Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes a display portion including a first flat portion, a second flat portion spaced apart from the first flat portion in a first direction, and a folding portion arranged between the first flat portion and the second flat portion, and a support portion arranged below the display portion and including a lattice portion and a shape maintaining portion. A hole is arranged in the lattice portion, the shape maintaining portion is adjacent to the lattice portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the lattice portion and the shape maintaining portion overlap the folding portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The implementation method relates to a flexible display device. Background Technology

[0002] Flat panel display devices (e.g., organic light-emitting diode (OLED) devices) have advantages in terms of light weight and thinness. The development of flexible display devices can take advantage of these characteristics of flat panel display devices. Flexible display devices can include curved display devices, bent display devices, foldable display devices, rollable display devices, stretchable display devices, and the like. A flexible display device can include a display module and a support member disposed below the display module. If the support member deforms, the display module supported by the support member can deform. Accordingly, wrinkles may appear on the upper surface of the display module, and the flexibility of the display module may be reduced.

[0003] It will be understood that this background section of the technical section is partly intended to provide useful context for understanding the technology. However, this background section of the technical section may also include ideas, concepts, or insights that were not part of what was known or understood by a person skilled in the art prior to the corresponding valid application date of the subject matter disclosed herein. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The implementation may provide a display device with flexible characteristics.

[0005] The display device according to an embodiment may include a display portion and a support portion. The display portion includes a first flat portion, a second flat portion spaced apart from the first flat portion in a first direction, and a folded portion disposed between the first flat portion and the second flat portion. The support portion is disposed below the display portion and includes a grid portion and a shape-retaining portion. A plurality of holes may be arranged in the grid portion. The shape-retaining portion may be adjacent to the grid portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the grid portion and the shape-retaining portion may overlap with the folded portion.

[0006] In an embodiment, the support portion may further include a first support portion that overlaps with the first flat portion and a second support portion that overlaps with the second flat portion, and the shape-retaining portion, the first support portion and the second support portion may be integral with each other.

[0007] In one embodiment, the shape-retaining portion may be arranged between the first support portion and the second support portion.

[0008] In one embodiment, the shape-retaining portion may be adjacent to the outermost region of the support portion.

[0009] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a decorative pattern arranged on the display portion and overlapping the outermost region of the support portion.

[0010] In one implementation, the decorative pattern may cover the side surface of the shape-retaining portion.

[0011] In one embodiment, the shape-retaining portion may include a first portion adjacent to the grid portion in a second direction and a second portion adjacent to the grid portion in a third direction opposite to the second direction.

[0012] In one embodiment, the display device may further include boundary holes arranged in the grid portion, which connect to a plurality of holes adjacent to the shape-retaining portion.

[0013] In an implementation, the width of the boundary hole in the first direction may be equal to the width of the grid portion in the first direction.

[0014] In an implementation, the size of the boundary hole may be larger than the size of each of the plurality of holes.

[0015] In one embodiment, multiple holes can penetrate the support portion in the thickness direction.

[0016] The display device according to an embodiment may include a display portion and a support portion. The display portion includes a first flat portion, a second flat portion spaced apart from the first flat portion in a first direction, and a folded portion disposed between the first flat portion and the second flat portion. The support portion is disposed below the display portion and includes a grid portion and a shape-retaining portion. At least one hole may be arranged in the grid portion. The shape-retaining portion may be adjacent to the grid portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the grid portion and the shape-retaining portion may overlap with the folded portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, the folded portion may include a first folded portion, a second folded portion disposed between a first flat portion and the first folded portion, and a third folded portion disposed between the first folded portion and the second flat portion. The grid portion may include a first grid portion overlapping the first folded portion, a second grid portion overlapping the second folded portion, and a third grid portion overlapping the third folded portion. The shape-retaining portion may include a first shape-retaining portion adjacent to the second grid portion and a second shape-retaining portion adjacent to the third grid portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, the curvature of the second fold portion and the curvature of the third fold portion may be less than the curvature of the first fold portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, the support portion may have a structure that is symmetrical with respect to the first grid portion.

[0020] In one embodiment, the second grid portion may be provided with a plurality of holes and boundary holes that connect to a plurality of holes adjacent to the first shape-retaining portion.

[0021] In one embodiment, the second grid section may be provided with a first hole and a boundary hole connected to the first hole.

[0022] In one embodiment, the second grid section may also include a second hole that is not connected to the boundary hole.

[0023] In one embodiment, the shape-retaining portion may be adjacent to the outermost region of the support portion.

[0024] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a decorative pattern arranged on the display section and overlapping the outermost region.

[0025] The display device according to the embodiment may include a display portion (e.g., a module) comprising at least one folding portion and a support portion (e.g., a member) disposed below the display module. The support member may include a grid portion that can form holes and a shape-retaining portion adjacent to the grid portion. The grid portion and the shape-retaining portion may overlap with the folding portion. The shape-retaining portion may maintain the shape of the support member. For example, the shape-retaining portion may prevent deformation of the grid portion, which has relatively weak rigidity due to the holes. Accordingly, no wrinkles caused by folding may appear on the upper surface of the display device, and the display device can be easily folded and unfolded. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The illustrative, non-limiting embodiments will be more clearly understood through the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view showing the unfolded state of the display device according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the folded state of the display device.

[0029] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device in its folded state.

[0030] Figure 4 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A schematic plan view of a support (e.g., a component) in a display device.

[0031] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view taken by line I-I'.

[0032] Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view taken from line II-II'.

[0033] Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view taken from line III-III'.

[0034] Figure 8 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display unit (e.g., a module) in a display device.

[0035] Figure 9 It is shown that it includes Figure 8 A schematic plan view of the display panel in the display module.

[0036] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel taken along line IV-IV'.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic plan view showing the unfolded state of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0038] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device in its folded state.

[0039] Figure 13 It is shown that it includes Figure 11 A schematic plan view of an example of a support (e.g., a component) in a display device.

[0040] Figure 14 It is along Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view taken by line V-V'.

[0041] Figure 15 It is along Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view taken from line VI-VI'.

[0042] Figure 16 It is shown that it includes Figure 11 A schematic plan view of another example of a support (e.g., a component) in a display device. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The display device according to embodiments will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0044] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” as used herein are intended to include the plural forms as well (and vice versa).

[0045] For purposes of meaning and interpretation, the word “and / or” in the specification and claims is intended to include any combination of the words “and” and “or”. For example, “A and / or B” can be understood to mean “A, B, or A and B”. The words “and” and “or” can be used in combination or separately and are to be understood as equivalent to “and / or”.

[0046] For purposes of meaning and interpretation, the phrase “at least one of…” in the specification and claims is intended to include the meaning of “at least one selected from the cluster of…”. For example, “at least one of A and B” can be understood to mean “A, B, or A and B”.

[0047] The terms “comprise,” “comprising,” “include,” and / or “including,” “has,” “have,” and / or “having,” and variations thereof, when used in this specification, indicate the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or clusters thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or clusters thereof.

[0048] The term “overlap” or “overlapped” means that the first object may be on top of or under the second object, or to the side of the second object, and vice versa. Additionally, the term “overlap” may include layering, stacking, facing or confronting, extending over, covering or partially covering, or any other suitable terminology that will be understood and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0049] The terms "face" and "facing" imply that the first element can be directly or indirectly opposite the second element. In the case where the third element is between the first and second elements, although they are still facing each other, the first and second elements can be understood as being indirectly opposite each other.

[0050] It will be understood that the terms “connected to” or “coupled to” can include physical or electrical connections or linkages.

[0051] Taking into account the errors associated with measurements and a particular number of measurements (i.e., limitations of the measurement system), as used herein, “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” include the stated values ​​and mean within an acceptable range of deviation for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “about” may mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5% of the stated value.

[0052] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will also be understood that, unless expressly defined herein, terms, such as those defined in common dictionaries, should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view showing the unfolded state of the display device according to an embodiment. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the folded state of the display device.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display device 1000 according to the embodiment may include a display section (e.g., module) DM, a decorative pattern DP, and a cover SC.

[0055] The display module DM may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. An image may be displayed in the display area DA, and the non-display area NDA may be arranged to surround the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may form the bezel of the display device 1000.

[0056] The display module DM can repeatedly fold and unfold. In an embodiment, the display module DM may include a flexible substrate (e.g., a plastic substrate). If the display module DM is folded by an external force applied by the user, the planar dimensions of the display device 1000 can be reduced. If the display module DM is unfolded by an external force applied by the user, the display area DA can be exposed.

[0057] Decorative patterns (DP) can be arranged on the display module (DM) and the window (e.g., Figure 5The decorative pattern DP is positioned between the window (WIN) and may overlap with the non-display area NDA. In this embodiment, the decorative pattern DP may be colored. For example, the decorative pattern DP may be black, white, or a similar color. The decorative pattern DP prevents the display module DM from being deformed and prevents the deformed display module DM from being visually recognized by the user.

[0058] The cover SC may include a first cover SC1, a second cover SC2, and a hinged cover HC. The first cover SC1 and the second cover SC2 are connected to each other via the hinged cover HC. The display device 1000 can be folded and unfolded based on the hinged cover HC. The first cover SC1 may support a first flat portion of the display module DM (e.g., Figure 5 The first flat portion EP1). The second cover SC2 can support the second flat portion of the display module DM (e.g., Figure 5 The second flat section (EP2) in the middle.

[0059] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device in its folded state. Figure 4 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A schematic plan view of a support (e.g., a component) in a display device.

[0060] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The display device 1000 may include a display module DM, a support member SM, and a cover SC. The display module DM may include a first flat portion EP1, a second flat portion EP2, and a folding portion FP disposed between the first flat portion EP1 and the second flat portion EP2. The support member SM may include a first support portion SP1, a second support portion SP2, a grid portion LP, and a shape-retaining portion SHP.

[0061] If the display device 1000 is folded, the display module DM can be folded so that portions of the display surfaces S1 face each other. For example, if a user applies an external force to the display device 1000 in its unfolded state, the first cover SC1 can rotate clockwise, and the second cover SC2 can rotate counterclockwise. Accordingly, the display surfaces S1 of the first flat portion EP1 and the second flat portion EP2 can face each other.

[0062] A support member SM may be arranged below the display module DM. In one embodiment, the support member SM may be formed of metal and may support the display module DM. For example, the support member SM may include at least one of Invar alloy, which may be an alloy of nickel (“Ni”) and iron (“Fe”), stainless steel (“SUS”), titanium (“Ti”), and copper (“Cu”). In another embodiment, the support member SM may be formed of non-metallic materials, plastics, glass fiber reinforced plastics, and / or glass. For example, plastics may include polyimide, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and the like, and are not particularly limited thereto.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first support portion SP1 may overlap with the first flat portion EP1. Accordingly, the first support portion SP1 may support the first flat portion EP1. The second support portion SP2 may overlap with the second flat portion EP2. Accordingly, the second support portion SP2 may support the second flat portion EP2.

[0064] In this embodiment, the grid portion LP may overlap with the folded portion FP. Accordingly, the grid portion LP may support the folded portion FP. A hole HL may be formed in the grid portion LP. The hole HL may penetrate the support member SM in the thickness direction. Because the hole HL can penetrate the support member SM, the support member SM can be folded smoothly. Accordingly, the display module DM can be folded smoothly.

[0065] In an implementation, the shape-retaining portion SHP may include a first portion P1 and a second portion P2.

[0066] The first part P1 can be adjacent to the grid part LP on the second direction D2, which intersects the first direction D1.

[0067] The second part P2 may be adjacent to the grid part LP in the fourth direction D4, opposite to the second direction D2. The shape-retaining part SHP may be integrally formed with the first support part SP1 and the second support part SP2, and may be arranged between the first support part SP1 and the second support part SP2.

[0068] The shape-retaining portion SHP can be arranged adjacent to the outermost region of the support member SM and can overlap with the folding portion FP. In other words, the first portion P1 can be arranged adjacent to the upper end of the support member SM and can overlap with the folding portion FP. The second portion P2 can be arranged adjacent to the lower end of the support member SM and can overlap with the folding portion FP.

[0069] The shape-retaining portion SHP maintains the shape of the support member SM. Specifically, the shape-retaining portion SHP prevents deformation of the relatively weakly rigid lattice portion LP. For example, due to the holes HL formed in the lattice portion LP, the lattice portion LP can expand in the first direction D1 and the third direction D3 opposite to the first direction D1. The holes HL can deform. However, since the shape-retaining portion SHP can be integrally formed with the first support portion SP1 and the second support portion SP2, the shape-retaining portion SHP prevents the lattice portion LP from expanding or the holes HL from deforming.

[0070] In one embodiment, a first boundary hole BHL1 and a second boundary hole BHL2 may also be formed in the grid portion LP. The first boundary hole BHL1 connects the holes HL adjacent to the first portion P1 to each other. The second boundary hole BHL2 connects the holes HL adjacent to the second portion P2 to each other.

[0071] The first boundary hole BHL1 and the second boundary hole BHL2 define the boundary between the hole HL and the shape-retaining portion SHP. In other words, the first boundary hole BHL1 and the second boundary hole BHL2 can separate the shape-retaining portion SHP from the hole HL. Accordingly, the shape-retaining portion SHP can effectively maintain the shape of the support member SM.

[0072] In an implementation, the width of the first boundary hole BHL1 in the first direction D1 and the width of the second boundary hole BHL2 in the first direction D1 may be substantially equal to the width of the lattice portion LP in the first direction D1. The dimensions of the first boundary hole BHL1 (e.g., the planar area of ​​the first boundary hole BHL1) and the dimensions of the second boundary hole BHL2 may be larger than the dimensions of each of the holes HL.

[0073] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view taken by line I-I'. Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view taken from line II-II'. Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view taken from line III-III'.

[0074] Reference Figure 5 The display device 1000 may include a cover SC, a support member SM, a buffer member CM, a protective film PFL, a display module DM, a decorative pattern DP, and a window WIN.

[0075] The first cover SC1 can overlap with the first support portion SP1 and the first flat portion EP1. The first cover SC1 can support the first support portion SP1 and the first flat portion EP1. The second cover SC2 can overlap with the second support portion SP2 and the second flat portion EP2. The second cover SC2 can support the second support portion SP2 and the second flat portion EP2.

[0076] The support member SM can be arranged on the hood SC. The shape-retaining portion SHP can be arranged adjacent to the outermost area of ​​the support member SM and can overlap with the folding portion FP.

[0077] In one embodiment, a cushioning member CM may be disposed on a support member SM. The cushioning member CM cushions external impacts that may be applied to the display module DM and protects the display module DM. For example, the cushioning member CM may include materials capable of cushioning by containing air, such as pads and sponges. To facilitate folding and unfolding of the display module DM, the cushioning member CM may include flexible materials. For example, the cushioning member CM may include acrylic resin, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”), latex, polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the cushioning member CM may be disposed below the support member SM.

[0078] The protective film PFL can be disposed on the buffer member CM. The protective film PFL prevents the penetration of moisture and oxygen from the outside and can absorb external impacts. To realize a flexible display device, the display module DM may include a flexible plastic substrate, and the protective film PFL can support the flexible plastic substrate.

[0079] For example, the protective film PFL can be a plastic film. For example, the protective film PFL may include polyethersulfone (“PS”), polyacrylate, polyetherimide (“PEI”), polyethylene naphthalate (“PEN”), polyphenylene sulfide (“PPS”), polyarylate (“PAR”), polycarbonate (“PC”), polyarylene ether sulfone, polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), polyimide (“PI”) and the like, or combinations thereof.

[0080] The display module DM can be mounted on the protective film PFL. (Refer to...) Figures 8 to 10 Description of the display module DM.

[0081] A window (WIN) may be disposed on the display module (DM). The window (WIN) may form the front surface of the display device 1000 and protect the display module (DM). The window (WIN) may include polymethyl methacrylate (“PMMA”), polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), or the like.

[0082] Reference Figure 6Support member SM can be arranged on the cover SC. The grid portion LP can overlap with the folding portion FP, and the first support portion SP1 and the second support portion SP2 can overlap with the first flat portion EP1 and the second flat portion EP2, respectively. Hole HL can be formed in the grid portion LP. Through hole HL, the folding portion FP can be smoothly folded.

[0083] Reference Figure 7 In this embodiment, the decorative pattern DP may overlap with the shape-retaining portion SHP. For example, the decorative pattern DP may overlap with the first portion P1 and the second portion P2. In other words, the decorative pattern DP may overlap with the outermost region. The decorative pattern DP may cover the side surface of the shape-retaining portion SHP. Because the decorative pattern DP overlaps with and covers the side surface of the shape-retaining portion SHP, the decorative pattern DP can prevent the display module DM from deforming and can prevent the deformed display module DM from being visually recognized by the user.

[0084] Figure 8 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display unit (e.g., a module) in a display device.

[0085] Reference Figure 8 The display module DM may include a display panel 600, a sensing layer 700, and a polarization layer 800. Each of the display panel 600, the sensing layer 700, and the polarization layer 800 may have flexible properties.

[0086] The display panel 600 may include pixels and can generate an image in which light emitted from each of the pixels can be combined. The light may be emitted toward the display surface S1, and the non-display surface S2 of the display panel 600 may be the non-display surface S2 of the display module DM.

[0087] The sensing layer 700 may be disposed on the display panel 600. The sensing layer 700 can sense external inputs such as when an external object touches or approaches the display device 1000. For example, the sensing layer 700 can sense external inputs using a capacitive method.

[0088] A polarization layer 800 may be disposed on the sensing layer 700. The polarization layer 800 can reduce the reflection of external light from the display device 1000. For example, if external light passes through the polarization layer 800 and is reflected from the lower part of the polarization layer 800 (e.g., the display panel 600) and passes through the polarization layer 800 again, the phase of the external light can be changed because it passes through the polarization layer 800 twice. Since the phase of the reflected light may be different from the phase of the incident light passing through the polarization layer 800, extinction interference may occur between the incident light and the reflected light. Accordingly, the reflection of external light can be reduced, and the visibility of the display device 1000 can be improved.

[0089] Figure 9 It is shown that it includes Figure 8 A schematic plan view of the display panel in the display module. Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the display panel taken along line IV-IV'.

[0090] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 The display panel 600 may include pixels. Each pixel may include a switching thin-film transistor T1, a driving thin-film transistor T2, a storage capacitor CAP, and a light-emitting diode EE. The display panel 600 can display images through pixels.

[0091] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, two thin-film transistors and one storage capacitor can be arranged in a pixel, but the implementation is not limited to this. For example, a pixel may include three or more thin-film transistors and / or two or more storage capacitors.

[0092] The display panel 600 may include a substrate 610, gate lines 631 disposed on the substrate 610, data lines 641 disposed on the gate lines 631, and a common power line 642. For example, a pixel may be defined by the boundary between the gate lines 631, the data lines 641, and the common power line 642. In other embodiments, a pixel may be defined by a black matrix or a pixel defining layer.

[0093] The substrate 610 may include a flexible material such as plastic. For example, the substrate 610 may be formed of polyethersulfone (“PES”), polycarbonate (“PC”), polyimide (“PI”), polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), polyethylene naphthalate (“PEN”), polyacrylate, fiber reinforced plastic (“FRP”) or the like, or combinations thereof.

[0094] The substrate 610 may have a thickness of about 5 μm to about 200 μm. When the substrate 610 has a thickness of less than about 5 μm, it may be difficult for the substrate 610 to stably support the light-emitting diode EE. If the substrate 610 has a thickness of more than about 200 μm, the flexibility of the substrate 610 may deteriorate.

[0095] A buffer layer 611 may be disposed on the substrate 610. The buffer layer 611 prevents the penetration of impurities and can be used to planarize the surface. The buffer layer 611 may be formed of silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, or the like, or combinations thereof. However, the buffer layer 611 may be omitted.

[0096] A switching semiconductor layer 621 and a driving semiconductor layer 622 may be disposed on the buffer layer 611. The switching semiconductor layer 621 and the driving semiconductor layer 622 may be formed of at least one of polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, and oxide semiconductors (e.g., indium gallium zinc oxide (“IGZO”), indium zinc tin oxide (“IZTO”), etc.). For example, if the driving semiconductor layer 622 is formed of polycrystalline silicon, it may include an undoped channel region and doped source and drain regions. The impurities may vary depending on the type of thin-film transistor.

[0097] A gate insulating layer 612 may be disposed on the switching semiconductor layer 621 and the driving semiconductor layer 622. The gate insulating layer 612 may be formed of tetraethyl orthosilicate (“TEOS”), silicon nitride, silicon oxide, or the like, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the gate insulating layer 612 may have a bilayer structure in which a silicon nitride layer having a thickness of about 40 nm and a tetraethyl orthosilicate layer having a thickness of about 80 nm may be sequentially stacked on top of each other.

[0098] A gate line, including a switching gate electrode 632 and a driving gate electrode 635, may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 612. The gate line may include a gate line 631 and a first capacitor plate 638. The switching gate electrode 632 and the driving gate electrode 635 may be arranged to overlap with respective portions (e.g., channel regions) of the switching semiconductor layer 621 and the driving semiconductor layer 622.

[0099] The switching gate electrode 632, the driving gate electrode 635, and the first capacitor plate 638 may be arranged in the same layer and may be formed of substantially the same metal. For example, the switching gate electrode 632, the driving gate electrode 635, and the first capacitor plate 638 may be formed of molybdenum (“Mo”), chromium (“Cr”), tungsten (“W”), or the like, or combinations thereof.

[0100] An interlayer insulating layer 613 covering the switch gate electrode 632 and the drive gate electrode 635 may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 612. The interlayer insulating layer 613 may be formed of tetraethyl orthosilicate, silicon nitride, silicon oxide or the like.

[0101] Data lines, including a switching source electrode 643 and a driving source electrode 646, as well as a switching drain electrode 644 and a driving drain electrode 647, may be arranged on the interlayer insulating layer 613. The data lines may also include a data line 641, a common power line 642, a second capacitor plate 648, and the like. The switching source electrode 643 and the driving source electrode 646, as well as the switching drain electrode 644 and the driving drain electrode 647, can be connected to the source and drain regions of the switching semiconductor layer 621 and the driving semiconductor layer 622 through contact holes formed in the gate insulating layer 612 and the interlayer insulating layer 613.

[0102] The switching thin-film transistor T1 may include a switching semiconductor layer 621, a switching gate electrode 632, a switching source electrode 643, and a switching drain electrode 644, and the driving thin-film transistor T2 may include a driving semiconductor layer 622, a driving gate electrode 635, a driving source electrode 646, and a driving drain electrode 647. The storage capacitor CAP may include a first capacitor plate 638 and a second capacitor plate 648.

[0103] The switching thin-film transistor T1 can be a switching element used to select a pixel to emit light. The switching gate electrode 632 can be connected to the gate line 631. The switching source electrode 643 can be connected to the data line 641. The switching drain electrode 644 can be spaced apart from the switching source electrode 643 and can be connected to the first capacitor plate 638.

[0104] The driving thin-film transistor T2 can apply driving power to the pixel electrode 650 to cause the light-emitting diode EE of the selected pixel to emit light. The driving gate electrode 635 can be connected to the first capacitor plate 638. The driving source electrode 646 and each of the second capacitor plate 648 can be connected to a common power line 642. The driving drain electrode 647 can be connected to the pixel electrode 650 of the light-emitting diode EE through a contact hole.

[0105] A planarization layer 614 may be arranged on the interlayer insulation layer 613 to cover the data line 641, the common power line 642, the switch source electrode 643 and the drive source electrode 646, the switch drain electrode 644 and the drive drain electrode 647, and the second capacitor plate 648.

[0106] Planarization layer 614 performs planarization by removing steps. Planarization layer 614 may include acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polystyrene resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, benzocyclobutene (“BCB”) and the like, or combinations thereof.

[0107] The pixel electrode 650 of the light-emitting diode EE can be disposed on the planarization layer 614. The pixel electrode 650 can be connected to the drive drain electrode 647 through contact holes formed in the planarization layer 614.

[0108] A pixel defining layer 615 may be disposed on a planarization layer 614 to define a pixel by exposing at least a portion of a pixel electrode 650. The pixel electrode 650 may be arranged to correspond to the pixel defined by the pixel defining layer 615. The pixel defining layer 615 may be formed of a polyacrylate resin, a polyimide resin, or the like, or a combination thereof.

[0109] An emitter layer 660 may be disposed on the pixel electrode 650 in the pixel, and a common electrode 670 may be disposed on the pixel defining layer 615 and the emitter layer 660. The emitter layer 660 may be formed of a low molecular weight organic material or a high molecular weight organic material. At least one of a hole injection layer (“HIL”) and a hole transport layer (“HTL”) may also be disposed between the pixel electrode 650 and the emitter layer 660, and at least one of an electron transport layer (“ETL”) and an electron injection layer (“EIL”) may also be disposed between the emitter layer 660 and the common electrode 670.

[0110] Each of the pixel electrode 650 and the common electrode 670 may be at least one of a transmissive electrode, a transmissive-reflective electrode, and a reflective electrode.

[0111] The transmission electrode may include a transparent conductive oxide (“TCO”). The transparent conductive oxide (“TCO”) may include indium tin oxide (“ITO”), indium zinc oxide (“IZO”), zinc oxide (“ZnO”), indium oxide (“In2O3”) or the like, or combinations thereof.

[0112] Transmitting and reflecting electrodes and reflecting electrodes may include metals such as magnesium (“Mg”), silver (“Ag”), gold (“Au”), calcium (“Ca”), lithium (“Li”), chromium (“Cr”), aluminum (“Al”), copper (“Cu”), or alloys thereof.

[0113] A thin-film encapsulation layer (TFE) may be disposed on the common electrode 670. The TFE may include one or more inorganic layers (e.g., inorganic layers 681, 683, and 685) and one or more organic layers (e.g., organic layers 682 and 684). The TFE may have a structure in which the inorganic layers 681, 683, and 685 and the organic layers 682 and 684 may be stacked alternately on top of each other. The inorganic layer 681 may be disposed as the bottom part of this structure.

[0114] Thin-film encapsulation layer TFE may include Figure 10 The three inorganic layers 681, 683 and 685 and the two organic layers 682 and 684 are present, but the implementation is not limited to this.

[0115] Inorganic layers 681, 683, and 685 may be formed from one or more inorganic materials selected from Al2O3, TiO2, ZrO, SiO2, AlON, AlN, SiON, Si3N4, ZnO, and Ta2O5. Inorganic layers 681, 683, and 685 may be formed by chemical vapor deposition (“CVD”) or atomic layer deposition (“ALD”). Inorganic layers 681, 683, and 685 can block the penetration of moisture or oxygen.

[0116] Organic layers 682 and 684 may be formed from polymer-based materials. Polymer-based materials may include acrylic resins, epoxy resins, polyimides, polyethylene and the like, or combinations thereof. Organic layers 682 and 684 may be formed via a thermal evaporation process.

[0117] The thin-film encapsulation layer TFE can be formed to a thickness of approximately 10 μm or less. Accordingly, the overall thickness of the display panel 600 can be very thin. Since the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE can be disposed on the light-emitting diode EE, the flexibility of the display panel 600 can be improved.

[0118] Figure 11 This is a schematic plan view showing the unfolded state of a display device according to another embodiment. Figure 12 It is shown Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device in its folded state.

[0119] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 According to another embodiment, the display device 2000 may include a display module DM, a support member SM, a decorative pattern DP, and a cover SC. However, the decorative pattern DP and the cover SC may be consistent with the reference... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The decorative patterns described for DP and SC are essentially the same.

[0120] The display module DM may include a first flat portion EP1, a second flat portion EP2, and a first folded portion FP1, a second folded portion FP2, and a third folded portion FP3 disposed between the first flat portion EP1 and the second flat portion EP2.

[0121] If the display device 2000 is folded, the display module DM can be folded so that portions of the display surfaces S1 face each other. For example, if a user applies an external force to the display device 2000 in its unfolded state, the first cover SC1 can rotate clockwise, and the second cover SC2 can rotate counterclockwise. Accordingly, the display surfaces S1 of the first flat portion EP1 and the second flat portion EP2 can face each other.

[0122] In an implementation, the display module DM may include folded portions. For example, the display module DM may include a first folded portion FP1, a second folded portion FP2, and a third folded portion FP3. The second folded portion FP2 may be disposed between a first flat portion EP1 and the first folded portion FP1, the first folded portion FP1 may be disposed between the second folded portion FP2 and the third folded portion FP3, and the third folded portion FP3 may be disposed between the first folded portion FP1 and the second flat portion EP2. Since the display module DM may include the first folded portion FP1, the second folded portion FP2, and the third folded portion FP3, the display module DM can be folded into a dumbbell shape. Accordingly, the curvature of the second folded portion FP2 and the curvature of the third folded portion FP3 may be less than the curvature of the first folded portion FP1.

[0123] Figure 13 It is shown that it includes Figure 11 A schematic plan view of an example of a support (e.g., a component) in a display device.

[0124] Reference Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The support member SM may be arranged below the display module DM. The support member SM may be formed of metal and may support the display module DM. For example, the support member SM may include at least one of Invar alloy, which is an alloy of nickel (“Ni”) and iron (“Fe”), stainless steel (“SUS”), titanium (“Ti”), and copper (“Cu”).

[0125] The support member SM may include a first support portion SP1, a second support portion SP2, a first grid portion LP1, a second grid portion LP2, a third grid portion LP3, a first shape-retaining portion SHP1, and a second shape-retaining portion SHP2. In an embodiment, the support member SM may have a structure symmetrical about the first grid portion LP1. In other words, the second grid portion LP2 may have a structure substantially the same as the third grid portion LP3, and the first shape-retaining portion SHP1 may have a shape substantially the same as the second shape-retaining portion SHP2.

[0126] In this embodiment, the first support portion SP1 may overlap with the first flat portion EP1. Accordingly, the first support portion SP1 may support the first flat portion EP1. The second support portion SP2 may overlap with the second flat portion EP2. Accordingly, the second support portion SP2 may support the second flat portion EP2.

[0127] In this embodiment, the first grid portion LP1, the second grid portion LP2, and the third grid portion LP3 may overlap with the first folded portion FP1, the second folded portion FP2, and the third folded portion FP3, respectively. Accordingly, the first grid portion LP1, the second grid portion LP2, and the third grid portion LP3 may support the first folded portion FP1, the second folded portion FP2, and the third folded portion FP3, respectively. A hole HL may be formed in each of the first grid portion LP1, the second grid portion LP2, and the third grid portion LP3. The hole HL may penetrate the support member SM in the thickness direction. Because the hole HL can penetrate the support member SM, the support member SM can be folded smoothly. Accordingly, the display module DM can be folded smoothly.

[0128] In this embodiment, the first shape-retaining portion SHP1 may be adjacent to the second grid portion LP2 in the second direction D2 and the fourth direction D4. The second shape-retaining portion SHP2 may be adjacent to the third grid portion LP3 in the second direction D2 and the fourth direction D4.

[0129] The first shape-holding portion SHP1 and the second shape-holding portion SHP2 can be arranged adjacent to the outermost region of the support member SM, and can overlap with the second folding portion FP2 and the third folding portion FP3, respectively. In other words, the first shape-holding portion SHP1 and the second shape-holding portion SHP2 can overlap with the second folding portion FP2 and the third folding portion FP3, which have relatively small curvatures, respectively. Since the curvature of each of the second folding portion FP2 and the third folding portion FP3 can be relatively small, the first shape-holding portion SHP1 and the second shape-holding portion SHP2 can remain undeformed.

[0130] In one embodiment, a first boundary hole BHL1 and a second boundary hole BHL2 may also be formed in the second grid portion LP2. The first boundary hole BHL1 and the second boundary hole BHL2 can connect the holes HL adjacent to the first shape-retaining portion SHP1 to each other.

[0131] The first boundary hole BHL1 and the second boundary hole BHL2 define the boundary between the hole HL and the first shape-retaining portion SHP1. In other words, the first boundary hole BHL1 and the second boundary hole BHL2 can separate the first shape-retaining portion SHP1 from the hole HL. Accordingly, the first shape-retaining portion SHP1 can effectively maintain the shape of the support member SM.

[0132] Figure 14 It is along Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view taken by line V-V'. Figure 15 It is along Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view taken from line VI-VI'.

[0133] Reference Figure 14 The display device 2000 may include a cover SC, a support member SM, a buffer member CM, a protective film PFL, a display module DM, a decorative pattern DP, and a window WIN.

[0134] The support member SM can be arranged on the hood SC. The first shape-holding portion SHP1 and the second shape-holding portion SHP2 can be arranged adjacent to the outermost region of the support member SM. The first grid portion LP1 can overlap with the first folding portion FP1, the first shape-holding portion SHP1 can overlap with the second folding portion FP2, and the second shape-holding portion SHP2 can overlap with the third folding portion FP3.

[0135] Reference Figure 15 The support member SM can be arranged on the hood SC. The first grid portion LP1 can overlap with the first folding portion FP1, the second grid portion LP2 can overlap with the second folding portion FP2, and the third grid portion LP3 can overlap with the third folding portion FP3.

[0136] Figure 16 It is shown that it includes Figure 11 A schematic plan view of another example of a support (e.g., a component) in a display device.

[0137] Reference Figure 16 The support member SM may include a first support portion SP1, a second support portion SP2, a first grid portion LP1, a second grid portion LP2, and a third grid portion LP3, as well as a first shape-retaining portion SHP1 and a second shape-retaining portion SHP2. However, the first support portion SP1, the second support portion SP2, the first grid portion LP1, the first shape-retaining portion SHP1, and the second shape-retaining portion SHP2 may be referenced. Figure 13 The first support portion SP1, the second support portion SP2, the first grid portion LP1, the first shape holding portion SHP1, and the second shape holding portion SHP2 described are substantially the same.

[0138] The second grid portion LP2 and the third grid portion LP3 can overlap with the second fold portion FP2 and the third fold portion FP3, respectively. Accordingly, the second grid portion LP2 and the third grid portion LP3 can support the second fold portion FP2 and the third fold portion FP3, respectively.

[0139] A first hole HL1 and a second hole HL2 can be formed in each of the second grid portion LP2 and the third grid portion LP3. The first hole HL1 and the second hole HL2 can penetrate the support member SM in the thickness direction. Because the first hole HL1 and the second hole HL2 can penetrate the support member SM, the support member SM can be smoothly folded. Accordingly, the display module DM can be smoothly folded.

[0140] In one embodiment, a first boundary hole BHL1 and a second boundary hole BHL2 may also be formed in the second grid portion LP2. The first boundary hole BHL1 and the second boundary hole BHL2 may be connected to (e.g., extended to) the first hole HL1. The first boundary hole BHL1 and the second boundary hole BHL2 may define the boundary between the first hole HL1 and the first shape-retaining portion SHP1. In other words, the first boundary hole BHL1 and the second boundary hole BHL2 may separate the first shape-retaining portion SHP1 from the first hole HL1. Accordingly, the first shape-retaining portion SHP1 may effectively maintain the shape of the support member SM. The first boundary hole BHL1 and the second boundary hole BHL2 may not be connected to the second hole HL2.

[0141] The display devices 1000 and 2000 according to the illustrative embodiments may include a display module DM comprising at least one folding portion FP and a support member SM disposed below the display module DM. The support member SM may include a grid portion LP overlapping the folding portion FP and a shape-retaining portion SHP adjacent to the grid portion LP. The shape-retaining portion SHP can maintain the shape of the support member SM. For example, the shape-retaining portion SHP can prevent deformation of the grid portion LP, which has relatively weak rigidity. Accordingly, wrinkles caused by folding may not appear on the upper surface of the display devices 1000 and 2000, and the display devices 1000 and 2000 can be easily folded and unfolded.

[0142] Although a display device according to an embodiment has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments shown are merely examples and may be modified and altered by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the technology described in the appended claims, which include any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: The display portion includes a first flat portion, a second flat portion spaced apart from the first flat portion in a first direction, and a folded portion disposed between the first flat portion and the second flat portion. A support portion, which is arranged below the display portion and includes a grid portion and a shape-retaining portion; as well as Boundary holes, which are arranged in the grid portion. The grid portion is provided with a plurality of holes extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The shape-retaining portion is configured to maintain the shape of the support portion and is adjacent to the grid portion in the second direction intersecting the first direction. The grid portion and the shape-retaining portion overlap with the folded portion. The plurality of holes arranged in the grid portion include a plurality of holes adjacent to the shape-retaining portion, and The boundary hole extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of holes extend and connects the plurality of holes adjacent to the shape-maintaining portion.

2. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The support portion further includes a first support portion overlapping the first flat portion and a second support portion overlapping the second flat portion, and The shape-retaining portion, the first support portion, and the second support portion are integral with each other.

3. The display device as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The shape-retaining portion is arranged between the first support portion and the second support portion.

4. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The shape-retaining portion is adjacent to the outermost region of the support portion.

5. The display device as claimed in claim 4, further comprising: Decorative patterns are arranged on the display portion and overlap with the outermost region of the support portion.

6. The display device as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The decorative pattern covers the side surface of the shape-retaining portion.

7. The display device as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The shape-retaining portion includes a first portion adjacent to the grid portion in the second direction and a second portion adjacent to the grid portion in a third direction opposite to the second direction.

8. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The width of the boundary hole in the first direction is equal to the width of the grid portion in the first direction.

9. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The size of the boundary hole is larger than the size of each of the plurality of holes.

10. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The plurality of holes penetrate the support portion in the thickness direction.

11. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The display unit includes a plurality of folded portions arranged between the first flat portion and the second flat portion. The support portion includes multiple grid sections and multiple shape-retaining sections. Each of the plurality of grid sections is provided with the plurality of holes. The plurality of shape-retaining portions are adjacent to the plurality of grid portions in the second direction intersecting the first direction, and The plurality of grid portions and the plurality of shape-retaining portions overlap with the plurality of folded portions.

12. The display device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The plurality of folded portions include a first folded portion, a second folded portion disposed between the first flat portion and the first folded portion, and a third folded portion disposed between the first folded portion and the second flat portion. The plurality of grid portions include a first grid portion overlapping the first folded portion, a second grid portion overlapping the second folded portion, and a third grid portion overlapping the third folded portion, and The plurality of shape-retaining portions include a first shape-retaining portion adjacent to the second grid portion and a second shape-retaining portion adjacent to the third grid portion.

13. The display device as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The curvature of the second folded portion and the curvature of the third folded portion are each less than the curvature of the first folded portion.

14. The display device as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The support portion has a structure that is symmetrical with respect to the first grid portion.

15. The display device as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The second grid portion is provided with boundary holes that connect the plurality of holes adjacent to the first shape-retaining portion.

16. The display device as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The second grid section is provided with a first hole and a boundary hole connected to the first hole.

17. The display device as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The second grid section also includes a second hole that is not connected to the boundary hole.

18. The display device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The plurality of shape-retaining portions are adjacent to the outermost region of the support portion.

19. The display device of claim 18, further comprising: Decorative patterns are arranged on the display section and overlap with the outermost area.

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