Foldable display device

Abstract

A foldable display device is provided. The foldable display device includes a display panel including a folding area and a non-folding area, a back plate disposed under the display panel and supporting the display panel, and a frame disposed under the back plate and including a folding portion in an area corresponding to the folding area, wherein the folding portion includes open holes passing through the frame and bridges having one end fixed to the frame, wherein the number of the open holes and the number of the bridges are plural in the folding portion, and wherein the plural open holes and the plural bridges are alternately disposed. Accordingly, in the foldable display device according to the exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, deformation of a surface of the frame can be minimized, and degradation of flatness can be minimized.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0187397, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 24, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a foldable display device, and more specifically, to a foldable display device with improved rigidity. Background Technology

[0004] Display devices used in computer monitors, TVs, mobile phones, etc. include organic light-emitting displays (OLEDs) that emit their own light and liquid crystal displays (LCDs) that require a separate light source.

[0005] As display setups are increasingly used in various fields such as computer monitors, TVs, and personal mobile devices, display devices with large display areas and reduced size and weight have been researched.

[0006] Recently, foldable display devices, which can be freely folded and unfolded by forming display units, lines, etc. on a flexible substrate, have attracted attention as the next generation of display devices. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a foldable display device with improved rigidity.

[0008] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a foldable display device that minimizes damage caused by folding.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the above-described purposes, and other purposes not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a foldable display device includes: a display panel comprising a folding region and a non-folding region. Furthermore, the foldable display device includes a back plate disposed below the display panel and supporting the display panel. Additionally, the foldable display device includes a frame disposed below the back plate and including a fold portion in a region corresponding to the folding region. The fold portion includes an opening through the frame and a bridge portion having one end fixed to the frame. The number of openings and bridge portions in the fold portion is plurality, and the plurality of openings and bridge portions are alternately arranged. Therefore, in the foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, although the frame is made of a rigid material, it can be folded by forming a plurality of openings and bridge portions in the frame.

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

[0012] According to this disclosure, by forming multiple open holes and multiple bridges in the folding area of ​​the frame, the frame made of rigid material can be folded when the display panel is folded.

[0013] According to this disclosure, the frame includes: a plurality of open holes, each open hole having a dot shape; and a bridge portion having a rectangular shape, wherein one of the four sides of the bridge portion is not completely punched out in the fold and is bendable. Therefore, surface deformation of the frame can be minimized. Consequently, deterioration of flatness can be minimized.

[0014] According to this disclosure, an air gap can be formed between the frame and the display panel by creating multiple open holes and multiple bridges. This improves the rigidity of the foldable display device.

[0015] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those illustrated above, and include many other different effects in this application. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other aspects, features, and other advantages of this disclosure will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a plan view of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2A It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from line IIa-IIa';

[0019] Figure 2B It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from line IIb-IIb';

[0020] Figure 3 This is a plan view of the frame of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the frame of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a side view of a foldable display device in a folded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a plan view for explaining a method of manufacturing a frame for a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as the methods for achieving these advantages and features, will become clear from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but will be implemented in various forms. Embodiments are provided by way of example only to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the disclosure and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure will be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0025] The shapes, dimensions, scales, angles, quantities, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings to describe exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are merely examples, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Throughout the application, the same reference numerals generally denote the same elements. Furthermore, in the following description of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of known related technologies may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of this disclosure. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” and “consisting of” as used herein are generally intended to allow for the addition of additional elements, unless these terms are used in conjunction with the term “only.” Unless otherwise expressly stated, any reference to the singular may include the plural.

[0026] Even if not explicitly stated, components are interpreted as including the normal tolerance range.

[0027] When using terms such as “above,” “over,” “below,” and “next” to describe the positional relationship between two parts, one or more parts may be located between the two parts unless these terms are used in conjunction with the terms “immediately following” or “directly.”

[0028] When one element or layer is disposed "on" another element or layer, the other layer or element may be disposed directly on the first element or layer, or other layers or elements may be inserted between them.

[0029] Although the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. Therefore, in the technical concept of this disclosure, the first component mentioned below can be the second component.

[0030] Throughout the application, the same reference numerals generally refer to the same elements.

[0031] The dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the accompanying drawings are for ease of description and this disclosure is not limited to the dimensions and thicknesses of the components shown.

[0032] The features of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be combined or integrated with each other in part or in whole, and may be interconnected and operated in technically different ways. These embodiments may be implemented independently of each other or in relation to each other.

[0033] In the following, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a plan view of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2A It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from line IIa-IIa'. Figure 2B It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from line IIb-IIb'. Figure 3 This is a plan view of the frame of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the frame of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is a side view of a foldable display device in a folded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Reference Figures 1 to 5 The foldable display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a cover window 110, a polarizing layer 120, a display panel 130, a back plate 140, a frame 150, and an adhesive layer 160.

[0036] Display panel 130 is a panel for displaying images. Display elements for displaying images, as well as circuits, lines, and components for driving the display elements, can be arranged in display panel 130.

[0037] Display panel 130 includes a display area AA and a non-display area NA. Furthermore, display panel 130 includes a folding area FA and a folding area NFA. That is, in display panel 130, areas can be divided according to whether it can display an image, and also according to whether it is foldable. Therefore, a specific area of ​​display panel 130 can simultaneously be both the display area AA and the folding area FA.

[0038] The display area AA is the area for displaying images. Display elements for displaying images and circuit units for driving the display elements can be disposed in the display area AA. For example, when the foldable display device 100 is an electroluminescent display device, the display elements may include electroluminescent elements. For example, when the foldable display device 100 is a liquid crystal display device, the display elements may include liquid crystal elements. Hereinafter, for ease of description, it is assumed that the foldable display device 100 according to the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure is a foldable display device 100 including electroluminescent elements, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0039] The circuit unit may include various thin-film transistors, capacitors, and lines for driving the electroluminescent element. For example, the circuit unit may include, but is not limited to, various components such as driving thin-film transistors, switching thin-film transistors, storage capacitors, gate lines, and data lines.

[0040] In the non-display area NA, no image is displayed, and circuitry, lines, and components for driving display elements disposed in the display area AA are provided. Driving circuitry, such as gate drivers or data drivers, can be provided in the non-display area NA. For example, the driving circuitry can be mounted in the non-display area NA of the display panel 130 via a gate-in-panel (GIP) method, or connected to the display panel 130 via a tape-on-cable (TCP) method or a chip-on-film (COF) method.

[0041] The non-display area NA can be defined as the area surrounding the display area AA, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the figure. However, the non-display area NA may also be defined as an area extending from the display area AA or as an area without display elements, but is not limited thereto.

[0042] Alternatively, the display panel 130 may be limited to a display area AA and a non-display area NA, or to a folding area FA and a non-folding area NFA.

[0043] The folding region FA is the area where, when the display panel 130 is folded, the display panel 130 folds relative to the folding axis FX and folds with a specific radius of curvature. The folding region FA may include a portion of the display region AA and a portion of the non-display region NA. Although Figure 1The diagram shows that the folding axis FX is positioned in the center of the display panel 130, but the position of the folding axis FX can be changed. The folding area FA can also change according to the position of the folding axis FX, but is not limited thereto.

[0044] In the non-folding region NFA, the display panel 130 remains flat. The non-folding region NFA may include a portion of the display region AA and a portion of the non-display region NA. The non-folding region NFA extends on both sides of the folding region FA. That is, the non-folding region NFA may define the folding region FA between them. Furthermore, when the foldable display device 100 is folded, the non-folding regions NFA on both sides of the folding region FA may be positioned opposite each other.

[0045] A polarizing layer 120 is disposed on the display panel 130. The polarizing layer 120 selectively transmits light to reduce the reflection of external light incident on the display panel 130. Specifically, the display panel 130 includes various metal layers applied to thin-film transistors, lines, and electroluminescent elements. Therefore, external light incident on the display panel 130 can be reflected from the metal layers, causing the visibility of the foldable display device 100 to be reduced due to the reflection of external light. However, when the polarizing layer 120 is disposed, it absorbs external light, which increases the ambient contrast of the foldable display device 100. However, Figure 1 and Figure 2A and Figure 2B The configuration of the foldable display device 100 shown is merely an example, and according to the implementation example of the foldable display device 100, the polarization layer 120 may be omitted.

[0046] Although not in Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, but a touch panel may be further disposed between the polarization layer 120 and the display panel 130. The touch panel is a device configured to sense user touch input, such as screen touch or gestures of the foldable display device 100. The touch panel may be implemented as a resistive touch panel, an electrostatic touch panel, an optical touch panel, or an electromagnetic touch panel.

[0047] A cover window 110 is disposed on the polarizing layer 120. The cover window 110 protects the polarizing layer 120 and the display panel 130 from external impacts, moisture, heat, etc. The cover window 110 may be made of glass and may have a curved top surface.

[0048] A backplate 140 is disposed below the display panel 130. If the substrate including the display panel 130 is made of a plastic material such as polyimide (PI), the display device is manufactured with a glass support substrate disposed below the substrate. After components such as a polarizing layer 120 are formed on the display panel 130, the support substrate can be released. The support substrate can be a glass substrate. However, after releasing the support substrate, components for supporting the substrate are required. Therefore, a backplate 140 for supporting the substrate can be disposed below the substrate. Furthermore, the backplate 140 protects the display panel 130 from external moisture, heat, impact, etc.

[0049] The frame 150 is positioned below the back panel 140. The frame 150 protects the back panel 140, display panel 130, and other components mounted on the frame 150.

[0050] Frame 150 may be made of a rigid material. For example, frame 150 may be made of a metal such as stainless steel (SUS) or invar, or plastic. However, the material of frame 150 may be varied depending on the design and is not limited to this if it meets physical conditions such as thermal strain, radius of curvature, and rigidity.

[0051] An adhesive layer 160 is disposed between other components of the foldable display device 100 to bond each component to another. Specifically, the adhesive layer 160 may be disposed between the cover window 110 and the polarizing layer 120, between the polarizing layer 120 and the display panel 130, and between the back plate 140 and the frame 150. The adhesive layer 160 may be made of optically clear adhesive (OCA), pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), etc., but is not limited to these.

[0052] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame 150 of the foldable display device 100 includes a support portion 151 and a folding portion 152.

[0053] The support portion 151 is a region that remains flat, such that the support portion 151 corresponds to the non-folded region NFA.

[0054] The folding portion 152 is a flexible region included in the region corresponding to the folding region Fa. The folding portion 152 has a foldable characteristic, such that the folding portion 152 can be folded when the foldable display device 100 is folded.

[0055] The folding portion 152 may include a plurality of open holes 152H passing through the frame 150, and a plurality of bridges 152B having fixed ends 152FX1 and 152FX2, the fixed ends 152FX1 and 152FX2 being the ends of the bridges 152B fixed to the frame 150. The plurality of open holes 152H and bridges 152B may be alternately arranged. That is, the open holes 152H and the fixed ends 152FX1 and 152FX2, arranged along the folding axis FX, are alternately arranged at uniform intervals. Furthermore, the plurality of open holes 152H and bridges 152B may be alternately arranged in directions intersecting the folding axis FX. The folding portion 152 of the frame 150 may have bendable characteristics due to the plurality of open holes 152H and bridges 152B. That is, the plurality of open holes 152H and bridges 152B may be a pattern of the frame 150 so that the frame 150, made of a rigid material, ensures foldable characteristics.

[0056] Each of the plurality of open holes 152H may have a circular or dot shape, and the plurality of open holes 152H may be arranged in a plurality of rows 152HL1 and 152HL2 in a direction intersecting the folding axis FX. In this case, the plurality of rows 152HL1 and 152HL2 may be separated from each other by a distance equal to the length of the long side of the plurality of bridge portions 152B.

[0057] The multiple rows 152HL1 and 152HL2 may include multiple first rows 152HL1 and multiple second rows 152HL2. The multiple rows 152HL1 and 152HL2 include a first row 152HL1 and a second row 152HL2 adjacent to the first row 152HL1, and the number of open holes 152H in the second row 152HL2 is different from the number of open holes 152H in the first row 152HL1. Furthermore, the multiple open holes 152H may be formed by a first row 152HL1 including multiple open holes 152H disposed in a direction intersecting the folding axis FX, and a second row 152HL2 adjacent to the first row 152HL1 and including multiple open holes 152H. In this case, the multiple first rows 152HL1 and multiple second rows 152HL2 may be alternately arranged.

[0058] The first row 152HL1 and the second row 152HL2 may be separated from each other by a first distance in the same direction as the folding axis FX. In this case, the first distance may be equal to the length of the long side of the plurality of bridge portions 152B. Furthermore, the plurality of open holes 152H in each of the first row 152HL1 and the second row 152HL2 may be separated from each other by a second distance in a direction intersecting the folding axis FX. In this case, the second distance may be equal to the length of the short side of the plurality of bridge portions 152B.

[0059] The number of open holes 152H in the first row 152HL1 may differ from the number of open holes 152H in the second row 152HL2. Specifically, an even number of open holes 152H may be provided in the first row 152HL1, and an odd number of open holes 152H may be provided in the second row 152HL2. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, six open holes 152H can be provided in the first row 152HL1, and seven open holes 152H can be provided in the second row 152HL2 adjacent to the first row 152HL1.

[0060] Each of the plurality of bridge portions 152B may have a rectangular shape including a long side and a short side and may extend in a direction parallel to the folding axis FX. That is, the long side of each of the plurality of bridge portions 152B may be parallel to the folding axis FX. In this case, the plurality of bridge portions 152B may be spaced apart from each other along the folding axis FX by a distance equal to the diameter of each open hole 152H.

[0061] Furthermore, the short side of each of the plurality of bridge portions 152B may extend in a direction intersecting the folding axis FX. That is, the bridge portion 152B has a long side and a short side, and the short side may extend in a direction intersecting the folding axis FX. In this case, the diameter of each open hole 152H may be greater than the length of the short side of each bridge portion 152B.

[0062] Multiple open holes 152H are punched out in the folded portion 152. However, not all sides of the rectangular shape of each of the multiple bridge portions 152B are punched out in the folded portion 152. One of the short sides of the rectangular shape can be formed as a flexible bridge portion, while the other sides can be cut off from the folded portion 152. More specifically, the first side of the short side of the rectangular shape of each of the multiple bridge portions 152B can be formed as a flexible bridge portion. In addition, the second and fourth sides of the long sides and the third side of the short sides can be cut off from the folded portion 152. In this case, the first side of the short sides can be the fixed ends 152FX1 and 152FX2 of each of the multiple bridge portions 152B. In addition, the second and fourth sides of the long sides and the third side of the short sides can be the free ends 152FE1 and 152FE2 of each of the multiple bridge portions 152B. That is, all edges except the fixed ends 152FX1 and 152FX2 can be free ends 152FE1 and 152FE2 separated from the frame 150. Since the plurality of bridge portions 152B are not completely punched out in the fold portion 152, and one of their edges extends from the fold portion 152, deformation in the surface of the frame 150 can be minimized. Therefore, the deterioration of the flatness of the foldable display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be minimized.

[0063] The first fixed end 152FX1 of any one of the plurality of bridge portions 152B can be fixed to the upper end side of the folding axis FX. The first free end 152FE1 extending from the first fixed end 152FX1 can extend downwards from the first fixed end 152FX1. Furthermore, the second fixed end 152FX2 of another bridge portion 152B adjacent to that bridge portion in a direction intersecting the folding axis FX can be fixed to the lower end side of the folding axis FX. The second free end 152FE2 can extend upwards from the second fixed end 152FX2. That is, the first fixed end 152FX1 and the second fixed end 152FX2 can be configured in a Z-shaped pattern. In other words, in the bridge portions 152B arranged along the folding axis FX, the free ends 152FE1 and 152FE2 of two bridge portions 152B can face each other with an opening 152H between them. More specifically, when the first fixed end 152FX1 and the second fixed end 152FX2 correspond to the first side of the rectangular shape, the first free end 152FE1 and the second free end 152FE2 may correspond to the second, third, and fourth sides of the rectangular shape of the folded portion 152. In this case, the second, third, and fourth sides can be cut off from the folded portion 152. Furthermore, the open hole 152H may be adjacent to the fixed ends 152FX1 and 152FX2 in a direction intersecting the folding axis FX, and may correspond one-to-one with the fixed ends 152FX1 and 152FX2.

[0064] As described above, in the foldable display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of openings 152H and a plurality of bridge portions 152B are provided in the folding portion 152 of the frame 150. Therefore, as Figure 5 As shown, a gas gap of 1 mm to 1.5 mm may exist between the display panel assembly 130', which includes the cover window 110, polarizing layer 120, display panel 130, and back plate 140, and the frame 150. Therefore, the foldable display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can improve rigidity by forming a plurality of openings 152H and a plurality of bridge portions 152B in the folding portion 152 of the frame 150.

[0065] Furthermore, in the foldable display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a plurality of openings 152H and a plurality of bridge portions 152B are provided in the folding portion 152 of the frame 150. Therefore, the frame 150 can be flexible. Thus, damage caused by folding can be minimized.

[0066] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a frame for a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0067] Figure 6A and Figure 6BThis is a plan view for explaining a method of manufacturing a frame for a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] First, such as Figure 6A As shown, a plurality of openings 152H are punched out in the folding portion 152 of the frame 150 of the foldable display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this case, each of the plurality of openings 152H may be located in a pattern for folding the frame 150. Furthermore, the plurality of openings 152H may be provided in a plurality of rows including a first row 152HL1 and a second row 152HL2. The plurality of first rows 152HL1 and the plurality of second rows 152HL2 may be alternately arranged to form a plurality of rows.

[0069] The first row 152HL1 and the second row 152HL2 can be separated from each other by a first distance. In this case, the first distance can be equal to the length of the long side of the bridge portion. Furthermore, the plurality of open holes 152H in each of the first row 152HL1 and the second row 152HL2 can be separated from each other by a second distance in a direction intersecting the folding axis FX. In this case, the second distance can be equal to the length of the short side of the bridge portion to be formed. Furthermore, the number of open holes 152H in the first row 152HL1 can be different from the number of open holes 152H in the second row 152HL2.

[0070] Then, as Figure 6B As shown, multiple bridge portions 152B can be formed around multiple open holes 152H. The multiple bridge portions 152B can be arranged in multiple first columns 152BR1 and multiple second columns 152BR2 in a direction intersecting the folding axis FX. In this case, the multiple first columns 152BR1 and multiple second columns 152BR2 can be alternately arranged in the direction intersecting the folding axis FX.

[0071] The bridge portion 152B in the first column 152BR1 may not extend from the opening in the first row 152HL1 of the plurality of openings 152H. The bridge portion 152B in the second column 152BR2 may extend from the opening in the first row 152HL1 of the plurality of openings 152H. In other words, the first fixed end 152FX1 in the first column 152BR1 may be formed on the lower end side of the folding axis FX. Furthermore, the second fixed end 152FX2 in the second column 152BR2 may be formed on the upper end side of the folding axis FX.

[0072] Additionally, the first free end 152FE1 in the first column 152BR1 can extend from the first fixed end 152FX1 toward the upper end of the folding axis FX. Furthermore, the second free end 152FE2 in the second column 152BR2 can extend from the second fixed end 152FX2 toward the lower end of the folding axis FX.

[0073] Each component of a foldable display device with a foldable display area can be formed to have a very small thickness, thus enabling it to be folded. For example, a foldable display device with a small thickness can flexibly deform in response to stress generated in the folding direction, and thus can be folded in the folding direction. However, as the display device becomes thinner, its reliability decreases. For example, as the thickness of the display panel decreases, the rigidity of the display panel decreases, and the display panel can be damaged even by small impacts from the outside. Therefore, a frame made of rigid material is provided under the display panel to protect the display device from impacts from the downward direction of the foldable display device.

[0074] When the frame is positioned beneath the foldable display panel, a pattern is formed to provide flexibility, ensuring the foldable properties of the frame, which is made of a rigid material. In this case, the pattern for ensuring the foldable properties of the frame can be formed using a chemical etching process. However, the etching process is time-consuming, thus requiring additional production lines for mass production.

[0075] Alternatively, the pattern for the frame used to ensure its foldable properties can be formed by a pressing process, which is a physical process. While forming the pattern by pressing takes less time compared to forming the frame pattern by etching, the rigid material of the frame deforms. Consequently, the surface flatness deteriorates.

[0076] In the foldable display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of open holes 152H are first formed, and then a plurality of bridge portions 152B are formed around the plurality of open holes 152H. Therefore, even if the pattern of the frame 150 for ensuring foldable characteristics is formed by a pressing process, deformation of the rigid material can be minimized and surface flatness can be improved.

[0077] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may also be described as follows:

[0078] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a foldable display device includes: a display panel comprising a folding region and a non-folding region. Furthermore, the foldable display device includes a back plate disposed below the display panel and supporting the display panel. Additionally, the foldable display device includes a frame disposed below the back plate and including a fold portion in a region corresponding to the folding region. The fold portion includes an opening through the frame and a bridge portion having one end fixed to the frame, wherein the number of openings and the number of bridge portions in the fold portion are plurality, and wherein the plurality of openings and the plurality of bridge portions are alternately arranged.

[0079] The shape of the open hole may differ from that of the bridge section.

[0080] The open hole can be either circular or dot-shaped.

[0081] The bridge section may have a rectangular shape including a long side and a short side.

[0082] The bridge section may have a shape that includes a long side and a short side.

[0083] The diameter of the open hole can be greater than the length of the short side of the bridge section.

[0084] The opening can be configured in multiple rows in a direction intersecting the folding axis of the display device, the multiple rows including a first row and a second row adjacent to the first row.

[0085] The number of open holes in the second row may differ from the number of open holes in the first row.

[0086] The first row and the second row can each be set to multiple, and the multiple first rows and multiple second rows can be separated from each other by a first distance.

[0087] The first distance may be equal to the length of the long side of the bridge section.

[0088] Each of the distances between multiple open holes in each of the first rows and the distances between multiple open holes in each of the second rows can be a second distance.

[0089] The second distance may be equal to the length of the short side of one or more of the bridge sections.

[0090] The opening can be adjacent to one end of the bridge portion and correspond one-to-one with one end of the bridge portion in a direction intersecting the folding axis of the display device.

[0091] The long side of the bridge section may be parallel to the folding axis.

[0092] The bridge portion may include a fixed end, which is one end of the bridge portion; and a free end, which is all the sides except the fixed end and is separated from the frame.

[0093] The bridge section may have a rectangular shape.

[0094] Among the multiple bridge sections arranged on the same straight line along the folding axis, the free ends of two bridge sections can face each other with an open hole between them.

[0095] The plurality of open holes and the ends of the plurality of bridges arranged on the same straight line along the folding axis of the display device can be alternately arranged at a uniform distance from each other.

[0096] Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may be implemented in many different forms without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present disclosure. The scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are illustrative in all respects and do not limit the present disclosure. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the following claims, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope thereof should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A foldable display device, comprising: The display panel includes a folding area and a non-folding area; A back panel, which is disposed below the display panel and supports the display panel; as well as A frame, disposed below the back panel and including a fold in a region corresponding to the folding area, The folded portion includes an open hole through the frame and a bridge portion having one end fixed to the frame. The number of open holes and the number of bridge portions in the folded portion are multiple. The plurality of said open holes and the plurality of said bridge portions are alternately arranged, and The open holes are spaced apart from the back panel by an adhesive layer disposed on the frame.

2. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the opening is different from that of the bridge portion. The open hole has either a circular shape or a dot shape, and The bridge section has a rectangular shape including a long side and a short side.

3. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein the bridge portion has a shape including a long side and a short side, and the diameter of the opening is greater than the length of the short side of the bridge portion.

4. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein the openings are provided in a plurality of rows in a direction intersecting the folding axis of the display device. The plurality of rows includes a first row and a second row adjacent to the first row, and The number of open holes in the second row is different from the number of open holes in the first row.

5. The foldable display device according to claim 4, wherein the first row and the second row are each configured as a plurality of rows. The multiple first rows and the multiple second rows are separated from each other by a first distance, and The first distance is equal to the length of the longer side of the bridge section.

6. The foldable display device of claim 5, wherein each of the distances between the plurality of openings in each of the first rows and the distances between the plurality of openings in each of the second rows is a second distance, and The second distance is equal to the length of the short side of the plurality of bridge sections.

7. The foldable display device according to claim 2, wherein the opening is adjacent to and corresponds one-to-one with one end of the bridge portion in a direction intersecting the folding axis of the display device, and The long side of the bridge section is parallel to the folding axis.

8. The foldable display device according to claim 7, wherein the bridge portion comprises: A fixed end, wherein the fixed end is one end of the bridge portion; and The free ends are all the edges except the fixed ends and are separated from the frame.

9. The foldable display device according to claim 8, wherein the bridge portion has a rectangular shape.

10. The foldable display device according to claim 8, wherein among the plurality of bridge portions arranged in a straight line along the folding axis, the free ends of two bridge portions face each other with an opening between them.

11. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of open holes and the plurality of bridge portions are arranged on the same straight line along the folding axis of the display device and are alternately arranged at uniform distances from each other.

Images