166] The second barrier sheet 500 can be disposed between the hinge structure 710 and the first support member 321 and between the hinge structure 710 and the second support member 322. The second barrier sheet 500 can overlap the side surface of the first support member 321 and the side surface of the second support member 322, and can also overlap the gap G of the first support member 321 and the second support member 322. The first barrier sheet 400 is guided by the curved shape of the second barrier sheet 500, and thus can be curved identically to the second barrier sheet 500. The first barrier sheet 400 can be disposed between the second barrier sheet 500 and the first support member 321 and between the second barrier sheet 500 and the second support member 322. The first barrier sheet 400 can overlap the side surface of the first support member 321 and the side surface of the second support member 322, and can also overlap the gap G of the first support member 321 and the second support member 322.

[0167] Accordingly, the first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500 can double cover the gap G of the first support member 321 and the second support member 322, and thus can prevent inflow of foreign substances.

[0168] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an unfolded state of a display device according to yet another embodiment, Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a folded state of a display device according to yet another embodiment. Figures 21 to 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an unfolded state of a display device according to yet another embodiment, Figures 7 to 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a folded state of a display device according to yet another embodiment.

[0169] Referring to Figure 21 The display device 10 according to the present embodiment can include a first barrier sheet 400, a second barrier sheet 500, a first support member 321, and a second support member 322. In particular, the present embodiment differs from the foregoing Figure 22 embodiment of FIG. 1 in the shape of the first support member 321 and the second support member 322, and is substantially the same or similar in other respects. Accordingly, overlapping descriptions are omitted, and the present embodiment is described mainly with the differences.

[0170] Referring to Figure 12, one side of the first support member 321 and one side of the second support member 322 can be configured as a folded structure. Specifically, the side of the first support member 321 facing the folding area FDA can be configured as a folded structure, that is, a hemming structure. The side of the second support member 322 facing the folding area FDA can also be configured as a hemming structure. If the first support member 321 and the second support member 322 are respectively configured as hemming structures in the folding area FDA, the strength of the first support member 321 and the second support member 322 in the folding area FDA can be improved. Therefore, the strength of the first support member 321 and the second support member 322 in the folding area FDA can be improved, thereby preventing damage caused by folding and unfolding of the display device 10.

[0171] Because one side of the first support member 321 and one side of the second support member 322 are formed into a rolled-edge structure, the thickness of one side of the first support member 321 and one side of the second support member 322 can be increased. Consequently, the thickness of the first heat dissipation member 610 and the first bonding member 750 arranged on the rear surface of the first support member 321, as well as the thickness of the second heat dissipation member 620 and the second bonding member 760 arranged on the rear surface of the second support member 322, can be increased. For example, the thickness of the first heat dissipation member 610 and the second heat dissipation member 620 can be thicker than the thickness of the first support member 321 or the second support member 322. Furthermore, the thickness of the first bonding member 750 and the second bonding member 760 can be thicker than the thickness of the first support member 321 or the second support member 322.

[0172] like Figure 23 As shown, when the display device 10 is folded, the first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500 can be Figure 24 Due to the curling structure of the first support member 321 and the second support member 322, in the folded state, a distance L3 between a side of the first support member 321 arranged in the opposite direction of the second direction DR2 and a side of the second support member 322 arranged in the second direction DR2 can be increased.

[0173] Therefore, in this embodiment, one end of the first barrier sheet 400 that does not overlap with the first adhesive member 450 may overlap with the second supporting member 322 in the third direction DR3, and may not overlap with the second supporting member 322 in the second direction DR2. Similarly, one end of the second barrier sheet 500 that does not overlap with the second adhesive member 550 may overlap with the first supporting member 321 in the third direction DR3, and may not overlap with the first supporting member 321 in the second direction DR2.

[0174] The first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500 overlap each other at the folding area FDA, thereby covering the gap G between the first support member 321 and the second support member 322 , thereby preventing foreign matter from flowing in.

[0175] like Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the hinge structure 710 can be connected with the aforementioned ​ as well as ​ The hinge structure 710 can guide the second barrier sheet 500 to bend. The hinge structure 710 can be formed with a curved, concave surface facing the second barrier sheet 500. Therefore, when the display device 10 is folded, the second barrier sheet 500 can slide in the second direction DR2 and bend along the concave surface of the hinge structure 710, maintaining the curved shape. Furthermore, the first barrier sheet 400 can be guided by the curved shape of the second barrier sheet 500 and configured to be curved in a substantially identical manner to the second barrier sheet 500.

[0176] As described above, the display device according to the embodiment is equipped with the first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500 overlapping each other, and in the folded state, the first barrier sheet 400 and the second barrier sheet 500 slide in different directions from each other, thereby doubly covering the gap G between the first support part 321 and the second support part 322, thereby preventing the inflow of foreign matter.

[0177] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art with ordinary knowledge in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood in all respects as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A display device comprising: The display panel includes a folding area and a first non-folding area and a second non-folding area, wherein the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area are adjacent to each other with the folding area in between; A first supporting member and a second supporting member are arranged on the rear surface of the display panel and are spaced apart from each other with the folding area in between; a first barrier sheet, at least a portion of which is fixed to the rear surface of the first support member and extends toward the rear surface of the second support member; a second barrier sheet, at least a portion of which is fixed to the rear surface of the second supporting member and extends toward the rear surface of the first supporting member and covers the first barrier sheet; a first bonding component disposed between the first supporting component and the first barrier sheet; as well as a second bonding member disposed between the second supporting member and the second barrier sheet, The first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet overlap with the first supporting component, the folding area and the second supporting component respectively. The first barrier sheet is accommodated in the space between the second barrier sheet and the second supporting member. The first bonding component is arranged on one side of the first barrier sheet to bond the first supporting component and the first barrier sheet, and the second bonding component is respectively arranged on at least two corners of the second barrier sheet to bond the second supporting component and the second barrier sheet. The second bonding member has a thickness greater than that of the first bonding member.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first supporting component overlaps with the first unfolding area, and the second supporting component overlaps with the second unfolding area.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The second barrier panel overlaps the entire first barrier panel, and the first barrier panel is arranged in a space between the first supporting member and the second barrier panel and in a space between the second supporting member and the second barrier panel.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The first barrier panel includes a first barrier region overlapping the first supporting component, the folding region, and the second supporting component; and a second barrier region overlapping the second supporting component and not overlapping the first supporting component and the folding region.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: Also includes: a second bonding member disposed between the second supporting member and the second barrier sheet, The second bonding components are respectively arranged at at least two corners of the second barrier sheet to bond the second supporting component and the second barrier sheet. The first barrier region has a width greater than that of the second barrier region, and the second barrier region is arranged between the second bonding members on a plane. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein: The second barrier panel covers and overlaps the entire first barrier panel and has a planar area greater than a planar area of ​​the first barrier panel.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The maximum length of the second barrier panel is greater than or equal to the maximum length of the first barrier panel.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The second barrier panel overlaps a portion of the first barrier panel and does not overlap a remaining portion of the first barrier panel.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: Also includes: a third barrier sheet, arranged in an area of ​​the rear surface of the first barrier sheet that does not overlap with the second barrier sheet, and spaced apart from the second barrier sheet, Wherein, the third barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet are arranged on the same plane.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein The third barrier sheet is attached to the rear surface of the first barrier sheet by a third adhesive member arranged in an area of ​​the rear surface of the first barrier sheet that does not overlap with the second barrier sheet.

11. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: The gap between the third barrier panel and the second barrier panel does not overlap with the folding area.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein The gap between the third barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet overlaps with the first supporting component and does not overlap with the second supporting component.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein A side of the first supporting component adjacent to the folding area and a side of the second supporting component face each other and are configured as a rolled edge structure.

14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: The connecting portion is arranged behind the second barrier piece, The connecting portion includes: a first hinge bracket overlapping the first support member; a second hinge bracket overlapping the second support member; and a hinge structure combining the first hinge bracket and the second hinge bracket. The hinge structure overlaps the first barrier panel and the second barrier panel.

15. A display device comprising: The display panel includes a folding area and a first non-folding area and a second non-folding area, wherein the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area are adjacent to each other with the folding area in between; A first supporting member and a second supporting member are arranged on the rear surface of the display panel and are spaced apart from each other with the folding area in between; a first adhesive member and a second adhesive member, wherein the first adhesive member is arranged on the rear surface of the first supporting member, and the second adhesive member is arranged on the rear surface of the second supporting member; a first barrier sheet, at least a portion of which is bonded to the first bonding component and extends toward the rear surface of the second supporting component; as well as a second barrier sheet, at least a portion of which is bonded to the second bonding member and extends toward the rear surface of the first supporting member and overlaps with the first barrier sheet; The first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet overlap with the gap between the first supporting component and the second supporting component. The first barrier sheet is arranged between the second barrier sheet and the second supporting member and between the second barrier sheet and the first supporting member. The first bonding component is arranged on one side of the first barrier sheet to bond the first supporting component and the first barrier sheet, and the second bonding component is respectively arranged on at least two corners of the second barrier sheet to bond the second supporting component and the second barrier sheet. The second bonding member has a thickness greater than that of the first bonding member.

16. The display device according to claim 15, further comprising: A hinge structure is arranged behind the second barrier piece, The structure is as follows: when the display device is in the folded state, the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet are bent along the shape of the upper surface of the hinge structure.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein: The upper surface of the hinge structure and at least a portion of the second barrier panel are in contact with each other, and at least a portion of the first barrier panel and the second barrier panel are in contact with each other.

18. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: One side edge of the first barrier sheet faces one side edge of the second adhesive component, and a distance between one side edge of the first barrier sheet and one side edge of the second adhesive component in the unfolded state of the display device is shorter than a distance between one side edge of the first barrier sheet and one side edge of the second adhesive component in the folded state of the display device.

Images