Support plate, display device including support plate, and method of manufacturing support plate

Abstract

A support plate, a display device including the same, and a method of manufacturing the support plate are disclosed. The display device includes a display panel foldable about a folding axis extending in a first direction, and a support plate disposed under the display panel, the support plate including a first body, a second body disposed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the first body, a connector disposed between the first body and the second body, overlapping the folding axis, and including a plurality of openings, and an insulating layer covering a surface of the connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a support plate. More specifically, embodiments of this disclosure relate to a support plate applied to a display device, a display device including the support plate, and a method of manufacturing the support plate. Background Technology

[0002] A display device is a device for displaying images. Display devices may include display panels, such as organic light-emitting display panels, liquid crystal display panels, quantum dot display panels, etc.

[0003] Mobile electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets may include display devices to provide images to users. Foldable display devices that can be folded or unfolded have been developed.

[0004] Foldable display devices may include a support plate disposed under the display panel to support the display panel when it is bent. However, the support plate may accumulate electrical charge when the display device is in use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a foldable display panel with a folding axis extending around a first direction and a support plate disposed under the display panel. The support plate includes: a first body; a second body disposed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the first body; a connector disposed between the first body and the second body, overlapping the folding axis, and including a plurality of openings; and an insulating layer covering the surface of the connector.

[0006] The support plate may also include protrusions that project from the edge of the connector.

[0007] The protrusion can project from the edge of the connector in the first direction.

[0008] An insulating layer can cover the raised surface.

[0009] The protrusion can project from the edge of the connector in a second direction.

[0010] The raised surface may not be covered by an insulating layer.

[0011] The insulating layer may include multiple openings that correspond to multiple openings in the connector.

[0012] The display device may also include a digital converter disposed under a support plate.

[0013] The digital converter may include a first portion disposed under a first body and a second portion disposed under a second body and spaced apart from the first portion.

[0014] The insulating layer may include chromium carbide (CrC) or acrylic resin.

[0015] Connectors may be made of stainless steel.

[0016] Each of the first and second bodies may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or glass.

[0017] A support plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first body; a second body disposed in a first direction of the first body; a connector disposed between the first body and the second body and including a plurality of openings; an insulating layer covering the surface of the connector; and a bridging member connected to the edge of the connector.

[0018] The connector has a bridging element whose edge can extend in the first direction.

[0019] The connector has a bridging element whose edge can extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0020] Each of the connectors and bridges may be made of stainless steel.

[0021] A method for manufacturing a support plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: coating the surface of a connector connected to a bridging member with an insulating material, forming a first body and a second body on opposite sides of the connector, and cutting the bridging member from the connector.

[0022] The surface of the connector can be coated using spraying or deposition methods.

[0023] The method may also include coating the surface of the connector protrusions with an insulating material, the protrusions being exposed by cutting off the bridging element.

[0024] The raised surface can be coated using a printing method.

[0025] The method may also include: folding the bridging member after coating the surface of the connector and before forming the first body and the second body.

[0026] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a foldable display panel extending around a folding axis in a first direction and a support plate disposed under the display panel. The support plate includes: a first body; a second body spaced apart from the first body in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a connector disposed between the first body and the second body, the connector including a plurality of openings and protrusions; and an insulating layer disposed on the connector.

[0027] The insulating layer can cover the protrusion.

[0028] The raised surface can be exposed by the insulating layer.

[0029] In the support plate and display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the surface of the connector of the support plate can be covered by an insulating layer so that charge does not accumulate in the support plate. Accordingly, electromagnetic effects from the support plate to the display panel can be reduced, and the display quality of the display device can be improved.

[0030] In a method of manufacturing a support plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the surface of the connector of the support plate may be coated with an insulating material, thereby increasing the resistance of the support plate and preventing charge from accumulating in the support plate. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The illustrative and non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the folded state of the display device.

[0034] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the display device.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a plan view showing a support plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 6 It shows along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the support plate taken by line I-I' in the figure.

[0038] Figure 7 It shows along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the support plate taken from line II-II' in the figure.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a plan view showing a support plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 9 It shows along Figure 8 The cross-sectional view of the support plate taken from line III-III' in the figure.

[0041] Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a support plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 13 This is a plan view showing a support plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 14 It shows along Figure 13 The cross-sectional view of the support plate taken by line IV-IV' in the figure.

[0044] Figure 15 This is a plan view showing a support plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 16 It shows along Figure 15 The cross-sectional view of the support plate taken by line V-V' in the figure.

[0046] Figure 17 , Figure 18 , Figure 19 and Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a support plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The display device, support plate, and method of manufacturing the support plate according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a display device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the folded state of the display device 1.

[0049] In the following text, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z can be different directions that are perpendicular to each other. For example, the first direction X can be the length direction, the second direction Y can be the width direction, and the third direction Z can be the thickness direction.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In embodiments of this disclosure, the display device 1 may have a rectangular planar shape. For example, the display device 1 may have opposing long sides extending in a first direction X and opposing short sides extending in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. However, the shape of the display device 1 is not limited to this, and the display device 1 may have various shapes. For example, the display device 1 may have bent or curved edges or sides.

[0051] Display device 1 may include a display surface DS. Display device 1 can display images through the display surface DS. The display surface DS may be disposed above the foldable region FA, the first non-foldable region NFA1, and the second non-foldable region NFA2 described below. In an embodiment of this disclosure, the display surface DS may be the front surface of display device 1. In another embodiment of this disclosure, the display surface DS may be both the front and rear surfaces of display device 1.

[0052] Display device 1 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA and the non-display area NDA may be disposed in each of a foldable area FA, a first non-foldable area NFA1, and a second non-foldable area NFA2. The display area DA may display an image. Multiple pixels may be arranged in the display area DA.

[0053] The non-display area NDA may be arranged around the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may surround at least a portion of the display area DA. For example, the non-display area NDA may be arranged on less than all sides of the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may not display an image. A black matrix may be arranged within the non-display area NDA.

[0054] Display device 1 may be a foldable display device. Display device 1 can be folded or unfolded. In this specification, the term "folded" may include "bent". For example, display device 1 may be folded or unfolded such that a first portion of display device 1 faces a second portion of display device 1, or the first portion is tilted relative to the second portion. In embodiments of this disclosure, display device 1 may be folded such that the first portion forms an angle greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 180 degrees relative to the second portion, or may be unfolded such that the first portion forms an angle of about 180 degrees relative to the second portion.

[0055] The display device 1 can be folded inward (e.g., inward folding) or outward (e.g., outward folding). Inward folding may include folding the display device 1 such that a first portion of the display surface DS faces a second portion of the display surface DS, and outward folding may include folding the display device 1 such that the first portion of the display surface DS does not face the second portion of the display surface DS. In embodiments of this disclosure, inward folding may, in the folded state, form an angle greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 180 degrees relative to the second portion of the display surface DS, and outward folding may, in the folded state, form an angle greater than about 180 degrees and less than about 360 degrees relative to the second portion of the display surface DS.

[0056] The display device 1 may include a foldable region FA and a first non-foldable region NFA1 and a second non-foldable region NFA2. The foldable region FA may be an area that is folded or bent when the display device 1 is folded. Each of the first non-foldable region NFA1 and the second non-foldable region NFA2 may be an area that is not folded or bent when the display device 1 is folded. The second non-foldable region NFA2 may be arranged in a first direction X of the first non-foldable region NFA1, and the foldable region FA may be arranged between the first non-foldable region NFA1 and the second non-foldable region NFA2.

[0057] The display device 1 may have a folded state or an unfolded state. In this specification, the folded state may include a bent state. For example, the folded state may be a state in which the first non-foldable region NFA1 forms an angle relative to the second non-foldable region NFA2, and the unfolded state may be a state in which the first non-foldable region NFA1 is arranged parallel to the second non-foldable region NFA2 in a plane. In embodiments of this disclosure, the folded state may be a state in which the first non-foldable region NFA1 forms an angle greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 180 degrees or greater than about 180 degrees and less than about 360 degrees relative to the second non-foldable region NFA2, and the unfolded state may be a state in which the first non-foldable region NFA1 forms an angle of about 180 degrees relative to the second non-foldable region NFA2.

[0058] The display device 1 can be folded or unfolded relative to the folding axis FX. The folding axis FX can overlap with the foldable area FA.

[0059] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the display device 1.

[0060] Reference Figure 3 The display device 1 may include a display module 10, a support plate 200, a digital converter 300, and a metal plate 400.

[0061] The display module 10 may be flexible. The display module 10 may include a display panel 100, a polarizing layer 500, a window 600, a protective layer 700, and a protective film 800.

[0062] The display panel 100 can display images. The display panel 100 can be disposed between the protective film 800 and the polarizing layer 500. The display panel 100 may include an organic light-emitting display panel, an inorganic light-emitting display panel, a quantum dot light-emitting display panel, a micro light-emitting diode (LED) display panel, a nano LED display panel, a plasma display panel, a field emission display panel, a cathode ray display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, etc.

[0063] A polarizing layer 500 may be disposed on the display panel 100. For example, the polarizing layer 500 may be directly disposed on the display panel 100. The polarizing layer 500 polarizes light passing through it. The polarizing layer 500 reduces the reflection of external light from the display device 1. In embodiments of this disclosure, the polarizing layer 500 may include a polyvinyl alcohol film. The polarizing layer 500 may be stretched in one direction. The stretching direction of the polarizing layer 500 may be the absorption axis, and the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction may be the transmission axis.

[0064] Window 600 may be disposed on polarizing layer 500. For example, window 600 may be directly disposed on polarizing layer 500. Window 600 may protect display panel 100. Window 600 may include a transparent material. In embodiments of this disclosure, window 600 may include glass, plastic, etc.

[0065] When window 600 includes glass, the glass may be ultrathin glass (UTG). When the glass is ultrathin glass, it may be flexible. For example, the thickness of the glass may be from about 10 μm to about 300 μm.

[0066] The protective layer 700 may be disposed on the window 600. For example, the protective layer 700 may be directly disposed on the window 600. The protective layer 700 can prevent scattering of light from the window 600, absorb impacts from the window 600, prevent engraving on the window 600, prevent fingerprints on the window 600, and prevent glare from the window 600. The protective layer 700 may include a transparent polymer film. In embodiments of this disclosure, the transparent polymer film may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethersulfone (PES), polyimide (PI), polyarylate (PAR), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), cyclic olefin polymer (COP), etc.

[0067] The protective film 800 can be disposed under the display panel 100. The protective film 800 can be in direct contact with the display panel 100. When the display panel 100 is folded or bent, the protective film 800 can reduce the stress applied to the display panel 100. In addition, the protective film 800 can prevent moisture and other substances from penetrating into the display panel 100 and can absorb external impacts.

[0068] The protective film 800 may be a plastic film. In embodiments of this disclosure, the protective film 800 may include polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethersulfone (PES), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), cyclic olefin polymer (COP), etc.

[0069] A support plate 200 may be disposed below the display module 10. A protective film 800 may be disposed between the support plate 200 and the display panel 100. The support plate 200 may be flexible. The support plate 200 may include a first body 210, a second body 220, and a connector 230. The first body 210 may be disposed in a first non-foldable region NFA1, and the second body 220 may be disposed in a second non-foldable region NFA2. The connector 230 may be disposed in a foldable region FA.

[0070] The digitizer 300 may be disposed below the display module 10. A support plate 200 may be disposed between the digitizer 300 and the display module 10. The digitizer 300 can recognize positional information on the display surface DS of the display device 1 indicated by a user as an input device. Accordingly, the display device 1 can provide an input means to the user via the digitizer 300. The digitizer 300 can recognize movement of an input device (e.g., a stylus) on the display surface DS of the display device 1 and can convert the movement into a digital signal.

[0071] The digital converter 300 can be arranged under the support plate 200. Since the digital converter 300 is arranged under the support plate 200, the support plate 200 can prevent the user from viewing the digital converter 300 through the display surface DS of the display device 1.

[0072] The digitizer 300 may include a first portion 310 and a second portion 320. The first portion 310 may be disposed under a first body 210. The first portion 310 may also be disposed under a connector 230 and contact a first portion of the connector 230. The second portion 320 may be disposed under a second body 220. The second portion 320 may also be disposed under the connector 230 and contact a second portion of the connector 230. The second portion 320 may be spaced apart from the first portion 310. The digitizer 300 may be a separate digitizer including the spaced-apart first portion 310 and second portion 320. The connector 230 may overlap with an opening formed between the first portion 310 and the second portion 320. In embodiments of this disclosure, the first portion 310 and the second portion 320 may be connected via a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). Because the digitizer 300 includes the spaced-apart first portion 310 and second portion 320, the digitizer 300 will not be damaged by folding of the display device 1.

[0073] Figure 3 Also shown is a first space on the first portion 310 of the digital converter 300 between the first body 210 of the support plate 200 and the first portion of the connector 230, and a second space on the second portion 320 of the digital converter 300 between the second body 220 of the support plate 200 and the second portion of the connector 230.

[0074] A buffer layer may be disposed between the support plate 200 and the digital converter 300. The buffer layer may include a synthetic resin. In embodiments of this disclosure, the buffer layer may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0075] A metal plate 400 may be disposed below the digitizer 300. The metal plate 400 may comprise metal. In embodiments of this disclosure, the metal plate 400 may comprise stainless steel. The connector 230 may overlap with an opening formed between portions of the metal plate 400. The opening between portions of the metal plate 400 may correspond to the opening between a first portion 310 and a second portion 320 of the digitizer 300.

[0076] A shielding layer may be disposed between the digital converter 300 and the metal plate 400. The shielding layer may include a metal. In embodiments of this disclosure, the shielding layer may include magnetic metal powder (MMP).

[0077] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing a display panel 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] Reference Figure 4 The display panel 100 may include a substrate 110, a circuit layer 120, an emission layer 130, an encapsulation layer 140, and an input sensing layer 150.

[0079] The substrate 110 may be a flexible substrate comprising a polymer material such as polyimide (PI). Accordingly, the display panel 100 may be bent or folded.

[0080] Circuit layer 120 may be disposed on substrate 110. Circuit layer 120 may include circuitry for driving emitter layer 130. Circuit layer 120 may include a plurality of transistors.

[0081] The emitting layer 130 may be disposed on the circuit layer 120. The emitting layer 130 may emit light in response to a drive signal sent from the circuit layer 120. The emitting layer 130 may include a plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0082] Encapsulation layer 140 may be disposed on emitter layer 130. Encapsulation layer 140 may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer.

[0083] An input sensing layer 150 may be disposed on an encapsulation layer 140. The input sensing layer 150 may sense user input (e.g., touch) and may convert the input into an electrical signal.

[0084] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 5 to 7 An example of a support plate attached to the display module 10 is described.

[0085] Figure 5 This is a plan view showing a support plate 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 It shows along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the support plate 200 taken by line I-I' in the figure. Figure 7 It shows along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the support plate 200 taken from line II-II'. Figure 5 For ease of illustration, the insulating layer 250, which will be described below, is omitted.

[0086] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The support plate 200 may include a first body 210, a second body 220, a connector 230, a protrusion 240, and an insulating layer 250.

[0087] The first body 210 may have a rectangular planar shape. The first body 210 may be arranged in the first non-foldable region NFA1.

[0088] The second body 220 may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis FX of the first body 210. In other words, the second body 220 may be arranged in a first direction X of the first body 210. The second body 220 may have a rectangular planar shape. The second body 220 may be arranged in the second non-foldable region NFA2.

[0089] The first body 210 and the second body 220 can remain flat regardless of how the display device 1 is folded. In other words, when the display device 1 is folded, the first body 210 and the second body 220 will not be compressed or expanded, and can maintain their length or size.

[0090] Each of the first body 210 and the second body 220 may include an insulating material. In embodiments of this disclosure, each of the first body 210 and the second body 220 may include at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and glass.

[0091] Connector 230 may be disposed between the first body 210 and the second body 220. In embodiments of this disclosure, connector 230 may be spaced apart from the first body 210 and the second body 220 by a predetermined distance. For example, connector 230 may be spaced apart from the first body 210 and the second body 220 by a gap of approximately 0.2 mm. Connector 230 may be disposed in the foldable region FA. Connector 230 may overlap with the folding axis FX.

[0092] The connector 230 may have a rectangular planar shape. In embodiments of this disclosure, the edge 230e of the connector 230 may have opposing first side surfaces 230x extending in a first direction X and opposing second side surfaces 230y extending in a second direction Y. In embodiments of this disclosure, the length of the first side surface 230x may be less than the length of the second side surface 230y. The length of the second side surface 230y may be the same as the length of an adjacent side surface of the first body 210 or the second body 220.

[0093] Connector 230 may be flexible. Connector 230 may expand or compress due to the folding or unfolding of support plate 200. Connector 230 may reduce tensile or compressive stresses generated by the folding of support plate 200.

[0094] Connector 230 may define a plurality of first openings OP1. In embodiments of this disclosure, each of the first openings OP1 may have a rectangular planar shape. In embodiments of this disclosure, the first openings OP1 may be arranged in a matrix along a first direction X and a second direction Y.

[0095] Connector 230 may include metal. In embodiments of this disclosure, connector 230 may include stainless steel. For example, stainless steel may include at least one of iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), carbon (C), nickel (Ni), silicon (Si), manganese (Mn), and molybdenum (Mo) and their alloys.

[0096] The protrusion 240 may protrude from the edge 230e of the connector 230. In embodiments of this disclosure, the protrusion 240 may protrude from the edge 230e of the connector 230 in a direction parallel to the folding axis FX. In other words, the protrusion 240 may protrude from the edge 230e of the connector 230 in a second direction Y. In this embodiment, the protrusion 240 may protrude from the first side surface 230x of the connector 230 in the second direction Y.

[0097] In embodiments of this disclosure, the protrusion 240 may include a first protrusion 241 and a second protrusion 242. The first protrusion 241 and the second protrusion 242 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the folding axis FX on the first side surface 230x of the connector 230. In other words, the first protrusion 241 and the second protrusion 242 may be formed at opposite portions of the first side surface 230x of the connector 230.

[0098] Protrusion 240 can be cut off from connector 230 Figure 8 The bridging element 260 is formed during the process, as will be described below. The cut end of the bridging element 260 may remain on the edge 230e of the connector 230 to form a first protrusion 241 and a second protrusion 242.

[0099] The protrusion 240 may be integrally formed with the connector 230. In embodiments of this disclosure, the protrusion 240 may comprise stainless steel.

[0100] Insulating layer 250 may cover the surface of connector 230. For example, insulating layer 250 may surround connector 230. The surface of connector 230 may not be exposed to the outside. Because insulating layer 250 covers the surface of connector 230, which includes metal, externally supplied charges will not accumulate in connector 230.

[0101] The insulating layer 250 may be arranged along the contour of the surface of the connector 230. Accordingly, the insulating layer 250 may define a plurality of second openings OP2 corresponding to a plurality of first openings OP1 of the connector 230. In this case, the second openings OP2 correspond to the space between the insulating layers 250 around adjacent portions of the connector 230, and the first openings OP1 correspond to the space between the edges of adjacent portions of the connector 230.

[0102] In embodiments of this disclosure, the insulating layer 250 may cover the surface of the protrusion 240. The surface of the protrusion 240 may not be exposed to the outside. Since the protrusion 240 protrudes from the first side surface 230x of the connector 230 in the second direction Y, when the surface of the protrusion 240 is not covered by the insulating layer 250, externally supplied charge may accumulate in the connector 230 through the protrusion 240. However, in this embodiment, since the insulating layer 250 covers the surface of the protrusion 240, which includes metal, externally supplied charge will not accumulate in the connector 230 through the protrusion 240.

[0103] The insulating layer 250 may include an insulating material. In embodiments of this disclosure, the insulating layer 250 may include at least one of chromium carbide (CrC) and acrylic resin.

[0104] When the support plate 200 does not include the insulating layer 250, the resistance of the support plate 200 can be relatively low. Therefore, charge flowing into the display device 1 from the outside through the protective layer 700, window 600, and / or polarizing layer 500 may accumulate in the support plate 200. When charge accumulates in the support plate 200, an electric field may be formed between the support plate 200 and the display panel 100. Accordingly, the electric field may affect the circuit layer 120 of the display panel 100, thereby degrading the display quality of the display panel 100.

[0105] However, in this embodiment, since the support plate 200 includes an insulating layer 250 covering the surface of the connector 230 and the surface of the protrusion 240, the resistance of the support plate 200 can be increased, and charge will not accumulate in the support plate 200. Accordingly, the display quality of the display panel 100 can be improved.

[0106] The display device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel 100 and a support plate 200. The display panel 100 is foldable around a folding axis FX extending in a second direction Y. The support plate 200 is disposed below the display panel 100. The support plate 200 includes a first body 210, a second body 220, a connector 230, and an insulating layer 250. The second body 220 is disposed on a first direction X perpendicular to the second direction Y of the first body 210. The connector 230 is disposed between the first body 210 and the second body 220, overlaps with the folding axis FX, and includes a plurality of first openings OP1. The insulating layer 250 covers the surface of the connector 230.

[0107] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 8 and Figure 9 An example of a support plate before it is attached to the display module 10 is described.

[0108] Figure 8 This is a plan view showing the support plate 201 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 It shows along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the support plate 201 taken from line III-III'. Figure 8 For ease of illustration, the insulating layer 250, which will be described below, is omitted.

[0109] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The support plate 201 may include a first body 210, a second body 220, a connector 230, an insulating layer 250, and a bridging element 260. In addition to including the bridging element 260, see also... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The described support plate 201 can be compared with the reference Figures 5 to 7 The described support plate 200 is substantially the same or similar. Accordingly, descriptions of repeated parts will be omitted.

[0110] The bridging element 260 can be connected to the edge 230e of the connector 230. The bridging element 260 can limit the extension and compression of the connector 230 within a predetermined range. Accordingly, the bridging element 260 can reduce or substantially prevent deformation of the connector 230.

[0111] In embodiments of this disclosure, the support plate 201 may include a pair of bridging members 260. The pair of bridging members 260 may be arranged across the connector 230. A gap may be provided between the longitudinal portion of the bridging member 260 and the first side surface 230x of the connector 230.

[0112] In embodiments of this disclosure, the bridging member 260 may be connected to a first side surface 230x of the connector 230. In this embodiment, a pair of bridging members 260 may be symmetrically arranged on opposite first side surfaces 230x of the connector 230 with respect to a first direction X.

[0113] In embodiments of this disclosure, a first end of the bridging member 260 may be connected to a first side of a first side surface 230x of the connector 230, and a second end of the bridging member 260 may be connected to a second side of a first side surface 230x of the connector 230.

[0114] The bridging element 260 may be integrally formed with the connector 230. In embodiments of this disclosure, the bridging element 260 may comprise stainless steel.

[0115] Before the support plate 201 is attached to the display module 10, the bridging member 260 can be cut off. The first and second ends of the bridging member 260 to be cut off can remain on the first side surface 230x of the connector 230 to form a first protrusion 241 and a second protrusion 242.

[0116] Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a support plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figures 10 to 12 Manufacturing reference can be shown Figures 5 to 7 The method described for the support plate 200.

[0117] Reference Figure 10 The surface of the connector 230 connected to the bridging member 260 may be coated with an insulating material. The bridging member 260 prevents the connector 230 from deforming during the coating process. Because the surface of the connector 230 is coated with an insulating material, an insulating layer 250 may be formed on the surface of the connector 230. For example, the insulating layer 250 may be formed on the surface of the connector 230, but not on the portion of the bridging member 260 that protrudes from the connector 230.

[0118] The surface of connector 230 can be coated by either spraying or deposition. In an embodiment of this disclosure, an acrylic coating can be applied to the surface of connector 230 using a spraying method. The resistance of connector 230 coated with acrylic coating by spraying can be, for example, from about 0.8 Ω to about 30 kΩ. In another embodiment of this disclosure, a chromium carbide (CrC) coating can be applied to the surface of connector 230 using a deposition method. The resistance of connector 230 coated with chromium carbide (CrC) coating by deposition can be, for example, from about 0.4 kΩ to about 6 MΩ.

[0119] Reference Figure 11The first body 210 and the second body 220 may be formed on opposite sides of the connector 230, respectively. The first body 210 and the second body 220 may be formed to be adjacent to the opposite second side surface 230y of the connector 230 in the first direction X, respectively.

[0120] In embodiments of this disclosure, after the connector 230 is placed on the fixture, the first body 210 and the second body 220 may be arranged on the fixture to be adjacent to opposite sides of the connector 230, respectively. Guide blocks may be arranged on the fixture to maintain a predetermined distance between the connector 230 and the first body 210 and the second body 220. In other words, a space may be formed between the connector 230 and the first body 210 and the second body 220.

[0121] Reference Figure 12 The bridging member 260 can be cut off from the connector 230. In embodiments of this disclosure, the bridging member 260 can be cut off by applying physical force to the bridging member 260 using a jig for removing the bridging member 260.

[0122] In the process of cutting out the bridging element 260, a portion of the bridging element 260 may remain on the edge 230e of the connector 230 to form a protrusion 240. In this case, the surface of the protrusion 240, which is the cut surface of the bridging element 260, may be exposed to the outside.

[0123] To prevent the surface of protrusion 240 from being exposed to the outside, an insulating material can be applied to the exposed surface of protrusion 240. The surface of protrusion 240 can be coated by a printing method. In embodiments of this disclosure, the fixture for removing bridging member 260 may include pads containing insulating material, and the pads may contact the surface of protrusion 240 such that the surface of protrusion 240 can be coated with the insulating material. In this case, the surfaces of protrusion 240 and connector 230 are covered by insulating layer 250. The pads can then be removed.

[0124] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 13 and Figure 14 An example of a support plate attached to the display module 10 is described.

[0125] Figure 13 This is a plan view showing the support plate 202 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 It shows along Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the support plate 202 taken along line IV-IV'. Figure 13 For ease of illustration, the insulating layer 250, which will be described below, is omitted.

[0126] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14The support plate 202 may include a first body 210, a second body 220, a connector 230, a protrusion 240, and an insulating layer 250. Except for the location of the protrusion 240, refer to... Figure 13 and Figure 14 The described support plate 202 can be compared with the reference Figures 5 to 7 The described support plate 200 is substantially the same or similar. Accordingly, descriptions of repeated parts will be omitted.

[0127] A protrusion 240 may project from the edge 230e of the connector 230. In embodiments of this disclosure, the protrusion 240 may project from the edge 230e of the connector 230 in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis FX. In other words, the protrusion 240 may project from the edge 230e of the connector 230 in a first direction X. In this embodiment, the protrusion 240 may project from the second side surface 230y of the connector 230 in the first direction X. The protrusion 240 may be positioned at any location along the second side surface 230y of the connector 230, and is therefore not limited to any particular location. Figure 13 The location shown.

[0128] In embodiments of this disclosure, the protrusion 240 may include a first protrusion 241 and a second protrusion 242. The first protrusion 241 and the second protrusion 242 may be arranged symmetrically on the second side surface 230y of the connector 230 with respect to a direction perpendicular to the folding axis FX.

[0129] In embodiments of this disclosure, the surface of the protrusion 240 may be exposed to the outside. The insulating layer 250 may not cover the surface of the protrusion 240. Since the protrusion 240 protrudes from the second side surface 230y of the connector 230 in the first direction X, even if the surface of the protrusion 240 is not covered by the insulating layer 250, the first body 210, the second body 220, the layer disposed above the support plate 202, and the layer disposed below the support plate 202 may cover the surface of the protrusion 240. Accordingly, externally supplied charge will not accumulate in the connector 230 through the protrusion 240.

[0130] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 15 and Figure 16 An example of a support plate before it is attached to the display module 10 is described.

[0131] Figure 15 This is a plan view showing the support plate 203 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16 It shows along Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the support plate 203 taken along line V-V'. Figure 15 For ease of illustration, the insulating layer 250, which will be described below, is omitted.

[0132] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 The support plate 203 may include a first body 210, a second body 220, a connector 230, an insulating layer 250, and a bridging element 260. In addition to including the bridging element 260, see also... Figure 15 and Figure 16 The described support plate 203 can be compared with the reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 The described support plate 202 is substantially the same or similar. Accordingly, descriptions of repeated parts will be omitted.

[0133] The bridging element 260 can be connected to the edge 230e of the connector 230. The bridging element 260 can limit the extension and compression of the connector 230 within a predetermined range. Accordingly, the bridging element 260 can reduce or substantially prevent deformation of the connector 230.

[0134] In embodiments of this disclosure, the support plate 203 may include a pair of bridging members 260. The pair of bridging members 260 may be arranged across the connector 230.

[0135] In embodiments of this disclosure, the bridging member 260 may be connected to the second side surface 230y of the connector 230. In this embodiment, a pair of bridging members 260 may be symmetrically arranged on opposite second side surfaces 230y of the connector 230 with respect to the second direction Y. For example, one of the pair of bridging members 260 may be formed between the second side surface 230y of the connector 230 and the first body 210, and the other of the pair of bridging members 260 may be formed between the second side surface 230y of the connector 230 and the second body 220.

[0136] In embodiments of this disclosure, a first end of the bridging member 260 may be connected to a first side of a second side surface 230y of the connector 230, and a second end of the bridging member 260 may be connected to a second side of a second side surface 230y of the connector 230.

[0137] The bridging element 260 may be integrally formed with the connector 230. In embodiments of this disclosure, the bridging element 260 may comprise stainless steel.

[0138] The bridging member 260 may be folded or bent such that the bridging member 260 forms an angle relative to the connector 230. In embodiments of this disclosure, the bridging member 260 may be folded such that the bridging member 260 forms an angle greater than about 0 degrees and less than or equal to about 90 degrees relative to the connector 230.

[0139] Before the support plate 203 is attached to the display module 10, the bridging member 260 can be cut off. The first and second ends of the bridging member 260 to be cut off can remain on the second side surface 230y of the connector 230 to form a first protrusion 241 and a second protrusion 242.

[0140] Figure 17 , Figure 18 , Figure 19 and Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a support plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figures 17 to 20 Manufacturing reference can be shown Figure 13 and Figure 14 The method described for the support plate 202.

[0141] Reference Figure 17 The surface of connector 230, which is connected to bridging element 260, may be coated with an insulating material. Bridging element 260 prevents connector 230 from deforming during the coating process. Because the surface of connector 230 is coated with an insulating material, an insulating layer 250 can be formed on the surface of connector 230.

[0142] The surface of connector 230 can be coated by either spraying or deposition. In an embodiment of this disclosure, an acrylic coating can be applied to the surface of connector 230 using a spraying method. The resistance of connector 230 coated with acrylic coating by spraying can be, for example, from about 0.8 Ω to about 30 kΩ. In another embodiment of this disclosure, a chromium carbide (CrC) coating can be applied to the surface of connector 230 using a deposition method. The resistance of connector 230 coated with chromium carbide (CrC) coating by deposition can be, for example, from about 0.4 kΩ to about 6 MΩ.

[0143] Reference Figure 18 The bridging component 260 can be folded. (And...) Figure 17 In contrast, the bridging member 260 can be folded upwards. In embodiments of this disclosure, the bridging member 260 can be folded such that the bridging member 260 forms an angle greater than about 0 degrees and less than or equal to about 90 degrees relative to the connector 230. As the bridging member 260 is folded, the first body 210 and the second body 220 can be formed on opposite sides of the connector 230 in subsequent processes.

[0144] Reference Figure 19 The first body 210 and the second body 220 may be formed on opposite sides of the connector 230, respectively. The first body 210 and the second body 220 may be formed to be adjacent to the opposite second side surface 230y of the connector 230 in the first direction X, respectively.

[0145] In embodiments of this disclosure, after the connector 230 is placed on the fixture, the first body 210 and the second body 220 may be arranged on the fixture to be adjacent to opposite sides of the connector 230, respectively. A guide block may be arranged on the fixture to maintain a predetermined distance between the connector 230 and the first body 210 and the second body 220. A bridging member 260 may be located within the predetermined distance between the connector 230 and the first body 210 and the second body 220.

[0146] Reference Figure 20 The bridging member 260 can be cut off from the connector 230. In embodiments of this disclosure, the bridging member 260 can be cut off by applying physical force to the bridging member 260 using a jig for removing the bridging member 260.

[0147] In the process of cutting out the bridging element 260, a portion of the bridging element 260 may remain on the edge 230e of the connector 230 to form a protrusion 240. In this case, the surface of the protrusion 240, which is the cut surface of the bridging element 260, may be exposed to the outside. Although the surface of the protrusion 240 is exposed to the outside, since the first body 210, the second body 220, the layer arranged above the support plate 202, and the layer arranged below the support plate 202 cover the surface of the protrusion 240, the charge supplied from the outside will not accumulate in the connector 230 through the protrusion 240.

[0148] The display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to display devices including computers, laptops, mobile phones, smartphones, smart tablets, portable media players (PMPs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), MP3 players, etc.

[0149] Although the display device, support plate, and method of manufacturing the support plate according to the above embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments shown are examples and can be modified and altered by those skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of this disclosure set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: The display panel is foldable about a folding axis extending in a first direction; as well as A support plate, disposed below the display panel, the support plate comprising: First subject; The second body is arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the first body; A connector, disposed between the first body and the second body, overlapping the folding axis, and including a plurality of openings; and An insulating layer that covers the surface of the connector. The insulating layer includes multiple openings that correspond to the multiple openings of the connector, respectively.

2. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The support plate also includes protrusions extending from the edge of the connector.

3. The display device as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The protrusion extends from the edge of the connector in the first direction.

4. The display device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The insulating layer covers the surface of the protrusion.

5. A support plate disposed below a display panel included in a display device according to any one of claims 1-4, the support plate comprising: First subject; The second body is arranged in a first direction of the first body; A connector disposed between the first body and the second body and including a plurality of openings; An insulating layer that covers the surface of the connector; as well as A bridging element that is connected to the edge of the connector.

6. The support plate as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The connector is connected by the edge of the bridging member extending in the first direction.

7. A method of manufacturing a support plate, the support plate being disposed under a display panel included in a display device according to any one of claims 1-4, the method comprising: The surface of the connector connected to the bridging component is coated with an insulating material; A first body and a second body are formed on opposite sides of the connector, respectively; as well as Cut the bridge piece from the connector.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: The surface of the connector's protrusions is coated with the insulating material, and the protrusions are exposed by cutting off the bridging element.

9. A display device, comprising: The display panel is foldable about a folding axis extending in a first direction; as well as A support plate, disposed below the display panel, the support plate comprising: First subject; The second body is spaced apart from the first body in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A connector, disposed between the first body and the second body, the connector including a plurality of openings and protrusions; and An insulating layer is disposed on the connector. The insulating layer includes multiple openings that correspond to the multiple openings of the connector, respectively.

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