Display device

Abstract

A display device is disclosed. The display device includes a display panel; a first upper support member on the display panel; a second upper support member on the display panel and spaced apart from the first upper support member; and a blocking member including a blocking portion spanning the first upper support member and the second upper support member, a first stretchable portion connected to one side of the blocking portion and including a plurality of openings, a second stretchable portion connected to the other side of the blocking portion and including a plurality of openings, a first fixed portion connected to the first stretchable portion, and a second fixed portion connected to the second stretchable portion.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0149256, filed on November 10, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a display device. Background Technology

[0004] With the development of multimedia, display devices are becoming increasingly important. Therefore, various types of display devices are being used, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays.

[0005] Recently, the proportion of mobile electronic devices with a volume or thickness smaller or equal to that of other devices but with a larger display screen is increasing, and foldable or flexible display devices with foldable or flexible structures are being developed to selectively provide a larger screen when in use.

[0006] The components constituting a foldable display device can be configured to be separated based on the folding area in order to reduce bending stress, etc. In this case, foreign materials may be introduced into the display device from the outside through the gaps formed between the separated components. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One or more embodiments of this disclosure relate to display devices capable of blocking the penetration of foreign substances.

[0008] It should be noted that the purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the above-described purposes, and other purposes of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0009] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel; a first upper support member on the display panel; a second upper support member on the display panel and spaced apart from the first upper support member; and a blocking member (e.g., a foreign material blocking member), including: a blocking portion spanning the first upper support member and the second upper support member; a first stretchable portion connected to one side of the blocking portion and including a plurality of openings; a second stretchable portion connected to the other side of the blocking portion and including a plurality of openings; a first fixing portion connected to the first stretchable portion; and a second fixing portion connected to the second stretchable portion.

[0010] The width of the blocking portion can be greater than the distance between the first upper support member and the second upper support member.

[0011] The strain rate of each of the first stretchable portion and the second stretchable portion can be greater than the strain rate of the blocking portion.

[0012] The first stretchable portion and the second stretchable portion can be stretched in directions that intersect with the thickness directions of the first stretchable portion and the second stretchable portion, respectively.

[0013] The first fixed part and the second fixed part can be attached to the first upper support member and the second upper support member, respectively.

[0014] The blocking portion, the first stretchable portion, and the second stretchable portion may not be attached to the first upper support member and the second upper support member.

[0015] At least one of the blocking portion, the first stretchable portion, and the second stretchable portion can slide relative to at least one of the first upper support member and the second upper support member.

[0016] The display device may further include a first connecting member that connects the first fixed portion to the first upper support member, and a second connecting member that connects the second fixed portion to the second upper support member.

[0017] The display device may further include: a first lower support member that overlaps with a first upper support member in the thickness direction of the first lower support member; and a second lower support member that overlaps with a second upper support member in the thickness direction of the second lower support member.

[0018] The first stretchable portion and the first fixed portion may be located between the first upper support member and the first lower support member. The second stretchable portion and the second fixed portion may be located between the second upper support member and the second lower support member.

[0019] The display device may further include: a first connecting member for connecting the first upper support member to the first lower support member; and a second connecting member for connecting the second upper support member to the second lower support member.

[0020] The blocking member may include an inwardly recessed portion in the plan view. The first connecting member and the second connecting member may be arranged in the recessed portion.

[0021] The area of ​​the first stretchable portion can be larger than the area of ​​the first fixed portion. The area of ​​the second stretchable portion can be larger than the area of ​​the second fixed portion.

[0022] The area of ​​the first stretchable portion can be smaller than the area of ​​the first fixed portion. The area of ​​the second stretchable portion can be smaller than the area of ​​the second fixed portion.

[0023] Each of the first and second upper support members may include metal. The blocking portion may include plastic.

[0024] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel; a first upper support member on the display panel; a second upper support member on the display panel and spaced apart from the first upper support member; and a blocking member (e.g., a foreign material blocking member), including: a first non-patterned region spanning the first upper support member and the second upper support member; a first patterned region connected to one side of the first non-patterned region and including a plurality of openings; a second patterned region connected to the other side of the first non-patterned region and including a plurality of openings; a second non-patterned region connected to the first patterned region; and a third non-patterned region connected to the second patterned region.

[0025] The width of the first non-patterned area can be greater than the distance between the first upper support member and the second upper support member.

[0026] The strain rate of each of the first patterned region and the second patterned region can be greater than the strain rate of the first unpatterned region.

[0027] The second non-patterned area and the third non-patterned area can be attached to the first upper support member and the second upper support member, respectively.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device includes: a display panel including a folded region; and a blocking member (e.g., a foreign material blocking member) including: a blocking portion overlapping the folded region; a first stretchable portion connected to one side of the blocking portion and having a strain rate greater than that of the blocking portion; and a second stretchable portion connected to the other side of the blocking portion and having a strain rate greater than that of the blocking portion.

[0029] Details of one or more embodiments of this disclosure are included in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The above and other aspects and features of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings, which describe embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the display device according to the embodiment;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a display device in a folded state according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view taken by line A-A';

[0034] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the display panel according to an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the support member according to the embodiment;

[0036] Figure 6 It is a plan view of the support member according to the implementation method;

[0037] Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 A sectional view taken by line B-B';

[0038] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the support member in a folded state according to the embodiment;

[0039] Figure 9A , Figure 9B and Figure 9C A plan view showing patterns of a first stretchable portion and a second stretchable portion according to various embodiments is shown.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the support member according to the embodiment;

[0041] Figure 11 It is a plan view of the support member according to the implementation method;

[0042] Figure 12 It is along Figure 10 A sectional view taken along line C-C'; and

[0043] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the support member in a folded state according to the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar parts, and therefore, redundant descriptions thereof are avoided. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary implementations only and is not intended to limit the exemplary implementations described herein.

[0046] As used in this article, the singular forms “a,” “one,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0047] It will also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and / or “comprises”, when used in this specification, indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0048] As used in this article, when used with a list of elements, expressions such as “at least one of…”, “one of…”, and “selected from…” modify the entire list of elements and do not modify individual elements in the list.

[0049] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0050] Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of "may" indicates "one or more embodiments of this disclosure".

[0051] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” “up,” “bottom,” and “top” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element(s) as shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, the spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will subsequently be oriented “above” or “on” other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can include both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0052] As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximations rather than terms of degree and are intended to account for inherent biases in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used herein, “about” or “about” includes the value and indicates an acceptable range of deviation for a particular value, determined by one of ordinary skill in the art considering the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” may mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5% of the value.

[0053] It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, it can be directly on another layer or substrate, or one or more intervening layers may be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there is no intervening element.

[0054] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0055] In the following description, specific embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a display device in a folded state according to an embodiment. Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view taken by line A-A'. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the display panel according to an embodiment.

[0057] In the following text, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are different directions that intersect each other. For example, the first direction X can be a length direction, the second direction Y can be a width direction, and the third direction Z can be a thickness direction. The first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z can include two or more directions (e.g., directions forming an axis). For example, the third direction Z can include an upward direction toward the upper side of the figure and a downward direction toward the lower side of the figure. In this case, a surface of the member that is configured to face the upward direction can be referred to as the upper surface, and another surface of the member that is configured to face the downward direction can be referred to as the lower surface. However, each of the directions should be understood to represent a relative direction and is not limited to the examples above.

[0058] The display device 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include various suitable devices for displaying images. The display device 1 may include, for example, smartphones, mobile phones, tablet computers (PCs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), televisions, game consoles, wristwatch-type electronic devices, head-mounted displays, PC monitors, laptop computers, vehicle navigation devices, vehicle dashboards, digital cameras, camcorders, outdoor billboards, electronic signs, various suitable medical devices, various suitable examination devices, various suitable home appliances (such as refrigerators and washing machines) including display units, and devices for the Internet of Things, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0059] Reference Figure 1The display device 1 may have a rectangular shape in a plan view. In an embodiment, the display device 1 may have two long sides extending in a first direction X and two short sides extending in a second direction Y intersecting the first direction X in a plan view. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and the display device 1 may have various suitable shapes.

[0060] Display device 1 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA.

[0061] Video or images can be displayed in the display area (DA). Multiple pixels can be set within the display area (DA). For example... Figure 1 As shown, the display area DA can be disposed on the upper surface of the display device 1. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display area DA can be further disposed on at least one of the lower surface and side surface of the display device 1.

[0062] Video or images may not be displayed in the non-display area NDA. The non-display area NDA may be positioned around the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. For example, the non-display area NDA may be an area in which light-blocking members such as a black matrix are disposed. In embodiments, the display area DA may have a rectangular shape, and the non-display area NDA may be positioned around the four sides of the display area DA, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0063] Reference Figure 2 The display device 1 can be a foldable device. For example, at least a portion of the display device 1 can be bent to reversibly fold or unfold. Specifically, the display device 1 can be bent such that a portion of the display device 1 overlaps with another portion of the display device 1 (e.g., overlaps in a plan view), a portion of the display device 1 is tilted relative to another portion of the display device 1, or a portion of the display device 1 and another portion of the display device 1 are unfolded and aligned to form a flat surface. In embodiments, when a portion of the display device 1 and another portion of the display device 1 are unfolded, the entire display device 1 unfolds (e.g., unfolds flat). However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. In embodiments, a portion of the display device 1 can be folded relative to another portion of the display device 1 at an angle greater than about 0° and less than 180°, or can be unfolded to form an angle of about 180° relative to another portion of the display device 1.

[0064] The display device 1 can be folded inwards, or it may be folded inwards. For example... Figure 2As shown, folding inward can mean that a portion of the surface on which the display area DA of the display device 1 is positioned is folded to face another portion of the surface on which the display area DA is positioned. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and the display device 1 can also be folded outward. For example, being folded outward or being folded outward can mean that a portion of the surface opposite to the surface on which the display area DA is positioned is folded to face another portion of the opposite surface, such that the portion of the surface on which the display area DA is positioned does not face (e.g., turn away from) the other portion of the surface on which the display area DA is positioned during folding. The display device 1 can be a bidirectional foldable device that can be folded inward and unfolded outward. However, this disclosure is not limited to this.

[0065] The display device 1 can have a folded state or an unfolded state. The folded state includes a bent state of the display device 1. Specifically, the folded state can be a state in which a portion of the display device 1 is bent relative to another portion of the display device 1, and the unfolded state can be a state in which a portion of the display device 1 is set to be coplanar with another portion of the display device 1. Optionally, the folded state can be a state in which the angle between a portion of the display device 1 and another portion of the display device 1 is about 0° or greater and less than 180° and / or greater than 180° and less than 360°, and the unfolded state can be a state in which the angle between a portion of the display device 1 and another portion of the display device 1 is about 180°. Here, a portion of the display device 1 and the other portion of the display device 1 can be non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2, respectively, which will be described in more detail below. The folded state can represent an inward-folded state in which the display device 1 is folded inward and an outward-folded state in which the display device 1 is folded outward.

[0066] The display device 1 can be divided into a folded region FA, a first non-folded region NFA1, and a second non-folded region NFA2. In an embodiment, the components constituting the display device 1 can also be divided into a first non-folded region NFA1, a second non-folded region NFA2, and / or a folded region FA.

[0067] The folding area FA is the area that can be folded or bent when the display device 1 is folded or bent. The non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 are areas that cannot be folded or bent.

[0068] The non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2 may include a first non-folding region NFA1 and a second non-folding region NFA2. In an embodiment, the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2 may be arranged in a first direction X, and the folding region FA may be disposed between the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2. In an embodiment, one folding region FA and two non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2 are defined in the display device 1, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, any suitable number of folding regions and non-folding regions may be defined in the display device 1.

[0069] Reference Figure 3 The display device 1 may include a display panel DP, an upper stacking structure US on the upper surface of the display panel DP (e.g., stacked on the upper surface of the display panel DP), and a lower stacking structure LS on the lower surface of the display panel DP (e.g., stacked on the lower surface of the display panel DP).

[0070] The upper surface of the display panel DP can be a surface on which video or images are displayed, and the lower surface of the display panel DP can be a surface opposite to the upper surface.

[0071] The display panel DP, upper stacking structure US, and lower stacking structure LS can be configured to extend over a first non-folding region NFA1, a folding region FA, and a second non-folding region NFA2. At least one of the components constituting the upper stacking structure US and the lower stacking structure LS can be separated based on the folding region FA. Due to the separation as described above, the bending stress generated when the display device 1 is folded and / or the amount of torque required to fold the display device 1 can be reduced.

[0072] A display panel (DP) is a panel on which an image is displayed. Examples of display panels (DPs) include self-emissive display panels (such as organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panels, inorganic electroluminescent (EL) display panels, quantum dot light-emitting display (QLED) panels, micron-emitting display (micron-LED) panels, nano-LED panels, plasma display panels (PDP), field emission display (FED) panels, and cathode ray tube (CRT) display panels) and light-receiving display panels (such as liquid crystal display (LCD) panels and electrophoretic display (EPD) panels).

[0073] The display panel DP may also include a touch component. The touch component may be configured as a panel or film separate from and attached to the display panel DP, or it may be configured as a touch layer inside the display panel DP. In the following embodiments, the case where the touch component is disposed inside and included in the display panel DP will be described, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0074] Reference Figure 4 The display panel DP may include a substrate SUB, a circuit driving layer DRL on the substrate SUB, an emissive layer EML on the circuit driving layer DRL, an encapsulation layer ENL on the emissive layer EML, and a touch layer TSL on the encapsulation layer EML.

[0075] The substrate SUB can be a flexible substrate comprising a flexible polymer material (such as polyimide (PI)). Therefore, the display panel DP can be bendable, foldable, or rollable.

[0076] The circuit driving layer DRL can be disposed on the substrate SUB. The circuit driving layer DRL may include circuitry for driving the light-emitting layer EML of the pixels. The circuit driving layer DRL may include multiple thin-film transistors.

[0077] The emissive layer (EML) can be disposed on the circuit driving layer (DRL). The EML may include an organic emissive layer. The EML can emit light with various brightness levels according to the driving signal transmitted from the DRL.

[0078] The encapsulation layer ENL can be disposed on the light-emitting layer EML. The encapsulation layer ENL may include an inorganic film or a stack of inorganic and organic films.

[0079] The touch layer (TSL) can be disposed on the encapsulation layer (ENL). The touch layer (TSL) can be a layer that detects touch input and can perform the functions of touch components. The touch layer (TSL) may include multiple sensing areas and multiple sensing electrodes.

[0080] Refer again Figure 3 The stacked structure US may include polarizing members POL, cover window CW, and cover window protective layer CWP stacked upwards from the display panel DP (e.g., sequentially stacked).

[0081] A polarizing element (POL) can be disposed on the upper surface of a display panel (DP). For example, a polarizing element (POL) can be disposed on the upper surface of a display panel (DP) and have a third upper connecting element (UCM3) therebetween. The polarizing element (POL) can polarize light passing through it. The polarizing element (POL) can be used to reduce the reflection of external light. The polarizing element (POL) can be a polarizing film. The polarizing element (POL) can be replaced by multiple color filters and a black matrix disposed between them.

[0082] The cover window CW can be disposed on the upper surface of the polarizing member POL. For example, the cover window CW can be disposed on the upper surface of the polarizing member POL, and a second upper connecting member UCM2 is provided therebetween. The cover window CW is used to protect the display panel DP. The cover window CW can be made of a transparent material. The cover window CW can be made of, for example, glass or plastic. In this embodiment, the cover window CW can be made of glass, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0083] A protective layer CWP can be disposed on the upper surface of a cover window CW. For example, the protective layer CWP can be disposed on the upper surface of the cover window CW and have a first upper connecting member UCM1 therebetween. The protective layer CWP can be implemented as, for example, a transparent polymer film comprising at least one selected from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), PI, polyarylate (PAR), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and cyclic olefin polymer (COP) resins.

[0084] The upper stacked structure US may include upper connecting members (e.g., a first upper connecting member UCM1, a second upper connecting member UCM2, and a third upper connecting member UCM3) that connect adjacent stacked members to each other. The upper connecting members UCM1, UCM2, and UCM3 may be optically transparent. The upper connecting members UCM1, UCM2, and UCM3 may include optically transparent adhesives, optically transparent resins, pressure-sensitive adhesives, etc. In one embodiment, the first upper connecting member UCM1 may be disposed between the cover window protective layer CWP and the cover window CW to connect the cover window protective layer CWP and the cover window CW to each other; the second upper connecting member UCM2 may be disposed between the cover window CW and the polarizing member POL to connect the cover window CW and the polarizing member POL to each other; and the third upper connecting member UCM3 may be disposed between the polarizing member POL and the display panel DP to connect the polarizing member POL and the display panel DP to each other.

[0085] The lower stacked structure LS may include a polymer film layer PF, a cover panel CPNL, a functional layer FL, and a support member SM stacked downwards from the display panel DP (e.g., sequentially stacked).

[0086] The polymer film layer PF can be disposed on the lower surface of the display panel DP. For example, the polymer film layer PF can be disposed on the lower surface of the display panel DP and has a first lower connecting member LCM1 therebetween. The polymer film layer PF can perform the function of protecting the display panel DP. The polymer film layer PF can include PI, PET, PC, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polysulfone (PSF), PMMA, triacetyl cellulose (TAC), COP, etc.

[0087] The cover panel CPNL can be disposed on the lower surface of the polymer film layer PF. For example, the cover panel CPNL can be disposed on the lower surface of the polymer film layer PF, and has a second lower connecting member LCM2 therebetween. In embodiments, the cover panel CPNL can be composed of multiple layers, and each of the multiple layers can be made of a rigid or elastic material. The cover panel CPNL can perform functions such as supporting the display panel DP, enhancing the rigidity of the display panel DP, and buffering impacts applied to the display panel DP.

[0088] The functional layer FL can be disposed on the lower surface of the cover panel CPNL. For example, the functional layer FL can be disposed on the lower surface of the cover panel CPNL and have a third lower connecting member LCM3 therebetween. The functional layer FL may include at least one of, for example, a digitizer, an electromagnetic wave shielding layer, an impact absorption layer, and a heat dissipation layer. In embodiments, the functional layer FL may be included in the cover panel CPNL or may be omitted.

[0089] like Figure 3 As shown, multiple portions of the functional layer FL can be configured to be separate from or spaced apart from each other, with the folded region FA interposed therebetween. For example, the functional layer FL may not exist within the folded region FA. In implementations, as... Figure 3 As shown, multiple portions of the functional layers FL facing each other and interposed in the folding region FA can define space within the folding region FA. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the functional layers FL can be configured as multiple layers, and one or more of the multiple layers of the functional layers FL can be integrally disposed within the first non-folding region NFA1, the folding region FA, and the second non-folding region NFA2. Furthermore, one or more of the multiple layers can be disposed between the cover panel CPNL and the display panel DP.

[0090] A support member SM may be disposed on the lower surface of the functional layer FL. For example, the support member SM may be disposed on the lower surface of the functional layer FL, and a fourth lower connecting member LCM4 may be present therebetween. The support member SM may perform the function of supporting components on the upper surface of the support member SM (e.g., stacked on the upper surface of the support member SM). The support member SM may include metal. The support member SM may serve as a heat dissipation member, dissipating heat generated from the display device 1 to the outside.

[0091] like Figure 3As shown, the support member SM can be integrally configured to cover the first non-folded region NFA1, the folded region FA, and the second non-folded region NFA2, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the support member SM can be configured as multiple layers, and one or more of the multiple layers can be configured to be separated from each other, with the folded region FA inserted therebetween. In embodiments, the multiple portions of the support member SM and the functional layer FL facing each other with the folded region FA inserted therebetween can be as follows: Figure 3 The space is defined in the folded region FA as shown in the figure.

[0092] When components (such as cover panel CPNL or functional layer FL) disposed on the lower surface of display panel DP are arranged separately from each other and folded area FA is inserted therebetween, a gap (or space) can be formed in folded area FA, and foreign material can penetrate through this gap. The foreign material blocking component MF of the support component SM will be described in more detail below (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 5 It can block the penetration of the aforementioned foreign materials.

[0093] The lower stacking structure LS may also include lower connecting members (e.g., a first lower connecting member LCM1, a second lower connecting member LCM2, a third lower connecting member LCM3, and a fourth lower connecting member LCM4) that connect adjacent stacking members to each other. For example, the first lower connecting member LCM1 may be disposed between the display panel DP and the polymer film layer PF to connect the display panel DP and the polymer film layer PF to each other; the second lower connecting member LCM2 may be disposed between the polymer film layer PF and the cover panel CPNL to connect the polymer film layer PF and the cover panel CPNL to each other; the third lower connecting member LCM3 may be disposed between the cover panel CPNL and the functional layer FL to connect the cover panel CPNL and the functional layer FL to each other; and the fourth lower connecting member LCM4 may be disposed between the functional layer FL and the support member SM to connect the functional layer FL and the support member SM to each other.

[0094] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 5 to 8 The support member SM is described in more detail.

[0095] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the support member according to the embodiment. Figure 6 This is a plan view of the support member according to the implementation method. Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 The sectional view taken by line B-B'. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the support member in a folded state according to the embodiment.

[0096] For ease of description, Figure 6 The illustration of the upper support member MPLT1 is omitted.

[0097] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The support member SM may include an upper support member MPLT1, a lower support member MPLT2, and a foreign material blocking member MF.

[0098] The upper support member MPLT1 can be disposed on the upper surface of the foreign material blocking member MF, and the lower support member MPLT2 can be disposed on the lower surface of the foreign material blocking member MF.

[0099] Further reference Figure 3 The upper support member MPLT1 can be attached to the lower surface of the cover panel CPNL or the lower surface of the functional layer FL via the fourth lower connecting member LCM4. The functional layer FL can be a digitizer or an electromagnetic wave shielding layer.

[0100] The upper support member MPLT1 may include a first upper support member MPLT1_1 and a second upper support member MPLT1_2.

[0101] The first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the second upper support member MPLT1_2 can be configured to be separated from or spaced apart from each other based on the folded region FA. The first upper support member MPLT1_1 can be located in the first non-folded region NFA1 (e.g., mainly located in the first non-folded region NFA1), and the second upper support member MPLT1_2 can be located in the second non-folded region NFA2 (e.g., mainly located in the second non-folded region NFA2).

[0102] The lower support member MPLT2 may include a first lower support member MPLT2_1 and a second lower support member MPLT2_2.

[0103] The first lower support member MPLT2_1 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 can be configured to be separated from or spaced apart from each other based on the folded region FA. The first lower support member MPLT2_1 can be located in the first non-folded region NFA1 (e.g., mainly located in the first non-folded region NFA1), and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 can be located in the second non-folded region NFA2 (e.g., mainly located in the second non-folded region NFA2).

[0104] The first upper support member MPLT1_1, the second upper support member MPLT1_2, the first lower support member MPLT2_1, and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 can each be formed as plate-shaped members and can have an approximately rectangular shape in the plan view. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first upper support member MPLT1_1, the second upper support member MPLT1_2, the first lower support member MPLT2_1, and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 can be any suitable shape.

[0105] The first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the second upper support member MPLT1_2 may be configured to have a symmetrical shape based on the folded region FA, and the first lower support member MPLT2_1 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 may also be configured to have a symmetrical shape based on the folded region FA, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0106] The edges of the first upper support member MPLT1_1, the second upper support member MPLT1_2, the first lower support member MPLT2_1, and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 may be aligned at the boundaries of the first non-folded region NFA1 and the second non-folded region NFA2, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The first upper support member MPLT1_1, the second upper support member MPLT1_2, the first lower support member MPLT2_1, and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 may each be disposed in the first non-folded region NFA1 and the second non-folded region NFA2, or may be disposed such that a portion thereof is in the folded region FA.

[0107] The first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the first lower support member MPLT2_1 may have the same shape in the plan view to overlap each other (e.g., completely overlap), and the second upper support member MPLT1_2 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 may have the same shape in the plan view to overlap each other (e.g., completely overlap), but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The first lower support member MPLT2_1 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 may each have a shape and size different from those of the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the second upper support member MPLT1_2.

[0108] Further reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The first lower support member MPLT2_1 can overlap with the first upper support member MPLT1_1 in the thickness direction, and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 can overlap with the second upper support member MPLT1_2 in the thickness direction.

[0109] The first upper support member MPLT1_1, the second upper support member MPLT1_2, the first lower support member MPLT2_1, and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 may comprise metal. In an embodiment, each of the first upper support member MPLT1_1, the second upper support member MPLT1_2, the first lower support member MPLT2_1, and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 may be a metal plate or a metal film. The metal may be a metal with excellent thermal conductivity, such as copper, nickel, ferrite, or silver.

[0110] exist Figures 5 to 8 In this context, the upper support member MPLT1 may be a separate and distinct member from other members (e.g., polymer film layer PF, cover panel CPNL, and functional layer FL) on the lower surface of the display panel DP (e.g., stacked on the lower surface of the display panel DP), but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the upper support member MPLT1 may include members such as the polymer film layer PF, cover panel CPNL, and functional layer FL, stacked between the display panel DP and the foreign material barrier member MF.

[0111] like Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the second upper support member MPLT1_2 can be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance (e.g., a pre-determined distance) in the first direction X, and the first lower support member MPLT2_1 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 can also be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance (e.g., a pre-determined distance) in the first direction X. A gap having a slit shape elongated in the second direction Y can be formed between the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the second upper support member MPLT1_2, and between the first lower support member MPLT2_1 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2. The gap can be formed in the folding region FA. The gap can at least partially overlap with the folding region FA in the thickness direction (e.g., the thickness direction of the display panel DP).

[0112] The width of the gap between the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the second upper support member MPLT1_2 (e.g., the width in the first direction X) may be substantially the same as, but is not limited to, the width of the gap between the first lower support member MPLT2_1 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 (e.g., the width in the first direction X). In embodiments, the width of the gap between the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the second upper support member MPLT1_2 may be different from the width of the gap between the first lower support member MPLT2_1 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2. For example, the width of the gap between the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the second upper support member MPLT1_2 may be smaller than the width of the gap between the first lower support member MPLT2_1 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2.

[0113] In one embodiment, the upper support member MPLT1 may further include a connecting member disposed in the folding region FA to connect the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the second upper support member MPLT1_2. Similarly, in one embodiment, the lower support member MPLT2 may further include a connecting member disposed in the folding region FA to connect the first lower support member MPLT2_1 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2. Patterns for reducing rigidity may be formed on the connecting member.

[0114] The lower support member MPLT2 may have the same thickness as the upper support member MPLT1, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the thickness of the lower support member MPLT2 may be less than the thickness of the upper support member MPLT1.

[0115] Refer again Figure 5 and Figure 6 The foreign material blocking member MF can be disposed between the upper support member MPLT1 and the lower support member MPLT2. The foreign material blocking member MF can be disposed throughout the first non-folded region NFA1, the folded region FA, and the second non-folded region NFA2.

[0116] The foreign material barrier member MF can be made of a flexible material. The foreign material barrier member MF can include plastic materials such as PE, PP, polystyrene, PET, PI, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, PC, or polyvinylidene chloride. The foreign material barrier member MF can be implemented as a film-type member, for example, made of PET and having a thickness of about 50 μm to about 80 μm, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0117] The foreign material blocking component MF may include a blocking portion MF_BP, a first stretchable portion MF_PP1, a second stretchable portion MF_PP2, a first fixed portion MF_FP1, and a second fixed portion MF_FP2.

[0118] Depending on whether a pattern, which will be described in more detail below, is provided, the foreign material blocking member MF can be divided into multiple regions. For example, the blocking portion MF_BP, the first fixed portion MF_FP1, and the second fixed portion MF_FP2 can be the first non-patterned region, the second non-patterned region, and the third non-patterned region, respectively, and the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 can be the first patterned region and the second patterned region, respectively.

[0119] The blocking portion MF_BP can be located within the folded region FA (e.g., primarily within the folded region FA). In an embodiment, the width of the blocking portion MF_BP in the first direction X can be greater than the width of the folded region FA in the first direction X. In this case, the opposite sides of the blocking portion MF_BP can be located in the first non-folded region NFA1 and the second non-folded region NFA2, respectively. The blocking portion MF_BP can overlap with a portion of the first non-folded region NFA1, a portion of the folded region FA, and a portion of the second non-folded region NFA2 in the thickness direction of the blocking portion MF_BP. The blocking portion MF_BP located on one side in the first non-folded region NFA1 can be connected to the first stretchable portion MF_PP1, and the blocking portion MF_BP located on the other side in the second non-folded region NFA2 can be connected to the second stretchable portion MF_PP2.

[0120] The width of the blocking portion MF_BP in the first direction X can be greater than the width of the gap between the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the second upper support member MPLT1_2 in the first direction X and / or the width of the gap between the first lower support member MPLT2_1 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 in the first direction X. The width of the gap between the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the second upper support member MPLT1_2 in the first direction X and the width of the gap between the first lower support member MPLT2_1 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 in the first direction X can respectively represent the distance between the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the second upper support member MPLT1_2 in the first direction X and the distance between the first lower support member MPLT2_1 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 in the first direction X.

[0121] The blocking portion MF_BP can be configured to span across the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the second upper support member MPLT1_2, and the blocking portion MF_BP can also be configured to span across the first lower support member MPLT2_1 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2. The blocking portion MF_BP can overlap with a portion of the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and a portion of the second upper support member MPLT1_2 in the thickness direction of the blocking portion MF_BP, and the blocking portion MF_BP can also overlap with a portion of the first lower support member MPLT2_1 and a portion of the second lower support member MPLT2_2 in the thickness direction of the blocking portion MF_BP.

[0122] The blocking portion MF_BP can be configured to overlap with the gaps between the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the second upper support member MPLT1_2, and the gaps between the first lower support member MPLT2_1 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2, in the thickness direction of the blocking portion MF_BP. In an embodiment, the blocking portion MF_BP can lie between the gaps between the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the second upper support member MPLT1_2, and the gaps between the first lower support member MPLT2_1 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2. The blocking portion MF_BP can cover the gaps between the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the second upper support member MPLT1_2, and the gaps between the first lower support member MPLT2_1 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2. When the display device 1 is folded and unfolded, the blocking portion MF_BP can prevent foreign materials from penetrating into the display device 1 through the gaps from the outside.

[0123] Further reference Figure 2 and Figure 8 When the display device 1 is folded, at least a portion of the blocking portion MF_BP can be bent to have an approximately "C" shaped cross section.

[0124] Refer again Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first stretchable portion MF_PP1 can be disposed on one side of the blocking portion MF_BP, and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 can be disposed on the other side of the blocking portion MF_BP. Figure 6 In this configuration, one side of the blocking portion MF_BP can be the left side of the blocking portion MF_BP, and the other side of the blocking portion MF_BP can be the right side of the blocking portion MF_BP. In other words, the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 can be located on corresponding opposite sides of the blocking portion MF_BP.

[0125] The first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 can be respectively disposed in the first non-folded region NFA1 and the second non-folded region NFA2. In another embodiment, a portion of the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and a portion of the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 can each be disposed in the folded region FA.

[0126] A first stretchable portion MF_PP1 can be disposed between a blocking portion MF_BP and a first fixed portion MF_FP1, and a second stretchable portion MF_PP2 can be disposed between the blocking portion MF_BP and the second fixed portion MF_FP2. The first stretchable portion MF_PP1 can connect the blocking portion MF_BP and the first fixed portion MF_FP1, and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 can connect the blocking portion MF_BP and the second fixed portion MF_FP2. Specifically, one side of the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 can be connected to one side of the blocking portion MF_BP, and the other side of the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 can be connected to the first fixed portion MF_FP1. Similarly, one side of the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 can be connected to the other side of the blocking portion MF_BP, and the other side of the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 can be connected to the second fixed portion MF_FP2. In this embodiment, one side and the other side of the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 can face each other, and one side and the other side of the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 can also face each other.

[0127] Further reference Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Patterns for increasing the strain rate relative to the stress applied to the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 can be formed in these portions. Because the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 have strain rates larger than those of the blocking portion MF_BP, the first fixing portion MF_FP1, and the second fixing portion MF_FP2, the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 can be stretched and compressed in directions intersecting and / or perpendicular to their thickness direction when the display device 1 is folded and unfolded. The pattern can, for example, include multiple openings OP (see, for example, see...). Figures 9A to 9C The grid pattern is not limited thereto.

[0128] The first fixing part MF_FP1 can be located on one side of the blocking part MF_BP, and the second fixing part MF_FP2 can be located on the other side of the blocking part MF_BP. The first fixing part MF_FP1 and the second fixing part MF_FP2 can be spaced apart from the blocking part MF_BP. Figure 6In this configuration, one side of the blocking portion MF_BP can be the left side of the blocking portion MF_BP, and the other side of the blocking portion MF_BP can be the right side of the blocking portion MF_BP. In other words, one side and the other side of the blocking portion MF_BP can be opposite each other.

[0129] The first fixed portion MF_FP1 and the second fixed portion MF_FP2 can be respectively disposed in the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2. The first fixed portion MF_FP1 and the second fixed portion MF_FP2 can be disposed further away from the blocking portion MF_BP than the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2, respectively. The first fixed portion MF_FP1 and the second fixed portion MF_FP2 can be disposed closer to the edge (e.g., the outer edge) of the support member SM than the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2, respectively.

[0130] The first fixing portion MF_FP1 and the second fixing portion MF_FP2 can be fixed to the upper support member MPLT1 and the lower support member MPLT2. The first fixing portion MF_FP1 and the second fixing portion MF_FP2 can represent the portions attached to the corresponding portions of the upper support member MPLT1 (e.g., the first upper support member MPLT1_1 or the second upper support member MPLT1_2) and the corresponding portions of the lower support member MPLT2 (e.g., the first lower support member MPLT2_1 or the second lower support member MPLT2_2), such that when the display device 1 is unfolded and folded, the positions of the first fixing portion MF_FP1 and the second fixing portion MF_FP2 relative to the corresponding portions of the upper support member MPLT1 and the lower support member MPLT2 do not change.

[0131] Conversely, the blocking portion MF_BP, the first stretchable portion MF_PP1, and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 can be connected to the upper support member MPLT1 and the lower support member MPLT2, so that when the display device 1 is unfolded and folded, the positions of the blocking portion MF_BP, the first stretchable portion MF_PP1, and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 relative to the upper support member MPLT1 and the lower support member MPLT2 can be changed.

[0132] Reference Figure 6The blocking portion MF_BP, the first stretchable portion MF_PP1, the second stretchable portion MF_PP2, the first fixed portion MF_FP1, and the second fixed portion MF_FP2 may have an approximately rectangular shape in the plan view, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the blocking portion MF_BP, the first stretchable portion MF_PP1, the second stretchable portion MF_PP2, the first fixed portion MF_FP1, and the second fixed portion MF_FP2 may have any suitable shape.

[0133] In the plan view, the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 may have a larger area than the blocking portion MF_BP, the first fixed portion MF_FP1, and the second fixed portion MF_FP2. In the plan view, the blocking portion MF_BP may have a larger area than the first fixed portion MF_FP1 and the second fixed portion MF_FP2.

[0134] The blocking portion MF_BP, the first stretchable portion MF_PP1, the second stretchable portion MF_PP2, the first fixed portion MF_FP1, and the second fixed portion MF_FP2 may have different widths in the first direction X. In this case, the blocking portion MF_BP, the first stretchable portion MF_PP1, the second stretchable portion MF_PP2, the first fixed portion MF_FP1, and the second fixed portion MF_FP2 may have approximately the same width in the second direction Y, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0135] Specifically, the widths of the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 in the first direction X can be greater than the widths of the blocking portion MF_BP, the first fixed portion MF_FP1, and the second fixed portion MF_FP2 in the first direction X. The width of the blocking portion MF_BP in the first direction X can also be greater than the widths of the first fixed portion MF_FP1 and the second fixed portion MF_FP2 in the first direction X. Therefore, the blocking portion MF_BP can cover (e.g., fully cover) the gap formed between the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the second upper support member MPLT1_2, and the blocking portion MF_BP can cover (e.g., fully cover) the gap formed between the first lower support member MPLT2_1 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2, and can relatively reduce the strain per unit area (or unit length) of the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2, thereby improving the durability of the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2. Furthermore, the amount of torque required to fold and unfold the display device 1 can also be reduced, thereby enabling folding and unfolding (e.g., smooth folding and unfolding).

[0136] However, the dimensional and / or area relationships between the blocking portion MF_BP, the first stretchable portion MF_PP1, the second stretchable portion MF_PP2, the first fixed portion MF_FP1, and the second fixed portion MF_FP2 are not limited to the examples above, and can be varied in a suitable manner depending on the design of the display device 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0137] Reference Figure 6 The foreign material blocking component MF may also include a recessed portion RS.

[0138] The recessed portion RS can be provided on both sides of the foreign material blocking member MF extending in the first direction X. The recessed portion RS can be provided across a portion of the first non-folded region NFA1, the folded region FA, and a portion of the second non-folded region NFA2. The recessed portion RS can be provided between the upper support member MPLT1 and the lower support member MPLT2.

[0139] In the plan view, the recessed portion RS may have a shape that recesses from the edge of the foreign material blocking member MF toward the inside of the foreign material blocking member MF. In this case, the widths of the first fixing portion MF_FP1 and the second fixing portion MF_FP2 in the second direction Y may be greater than the widths of the blocking portion MF_BP, the first stretchable portion MF_PP1, and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 in the second direction Y, and the blocking portion MF_BP, the first stretchable portion MF_PP1, and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 may have approximately the same width in the second direction Y. The recessed portion RS may provide a space in which a connecting member, which will be described in more detail below, is disposed. In an embodiment, the recessed portion RS may be formed as an "L"-shaped corner in the plan view, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0140] Reference Figures 5 to 8 The support member SM may also include a first connecting member CM1, a second connecting member CM2, a third connecting member CM3, and a fourth connecting member CM4 that connect the upper support member MPLT1 and the lower support member MPLT2.

[0141] The first connecting member CM1 and the second connecting member CM2 can be arranged symmetrically based on the folded area FA. Similarly, the third connecting member CM3 and the fourth connecting member CM4 can be arranged symmetrically based on the folded area FA.

[0142] The first connecting member CM1 and the third connecting member CM3 can be disposed in the first non-folded region NFA1. The first connecting member CM1 and the third connecting member CM3 can be inserted between the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the first lower support member MPLT2_1 to connect the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the first lower support member MPLT2_1 to each other. The first connecting member CM1 and the third connecting member CM3 can prevent foreign materials from penetrating through the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the first lower support member MPLT2_1.

[0143] The first connecting member CM1 and the third connecting member CM3 may each have a rectangular shape elongated in the first direction X in the plan view, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first connecting member CM1 and the third connecting member CM3 may be any suitable shape. The first connecting member CM1 and the third connecting member CM3 may be arranged along (e.g., adjacent to) corresponding opposite sides of the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 extending in the first direction X. The first connecting member CM1 and the third connecting member CM3 may be arranged symmetrically based on the first stretchable portion MF_PP1, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0144] The first connecting member CM1 and the third connecting member CM3 may overlap with the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 in the second direction Y. The side of each of the first connecting member CM1 and the third connecting member CM3 adjacent to the folded area FA may overlap with a portion of the blocking portion MF_BP in the first non-folded area NFA1 in the second direction Y.

[0145] The second connecting member CM2 and the fourth connecting member CM4 can be disposed in the second non-folded region NFA2. The second connecting member CM2 and the fourth connecting member CM4 can be inserted between the second upper support member MPLT1_2 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 to connect the second upper support member MPLT1_2 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 to each other. The second connecting member CM2 and the fourth connecting member CM4 can prevent foreign materials from penetrating through the second upper support member MPLT1_2 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2.

[0146] The second connecting member CM2 and the fourth connecting member CM4 may each have a rectangular shape elongated in the first direction X in the plan view, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the second connecting member CM2 and the fourth connecting member CM4 may have any suitable shape. The second connecting member CM2 and the fourth connecting member CM4 may be arranged along (e.g., adjacent to) corresponding opposite sides of the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 extending in the first direction X. The second connecting member CM2 and the fourth connecting member CM4 may be arranged symmetrically based on the second stretchable portion MF_PP2, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0147] The second connecting member CM2 and the fourth connecting member CM4 may overlap with the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 in the second direction Y. The side of each of the second connecting member CM2 and the fourth connecting member CM4 adjacent to the folded region FA may overlap with a portion of the blocking portion MF_BP in the second non-folded region NFA2 in the second direction Y.

[0148] The first connecting member CM1, the second connecting member CM2, the third connecting member CM3, and / or the fourth connecting member CM4 may each include an adhesive component for bonding the upper support member MPLT1 and the lower support member MPLT2 to each other. The adhesive component may be, for example, tape, but is not limited thereto.

[0149] The first connecting member CM1, the second connecting member CM2, the third connecting member CM3, and the fourth connecting member CM4 can be disposed in the recessed portion RS. Specifically, the first connecting member CM1 and the second connecting member CM2 can be disposed in the recessed portion RS on one side of the foreign material blocking member MF extending in the first direction X. The third connecting member CM3 and the fourth connecting member CM4 can be disposed in the recessed portion RS on the other side of the foreign material blocking member MF extending in the first direction X. For example, one side and the other side of the foreign material blocking member MF can be respectively Figure 6 The lower and upper edges. In other words, one side of the foreign material blocking member MF and the other side of the foreign material blocking member MF can be opposite each other.

[0150] The support member SM may also include a fifth connecting member CM5 and a sixth connecting member CM6 that connect the foreign material blocking member MF and the upper support member MPLT1 to each other, and a seventh connecting member CM7 and an eighth connecting member CM8 that connect the foreign material blocking member MF and the lower support member MPLT2 to each other.

[0151] The fifth connecting member CM5 and the sixth connecting member CM6 may each have a rectangular shape elongated in the second direction Y in the plan view, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the fifth connecting member CM5 and the sixth connecting member CM6 may be any suitable shape. In embodiments, the seventh connecting member CM7 and the eighth connecting member CM8 may also have substantially the same or similar shapes as the fifth connecting member CM5 and the sixth connecting member CM6, respectively.

[0152] The fifth connecting member CM5 and the sixth connecting member CM6 can be respectively configured to cover the first fixed portion MF_FP1 (e.g., most of the first fixed portion MF_FP1) and the second fixed portion MF_FP2 (e.g., most of the second fixed portion MF_FP2) in a plan view. The remaining area of ​​the first fixed portion MF_FP1 where the fifth connecting member CM5 is not located can be smaller than the area of ​​the first fixed portion MF_FP1 where the fifth connecting member CM5 is located. Similarly, the remaining area of ​​the second fixed portion MF_FP2 where the sixth connecting member CM6 is not located can be smaller than the area of ​​the second fixed portion MF_FP2 where the sixth connecting member CM6 is located. For example, the fifth connecting member CM5 and the sixth connecting member CM6 can be configured to cover approximately 80% of the first fixed portion MF_FP1 and approximately 80% of the second fixed portion MF_FP2 in a plan view, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the seventh connecting member CM7 and the eighth connecting member CM8 can be configured to cover the first fixed portion MF_FP1 (e.g., most of the first fixed portion MF_FP1) and the second fixed portion MF_FP2 (e.g., most of the second fixed portion MF_FP2) respectively in the plan view. Therefore, sufficient connection force can be ensured between the foreign material blocking member MF and the upper support member MPLT1, and between the foreign material blocking member MF and the lower support member MPLT2.

[0153] The fifth connecting member CM5 and the seventh connecting member CM7 can be respectively disposed on the upper surface and lower surface of the first fixed part MF_FP1. The fifth connecting member CM5 can be inserted between the first fixed part MF_FP1 and the first upper support member MPLT1_1, and the seventh connecting member CM7 can be inserted between the first fixed part MF_FP1 and the first lower support member MPLT2_1. The fifth connecting member CM5 and the seventh connecting member CM7 can be symmetrically arranged based on the first fixed part MF_FP1, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0154] The sixth connecting member CM6 and the eighth connecting member CM8 can be respectively disposed on the upper surface of the second fixed part MF_FP2 and the lower surface of the second fixed part MF_FP2. The sixth connecting member CM6 can be inserted between the second fixed part MF_FP2 and the second upper support member MPLT1_2, and the eighth connecting member CM8 can be inserted between the second fixed part MF_FP2 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2. The sixth connecting member CM6 and the eighth connecting member CM8 can be symmetrically arranged based on the second fixed part MF_FP2, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0155] The thickness of each of the fifth connecting member CM5, the sixth connecting member CM6, the seventh connecting member CM7, and the eighth connecting member CM8 may be less than the thickness of the foreign material blocking member MF. For example, the fifth connecting member CM5, the sixth connecting member CM6, the seventh connecting member CM7, and the eighth connecting member CM8 may have a thickness of about 8 μm, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0156] The fifth connecting member CM5, the sixth connecting member CM6, the seventh connecting member CM7, and / or the eighth connecting member CM8 may include adhesive components for bonding the foreign material blocking member MF and the upper support member MPLT1 to each other, and adhesive components for bonding the foreign material blocking member MF and the lower support member MPLT2 to each other. The adhesive components may be, for example, pressure-sensitive adhesives, but are not limited thereto.

[0157] The connecting force (or adhesive force) of the fifth connecting member CM5, the sixth connecting member CM6, the seventh connecting member CM7, and the eighth connecting member CM8 may differ from the connecting force (or adhesive force) of the first connecting member CM1, the second connecting member CM2, the third connecting member CM3, and the fourth connecting member CM4. For example, the adhesive force applied to the adhesive components of the fifth connecting member CM5, the sixth connecting member CM6, the seventh connecting member CM7, and the eighth connecting member CM8 may be greater than the adhesive force applied to the adhesive components of the first connecting member CM1, the second connecting member CM2, the third connecting member CM3, and the fourth connecting member CM4. Therefore, deformation and / or separation of the member MF by foreign material that applies tensile or compressive forces during the folding process can be prevented or reduced.

[0158] In this embodiment, the first lower support member MPLT2_1 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 can be omitted, and the first connecting member CM1, the second connecting member CM2, the third connecting member CM3, the fourth connecting member CM4, the seventh connecting member CM7, and the eighth connecting member CM8 that connect the first lower support member MPLT2_1 and the second lower support member MPLT2_2 to the first upper support member MPLT1_1, the second upper support member MPLT1_2, and / or the foreign material blocking member MF can also be omitted. In this case, the first fixing portion MF_FP1 and the second fixing portion MF_FP2 of the foreign material blocking member MF can be fixed only to the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and the second upper support member MPLT1_2.

[0159] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 As described above, each of the first fixing portion MF_FP1 and the second fixing portion MF_FP2 can be attached and fixed to a corresponding portion of the upper support member MPLT1 (e.g., the first upper support member MPLT1_1 or the second upper support member MPLT1_2) and a corresponding portion of the lower support member MPLT2 (e.g., the first lower support member MPLT2_1 or the second lower support member MPLT2_2). On the other hand, the blocking portion MF_BP, the first stretchable portion MF_PP1, and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 may not be directly attached or fixed to the upper support member MPLT1 and the lower support member MPLT2, and therefore can move independently of the upper support member MPLT1 and the lower support member MPLT2 to compensate for the change in the distance between the members when the support member SM is folded. In this case, the relative position, size, and / or length of the blocking portion MF_BP, the first stretchable portion MF_PP1, and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 relative to the upper support member MPLT1 and the lower support member MPLT2 can be changed.

[0160] For example, when the display device 1 is folded, the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 can be stretched in a direction intersecting their thickness direction, and the portion of the blocking portion MF_BP that overlaps with the upper support member MPLT1 and the lower support member MPLT2 in its thickness direction can be reduced. When the display device 1 is unfolded, the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 can be compressed in a direction intersecting their thickness direction, and the portion of the blocking portion MF_BP that overlaps with the upper support member MPLT1 and the lower support member MPLT2 in its thickness direction can be increased. In this case, the blocking portion MF_BP, the first stretchable portion MF_PP1, and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 can slide relative to the first upper support member MPLT1_1 and / or the second upper support member MPLT1_2 in a direction intersecting their thickness direction, and relative to the first lower support member MPLT2_1 and / or the second lower support member MPLT2_2 in a direction intersecting their thickness direction. When the display device 1 is folded and unfolded, similar to the first stretchable part MF_PP1 and the second stretchable part MF_PP2, the blocking part MF_BP, the first fixed part MF_FP1 and the second fixed part MF_FP2 can be stretched and compressed in the direction intersecting with their thickness direction, but their strain can be smaller than that of the first stretchable part MF_PP1 and the second stretchable part MF_PP2.

[0161] Figure 9A , Figure 9B and Figure 9C A plan view showing patterns of a first stretchable portion and a second stretchable portion according to various embodiments is shown.

[0162] As described above, patterns can be provided in the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2. The patterns can include multiple openings OP, which are used to change the shape of the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2. A mesh structure can be provided to the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 through the multiple openings OP.

[0163] The shape of the opening OP can be changed in different ways in a suitable manner. For example, as Figure 9A As shown, the opening OP can have a rectangular shape elongated in one direction in the plan view. Further reference... Figures 1 to 6 This direction can be the second direction Y, but is not limited to it. As another example, such as... Figure 9B As shown, the opening OP can have a hexagonal shape in a plan view. As yet another example, such as... Figure 9C As shown, the opening OP can have a square shape in the plan view.

[0164] However, the shape of the multiple openings OP provided in the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 is not limited to this, and the multiple openings OP can have various suitable shapes, such as polygonal shapes, circular shapes and elliptical shapes.

[0165] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the support member according to the embodiment. Figure 11 This is a plan view of the support member according to the implementation method. Figure 12 It is along Figure 10 A sectional view taken by line C-C'. Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the support member in a folded state according to the embodiment.

[0166] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The widths of the first stretchable portion MF_PP1, the second stretchable portion MF_PP2, the first fixed portion MF_FP1, and the second fixed portion MF_FP2 of the foreign material blocking member MF can be changed in different ways in an appropriate manner.

[0167] The widths of the first fixed portion MF_FP1 and the second fixed portion MF_FP2 in the first direction X can be greater than the widths of the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 in the first direction X. The width of the blocking portion MF_BP in the first direction X can be greater than the widths of the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 in the first direction X, and can be smaller than the widths of the first fixed portion MF_FP1 and the second fixed portion MF_FP2 in the first direction X.

[0168] Since the first fixed part MF_FP1 and the second fixed part MF_FP2 are configured to have a relatively large area in the plan view, the area on the first fixed part MF_FP1 and the second fixed part MF_FP2 in which the fifth connecting member CM5, the sixth connecting member CM6, the seventh connecting member CM7 and the eighth connecting member CM8 are disposed can also be increased.

[0169] For example, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the widths of the fifth connecting member CM5 and the sixth connecting member CM6 in the first direction X can be greater than the widths of the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 in the first direction X. Similarly, the widths of the seventh connecting member CM7 and the eighth connecting member CM8 in the first direction X can also be greater than the widths of the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 in the first direction X. In this case, the widths of the first connecting member CM1, the second connecting member CM2, the third connecting member CM3, and the fourth connecting member CM4 in the first direction X can be greater than the widths of the first stretchable portion MF_PP1 and the second stretchable portion MF_PP2 in the first direction X, and can be less than the widths of the first fixed portion MF_FP1 and the second fixed portion MF_FP2 in the first direction X.

[0170] Because the area and / or size of the region where the fifth connecting member CM5, the sixth connecting member CM6, the seventh connecting member CM7 and the eighth connecting member CM8 are provided are increased, the connection force between the foreign material blocking member MF and the upper support member MPLT1 and between the foreign material blocking member MF and the lower support member MPLT2 can be increased, thereby preventing or reducing the separation, deformation and / or damage of the foreign material blocking member MF during repeated folding.

[0171] exist Figures 10 to 13 In the implementation method, in addition to the foreign material blocking member MF, the components of the supporting member SMa are... Figures 1 to 8 The components of the implementation are substantially the same or similar, and their redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0172] The display device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent foreign materials from being introduced from the outside.

[0173] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described herein, and many more different effects are included in this specification.

[0174] In closing, those skilled in the art will understand that many variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments without substantially departing from the principles of this disclosure. Therefore, the preferred embodiments of this disclosure are used in a general and descriptive sense only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0175] Although this disclosure has been specifically shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A display apparatus comprising: a display panel; a first upper support member on the display panel; a second upper support member on the display panel and spaced apart from the first upper support member; and a barrier member comprising: a barrier portion spanning the first upper support member and the second upper support member; a first stretchable portion connected to one side of the barrier portion and comprising a plurality of openings; a second stretchable portion connected to another side of the barrier portion and comprising a plurality of openings; a first fixed portion connected to the first stretchable portion; and a second fixed portion connected to the second stretchable portion, wherein the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion are attached to the first upper support member and the second upper support member, respectively, wherein the barrier portion, the first stretchable portion, and the second stretchable portion are not attached to the first upper support member and the second upper support member. a strain rate of each of the first stretchable portion and the second stretchable portion is greater than a strain rate of the barrier portion, and 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein wherein the first stretchable portion and the second stretchable portion are to be stretched in directions intersecting thickness directions of the first stretchable portion and the second stretchable portion, respectively. at least one of the barrier portion, the first stretchable portion, and the second stretchable portion is to move in a sliding manner with respect to at least one of the first upper support member and the second upper support member.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein 4.The display apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a first coupling member coupling the first fixed portion to the first upper support member; and a second coupling member coupling the second fixed portion to the second upper support member. 5.The display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first lower support member overlapping the first upper support member in a thickness direction of the first lower support member; and a second lower support member overlapping the second upper support member in a thickness direction of the second lower support member, and wherein the first stretchable portion and the first fixed portion are between the first upper support member and the first lower support member, and wherein the second stretchable portion and the second fixed portion are between the second upper support member and the second lower support member. 6.The display apparatus of claim 5, further comprising: a first coupling member coupling the first upper support member to the first lower support member; and a second coupling member coupling the second upper support member to the second lower support member, and wherein the barrier member comprises a recessed portion recessed inward in a plan view, and wherein the first coupling member and the second coupling member are disposed in the recessed portion. each of the first upper support member and the second upper support member comprises a metal, and wherein the barrier portion comprises a plastic. 8.A display apparatus comprising: a display panel; 7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a first upper support member on the display panel; a second upper support member on the display panel and spaced apart from the first upper support member; and a barrier member comprising: a barrier portion spanning the first upper support member and the second upper support member; and a first stretchable portion connected to one side of the barrier portion and comprising a plurality of openings. ​ ​ A blocking member comprising: a first non-patterned area spanning the first upper support member and the second upper support member; a first patterned area connected to one side of the first non-patterned area and comprising a plurality of openings; a second patterned area connected to another side of the first non-patterned area and comprising a plurality of openings; a second non-patterned area connected to the first patterned area; and a third non-patterned area connected to the second patterned area, wherein the second non-patterned area and the third non-patterned area are respectively attached to the first upper support member and the second upper support member, wherein the first non-patterned area, the first patterned area, and the second patterned area are not attached to the first upper support member and the second upper support member.

9. The display device of claim 8, wherein, A strain rate of each of the first patterned area and the second patterned area is greater than a strain rate of the first non-patterned area.

10. A display device comprising: a display panel including a folding area; a first upper support member on the display panel; a second upper support member on the display panel and spaced apart from the first upper support member; and a blocking member comprising: a blocking portion overlapping the folding area; a first stretchable portion connected to one side of the blocking portion and having a strain rate greater than a strain rate of the blocking portion; a second stretchable portion connected to another side of the blocking portion and having a strain rate greater than the strain rate of the blocking portion; a first fixed portion connected to the first stretchable portion; and a second fixed portion connected to the second stretchable portion, wherein the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion are respectively attached to the first upper support member and the second upper support member, wherein the blocking portion, the first stretchable portion, and the second stretchable portion are not attached to the first upper support member and the second upper support member. ​

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