Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes a display panel, a support member, and a magnetic field generating portion, the display panel has a first region, a second region, and a curved region, the curved region is located between the first region and the second region and has a shape extending in a direction intersecting an imaginary first straight line connecting the first region and the second region, the curved region is bendable, the support member is located at a rear surface of the display panel and includes a first support member supporting the first region, a second support member supporting the second region, and a connecting portion connecting the first support member and the second support member and having a thickness smaller than a thickness of the first support member or a thickness of the second support member, and the magnetic field generating portion is configured to generate a magnetic field in a direction from the first support member toward the second support member.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0118485, filed on September 15, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Aspects of one or more embodiments relate to a display device. BACKGROUND

[0003] A display device can be used as various electronic devices. For example, the display device can be a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone. In order to increase the area of a display surface while reducing the overall size of the electronic device, the electronic device can be a foldable electronic device having a display surface that is partially folded.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and therefore it can not necessarily be construed as the prior art that the present application pertains to. SUMMARY

[0005] Aspects of one or more embodiments relate to a display device, and for example, to a display device including a display surface having a relatively improved flatness.

[0006] In an electronic device, when a display surface is unfolded, there can be a problem that the display surface can not be flat at a folding portion (e.g., a bending area or an area in which the display surface is bent).

[0007] Aspects of one or more example embodiments include a display device including a display surface having a relatively improved flatness. However, this is only an example, and the scope of embodiments according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0008] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description or can be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the disclosure, a display device includes (i) a display panel having a first area, a second area, and a curved area located between the first area and the second area and having a shape extending in a direction crossing a first imaginary straight line connecting the first area and the second area, the curved area being bendable, (ii) a support located at a rear of the display panel and including a first support supporting the first area, a second support supporting the second area, and a connection part connecting the first support and the second support and having a thickness smaller than a thickness of the first support or a thickness of the second support, and (iii) a magnetic field generating part positioned such that the magnetic field generating part is configured to generate a magnetic field in a direction from the first support toward the second support.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the magnetic field generating part can be positioned such that the connection part is interposed between the display panel and the magnetic field generating part.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the magnetic field generating part can include a first generating part and a second generating part, the first generating part can be positioned closer to the first support than the second generating part, the second generating part can be positioned closer to the second support than the first generating part, and the first generating part and the second generating part can define a stylus insertion space therebetween.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the first generating part can be coupled to the first support, and the second generating part can be coupled to the second support.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the stylus insertion space can have a shape extending in a direction crossing the first imaginary straight line.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the first support can include a first-1 support and a first-2 support, the first-1 support being positioned closer to the display panel than the first-2 support, the second support can include a second-1 support and a second-2 support, the second-1 support being positioned closer to the display panel than the second-2 support, and the connection part can include a first connection part and a second connection part, and the first connection part can be positioned closer to the display panel than the second connection part.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the first-1 support, the first connection part, and the second-1 support can be integrally formed as a single body.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the first-2 support can have the same layer structure as a layer structure of the second-2 support.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the first-2 support member can include a heat dissipation layer positioned in a direction toward the first-1 support member and a shielding layer positioned such that the heat dissipation layer is interposed between the display panel and the shielding layer.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the second connection portion can include a layer having a hardness less than a hardness of a layer included in the first-2 support member.

[0019] According to some embodiments, a thickness of the second connection portion can be less than a thickness of the first-2 support member or a thickness of the second-2 support member.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the magnetic field generating portion can generate a magnetic field when an angle between the upper surface of the first area and the upper surface of the second area is greater than or equal to a preset angle.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the magnetic field generating portion can be in an off state when the angle between the upper surface of the first area and the upper surface of the second area is less than the preset angle.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the magnetic field generating portion can generate a magnetic field when the upper surface of the first area and the upper surface of the second area are located on the same plane.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the magnetic field generating portion can be in an off state when the angle between the upper surface of the first area and the upper surface of the second area is less than 180 ° .

[0024] According to some embodiments, the magnetic field generating portion can generate a magnetic field when the angle between the upper surface of the first area and the upper surface of the second area is greater than or equal to a preset angle and the stylus is positioned such that the connection portion is interposed between the display panel and the stylus.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the magnetic field generating portion can be in an off state when the angle between the upper surface of the first area and the upper surface of the second area is less than the preset angle or the stylus is not positioned in a direction opposite to a direction of the connection portion toward the display panel from the connection portion.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the magnetic field generating portion can generate a magnetic field when the upper surface of the first area and the upper surface of the second area are located on the same plane and the stylus is positioned such that the connection portion is interposed between the display panel and the stylus.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the magnetic field generating portion can be in an off state when the angle between the upper surface of the first area and the upper surface of the second area is less than 180 ° or the stylus is not positioned in a direction opposite to a direction of the connection portion toward the display panel from the connection portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other aspects, features, and characteristics of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent after a reading of the following detailed description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a display device according to some embodiments;

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a display device according to some embodiments; Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a display device according to some embodiments;

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic enlarged view of portion A of a display device according to some embodiments; Figure 2

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic conceptual view of the operating principle of a display device according to some embodiments; Figure 1

[0033] Figure 5 is a schematic conceptual view of a stylus to be used in a display device according to some embodiments; Figure 1

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a display device according to some embodiments; and

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a display device according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Reference will now be made in detail to some aspects of the example embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout. In this regard, the present embodiments can have different forms and should not be construed as limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, the embodiments are merely described below, by referring to the drawings, to explain aspects of this description. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Throughout this disclosure, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c", indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

[0037] ​​​Since the present disclosure allows various changes and numerous implementations, embodiments will be shown in the drawings and described in detail in the written description. The effects and features of the present embodiments and methods for achieving them will become more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present embodiments can be implemented in various forms, and are not limited to the embodiments presented below.

[0038] Hereinafter, aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in greater detail by explaining aspects of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements.

[0039] In the following embodiments, it is understood that when a component such as a layer, a film, a region, or a plate is referred to as being "on" another component, the component can be directly on the other component, or an intervening component can be present thereon. For the convenience of explanation, the size of components in the drawings can be exaggerated. In other words, since the size and thickness of components in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the convenience of explanation, the following embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0040] In the following embodiments, the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis are not limited to three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other.

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a display device according to some embodiments. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of Figure 1 Figure 3 is a schematic enlarged view of portion A of Figure 2 Figure 1 In Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the display panel 10 is shown in an overall flat state without being bent.

[0042] A display device according to some embodiments can include a display panel 10, a support 30, and a magnetic field generating portion 40 (e.g., shown in Figure 3

[0043] The display panel 10 can display an image. To this end, the display panel 10 can include a substrate, and a display device such as an organic light emitting device on the substrate. In Figure 1 , an upper surface (a surface generally in the +z direction) of the display panel 10 is shown as a display surface.

[0044] ​​​The display panel 10 can include a first area A1, a second area A2, and a bending area BA. The bending area BA is located between the first area A1 and the second area A2. When the display panel 10 is unfolded without bending, the bending area BA has a shape extending in a direction (y-axis direction) intersecting with an imaginary first straight line (parallel to the x-axis) connecting the first area A1 and the second area A2. The display panel 10 can be bent in the bending area BA. After being bent in the bending area BA, the display panel 10 can return to a non-bent state. In other words, the display panel 10 is a foldable display panel.

[0045] Since the display panel 10 has a foldable feature, a substrate included in the display panel 10 can include a polymer resin such as polyether sulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, or cellulose acetate propionate. The substrate included in the display panel 10 can be variously modified. For example, the substrate can have a multi-layer structure including two layers each including a polymer resin, and a barrier layer located between the two layers and including an inorganic material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, or the like.

[0046] Various display devices can be located on the substrate. For example, an organic light emitting device including a pixel electrode, a common electrode corresponding to the pixel electrode, and an intermediate layer disposed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode and including at least an emission layer can be located on the substrate. Thin film transistors and capacitors, etc. for controlling an electrical signal applied to the organic light emitting device can be located on the substrate.

[0047] The display panel 10 can display one or more images in the first area A1, the second area A2, and the bending area BA. In other words, a display area of the first area A1, a display area of the second area A2, and a display area of the bending area BA can be connected to each other as one body.

[0048] The support 30 is located behind the display panel 10. In other words, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 The display panel 10 can include a front surface (+z direction) including a display surface and a rear surface (-z direction) opposite to the front surface. The support 30 is located behind the display panel 10 to face the rear surface of the display panel 10.

[0049] The support 30 can include a first support 31, a second support 32, and a connection portion 33. The first support 31 can support the first area A1 of the display panel 10. The second support 32 can support the second area A2 of the display panel 10. The connection portion 33 can connect the first support 31 to the second support 32. As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the connecting portion 33 has a thickness thinner than the thickness of the first support member 31 or the thickness of the second support member 32. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the thickness of the first support member 31 can be the same as the thickness of the second support member 32.

[0050] The first support member 31 and the second support member 32 can support the entire display panel 10. As described above, the display panel 10 can be configured to bend in the bending region BA. However, the display panel 10 can have substantially the same structure in each of the first region A1, the second region A2, and the bending region BA. Accordingly, the display panel 10 can theoretically have a bendable structure not only in the bending region BA but also in the first region A1 or the second region A2. Since the first support member 31 and the second support member 32 support the first region A1 and the second region A2 of the display panel 10, bending in the first region A1 and the second region A2 of the display panel 10 can be prevented or reduced. For this purpose, the first support member 31 and the second support member 32 can be rigid enough to prevent bending.

[0051] When in a direction perpendicular to the front surface of the first region A1 of the display panel 10 (e.g., Figure 2 When viewed along the z-axis, the first support member 31 supporting the first region A1 of the display panel 10 may mean that the first support member 31 and the first region A1 of the display panel 10 overlap with each other. Although Figure 2 The diagram shows that the area of ​​the surface of the first support member 31 in the direction toward the display panel 10 matches the area of ​​the first region A1 of the display panel 10, but the embodiments according to this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, even when the area of ​​the surface of the first support member 31 in the direction toward the display panel 10 is smaller than the area of ​​the first region A1 of the display panel 10, the first support member 31 is sufficient to fully support the first region A1 of the display panel 10.

[0052] Similarly, in the direction perpendicular to the front surface of the second region A2 of the display panel 10 (e.g., Figure 2 When viewed along the z-axis, the second support 32 supporting the second region A2 of the display panel 10 may mean that the second support 32 and the second region A2 of the display panel 10 overlap with each other. Although Figure 2 The area of ​​the surface of the second support member 32 in the direction toward the display panel 10 is shown to match the area of ​​the second region A2 of the display panel 10, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, even when the area of ​​the surface of the second support member 32 in the direction toward the display panel 10 is smaller than the area of ​​the second region A2 of the display panel 10, the second support member 32 is sufficient to fully support the second region A2 of the display panel 10.

[0053] The connecting portion 33 connecting the first support 31 to the second support 32 can correspond to at least the bending area BA of the display panel 10. The connecting portion 33 corresponding to the bending area BA of the display panel 10 can mean that, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 indicated, when the display panel 10 is in the non-bent state, the connecting portion 33 and the bending area BA of the display panel 10 overlap each other when viewed in a direction perpendicular or orthogonal to the front surface of the bending area BA of the display panel 10 (for example, the z-axis direction of Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). Although Figure 2 and Figure 3 indicate that the area of the surface of the connecting portion 33 in the direction toward the display panel 10 matches the area of the bending area BA of the display panel 10, embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the area of the surface of the connecting portion 33 in the direction toward the display panel 10 can be greater than the area of the bending area BA of the display panel 10.

[0054] In order for the display device to have a bendable characteristic, the connecting portion 33 is bent together with the bending area BA of the display panel 10 when the display panel 10 is bent in the bending area BA. To this end, the connecting portion 33 has a thickness smaller than the thickness of the first support 31 or the thickness of the second support 32. This is because, as the thickness decreases, bending is easily performed in the relevant portion. The physical properties of the connecting portion 33 can be different from the physical properties of the first support 31 or the physical properties of the second support 32. For example, the overall hardness of the connecting portion 33 can be smaller than the overall hardness of the first support 31 or the overall hardness of the second support 32. In other words, the connecting portion 33 can have a flexible characteristic.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3 , the magnetic field generating portion 40 is located at one side of the support 30, and the display panel 10 is located at the other side of the support 30. The magnetic field generating portion 40 can generate a magnetic field in the direction from the first support 31 to the second support 32 (the +x direction in the case of Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). The magnetic field generating portion 40 can include a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

[0056] The magnetic field generating portion 40 can be positioned such that the connecting portion 33 of the support 30 is interposed between the magnetic field generating portion 40 and the display panel 10. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , when the display panel 10 is in the non-bent state, the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating portion 40 can pass between the first support 31 and the second support 32 when viewed in a direction perpendicular or orthogonal to the front surface of the bending area BA (+z-axis direction).

[0057] The magnetic field generating portion 40 can include a first generating portion 41 and a second generating portion 42. The first generating portion 41 can be positioned relatively closer to the first support 31 than the second generating portion 42, and the second generating portion 42 can be positioned relatively closer to the second support 32 than the first generating portion 41. Accordingly, the first generating portion 41 and the second generating portion 42 can define a stylus insertion space into which the stylus 100 (see FIG. 1) is inserted between the first generating portion 41 and the second generating portion 42. Figure 1 ) is inserted.

[0058] The first generating portion 41 and the second generating portion 42 can include a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. For example, the first generating portion 41 can include an electromagnet of which a portion facing the second generating portion 42 is N-pole, and the second generating portion 42 can include an electromagnet of which a portion facing the first generating portion 41 is S-pole. Accordingly, a magnetic field in a direction from the first support 31 to the second support 32 can be generated between the first generating portion 41 and the second generating portion 42.

[0059] For reference, Figure 2 and Figure 3 are cross-sectional views. Accordingly, the first generating portion 41 and the second generating portion 42 can each have a shape elongated in a direction (y-axis direction) in which the bending area BA extends. Alternatively, the display device can include pairs of first generating portions 41 and second generating portions 42. In this case, the pairs of first generating portions 41 and second generating portions 42 can be positioned corresponding to the connection portion 33, and the pairs can be arranged at regular intervals in the direction (y-axis direction) in which the bending area BA extends.

[0060] Figure 4 is a schematic conceptual view of an operating principle of the display device of Figure 1 . As shown in Figure 4 , a magnetic field B (in the +x-axis direction) is formed by the magnetic field generating portion 40 including the first generating portion 41 and the second generating portion 42. In this case, when a current C flows in a direction (−y direction) perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field B, according to the Fleming's left-hand rule, a force F in a direction (+z direction) perpendicular to the direction (+x direction) of the magnetic field B and the direction (−y direction) in which the current C flows is applied to a conductor in which the current C flows.

[0061] Likewise, when the magnetic field B is generated between the first generation portion 41 and the second generation portion 42 in the direction from the first support 31 to the second support 32 (+x direction), when the direction of the extension (y axis direction) of the stylus 100 located between the first generation portion 41 and the second generation portion 42 is perpendicular to the direction (+x direction) of the magnetic field B, and the current C also flows in the stylus 100 in the direction (-y direction) perpendicular to the direction (+x direction) of the magnetic field B, the force F in the direction toward the bent region BA of the display panel 10 is applied to the stylus 100.

[0062] As described above, the display device according to some embodiments has a foldable feature that is bent in the bent region BA. Accordingly, in the manufacturing process or in the use process after the manufacturing process is completed, even when the first region A1 and the second region A2 of the display panel 10 are located on substantially the same plane (e.g., x-y plane), a wrinkle can be formed in the bent region BA of the display panel 10. In other words, even when the first region A1 and the second region A2 of the display panel 10 are located substantially on the same plane (e.g., x-y plane), for example, as shown in FIG. 6, a portion of the display surface, which is the upper surface of the display panel 10 in the outward direction (+z direction), can have a concave shape in the bent region BA (in the -z direction), and a user can recognize this concave shape as a wrinkle. The wrinkle can be perceived by the user when the display device is not folded. Figure 2

[0063] However, in the display device according to some embodiments, when the magnetic field B is generated between the first generation portion 41 and the second generation portion 42 in the direction from the first support 31 to the second support 432 (+x direction), and the current C flows in the stylus 100 located between the first generation portion 41 and the second generation portion 42 in the direction (-y direction) perpendicular to the direction (+x direction) of the magnetic field B, when the display device is not folded, the force F in the direction toward the bent region BA of the display panel 10 can be applied to the stylus 100. Accordingly, the stylus 100 pushes the connection portion 33 in the direction (+z direction) toward the display panel 10, and the connection portion 33 pushes the bent region BA of the display panel 10 in the direction (+z direction) toward the front side of the display panel 10, the wrinkle formed in the bent region BA of the display panel 10 can be removed or reduced, or the depth of the wrinkle can be reduced.

[0064] As Figures 1 to 3 ​As shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic field generating portion 40 including the first generating portion 41 and the second generating portion 42 can be positioned such that the connection portion 33 is interposed between the magnetic field generating portion 40 and the display panel 10. In this state, as described above, the first generating portion 41 can be positioned relatively closer to the first support 31 than the second generating portion 42, and the second generating portion 42 can be positioned relatively closer to the second support 32 than the first generating portion 41. Accordingly, the first generating portion 41 and the second generating portion 42 can define a stylus insertion space into which the stylus 100 (see FIG. 2) is inserted between the first generating portion 41 and the second generating portion 42. Figure 1 ) is inserted.

[0065] Further, the first generating portion 41 can be coupled to the first support 31, and the second generating portion 42 can be coupled to the second support 32. The first generating portion 41 being coupled to the first support 31 can mean that the first generating portion 41 can be fixed to the first support 31. Likewise, the second generating portion 42 being coupled to the second support 32 can mean that the second generating portion 42 can be fixed to the second support 32.

[0066] In order for the display device to bend and unfold in the bending area BA, the total rigidity of the connection portion 33 corresponding to the bending area BA can be less than the total rigidity of the first support 31 or the total rigidity of the second support 32. In other words, the connection portion 33 can have a flexible characteristic. Accordingly, it can not be easy to fix the first generating portion 41 and the second generating portion 42 to the connection portion 33. Therefore, since the first generating portion 41 is coupled to the first support 31 having a rigidity relatively higher than that of the connection portion 33, and the second generating portion 42 is coupled to the second support 32 having a rigidity relatively higher than that of the connection portion 33, the durability of constituent elements of the display device, etc. can be improved.

[0067] Figure 5 is a schematic conceptual view of the stylus 100 to be used in the display device of Figure 1 . As shown in Figure 5 , the stylus 100 can include a tip 110 that can apply a signal to a display device by being close to or contacting a display surface of the display device, and a body 120 connected with the tip 110. A battery 121 and wiring portions 124 and 125 connected with the battery 121 are located in the body 120. A driving circuit portion 123 for controlling the operation of the stylus 100 can be located in the body 120, and various other necessary constituent elements can be included in the body 120.

[0068] The wiring portions 124 and 125 can have a structure in which a conductor such as copper, aluminum, etc. is surrounded by an insulator such as resin, etc., and as Figure 5As shown in FIG. 12, the wiring portions 124 and 125 can include a first wiring portion 124 and a second wiring portion 125. The first wiring portion 124 has a shape extending in a direction (+y direction) from a portion of the body 120 opposite the tip 110 toward the tip 110, and the second wiring portion 125 has a shape extending in a direction (-y direction) from a portion of the body 120 close to the tip 110 toward a portion of the body 120 opposite the tip 110.

[0069] Current flows in the wiring portions 124 and 125 through the battery 121. In Figure 5 In the first wiring portion 124, the current (+) i flows in a direction (+y direction) from a portion of the body 120 opposite the tip 110 toward the tip 110, and in the second wiring portion 125, the current (-) i flows in a direction (-y direction) from a portion of the body 120 close to the tip 110 toward a portion of the body 120 opposite the tip 110.

[0070] As described above, in the display device according to some embodiments, when the display device is in the unfolded state, a magnetic field is generated between the first generating portion 41 and the second generating portion 42 in a direction (+x direction) from the first support 31 to the second support 32. Accordingly, in this state, when the stylus 100 having the second wiring portion 125 in which the current (-) i flows in a direction (-y direction) from a portion of the body 120 close to the tip 110 toward a portion of the body 120 opposite the tip 110 is located in the space between the first generating portion 41 and the second generating portion 42, a force in a direction toward the bending area BA of the display panel 10 is applied to the second wiring portion 125. Since the second wiring portion 125 is fixed in the body 120 of the stylus 100, a force in a direction toward the bending area BA of the display panel 10 is applied to the stylus 100. Accordingly, since the stylus 100 pushes the connecting portion 33 in a direction (+z direction) toward the display panel 10, and thus, the connecting portion 33 pushes the bending area BA of the display panel 10 in a direction (+z direction) toward the front side of the display panel 10, a wrinkle formed in the bending area BA of the display panel 10 can be removed, or the depth of the wrinkle can be reduced.

[0071] As Figure 5As shown, the current (+)i flows in the first wiring portion 124 in the direction (+y direction) from the portion of the body 120 opposite to the tip 110 toward the tip 110. Accordingly, when the stylus 100 is located between the first generating portion 41 and the second generating portion 42, a force can be applied to the first wiring portion 124 by a magnetic field from the first generating portion 41 toward the second generating portion 42. In this case, the direction of the force applied to the first wiring portion 124 may be opposite to the direction of the force applied to the second wiring portion 125. This is because the direction of the current (+)i flowing in the first wiring portion 124 is opposite to the direction of the current (-)i flowing in the second wiring portion 125.

[0072] Accordingly, in order to prevent force from being applied to the first wiring section 124, it is necessary to shield the first wiring section 124 from the magnetic field in the direction from the first generating section 41 to the second generating section 42. For this purpose, the stylus 100 may be provided with a magnetic field shielding section 127 for shielding most of the first wiring section 124.

[0073] For example, the magnetic field shielding portion 127 may have a cylindrical shape in the direction (y-axis direction) in which the body 120 of the stylus 100 extends, and most of the first wiring portion 124 may be located in the magnetic field shielding portion 127. Figure 5 As shown, the magnetic field shielding portion 127 has two holes so that the connecting wiring portion connecting the second wiring portion 125 and the first wiring portion 124 can pass through the holes. The first wiring portion 124, the second wiring portion 125, and the connecting wiring portion can be integrally formed into a single body. The shape of the magnetic field shielding portion 127 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and the shape of the magnetic field shielding portion 127 can be changed in various ways to a cuboid or the like. The magnetic field shielding portion 127 may include a material capable of shielding magnetic fields, such as metals such as copper and / or aluminum.

[0074] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a display device according to some embodiments. For example... Figure 6 As shown, each of the first support member 31, the second support member 32, and the connecting portion 33 provided in the display device according to some embodiments may have a multi-layer structure.

[0075] The first support 31 can include a 1-1 support and a 1-2 support. The 1-1 support can be positioned relatively closer to the display panel 10 than the 1-2 support. The 1-1 support can include an adhesive layer 311a, an 11th layer 312, a 12th layer 313, a 13th layer 314, a 14th layer 315, a 15th layer 316, and an adhesive layer 311b, which are sequentially stacked in a direction from a portion adjacent to the display panel 10 toward a portion away from the display panel 10. The 1-2 support can include a 16th layer 317, an adhesive layer 311c, and a 17th layer 319, which are sequentially stacked in a direction from a portion adjacent to the 1-1 support toward a portion away from the 1-1 support.

[0076] The adhesive layer 311a can attach the first support 31 to the display panel 10. The 11th layer 312 can prevent or reduce visibility of constituent elements positioned behind the display panel 10 to a user observing the display panel 10 at a location in a front portion of the display panel 10. To this end, the 11th layer 312 can include a black pigment including chromium or the like. In addition, the 11th layer 312 can include a polymer resin. For example, the 11th layer 312 can include a black pigment and polyethylene terephthalate.

[0077] The 12th layer 313 can be a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) and can attach the 13th layer 314, which is a cushion layer, to the 11th layer 312. The 14th layer 315, which is a PSA, can also attach the 15th layer 316, which is a base layer, to the 13th layer 314, which is a cushion layer. The 15th layer 316, which is a base layer, can include a polymer resin, for example, polyimide. The adhesive layer 311b can attach the 1-2 support, which is described below, to the 1-1 support.

[0078] The 16th layer 317 can be attached to the 1-1 support via the adhesive layer 311b included in the 1-1 support. The 16th layer 317, which is a heat dissipation layer, can include, for example, graphite. The 16th layer 317, which is a heat dissipation layer, can dissipate heat generated during implementation of an image in the display panel 10 to the outside. The 17th layer 319 can be attached to the 16th layer 317, which is a heat dissipation layer, via the adhesive layer 311c. The 17th layer 319 can prevent or reduce a case in which electromagnetic waves are applied to the display panel 10, thereby improving the quality of an image implemented in the display panel 10. The 17th layer 319, which is a shielding layer, can be a metal layer and can include, for example, copper.

[0079] The 1-1 support including the adhesive layer 311a, the 11th layer 312, the 12th layer 313, the 13th layer 314, the 14th layer 315, the 15th layer 316, and the adhesive layer 311b can be positioned relatively closer to the display panel 10 than the 1-2 support including the 16th layer 317, the adhesive layer 311c, and the 17th layer 319.

[0080] The second support 32 can have a similar configuration to the first support 31. In other words, the second support 32 can include a 2-1 support and a 2-2 support. The 2-1 support can be positioned relatively closer to the display panel 10 than the 2-2 support. The 2-1 support can include an adhesive layer 321a, a 21st layer 322, a 22nd layer 323, a 23rd layer 324, a 24th layer 325, a 25th layer 326, and an adhesive layer 321b, which are sequentially stacked in a direction from a portion adjacent to the display panel 10 toward a portion away from the display panel 10. The 2-2 support can include a 26th layer 327, an adhesive layer 321c, and a 27th layer 329, which are sequentially stacked in a direction from a portion adjacent to the 2-1 support toward a portion away from the 2-1 support.

[0081] The adhesive layer 321a can attach the second support 32 to the display panel 10. The 21st layer 322 can prevent or reduce visibility of constituent elements positioned behind the display panel 10 to a user observing the display panel 10 at a location in a front portion of the display panel 10. To this end, the 21st layer 322 can include a black pigment including chromium or the like. In addition, the 21st layer 322 can include a polymer resin. For example, the 21st layer 322 can include a black pigment and polyethylene terephthalate.

[0082] The 22nd layer 323 can be a PSA and can attach the 23rd layer 324, which is a cushion layer, to the 21st layer 322. The 24th layer 325 can also be a PSA and can attach the 25th layer 326, which is a base layer, to the 23rd layer 324, which is a cushion layer. The 25th layer 326, which is a base layer, can include a polymer resin, for example, polyimide. The adhesive layer 321b can attach the 2-2 support, which is described later, to the 2-1 support.

[0083] The 26th layer 327 can be attached to the 2-1 support via the adhesive layer 321b included in the 2-1 support. The 26th layer 327, which is a heat dissipation layer, can include, for example, graphite. The 26th layer 327, which is a heat dissipation layer, can dissipate heat generated during implementation of an image in the display panel 10 to the outside. The 27th layer 329 can be attached to the 26th layer 327, which is a heat dissipation layer, via the adhesive layer 321c. The 27th layer 329 can prevent or reduce a case in which electromagnetic waves are applied to the display panel 10, thereby improving the quality of an image implemented in the display panel 10. The 27th layer 329, which is a shielding layer, can be a metal layer and can include, for example, copper.

[0084] The 2-1 support including the adhesive layer 321a, the 21st layer 322, the 22nd layer 323, the 23rd layer 324, the 24th layer 325, the 25th layer 326, and the adhesive layer 321b can be positioned relatively closer to the display panel 10 than the 2-2 support including the 26th layer 327, the adhesive layer 321c, and the 27th layer 329.

[0085] The connection portion 33 can include a first connection portion and a second connection portion. The first connection portion can be positioned relatively closer to the display panel 10 than the second connection portion. The first connection portion can include an adhesive layer 331a, a 31st layer 332, a 32nd layer 333, a 33rd layer 334, a 34th layer 335, a 35th layer 336, and an adhesive layer 331b, which are sequentially stacked in a direction from a portion adjacent to the display panel 10 toward a portion away from the display panel 10. The second connection portion can include an elastic layer 338.

[0086] The adhesive layer 331a can attach the connection portion 33 to the display panel 10. The 31st layer 332 can prevent or reduce visibility of a constituent element located behind the display panel 10 to a user observing the display panel 10 at a location in a front portion of the display panel 10. To this end, the 31st layer 332 can include a black pigment including chromium or the like. In addition, the 31st layer 332 can include a polymer resin. For example, the 31st layer 332 can include a black pigment and polyethylene terephthalate.

[0087] The 32nd layer 333 can be a PSA and can attach the 33rd layer 334, which is a cushion layer, to the 31st layer 332. The 34th layer 335 can also be a PSA and can attach the 35th layer 336, which is a base layer, to the 33rd layer 334, which is a cushion layer. The 35th layer 336, which is a base layer, can include a polymer resin, for example, polyimide. The adhesive layer 331b can attach the second connection portion described below to the first connection portion.

[0088] The first connection portion including the adhesive layer 331a, the 31st layer 332, the 32nd layer 333, the 33rd layer 334, the 34th layer 335, the 35th layer 336, and the adhesive layer 331b can be positioned relatively closer to the display panel 10 than the second connection portion including the elastic layer 338.

[0089] The elastic layer 338 included in the second connection portion can be attached to the first connection portion via the adhesive layer 331b included in the first connection portion. The elastic layer 338 can be in direct contact with the stylus pen 100 to which a force in a direction toward the display panel 10 is applied by a magnetic field as described above. The elastic layer 338 can have a hardness smaller than that of the layers included in the 1-2 support. The elastic layer 338 can have a hardness smaller than that of the layers included in the 2-2 support.

[0090] As described above, in the display device according to some embodiments, when the display device is in the unfolded state, a magnetic field is generated in the direction from the first support 31 to the second support 32 (+x direction) between the first generation part 41 and the second generation part 42, and the current flows in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field (-y direction) in the stylus 100 located between the first generation part 41 and the second generation part 42, and thus, a force in the direction toward the bending area BA of the display panel 10 can be applied to the stylus 100. Accordingly, since the connection part 33 pushes the display panel 10 in the direction toward the display panel 10 (+z direction), and thus, the connection part 33 pushes the bending area BA of the display panel 10 in the direction toward the front side of the display panel 10 (+z direction), the wrinkle formed in the bending area BA of the display panel 10 can be removed, or the depth of the wrinkle can be reduced.

[0091] In this state, the wrinkle of the display panel 10 needs to be uniformly removed by the force applied to the display panel 10 by the stylus 100. When the force applied to the display panel 10 by the stylus 100 is concentratedly applied to a specific portion of the display panel 10, an undesirable result that the shape of the display surface of the display panel 10 is deformed can be caused. In the display device according to some embodiments, as described above, the second connection part includes the elastic layer 338 having low hardness. The elastic layer 338 uniformly distributes the force applied from the stylus 100 to be transmitted to the bending area BA of the display panel 10. Accordingly, the wrinkle in the bending area BA of the display panel 10 can be effectively removed or reduced.

[0092] Thus, the elastic layer 338 has a hardness smaller than that of the layer included in the 1-2 support. Further, the thickness of the second connection part including the elastic layer 338 can be smaller than the thickness of the 1-2 support or the thickness of the 2-2 support. Accordingly, a space for the stylus 100 can be secured in the direction opposite to the direction from the elastic layer 338 toward the display panel 10 (-z direction) from the elastic layer 338.

[0093] As described above, the layer structure of the 1-1 support, the layer structure of the first connection portion, and the layer structure of the 2-1 support can be the same. Accordingly, the 1-1 support, the first connection portion, and the 2-1 support can be integrally formed as a single body. For example, the adhesive layer 311a of the 1-1 support, the adhesive layer 331a of the first connection portion, and the adhesive layer 321a of the 2-1 support can be integrally formed as a single body; the 11th layer 312 of the 1-1 support, the 31st layer 332 of the first connection portion, and the 21st layer 322 of the 2-1 support can be integrally formed as a single body; the 12th layer 313 of the 1-1 support, the 32nd layer 333 of the first connection portion, and the 22nd layer 323 of the 2-1 support can be integrally formed as a single body; the 13th layer 314 of the 1-1 support, the 33rd layer 334 of the first connection portion, and the 23rd layer 324 of the 2-1 support can be integrally formed as a single body; the 14th layer 315 of the 1-1 support, the 34th layer 335 of the first connection portion, and the 24th layer 325 of the 2-1 support can be integrally formed as a single body; the 15th layer 316 of the 1-1 support, the 35th layer 336 of the first connection portion, and the 25th layer 326 of the 2-1 support can be integrally formed as a single body; and the adhesive layer 311b of the 1-1 support, the adhesive layer 331b of the first connection portion, and the adhesive layer 321b of the 2-1 support can be integrally formed as a single body.

[0094] The 1-2 support and the 2-2 support are separated from each other. However, as described above, the layer structure of the 1-2 support can be the same as the layer structure of the 2-2 support.

[0095] As described above, the magnetic field generating portion 40 can generate a magnetic field when the angle between the upper surface (+z direction) of the first area A1 of the display panel 10 and the upper surface (+z direction) of the second area A2 of the display panel 10 is greater than or equal to an angle (e.g., a set angle or a preset angle or a predetermined angle). For example, the angle (e.g., a set angle or a preset angle or a predetermined angle) can be 170 ° When the display panel 10 is unfolded, it is necessary to remove wrinkles in the bending area BA. Accordingly, the magnetic field generating portion 40 can be in an off state when the angle between the upper surface of the first area A1 of the display panel 10 and the upper surface of the second area A2 of the display panel 10 is less than an angle (e.g., a set angle or a preset angle or a predetermined angle). In this state, it is not necessary to remove wrinkles in the bending area BA of the display panel 10.

[0096] The magnetic field generating part 40 can generate a magnetic field when the upper surface of the first area A1 of the display panel 10 and the upper surface of the second area A2 of the display panel 10 are located on the same plane (e.g., x-y plane). When the display panel 10 is fully unfolded, it is necessary to remove the wrinkle of the bending area BA. Accordingly, when the angle between the upper surface of the first area A1 of the display panel 10 and the upper surface of the second area A2 of the display panel 10 is less than 180 ° , the magnetic field generating part 40 can be in an off state.

[0097] When the angle between the upper surface of the first area A1 of the display panel 10 and the upper surface of the second area A2 of the display panel 10 is greater than or equal to an angle (e.g., a set angle or a preset angle or a predetermined angle), if the stylus 100 is not positioned in the direction opposite to the direction from the connection part 33 toward the display panel 10 (i.e., -z direction) from the connection part 33, the magnetic field generating part 40 can not generate a magnetic field. Even when the magnetic field generating part 40 generates a magnetic field, if the stylus 100 is not present, the wrinkle of the display panel 10 can not be removed.

[0098] Accordingly, when the angle between the upper surface of the first area A1 of the display panel 10 and the upper surface of the second area A2 of the display panel 10 is greater than or equal to an angle (e.g., a set angle or a preset angle or a predetermined angle), and the stylus 100 is positioned in the direction opposite to the direction from the connection part 33 toward the display panel 10 (i.e., -z direction) from the connection part 33, the magnetic field generating part 40 can generate a magnetic field. In other words, when the angle between the upper surface of the first area A1 of the display panel 10 and the upper surface of the second area A2 of the display panel 10 is less than an angle (e.g., a set angle or a preset angle or a predetermined angle), or the stylus 100 is not positioned in the direction opposite to the direction from the connection part 33 toward the display panel 10 (i.e., -z direction) from the connection part 33, the magnetic field generating part 40 is in an off state.

[0099] When the upper surface of the first area A1 of the display panel 10 and the upper surface of the second area A2 of the display panel 10 are located on the same plane (e.g., x-y plane), and the stylus 100 is positioned in the direction opposite to the direction from the connection part 33 toward the display panel 10 (i.e., the stylus 100 is positioned such that the connection part 33 is interposed between the stylus 100 and the display panel 10) from the connection part 33, the magnetic field generating part 40 can generate a magnetic field. In other words, when the angle between the upper surface of the first area A1 of the display panel 10 and the upper surface of the second area A2 of the display panel 10 is less than 180 °or the stylus 100 is not positioned in a direction opposite to a direction from the connection portion 33 toward the display panel 10 from the connection portion 33, the magnetic field generating portion 40 can be in an off state.

[0100] The present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, even when an angle between an upper surface (+z direction) of the first area A1 of the display panel 10 and an upper surface (+z direction) of the second area A2 of the display panel 10 is greater than or equal to an angle (e.g., a set angle or a preset angle or a predetermined angle) or is 180 ° and the stylus 100 is positioned in a direction (-z direction) opposite to a direction from the connection portion 33 toward the display panel 10 from the connection portion 33 (i.e., the stylus 100 is positioned such that the connection portion 33 is interposed between the stylus 100 and the display panel 10), the magnetic field generating portion 40 can not generate a magnetic field if the display panel 10 is in an off state.

[0101] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a display device 1 according to some embodiments. Figure 7 is shown to also be provided with a housing surrounding the first support 31, the second support 32 and the connection portion 33 as shown in Figure 1 A battery or the like can be located in the housing. Further, various electronic devices such as a camera or the like can be arranged in the housing depending on the type of the display device 1. The housing can have a hinge at a portion corresponding to the bending area BA of the display panel 10.

[0102] As shown in Figure 7 The display device 1 can include a stylus insertion space 3 or a stylus insertion hole as shown in. The stylus insertion space 3 has a shape extending in a direction (y axis direction) intersecting with an imaginary first straight line (parallel to the x axis) connecting the first area A1 and the second area A2 of the display panel 10 when the display panel 10 is in a flat state. The stylus 100 as described above can be inserted into the stylus insertion space 3.

[0103] The amount of force applied to the bending area BA of the display panel 10 by the stylus 100 can be proportional to the strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating portion 40. Accordingly, during manufacturing of the display device, when the display panel 10 is unfolded, the depth of a wrinkle or the like in the bending area BA of the display panel 10 is measured, and the strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating portion 40 can be set according to the measured depth. Accordingly, the optimal strength of the magnetic field for removing a wrinkle or reducing the depth of a wrinkle when the display panel 10 is unfolded can be generated by the magnetic field generating portion 40. It can be said that a method of manufacturing a display device including an operation of setting the strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating portion 40 can belong to the scope of the present disclosure.

[0104] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure as described above, a display device including a display surface having improved flatness can be implemented. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above effects.

[0105] It is to be understood that the embodiments described herein are to be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodiment should typically be considered as being applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. While one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as defined by the following claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A display device comprising: a display panel having a first area, a second area, and a curved area between the first area and the second area and having a shape extending in a direction intersecting a first imaginary straight line connecting the first area and the second area, the curved area being bendable; a support located behind the display panel and including a first support supporting the first area, a second support supporting the second area, and a connecting portion connecting the first support and the second support and having a thickness smaller than a thickness of the first support or a thickness of the second support; and a magnetic field generating portion configured to generate a magnetic field in a direction from the first support toward the second support, wherein the magnetic field interacts with a current in a component located in the magnetic field so that the component pushes the connecting portion toward the display panel. The component is a stylus.

2. The display device of claim 1, wherein, The connecting portion is interposed between the display panel and the magnetic field generating portion.

3. The display device of claim 1, wherein, The magnetic field generating portion includes a first generating portion closer to the first support than a second generating portion, the second generating portion closer to the second support than the first generating portion, and the first generating portion and the second generating portion defining a stylus insertion space therebetween.

4. The display device of claim 2, wherein, The first generating portion is coupled to the first support, and the second generating portion is coupled to the second support.

5. The display device of claim 4, wherein, The stylus insertion space has a shape extending in the direction intersecting the first imaginary straight line.

6. The display device of claim 4, wherein, The first support includes a first-1 support closer to the display panel than a first-2 support, 7. The display device of claim 1, wherein, The second support includes a second-1 support closer to the display panel than a second-2 support, and The connecting portion includes a first connecting portion closer to the display panel than a second connecting portion. The first-1 support, the first connecting portion, and the second-1 support are integrally formed as a single body.

8. The display device of claim 7, wherein, The first-2 support has a layer structure identical to a layer structure of the second-2 support.

9. The display device of claim 8, wherein, The first-2 support includes a heat dissipation layer in a direction toward the first-1 support and a shield layer positioned such that the heat dissipation layer is interposed between the display panel and the shield layer.

10. The display device of claim 9, wherein, The second connecting portion includes a layer having a hardness smaller than a hardness of a layer included in the first-2 support.

11. The display device of claim 8, wherein, A thickness of the second connecting portion is smaller than a thickness of the first-2 support or a thickness of the second-2 support.

12. The display device of claim 7, wherein, The magnetic field generating portion is configured to generate the magnetic field in response to an angle between an upper surface of the first area and an upper surface of the second area being greater than or equal to a preset angle.

13. The display device of claim 1, wherein, ​ 14. The display device of claim 1, wherein, The magnetic field generating portion is configured to be in an off state in response to the angle between the upper surface of the first region and the upper surface of the second region being less than a preset angle.

15. The display device of claim 1, wherein, The magnetic field generating portion is configured to generate a magnetic field in response to the upper surface of the first region and the upper surface of the second region being on the same plane.

16. The display device of claim 1, wherein, The magnetic field generating portion is configured to be in an off state in response to the angle between the upper surface of the first region and the upper surface of the second region being less than 180°.

17. The display device of claim 2, wherein, The magnetic field generating portion is configured to generate a magnetic field in response to the angle between the upper surface of the first region and the upper surface of the second region being greater than or equal to a preset angle and the stylus being positioned such that the connecting portion is interposed between the display panel and the stylus.

18. The display device of claim 2, wherein, The magnetic field generating portion is configured to be in an off state in response to the angle between the upper surface of the first region and the upper surface of the second region being less than a preset angle or the stylus not being positioned in a direction opposite to a direction from the connecting portion toward the display panel from the connecting portion.

19. The display device of claim 2, wherein, The magnetic field generating portion is configured to generate a magnetic field in response to the upper surface of the first region and the upper surface of the second region being on the same plane and the stylus being positioned such that the connecting portion is interposed between the display panel and the stylus.

20. The display device of claim 2, wherein, The magnetic field generating portion is configured to be in an off state in response to the angle between the upper surface of the first region and the upper surface of the second region being less than 180° or the stylus not being positioned in a direction opposite to a direction from the connecting portion toward the display panel from the connecting portion.

Images