Display device

Abstract

A display device is foldable, and includes a display panel, a folding line extending in a first direction, a first non-folding area disposed on a first side of the folding line and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a second non-folding area disposed on a second side of the folding line opposite the first side and extending in the second direction, and a through-hole defined in the first non-folding area and penetrating the display panel in a thickness direction. In a plan view, a first maximum width of the through-hole in the first direction is less than a second maximum width of the through-hole in the second direction.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0095335, filed on July 30, 2020, and all rights arising therefrom, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device. Background Art

[0004] Electronic devices that provide images to users, such as smart phones, tablet PCs, digital cameras, laptop computers, navigation devices, and smart TVs, include display devices for displaying the images.

[0005] Recently, optical elements such as cameras and infrared sensors have been installed on display devices to implement various functions beyond screen display. Display devices may include optical apertures to allow the optical elements to receive light. Some components of the display device are physically perforated to increase the transmittance of the optical apertures.

[0006] Foldable display devices have recently attracted considerable attention. Due to their wide screens and excellent portability, foldable display devices offer advantages over both smartphones and tablet PCs. However, the folding operation of a foldable display device can exert stress on each layer that makes up the display. If the optical aperture is subjected to such stress, it may cause interference between components, cracks in the thin-film encapsulation layer that protects the light-emitting element, and delamination of the polarizing element. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a display device capable of preventing or suppressing defects caused by external impact to a window covering an optical hole.

[0008] However, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the aspects set forth herein. The above and other aspects of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains by referring to the detailed description of the present disclosure given below.

[0009] An embodiment of a foldable display device includes: a display panel; a fold line extending in a first direction; a first non-folding region disposed on a first side of the fold line and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a second non-folding region disposed on a second side of the fold line opposite the first side and extending in the second direction; and a through hole defined in the first non-folding region and penetrating the display panel in a thickness direction. In a plan view, a first maximum width of the through hole in the first direction is smaller than a second maximum width of the through hole in the second direction.

[0010] In an embodiment of a display device including a folding line extending in a first direction and a hole region disposed on a first side of the folding line, the display device includes a display panel, a cover window disposed on the display panel, and a printed layer disposed on the cover window. The hole region includes a through hole penetrating the display panel in a thickness direction, and an optical hole defined by the printed layer, the optical hole overlapping the through hole, and in a plan view, a first maximum width of the optical hole in the first direction is less than a second maximum width of the optical hole in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0011] According to the display device according to the embodiment, it is possible to provide a display device capable of preventing or suppressing a defect caused by an external impact on a window covering an optical hole.

[0012] Effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and various other effects are included in the present specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become clearer after a detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an unfolded state of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a folded state of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0016] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment in an unfolded state;

[0017] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment in a folded state;

[0018] Figure 5 is a plan view showing a planar arrangement relationship between members surrounding a hole region;

[0019] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI' of Figure 5 ;

[0020] Figure 7 is a plan view showing a planar arrangement relationship between members surrounding a hole region in a state where the display device of Figure 5 is folded;

[0021] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the display device of Figure 6 in a folded state;

[0022] Figure 9is a sectional view showing a periphery of an aperture region of a display device and one pixel according to an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 10 is a plan view showing a planar arrangement relationship between members surrounding an aperture region according to an embodiment;

[0024] Figure 11 is a plan view showing a planar arrangement relationship between members surrounding an aperture region according to another embodiment;

[0025] Figure 12 is a sectional view of a portion surrounding an aperture region of a display device according to yet another embodiment;

[0026] Figure 13 is a sectional view of a display device of Figure 12 in a folded state according to an embodiment;

[0027] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a display device according to yet another embodiment;

[0028] Figure 15 is a plan view showing a planar arrangement relationship between members surrounding an aperture region and a sub-aperture region according to another embodiment;

[0029] Figure 16 is a plan view showing a planar arrangement relationship between members surrounding an aperture region of a display device according to yet another embodiment; and

[0030] Figure 17 is a plan view showing a planar arrangement relationship between members surrounding an aperture region of a display device according to yet another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present application will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the application are shown. The present application may, however, be embodied in 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 fully convey the scope of the application to those skilled in the art.

[0032] It will also be understood that, when a layer is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or intervening layers can also be present. Throughout this specification, like reference numbers signify like parts. In the figures, the thickness of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. Also, relative terms, such as "lower," "top," "bottom," "upper," "under," "below," "above," "front," "back," and the like, can be used herein to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as being on the "lower" side of other elements would then be oriented on the "upper" sides of the other elements. The term "lower" can encompass both an orientation of "lower" and "upper," depending on the particular orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements would then be oriented "above" the other elements. The terms "below" or "under" can encompass both an orientation of above and below, depending on the particular orientation of the figure.

[0033] 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 can be used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of one or more embodiments. An element discussed as being a "first" element can not necessarily have to be the first element, but it can be the second, third, or any other suitable element. The terms "first," "second," etc. can also be used to distinguish different categories or sets of elements. For simplicity, the terms "first," "second," etc. can be used to refer to "first set (or category)," "second set (or category)," etc. for elements of the same category or set.

[0034] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms, including "at least one," unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. "At least one" should not be construed as limiting "one" or "a" to a single component. "Or" means "and / or." As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," or "includes" and / or "including" when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an unfolded state of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a folded state of a display device according to an embodiment. In Figure 2 , the display device 1 according to an embodiment is illustrated as being "folded inward".

[0036] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a first direction DR1 can be a direction parallel to one side of the display device 1 in a plan view, and can be, for example, a horizontal direction (i.e., a landscape direction) of the display device 1. A second direction DR2 can be a direction parallel to the other side in contact with the one side of the display device 1 in a plan view, and can be, for example, a vertical direction (i.e., a portrait direction) of the display device 1. A third direction DR3 can be a thickness direction of the display device 1, and perpendicular to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. However, it should be understood that the directions mentioned in the embodiments refer to relative directions, and the embodiments are not limited to the mentioned directions.

[0037] The display device 1 according to an embodiment displays a screen or an image through an active area AAR (to be described later), and various devices including the active area AAR can be included therein. For example, the display device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to a smartphone, a mobile 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 monitor of a personal computer, a laptop computer, a car navigation system, a dashboard of a car, a digital camera, a camcorder, an outdoor billboard, an electronic billboard, a medical device, an examination device, various home appliances such as a refrigerator and a washing machine, or an Internet of Things device.

[0038] In a plan view, the display device 1 can have a rectangular shape or a square shape. In a plan view, the display device 1 can have a rectangular shape having a right angle or a rounded corner. The display device 1 can include two long sides respectively disposed on opposite sides in a horizontal direction (i.e., the first direction DR1), and two short sides respectively disposed on opposite sides in a vertical direction (the second direction DR2).

[0039] The display device 1 includes an active area AAR and a non-active area NAR. The active area AAR of the display device 1 can include a display region of a display screen (i.e., an image). Further, when the display device 1 has a touch function, a touch region as a region to sense a touch input can also be included in the active area AAR.

[0040] The shape of the active area AAR may correspond to the shape of the display device 1 to which the active area AAR is applied. For example, when the display device 1 is rectangular in a plan view, the shape of the active area AAR may also be rectangular.

[0041] The active area AAR may include a plurality of pixels. The plurality of pixels may be arranged in a matrix. In a plan view, the shape of each pixel may be a rectangular shape or a square shape. However, the present disclosure according to the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0042] The non-active area NAR may surround the periphery of the active area AAR. The non-active area NAR may include a non-display area in which an image is not displayed by pixels. The non-active area NAR may surround all sides of the active area AAR, but the present disclosure according to the present invention is not limited thereto. The non-active area NAR may not be disposed near at least a portion of the four sides of the active area AAR. The frame area of ​​the display device 1 may be configured as the non-active area NAR. The printed layer ( Figure 6 "IN" in the non-valid area NAR can be set in an overlapping manner.

[0043] The display device 1 may include a hole area HLA in which at least one hole HLE is defined. The hole area HLA is disposed so as to be aligned with the optical element ( Figure 6 The "OPS" in the figure overlaps to transmit light to the optical element ( Figure 6 In the drawings, the display device 1 is shown as including one hole area HLA, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the display device 1 may include a plurality of hole areas HLA.

[0044] The hole area HLA may be disposed within the active area AAR. The hole area HLA may be at least partially surrounded by the active area AAR. Although the drawings illustrate that the active area AAR completely surrounds the periphery of the hole area HLA, in another embodiment, a portion of the hole area HLA may be connected to a non-active area NAR disposed within the periphery (or edge) of the active area AAR. The hole area HLA may correspond to a non-active area NAR that does not perform image display through pixels, although this is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the hole area HLA may be an active area AAR that itself displays a screen (i.e., an image).

[0045] The display device 1 can be a foldable display device. As used herein, the term "foldable display device" refers to a display device that can be folded and can have both a folded state and an unfolded state. Also, folding generally includes folding at an angle of about 180 degrees. However, the present disclosure according to this invention is not limited thereto, and it can include a case where a folding angle is less than 180 degrees, for example, a case where a folding angle is equal to or greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, or a case where a folding angle is equal to or greater than 120 degrees and less than 180 degrees. Also, if folding is performed other than in the unfolded state, even if full folding is not performed, it can be referred to as a folded state. For example, even if it is folded at an angle of 90 degrees or less, as long as the maximum folding angle becomes 90 degrees or more, it can be expressed as being in a folded state to distinguish it from the unfolded state.

[0046] The display device 1 can include a folding area FDA (in other words, a folding line). The display device 1 can be folded with respect to the folding area FDA. Folding can be classified into inner folding in which a display surface of the display device 1 is folded inward and outer folding in which the display surface of the display device 1 is folded outward. Although Figure 2 It is shown that the display device 1 is inner folded, but the present disclosure according to this invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the display device 1 can be folded in an outer folding manner.

[0047] Also, the display device 1 can be folded in only one manner (i.e., an inner folding manner or an outer folding manner). Alternatively, both inner folding and outer folding can be performed. In the case of a display device in which both inner folding and outer folding are performed, inner folding and outer folding can be performed with respect to the same folding area FDA. Alternatively, it can include a plurality of folding areas for performing different types of folding, such as a folding area for inner folding only and a folding area for outer folding only.

[0048] The folding area FDA can have an extension direction parallel to one side of the display device 1. For example, the folding area FDA can extend in the same direction as the horizontal direction of the display device 1 (i.e., the first direction DR1). When the display device 1, which is exemplarily shown in the drawings as having a rectangular shape in which a side in the vertical direction (i.e., the second direction DR2) is longer than a side in the horizontal direction (i.e., the first direction DR1) has the folding area FDA extending in the horizontal direction (i.e., the first direction DR1), after the display device 1 is folded, the long side of the display device 1 can be reduced to half or less, while its short side can remain the same. In another embodiment, the folding area FDA can extend in the same direction as the extension direction of the long side (i.e., the second direction DR2).

[0049] The folding area FDA can also have a predetermined width in the second direction DR2. The width of the folding area FDA in the second direction DR2 can be much smaller than the width of the folding area FDA in the first direction DR1.

[0050] The display apparatus 1 can include a non-folding area NFA disposed around the folding area FDA. The non-folding area NFA can include a first non-folding area NFA1 located on one side of the folding area FDA in the second direction DR2 and a second non-folding area NFA2 located on the other side of the folding area FDA in the second direction DR2. The widths of the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 in the second direction DR2 can be equal to each other, but the present disclosure according to the present application is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the width of the first non-folding area NFA1 and the width of the second non-folding area NFA2 can be different from each other depending on the location of the folding area FDA.

[0051] The active area AAR / non-active area NAR and the folding area FDA / non-folding area NFA of the display apparatus 1 described above can overlap each other at the same location in a plan view. For example, a certain location can be located in the active area AAR and also in the first non-folding area NFA1. Another certain location can be located in the non-active area NAR and also in the first non-folding area NFA1. Yet another certain location can be located in the active area AAR and also in an area including the folding area FDA.

[0052] The active area AAR of the display apparatus 1 can be disposed in both the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. Further, the active area AAR can even be located in the folding area FDA corresponding to a boundary between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. That is, the active area AAR of the display apparatus 1 can be continuously arranged regardless of the boundaries of the non-folding area NFA and the folding area FDA, etc. However, the present disclosure according to the present application is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the active area AAR can be located in only one of the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. The active area AAR can be disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2, but the active area AAR can not be disposed in the folding area FDA.

[0053] The hole area HLA can be disposed in at least one of the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. For example, the hole area HLA can be disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1, although not limited thereto. The hole area HLA is spaced apart from the folding area FDA.

[0054] Hereinafter, the cross-sectional structure of the above-described display apparatus 1 will be described.

[0055] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display apparatus according to an embodiment in an unfolded state. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display apparatus according to an embodiment in a folded state.

[0056] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the display apparatus 1 can include a display panel 20; an anti-reflection member POL, an impact absorbing layer 30, a cover window 40, and a cover window protection layer 50 which are sequentially stacked on one side of the display panel 20 in a thickness direction (i.e., a third direction DR3); and a polymer film layer 13, a cushion layer 12, and a heat dissipation member 11 which are sequentially stacked on the other side of the display panel 20 in the thickness direction (i.e., the third direction DR3).

[0057] At least one bonding member such as an adhesive layer or a tack layer can be provided between the stacked members to bond adjacent stacked members. The display apparatus 1 can include, for example, a first bonding member PSA1 (see Figure 6 ) provided between the anti-reflection member POL and the impact absorbing layer 30, a second bonding member PSA2 (see Figure 6 ) provided between the impact absorbing layer 30 and the cover window 40, and a third bonding member PSA3 (see Figure 6 ) provided between the cover window 40 and the cover window protection layer 50. However, the present disclosure according to the present application is not limited thereto, and another layer can also be provided between the respective layers, and some of the stacked members can be omitted.

[0058] The display panel 20 is a panel for displaying a screen or an image. Examples of the display panel 20 can include not only self-emissive display panels such as organic light emitting display (“OLED”) panels, inorganic electroluminescent (“EL”) display panels, quantum dot (“QED”) display panels, micro LED display panels, nano LED display panels, plasma display panels (“PDP”), field emission display (“FED”) panels, and cathode ray tube (“CRT”) display panels, but also light-receiving display panels such as liquid crystal display (“LCD”) panels and electrophoretic display (“EPD”) panels. Hereinafter, an organic light emitting display panel will be described as an example of the display panel 20, and unless a particular distinction is required, an organic light emitting display panel according to the embodiment will be simply referred to as a display panel. However, the embodiment is not limited to the organic light emitting display panel, and other display panels mentioned above or known in the art can be applied within the scope of the same technical idea. Detailed structures of the display panel 20 will be described later.

[0059] An anti-reflection member POL can be disposed on the display panel 20. The anti-reflection member POL can be used to reduce reflection of external light. The anti-reflection member POL can be disposed in the form of a polarizing film. In this case, the anti-reflection member POL polarizes light passing therethrough. The present disclosure according to this application is not limited thereto, and the anti-reflection member POL can be disposed as a color filter layer in the display device 1.

[0060] An impact absorption layer 30 can be disposed on the anti-reflection member POL. The impact absorption layer 30 can be used to increase durability of the cover window 40 and improve optical performance. The impact absorption layer 30 can be optically transparent. The impact absorption layer 30 can be omitted.

[0061] A cover window 40 can be disposed on the impact absorption layer 30. The cover window 40 serves to cover and protect the display panel 20. The cover window 40 can be made of a transparent material. The cover window 40 can include, for example, glass or plastic.

[0062] When the cover window 40 includes glass, the glass can be ultra-thin glass (“UTG”) or thin glass. When the cover window 40 includes plastic, the plastic can be transparent polyimide or the like, but the present application is not limited thereto. The cover window 40 can have flexible properties, such that it can be twisted, bent, folded, or curled.

[0063] A cover window protection layer 50 can be disposed on the cover window 40. The cover window protection layer 50 can perform at least one of functions of preventing scattering, impact absorption, scratch prevention, fingerprint smudge prevention, and glare prevention on the cover window 40. The cover window protection layer 50 can be formed to include a transparent polymer film. The cover window protection layer 50 can be omitted.

[0064] A polymer film layer 13 can be disposed below the display panel 20. The polymer film layer 13 can include, for example, polyimide (“PI”), polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), polycarbonate (“PC”), polyethylene (“PE”), polypropylene (“PP”), polysulfone (“PSF”), polymethyl methacrylate (“PMMA”), triacetyl cellulose (“TAC”), cyclic olefin polymer (“COP”), or the like. The polymer film layer 13 can include a functional layer on at least one surface of the polymer film layer 13. The functional layer can include, for example, a light absorbing layer. The light absorbing layer can include a light absorbing material such as a black-colored pigment or dye. The light absorbing layer can be formed by coating or printing black ink on the polymer film.

[0065] A cushion layer 12 can be disposed below the polymer film layer 13. The cushion layer 12 can be used to increase durability against impact that can be applied in a thickness direction (i.e., the third direction DR3) of the display device 1, and can be used to reduce a drop impact of the display device 1 when the display device 1 is dropped. The cushion layer 12 can include polyurethane or the like.

[0066] A heat dissipation member 11 can be disposed under the cushion layer 12. The heat dissipation member 11 serves to diffuse heat generated from the display panel 20 or other components of the display device 1. The heat dissipation member 11 can include a metal plate. The metal plate can include a metal having good heat conductivity, such as copper and silver, for example. The heat dissipation member 11 can include a heat sink including graphite, carbon nanotubes, or the like.

[0067] To facilitate folding of the display device 1, some layers of the display device 1 can be divided by the folding area FDA. For example, the heat dissipation member 11 constituting the lowermost layer of the display device 1 and having low ductility can be divided by the folding area FDA (see FIG. 2). Figure 4 ).

[0068] The cushion layer 12 or the polymer film layer 13 can also be divided by the folding area FDA. However, if the cushion layer 12 or the polymer film layer 13 has sufficient ductility, it can have a shape of integral connection regardless of the folding area FDA and the non-folding area NFA.

[0069] When the display device 1 is folded with respect to the folding area FDA, the second non-folding area NFA2 can overlap the first non-folding area NFA1 in the thickness direction as shown in Figure 4 Unlike the divided heat dissipation member 11, the display panel 20, the polymer film layer 13, the cushion layer 12, the anti-reflection member POL, the impact absorption layer 30, the cover window 40, and the cover window protection layer 50, which are continuously formed regardless of the folding area FDA, can be bent to form a cross-sectional curve in the width direction of the folding area FDA.

[0070] When the layers are bent by the folding operation, stress can be applied to each layer. The layers adjacent to the holes HLE in the hole area HLA can slide by the stress applied to each of the layers, and the sliding phenomenon can cause defects such as interference between each layer and a component (e.g., the optical element OPS (see Figure 6 )), optical shadow, etc. in the hole area HLA.

[0071] To suppress or prevent such a case, the through hole HLE_TH (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) and the optical hole HLE_OP (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) located in the hole area HLA can be defined to have a large planar area. However, when the through hole HLE_TH (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) and the optical hole HLE_OP (see Figure 5 and Figure 6) be defined as large, the cover window 40 or the like covering the hole can be easily weakened by external pressure or impact. Therefore, in the embodiment, the width in the direction (i.e., the second direction DR2) substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the folding line extends (i.e., the first direction DR1) can be formed to be larger than the width in the direction (i.e., the first direction DR1) substantially the same as the direction in which the folding line extends (i.e., the first direction DR1). Therefore, defects due to external pressure or impact can be prevented or suppressed, while preventing or suppressing defects due to interference, optical shading, or the like. This will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 5 and Figure 6 .

[0072] Figure 5 is a plan view showing the planar arrangement relationship between the members surrounding the hole region. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI’ of Figure 5 .

[0073] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the hole region HLA can define at least one hole HLE. In the plan view, the hole region HLA can have a shape such as a circular or elliptical shape, a dumbbell shape, and a rectangular shape having a convex short side. However, the present disclosure according to the present application is not limited thereto, and various modifications such as a rectangular shape, a square shape, and other polygonal shapes are possible. In the plan view, the hole HLE of the hole region HLA can also have a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or the like.

[0074] The hole HLE can include a physical through-hole HLE_TH. The through-hole HLE_TH can physically penetrate the polymer film layer 13, the display panel 20, and the anti-reflection member POL. When a portion of the above-described layers (i.e., the polymer film layer 13, the display panel 20, and the anti-reflection member POL) is removed to define the through-hole HLE_TH, the light transmittance in the corresponding region can be improved.

[0075] The through-hole HLE_TH can have a first width W1 in the first direction DR1 and a second width W2 in the second direction DR2, which are different in the plan view. In the through-hole HLE_TH, the second width W2 in the direction (the second direction DR2) substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the folding region FDA extends (the first direction DR1) can be larger than the first width W1 in the direction substantially the same as the direction in which the folding region FDA extends (the first direction DR1). The through-hole HLE_TH can have, for example, an elliptical shape in the plan view in which the width in the second direction DR2 (the second width W2) is larger than the width in the first direction DR1 (the first width W1), but the present application is not limited thereto.

[0076] Specifically, the through hole HLE_TH can include a first width W1 in the first direction DR1 and a second width W2 in the second direction DR2. When the through hole HLE_TH has an elliptical shape in a plan view, the first width W1 (in other words, the first maximum width) refers to the maximum width of the through hole HLE_TH in the first direction DR1, and the second width W2 (in other words, the second maximum width) refers to the maximum width in the second direction DR2. Also, the first width W1 and the second width W2 can pass through the center point CP of the through hole HLE_TH.

[0077] The first width W1 of the through hole HLE_TH refers to the width of the through hole HLE_TH in the first direction DR1, and the second width W2 of the through hole HLE_TH refers to the width of the through hole HLE_TH in the second direction DR2. That is, the first width W1 of the through hole HLE_TH refers to the width in a direction substantially the same as the direction in which the folding area FDA extends (i.e., the first direction DR1), and the second width W2 of the through hole HLE_TH refers to the width in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the folding area FDA extends (i.e., the second direction DR2).

[0078] The first width W1 and the second width W2 of the through hole HLE_TH can have different lengths. The second width W2 of the through hole HLE_TH can be greater than the first width W1 of the through hole HLE_TH. That is, in the through hole HLE_TH having the first width W1 and the second width W2, the width (i.e., the second width W2) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the folding area FDA extends (i.e., the first direction DR1) can be greater than the width (i.e., the first width W1) in a direction substantially the same as the direction in which the folding area FDA extends (i.e., the first direction DR1).

[0079] The first width W1 of the through hole HLE_TH can be, for example, in the range of 2.7 to 3.8 millimeters (mm) or in the range of 1.5 to 4.5 mm, but the present application is not limited thereto. The second width W2 of the through hole HLE_TH can be, for example, in the range of 3 to 4 mm or in the range of 2 to 5 mm. The second width W2 of the through hole HLE_TH can be in the range of 1.05 to 1.2 times or 1.03 to 1.5 times its first width W1, but the present application is not limited thereto.

[0080] In a plan view, the center point CP can be located inside the through-hole HLE_TH. The center point CP can be located at a point that bisects a width (e.g., a first width W1) of the through-hole HLE_TH in the first direction DR1 and bisects a width (e.g., a second width W2) of the through-hole HLE_TH in the second direction DR2. That is, a first portion W11 and a second portion W12 of the first width W1 bisected by the center point CP can have the same length, and a first portion W21 and a second portion W22 of the second width W2 bisected by the center point CP can have the same length.

[0081] The two regions of the through-hole HLE_TH located on one side and the other side in the second direction DR2 can have a symmetrical shape in a plan view with respect to an imaginary line extending from the center point CP in the first direction DR1. Further, the two regions of the through-hole HLE_TH located on one side and the other side in the first direction DR1 can have a symmetrical shape in a plan view with respect to an imaginary line extending from the center point CP in the second direction DR2.

[0082] In a plan view, the two regions of the through-hole HLE_TH located on one side and the other side in the first direction DR1 with respect to the center point CP can have the same planar area, and the two regions of the through-hole HLE_TH located on one side and the other side in the second direction DR2 with respect to the center point CP can have the same planar area. That is, the area of the through-hole HLE_TH bisected by the imaginary line extending from the center point CP in the first direction DR1 can be the same, and the area of the through-hole HLE_TH bisected by the imaginary line extending from the center point CP in the second direction DR2 can be the same.

[0083] When the through-hole HLE_TH has an elliptical shape in a plan view, in the edge of the through-hole HLE_TH in a plan view, at two points on one side and the other side with respect to the center point CP in the first direction DR1, a tangent line can be drawn to extend in substantially the same direction as the second direction DR2, and at two points on one side and the other side with respect to the center point CP in the second direction DR2, a tangent line can be drawn to extend in substantially the same direction as the first direction DR1.

[0084] In the region in which the cover window 40 overlaps the through-hole HLE_TH, the cover window 40 can not be physically penetrated. Since the window substrate of the cover window 40 itself has a high light transmittance, it can maintain a high light transmittance even if it is not physically penetrated. Further, in the corresponding region, since the cover window 40 physically covers the lower member without being penetrated, the lower member can be protected.

[0085] The display apparatus 1 can further include a first bonding member PSA1, a second bonding member PSA2, and a third bonding member PSA3. The first bonding member PSA1 bonds the anti-reflection member POL to the impact absorbing layer 30 between the anti-reflection member POL and the impact absorbing layer 30. The second bonding member PSA2 bonds the impact absorbing layer 30 to the cover window 40 between the impact absorbing layer 30 and the cover window 40. The third bonding member PSA3 bonds the cover window 40 to the cover window protection layer 50 between the cover window 40 and the cover window protection layer 50.

[0086] In a plan view, the first bonding member PSA1 can be physically penetrated in a region thereof overlapping the through hole HLE_TH, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. When the first bonding member PSA1 is optically transparent, it can not be physically penetrated in the region. In a plan view, the second bonding member PSA2 and the third bonding member PSA3 can not be physically penetrated in regions thereof overlapping the through hole HLE_TH. In this case, the second bonding member PSA2 and the third bonding member PSA3 can be optically transparent.

[0087] The display apparatus 1 can further include a printed layer IN. The printed layer IN can be disposed on the impact absorbing layer 30. The printed layer IN can be disposed on one surface and / or the other surface of the impact absorbing layer 30. However, the present disclosure according to the present application is not limited thereto, and the printed layer IN can be disposed on one surface and / or the other surface of the cover window 40, or on one surface and / or the other surface of the cover window protection layer 50. The printed layer IN can be disposed in the hole area HLA. Furthermore, although not shown, the printed layer IN can be disposed on the edge portion of the impact absorbing layer 30. The printed layer IN can be a light blocking layer or a decorative layer providing esthetics.

[0088] In addition to the through hole HLE_TH, the hole area HLA can include an optical hole HLE_OP, which is an optically light-transmissive window. The optical hole HLE_OP can overlap the through hole HLE_TH in a plan view, and can be defined by a pattern of the printed layer IN. The printed layer IN can be partially disposed in the hole area HLA to prevent light emission (e.g., a light leakage phenomenon) through the through hole HLE_TH. The printed layer IN of the hole area HLA can partially overlap the through hole HLE_TH. In other words, an inner surface of the printed layer IN can also protrude inward from an inner wall of the through hole HLE_TH. The printed layer IN can be disposed to extend to an outer periphery of the hole area HLA, but the present disclosure according to the present application is not limited thereto.

[0089] In a plan view, the planar shape of the optical hole HLE_OP can correspond to the planar shape of the through hole HLE_TH, but the present application is not limited thereto. The optical hole HLE_OP can have, for example, an elliptical shape in a plan view in which the width in the second direction DR2 (i.e., the fourth width W4) is greater than the width in the first direction DR1 (i.e., the third width W3), but the present application is not limited thereto.

[0090] When the planar shape of the optical hole HLE_OP corresponds to the planar shape of the through hole HLE_TH, the optical hole HLE_OP can include a third width W3 and a fourth width W4. The third width W3 of the optical hole HLE_OP (in other words, the third maximum width) refers to the maximum width of the optical hole HLE_OP in the first direction DR1, and the fourth width W4 of the optical hole HLE_OP (in other words, the fourth maximum width) refers to the maximum width of the optical hole HLE_OP in the second direction DR2. The third width W3 of the optical hole HLE_OP can be a width in a direction substantially the same as the direction in which the folding area FDA extends (i.e., the first direction DR1), and the fourth width W4 of the optical hole HLE_OP can be a width in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the folding area FDA extends (i.e., the first direction DR1).

[0091] The third width W3 and the fourth width W4 of the optical hole HLE_OP can have different lengths. The fourth width W4 of the optical hole HLE_OP can be greater than the third width W3 of the optical hole HLE_OP. That is, in the optical hole HLE_OP having the third width W3 and the fourth width W4, the width in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the folding area FDA extends (i.e., the first direction DR1) (i.e., the fourth width W4) can be greater than the width in the direction substantially the same as the direction in which the folding area FDA extends (i.e., the first direction DR1) (i.e., the third width W3).

[0092] The third width W3 of the optical hole HLE_OP can be, for example, in the range of 2.4 mm to 3.5 mm or in the range of 1.2 mm to 4.3 mm, but the present application is not limited thereto. The fourth width W4 of the optical hole HLE_OP can be, for example, in the range of 2.7 mm to 3.8 mm or in the range of 1.7 mm to 3.8 mm. The fourth width W4 of the optical hole HLE_OP can be in the range of 1.05 to 1.2 times or 1.01 to 1.7 times the third width W3 thereof, but the present application is not limited thereto.

[0093] Further, when the planar shape of the optical hole HLE_OP corresponds to the planar shape of the through hole HLE_TH, the description of the center point CP and the through hole HLE_TH can also be applied to the center point CP and the optical hole HLE_OP.

[0094] The display device 1 can further define a first lower through-hole HLE_M physically penetrating the heat dissipation member 11 and a second lower through-hole HLE_F physically penetrating the cushion layer 12. When portions of the heat dissipation member 11 and the cushion layer 12 are removed to define the first lower through-hole HLE_M and the second lower through-hole HLE_F, respective areas can be provided as spaces in which the optical element OPS can be disposed.

[0095] In a plan view, the first lower through-hole HLE_M can be disposed outside the through-hole HLE_TH to surround the through-hole HLE_TH, and the second lower through-hole HLE_F can be disposed outside the first lower through-hole HLE_M to surround the first lower through-hole HLE_M.

[0096] The planar shapes of the first lower through-hole HLE_M and the second lower through-hole HLE_F can be different from the planar shape of the through-hole HLE_TH, rather than corresponding to the planar shape of the through-hole HLE_TH. In a plan view, the first lower through-hole HLE_M and the second lower through-hole HLE_F can have a circular shape having the same width in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, but the present application is not limited thereto. However, the planar shapes of the first lower through-hole HLE_M and the second lower through-hole HLE_F can correspond to the planar shape of the through-hole HLE_TH, without being limited thereto.

[0097] The hole HLE can include a physical through-hole HLE_TH. The through-hole HLE_TH can be a hole physically penetrating the polymer film layer 13, the display panel 20, and the anti-reflection member POL. When portions of the above-described layers are removed to define the through-hole HLE_TH, light transmittance in the corresponding area can be improved.

[0098] The display device 1 can further include an optical element OPS including a light-receiving portion. Examples of the optical element OPS including the light-receiving portion can include a camera, a lens (a condensing lens or a light path guiding lens), and an optical sensor such as an infrared sensor, an iris recognition sensor, and an illuminance sensor. The optical element OPS can be disposed to overlap the hole area HLA on the other surface side of the display panel 20. The light-receiving portion of the optical element OPS can be partially or entirely located in the optical hole HLE_OP. Light L (see FIG. 1) from the outside of the display device 1 can pass through the cover window protection layer 50, the cover window 40, and the impact absorption layer 30 surrounded by the printed layer IN, and enter the light-receiving portion through the through-hole HLE_TH thereunder. As described above, when the cover window 40 exhibits high light transmittance, the external light can reach the light-receiving portion of the optical element OPS through the above-described light path without significant loss. Figure 8 ) can pass through the cover window protection layer 50, the cover window 40, and the impact absorption layer 30 surrounded by the printed layer IN, and enter the light-receiving portion through the through-hole HLE_TH thereunder. As described above, when the cover window 40 exhibits high light transmittance, the external light can reach the light-receiving portion of the optical element OPS through the above-described light path without significant loss.

[0099] The optical element OPS can be positioned in the through-hole HLE_TH. In this case, when the second width W2 of the through-hole HLE_TH is greater than the first width W1 of the through-hole HLE_TH, and the fourth width W4 of the optical hole HLE_OP is greater than the third width W3 of the optical hole HLE_OP, although the display device 1 is folded, defects such as interference, optical shadow, or the like due to contact between the optical element OPS and the surrounding components can also be suppressed or prevented. Further description is made with reference to Figure 7 and Figure 8 .

[0100] Figure 7 is a plan view showing a planar arrangement relationship between members surrounding the hole region in a state in which the display device of Figure 5 is folded. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the display device of Figure 6 in a folded state.

[0101] Further description is made with reference to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , when the display device 1 is folded, the inner wall of the through-hole HLE_TH and the printed layer IN (or the optical hole HLE_OP) can be pushed out in a direction from the folding line to the through-hole HLE_TH with respect to the second direction DR2. The inner wall of the through-hole HLE_TH can be pushed out toward the outside of the display device 1 (one side in the second direction DR2). In this case, the inner wall of the through-hole HLE_TH, which is disposed between the optical element OPS and the folding region FDA, can move toward the optical element OPS. That is, in the plan view of Figure 7 , when the optical element OPS is fixed, the through-hole HLE_TH and the optical hole HLE_OP can move (i.e., slide) toward one side in the second direction DR2.

[0102] However, when the second width W2 of the through-hole HLE_TH is greater than the first width W1 of the through-hole HLE_TH, the optical element OPS and the inner wall of the through-hole HLE_TH can be spaced apart at a sufficient distance. Therefore, even when the inner wall of the through-hole HLE_TH moves toward the optical element OPS when the display device 1 is folded, the optical element OPS and the inner wall of the through-hole HLE_TH can not come into contact with each other, and thus defects such as interference due to the contact can be effectively suppressed or prevented.

[0103] Further, when the inner wall of the through-hole HLE_TH is pushed out in a direction away from the folding line, the degree of being pushed out can be different for each of the stacked members, and the inner wall of the through-hole HLE_TH is inclined with respect to the thickness direction (i.e., the third direction DR3). When the inner wall of the through-hole HLE_TH is inclined, an optical shadow can be generated in the thickness direction (i.e., the third direction DR3) by the reverse inclined portion. In the case where the display device 1 is folded in the inner folding manner, in the plurality of stacked layers, as shown in FIG. 6B, the upper layer can be further pushed out toward the outside of the display device 1 compared to the lower layer. When the display device 1 is folded, not only the inner wall of the through-hole HLE_TH but also the printed layer IN can be pushed out in the direction from the folding line to the through-hole HLE_TH. Figure 8

[0104] However, when the fourth width W4 of the optical hole HLE_OP is greater than the third width W3 of the optical hole HLE_OP, the optical hole HLE_OP and the optical element OPS can be spaced apart at a sufficient distance in the plan view. That is, even when the display device 1 is folded and the printed layer IN is pushed out to one side (the outside of the display device 1 in the second direction DR2), the printed layer IN can not cover the optical element OPS. Thus, even when the display device 1 is folded, the optical element OPS can secure a sufficient viewing angle and smoothly operate by receiving light from the outside through the optical hole HLE_OP.

[0105] Further, in the through-hole HLE_TH having the first width W1 in one direction (i.e., the first direction DR1) and the second width W2 in the other direction (i.e., the second direction DR2), when the second width W2 in the direction (i.e., the second direction DR2) substantially perpendicular to the extension direction (i.e., the first direction DR1) of the folding area FDA is formed to be greater than the first width W1, it is possible to minimize the increase in the area of the impact absorbing layer 30, the cover window 40, and the cover window protection layer 50 overlapping the through-hole HLE_TH while suppressing or preventing defects such as interference, optical shadow, etc. caused by contact between the optical element OPS and the inner wall of the through-hole HLE_TH, although the display device 1 is folded.

[0106] Thus, even if the foldable display device 1 includes the through-hole HLE_TH, it is possible to minimize the increase in the amount of change such as the following change in which the impact absorbing layer 30, the cover window 40, and the cover window protection layer 50 are depressed downward due to an external impact or pressure applied to the area overlapping the through-hole HLE_TH. As a result, it is possible to suppress or prevent defects caused by the change, such as deformation of the impact absorbing layer 30, the cover window 40, and the cover window protection layer 50, or cracks generated in the impact absorbing layer 30, the cover window 40, and the cover window protection layer 50.​

[0107] Hereinafter, a cross-sectional structure of a display panel of a display apparatus will be described in detail.

[0108] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a perimeter of a hole region of a display apparatus according to an embodiment and one pixel.

[0109] Referring to Figure 9 , the display panel 20 of the display apparatus 1 can include a substrate 200, a buffer layer 205, a semiconductor layer 210, a first insulating layer 221, a first gate conductive layer 230, a second insulating layer 222, a second gate conductive layer 240, a third insulating layer 223, a data conductive layer 250, a fourth insulating layer 224, an anode electrode 260, a bank layer 226 including an opening to expose the anode electrode 260, a spacer 227, a light emitting layer 270 disposed in the opening of the bank layer 226, a cathode electrode 280 disposed on the light emitting layer 270 and the bank layer 226, and a thin film encapsulation layer 290 disposed on the cathode electrode 280. Each of the above-described layers can be composed of a single layer or a stack of multiple layers. Other layers can also be disposed between the layers.

[0110] The substrate 200 can support various layers disposed thereon. The substrate 200 can be made of an insulating material such as a polymer resin or an inorganic material such as glass or quartz. The substrate 200 can be a flexible substrate and can be bent, rolled, or folded, but the present application is not limited thereto.

[0111] The buffer layer 205 is disposed on the substrate 200. The buffer layer 205 can include silicon nitride, silicon oxide, or silicon oxynitride.

[0112] The semiconductor layer 210 is disposed on the buffer layer 205. The semiconductor layer 210 forms a channel of a thin film transistor of a pixel.

[0113] The first insulating layer 221 is disposed on the semiconductor layer 210. The first insulating layer 221 can be a gate insulating layer having a gate insulating function.

[0114] The first gate conductive layer 230 is disposed on the first insulating layer 221. The first gate conductive layer 230 can include a gate electrode GAT of a thin film transistor of a pixel, a scan line connected thereto, and a first electrode CE1 of a storage capacitor.

[0115] The second insulating layer 222 can be disposed on the first gate conductive layer 230. The second insulating layer 222 can be an interlayer insulating layer or a second gate insulating layer.

[0116] The second gate conductive layer 240 is disposed on the second insulating layer 222. The second gate conductive layer 240 can include a second electrode CE2 of a storage capacitor.

[0117] A third insulating layer 223 is disposed on the second gate conductive layer 240. The third insulating layer 223 can be an interlayer insulating layer.

[0118] A data conductive layer 250 is disposed on the third insulating layer 223. The data conductive layer 250 can include a first electrode SD1 and a second electrode SD2 of a thin film transistor of a pixel. The first electrode SD1 and the second electrode SD2 of the thin film transistor can be electrically connected to a source region and a drain region of the semiconductor layer 210 via a contact hole passing through the third insulating layer 223, the second insulating layer 222, and the first insulating layer 221.

[0119] A fourth insulating layer 224 is disposed on the data conductive layer 250. The fourth insulating layer 224 covers the data conductive layer 250. The fourth insulating layer 224 can be a via layer.

[0120] An anode electrode 260 is disposed on the fourth insulating layer 224. The anode electrode 260 can be a pixel electrode provided for each pixel. The anode electrode 260 can be connected to the second electrode SD2 of the thin film transistor via a contact hole passing through the fourth insulating layer 224. The anode electrode 260 can at least partially overlap with an emission area EMA of the pixel.

[0121] The anode electrode 260 can have a stacked structure formed by stacking a reflective material layer and a layer of a material having a high work function, such as indium tin oxide ("ITO"), indium zinc oxide ("IZO"), zinc oxide ("ZnO"), and indium oxide (In2O3), but the present application is not limited thereto. The layer of the material having a high work function can be disposed above the reflective material layer and disposed closer to the light emitting layer 270. The anode electrode 260 can have a multi-layer structure such as ITO / Mg, ITO / MgF2, ITO / Ag, and ITO / Ag / ITO, but the present application is not limited thereto.

[0122] A bank layer 226 can be disposed on the anode electrode 260. The bank layer 226 can be disposed on the anode electrode 260 and can define an opening exposing the anode electrode 260. The emission area EMA and the non-emission area NEM can be distinguished by the bank layer 226 and the opening defined by the bank layer 226.

[0123] A spacer 227 can be disposed on the bank layer 226. The spacer 227 can be used to maintain a gap with a structure disposed thereon.

[0124] A light-emitting layer 270 is disposed on the anode electrode 260 exposed by the bank layer 226. The light-emitting layer 270 can include an organic material layer. The organic material layer of the light-emitting layer 270 can include an organic light-emitting layer, and can further include a hole injection / transport layer and / or an electron injection / transport layer.

[0125] A cathode electrode 280 can be disposed on the light-emitting layer 270. The cathode electrode 280 can be a common electrode extending across all pixels. Each of the anode electrode 260, the light-emitting layer 270, and the cathode electrode 280 can constitute an organic light-emitting element.

[0126] The cathode electrode 280 can include a material layer having a low work function, such as Li, Ca, LiF, Al, Mg, Ag, Pt, Pd, Ni, Au, Nd, Ir, Cr, BaF, Ba, or a compound or a mixture thereof (e.g., a mixture of Ag and Mg), or a material having a multi-layer structure such as LiF / Ca or LiF / Al. The cathode electrode 280 can further include a transparent metal oxide layer disposed on the material layer having a low work function.

[0127] A thin film encapsulation layer 290 including a first inorganic film 291, a first organic film 292, and a second inorganic film 293 is disposed on the cathode electrode 280. The first inorganic film 291 and the second inorganic film 293 can contact each other at end portions of the thin film encapsulation layer 290. The first organic film 292 can be sealed by the first inorganic film 291 and the second inorganic film 293.

[0128] Each of the first inorganic film 291 and the second inorganic film 293 can include silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, or the like. The first organic film 292 can include an organic insulating material.

[0129] The display panel 20 can further include a touch layer TSP disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer 290. The touch layer TSP can sense a touch input. The touch layer TSP can be disposed as a panel or a film separate from the display panel 20, and can be attached onto the display panel 20, but can be disposed in the form of the touch layer TSP inside the display panel 20 as shown.

[0130] An anti-reflection member POL can be disposed on the touch layer TSP. The impact absorption layer 30 can be disposed on the anti-reflection member POL, and the cover window 40 and the cover window protection layer 50 can be disposed on the impact absorption layer 30. Since the anti-reflection member POL, the cover window 40, and the cover window protection layer 50 have been described above, redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0131] A dam structure DAM can be provided around the through hole HLE TH. The dam structure DAM can include the stacked insulating layers 205, 221, 222, 223, 224, 226, and 227. Between the dam structure DAM and the pixel, in addition to the substrate 200, a recess TCH can be provided from which the insulating layers 205, 221, 222, 223, 224, and 226 and the metal layers 230, 240, 250, 260, and 280 are removed. At least a portion of the thin film encapsulation layer 290 can be provided in the recess TCH. For example, the first organic film 292 of the thin film encapsulation layer 290 can be provided on the dam structure DAM, but can not be provided on the hole area HLA outside the dam structure DAM. That is, the first organic film 292 can be effectively prevented from overflowing into the hole area HLA by the dam structure DAM. The first inorganic film 291 or the second inorganic film 293 of the thin film encapsulation layer 290 can also be provided outside the dam structure DAM. Although it is shown that the first inorganic film 291 and the second inorganic film 293 are terminated on the dam structure DAM before the through hole HLE TH without being opened at the through hole HLE TH, the present disclosure according to the present application is not limited thereto.

[0132] A planar shape of the dam structure DAM can correspond to a planar shape of the through hole HLE TH, but the present application is not limited thereto. The planar shape of the dam structure DAM is further described with reference to Figure 10 .

[0133] Figure 10 is a plan view showing a planar arrangement relationship between members around a hole area. Figure 10 is substantially the same as Figure 5 , but further includes a planar shape of the dam structure DAM.

[0134] The dam structure DAM surrounds the through hole HLE TH and the optical hole HLE OP in the plan view with further reference to Figure 10 . The planar shape of the dam structure DAM can correspond to a planar shape of any one of the through hole HLE TH and the optical hole HLE OP. The dam structure DAM can have an elliptical shape in the plan view, but the present application is not limited thereto.

[0135] The dam structure DAM can include a fifth width W5 and a sixth width W6. The fifth width W5 of the dam structure DAM (in other words, the fifth maximum width) refers to the maximum width of the dam structure DAM in the first direction DR1, and the sixth width W6 of the dam structure DAM (in other words, the sixth maximum width) refers to the maximum width of the dam structure DAM in the second direction DR2. That is, the fifth width W5 of the dam structure DAM refers to the width in a direction substantially the same as the direction in which the folding area FDA extends (that is, the first direction DR1), and the sixth width W6 of the dam structure DAM refers to the width in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the folding area FDA extends (that is, the first direction DR1).

[0136] The fifth width W5 and the sixth width W6 of the dam structure DAM can have different lengths. The sixth width W6 of the dam structure DAM can be greater than the fifth width W5 of the dam structure DAM. That is, in the dam structure DAM having the fifth width W5 and the sixth width W6, the width in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the folding area FDA extends (that is, the first direction DR1) (that is, the sixth width W6) can be greater than the width in a direction substantially the same as the direction in which the folding area FDA extends (that is, the first direction DR1) (that is, the fifth width W5). That is, the dam structure DAM can have, for example, an elliptical shape in a plan view in which the width in the second direction DR2 (that is, the sixth width W6) is greater than the width in the first direction DR1 (that is, the fifth width W5).

[0137] Referring again to Figure 9 , the hole area HLA can overlap the dam structure DAM in the thickness direction of the display device 1 (that is, the third direction DR3) without overlapping the pixels. Accordingly, videos and images can not be displayed on the hole area HLA. However, the present disclosure according to the present application is not limited thereto. Even if it partially overlaps the pixels, the light emitted from the pixels is blocked by the print layer IN so that videos and images cannot be displayed externally, and thus, it can be a non-active area NAR.

[0138] The thin film encapsulation layer 290 can be inclined downward toward the via hole HLE_TH near the via hole HLE_TH. At least one organic film 228, 229 can also be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer 290 to planarize the inclined surface around the via hole HLE_TH. For example, a second organic film 228 can be disposed on the first organic film 292, and a third organic film 229 can be disposed on the second organic film 228. The second organic film 228 and the third organic film 229 can be used to fill the inclined portion around the via hole HLE_TH to planarize. In one embodiment, the second organic film 228 and the third organic film 229 can be exposed on the side surface of the via hole HLE_TH to form the inner wall of the via hole HLE_TH. Accordingly, the inner wall of the via hole HLE_TH can be formed with respective side surfaces of the substrate 200, the buffer layer 205, the second organic film 228, the third organic film 229, the touch layer TSP, and the anti-reflection member POL.

[0139] The above-described side surfaces can be aligned in the thickness direction (i.e., the third direction DR3) to form the inner wall of the via hole HLE_TH. In a cross-sectional view, the via hole HLE_TH can include the inner wall on one side and the other side in the second direction DR2. Although only the inner wall of the via hole HLE_TH on one side in the second direction DR2 is shown in Figure 9 , the remaining inner wall of the via hole HLE_TH can be on the other side in the second direction DR2 of the drawing, and Figure 9 The structure and the stack structure of the display panel 20 shown in

[0140] Hereinafter, other embodiments of the display apparatus will be described. In the following embodiments, the description of components identical to those of the above-described embodiments will be omitted or simplified, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0141] Figure 11 is a plan view showing a planar arrangement relationship between members surrounding a hole region of a display apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0142] Referring to Figure 11 , the via hole HLE_TH of the display apparatus 1_1 according to the present embodiment is different from Figure 5 the embodiment in that the regions on one side and the other side in the second direction DR2 are asymmetric with respect to the center point CP_1 (including CP1 and CP2).

[0143] Specifically, the center point CP_1 can be disposed inside the via hole HLE_TH of the display apparatus 1_1 according to the present embodiment. The center point CP_1 can include a first center point CP1 and a second center point CP2.

[0144] The first center point CP1 can be disposed on one side of the second center point CP2 in the second direction DR2 and can be positioned closer to the folding area FDA (see Figure 1 ) than the second center point CP2. The first center point CP1 is located at a point that bisects the second width W2 of the through-hole HLE_TH. That is, a first portion W21 and a second portion W22 of the second width W2 bisected by the first center point CP1 can have the same size.

[0145] The two regions of the through-hole HLE_TH that are bisected in a plan view by an imaginary line extending from the first center point CP1 in the first direction DR1 can have different planar areas from each other. For the two regions, the area of the region having the first portion W21 of the second width W2 can be greater than the area of the region having the second portion W22 of the second width W2. That is, for the planar areas of the two regions of the through-hole HLE_TH that are bisected by the imaginary line extending from the first center point CP1 in the first direction DR1, the planar area of the region located closer to the folding area FDA (see Figure 1 ) can be smaller.

[0146] The second center point CP2 is located at a point that bisects the second width W2 of the through-hole HLE_TH. A third portion W23 and a fourth portion W24 of the second width W2 bisected by the second center point CP2 can have different sizes. The third portion W23 of the second width W2 can be smaller in size than the fourth portion W24 of the second width W2.

[0147] The two regions of the through-hole HLE_TH that are bisected in a plan view by an imaginary line extending from the second center point CP2 in the first direction DR1 can have different planar areas. For the two regions, the area of the region having the third portion W23 of the second width W2 can be smaller than the area of the region having the fourth portion W24 of the second width W2. That is, for the planar areas of the two regions of the through-hole HLE_TH that are bisected by the imaginary line extending from the second center point CP2 in the first direction DR1, the planar area of the region located closer to the folding area FDA (see Figure 1 ) can be greater.

[0148] For the two regions of the through-hole HLE_TH that are bisected by the imaginary line extending from the second center point CP2 in the first direction DR1, the planar shape of the region located closer to the folding area FDA (see Figure 1 ) (i.e., the lower portion in Figure 11 ) can have a portion of an elliptical shape, and the other region located farther from the folding area FDA (i.e., the upper portion in Figure 11The planar shape of the through hole HLE_TH (the upper portion in the plan view) may have a portion of a circular shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In this case, in the edge of the through hole HLE_TH in the plan view, at two end points on opposite sides relative to the second center point CP2 in the first direction DR1, tangent lines may be drawn to extend in substantially the same direction as the second direction DR2.

[0149] Two regions of the through hole HLE_TH divided into two by an imaginary line extending from the first center point CP1 or the second center point CP2 in the first direction DR1 in a plan view may be asymmetrical to each other.

[0150] Even in this case, in the through hole HLE_TH, in the area with the folded area FDA (see Figure 1 ) in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which it extends, is greater than the width in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which it extends in relation to the folding region FDA (see Figure 1 ) extends in the same direction. Therefore, the impact absorbing layer 30 (see FIG. 1 ) covering the through hole HLE_TH can be made Figure 6 ), cover window 40 (see Figure 6 ) and cover window protective layer 50 (see Figure 6 ) while minimizing the deformation of the optical element OPS (see Figure 6 ) and the inner wall of the through hole HLE_TH or optical shadow caused by the defect.

[0151] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion surrounding a hole area of ​​a display device according to still another embodiment. Figure 13 is shown in a folded state Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of a display device.

[0152] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 ,and Figure 6 The difference between the embodiment of the present invention and the embodiment of the present invention is that the optical element OPS of the display device 1_2 according to the present embodiment can be arranged inside the through hole HLE_TH and biased toward the folding line (see Figure 6 ) on the opposite side.

[0153] Specifically, the optical element OPS may be located in the hole area HLA in a position that is biased toward the outside of the display device 1_2 in the second direction DR2. That is, the optical element OPS may be located in a position that is biased toward one side of the through hole HLE_TH in the second direction DR2. The spacing between the optical element OPS and the inner wall of the through hole HLE_TH in the second direction DR2 may include a first spacing d1 and a second spacing d2. The first spacing d1 may be closer to the folding area FDA (see FIG. 1 ) than the second spacing d2. Figure 1 ). The first distance d1 may be greater than the second distance d2.

[0154] Therefore, when the display device 1_2 is folded, even if each of the components positioned between the optical element OPS and the folding area FDA (see Figure 1 ) is pushed out toward the optical element OPS, it is possible to ensure a sufficient spacing (first spacing d1) between each of the components and the optical element OPS. Therefore, the optical element OPS and the inner wall of the through-hole HLE_TH can not become in contact with each other, and it is possible to effectively suppress or prevent defects such as interference due to contact and the like.

[0155] Even in this case, in the through-hole HLE_TH, the width in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the folding area FDA (see Figure 1 ) extends is greater than the width in the same direction as the direction in which the folding area FDA (see Figure 1 ) extends. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the deformation of the impact absorbing layer 30 covering the through-hole HLE_TH, the window 40, and the window protection layer 50, while preventing or suppressing defects due to interference or optical shadowing between the optical element OPS and the inner wall of the through-hole HLE_TH.

[0156] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a display device according to yet another embodiment. Figure 15 is a plan view showing a planar arrangement relationship between members surrounding a hole area and a sub-hole area according to another embodiment. Figure 14 shows an unfolded state of a display device 1_3 according to yet another embodiment.

[0157] Referring to Figure 14 and Figure 15 , the difference from the embodiments of Figure 1 and Figure 5 is that the second widths W2 and W2s of the respective through-holes HLE_TH and HLE_THs of the display device 1_3 according to the present embodiment in the second direction DR2 can vary depending on the distances D1 and D2 to the folding area FDA.

[0158] Specifically, the display apparatus 1_3 according to the present embodiment can include a hole region HLA and a hole HLE which are substantially the same as the hole region HLA and the hole HLE according to the above-described embodiments. The display apparatus 1_3 can further include sub-hole regions HLA and sub-holes HLEs which are spaced apart from the hole region HLA and the hole HLE, and which are positioned closer to the folding region FDA than the hole region HLA and the hole HLE. The hole region HLA and the hole HLE can be spaced apart from the folding region FDA by a first distance D1, and the sub-hole regions HLA and the sub-holes HLEs are spaced apart from the folding region FDA by a second distance D2. The first distance D1 can be greater than the second distance D2.

[0159] The first distance D1 and the second distance D2 can be obtained by measuring a distance between the folding region FDA and the hole HLE in a direction (i.e., the second direction DR2) substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the folding line extends (i.e., the first direction DR1) (i.e., the first distance D1), and a distance between the folding region FDA and the sub-holes HLEs (i.e., the second distance D2). The first distance D1 and the second distance D2 can be obtained by measuring a minimum distance between the folding region FDA and a through-hole HLE_TH of the hole HLE (i.e., the first distance D1), and a minimum distance between the folding region FDA and sub-through-holes HLE_THs of the sub-holes HLEs (i.e., the second distance D2), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0160] The sub-hole regions HLA and the sub-holes HLEs can have a length in the second direction DR2 which is smaller than a length of the hole region HLA and the hole HLE, the sub-hole regions HLA and the sub-holes HLEs being disposed closer to the folding region FDA than the hole region HLA and the hole HLE. Further, a ratio of the length in the second direction DR2 to the length in the first direction DR1 can be smaller.

[0161] In other words, the sub-holes HLEs can further include physical sub-through-holes HLE_THs and sub-optical holes HLE_OPs, the sub-optical holes HLE_OPs being optically transmissive windows. The sub-through-holes HLE_THs can include a first width W1s in the first direction DR1 and a second width W2s in the second direction DR2. The second width W2s can be greater than the first width W1s.

[0162] In a plan view, the second width W2s of the sub-through-holes HLE_THs in the second direction DR2 can be smaller than the second width W2 of the through-hole HLE_TH in the second direction DR2. In the plan view, the first width W1s of the sub-through-holes HLE_THs in the first direction DR1 can be substantially the same as the first width W1 of the through-hole HLE_TH in the first direction DR1.

[0163] Further, a ratio between the first width W1s and the second width W2s of the sub through holes HLE_THs can be smaller than a ratio between the first width W1 and the second width W2 of the through hole HLE_TH. The second width W2s of the sub through holes HLE_THs can be in a range of 1.01 to 1.1 times the first width W1s of the sub through holes HLE_THs, but the present application is not limited thereto.

[0164] Although not shown, the sub optical elements can also be arranged in the region overlapping with the sub through holes HLE_THs.

[0165] The amount of sliding according to the folding of the display device 1_3 can decrease as it gets closer to the folding area FDA. Accordingly, the second width W2s of the sub through holes HLE_THs located closer to the folding area FDA can be smaller than the second width W2 of the through hole HLE_TH located farther away from the folding area FDA. Accordingly, the second width W2s of the sub through holes HLE_THs can be greater than the first width W1s of the sub through holes HLE_THs and smaller than the second width W2 of the through hole HLE_TH.

[0166] Accordingly, defects due to interference or optical shadowing, etc. with the sub optical elements (not shown) disposed in the region overlapping with the sub through holes HLE_THs can be suppressed or prevented. Further, since the region in which the impact absorbing layer 30 covering the sub through holes HLE_THs, the cover window 40, and the cover window protection layer 50 overlap with the sub through holes HLE_THs can be smaller, defects such as cracks that can occur due to external pressure or impact can be more smoothly suppressed or prevented.

[0167] The sub through holes HLE_THs of the sub holes HLEs have been described above, but the above description can also be applied to the sub optical holes HLE_OPs of the sub holes HLEs. Further, for ease of description, the description has been made in connection with two hole areas HLA and HLAs and two holes HLE and HLEs, but the present application is not limited thereto and can include three or more hole areas and holes. In this case, as the distance between the folding area FDA and the through hole of each hole in the second direction DR2 increases, the width of the through hole of each hole in the second direction DR2 can increase.

[0168] Figure 16 is a plan view showing a planar arrangement relationship between members surrounding a hole area of a display device according to still another embodiment. Figure 16 is substantially the same as Figure 5 but further includes a dam structure DAM_4.

[0169] Referring to Figure 16 , which is substantially the same as Figure 10The embodiment is different from the embodiment in that the planar shape of the dam structure DAM_4 of the display device 1_4 according to the present embodiment does not correspond to the planar shapes of the through hole HLE_TH and the optical hole HLE_OP.

[0170] Specifically, the dam structure DAM_4 according to the present embodiment may have a circular shape in a plan view. For example, although each of the through hole HLE_TH and the optical hole HLE_OP has a planar shape in which the width in the first direction DR1 is different from the width in the second direction DR2, the dam structure DAM_4 according to the present embodiment may have a circular shape in which the width in the first direction DR1 is the same as the width in the second direction DR2, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0171] Even in this case, in the through hole HLE_TH, in the area with the folded area FDA (see Figure 1 ) in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which it extends, is greater than the width in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which it extends in relation to the folding region FDA (see Figure 1 ) extends in the same direction. Therefore, deformation of the impact absorbing layer 30, the cover window 40, and the cover window protective layer 50 covering the through hole HLE_TH can be minimized while preventing or suppressing defects caused by interference or optical shadows between the optical element OPS and the inner wall of the through hole HLE_TH.

[0172] Figure 17 is a plan view illustrating a planar arrangement relationship between members surrounding a hole area of ​​a display device according to still another embodiment.

[0173] Reference Figure 17 , and Figure 5 The embodiment is different from the embodiment in that the planar shape of the through hole HLE_TH of the display device 1_5 according to the present embodiment may not be an elliptical shape.

[0174] Specifically, in a plan view, the through hole HLE_TH of the display device 1_5 according to the present embodiment may have a first width W1 in the first direction DR1 and a second width W2 in the second direction DR2, the second width W2 being greater than the first width W1, but the through hole HLE_TH may not have an elliptical shape. Although not limited to the following, for example, the through hole HLE_TH of the display device 1_5 may include two semicircular shapes spaced apart from each other, and a straight line arranged between the two semicircular shapes and extending in the second direction DR2 to connect the two semicircular shapes. That is, the through hole HLE_TH of the display device 1_5 may include two straight lines extending in the second direction DR2 in a plan view, and semicircular shapes arranged on one side and the other side of the straight lines in the second direction DR2, respectively.

[0175] Even in this case, in the through hole HLE TH of the display device 1_5, the width in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the folding region FDA (see Figure 1 ) extends is greater than the width in the same direction as the direction in which the folding region FDA (see Figure 1 ) extends. Thus, it is possible to minimize the deformation of the impact absorbing layer 30 that covers the through hole HLE TH, the cover window 40, and the cover window protection layer 50, while preventing or inhibiting defects due to interference or optical shadowing between the optical element OPS and the inner wall of the through hole HLE TH.

[0176] At the end of the detailed description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many changes and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments without substantially departing from the principles of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosed preferred embodiments of the present application are intended to be illustrative only and not limiting of the scope of the application.

Claims

1. A foldable display device including a display panel, the display device comprising: a fold line extending in a first direction; a first unfolded area disposed on a first side of the folding line and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a second unfolded area disposed on a second side of the folding line opposite to the first side and extending in the second direction; as well as a through hole defined in the first unfolded area and penetrating the display panel in a thickness direction, In a plan view, a first maximum width of the through hole in the first direction is smaller than a second maximum width of the through hole in the second direction; and the second maximum width of the through hole is in a range of 1.05 to 1.2 times the first maximum width.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The second maximum width of the through hole is in a range of 3 mm to 4 mm, and the first maximum width of the through hole is in a range of 2.7 mm to 3.8 mm.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein The through hole has an oval shape in the plan view. 4 . The display device according to claim 1 , further comprising an optical element disposed so as to overlap with an interior of the through hole in the plan view and including a light receiving portion.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein The through hole includes a first inner wall and a second inner wall facing each other, the first inner wall is disposed closer to the folding line than the second inner wall, and A first distance between the optical element and the first inner wall is greater than a second distance between the optical element and the second inner wall. The display device according to claim 5 , wherein: The display device is folded inwardly relative to the folding line.

7. The display device according to claim 1 , further comprising an anti-reflection member provided on the first surface of the display panel, in, The through-hole also penetrates the anti-reflection member in the thickness direction.

8. The display device according to claim 7, further comprising a polymer film layer, the polymer film layer being disposed on a second surface of the display panel opposite to the first surface, in, The through holes also penetrate the polymer film layer in the thickness direction.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein In the folded state, the inner wall of the through hole is inclined relative to the thickness direction.

10. The display device according to claim 7, further comprising: a cover window, disposed above the display panel and covering the through hole in the plan view; as well as The cover window protection layer is arranged on the cover window.

11. The display device according to claim 1 , further comprising a heat dissipation member provided below the display panel and comprising a lower through-hole penetrating the heat dissipation member in the thickness direction, in, The lower through-hole overlaps with the through-hole in the plan view.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein The lower through hole surrounds the through hole and has a circular shape in the plan view.

13. A display device comprising a folding line extending in a first direction and a hole area provided on a first side of the folding line, the display device comprising: Display panel; a cover window, disposed on the display panel; as well as A printing layer is provided on the cover window, Wherein, the hole area includes: a through hole penetrating the display panel in a thickness direction; and an optical hole defined by the printed layer, the optical hole overlapping the through hole in plan view, and wherein, in the plan view, a first maximum width of the optical aperture in the first direction is smaller than a second maximum width of the optical aperture in a second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; Wherein, in the plan view, a fourth maximum width of the through hole in the second direction is in a range from 1.05 to 1.2 times a third maximum width of the through hole in the first direction. 14 . The display device according to claim 13 , further comprising an optical element disposed so as to overlap with the optical hole in the plan view and including a light receiving portion.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein In the folded state, the optical aperture overlaps the optical element, and the printed layer surrounds the optical element.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein The optical aperture has an elliptical shape in the plan view.

17. The display device according to claim 13, wherein The fourth maximum width of the through hole is in a range of 3 mm to 4 mm, and the third maximum width of the through hole is in a range of 2.7 mm to 3.8 mm.

18. A foldable display device comprising a display panel, the display device comprising: a fold line extending in a first direction; a first unfolded area disposed on a first side of the folding line and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a second unfolded area disposed on a second side of the folding line opposite to the first side and extending in the second direction; as well as a through hole defined in the first unfolded area and penetrating the display panel in a thickness direction, wherein, in a plan view, a first maximum width of the through hole in the first direction is smaller than a second maximum width of the through hole in the second direction; The display device further includes an optical element disposed so as to overlap with the interior of the through hole in the plan view and including a light receiving portion, The through hole includes a first inner wall and a second inner wall facing each other, the first inner wall is disposed closer to the folding line than the second inner wall, and A first distance between the optical element and the first inner wall is greater than a second distance between the optical element and the second inner wall.

19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein The display device is folded inwardly relative to the folding line.

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