Display devices

Abstract

The display device includes: a display module; a support plate, the support plate including: support strips, openings between adjacent support strips, and a first support portion and a second support portion spaced apart from each other, the support strips being disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion; a support film disposed between the display module and the support plate; and a foam layer disposed on at least one of a first upper surface and a first lower surface of the support film, the foam layer including a core layer and a surface layer, the core layer having a first modulus and a first thickness, the surface layer being disposed on at least one of a second upper surface and a second lower surface of the core layer, having a second modulus greater than the first modulus, and having a second thickness less than the first thickness.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0097610, filed on August 4, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to display devices. More specifically, this disclosure relates to sliding display devices. Background Technology

[0004] Electronic devices that provide images to users, such as smartphones, digital cameras, laptops, navigation units, and smart TVs, include display devices that display images. Display devices generate images and provide them to users through their display screens.

[0005] In recent years, with the technological advancements in display devices, various types of display devices have been developed. For example, various flexible display devices that are foldable or rollable have been developed. Flexible display devices that can be transformed into various shapes are easy to carry and improve user convenience.

[0006] In flexible display devices, the deployable and flexible display device includes a flexible display module. The flexible display module is partially pulled out of the housing as needed, thus deploying the flexible display module. However, due to the lower structure of the deployable and flexible display device, folds are seen in the deployed portion of the flexible display module. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure provides a display device capable of reducing wrinkles on the surface of a display module to improve surface quality.

[0008] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a display device comprising: a display module; a support plate disposed below the display module, the support plate including a plurality of support strips, an opening defined between adjacent support strips, and a first support portion and a second support portion spaced apart from each other, the plurality of support strips being disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion; a support film disposed between the display module and the support plate; and a foam layer disposed on at least one of a first upper surface and a first lower surface of the support film. The foam layer may include a core layer and a surface layer, the core layer having a first modulus and a first thickness, the surface layer being disposed on at least one of a second upper surface and a second lower surface of the core layer, having a second modulus greater than the first modulus, and having a second thickness less than the first thickness. The ratio of the first thickness to the second thickness may be in the range of about 10:1 to about 35:1.

[0009] The foam layer can be disposed on the support film, the core layer can include a recess defined in the second lower surface to overlap with the opening and recessed toward the display module, and the second upper surface can be a flat surface.

[0010] The display device may also include a first adhesive layer disposed between the support plate and the support film, and a second adhesive layer disposed between the foam layer and the display module.

[0011] The first adhesive layer may include a recess that overlaps with the opening and is recessed toward the display module.

[0012] The foam layer can be directly applied to the support membrane.

[0013] A foam layer may be disposed below the support film. Each of the second upper surface and the second lower surface may include a recess defined therein that overlaps with the opening and is recessed toward the display module. The first lower surface may include a recess defined therein that overlaps with the opening and is recessed toward the display module, and the first upper surface may be a flat surface.

[0014] The display device may also include a fourth adhesive layer disposed between the support film and the display module, and a fifth adhesive layer disposed between the foam layer and the plurality of support strips.

[0015] The first thickness can be equal to or greater than about 80 μm and equal to or less than about 100 μm.

[0016] The second thickness can be equal to or greater than about 3 μm and equal to or less than about 8 μm.

[0017] The core layer may have a content equal to or greater than approximately 0.5 g / cm³. 3 And equal to or less than approximately 0.8 g / cm³ 3 The density.

[0018] At a temperature of approximately -20°C, the second modulus can be equal to or greater than approximately 20 MPa and equal to or less than approximately 24 MPa.

[0019] The foam layer can have a modulus equal to or greater than about 3 MPa and equal to or less than about 5 MPa at a temperature of about -20°C.

[0020] The core layer may include a base resin having multiple pores defined therein.

[0021] The core layer may include polyurethane, and the surface layer may include polyolefin.

[0022] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a display device comprising: a display module; a support plate disposed below the display module, the support plate including a plurality of support strips spaced apart from each other and a first support portion and a second support portion spaced apart from each other, the plurality of support strips being disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion; a support film disposed between the display module and the support plate; and a foam layer disposed on at least one of a first upper surface and a first lower surface of the support film, having a first modulus and a first thickness. The foam layer may include a core layer and a surface layer, the surface layer being disposed on at least one of a second upper surface and a second lower surface of the core layer, having a second modulus greater than the first modulus and a second thickness less than the first thickness. The ratio of the first thickness to the second thickness is in the range of about 10:1 to about 35:1, and the display device is operable in a first mode or a second mode, wherein the display surface of the display device in the second mode is larger than the display surface of the display device in the first mode.

[0023] The display module may include a first region overlapping with the first support, a second region overlapping with multiple support bars, and a third region overlapping with the second support. When the first mode is changed to the second mode, the size of the second region exposed to the outside increases.

[0024] The second modulus can be equal to or greater than about 20 MPa and equal to or less than about 24 MPa at a temperature of about -20°C.

[0025] The foam layer can have a modulus equal to or greater than about 3 MPa and equal to or less than about 5 MPa at a temperature of about -20°C.

[0026] The core layer may include polyurethane, and the surface layer may include polyolefin.

[0027] The first thickness may be equal to or greater than about 80 μm and equal to or less than about 100 μm, and the second thickness may be equal to or greater than about 3 μm and equal to or less than about 8 μm.

[0028] As described above, the display device may include a foam layer formed between the display module and the support strip, and thus can reduce wrinkles that are visible from the outside in the area of ​​the display module that overlaps with the support strip. Therefore, the surface quality of the display module can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The above and other advantages of this disclosure will readily become apparent when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and by referring to the following detailed description, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing a display device in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view showing a display device in a second mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' to illustrate Figure 1 The display device in the first mode;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' to illustrate Figure 2 The display device in the second mode;

[0034] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic exploded perspective view of the display device shown.

[0035] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A schematic side view of the display device shown;

[0036] Figure 7A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to a comparative example;

[0037] Figure 7B , Figure 8 and Figure 9 These are schematic cross-sectional views showing portions of the display device according to the embodiments;

[0038] Figure 10A The image is produced by an X-ray microscope to show a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 10B The image is produced by an X-ray microscope to show a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device according to the comparative example;

[0040] Figure 11A This is an image showing the surface of a display module of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0041] Figure 11B It is an image showing the surface of the display module of a display device according to a comparative example. Detailed Implementation

[0042] This disclosure can be modified in various ways and implemented in many different forms, and therefore some embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure should not be limited to the specific forms disclosed, and should be construed as including all modifications, equivalents, or substitutions included within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0043] In this disclosure, it should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being on, connected to, or coupled to another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to that other element or layer, or there may be an intermediate element or layer.

[0044] The same reference numerals always denote the same elements. In the accompanying drawings, the thickness, scale, and dimensions of components may be exaggerated in order to effectively describe the technical content.

[0045] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0046] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another element, component, region, layer, or segment. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first segment discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second segment. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as used herein.

[0047] It should be understood that when a component is placed on top of another component, it can be placed above or below that other component.

[0048] For ease of description, this document may use spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above” to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the accompanying figures.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined or implied herein, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should also be understood that terms, such as those defined in common dictionaries, shall be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the relevant art and in the context of this disclosure, and shall not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless clearly defined herein.

[0050] It will be further understood that the terms “include” (or “comprise”) and / or “including”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0051] In the specification and claims, the phrase "at least one" is intended, for the purposes of its meaning and interpretation, to include the meaning of "at least one selected from the group consisting of". For example, "at least one of A and B" can be understood to mean "A, B, or A and B".

[0052] This disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing a display device DD in a first mode according to an embodiment, and Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view showing a display device DD in a second mode according to an embodiment.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 The display device DD may include a display module DM and a housing CS that houses the display module DM. The display module DM may be exposed to the outside through an opening OP defined in the upper part of the housing CS.

[0055] The housing CS may include a first housing CS1 and a second housing CS2. The first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 may be coupled or connected to each other to house the display module DM. The first housing CS1 may be connected to the second housing CS2 to enable movement in a first direction DR1.

[0056] In the following text, the direction intersecting the first direction DR1 is referred to as the second direction DR2. The direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 is referred to as the third direction DR3. In this disclosure, the phrases "when viewed in a plane" or "in a plan view" may indicate the state viewed from above on the third direction DR3. The front (or upper) surface and rear (or lower) surface of each component of the display device DD are distinguished from each other on the third direction DR3. The directions represented by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 are relative to each other and can be changed to other directions.

[0057] Reference Figure 2The area of ​​the exposed surface of the display module DM (e.g., the display surface exposed through the opening OP of the housing CS) can be adjusted according to the movement of the first housing CS1. For example, the display module DM can be a flexible display module and can be supported by a support plate SP disposed below the display module DM (see...). Figure 5 Support. Support plate SP (refer to) Figure 5 ) can be connected to the first housing CS1, and when the first housing CS1 moves in the first direction DR1, the support plate SP (refer to Figure 5 It can move in the first direction DR1.

[0058] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, the display module DM, except for the portion exposed through the opening OP (i.e., the display surface DS (reference)), is a part of the display module DM. Figure 5 The portion other than the first housing CS1 can be housed within the second housing CS2. When the first housing CS1 moves, the size of the opening OP increases in the first direction DR1. Based on the movement of the first housing CS1, the support plate SP (reference) is adjusted accordingly. Figure 3 The display module DM on the first direction DR1 can be connected to the support plate SP (reference). Figure 3 They move together, and thus, the display surface DS of the display module DM, exposed through the opening OP, can be unfolded. Therefore, the user can view the image on a larger screen.

[0059] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' to illustrate Figure 1 The display device DD in its first mode, and Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' to illustrate Figure 2 The display device DD is in the second mode.

[0060] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The display device DD may include a display module DM, a housing CS housing the display module DM, a rotating unit RU, and a support plate SP movable by the rotating unit RU. The housing CS may include a first housing CS1 and a second housing CS2. The first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 may be connected to each other to house the display module DM. The first housing CS1 may be connected to the second housing CS2 to be movable in a first direction DR1.

[0061] The display device DD may include a support plate SP disposed between the display module DM and the housing CS. The support plate SP may include a first support portion SP1, a second support portion SP2, and a support strip SB disposed between the first support portion SP1 and the second support portion SP2. The first support portion SP1 and the second support portion SP2 may be substantially parallel to a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The support plate SP may be provided with an opening OP-SB defined between adjacent support strips SB.

[0062] When the rotating unit RU rotates, the support bar SB can move along the curved surface of the rotating unit RU. As a result, the first support part SP1 can move in the first direction DR1, and the second support part SP2 can move in the opposite direction to the first direction DR1.

[0063] The display module DM mounted on the support plate SP may include a first region AA1 that overlaps with the first support part SP1, a second region AA2 that overlaps with the support bar SB, and a third region NAA that overlaps with the second support part SP2.

[0064] When the system changes from the first mode to the second mode and the support plate SP moves, the display module DM mounted on the support plate SP can move. The first region AA1 can move along the first direction DR1, the second region AA2 can move along the curved surface of the rotating unit RU, and the third region NAA can move in the opposite direction to the first direction DR1. The area of ​​the surface of the second region AA2 exposed to the outside in the second mode can be larger than the area of ​​the surface of the second region AA2 exposed to the outside in the first mode. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The foam layer FL and the support film SFL shown will be referenced Figure 5 and Figure 6 Provide a detailed description.

[0065] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 The schematic exploded perspective view of the display device DD shown is as follows: Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 The diagram shows a schematic side view of the display device DD. For ease of illustration, [further details can be added]. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The outer shell CS is omitted (refer to) Figure 1 ) and rotating unit RU. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The image shows a structure in which a foam layer FL is disposed on a support membrane SFL as an example.

[0066] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6The display surface DS of the display module DM may include a first region AA1, a second region AA2, and a third region NAA. The first region AA1 of the display surface DS can be configured in the default mode to have a region similar to the housing CS (see reference). Figure 1 ) opening OP (reference) Figure 1 The corresponding size is used to determine the screen size in the default mode. For example, in the first mode, the casing CS (reference) Figure 1 ) opening OP (reference) Figure 1 The second region AA2 and the first region AA1 of the display surface DS can be exposed, and the third region NAA can be exposed without the housing CS (refer to...). Figure 1 ) opening OP (reference) Figure 1 (The first region AA1 is exposed. However, this is merely an example, and this disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby restricted. Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, in the first mode, the first region AA1 can be exposed through the opening OP (see reference OP). Figure 1 ) exposed, and in the first mode, the second region AA2 can be accessed without opening OP (refer to Figure 1 Exposure.

[0067] When the display device DD operates in the second mode, the second area AA2 can be accessed through the casing CS (reference). Figure 1 ) opening OP (reference) Figure 1 More of the area is exposed to the outside. For example, the screen size of the display device DD can increase the area of ​​the second region AA2 that is more exposed.

[0068] The third region NAA can be adjacent to the second region AA2. For example, the second region AA2 can be defined between the first region AA1 and the third region NAA. The third region NAA can be an invalid area of ​​the screen that is not used as a display device DD.

[0069] A support plate SP can be disposed below the display module DM. The support plate SP can include a material with higher stiffness than the display module DM. For example, the support plate SP can include a metal material such as aluminum. The support plate SP can include a first support portion SP1, a support bar SB, and a second support portion SP2. The first support portion SP1 can support a first region AA1 of the display module DM, and the support bar SB can support a second region AA2 of the display module DM. The second support portion SP2 can support a third region NAA of the display module DM.

[0070] Support bars SB can be disposed between the first support portion SP1 and the second support portion SP2. Support bars SB can extend in the second direction DR2 and can be arranged in the first direction DR1. Adjacent support bars SB can be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. When viewed in the second direction DR2, each support bar SB can have an inverted trapezoidal shape relative to the display surface DS of the display module DM.

[0071] In this embodiment, support bars SB spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1 are shown, but the structure of the support bars SB is not limited thereto. For example, although not shown in the figures, the support bars SB can be implemented as a joint structure in which the support bars SB are connected to each other for rotation.

[0072] The first support portion SP1 may include a surface substantially parallel to the surface defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The first support portion SP1 may have a size corresponding to a first region AA1 of the display module DM.

[0073] The second support portion SP2 may extend in the second direction DR2. The second support portion SP2 may have a rectangular shape, having a long side extending in the second direction DR2 and a short side extending in the first direction DR1. The second support portion SP2 may have dimensions corresponding to the third region NAA of the display module DM.

[0074] The support film SFL can be disposed between the display module DM and the support plate SP. The support film SFL can be an elastomer layer with excellent elasticity and shape recovery, but is not limited to this.

[0075] A foam layer FL can be disposed between the support film SFL and the display module DM. The foam layer FL supports the display module DM and reduces wrinkles on the display module DM, making the wrinkles unobservable. (Refer to...) Figure 7B Describe the foam layer FL in detail.

[0076] Figure 7A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of the display device DD' according to the comparative example. Figure 7B , Figure 8 and Figure 9 These are schematic cross-sectional views showing portions of the display devices DD, DD-a, and DD-b according to embodiments.

[0077] Reference Figure 7AThe comparative example display device DD' may include a display module DM, a support strip SB disposed below the display module DM, and a support film SFL disposed between the support strip SB and the display module DM. An opening OP-SB may be defined between adjacent support strips SB, and wrinkles may be observed in the area of ​​the display module DM that overlaps with the opening OP-SB.

[0078] Reference Figure 7B Unlike the display device DD' in the comparative example, the display device DD may further include a foam layer FL disposed between the support film SFL and the display module DM. For example, the foam layer FL may be disposed on the first upper surface UA1 of the support film SFL in the first upper surface UA1 and the first lower surface BA1. Since the display device DD according to the embodiment also includes the foam layer FL, wrinkles are not observable in the area of ​​the display module DM that overlaps with the opening OP-SB.

[0079] The foam layer FL may include a core layer CL and an upper surface layer SL disposed on the second upper surface UA2 of the core layer CL, which is located on a second upper surface UA2 and a second lower surface BA2. The core layer CL may have a first modulus, and the upper surface layer SL may have a second modulus greater than the first modulus. Due to the material properties of the core layer CL, the core layer CL may have a small modulus value, which is therefore disadvantageous as peeling may occur within the core layer CL. Accordingly, when the upper surface layer SL with a large modulus is disposed on the second upper surface UA2, the effect of stretching the core layer CL can be increased, and peeling of the core layer CL can be prevented. At a temperature of about -20°C, the second modulus may be equal to or greater than about 20 MPa and equal to or less than about 24 MPa (or in the range of about 20 MPa to about 24 MPa), and at a temperature of about -20°C, the modulus of the foam layer FL may be equal to or greater than about 3 MPa and equal to or less than about 5 MPa. The foam layer FL may be provided with a recess CU-BA2 in the portion of the second lower surface BA2 that overlaps with the opening OP-SB, recessed towards the display module DM.

[0080] The core layer CL may have a first thickness T1, and the upper surface layer SL may have a second thickness T2. The ratio of the first thickness T1 to the second thickness T2 may be in the range of about 10:1 to about 35:1. The first thickness T1 may be equal to or greater than about 80 μm and equal to or less than about 100 μm. The second thickness T2 may be equal to or greater than about 3 μm and equal to or less than about 8 μm.

[0081] The core layer CL may include a base resin BS and pores BB defined within the base resin BS. Because the core layer CL includes pores BB, it may have a density equal to or greater than about 0.5 g / cm³. 3 And equal to or less than approximately 0.8 g / cm³3 The density is such that the core layer CL has a density equal to or greater than approximately 0.5 g / cm³. 3 And equal to or less than approximately 0.8 g / cm³ 3 The density of the core layer CL is such that it possesses excellent resilience against deformation caused by external forces, and therefore, the core layer CL remains flat even when pressed by the support strip SB. The core layer CL may comprise polyurethane. The surface layer SL may comprise polyolefin.

[0082] The first adhesive layer ADL1 can be disposed between the support film SFL and the support strip SB, and can adhere the support strip SB to the support film SFL. The second adhesive layer ADL2 can be disposed between the foam layer FL and the display module DM to attach the foam layer FL to the display module DM. However, this is merely an example, and this disclosure should not be limited thereto. The support film SFL can be disposed directly on the support strip SB without using the first adhesive layer ADL1, and the display module DM can be disposed directly on the foam layer FL without using the second adhesive layer ADL2.

[0083] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 8 Provide a detailed description of the display device DD-a. (In...) Figure 8 In the middle, omission and Figures 1 to 7B The description of the same components as the components, and will mainly describe the components as... Figures 1 to 7B Features that are different from those of the other two. Figure 7B The display device DD shown is different. Figure 8 The display device DD-a shown may also include a second surface layer SL2 disposed on the second lower surface BA2 of the core layer CL and a third adhesive layer ADL3 disposed between the support film SFL and the foam layer FL1.

[0084] Reference Figure 8 According to the embodiment, the foam layer FL1 of the display device DD-a may include a first surface layer SL1 disposed on the second upper surface UA2 of the core layer CL and a second surface layer SL2 disposed on the second lower surface BA2.

[0085] Display device DD-a may include a third adhesive layer ADL3 disposed between foam layer FL1 and support film SFL. However, this is merely an example, and this disclosure should not be limited thereto. Although not shown in the figures, in display device DD-a, foam layer FL1 may be directly disposed on support film SFL. Foam layer FL1 may have a recess CU-BA2 in the portion of its second lower surface BA2 that overlaps with opening OP-SB, recessed toward display module DM.

[0086] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 9 Describe the display device DD-b in detail. Figure 9In the middle, omission and Figures 1 to 7B The description of the same components as the components, and will mainly describe the components as... Figures 1 to 7B Features that are different from those of the other two. Figure 7B The display device DD shown is different, in Figure 9 In the display device DD-b shown, the foam layer BFL can be disposed below the support film SFL.

[0087] Reference Figure 9 The foam layer BFL of the display device DD-b can be disposed on the first lower surface BA1 of the support film SFL. The display device DD-b may include a fourth adhesive layer ADL4 disposed between the foam layer BFL and the support strip SB, and a fifth adhesive layer ADL5 disposed between the support film SFL and the display module DM.

[0088] The foam layer BFL may have a recessed portion CU-BA2 in the portion of the second lower surface BA2-1 that overlaps with the opening OP-SB, facing the display module DM, and a protruding portion (not shown) in the portion of the second upper surface UA2-1 that overlaps with the opening OP-SB, also facing the display module DM. The recessed portion CU-BA1 facing the display module DM may be defined in the first lower surface BA1 of the support film SFL, and the recessed portion CU-BA1 may correspond to the protruding portion (not shown) of the foam layer BFL. In the first upper surface UA1 of the support film SFL, the portion overlapping with the recessed portion CU-BA2 may be a flat surface.

[0089] For example, according to the reference Figures 7B to 9 The display devices DD, DD-a, and DD-b described in the embodiments may include a support film SFL disposed between the display module DM and the support strip SB, and foam layers FL and BFL disposed on a first upper surface UA1 or a first lower surface BA1 of the support film SFL. Although not shown in the drawings, the display device DD according to the embodiments may include foam layers FL disposed on both the first upper surface UA1 and the first lower surface BA1 of the support film SFL.

[0090] The foam layers FL and BFL may include a surface layer SL disposed on at least one of the second upper surface UA2 and the second lower surface BA2 or BA2-1 of the core layer CL. When the surface layer SL is disposed on one of the second upper surface UA2 and the second lower surface BA2 or BA2-1 of the core layer CL, and the support film SFL is disposed on the other surface of the second upper surface UA2 and the second lower surface BA2 or BA2-1 of the core layer CL, the support film SFL can be used as the surface layer SL.

[0091] Figure 10AThe images are produced by an X-ray microscope (XRM) to show a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device DD according to an embodiment, and Figure 10B The image is produced by an X-ray microscope to show a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device DD' according to the comparative example.

[0092] Reference Figure 10A Unlike the display device DD' in the comparative example, the display device DD according to the embodiment may include a foam layer FL disposed between the support film SFL and the display module DM. In the region overlapping with the opening OP-SB defined between the support strips SB of the display device DD, the height H2 of the wrinkles on the surface of the display module DM may be less than the height H1 of the wrinkles on the support film SFL. Therefore, when the display device DD includes the foam layer FL, it can be seen that the wrinkles on the surface of the display module DM are reduced.

[0093] Reference Figure 10B In the area where the opening OP-SB is defined between the support strip SB of the display device DD' according to the comparative example, the height H1' of the wrinkles on the support film SFL can be substantially equal to the height H2' of the wrinkles on the surface of the display module DM, and therefore, the wrinkles on the display module DM can be observed as is.

[0094] The present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to specific and comparative examples. The following examples are intended only to aid in understanding the present disclosure, and its scope should not be limited thereto.

[0095] Table 1 below shows the thickness of the stacked layers in the display devices according to the comparative example and the embodiment example. Table 2 below shows the segment perception index Kc of the display module included in the display device according to the comparative example and the embodiment example. The segment perception index Kc is measured using a surface quality measuring device (Optimap). The surface quality measuring device is used to measure the segment perception index Kc. When the segment perception index Kc is equal to or greater than about 0.80, it means that wrinkles are visible to the naked eye, and when the segment perception index Kc is less than about 0.80, it means that wrinkles are not visible to the naked eye.

[0096] Table 1

[0097] Comparison Examples Implementation Examples Display module (μm) 312 314 Core layer (μm) 0 94 Top surface layer (μm) 0 3 Lower surface layer (μm) 0 3 Support membrane (μm) 100 100

[0098] Table 2

[0099]

[0100] According to the measurement results of the surface quality measuring device, the display device of the comparative example has a segment perception index Kc of approximately 0.95 in the initial stage and approximately 1.35 after a reliability test of approximately 93% at approximately 60°C for 24 hours. According to the measurement results using the surface quality measuring device, the display device of the embodiment example has a segment perception index Kc of approximately 0.39 in the initial stage and approximately 0.76 after a reliability test of approximately 93% at approximately 60°C for 24 hours. When comparing the segment perception index of the comparative example with that of the embodiment example, it can be seen that, because the display device of the embodiment example includes a foam layer having a core layer and a surface layer, wrinkles on the surface of the display module are not observed from the outside. Figure 11A 11A is an image showing the surface of a display module of a display device according to an embodiment example, and 11B is an image showing the surface of a display module of a display device according to a comparative example. Figure 11A and Figure 11B The surface of the display module shown was photographed using 3D XRM (3D X-ray microscopy). (See reference...) Figure 11A and Figure 11B As can be seen, wrinkles on the surface of the display module of the display device in the comparative example were observed, but wrinkles on the surface of the display module of the display device according to the embodiment example were not observed.

[0101] Because the display device includes a foam layer disposed between the display module and the support strip, wrinkles that are visible from the outside in the area of ​​the display module that overlaps with the support strip can be reduced, and thus the surface quality of the display module can be improved.

[0102] Although some embodiments of this disclosure have been described, it should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be limited to these embodiments, but rather that various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the subject matter disclosed should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, and the scope of the claimed invention should be determined in accordance with the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Display module; A support plate is disposed below the display module, the support plate comprising: Multiple support bars; An opening is defined between the plurality of adjacent support bars; and The first support portion and the second support portion are spaced apart from each other, and the plurality of support bars are disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion; A support film is disposed between the display module and the support plate; and A foam layer is disposed on at least one of the first upper surface and the first lower surface of the support membrane, the foam layer comprising: The core layer has a first modulus and a first thickness; and A surface layer, disposed on at least one of the second upper surface and the second lower surface of the core layer, has a second modulus greater than the first modulus and a second thickness less than the first thickness. The ratio of the first thickness to the second thickness is in the range of 10:1 to 35:1, and the foam layer completely covers the back of the display module.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The foam layer is disposed on the support membrane. The core layer includes a recess defined in the second lower surface that overlaps with the opening and is recessed toward the display module, and The second upper surface is a flat surface.

3. The display device according to claim 2, further comprising: A first adhesive layer is disposed between the support plate and the support film; as well as A second adhesive layer is disposed between the foam layer and the display module.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The first adhesive layer includes a recess that overlaps with the opening and is recessed toward the display module.

5. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The foam layer is directly disposed on the support membrane.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The foam layer is disposed below the support membrane. Each of the second upper surface and the second lower surface includes a recess defined therein, overlapping the opening and recessed toward the display module. The first lower surface includes a recess defined therein, overlapping the opening and recessed toward the display module, and The first upper surface is a flat surface.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first thickness is equal to or greater than 80 μm and equal to or less than 100 μm.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second thickness is equal to or greater than 3 μm and equal to or less than 8 μm.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, said core layer has a density equal to or greater than 0.5 g / cm 3 and equal to or less than 0.8 g / cm 3 .

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second modulus is equal to or greater than 20 MPa and equal to or less than 24 MPa at a temperature of -20°C.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The foam layer has a modulus of 3 MPa or greater and 5 MPa or less at a temperature of -20°C.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The core layer comprises a base resin in which a plurality of pores are defined.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The core layer comprises polyurethane, and The surface layer comprises polyolefin.

14. A display device, comprising: Display module; A support plate is disposed below the display module, the support plate comprising: Multiple support bars, spaced apart from each other; and The first support portion and the second support portion are spaced apart from each other, and the plurality of support bars are disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion; A support film is disposed between the display module and the support plate; and A foam layer, disposed on at least one of a first upper surface and a first lower surface of the support membrane, having a first modulus and a first thickness, the foam layer comprising: Core layer; and A surface layer, disposed on at least one of the second upper surface and the second lower surface of the core layer, has a second modulus greater than the first modulus and a second thickness less than the first thickness, wherein... The ratio of the first thickness to the second thickness is in the range of 10:1 to 35:1, and wherein the foam layer completely covers the back of the display module. The display device operates in a first mode or a second mode, and The display surface of the display device in the second mode is larger than the display surface of the display device in the first mode.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, The display module includes: The first region overlaps with the first support portion; The second region overlaps with the plurality of support strips; and The third region overlaps with the second support portion. When the first mode is changed to the second mode, the size of the portion of the second region exposed to the outside increases.

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