Display device

Abstract

This application provides a display device with improved product reliability. The display device includes: a display module having a first region, a second region, and a third region sequentially defined in one direction; a first plate disposed below the first region of the display module; a second plate disposed below the third region of the display module and spaced apart from the first plate; and a cover film attached to the first plate and the second plate, wherein the cover film includes a low-friction coating portion disposed in at least a portion of the surface of the cover film.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and all benefits arising therefrom of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0124020, filed on September 24, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a display device with improved product reliability. Background Technology

[0003] Display devices display various images and provide information to users on a display screen. Typically, display devices display information within a designated screen area. Recently, flexible display devices, including foldable flexible display panels, have been developed. Unlike rigid display devices, flexible display devices can be folded, rolled, or bent. Flexible display devices, whose shapes can be changed in various ways regardless of existing screen sizes, can be foldable, rollable, or bendable, and therefore can offer improved portability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a display device with improved product reliability.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides a display device comprising: a display module having a first region, a second region, and a third region sequentially defined in one direction; a first plate disposed below the first region of the display module; a second plate disposed below the third region of the display module and spaced apart from the first plate; and a cover film attached to the first plate and the second plate, wherein the cover film includes a low-friction coating portion disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the cover film.

[0006] In an embodiment, the covering film may include at least one selected from silicone resin, polyurethane resin, and thermoplastic polyurethane resin.

[0007] In an embodiment, the thickness of the covering film can be from about 40 micrometers (μm) to about 130 μm.

[0008] In an embodiment, the low-friction coating portion may include at least one selected from fluoropolymers and acrylic resins coated on the surface of the cover film.

[0009] In one embodiment, the cover film may include: a first attachment region attached to a first plate; a second attachment region attached to a second plate; and a connecting region connecting the first attachment region and the second attachment region to each other, wherein at least a portion of the low-friction coating portion may be disposed in the connecting region.

[0010] In one embodiment, a first attachment area of ​​the cover film can be attached to the lower surface of the first plate, and a second attachment area of ​​the cover film can be attached to the lower surface of the second plate.

[0011] In an implementation, the connection area may include: a central area having a low-friction coating portion thereon; and a peripheral area adjacent to the central area.

[0012] In one embodiment, the display device may further include: a first adhesive layer disposed between the cover film and the first plate; and a second adhesive layer disposed between the cover film and the second plate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the display device may further include components disposed beneath the cover film.

[0014] In one embodiment, a gap may be defined between the first plate and the second plate, and when viewed in a plan view, the low-friction coating portion may overlap with the gap.

[0015] In the implementation, the first region and the third region can be non-folded regions, and the second region can be a folded region.

[0016] In one embodiment, a portion of the first plate may be disposed below the second region, and a portion of the second plate may be disposed below the second region.

[0017] In one implementation, the display module may be in a flat state in which the second region is flat, or in a folded state in which the second region is folded and the first and third regions are positioned facing each other.

[0018] In this embodiment, the covering film may be a flexible film.

[0019] In one embodiment, the cover film may include: an upper surface adjacent to the first plate and the second plate; and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, wherein a low-friction coating portion may be disposed on the upper surface.

[0020] In one embodiment, the display device may further include a window disposed on the display module, the window being spaced apart from the first plate and the second plate, and the display module being located between the window and the first plate and the second plate.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, the display device includes: a display module in a flat state or a folded state; a first plate disposed below the display module; a second plate disposed below the display module and spaced apart from the first plate; and a cover film attached to the first plate and the second plate, wherein the cover film includes a low-friction coating portion disposed on the surface of the cover film to overlap with the gap between the first plate and the second plate when viewed in a plan view.

[0022] In an embodiment, the cover film may include at least one selected from silicone resin, polyurethane resin and thermoplastic polyurethane resin, and the low-friction coating portion may include at least one selected from fluororesin and acrylic resin coated on the surface of the cover film.

[0023] In one embodiment, the cover film may include: an upper surface adjacent to the first plate and the second plate; and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, wherein a low-friction coating portion may be disposed on the upper surface.

[0024] In one embodiment, the cover film may include: a first attachment region attached to a first plate; a second attachment region attached to a second plate; and a connecting region connecting the first attachment region and the second attachment region to each other, wherein at least a portion of the low-friction coating portion may be disposed in the connecting region. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The above and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the description of embodiments of the invention in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 1B It is shown Figure 1A The view shown is of the display device in a folded state;

[0028] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2B It is shown Figure 2A The view shown is of the display device in a folded state;

[0030] Figure 3A This is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3B This is a cross-sectional view showing some components in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3C This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the components of a display device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figures 4A to 4C This is a perspective view of the upper surface of some components in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figures 5A to 5B This is a perspective view of the rear surface of some components in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a plan view showing some components of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0036] Figure 7 This is a plan view showing some components of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are illustrated. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0038] In this specification, it will be understood that when an element (or region, layer, portion, etc.) is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “attached to” another element, it may be directly on, connected to, or attached to said other element, or a third intermediary element may exist between them. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly attached to” another element, no intermediary element exists.

[0039] The same reference numerals denote the same elements. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the thickness, proportions, and dimensions of the elements are exaggerated for the purpose of effectively illustrating the technical content.

[0040] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, “a(a)”, “an”, “the”, and “at least one” do not indicate a limitation of quantity and are intended to include both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, “element” has the same meaning as “at least one element” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “At least one” should not be construed as limiting “a(a)” or “an”. “Or” means “and / or”. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will also be understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprise” and / or “comprising” or “include” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated feature, region, integer, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0041] Although terms such as “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the invention, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component. Singular forms may include plural forms unless otherwise clearly defined in the context.

[0042] In addition, terms such as “below,” “under,” “above,” and “over” can be used to describe the relationships between the elements shown in the figure. These terms have relative concepts and describe the directions shown in the figure.

[0043] Unless otherwise specified, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in common dictionaries) shall be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless so defined herein.

[0044] Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views as schematic representations of idealized embodiments. Therefore, variations from the illustrated shapes are contemplated due to factors such as manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Consequently, the embodiments described herein should not be construed as limited to the specific shapes of the regions shown herein, but rather include deviations in shape, for example, due to manufacturing processes. For instance, regions shown or described as flat may generally have rough and / or non-linear characteristics. Furthermore, sharp corners shown may be rounded. Therefore, the regions shown in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to represent the precise shapes of the regions, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0045] In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B It is shown Figure 1A The view shown is of the display device in a folded state.

[0047] refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B The display device 1000 can be implemented as a foldable display device. In such an implementation, the display device 1000 can be used in large electronic devices such as televisions and monitors, as well as small and medium-sized electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, vehicle navigation devices, game consoles, or smartwatches.

[0048] The upper surface of the display device 1000 can be defined as the display surface DS, and when the display device 1000 is in the unfolded state, the display surface DS can be on a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Here, the third direction DR3 perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 can be the thickness direction of the display device 1000.

[0049] The display surface DS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA. The display area DA is the area in which an image IM is displayed, and the non-display area NDA is the area in which no image is displayed. Figure 1A An implementation in which, for example, an image IM includes an application icon is shown.

[0050] In one embodiment, the display area DA can have a rectangular shape. The non-display area NDA can surround the display area DA. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and the shapes of the display area DA and the non-display area NDA can be designed differently.

[0051] In an embodiment of the display device 1000, the first non-folding region NFA1, the folding region FA, and the second non-folding region NFA2 may be sequentially defined in the second direction DR2. In such an embodiment, the folding region FA may be defined between the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2. Figure 1A and Figure 1B An embodiment is shown in which a single folded region FA and a first non-folded region NFA1 and a second non-folded region NFA2 are defined, but the number of first non-folded regions NFA1 and second non-folded regions NFA2 is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, for example, the display device 1000 may include more than two non-folded regions and a plurality of folded regions disposed between the non-folded regions.

[0052] In one embodiment, the display device 1000 may be foldable or foldable relative to a folding axis FX. In such an embodiment, the folding region FA may be bent relative to the folding axis FX. The folding axis FX may extend in a first direction DR1. The folding axis FX may be defined as a short axis parallel to the short side of the display device 1000.

[0053] When the display device 1000 is folded, the display surfaces of the first non-folded region NFA1 and the second non-folded region NFA2 can face each other. Therefore, the display surface DS can be kept from exposure in the folded state. However, this is merely an example, and embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, when the display device 1000 is folded, the display surfaces of the first non-folded region NFA1 and the second non-folded region NFA2 can be opposite each other without facing each other. In such an embodiment, the display surface DS can also be exposed to the outside in the folded state.

[0054] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2B It is shown Figure 2A The view shown is of the display device in a folded state.

[0055] refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B In an embodiment of the display device 1000-1, the first non-folding region NFA1-1, the folding region FA-1, and the second non-folding region NFA2-1 may be sequentially defined in the first direction DR1. In such an embodiment, the folding region FA-1 may be defined between the first non-folding region NFA1-1 and the second non-folding region NFA2-1.

[0056] In one embodiment, the display device 1000-1 can be folded or foldable relative to the folding axis FX-1. In such an embodiment, the folding region FA-1 can be bent relative to the folding axis FX-1. The folding axis FX-1 can extend in the second direction DR2. The folding axis FX-1 can be defined as a longitudinal axis parallel to the long side of the display device 1000-1.

[0057] In the following description, for ease of description, the structure of an embodiment of the display device 1000 foldable relative to the short axis will be described in detail. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the structure described later can also be applied to the display device 1000-1 foldable relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0058] Figure 3A This is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3B This is a cross-sectional view showing some components in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3C This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the components of a display device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] exist Figure 3B and Figure 3C The image shows only some components of the display device schematically. Figure 3Bschematically shown Figure 3A The components shown include a first plate 710, a second plate 720, a first adhesive layer 1811, a second adhesive layer 1812, and a cover film 2000. For ease of illustration and description, Figure 3B The diagram schematically shows the state in which the first plate 710, the second plate 720, the first adhesive layer 1811, the second adhesive layer 1812 and the cover film 2000 are separated from each other. Figure 3C For ease of explanation and description, some details have been omitted. Figure 3A The diagram shows views of adhesive layers 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500, the first group of components 810, the second group of components 820, the third adhesive layer 1813, and the fourth adhesive layer 1814. Reference is made below to... Figures 3A to 3C The embodiments of the display device according to the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0060] refer to Figure 3A The implementation of the display device 1000 may include: a display module 100, an anti-reflective layer 200, a window 300, an upper protective film 400, a lower protective film 500, a buffer layer 600, a first plate 710, a second plate 720, a first set of components 810, and a second set of components 820.

[0061] Display module 100 can display image IM (see image IM) Figure 1A ) and detection of external input TC (see Figure 1A External input TC can be user input. User input includes various types of external input, such as a part of the user's body, light, heat, a pen, or pressure. In implementation, as... Figure 1A As shown, the external input TC can be a user's hand touching the display surface DS, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this. In such embodiments, as described above, the external input TC can be provided in various forms, and the external input TC applied to the side or rear surface of the display device 1000 according to the structure of the display device 1000 can also be detected.

[0062] The display module 100 may include a display panel for generating images and an input detection layer for acquiring coordinate information about external inputs.

[0063] The display panel can be a light-emitting display panel, but is not particularly limited thereto. In one embodiment, for example, the display panel can be an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of an organic light-emitting display panel can include organic light-emitting materials. The light-emitting layer of a quantum dot light-emitting display panel can include quantum dots, quantum rods, etc.

[0064] The input detection layer can be directly disposed on the display panel. In one embodiment, for example, the input detection layer can be directly formed on the display panel through a continuous process. The input detection layer may include multiple insulating layers and multiple conductive layers. The multiple conductive layers may constitute detection electrodes for detecting external input, detection lines connected to the detection electrodes, and detection pads connected to the detection lines. The input detection layer can detect external input using mutual capacitance methods and / or self-capacitance methods. However, the external input detection method is not limited to the methods described above.

[0065] In an embodiment of the display module 100, a first region 100-1, a second region 100-2, and a third region 100-3 may be defined. The first region 100-1 may be connected to... Figure 1A The first non-folded region NFA1 corresponds to the second region 100-2, which can be associated with... Figure 1A The folded region FA corresponds to the third region 100-3, which can be associated with... Figure 1A The second non-folded region NFA2 corresponds to this. In such an embodiment, the first region 100-1 and the third region 100-3 can be non-folded regions, and the second region 100-2 can be a folded region.

[0066] An anti-reflective layer 200 may be disposed on the display module 100. This reduces the reflectivity of external light incident from outside the anti-reflective layer 200. The anti-reflective layer 200 may include a retarder and a polarizer. The retarder may be a film-type or a liquid crystal coating-type, and may include a λ / 2 retarder and / or a λ / 4 retarder. The polarizer may also be a film-type or a liquid crystal coating-type. The film-type may include a stretched synthetic resin film, and the liquid crystal coating-type may include liquid crystals arranged in a predetermined array. The retarder and polarizer may also include a protective film.

[0067] Alternatively, the antireflective layer 200 may include color filters. Each color filter may have a predetermined array structure. The array structure of the color filters can be determined by taking into account the emission colors of the pixels included in the display panel. The antireflective layer 200 may also include a black matrix adjacent to the color filters.

[0068] Alternatively, the antireflective layer 200 may include a destructive interference structure. In one embodiment, for example, the destructive interference structure may include a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer disposed on mutually different layers. In such an embodiment, the first reflected light beam and the second reflected light beam reflected from the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer, respectively, can undergo destructive interference, and thus, the external light reflectivity can be reduced.

[0069] In the implementation method, such as Figure 3AAs shown, an adhesive layer 1100 may be disposed between the display module 100 and the antireflective layer 200. The display module 100 and the antireflective layer 200 can be connected to each other via the adhesive layer 1100. Alternatively, the adhesive layer 1100 may be omitted. In such an embodiment, the antireflective layer 200 may be formed directly on the display module 100, without a separate adhesive layer on the display module 100. In the embodiments described herein, the adhesive layer may comprise a general adhesive or adhesive agent. In these embodiments, the adhesive layer may each be, for example, a pressure-sensitive adhesive (“PSA”), an optically clear adhesive (“OCA”), or an optically clear resin (“OCR”).

[0070] Window 300 may be disposed on antireflective layer 200. Window 300 may include a base layer 301 and a functional coating 302. Base layer 301 may include a glass substrate and / or a synthetic resin film, etc. In one embodiment, for example, base layer 301 may include a polyimide film. Base layer 301 is not limited to a single layer. Base layer 301 may include two or more films connected by adhesive members. Functional coating 302 may include at least one selected from anti-fingerprint layer, antireflective layer, and hard coating.

[0071] The adhesive layer 1200 may be disposed between the window 300 and the anti-reflective layer 200. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the adhesive layer 1200 may be omitted.

[0072] An upper protective film 400 may be disposed on the window 300. By including the upper protective film 400, the impact resistance of the display device 1000 can be improved. The upper protective film 400 may be a polymer film or a tempered glass film. In one embodiment, an adhesive layer 1300 may be disposed between the upper protective film 400 and the window 300; however, alternatively, the adhesive layer 1300 may be omitted. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the upper protective film 400 may be omitted.

[0073] A lower protective film 500 may be disposed below the display module 100. The lower protective film 500 may be a layer protecting the rear surface of the display module 100. The lower protective film 500 may include a synthetic resin film and may be, for example, a polyimide film or a polyethylene terephthalate film. In one embodiment, for example, the lower protective film 500 may be a high-hardness polyimide film. However, this is merely an example, and the lower protective film 500 is not limited to the above examples. An adhesive layer 1400 may be disposed between the lower protective film 500 and the display module 100.

[0074] A buffer layer 600 may be disposed below the lower protective film 500. The buffer layer 600 may include a sponge, foam, polyurethane resin, etc. For example, the buffer layer 600 may include a polyurethane film or a thermoplastic polyurethane film. In such an embodiment, an adhesive layer 1500 may be disposed between the lower protective film 500 and the buffer layer 600. Alternatively, the adhesive layer 1500 may be omitted, and the buffer layer 600 may be formed directly below the lower protective film 500.

[0075] The first plate 710 and the second plate 720 can be disposed below the buffer layer 600. The first plate 710 can be disposed below the first region 100-1 of the display module 100, and the second plate 720 can be disposed below the third region 100-3 of the display module 100. A portion of the first plate 710 and a portion of the second plate 720 can be disposed below the second region 100-2 of the display module 100. The first plate 710 and the second plate 720 can be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. In such an embodiment, a predetermined gap 70-G can be defined between the first plate 710 and the second plate 720.

[0076] The first plate 710 and the second plate 720 can be metal plates. In one embodiment, for example, the first plate 710 and the second plate 720 can include stainless steel, aluminum, or alloys thereof. The strength of the first plate 710 and the second plate 720 can be greater than the strength of the display module 100.

[0077] A first intermediate adhesive layer 1610 may be disposed between the buffer layer 600 and the first plate 710. A second intermediate adhesive layer 1620 may be disposed between the buffer layer 600 and the second plate 720. The opposing surfaces of each of the first intermediate adhesive layer 1610 and the second intermediate adhesive layer 1620 may be adhesive.

[0078] In one embodiment, when viewed on a third direction DR3 parallel to the thickness direction of the display device 1000, the first intermediate adhesive layer 1610 may overlap with the first region 100-1, and the second intermediate adhesive layer 1620 may overlap with the third region 100-3. In another embodiment, the first intermediate adhesive layer 1610 and the second intermediate adhesive layer 1620 may not overlap with the second region 100-2.

[0079] A first-step compensation film 910 may be disposed between the buffer layer 600 and the first plate 710. A second-step compensation film 920 may be disposed between the buffer layer 600 and the second plate 720. One of the two opposing surfaces of each of the first intermediate adhesive layer 1610 and the second intermediate adhesive layer 1620 may have lower adhesion than the other of the two opposing surfaces. In one embodiment, for example, said surface may not have adhesion. The non-adhesive surface may be the surface adjacent to the buffer layer 600.

[0080] The first step compensation film 910 may be adjacent to the first intermediate adhesive layer 1610, and the second step compensation film 920 may be adjacent to the second intermediate adhesive layer 1620. Therefore, the first intermediate adhesive layer 1610, the first step compensation film 910, the second step compensation film 920, and the second intermediate adhesive layer 1620 may be arranged sequentially in the second direction DR2.

[0081] When viewed in a plan view or on a third-direction DR3, at least a portion of the first step compensation film 910 and the second step compensation film 920 can overlap with the second region 100-2. When the display module 100 is in the unfolded state, that is, when the display module 100 is in the flat state, the second region 100-2 of the display module 100 can be supported by the first step compensation film 910 and the second step compensation film 920. When the display module 100 is in the folded second state, the first step compensation film 910 and the second step compensation film 920 can be spaced apart from or separated from the buffer layer 600.

[0082] refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B The cover film 2000 may be attached to the first plate 710 and the second plate 720. The cover film 2000 may cover at least a portion of the separation space between the first plate 710 and the second plate 720. The cover film 2000 may be configured to overlap with the gap 70-G defined between the first plate 710 and the second plate 720.

[0083] The cover film 2000 may be a flexible film. The cover film 2000 may include a material robust to elongation and shrinkage. The cover film 2000 may have an elastic modulus of about 30 MPa and an elongation of at least about 100%. In one embodiment, for example, the cover film 2000 may include at least one selected from acrylic resins, methacrylic resins, polyisoprene vinyl resins, epoxy resins, urethane resins, cellulose resins, silicone resins, polyimide resins, polyamide resins, and perylene resins. In one embodiment, for example, the cover film 2000 may include at least one selected from silicone resins, polyurethane resins, and thermoplastic resins. In such embodiments, the cover film 2000 may be a silicone film, a polyurethane film, or a thermoplastic polyurethane film.

[0084] The cover film 2000 can have a thickness ranging from about 40 micrometers (μm) to about 130 μm. The cover film 2000 can also have a thickness ranging from about 50 μm to about 100 μm. In such embodiments, if the thickness of the cover film 2000 is less than about 40 μm, the durability of the cover film 2000 may be reduced, and its resistance to foreign matter penetration may be decreased. In such embodiments, if the thickness of the cover film 2000 exceeds about 130 μm, the torque increases when the display device 1000 is folded, and the folding characteristics of the display device 1000 may be reduced.

[0085] The cover film 2000 may include an upper surface 2000-US and a rear surface 2000-LS (also referred to as a lower surface). The upper surface 2000-US of the cover film 2000 may be a surface adjacent to the first plate 710 and the second plate 720, and the rear surface 2000-LS of the cover film 2000 may be a surface opposite to the upper surface 2000-US and adjacent to the first group of components 810 and the second group of components 820.

[0086] The cover film 2000 may include a first attachment region 2010, a second attachment region 2020, and a connection region 2030. The first attachment region 2010 may be attached to a first plate 710, and the second attachment region 2020 may be attached to a second plate 720. In one embodiment, for example, the first attachment region 2010 may be attached to the lower surface of the first plate 710, and the second attachment region 2020 may be attached to the lower surface of the second plate 720.

[0087] A first adhesive layer 1811 may be disposed between the cover film 2000 and the first plate 710, and a second adhesive layer 1812 may be disposed between the cover film 2000 and the second plate 720. The first adhesive layer 1811 may overlap with the first attachment area 2010 of the cover film 2000, and the second adhesive layer 1812 may overlap with the second attachment area 2020 of the cover film 2000. The width L1 of the cover film 2000 in the second direction DR2 may correspond to the width of the display device 1000 in the second direction DR2.

[0088] Figure 3A and Figure 3BAn embodiment is shown in which the cover film 2000 overlaps with or covers the entire surface of the first plate 710 and the second plate 720, but embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cover film 2000 may be configured to overlap only a portion of the first plate 710 and the second plate 720. In such an embodiment, the cover film 2000 may overlap with the gap 70-G defined between the first plate 710 and the second plate 720, be attached to the central portion of the first plate 710 via a first adhesive layer 1811 rather than an end, and be attached to the central portion of the second plate 720 rather than an end via a second adhesive layer 1812. In such an embodiment, the width L1 of the cover film 2000 in the second direction DR2 may be smaller than the width of the display device 1000 in the second direction DR2.

[0089] A first plate 710 can be connected to a first set of components 810, and a second plate 720 can be connected to a second set of components 820. The first set of components 810 and the second set of components 820 may include at least one selected from a camera module, a motherboard, a battery, and a housing. A third adhesive layer 1813 may be disposed between the cover film 2000 and the first set of components 810, and a fourth adhesive layer 1814 may be disposed between the cover film 2000 and the second set of components 820. The width of the area of ​​the cover film 2000 not attached to the first adhesive layer 1811, the second adhesive layer 1812, the third adhesive layer 1813, and the fourth adhesive layer 1814 may vary correspondingly to changes in the shape of the display device 1000. That is, the width of the connection area 2030 in the cover film 2000 may vary correspondingly to changes in the shape of the display device 1000.

[0090] The connecting region 2030 can connect the first attachment region 2010 and the second attachment region 2020. The connecting region 2030 can include a central region 2033 and peripheral regions 2031 and 2032 adjacent to the central region 2033. The first peripheral region 2031 can be the region between the first attachment region 2010 and the central region 2033, and the second peripheral region 2032 can be the region between the second attachment region 2020 and the central region 2033.

[0091] In an embodiment of the display device 1000 according to the present invention, a low-friction coating portion is disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the cover film 2000. The low-friction coating portion may be a portion that does not reduce the tensile strength of the cover film 2000 and a portion in which a coating material capable of preventing the cover film 2000 from tearing due to friction and stretching is applied to the cover film 2000. The low-friction coating portion is disposed on at least one surface of the cover film 2000. The low-friction coating portion may be disposed on at least a portion of the cover film 2000, for example, in the connection region 2030. Reference will be made later. Figures 4A to 5B The deployment and configuration of the low-friction coating section are described in more detail.

[0092] refer to Figures 3A to 3C The distance between the first plate 710 and the second plate 720 can vary depending on the shape of the display device 1000. In one embodiment, for example, as Figure 3C As shown, when the display device 1000 is in the folded second state, the distance 70-D between the first plate 710 and the second plate 720 can be at its maximum. In such an embodiment, the folded area may not be covered by the first plate 710 and the second plate 720. In such an embodiment, when a portion of the first plate 710 and a portion of the second plate 720 are spaced apart from the buffer layer 600, the rear surface of the buffer layer 600 may be exposed.

[0093] When the display device 1000 is in a folded state, one surface of the cover film 2000 can contact the first plate 710 and the second plate 720. When the display device 1000 is in a folded state, the upper surface 2000-US of the cover film 2000 can contact the edges of the first plate 710 and the second plate 720. When the display device 1000 is in a folded state, a low-friction coating portion can be provided on the portion of the upper surface 2000-US of the cover film 2000 that contacts the edges of the first plate 710 and the second plate 720. In this embodiment, when the display device 1000 is in a folded state, the low-friction coating portion, coated with low-friction properties, can contact the edges of the first plate 710 and the second plate 720; that is, the coefficient of friction between the low-friction coating portion and the first plate 710 or the second plate 720 is lower than the coefficient of friction between the cover film 2000 and the first plate 710 or the second plate 720.

[0094] In this embodiment of the display device 1000, even when the display device 1000 is folded, the cover film 2000 disposed below the first plate 710 and the second plate 720 can effectively prevent foreign matter from penetrating into the buffer layer 600 and the display module 100 on that side. In this embodiment, when the display device 1000 is folded or in a folded state, the cover film 2000 contacts the edge portions of the first plate 710 and the second plate 720 and causes friction, and therefore, the cover film 2000 may be damaged due to repeated folding. In the embodiment of the display device 1000 according to the invention, a low-friction coating having low friction characteristics is partially disposed on the upper surface 2000-US of the cover film 2000 to ensure low friction characteristics of the portion in contact with the first plate 710 and the second plate 720, thereby preventing damage caused by friction with the edge portions of the first plate 710 and the second plate 720. Therefore, in such an implementation, the cover film 2000 can have high durability even when used in an environment of repeated folding, which can improve the durability and reliability of the display device 1000.

[0095] refer to Figures 3A to 3C The width of the first attachment region 2010 in the cover film 2000 may correspond to the width of the first adhesive layer 1811 in the second direction DR2, and the width of the second attachment region 2020 in the cover film 2000 may correspond to the width of the second adhesive layer 1812 in the second direction DR2. The widths of the first adhesive layer 1811 and the second adhesive layer 1812 in the second direction DR2 may each be in the range of about 3 mm to about 10 mm. However, the width of each of the first adhesive layer 1811 and the second adhesive layer 1812 is not limited to the widths described above and may be modified according to different product designs.

[0096] Figures 4A to 4C This is a perspective view of the upper surface of some components in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5A to 5B This is a perspective view of the rear surface of some components in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 4A to 4C A perspective view of the upper surface 2000-US of embodiments of cover films 2000, 2000-1 and 2000-2 included in a display device is shown. Figure 5A and Figure 5B A perspective view of the upper surface 2000-US of embodiments of the cover films 2000-a and 2000-b included in the display device is shown.

[0097] Let's refer to each other. Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4AThe low-friction coating portion 2100 is included on the upper surface 2000-US of the cover film 2000 according to the embodiment, and the low-friction coating portion 2100 may be disposed on the entire upper surface 2000-US. In such an embodiment, the low-friction coating portion 2100 may be completely disposed in the first attachment region 2010, the second attachment region 2020, and the connection region 2030.

[0098] In one embodiment, the low-friction coating portion 2100 may include an anti-scratch material coated on the upper surface 2000-US of the cover film 2000 to improve the anti-scratch properties of the cover film 2000. In another embodiment, the low-friction coating portion 2100 may include a fluoropolymer coating or an acrylic resin coating coated on the upper surface 2000-US of the cover film 2000. The fluoropolymer may include at least one selected from polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”), perfluoroalkoxy (“PFA”), fluorinated ethylene propylene (“FEP”), tetrafluoroethylene (“ETFE”), and ethylene trifluorochloroethylene (“ECTFE”). The acrylic resin may include a resin prepared by polymerization of acrylate monomers. The acrylic resin may be a resin comprising beads of about 0.1 μm or larger.

[0099] Let's refer to each other. Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4B and Figure 4C The implementation of the low-friction coating portions 2100-1 and 2100-2 can be included on the upper surface 2000-US of the cover film 2000-1 and 2000-2, and the low-friction coating portions 2100-1 and 2100-2 can be provided only on a portion of the upper surface 2000-US.

[0100] In the implementation method, such as Figure 4B As shown, the low-friction coating portion 2100-1 may be provided only in the central region 2033 of the upper surface 2000-US of the cover film 2000-1. An uncoated portion 2200, in which the low-friction coating portion 2100-1 is not provided, may be defined on the upper surface 2000-US of the cover film 2000-1 in the first attachment region 2010, the second attachment region 2020, and the peripheral regions 2031 and 2032 excluding the central region 2033. The uncoated portion 2200 may be a portion on the upper surface 2000-US of the cover film 2000-1 in which no separate coating is applied.

[0101] Let's refer to each other. Figure 3B and Figure 4BIn one embodiment, the width L1 of the cover film 2000-1 can range from about 60 mm to about 220 mm. In this embodiment of the cover film 2000-1, the width of the connecting region 2030 can range from about 50 mm to about 200 mm. The width of the central region 2033 in the connecting region 2030 can correspond to the minimum width of the portion defining the low-friction coating portion 2100-1 therein. The width of the central region 2033 can be greater than the size of the gap 70-G defined between the first plate 710 and the second plate 720. The width of the central region 2033 can range from about 5 mm to about 50 mm. The width of the central region 2033 can range from about 10% to about 40% of the total width of the connecting region 2030. The width of the central region 2033 can be determined according to the display device 1000 (see...). Figure 3A The folding characteristics of the display device 1000 vary. In an embodiment, when the display device 1000 (see...) Figure 3A When in the folded state, the width of the central region 2033 can satisfy the following formula 1, where the minimum distance between the folding axis FX and the first plate 710 is represented by R, and the width of the central region 2033 is represented by L2.

[0102] [Formula 1]

[0103] 2*R<L2

[0104] In this embodiment, the width (L2) of the central region 2033 can be greater than twice the minimum distance (R) from the folding axis FX to the lower surface of the first plate 710. Since the width of the central region 2033 satisfies the above-mentioned numerical range and Formula 1, damage to the cover film 2000 due to friction with the edge portions of the first plate 710 and the second plate 720 can be effectively prevented.

[0105] In alternative implementations, such as Figure 3B and Figure 4C As shown, the low-friction coating portion 2100-2 may be provided only in the connection region 2030 of the upper surface 2000-US of the cover film 2000-2 according to the embodiment. The low-friction coating portion 2100-2 may be provided in the peripheral regions 2031 and 2032 and the central region 2033 of the upper surface 2000-US of the cover film 2000-2, and the uncoated portion 2200-1 in which the low-friction coating portion 2100-2 is not provided may be limited in the first attachment region 2010 and the second attachment region 2020, excluding the peripheral regions 2031 and 2032 and the central region 2033. The uncoated portion 2200-1 may be the portion in which no separate coating is applied to the upper surface 2000-US of the cover film 2000-2. In such an embodiment, as in Figure 4CIn this embodiment, the low-friction coating portion 2100-2 is only provided in the connection region 2030 of the upper surface 2000-US of the cover film 2000-2. Therefore, the low-friction coating portion 2100-2 is formed in the connection region 2030, where stretching and friction with the board occur during folding, effectively preventing damage to the cover film 2000. In this embodiment, a non-coated portion is defined in the portion attached to the adhesive layer, which effectively prevents deterioration of the adhesive properties.

[0106] refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B The low-friction coating may be formed on the rear surface 2000-LS of the cover films 2000-a and 2000-b, or it may not be formed on the rear surface 2000-LS of the cover films 2000-a and 2000-b. In an embodiment, as... Figure 5A As shown, no low-friction coating portion is formed on the rear surface 2000-LS of the cover film 2000-a, but an uncoated portion 2200-L in which no separate coating is performed can be defined. Alternatively, as Figure 5B As shown, the low-friction coating portion 2100-L can be formed entirely on the rear surface 2000-LS of the cover film 2000-b. Alternatively, although not shown, the low-friction coating portion can also be formed only on a portion of the rear surface of the cover film, as... Figure 4B and Figure 4C In the embodiments shown, the deposition of the low-friction coating portion on the rear surface 2000-LS of the cover films 2000-a and 2000-b can be modified differently depending on the method used to form the low-friction coating portion. In one embodiment, the low-friction coating portion can be formed only on the upper surface of the cover film by spraying, and the low-friction coating portion can be left unformed on the rear surface of the cover film. In an alternative embodiment, the low-friction coating portion can be formed by dip coating on both the upper and rear surfaces of the cover film.

[0107] Figure 6 This is a plan view illustrating some components of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. For ease of explanation, Figure 6 Only the first plate 710, the second plate 720, the cover film 2000, the first adhesive layer 1811, and the second adhesive layer 1812 of the display device are shown.

[0108] refer to Figure 6Each of the first adhesive layer 1811 and the second adhesive layer 1812 may have a shape extending in the first direction DR1. The width (or length) 18-L1 of each of the first adhesive layer 1811 and the second adhesive layer 1812 in the first direction DR1 may be substantially the same as the width (or length) 20-L1 of the cover film 2000 in the first direction DR1.

[0109] The width 18-L2 of each of the first adhesive layer 1811 and the second adhesive layer 1812 in the second direction DR2 may be smaller than the width 70-L of each of the first plate 710 and the second plate 720 in the second direction DR2. In one embodiment, for example, the width 18-L2 of each of the first adhesive layer 1811 and the second adhesive layer 1812 in the second direction DR2 may be about 5 mm. However, the width 18-L2 is not limited to the above example and can be varied according to different product designs.

[0110] The first width 20-L2 of the cover film 2000 is defined in the second direction DR2, and the second width 20-L3 of the portion of the cover film 2000 not attached to the first adhesive layer 1811 and the second adhesive layer 1812 is defined in the second direction DR2. The second width 20-L3 can be used with the display device 1000 (see...). Figure 3A The shape of the ) changes accordingly.

[0111] In one embodiment, for example, the first width 20-L2 of the cover film 2000 may be about 110 mm, and the width 18-L2 of each of the first adhesive layer 1811 and the second adhesive layer 1812 in the second direction DR2 may be about 5 mm. In such an embodiment, the second width 20-L3 of the portion of the cover film 2000 not attached to the first adhesive layer 1811 and the second adhesive layer 1812 may be about 100 mm. When the display device 1000 (see...) Figure 3A When in the unfolded state, the gap 70-G between the first plate 710 and the second plate 720 can be approximately 750 μm in the second direction DR2. When the display device 1000 (see...) Figure 3C When in the folded state, the distance 70-D between one end of the first plate 710 and one end of the second plate 720 (see...) Figure 3C This can be increased. In one implementation, for example, when the display device 1000 (see...) Figure 3CWhen the film is in a folded state and the fold radius of curvature is approximately 2 mm, the distance 70-D can be increased to approximately 4000 μm. In such an embodiment, the difference between the second width 20-L3 in the unfolded state and the second width 20-L3 in the folded state can be approximately 3.25 mm. The rate of change of the second width 20-L3 in the folded state and the second width 20-L3 in the unfolded state can be approximately 103.25%. The cover film 2000 can be stretched corresponding to the rate of change.

[0112] Although not shown, the third adhesive layer 1813 (see Figure 3A It may have a shape corresponding to the first adhesive layer 1811, and a fourth adhesive layer 1814 (see...). Figure 3A It can have a shape corresponding to the second adhesive layer 1812.

[0113] Figure 7 This is a plan view illustrating some components of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. For ease of explanation, Figure 7 Only the first plate 710, the second plate 720, the cover film 2001, the first adhesive layer 1811-1 and the second adhesive layer 1812-1 of the display device are shown.

[0114] refer to Figure 7 The first adhesive layer 1811-1 may include a first adhesive region 181, a second adhesive region 182 and a third adhesive region 183, and the second adhesive layer 1812-1 may include a fourth adhesive region 184, a fifth adhesive region 185 and a sixth adhesive region 186.

[0115] Each of the first adhesive region 181 and the fourth adhesive region 184 may extend in the first direction DR1. The width 18-L of each of the first adhesive region 181 and the fourth adhesive region 184 in the first direction DR1 may correspond to the maximum width of each of the first adhesive layer 1811-1 and the second adhesive layer 1812-1 in the first direction DR1.

[0116] The second adhesive region 182 may extend from one end of the first adhesive region 181 in the second direction DR2, and the third adhesive region 183 may extend from the other end of the first adhesive region 181 in the second direction DR2. The fifth adhesive region 185 may extend from one end of the fourth adhesive region 184 in the second direction DR2, and the sixth adhesive region 186 may extend from the other end of the fourth adhesive region 184 in the second direction DR2. The second adhesive region 182, the third adhesive region 183, the fifth adhesive region 185, and the sixth adhesive region 186 may be disposed between the first adhesive region 181 and the fourth adhesive region 184.

[0117] The width 21-L1 of the cover film 2001 in the first direction DR1 may be smaller than the width 18-L of each of the first adhesive region 181 and the fourth adhesive region 184 in the first direction DR1. The cover film 2001 may be attached only to the first adhesive region 181 and the fourth adhesive region 184, and not to the second adhesive region 182, the third adhesive region 183, the fifth adhesive region 185, and the sixth adhesive region 186. When viewed in a plan view or in a third direction DR3, the cover film 2001 may be positioned between the second adhesive region 182 and the third adhesive region 183, and between the fifth adhesive region 185 and the sixth adhesive region 186.

[0118] Although not shown, the third adhesive layer 1813 (see Figure 3A It may have a shape corresponding to the first adhesive layer 1811-1, and a fourth adhesive layer 1814 (see...). Figure 3A The adhesive layer 1812-1 may have a shape corresponding to the second adhesive layer 1812-1. In one embodiment, for example, the second adhesive region 182 and the third adhesive region 183 may be attached to the third adhesive layer 1813 (see [link]). Figure 3A ), and the fifth adhesive region 185 and the sixth adhesive region 186 can be attached to the fourth adhesive layer 1814 (see Figure 3A ).

[0119] In the following, embodiments of the display device according to the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to examples and comparative examples. The examples described below are merely provided to better understand the embodiments of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0120] Table 1 below shows folding characteristic evaluation data for examples and comparative examples corresponding to embodiments of the present invention. Examples 1 to 4 in Table 1 show folding characteristic evaluation data for display devices in which the cover film included in the display device includes a low-friction coating portion as in embodiments of the present invention, and the material and thickness of the cover film meet the scope of embodiments of the present invention. Comparative Example 1 shows folding characteristic evaluation data for a display device including a polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) film at the location of the cover film, instead of a silicone film or a thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”) film. Comparative Examples 2 to 5 show folding characteristic evaluation data for display devices in which no low-friction coating portion is formed on the surface of the cover film. Comparative Examples 6 to 7 show folding characteristic evaluation data for display devices with a cover film having a relatively large thickness.

[0121] [Table 1]

[0122]

[0123] Referring to the results in Table 1, as described above, the cover film included in the display device includes a low-friction coating portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the material and thickness of the cover film satisfy the scope of the embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it can be confirmed that even under conditions of approximately 200,000 or 400,000 repeated folds, damage to the cover film will not occur without reducing its tensile strength. As in Comparative Example 1, when the cover film does not include a silicone film, urethane film, or thermoplastic polyurethane film but includes a PET film, it can be confirmed that the display device cannot be opened / closed due to its high stiffness. In Comparative Examples 2 to 5, when the cover film does not include the low-friction coating portion, i.e., does not include fluoropolymer, it can be confirmed that damage (such as tearing) to the cover film may occur even under conditions of a small number of repeated folds (such as approximately 700 times). As in Comparative Examples 6 and 7, when the cover film has a large thickness, such as approximately 150 μm, it can be confirmed that the display device cannot be opened / closed due to a large increase in torque. As shown in Table 1, display devices including a cover film (in which a low-friction coating portion is provided and the material and thickness of the cover film meet the ranges described herein) can have improved folding characteristics due to the cover film, while also improving foreign object penetration resistance.

[0124] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the cover film covering the area between the first and second plates, the portion in contact with the edges of the first and second plates may include a low-friction coating portion to provide scratch resistance. Therefore, damage to the cover film due to folding can be effectively prevented, while preventing foreign matter from penetrating between the first and second plates, and thus improving the reliability of the display device.

[0125] Although the invention has been specifically shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: The display module has a first region, a second region, and a third region defined sequentially in one direction; The first plate is disposed below the first area of ​​the display module; The second plate is disposed below the third region of the display module and spaced apart from the first plate; as well as A cover film, the cover film including a low-friction coating portion disposed on at least a portion of an upper surface of the cover film, the upper surface being adjacent to the first plate and the second plate, and The covering film includes: The first attachment area is attached to the first plate; The second attachment area is attached to the second plate; and A connection area connects the first attachment area and the second attachment area to each other. At least a portion of the low-friction coating is disposed in the connection area, wherein, when the display device is in a folded state, the low-friction coating portion contacts the edges of the first plate and the second plate.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The covering film includes at least one selected from silicone resin, polyurethane resin, and thermoplastic polyurethane resin.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The thickness of the covering film is in the range of 40 micrometers to 130 micrometers.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The low-friction coating portion includes at least one selected from fluoropolymers and acrylic resins coated on the surface of the cover film.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first attachment area of ​​the cover film is attached to the lower surface of the first plate; and The second attachment area of ​​the cover film is attached to the lower surface of the second plate.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The connection area includes: A central region, wherein the low-friction coating portion is disposed; and The outer area is adjacent to the central area.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: A gap is defined between the first plate and the second plate; and When viewed in a plan view, the low-friction coating portion overlaps with the gap.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The display module is in a flat state where the second region is flat, or in a folded state where the second region is folded and the first region and the third region are positioned facing each other.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The covering film also includes: The lower surface is opposite to the upper surface.

Images