Display device

Abstract

A display device is disclosed. The display device includes a display panel including a non-folded area and a slide area in order along a first direction, a display surface located in the non-folded area and the slide area, and the slide area including an exposed area of the display surface closest to the non-folded area, the exposed area having a variable length along the first direction; a support member coupled to the display panel and movable with the display panel; and a housing facing the support member with the display panel between the housing and the support member, and the housing defining an opening corresponding to the non-folded area. The housing is slideably extendable and contractible along the first direction in the slide area, the slideably contractible housing defining a first length of the exposed area, and the slideably extendable housing defining a second length of the exposed area greater than the first length.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to and all benefits arising therefrom of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0078037, filed on June 16, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to display devices. Background Technology

[0004] With the development of multimedia technology, the importance of display devices has been continuously increasing. Therefore, various types of display devices are now in use, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays.

[0005] Electronic devices (such as mobile electronic devices) include display units to provide images to users. Flexible display devices, foldable display devices, rollable display devices, sliding display devices, stretchable display devices, etc., have been developed that utilize flexible display panels that can be bent, folded, or rolled up. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The implementation provides a display device that can maximize the size of the area where an image is displayed in the unfolded state while minimizing the volume of the display device in the folded state.

[0007] However, the features of this disclosure are not limited to those set forth herein. These and other features of the disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the detailed description of the disclosure given below.

[0008] In implementations of the display device, the size of the area in which the image is displayed in the unfolded (e.g., in the unfolded state) display device can be maximized while minimizing the volume of the folded (e.g., in the folded state) display device. Furthermore, the display panel can be protected by exposing the panel members through external openings in the housing in the sliding extended state.

[0009] However, the effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and various other effects are included in this specification.

[0010] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel including a first non-folding region, a second non-folding region located on one side of the first non-folding region, a folded region located between the first and second non-folding regions, and a sliding region disposed opposite to the folded region, wherein the second non-folding region is inserted between the sliding region and the folded region, and the sliding region has an exposed area that increases during sliding extension; a housing surrounding at least a portion of the display panel; a hinge member connected to and foldable together with the housing; and a support member connected to the display panel. The housing includes a first opening that exposes at least a portion of the sliding region in a sliding non-extended state and exposes at least a portion of the support member in a sliding extended state.

[0011] The housing may include a first housing, a second housing, and a third housing. The first housing includes a first opening and surrounds a sliding region, and varies the area of ​​the exposed surface of the sliding region. The second housing partially overlaps with the first housing and surrounds a first non-folding region. The third housing is opposite to the second housing, and a hinge member is inserted between the third housing and the second housing. The third housing surrounds a second non-folding region.

[0012] The display device may further include a support member located on the rear surface of the folded region opposite to the display surface, wherein the support member includes a first support member located on the rear surface opposite to the display surface of the first non-folded region and connected to the folding member, a plurality of second support members located on the rear surface opposite to the display surface of the sliding region and having a rod-like shape extending in one direction, and a third support member connected to the outer end of the sliding region.

[0013] The display device may also include a roller member coupled to the first housing and extending in the same direction as each of the second support members, wherein the plurality of second support members surround the roller member.

[0014] As the display device changes from a sliding non-extended state to a sliding extended state, the distance between the second support members that are in contact with the roller member among the first support member and a plurality of second support members can be increased.

[0015] The display device may also include an optical sensor module coupled to the first housing, wherein the optical sensor module includes a first module facing the other side of the first direction and overlapping the first opening, and a second module facing the side of the first direction.

[0016] The sliding area may include a first sensing area having a lower transmittance than the surrounding area, the first non-folded area may include a second sensing area having a lower transmittance than the surrounding area, and in the sliding non-extended state, the first module may overlap with the first sensing area, and the second module may overlap with the second sensing area.

[0017] The plurality of second support members may include a second opening that partially exposes the sliding area, and the first support member may include a third opening that partially exposes the first non-folded area. The second opening may overlap with the first sensing area, and the third opening may overlap with the second sensing area.

[0018] In the sliding non-extended state, the first module can receive light transmitted through the first opening, the second opening and the first sensing area, and the second module can receive light transmitted through the third opening and the second sensing area. In the sliding extended state, the second module can receive light transmitted through the second opening and the first sensing area.

[0019] The thickness of the third support member can be greater than the thickness of the second support member or the thickness of the display panel.

[0020] The first housing may expose at least a portion of the curved section of the sliding area.

[0021] When the sliding non-extended state changes to the sliding extended state, the second shell can move away from the first opening.

[0022] The substrate may be included in at least one of the folded region and the sliding region, and includes a plurality of island patterns and a plurality of bridge patterns, the plurality of bridge patterns connecting the plurality of island patterns that are adjacent to each other.

[0023] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a display device has a first state, a second state, and a third state. The first state is a folded and sliding non-extended state, the second state is an unfolded and sliding non-extended state, and the third state is an unfolded and sliding extended state. The display device includes: a display panel including a first non-folded region and a sliding region connected to the first non-folded region; a support member including a plurality of first support members on a rear surface opposite to the display surface of the sliding region and a second support member connected to the outer end of the sliding region; a roller member surrounded by the plurality of first support members; and a first housing surrounding at least a portion of the support member and including a first opening. The first housing exposes at least a portion of the display surface of the sliding region in the first and second states, and exposes at least a portion of the second support member in the third state.

[0024] When the second state changes to the third state, the distance between the roller component and the second support component can be reduced.

[0025] The display device may further include an optical sensor module coupled to the first housing, wherein the optical sensor module may include a first module facing the other side of the first direction and overlapping the first opening and a second module facing the first direction, the sliding area may include a first sensing area having a lower transmittance than the surrounding area, the first non-folding area may include a second sensing area having a lower transmittance than the surrounding area, and in the first state and the second state, the first module may overlap with the first sensing area and the second module may overlap with the second sensing area.

[0026] The display device may further include a third support member located on a rear surface opposite to the display surface of the first non-folded region, wherein the plurality of first support members may include a second opening that partially exposes the sliding region, the third support member may include a third opening that partially exposes the first non-folded region, the second opening may overlap with the first sensing region, and the third opening may overlap with the second sensing region.

[0027] In the second state, the first module can receive light transmitted through the first opening, the second opening and the first sensing area, and the second module can receive light transmitted through the third opening and the second sensing area. In the third state, the second module can receive light transmitted through the second opening and the first sensing area.

[0028] The first housing may expose at least a portion of the curved section of the sliding area.

[0029] The orientation of the display surface of the sliding area is changed by the movement of the first support member along the roller member. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The above and other features of this disclosure will become more apparent from a detailed description of embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an implementation of an unfolded display device;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a foldable display device;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a rear plan view of an implementation of the unfolded display device;

[0034] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view taken by line IV-IV';

[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of region Q1;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a plan view of an implementation of the display panel;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a plan view of an implementation of the folded area in the display panel;

[0038] Figure 8 It is a plan view of an embodiment of the support structure for the display device;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a display device that unfolds and slides out.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a rear plan view of an embodiment of a display device that unfolds and slides out.

[0041] Figure 11 It is along Figure 9 A sectional view taken by line XI-XI';

[0042] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of region Q2;

[0043] Figure 13 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sliding, non-extended display device;

[0044] Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sliding extension display device;

[0045] Figure 15 It is a plan view of an embodiment of the display panel of the display device;

[0046] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the pixel arrangement of a display device;

[0047] Figure 17 It is a plan view of an embodiment of the support structure for the display device;

[0048] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sliding, non-extended display device;

[0049] Figure 19 It is along Figure 18 A cross-sectional view taken by line XIX-XIX';

[0050] Figure 20 A perspective view of an embodiment of a sliding extension display device; and

[0051] Figure 21 It is along Figure 20 A sectional view taken from line XXI-XXI'. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are illustrated. However, the invention may be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0053] It should also be understood that when a layer is referred to in relation to another element, such as “on” another layer or substrate, it can be directly on that other layer or substrate, or there may be an intermediate layer. Conversely, when a layer is referred to in relation to another element, such as “directly” on another layer or substrate, there are no other layers or substrates, or intermediate layers. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same parts. As used herein, reference numerals can indicate a singular number of elements or multiple elements. For example, reference numerals that denote elements in the singular form within a drawing can be used to refer to multiple singular elements within the text of the specification.

[0054] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element without departing from the teachings of the invention. Similarly, the second element may also be referred to as the first element.

[0055] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” and “at least one” do not indicate a limitation of quantity and are intended to include both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, “element” has the same meaning as “at least one element” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “At least one” should not be construed as limiting “a” or “an.” “Or” means “and / or.” As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” or “includes” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, areas, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, areas, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0056] For ease of description, when referring to the surface of the display device DD or each component constituting the display device DD, a surface facing the direction of the displayed image is called the upper surface, and another surface that is the opposite surface of that one surface is called the lower surface. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and one surface and the other surface of a component may be referred to as the front surface and the rear surface, or may be referred to as the first surface or the second surface, respectively.

[0057] As used herein, “about” or “approximately” includes the value as well as the average of the values ​​within an acceptable range of deviations from the particular value, as determined by a person skilled in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” may mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5% of the value.

[0058] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, shall be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the relevant technical context and in the context of this disclosure, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0059] Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views, which are schematic diagrams of idealized embodiments. Similarly, variations in the shapes shown in the figures should be anticipated, for example, due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be construed as limited to the specific region shapes shown herein, but should include, for example, shape deviations due to manufacturing processes. For example, regions shown or described as flat may generally have rough and / or non-linear characteristics. Furthermore, sharp corners shown may be rounded. Therefore, the regions shown in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate precise region shapes, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0060] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an implementation of an unfolded display device DD. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a foldable display device DD. Figure 3 This is a rear plan view of an implementation of the unfolded display device DD. Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view taken from line IV-IV'. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of region Q1. Figure 6This is a plan view of an implementation of the unfolded display panel (DP). Figure 7 This is a plan view of an implementation of the folded area FA in the display panel DP. Figure 8 This is a plan view of an embodiment of the support member SM of a display device DD that includes multiple support members.

[0062] Reference Figures 1 to 8 In a plan view, the display device DD may have a rectangular shape. In an embodiment, in a plan view, the display device DD may include two short sides extending in a first direction X (or along the first direction X) and two long sides extending in a second direction Y (or along the second direction Y) intersecting the first direction X. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display device DD may have various shapes.

[0063] Display device DD can be any electronic device used to display images or having a screen on which images are displayed. Examples of electronic devices and / or display devices DD can be smartphones, mobile phones, tablet PCs, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), televisions, game consoles, watch-type electronic devices, head-mounted displays, monitors for personal computers, laptops, car navigation systems, car dashboards, digital cameras, portable video cameras, external billboards, electronic billboards, various medical devices, various examination equipment, various home appliances (such as refrigerators and washing machines that include display units), Internet of Things devices, etc., but are not limited to these.

[0064] The display device DD can include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA can display images or videos. Multiple pixels PX can be set in the display area DA. Figure 1 As shown, the display area DA can be disposed on the top surface of the display device DD or define the top surface of the display device DD.

[0065] The non-display area NDA may not display images or videos. The non-display area NDA may be located adjacent to the display area DA, such as around the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may be configured to surround the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may, for example, be an area in which light-blocking elements such as a black matrix are disposed (e.g., a planar area). In embodiments, the display area DA may have a rectangular shape, and the non-display area NDA may be configured to surround the four sides of the display area DA, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0066] The display device DD can be a foldable display device DD, which is foldable and unfoldable (e.g., it can be folded or unfolded). Furthermore, the display device DD can be a sliding display device DD, which is sliding (e.g., it can slide to extend, slide to retract, or not extend). In the following description, a slidingly extended (e.g., sliding extended state) display device DD can maximize the exposed portion of the display area DA through the maximum sliding movement of the display device DD. A slidingly retractable or non-extended (e.g., sliding non-extended state) display device DD can minimize the exposed portion of the display device DD.

[0067] The display device DD may include a display panel DP for generating and / or displaying images, a housing HS surrounding the display panel DP, a hinge member HG and a folding member FM capable of folding, and a support member SM capable of sliding. The housing HS may include a first housing HS1, a second housing HS2, and a third housing HS3. The support member SM may include a roller member RL, a first support member SM1, a second support member SM2, and a third support member SM3. The housing HS is slidably extended and slidably retracted in a direction (e.g., a second direction Y) at the sliding area SA of the display panel DP.

[0068] The display panel DP may include a folded area FA, a first non-folded area NFA1, a second non-folded area NFA2, and a sliding area SA. Each of the folded area FA, the first non-folded area NFA1, the second non-folded area NFA2, and the sliding area SA of the display panel DP may be, but is not limited to, a display area DA of a display device DD. The sliding area SA may extend from a non-display area (e.g., the first non-folded area NFA1) along the extension direction of the display device DD (e.g., a second direction Y). The folded area FA, the non-folded area (e.g., the first non-folded area NFA1), and the sliding area SA are arranged sequentially along a direction (e.g., the second direction Y).

[0069] The folding region FA can be a foldable or bendable region, folding or bending respectively when the display device DD is folded. The non-folding region can be a region that does not fold or bend even when the display device DD is folded, maintaining uniformity or flatness. The sliding region SA can be a region that bends during sliding extension and non-extension (e.g., retraction) operations of the display device DD.

[0070] The first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2 may be arranged in the second direction Y (or along the second direction Y), and the folding region FA may be disposed between the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2. In an embodiment, for example, the first non-folding region NFA1 may be disposed on the other side (e.g., the second side) of the folding region FA in the second direction Y, and the second non-folding region NFA2 may be disposed on the side (e.g., the first side) of the folding region FA opposite to the other side in the second direction Y. The first non-folding region NFA1 may be smaller in size than the second non-folding region NFA2. That is, the planar area of ​​the first non-folding region NFA1 defined by the product of its dimensions along the first direction X and the second direction Y may be smaller than the planar area of ​​the second non-folding region NFA2 defined by the product of its dimensions along the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0071] The sliding area SA can be disposed on the opposite side of the first non-folding area NFA1 in the second direction Y. That is, the sliding area SA can be placed opposite the folding area FA, and the first non-folding area NFA1 is inserted between them. The sliding area SA can be connected to the first non-folding area NFA1. Even when the display device DD is folded or unfolded, the angle between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the sliding area SA exposed to the outside of the display device DD can be approximately 180°. In the sliding non-extended state of the display device DD, the sum of the size of the first non-folding area NFA1 (e.g., planar area) exposed to the outside of the display device DD and the size of the sliding area SA can be substantially equal to the size of the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0072] One side of the sliding region SA can be connected to the first non-folding region NFA1, and its other side can be connected to the third support member SM3, which will be described later. The sliding region SA can be flexible so that it bends at the other end of the display device DD in the second direction Y. That is, the direction in which the display surface of the sliding region SA faces can be flipped at the other end of the display device DD in the second direction Y. The display surface of the sliding region SA at the part connected to the first non-folding region NFA1 can be substantially oriented towards the side along the third direction Z. The display surface of the sliding region SA at the part connected to the third support member SM3 can be substantially oriented towards the other side along the third direction Z (e.g., the opposite direction). That is, the display surfaces can face each other in opposite directions. The display surface at the sliding region SA faces the facing direction, and the movement of the plurality of support members around the roller member RL changes the facing direction of the display surface at the sliding region SA. In the sliding non-extended state of the display device DD, the part of the sliding region SA connected to the third support member SM3 can be partially exposed to the outside of the housing HS through the first opening OP1 defined in the first housing HS1.

[0073] The sliding area SA may partially overlap with the first non-folding area NFA1. When the display device DD slides out, the overlap between the sliding area SA and the first non-folding area NFA1 may decrease, and when the display device DD slides back (e.g., does not slide out), the overlap between the sliding area SA and the first non-folding area NFA1 may increase.

[0074] When the display device DD is folded, the second non-folded region NFA2 overlaps with both the first non-folded region NFA1 and the sliding region SA along a third direction Z (e.g., the thickness direction). Alternatively, the display device DD can be bent or flattened such that the second non-folded region NFA2 is tilted relative to the first non-folded region NFA1 and the sliding region SA. In embodiments, for example, the display device DD can be folded such that the second non-folded region NFA2 forms an angle greater than about 0° and less than 180° relative to the first non-folded region NFA1 and / or the sliding region SA, or the display device DD can be unfolded such that the second non-folded region NFA2 forms an angle of about 180° relative to the first non-folded region NFA1 and the sliding region SA.

[0075] like Figure 1As shown, when the display device DD is unfolded, the first non-folding region NFA1, the folding region FA, and the second non-folding region NFA2 can each be flat, such that they do not overlap each other in the thickness direction. The first non-folding region NFA1, the folding region FA, and the second non-folding region NFA2 can be coplanar with each other in the unfolded display device DD, but are not limited thereto. Figure 2 As shown, when the display device DD is folded, the first non-folded region NFA1 and the second non-folded region NFA2 can overlap each other in the thickness direction. Although not shown, when the display device DD is folded, the first non-folded region NFA1 and the second non-folded region NFA2 can be configured to be tilted relative to each other. In this case, at least a portion of the first non-folded region NFA1 and at least a portion of the second non-folded region NFA2 can overlap each other in the thickness direction or can not overlap each other in the thickness direction.

[0076] In this embodiment, an example is given of a folded region FA and two non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2; however, the number and arrangement of the folded region FA and the non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2 are not limited thereto. Although not shown, the components constituting the display device DD may also be divided into folded regions FA and / or non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2 depending on the area where they are located. The components constituting the display device DD may also include display regions DA and non-display regions NDA corresponding to the aforementioned display regions DA and non-display regions NDA.

[0077] Reference Figure 7 The folding region FA can have a stretchable structure when the display panel DP is folded and partially stretched within the folding region FA. In other words, the display panel DP can include a substrate SUB with a stretchable structure within the folding region FA.

[0078] In the folded region FA, the substrate SUB may include a plurality of island patterns IS and a plurality of bridge patterns BR. The plurality of island patterns IS comprises a plurality of island patterns IS, and the plurality of bridge patterns BR comprises a plurality of bridge patterns BR, with the plurality of bridge patterns BR connecting adjacent island patterns IS. Although not shown, the substrate SUB may be disposed throughout the entire first non-folded region NFA1 and the second non-folded region NFA2. That is, the material constituting the substrate SUB may be disposed throughout the entire first non-folded region NFA1 and the second non-folded region NFA2.

[0079] The substrate SUB disposed in the folded region FA can have an island-like structure. Within the folded region FA, the substrate SUB can include multiple island-like patterns IS and multiple bridge-like patterns BR, with the bridge-like patterns BR connecting adjacent island-like patterns IS. Here, "adjacent" can mean the relationship between one island-like pattern IS and another island-like pattern IS that are set apart by the shortest distance from each other.

[0080] In the folded region FA, multiple island patterns IS can be arranged along a first direction X and a second direction Y. The multiple island patterns IS can be arranged in a matrix. Adjacent island patterns IS can be connected to each other by at least one bridge pattern BR.

[0081] Each island pattern IS is separated by a cut-out portion SLT (e.g., a substrate opening). In a planar view, the cut-out portion SLT may be surrounded by the island pattern IS and the bridge pattern BR. The cut-out portion SLT may penetrate the substrate SUB in the thickness direction to open at two surfaces opposite each other along the thickness direction, but is not limited thereto. The material constituting the substrate SUB may not be present in the cut-out portion SLT. The cut-out portion SLT where the constituent material of the substrate SUB is absent (e.g., not present) can deform more freely relative to the stretching of the portion of the substrate SUB filled with the constituent material (e.g., the solid portion). That is, the solid portion of the substrate SUB may define the island pattern (e.g., the island pattern IS and the bridge pattern BR) and the cut-out portion SLT between the solid portions. Therefore, when the substrate SUB partially expands or contracts, expansion and contraction through the cut-out portion SLT are easier, thereby making it possible to reduce the stress applied to the substrate SUB.

[0082] Each island pattern IS can have a rectangular shape. Island patterns IS in an unfolded substrate SUB ( Figure 7 The rectangle (as shown) is configured such that the four corners of the rectangle are positioned on one side and the other side in the first direction X and on one side and the other side in the second direction Y, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the shape of the island pattern IS can be modified to another polygonal shape, circular shape, elliptical shape, etc.

[0083] The bridge-shaped pattern BR, which connects the island-shaped patterns IS to each other, can have a shape that extends in one direction. That is, the bridge-shaped pattern BR can have a main dimension that extends in one direction.

[0084] The structure of a pixel PX, such as a thin-film transistor or a light-emitting element, can be disposed on (e.g., corresponding to) each island pattern IS. A pixel PX can be disposed on each of the island patterns IS. A pixel PX can include a plurality of sub-pixels SPX1, SPX2, and SPX3. The plurality of sub-pixels SPX1, SPX2, and SPX3 can include a first sub-pixel SPX1, a second sub-pixel SPX2, and a third sub-pixel SPX3. The first sub-pixel SPX1 and the second sub-pixel SPX2 can have the same size (e.g., planar size or planar area) in a planar view, and the third sub-pixel SPX3 can have a smaller size than the first sub-pixel SPX1 and the second sub-pixel SPX2. In an embodiment, for example, the first sub-pixel SPX1 can be a red pixel, the second sub-pixel SPX2 can be a blue pixel, and the third sub-pixel SPX3 can be a green pixel, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0085] Various wires (e.g., signal lines) for providing drive voltages, data signals, scan signals, etc., to the pixel PX can be formed on each bridge pattern BR. In an embodiment, for example, scan lines and data lines can be formed on each bridge pattern BR.

[0086] When the display panel DP is folded and the substrate SUB is folded or stretched at the folding region FA, the distance between adjacent island patterns IS can change relative to the original distance in the unfolded or unstretched substrate SUB. In an embodiment, for example, when the display panel DP is folded about (or about) a first rotation axis FX1 and a second rotation axis FX2 extending respectively in the first direction X, such that the substrate SUB is stretched to one side and the other side in the second direction Y, each island pattern IS can rotate approximately 45° to increase the distance between island patterns IS arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction X and the second direction Y. In this case, the shape of each island pattern IS can remain unchanged. That is, the width and height of the island pattern IS in the plan view can remain unchanged or not. Therefore, the structure of the pixels PX disposed on the island pattern IS will not be deformed.

[0087] However, when the display panel DP is folded and the substrate SUB is folded or stretched, the multiple bridge patterns BR connecting the island patterns IS may deform. In an embodiment, for example, when the display panel DP is folded about a first rotation axis FX1 and a second rotation axis FX2 extending in a first direction X, such that the substrate SUB is stretched to one side and the other side in a second direction Y, the bridge patterns BR extending in the second direction Y (e.g., having a major dimension in the second direction Y) may be partially stretched along the second direction Y, and the bridge patterns BR extending in the first direction X (e.g., having a major dimension in the first direction X) may be bent, for example, about an axis extending in the first direction X. That is, the shape of each island pattern IS may not be deformed due to the deformation (e.g., stretching) of the bridge patterns BR extending in the second direction Y and the deformation (e.g., bending) of the bridge patterns BR extending in the first direction X.

[0088] When the display panel DP is folded together with the substrate SUB, which includes multiple island patterns IS and multiple bridge patterns BR at the folding region FA, the stress applied to the thin-film transistors and light-emitting elements disposed on the island patterns IS (e.g., at the pixel PX) can be reduced.

[0089] An unfolded display device DD can define a first state of the display device DD, a folded display device DD can define a second state of the display device DD, and an unfolded display device DD including a sliding portion can define a third state of the display device DD. The display device DD can be configured to freely switch to any one of the first, second, and third states, and to freely switch between states in the first, second, and third states.

[0090] The first state can be a state comprising a first non-folding region NFA1 and a second non-folding region NFA2 arranged side by side along a plane (e.g., coplanar). The second state can be a state comprising a first non-folding region NFA1 and a second non-folding region NFA2 arranged parallel to each other and overlapping each other in the thickness direction. The third state can be a state comprising a first non-folding region NFA1 and a second non-folding region NFA2 arranged side by side on a plane, but compared to the first state, the size of the sliding region SA exposed to the outside of the display device DD is increased.

[0091] In the first state, the first non-folding region NFA1, the second non-folding region NFA2, and the folding region FA can be fully exposed to the outside of the display device DD (e.g., facing the outside of the display device DD), while the sliding region SA can be minimally exposed to the outside at the front of the display device DD. In the second state, portions of the display regions DA can face each other along the thickness direction so as not to be exposed to the outside. In the third state, the first non-folding region NFA1, the second non-folding region NFA2, and the folding region FA can be fully exposed to the outside, and the sliding region SA can be maximally exposed to the outside at the front of the display device DD.

[0092] In the unfolded display device DD, a first housing HS1 may be substantially disposed above the first non-folding region NFA1 and the sliding region SA (e.g., corresponding to the first non-folding region NFA1 and the sliding region SA). The first housing HS1 may be configured to surround the sliding region SA at an end portion of the display device DD. The first housing HS1 may be configured to partially surround the first non-folding region NFA1. In the unfolded display device DD, the first housing HS1 may partially overlap with the second housing HS2 to define an overlap area. A sliding operation of the unfolded display device DD can be performed by sliding the first housing HS1 in a second direction Y. The size of the overlap area between the first housing HS1 and the second housing HS2 can be changed according to the sliding operation of the display device DD. In an implementation, for example, when the display device DD slides and extends to increase the exposed area of ​​the sliding area SA of the display panel DP at the front of the display device DD, the size of the overlapping area between the first housing HS1 and the second housing HS2 can be reduced, and when the display device DD does not slide and extends to reduce the exposed area of ​​the sliding area SA of the display panel DP at the front of the display device DD (e.g., when the display device DD retracts or retracts), the size of the overlapping area between the first housing HS1 and the second housing HS2 can be increased.

[0093] Furthermore, the ratio of the size of the sliding area SA of the display panel DP surrounded by the first housing HS1 to the size of the first non-folding area NFA1 can vary depending on the sliding operation of the display device DD. In an embodiment, for example, when the display device DD slides and extends, the ratio of the size of the sliding area SA of the display panel DP surrounded by the first housing HS1 can increase, and the ratio of the size of the first non-folding area NFA1 surrounded by the first housing HS1 can decrease. When the display device DD does not slide and extend, the ratio of the size of the sliding area SA of the display panel DP surrounded by the first housing HS1 can decrease, and the ratio of the size of the first non-folding area NFA1 surrounded by the first housing HS1 can increase.

[0094] When the display device DD extends by sliding, the second housing HS2 can move away from the first opening OP1 (e.g., the distance between the second housing HS2 and the first opening OP1 can increase). Conversely, when the display device DD does not extend by sliding, the second housing HS2 can move closer to the first opening OP1 (e.g., the distance between the second housing HS2 and the first opening OP1 can decrease or be minimized). In an embodiment, for example, in the non-extended sliding state of the display device DD ( Figure 5 The distance a1 between the first opening OP1 and the second housing HS2 under the condition can be less than that in the sliding extension state of the display device DD. Figure 12 The distance a2 between the first opening OP1 and the second housing HS2. The distances a1 and a2 between the first opening OP1 and the second housing HS2 can be defined as the minimum distance between the edge of the first housing HS1 that defines the first opening OP1 and is closest to the edge of the second housing HS2 and the edge of the second housing HS2 that is closest to the first opening OP1.

[0095] In the display device DD, an example is given in which a first housing HS1 is configured to cover a second housing HS2 and is further located outside the second housing HS2, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second housing HS2 may be configured to cover the first housing HS1 (e.g., further away from the display panel DP).

[0096] The first housing HS1 may include a first opening OP1, which exposes a portion of the rear surface of the display device DD of the display panel DP to the outside of the housing HS. The first opening OP1 may have, for example... Figure 3 The rectangular shape shown is not limited to this, and may also have circular, elliptical, or other polygonal planar shapes. In the sliding non-extended state of the display device DD ( Figure 5 The first opening OP1 can expose a portion of the sliding area SA of the display panel DP to the outside of the housing HS. This is in the sliding extension state of the display device DD. Figure 12 The first opening OP1 can expose a portion of the third support member SM3, which extends from the distal end of the display panel DP and will be described later. That is, in the sliding extended state of the display device DD, the area exposed by the first opening OP1 can include the third support member SM3 inside the housing HS.

[0097] The first housing HS1 can be connected to the roller component RL. When the first housing HS1 slides relative to the second housing HS2 by the sliding operation of the display device DD, the roller component RL can also move together with the first housing HS1.

[0098] The second housing HS2 can be substantially disposed within the first non-folding region NFA1. The second housing HS2 can be disposed on the opposite side of the hinge member HG in the second direction Y. The second housing HS2 can be rotatably disposed about the hinge member HG (e.g., rotatable). One side of the second housing HS2 in the second direction Y can be connected to the opposite side of the hinge member HG in the second direction Y. The second housing HS2 can be disposed between the first housing HS1 and the hinge member HG.

[0099] The third housing HS3 can be substantially disposed within the second non-folding region NFA2. The third housing HS3 can be disposed on one side of the hinge member HG in the second direction Y. The third housing HS3 can be rotatably disposed around the hinge member HG. The other side of the third housing HS3 in the second direction Y can be connected to one side of the hinge member HG in the second direction Y. In the plan view, the third housing HS3 can have a larger dimension than the first housing HS1 and the second housing HS2.

[0100] like Figure 2 As shown, the folded display device DD may include the farthest edge of the first housing HS1 from the hinge member HG, which is aligned with the farthest edge of the third housing HS3 from the hinge member HG, forming the farthest edge or outer end of the display device DD from the hinge member HG.

[0101] The hinge member HG may be substantially disposed within the folding region FA. The hinge member HG may be disposed between the second housing HS2 and the third housing HS3. The hinge member HG may have a shape having a principal dimension extending in a first direction X. The hinge member HG may include at least one rotation axis. In an embodiment, for example, the hinge member HG may include a first rotation axis FX1 and a second rotation axis FX2 extending in the first direction X. The first rotation axis FX1 and the second rotation axis FX2 may be arranged adjacent to each other in a second direction Y. The second housing HS2 may rotate about the first rotation axis FX1 of the hinge member HG, and the third housing HS3 may rotate about the second rotation axis FX2 of the hinge member HG. The hinge member HG may include a mechanical hinge and / or a resilient hinge. In an embodiment, for example, the hinge member HG may include at least one component for folding the display device DD, such as a hinge, shaft, rotor, or cam.

[0102] The folding member FM can be disposed on the rear surface of the folding area FA of the display panel DP. When the hinge member HG is folded, the folding member FM can fold together with the hinge member HG. The other side of the folding member FM in the second direction Y can be connected to the first support member SM1.

[0103] The first support member SM1 can be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel DP opposite to the display surface at the first non-folding region NFA1. The first support member SM1 can substantially cover the entire first non-folding region NFA1, but is not limited thereto, and the first support member SM1 can cover a portion of the first non-folding region NFA1. One side of the first support member SM1 in the second direction Y can be connected to the folding member FM.

[0104] Second support members SM2 can be disposed at the sliding region SA on the rear surface of the display panel DP opposite to the display surface. Multiple second support members SM2 can be disposed. Each of the second support members SM2 can have a rod-like shape having a principal dimension extending in a first direction X. At least some of the multiple second support members SM2 can be disposed along the rotation direction of the roller member RL (e.g., a second direction Y) to surround the roller member RL. At least some of the multiple second support members SM2 disposed around the roller member RL can contact the roller member RL. Each of the multiple second support members SM2 has a rod-like shape, and these multiple second support members SM2 can be used to reduce stress occurring in the support members SM during the sliding operation of the display device DD. The second support members SM2 can be disposed spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y. Grooves TR exposing the rear surface of the display panel DP opposite to the display surface at the sliding region SA can be disposed between the second support members SM2.

[0105] Among the multiple second support members SM2, the second support member SM2 closest to the first support member SM1 can be connected to the first support member SM1. Among the multiple second support members SM2, the second support member SM2 closest to the third support member SM3 can be connected to the third support member SM3.

[0106] Among the plurality of second support members SM2, the distance between the second support member SM2 that contacts the roller member RL and the first support member SM1 can be increased in the sliding extended state of the display device DD and decreased in the sliding non-extended state of the display device DD. In an embodiment, for example, in the sliding non-extended state of the display device DD, the distance between the second support member SM2 that contacts the roller member RL and the first support member SM1 can be a first distance d1. Furthermore, in the sliding extended state of the display device DD, the distance between the second support member SM2 that contacts the roller member RL and the first support member SM1 can be a second distance d2 that is greater than the first distance d1.

[0107] The third support member SM3 can be connected to the distal end of the display panel DP, defined by the distal end of the sliding area SA of the display panel DP. The third support member SM3 can be disposed between the second support member SM2 and the hinge member HG, and can be movable along the second direction Y by the sliding operation of the display device DD. In the non-extended sliding state of the display device DD ( Figure 5 The third support member SM3 may not be exposed through the first opening OP1 of the first housing HS1.

[0108] The first thickness t1 of the third support member SM3 can be greater than the third thickness t3 of the display panel DP at the sliding region SA and greater than the second thickness t2 of the second support member SM2. The first thickness t1 of the third support member SM3 can also be equal to the sum of the third thickness t3 of the display panel DP at the sliding region SA and the second thickness t2 of the second support member SM2. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first thickness t1 of the third support member SM3 can be less than or greater than the sum of the third thickness t3 of the display panel DP at the sliding region SA and the second thickness t2 of the second support member SM2.

[0109] The first support member SM1, the second support member SM2, and the third support member SM3 may be made of the same material. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first support member SM1, the second support member SM2, and the third support member SM3 may be made of different materials, or only some of them may be made of the same material. The first support member SM1, the second support member SM2, and the third support member SM3 together with the folding member FM and / or the roller member RL may form a support member SM.

[0110] The following will describe in detail the implementation of the folding operation of the display device DD.

[0111] The display panel DP can be stretchable and foldable at the folding area FA. The display device DD can be as follows: Figure 2 The inward folding is illustrated. Inward folding can refer to the display device DD being folded such that at least a portion of the display area DA of the display panel DP is not exposed to the outside. In embodiments, for example, the display device DD can be folded such that a portion of the display area DA faces another portion of the display area DA, and the display area DA can be concealed from the outside by being surrounded by at least one other housing constituting the exterior of the display device DD. In embodiments, for example, the display device DD can be folded such that the display surface at the second non-folded region NFA2 faces the display surface at the first non-folded region NFA1 and the display surface at the sliding region SA.

[0112] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and although not shown, the display device DD can be folded outwards, exposing the display area DA to the outside. Specifically, the display device DD can be folded such that a portion of the display area DA does not face another portion of the display area DA, and the display area DA can be exposed to the outside, forming at least a portion of the exterior of the display device DD. The display device DD can be a bidirectional foldable device capable of both folding inwards and outwards.

[0113] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a display device DD that can be unfolded and slidably extended. Figure 10 This is a rear view of the DD display device, which is unfolded and slides out. Figure 11 It is along Figure 9 The sectional view taken by line XI-XI'. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of region Q2.

[0114] Reference Figures 9 to 12 The display device DD can perform a sliding operation, through which the size of the display area DA changes. Specifically, the size of the sliding area SA exposed outside the display device DD can be changed by the sliding operation of the display device DD, especially at the front of the display device DD. The display device DD can be stretched by the sliding operation, such that the length of the exposed sliding area SA in the first direction X is maintained, while its length in the second direction Y is changed. Figure 9 The display device DD shown is in a sliding extended state and may have a structure in which the length of the externally exposed sliding region SA in the second direction Y has been increased to a maximum length SD. The sliding region SA includes an exposed area of ​​the display surface closest to the non-folded area (e.g., the first non-folded area NFA1) and exposed to the outside of the display device DD, the exposed area having a length along a variable direction (e.g., the second direction Y). In an embodiment, a slidably retractable housing HS defines a first length of the exposed area of ​​the display surface and also exposes the display surface in the sliding region SA to the outside of the housing HS at a first opening OP1. The slidably extended housing HS defines a second length of the exposed area of ​​the display surface, which is greater than the first length, and the slidably extended housing HS also exposes the support member SM to the outside of the housing HS at the first opening OP1. The sliding operation of the display device DD may include operations of changing the display device DD from a sliding non-extended state to a sliding extended state and operations of returning from a sliding extended state to a sliding non-extended state (e.g., sliding retraction).

[0115] Although the display device DD performs a sliding operation, the dimensions of the first non-folding region NFA1, the second non-folding region NFA2, and the folding region FA exposed to the outside can be maintained. In the sliding extended state of the display device DD, the sum of the dimensions of the first non-folding region NFA1 and the sliding region SA can be greater than the dimension of the second non-folding region NFA2.

[0116] When the display device DD is fully extended, a sliding operation of the display device DD can be performed. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the sliding operation of the display device DD can be performed in a partially or fully folded state.

[0117] The sliding operation of the display device DD can be achieved by the sliding movement of the sliding area SA of the display panel DP in the direction away from the second non-folded area NFA2 and the sliding movement of the first housing HS1 supporting the sliding area SA in the direction away from the second housing HS2.

[0118] The operation of the display device DD from a sliding non-extended state to a sliding extended state can be performed by moving the first housing HS1 to the other side of the second direction Y. When the first housing HS1 moves relative to the second housing HS2 and moves to the other side of the second direction Y, the roller member RL connected to the first housing HS1 can rotate to slide the second support member SM2 along the roller member RL. Specifically, the second support member SM2 and the first support member SM1, which are initially in contact with the roller member RL, can move away from each other, and the second support member SM2 and the third support member SM3, which are subsequently in contact with the roller member RL, can move closer to each other. That is, the distance between the second support member SM2 and the first support member SM1, which are in contact with the roller member RL, can be increased (e.g., from a first distance d1 to a second distance d2), while the distance between the second support member SM2 and the third support member SM3, which are in contact with the roller member RL, can be decreased. Therefore, in the display panel DP supported by the second support member SM2, the size of the sliding area SA, which is cut off from one end of the first non-folded area NFA1 and exposed to the outside in the second direction Y, can be increased.

[0119] The operation of the display device DD from a sliding extended state to a sliding non-extended state can be performed by moving the first housing HS1 to one side of the second direction Y (e.g., in the direction toward the first non-folded area NFA1). When the first housing HS1 moves to one side of the second direction Y, the roller member RL connected to the first housing HS1 can rotate to slide the second support member SM2 along the roller member RL. Specifically, the second support member SM2 and the first support member SM1, which are in contact with the roller member RL, can move closer to each other, and the second support member SM2 and the third support member SM3, which are in contact with the roller member RL, can move further away from each other. That is, the distance between the second support member SM2 and the first support member SM1, which are in contact with the roller member RL, can be reduced (e.g., from the second distance d2 to the first distance d1), while the distance between the second support member SM2 and the third support member SM3, which are in contact with the roller member RL, can be increased. Therefore, in the display panel DP supported by the second support member SM2, the size of the sliding area SA exposed to the outside can be reduced.

[0120] In a display device DD, the size of the display area DA for displaying an image can be maximized in the unfolded state by increasing the size of the sliding area SA of the display panel DP, while minimizing the overall volume of the display device DD in the folded state. Furthermore, in a display device DD that can slide along the plane of the display surface to increase the size of the display surface at the sliding area SA, the rear of the display panel DP can be protected by exposing the third support member SM3 via the first opening OP1 of the first housing HS1. The position of the first opening OP1 is movable along the support member SM to be adjacent to the sliding area SA of the display panel DP. Figure 12 ), rather than overlapping with the sliding region SA ( Figure 5 ).

[0121] The following describes an implementation of the display device DD. Redundant details of the display device DD will be omitted, and the main differences will be described.

[0122] Figure 13 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sliding non-extending (e.g., sliding retractable) display device DD_1. Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the sliding extended display device DD_1. Figure 15 This is a plan view of the display panel DP_1 of display device DD_1. Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of pixels PX of display device DD_1. Figure 17 This is a plan view of the sliding component SM_1 of the display device DD_1.

[0123] Reference Figures 13 to 17The display device DD_1 may include an optical sensor module CM (e.g., an optical sensor). In this embodiment, the optical sensor module CM may provide functionality to the display device DD_1 and includes at least any one of a camera module, a fingerprint sensor, and a facial recognition sensor. The optical sensor module CM may be coupled to either the roller member RL or the first housing HS1. Therefore, the optical sensor module CM may move together with the first housing HS1 in either a sliding extended state or a sliding non-extended state of the display device DD_1.

[0124] The optical sensor module CM may include a first module CM1 positioned on the side facing the third direction Z and a second module CM2 positioned on the side facing the third direction Z.

[0125] The sliding area SA of the display panel DP_1 may include a first sensing area AR1 having a lower transmittance than its adjacent areas, and the first non-folding area NFA1 may include a second sensing area AR2 having a lower transmittance than its adjacent areas. The first sensing area AR1 and the second sensing area AR2 may include light-transmitting areas where an image is displayable and light L provided from the outside (e.g., external light) is transmissive. An optical sensor module CM may be configured to overlap with the first sensing area AR1 and the second sensing area AR2. That is, the first sensing area AR1 and the second sensing area AR2 may be arranged along the display panel DP_1 to correspond to the first module CM1 and the second module CM2, respectively. In an embodiment, for example, a slidable retractable housing HS ( Figure 13 The first module CM1 of the optical sensor module CM is configured to overlap with the first sensing area AR1, and the second module CM2 of the optical sensor module CM is configured to overlap with the second sensing area AR2.

[0126] exist Figure 16 In diagram (a), the arrangement of pixels PX in the first sensing area AR1 and the second sensing area AR2 is shown. Figure 16 In the diagram, (b) is a diagram showing the arrangement of pixels PX in the display area DA, excluding the first sensing area AR1 and the second sensing area AR2.

[0127] Reference Figure 16 In (a) and (b), the first sensing area AR1 and the second sensing area AR2 may include multiple pixels PX.

[0128] Each of the multiple pixels PX may include a first sub-pixel SPX1, a second sub-pixel SPX2, and a third sub-pixel SPX3 that emit internal light of different colors from within. Sub-pixels SPX1, SPX2, and SPX3 may be formed in a rectangular shape, but their shape and arrangement are not limited thereto.

[0129] Reference Figure 16 (a) The first sensing area AR1 and the second sensing area AR2 may further include a light transmission portion TA disposed between multiple pixels PX.

[0130] The light-transmitting portion TA (light-transmitting area) is the area through which incident light passes. That is, objects or backgrounds placed on the rear surface of the display panel DP_1 can be observed through the light-transmitting portion TA.

[0131] In this embodiment, the display panel DP_1 is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel DP_1, and the light-transmitting portion TA can be the area in which the light-transmitting layers (such as buffer layers, insulating layers, passivation layers, planarization layers, encapsulation layers, or electrode layers) constituting the OLED display panel DP_1 are stacked. Alternatively, the light-transmitting portion TA can be the area in which all or part of the buffer layer, insulating layer, passivation layer, planarization layer, encapsulation layer, or electrode layer constituting the OLED display panel DP_1 are removed to increase light transmittance.

[0132] Reference Figure 16 In (a), the area where the light-transmitting portion TA is provided can be larger than the area where multiple pixels PX are provided. The light-transmitting portion TA can be arranged to surround the corner portion of the area of ​​each of the multiple pixels PX. However, the shape, size and arrangement of the light-transmitting portion TA are not limited thereto.

[0133] Reference Figure 16 (b) Since the display area DA (e.g., the remaining display area) other than the first sensing area AR1 and the second sensing area AR2 does not include the light transmission portion TA, the remaining display area has a lower light transmittance than the first sensing area AR1 and the second sensing area AR2.

[0134] Reference Figure 16In (a) and (b), the size of the plurality of pixels PX disposed in the first sensing region AR1 and the second sensing region AR2 can be smaller than the size of the plurality of pixels PX disposed in the remaining portion of the display region DA excluding the first sensing region AR1 and the second sensing region AR2. The number of the plurality of pixels PX disposed in the first sensing region AR1 and the second sensing region AR2 can be substantially the same as the number of the plurality of pixels PX disposed in the area portion of the display region DA excluding the first sensing region AR1 and the second sensing region AR2.

[0135] In the sliding non-extended state of display device DD_1 ( Figure 13 The first module CM1 can overlap with the first sensing area AR1. That is, in the sliding non-extended state of the display device DD_1, the first module CM1 can receive light L provided from the outside through the first sensing area AR1. In the sliding non-extended state of the display device DD_1, the second module CM2 can overlap with the second sensing area AR2. That is, in the sliding non-extended state of the display device DD_1, the second module CM2 can receive light L provided from the outside through the second sensing area AR2.

[0136] In the sliding extension state of display device DD_1 ( Figure 14 The second module CM2 can overlap with the first sensing area AR1. That is, in the sliding extended state of the display device DD_1, the second module CM2 can receive light L provided from the outside through the first sensing area AR1. The first sensing area AR1 can be movable relative to the optical sensor module CM to correspond to either the first module CM1 or the second module CM2.

[0137] The second support member SM2_1 may include a second opening OP2, which is positioned in the area overlapping with the first module CM1 in the sliding non-extended state of the display device DD_1. The second opening OP2 may overlap with the first sensing area AR1 of the display panel DP_1. In the sliding non-extended state of the display device DD_1, the second opening OP2 may overlap with the first opening OP1. That is, the first module CM1 can receive light L provided from the rear side of the display device DD_1 through the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the first sensing area AR1 in the sliding non-extended state of the display device DD_1. Therefore, fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, etc., can be performed through the first opening OP1 of the first housing HS1 in both the folded state and the sliding non-extended state of the display device DD_1. Therefore, in the case of the unlocked display device DD_1 or in some other cases, the display device DD_1 can be connected to the hinge member HG to perform an automatic folding / unfolding function.

[0138] In the slidably extended state of the display device DD_1, the second opening OP2 can overlap with the second module CM2. That is, in the slidably extended state of the display device DD_1, the second module CM2 can receive light L from the front side of the display device DD_1 through the second opening OP2. In the embodiment, the slidably extendable housing HS( Figure 14 The second module CM2 is configured to expose external light to the optical sensor module CM through the first sensing area AR1 of the display panel DP_1 and the second opening OP2 of the support member SM (e.g., the second support member SM2_1).

[0139] In the sliding non-extended state of the display device DD_1, the first support member SM1_1 may include a third opening OP3 disposed in the area overlapping with the second module CM2. The third opening OP3 may overlap with the second sensing area AR2 of the display panel DP_1. That is, in the sliding non-extended state of the display device DD_1, the second module CM2 can receive light L from the front side of the display device DD_1 through the third opening OP3 and the second sensing area AR2. In the sliding extended state of the display device DD_1, the first opening OP1 may overlap with the third support member SM3.

[0140] The distance between one end of the second opening OP2 and one end of the third opening OP3 can be substantially equal to the maximum sliding distance of the display device DD_1. In other words, the distance between one end of the second opening OP2 and one end of the third opening OP3 can be substantially equal to the difference between the total length of the display device DD_1 in the second direction Y in the sliding non-extended state and the sliding extended state.

[0141] In the display device DD_1, the size of the display area DA for displaying images can be maximized in the unfolded state while minimizing the volume of the display device DD_1 in the folded state. Furthermore, the display panel DP_1 can be protected by exposing the third support member SM3 through the first opening OP1 of the first housing HS1 in the sliding extended state.

[0142] Furthermore, the display device DD_1 may include an optical sensor module CM, which includes a first module CM1 facing the opposite side of the third direction (Z) and a second module CM2 facing the side of the third direction (Z) (e.g., facing the opposite direction). Therefore, in the unfolded and slid-out non-extended state, the display device DD_1 can receive and sense light L provided from the side of the third direction (Z), and simultaneously receive and sense light L provided from the other side of the third direction (Z). Furthermore, in the unfolded and slid-extended state, the display device DD_1 can receive and sense light L provided from the side of the third direction (Z) through the second module CM2.

[0143] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of an implementation of the sliding non-extended display device DD_2. Figure 19 It is along Figure 18 A cross-sectional view taken by the line XIX-XIX'. Figure 20 This is a 3D view of the sliding extended display device DD_2. Figure 21 It is along Figure 20 A sectional view taken from line XXI-XXI'.

[0144] Reference Figures 18 to 21 The difference between display device DD_2 and display device DD is that it can include a first housing HS1_1 with a different shape.

[0145] Display device DD_2 may include a first housing HS1_1 that exposes not only the front side of display panel DP but also a portion of the other side of the sliding area SA of display panel DP in the second direction Y (e.g., the curved side of display panel DP). Therefore, in display device DD_2, the curved portion SA_C of the sliding area SA of display panel DP facing the other side in the second direction Y and the third direction Z can be exposed outside the first housing HS1_1.

[0146] The central angle of the exposed curved portion SA_C of the sliding region SA that is not covered by the first housing HS1_1 can be an acute angle. The central angle of the exposed curved portion SA_C of the sliding region SA that is not covered by the first housing HS1_1 can mean the minimum central angle of the curved portion SA_C in the sliding region SA that does not overlap with the first housing HS1_1.

[0147] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the central angle of the curved portion SA_C of the sliding region SA that is exposed and not covered by the first housing HS1_1 may be a right angle or an obtuse angle.

[0148] In an implementation, the first outer casing HS1_1 may have an "L" shape instead of a "U" shape. Figure 5 Specifically, the first outer shell HS1_1 may include a bottom surface portion HS11_1 that is parallel to the plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y and includes a first opening OP1, and a side wall portion HS12_1 that bends from the other end of the bottom surface portion HS11_1 in the second direction Y toward the third direction Z.

[0149] The first height h1 of the sidewall portion HS12_1 may be greater than the second height h2 of the roller member RL. The first height h1 of the sidewall portion HS12_1 may mean the distance from the bottom surface of the bottom surface portion HS11_1 to the top surface of the sidewall portion HS12_1. The second height h2 of the roller member RL may mean the distance from the bottom surface of the bottom surface portion HS11_1 to the roller member RL. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first height h1 of the sidewall portion HS12_1 may be less than or equal to the second height h2 of the roller member RL.

[0150] In the display device DD_2, the size of the display area DA for displaying images can be maximized in the unfolded state while minimizing the volume of the display device DD_2 in the folded state. Furthermore, the display panel DP can be protected by exposing the third support member SM3 through the first opening OP1 of the first housing HS1_1 in the sliding extended state.

[0151] In addition, the display device DD_2 may include a first housing HS1_1 that exposes the edge portion of the sliding area SA of the display panel DP, thereby displaying an image over a wider area of ​​the display panel DP.

Claims

1. A display device, including: The display panel includes: The folded area, the non-folded area, and the sliding area are set in sequence along the first direction; The display surface is located in each of the non-folded region and the sliding region, and The sliding area includes an exposed area on the display surface that is closest to the non-folded area and exposed to the outside of the display device, the exposed area having a variable length along the first direction; A support member, connected to the display panel and movable together with the display panel; and The housing faces the supporting member, and the display panel is located between the housing and the supporting member, and the housing defines a first opening corresponding to the non-folding area of ​​the display panel. in, At the sliding area of ​​the display panel, the housing is slidably extended and slidably retracted along the first direction. The slidable and retractable housing defines a first length of the exposed area of ​​the display surface and also exposes the display surface in the sliding area to the outside of the housing at the first opening. The slidably extendable housing defines a second length, greater than the first length, over the exposed area of ​​the display surface, and also exposes the support member to the outside of the housing at the first opening.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The outer casing includes: A first housing extends along the sliding area of ​​the display panel and defines a first opening corresponding to the non-folding area of ​​the display panel; and The second outer shell corresponds to the non-folded area, overlaps with the first outer shell, and is slidable relative to the first outer shell; Wherein, the sliding extension of the outer shell moves the second outer shell away from the first opening of the first outer shell along the first direction, so as to define the second length of the exposed area of ​​the display surface as greater than the first length.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The support member comprises, in sequence along the first direction, the rear surface of the display panel opposite to the display surface: The first support member corresponds to the non-folding area of ​​the display panel; A plurality of second support members, corresponding to the sliding area of ​​the display panel, the plurality of second support members being spaced apart from each other and spaced apart from the first support member along the first direction; and The third support member is spaced apart from the plurality of second support members.

4. The display device according to claim 3, further comprising a roller member connected to the first housing and capable of rotating along the first direction. in, The plurality of second support members are movable along the roller members together with the display panel.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, Along the first direction: The slidably retractable outer shell defines a first distance between the first support member and the plurality of second support members arranged along the roller member, and The slidably extendable housing defines a second distance between the first support member and the plurality of second support members arranged along the roller member, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

6. The display device according to claim 2, further comprising an optical sensor module coupled to the first housing, wherein, The optical sensor module includes a first module facing the second direction and overlapping the first opening, and a second module facing the other side of the second direction.

7. A display device, including: The display panel includes: The folded area, the non-folded area, and the sliding area are arranged sequentially along the first direction, and A display surface and a rear surface, wherein the display surface is located in each of the non-folded region and the sliding region, and the rear surface is opposite to the display surface; A support member, located on the rear surface of the display panel, the support member comprising: The roller component is capable of rotating along the first direction, and Multiple support members, coupled to the display panel and movable together with the display panel around the roller member, are spaced apart from each other along the first direction from the non-folded area to the sliding area of ​​the display panel. The housing faces the support member, and the display panel is located between the housing and the support member. The housing defines a first opening corresponding to the non-folding area of ​​the display panel. in, The outer casing can be folded together with the display panel at the folding area, can be slidably extended along the first direction at the sliding area of ​​the display panel, and can be slidably retracted along the first direction at the sliding area of ​​the display panel. The folded and slidingly retracted housing and the unfolded and slidingly retracted housing expose the display surface of the display panel at the sliding area to the outside of the housing at the first opening, and The unfolded and slidingly extended housing exposes the support member to the outside of the housing at the first opening.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The plurality of support members include a first support member closest to the non-folded area and a plurality of second support members arranged along the roller member. The slidably retractable outer shell defines a first distance between the first support member and the plurality of second support members arranged along the roller member, and The slidably extendable housing defines a second distance between the first support member and the plurality of second support members arranged along the roller member, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The sliding area of ​​the display panel includes a curved portion extending from the non-folded area and defining the outer end of the display panel, and At the outer end of the display panel, the housing exposes the curved portion of the sliding area to the outside of the housing.

10. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The display surface at the sliding area faces the facing direction, and The movement of the plurality of support members surrounding the roller member changes the facing orientation of the display surface in the sliding area.

Images