Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes a display panel. The display device also includes a support substrate disposed below the display panel. The support substrate includes a plurality of pressing structures disposed to provide a plurality of corresponding haptic feedbacks. Accordingly, a display device providing haptic feedback for each touch input area can be implemented.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0185160, filed on December 28, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device that provides tactile feedback including a pressing tactile sensation. Background Technology

[0004] A touch panel is a device configured to sense a user's touch input (such as a touch on the screen of a display device) or gestures. Besides portable display devices including smartphones and tablets, touch panels are widely used in large-size display devices, such as public utility displays and smart TVs. Touch panel operating modes can include resistive, capacitive, optical, and electromagnetic (EM) modes.

[0005] However, a new actuator has recently been developed that can sense a user's touch input and provide tactile effects. This actuator allows the user to experience various tactile sensations with their finger or stylus as feedback for the user's touch input. Generally, tactile feedback is generated when the actuator vibrates as a whole or in a localized area, regardless of the area of ​​touch input. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One objective of this disclosure is to provide a display device having a pressing structure for providing corresponding tactile feedback.

[0007] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a display device that transmits tactile feedback to each tactile unit to which a touch pressure is applied.

[0008] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a display device that transmits tactile feedback through pressing.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned purposes, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other purposes not mentioned above based on the following description.

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the display device includes a display panel. The display device also includes a support substrate disposed below the display panel. The support substrate includes a plurality of pressing structures configured to provide a plurality of corresponding haptic feedbacks. Therefore, a display device providing haptic feedback for each touch input area can be realized.

[0011] Further details of the exemplary embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0012] According to the disclosure, a display device having a pressing structure for providing a corresponding haptic feedback can be provided.

[0013] In addition, according to the disclosure, a display device that transmits a haptic feedback of each haptic unit to which a touch pressure is applied can be implemented.

[0014] Further, according to the disclosure, a display device that provides a pressing haptic of each haptic unit to which a touch pressure is applied can be implemented.

[0015] Further, according to the disclosure, a flexible display panel can be used in a non-folded area.

[0016] Effects according to the disclosure are not limited to the contents exemplified above, and more various effects are included in the present specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] The above and other aspects, features, and other advantages of the disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first display device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a non-folded area of a first display device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a first support substrate of a first display device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along Figure 2 line IV-IV' of FIG. 4A;

[0022] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of a second support substrate of a second display device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0023] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a non-folded area of a third display device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0024] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along Figure 6 line VII-VII' of FIG. 7A;

[0025] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a non-folded area of a fourth display device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0026] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX' of Figure 8 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and a method for achieving the advantages and features will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein and can be implemented in various forms. The exemplary embodiments provided are merely examples to enable a person skilled in the art to sufficiently understand the disclosure and the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure will be limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto.

[0028] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, and the like shown in the drawings for describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals generally denote the same elements. Also, in the following description of the present disclosure, detailed explanations of known related technologies can be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of the present disclosure. The terms such as "include," "have," and "comprise" used herein are generally intended to allow addition of other components, unless the terms are used with the term "only." Unless explicitly stated otherwise, any reference to a singular can include a plural.

[0029] Components are interpreted to include ordinary error ranges even if not explicitly stated.

[0030] When terms such as "upper," "above," "lower," and "adjacent" are used to describe the positional relationship between two components, unless the terms are used with the term "immediately" or "directly," one or more components can be located between the two components.

[0031] When an element or layer is disposed "on" another element or layer, other layers or other elements can be directly interposed on the other element or between them.

[0032] Although the terms "first," "second," and the like are used to describe various components, the components are not limited by these terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another component. Thus, the first component to be mentioned below can be a second component in the technical idea of the present disclosure.

[0033] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals generally denote the same elements.

[0034] The size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are shown for convenience of description and the present disclosure is not limited to the size and thickness of the components shown.

[0035] ​Features of various embodiments of the present disclosure can be partially or wholly dependent on each other or combined, and can be technically interlocked and operated in various ways, and embodiments can be executed independently of or in association with each other.

[0036] Hereinafter, a display device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first display device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a non-folded area of the first display device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For the convenience of description, Figure 2 only the non-folded area is shown.

[0038] The first display device 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can include a display panel 110 and a first support substrate 120.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1 , the first display device 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be folded in a notebook computer form or unfolded in a tablet computer form. The first display device 100 includes a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. In the display area DA, a plurality of pixels are provided and an image is displayed. The non-display area NDA surrounds the display area DA. In the non-display area NDA, an image is not displayed, and various lines of a driving circuit, a driver IC, a printed circuit board, etc. for driving the pixels provided in the display area DA are provided. For example, in the non-display area NDA, various ICs such as a gate driver IC and a data driver IC, a VSS line, etc. can be provided.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1 , the first display device 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least one folding area FA and two or more non-folding areas NFA. The folding area FA is folded when the first display device 100 is folded. The folding area FA can be folded around a folding axis with a specific radius of curvature. The non-folding area NFA is not folded when the first display device 100 is folded. That is, the non-folding area NFA maintains a flat state when the first display device 100 is folded. The non-folding area NFA can be located on one side or both sides of the folding area FA. For example, if the folding axis of the folding area FA is formed along the Y-axis direction, the non-folding area NFA is defined as extending from the folding area FA in the X-axis direction perpendicular to the folding axis.

[0041] Figure 1 and Figure 2It is shown that the first display device includes a folding area FA and two non-folding areas NFA located on both sides of the folding area FA. The number and location of the folding area FA and the non-folding area NFA can be changed in different ways, but are not limited thereto. For example, the first display device can not include the folding area FA. That is, the first display device can not be foldable.

[0042] Reference Figure 2 The first display panel 110 is a panel on which an image is implemented. In the display panel 110, a display element for implementing an image, a circuit unit for driving the display element, etc. can be provided. For example, if the first display device 100 is an organic light emitting display device, the display element can include an organic light emitting element.

[0043] Hereinafter, for the convenience of description, it is assumed that the display device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is a foldable organic light emitting display device including an organic light emitting element. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0044] The circuit unit can include various thin film transistors, capacitors, lines, and driver ICs for driving the organic light emitting element. For example, the circuit unit can include various components such as a driving thin film transistor, a switching thin film transistor, a storage capacitor, a gate line, a data line, a gate driver IC, and a data driver IC, but is not limited thereto.

[0045] The first support substrate 120 is disposed below the display panel 110. The first support substrate 120 can be made of a metal material, for example, stainless steel (SUS) (SUS contains another metal such as nickel (Ni)), Invar, iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), or magnesium (Mg). For example, the first support substrate 120 can be made of SUS, and the SUS has high resilience and high rigidity. Thus, even when the thickness of the first support substrate 120 is reduced, a certain degree of rigidity can be maintained.

[0046] A plurality of openings (not shown) are disposed in the folding area FA of the first support substrate 120. The folding performance can be adjusted by adjusting the number and size of the plurality of openings (not shown). By using the plurality of openings (not shown), the durability of the first support substrate 120 can be maintained, and external stress generated during folding can be reduced. Also, the folding performance can be improved by adjusting the radius of curvature. The shape of the openings (not shown) can be an elliptical shape or a rectangular shape, but is not limited thereto, and can be selectively changed as needed.

[0047] The plurality of pressing structures PS are disposed in the non-fold area NFA of the first support substrate 120. In general, haptic feedback is generated when the electroactive layer as a whole or in part vibrates, regardless of the touch input area. However, in the first support substrate 120 of the first display device 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressing structures PS are disposed to provide corresponding haptic feedback. Accordingly, it is possible to provide vibration and pressing haptics for each touch input area. For example, the pressing structures PS are disposed in the first support substrate 120 in a keyboard arrangement so as to correspond to respective key areas. Accordingly, the display area DA of the first display device 100 can deliver haptic feedback to a user, which can be felt like the user presses a keyboard. Reference will be made to Figure 3 The pressing structures PS will be described in more detail.

[0048] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view illustrating an upper surface of a first support substrate of a first display device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the IV-IV' line of Figure 2 For the convenience of description, Figure 3 and Figure 4 Only the non-fold area NFA or the first support substrate 120 of the first display device 100 is illustrated.

[0049] Referring to Figure 3 , the first support substrate 120 includes a plurality of pressing structures PS. Each of the plurality of pressing structures PS includes a first planar portion 121 that is downwardly movable when a touch pressure is applied thereto, and a first hole 122 that surrounds a portion of the first planar portion 121. The first hole 122 can have a spiral shape that surrounds the first planar portion 121 when viewed from an upper surface of the first support substrate 120. As Figure 3 indicated, the spiral-shaped first hole 122 can be a hole having a rectangular spiral shape. A central portion of the first planar portion 121 can have a shape similar to a rectangle according to the rectangular spiral-shaped first hole 122. However, the spiral-shaped first hole 122 having a curved structure and the central portion of the first planar portion 121 can have a circular shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0050] Referring to Figure 4 , when a touch pressure is applied to the display panel 110 overlapping the pressing structure PS, the spiral-shaped first planar portion 121 is moved downward, thereby forming a depression. Then, when the touch pressure is removed, the pattern is restored to its original state by the elasticity of the pattern. Accordingly, it is possible to deliver haptic feedback to a user through pressing haptics.

[0051] Accordingly, in the first display device 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the first support substrate 120 including the press structure PS is disposed under the display panel 110. Accordingly, when a user makes a touch input to the press structure PS, haptic feedback can be delivered through press haptics. The flexible display panel 110, which has conventionally been used only in the folding area, can also be used in the display area DA of the non-folding area NFA. Also, a conventional display device delivers haptic feedback to all or a part of the display area regardless of the touch input area. Meanwhile, the display device according to the disclosure can deliver haptic feedback to every area to which touch pressure is applied.

[0052] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view illustrating an upper surface of a second support substrate of a second display device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 5 The second display device 200 shown in Figure 3 has substantially the same configuration as the first display device 100 shown in , except for the press structure PS in the second support substrate 220. Accordingly, a repeated description will be omitted.

[0053] Figure 5 Referring to Figure 5 , each of the plurality of second planar portions 221 and each of the plurality of second holes 222 is disposed to correspond to each of the plurality of press structures PS. Each of the second holes 222 can include a zigzag shape around the second planar portion 221 when viewed from the upper surface of the second support substrate 220. The second planar portion 221 formed by the zigzag shape functions as a connector to connect a central portion of the second planar portion 221 disposed at the center to an outer portion of the second planar portion 221 while enabling the second planar portion 221 to move downward. As shown in

[0054] Accordingly, in the second display device 200 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the second support substrate 220 including the press structure PS is disposed under the display panel 110. Accordingly, when a user makes a touch input to the press structure PS, haptic feedback can be transmitted through press haptics. The flexible display panel 110, of which only a folding area has been conventionally used, can also be used in a display area DA of a non-folding area NFA. In addition, a conventional display device transmits haptic feedback to all or a part of a display area regardless of a touch input area. Meanwhile, the display device according to the present disclosure can transmit haptic feedback to every area to which touch pressure is applied.

[0055] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a non-folding area of a third display device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 The third display device 300 shown in FIG. 11 has substantially the same configuration as the first display device 100 shown in FIG. 1, except for a touch panel TP and a first actuator A1. Accordingly, a repeated description will be omitted. Figure 2 Referring to FIG. 11,

[0056] In the third display device 300 according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch panel TP is disposed on the display panel 110. Also, the first support substrate 120 is disposed under the display panel 110, and the adhesive layer AD is disposed under the first support substrate 120. Alternatively, the first support substrate 120 can be replaced with the second support substrate 220. Further, the first actuator A1 is disposed under the adhesive layer AD. Figure 6 The touch panel TP is disposed on the display panel 110. The touch panel TP is a panel that receives a touch input of a user to the display device. For example, a capacitive touch panel, a resistive touch panel, an ultrasonic touch panel, or an infrared touch panel can be used as the touch panel TP. Preferably, the capacitive touch panel TP can be used as the touch panel TP. Although

[0057] Although it is shown that the touch panel TP is disposed on the display panel 110, the touch panel TP can also be disposed under the display panel 110. Alternatively, the touch panel TP can be integrated with the display panel 110. Figure 6

[0058] ​The first actuator Al includes an electroactive layer 340, a first electrode 350, and a second electrode 330. The electroactive layer 340 is a flat film made of an electroactive polymer, which is a polymer material modified by an electric stimulus. For example, the electroactive layer 340 can be made of a dielectric elastomer such as a silicon (Si)-based, polyurethane (PU)-based, and acrylic-based elastomer, or a relaxor ferroelectric polymer such as PVDF-TrFE-CFE and PVDF-TrFE-CTFE. When the electroactive layer 340 is made of a dielectric elastomer, the dielectric elastomer contracts and expands due to a Coulomb force acting on the electroactive layer 340 generated when a voltage is applied on the first electrode 350 and the second electrode 330. Accordingly, the actuator Al vibrates. Also, when the electroactive layer 340 is made of a relaxor ferroelectric polymer, the alignment direction of dipoles in the electroactive layer 340 changes when a voltage is applied to the electroactive layer 340. Accordingly, the electroactive layer 340 contracts and expands, so that the actuator Al vibrates.

[0059] A plurality of electrodes is disposed on both surfaces of the electroactive layer 340. The plurality of electrodes includes the first electrode 350 and the second electrode 330. The first electrode 350 and the second electrode 330 are disposed to apply a voltage to the electroactive layer 340 and are made of a conductive material. In addition, in order to secure a high light transmittance of the actuator Al, the first electrode 350 and the second electrode 330 can be made of a transparent conductive material. For example, the first electrode 350 and the second electrode 330 can be made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), fluorine tin oxide (FTO), or silver nanowire (AgNW). Alternatively, the first electrode 350 and the second electrode 330 can be made of a metal mesh. That is, the first electrode 350 and the second electrode 330 can be made of a metal mesh in which a metal material is disposed in a mesh form. Accordingly, the first electrode 350 and the second electrode 330 can be used in a transparent electrode. However, the constituent material of the first electrode 350 and the second electrode 330 is not limited to the above-described examples. Various transparent conductive materials can be used as the constituent material of the first electrode 350 and the second electrode 330. The first electrode 350 and the second electrode 330 can be made of the same material or different materials.

[0060] The first electrode 350 is disposed on one surface of the electroactive layer 340, and the second electrode 330 is disposed on the other surface of the electroactive layer 340. For example, the first electrode 350 can be disposed on a lower surface of the electroactive layer 340, and the second electrode 330 can be disposed on an upper surface of the electroactive layer 340. As shown in FIG. 1A, the second electrode 330 can be patterned as a plurality of second pattern electrodes. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1A, the second electrode 330 can be patterned as a plurality of second pattern electrodes.

[0061] The area of the second electrode 330 corresponds to the area of the haptic unit. The area of each haptic unit can be determined in consideration of the size of a finger of an average person. Since the first actuator A1 delivers haptic feedback on the touch input area of the user, the haptic unit, which is the minimum unit area to deliver haptic feedback to the user, can be determined in consideration of the area where the user's touch input is generated. In this case, since the area where the user's touch input is generated is determined according to the size of a finger of an average person, the area of the haptic unit can also be determined according to the size of a finger of an average person.

[0062] In some exemplary embodiments, the area of the haptic unit can also be determined in consideration of the area of the touch unit of the touch panel TP which can be used with the first actuator A1. Here, the touch unit of the touch panel TP refers to the minimum unit that senses the user's touch input. When the area of the haptic unit of the touch element is determined in consideration of the area of the touch unit, the haptic unit can correspond to the touch unit of the touch panel TP in a one-to-one correspondence. In this case, the first actuator A1 can provide haptic feedback at the exact touch point where the user's touch input is applied thereto.

[0063] The first electrode 350 consists of a single electrode. In this case, a reference voltage can be applied to the first electrode 350. For example, the second electrode 330 can be grounded. In this case, an electric field is applied to the electroactive layer 340 according to the potential difference between the first electrode 350 and the second pattern electrode of the second electrode 330. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first electrode 350 can include a plurality of first pattern electrodes corresponding to the second pattern electrodes of the second electrode 330. In this case, the haptic unit of the actuator A1 can generate vibrations of various frequencies. Specifically, voltages having frequencies different from each other can be applied between the second pattern electrodes and the first pattern electrodes corresponding thereto. In this case, the haptic units corresponding to the first pattern electrodes and the second pattern electrodes can respectively generate vibrations of different frequencies.

[0064] The adhesive layer AD can cover one surface of the electroactive layer 340, and the vibration generated in the electroactive layer 340 can be delivered through the adhesive layer AD. That is, the adhesive layer AD is used as a vibration delivery layer which delivers the vibration generated in the electroactive layer 340. Specifically, the adhesive layer AD is configured to deliver a vibration component in a direction perpendicular to one surface of the electroactive layer 340 among the vibration generated in the electroactive layer 340, and to absorb a vibration component in a direction parallel to the one surface of the electroactive layer 340 among the vibration generated in the electroactive layer 340. This will be described later with reference to FIG. 6. Figure 7

[0065] Hereinafter, reference will also be made to Figure 7 ​A detailed description is made of a process of delivering haptic feedback in response to a touch input in a haptic unit receiving the touch input.

[0066] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along Figure 6 the VII-VII' line of FIG. 7.

[0067] Referring to Figure 7 When a touch input by a user is made, the touch panel TP can sense a position of the touch input. Accordingly, a driving voltage can be applied to the first electrode 350 and the second electrode 330 disposed corresponding to the position of the touch input sensed by the touch panel TP. Accordingly, vibration is generated in a specific haptic unit overlapping the first electrode 350 and the second electrode 330 to which the voltage is applied. The vibration generated in the electroactive layer 340 is delivered to the upper portion through the second electrode 330.

[0068] In the third display device 300 according to the third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, haptic feedback can be delivered through the pressing haptics of the first support substrate 120 including a plurality of pressing structures PS disposed in the non-folded area and the vibration of the first actuator A1. In particular, the haptic feedback can be delivered only to the touch panel TP corresponding to a specific haptic unit in which a touch input is made. Also, the flexible display panel 110, which has been conventionally used only in the folded area, can be used in the display area DA of the non-folded area NFA as well.

[0069] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a non-folded area of a fourth display device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 8 The fourth display device 400 shown in FIG. 4 has substantially the same configuration as the third display device 300 shown in FIG. 3, except for the spacer 460 and the second actuator A2. Accordingly, a repeated description will be omitted. Figure 6

[0070] Referring to Figure 8 In the fourth display device 400 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the second actuator A2 can include the first electrode 350, the electroactive layer 340, and the first support substrate 120 as the second electrode. That is, the first support substrate 120 can serve as the second electrode without using an additional second electrode. Accordingly, the spacer 460 is disposed such that the electroactive layer 340 and the first support substrate 120 can be spaced apart from each other.

[0071] ​The first electrode 350 is disposed on one surface of the electroactive layer 340, and the first support substrate 120 is disposed on the other surface of the electroactive layer 340. For example, the first electrode 350 can be disposed on the lower surface of the electroactive layer 340, and the first support substrate 120 as the second electrode can be disposed on the upper surface of the electroactive layer 340. As Figure 8 As shown, the pressing structure PS of the first support substrate 120 can be disposed in a plurality of units so as to be a plurality of second pattern electrodes as described above. Alternatively or additionally, the first electrode 350 can include a plurality of first pattern electrodes corresponding to a plurality of pressing structures PS of the first support substrate 120.

[0072] The area of each pressing structure PS of the first support substrate 120 corresponds to the area of the haptic unit. The area of each haptic unit can be determined in consideration of the size of a human finger.

[0073] When a reference voltage is applied to the first electrode 350, the first support substrate 120 can be grounded. In this case, an electric field is applied to the electroactive layer 340 based on the potential difference between the first electrode 350 and the pressing structure PS of the first support substrate 120.

[0074] The spacer 460 is made of an insulating material so that the first support substrate 120 and the electroactive layer 340 are not grounded when no touch input is made. The spacer 460 can be formed at the periphery of the plurality of pressing structures PS of the first support substrate 120, but is not limited thereto.

[0075] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be made of Figure 9 the process of delivering haptic feedback in response to a touch input in a haptic unit that receives the touch input.

[0076] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the IX-IX' line of Figure 8 .

[0077] Referring to Figure 9 When a touch input of a user is made, the touch panel TP can sense the position of the touch input. Accordingly, a driving voltage can be applied to the first electrode 350 and the first support substrate 120 disposed corresponding to the position of the touch input sensed by the touch panel TP. Accordingly, vibration is generated in a specific haptic unit overlapping the first electrode 350 and the first support substrate 120 to which the voltage is applied. The vibration generated in the electroactive layer 340 is transmitted to the upper portion through the first support substrate 120.

[0078] In the fourth display device 400 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the haptic feedback can be delivered through the pressing haptics of the first support substrate 120 including a plurality of pressing structures disposed in the non-folded area and the vibration of the second actuator A2. In particular, the haptic feedback can be delivered only to the touch panel TP corresponding to a specific haptic unit that makes a touch input. In addition, the flexible display panel 110, which has been conventionally used only in the folded area, can also be used in the display area DA of the non-folded area NFA.

[0079] Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure can also be described as follows.

[0080] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a display device is provided. The display device includes a display panel. The display device further includes a support substrate disposed below the display panel. The support substrate includes a plurality of pressing structures arranged to provide respective haptic feedbacks.

[0081] Each of the plurality of pressing structures can include a planar portion and a hole surrounding a portion of the planar portion.

[0082] The hole can have a spiral shape surrounding the planar portion.

[0083] The hole can include a zigzag shape surrounding the planar portion.

[0084] The display device can further include a touch panel configured to receive a touch input of a user. The display device can further include an actuator disposed below the support substrate. The actuator can deliver haptic feedback in response to the touch input of the user.

[0085] The actuator can include an electroactive layer. The actuator further includes a first electrode disposed below the electroactive layer. The actuator can further include a second electrode disposed above the electroactive layer and below the plurality of pressing structures.

[0086] At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is patterned as a plurality of patterned electrodes.

[0087] The display device can further include a spacer disposed below the support substrate. The display device can further include an electroactive layer disposed below the spacer. The display device can further include a first electrode disposed below the electroactive layer.

[0088] The plurality of pressing structures, the electroactive layer, and the first electrode can constitute the actuator.

[0089] The display panel includes a folded area and non-folded areas located on both sides of the folded area, a plurality of openings are disposed in the folded area, and a plurality of pressing structures are disposed in the non-folded areas.

[0090] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can be embodied in many different forms. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are merely for the purpose of illustration, not to limit the technical concept of the present disclosure. The scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described exemplary embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and do not limit the present disclosure. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the following claims, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope thereof should be interpreted as belonging thereto.

Claims

1. A display apparatus comprising: a display panel; and a support substrate disposed below the display panel, wherein the support substrate comprises a plurality of pressing structures disposed to provide a plurality of corresponding haptic feedbacks, wherein each of the plurality of pressing structures comprises: a planar portion configured to be moved downward upon application of a touch pressure; and a hole extending through the support substrate and surrounding a portion of the planar portion, and providing elasticity for restoring to an original state of the planar portion upon elimination of the touch pressure.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The hole has a spiral shape surrounding the planar portion.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The hole comprises a zigzag shape.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The display apparatus further comprises: a touch panel configured to receive a touch input of a user; and an actuator disposed below the support substrate, wherein the actuator delivers haptic feedback in response to the touch input of the user.

5. The display device of claim 4, wherein, The actuator comprises: an electroactive layer; a first electrode disposed below the electroactive layer; and a second electrode disposed above the electroactive layer and below the plurality of pressing structures.

6. The display device of claim 5, wherein, At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is patterned into a plurality of patterned electrodes.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The display apparatus further comprises: a spacer disposed below the support substrate; an electroactive layer disposed below the spacer; and a first electrode disposed below the electroactive layer.

8. The display device of claim 7, wherein, The plurality of pressing structures, the electroactive layer, and the first electrode constitute an actuator.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The display panel comprises a folding area and non-folding areas located on both sides of the folding area, a plurality of openings are disposed in the folding area, and the plurality of pressing structures are disposed in the non-folding areas.

Images