Display device

Abstract

A display device includes a display panel including a first area, a second area, and a curved area. The device includes a first support plate disposed below the display panel and supporting the first area and the curved area of the display panel, and a second support plate disposed on the display panel and supporting the second area of the display panel. The device further includes a curved support member disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate and supporting a curved portion of the curved area of the display panel. The curved support member has a curled shape in the curved area of the display panel, and an outermost surface of the curled shape in the form of a curved surface is in contact with an inner surface of a curved surface of the curved portion of the display panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to display devices and methods of manufacturing the same. Background Technology

[0002] A display device includes a display area for displaying an image and a non-display area formed along the outer edge of the display area. A display device requires not only a display panel to display the image, but also various additional components such as driver integrated circuits (ICs) or circuit boards.

[0003] Additional components can be located in non-display areas, or various connecting components such as flexible printed circuit boards used to connect additional components can be located in non-display areas.

[0004] In display devices, the non-display area is also called the bezel area. When the bezel area is thick, it distracts the user's attention. When the bezel area is thin, the user's gaze is fixed on the screen of the display area, thereby increasing the user's sense of immersion. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In display devices, various additional components, such as driver integrated circuits or circuit boards and pads for the display panel, are placed on the rear surface of the display panel to ensure the widest possible display area and minimize the bezel area.

[0006] Various additional components are arranged inwards on the cover glass CG and mounted to or connected to connection components such as flexible printed circuit boards to form modules.

[0007] These various attachments are protected against external damage or in the event of the module falling from the back frame attached to the cover glass CG. Furthermore, the back frame prevents foreign objects and moisture from entering the module.

[0008] However, when impacts from user environment or drops are applied to the back frame made of metals such as aluminum (Al), the frame deforms, causing damage to the bending areas, resulting in pattern cracking and screen malfunctions.

[0009] The problem is that the lack of a structure to strengthen the stiffness of the bending area limits the achievement of a stable narrow bezel.

[0010] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, the inventors of this disclosure have invented a display device in which an internal support structure is used to minimize deformation and ensure reliability when stress caused by external force occurs in the curved portion of the display panel of the display device, thereby enabling a stable narrow bezel.

[0011] Furthermore, the technical objective of the embodiments of this disclosure is to provide a display device that enhances the rigidity of the curved area of ​​the panel.

[0012] Furthermore, the inventors of this disclosure have invented a method for manufacturing a display device in which the outer surface of the curled shape of the bending support is curved and contacts and supports the inner curved surface of the bending area of ​​the panel, thereby minimizing the deformation of the bending area caused by external force and preventing the panel from cracking.

[0013] The purposes of this disclosure are not limited to those described above. Other purposes and advantages not mentioned in this disclosure may be understood based on the following description and will become clearer based on embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, it will be readily understood that the purposes and advantages of this disclosure may be achieved using the means set forth in the claims or combinations thereof.

[0014] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a display panel including a first region, a second region, and a curved region, wherein the first region and the second region face each other in a curved state; a first support plate disposed below the display panel and supporting the first region and the curved region of the display panel; a second support plate disposed on the display panel and supporting the second region of the display panel; and a curved support member disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate and supporting the curved portion of the curved region of the display panel, wherein the curved support member has a curled shape in the curved region, wherein the outermost surface of the curved surface of the curled shape contacts the inner surface of the curved surface of the curved portion of the curved region of the display panel.

[0015] A method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: forming a curved support member having a curled shape at one end; providing a first support plate below one side of a display panel and a second support plate below the other side of the display panel; providing the curved support member below the first support plate; bending the display panel, and providing the second support plate on the other side of the bent display panel; and providing a connecting member between the first support plate and the second support plate, wherein the outermost surface of the curled curved surface is in contact with the inner surface of the curved surface of the bent portion of the bent region of the display panel.

[0016] According to embodiments of this disclosure, enhancing the rigidity of the curved area of ​​the panel in the bezel region of the display device can improve product quality and thus ensure product reliability, thereby achieving a narrow bezel.

[0017] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, applying a rigid structure to the bending area of ​​the panel can minimize damage to the panel during external impacts.

[0018] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the bending shape of the bending support directly contacts the bending area of ​​the panel in a curved manner, thereby minimizing bending deformation.

[0019] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, bending deformation in the curved areas of the panel is minimized, thereby improving screen defects.

[0020] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, when an impact is applied to the curved area of ​​the panel, the curled shape can act as a buffer to prevent the panel from cracking and being damaged. Therefore, a display device with a long lifespan and low power consumption can be achieved.

[0021] The display device according to this disclosure enhances the stiffness of the bending region without adding additional components. Therefore, the manufacturing process can be simplified, manufacturing costs can be reduced, and product quality can be improved.

[0022] In the display device according to this disclosure, the curled shape is optimized to reduce impact. Furthermore, a coating surface treatment (polyurethane coating) can be applied to the boundary surface of different materials in the area where the bending support contacts the panel, thereby reducing friction in the bending area and preventing the display panel from cracking.

[0023] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other effects not mentioned.

[0024] In addition to the effects described above, the specific effects of this disclosure will also be described below while describing the specific details of the embodiments used to implement this disclosure.

[0025] Appendix 1. A display device comprising:

[0026] The display panel includes a first region, a second region, and a curved region;

[0027] A first support plate is disposed below the display panel and supports the first area and the curved area of ​​the display panel.

[0028] A second support plate, disposed on the display panel, supports the second area of ​​the display panel; and

[0029] A bending support member is disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate, and the bending support member provides support for the bent portion of the curved area of ​​the display panel.

[0030] The bending support has a curled shape in the bending region.

[0031] The outermost surface of the curved surface of the curved support member is in contact with the inner surface of the curved portion of the curved area of ​​the display panel.

[0032] Note 2. The display device according to Note 1, wherein, in the curved region, the curved end of the curled shape of the curved support is spaced apart from the flat region of the curved support.

[0033] Appendix 3. The display device according to Appendix 1, wherein the bending support member comprises:

[0034] A flat portion having a flat shape corresponding to the second region of the display panel; and

[0035] The curved portion extends from the flat portion toward the curved area of ​​the display panel.

[0036] The curved portion is curved in the curved region to have a curled shape.

[0037] Note 4. The display device according to Note 3, wherein the curved portion extends integrally from one side to the opposite side along the width direction of the display panel in the curved region to the width of the display panel.

[0038] Note 5. The display device according to Note 3, wherein the end of the curved portion of the curled shape of the curved support is spaced apart from the flat portion of the curved support.

[0039] Note 6. The display device according to Note 5, wherein when the end of the curved portion is spaced apart from the flat portion, the end of the curved portion of the curled shape contacts the flat portion in response to an external force applied to the curved portion of the curled shape.

[0040] Note 7. The display device according to Note 6, wherein the end of the curved portion of the curled shape contacts the flat portion in response to an external force being applied to the curved portion of the curled shape.

[0041] In response to the removal of the external force applied to the curved portion of the curled shape, the end of the curved portion of the curled shape returns to its original state, spaced apart from the flat portion.

[0042] Note 8. The display device according to Note 3, wherein the outermost surface of the curved portion of the curled shape includes a coating.

[0043] Note 9. The display device according to Note 8, wherein the coating comprises polytetrafluoroethylene material.

[0044] Note 10. The display device according to Note 1, wherein the bending support comprises:

[0045] A first curved portion having a first curled shape and forming a first side of the curved support member, wherein the first curved portion extends in the curved region in the width direction of the display panel;

[0046] A second curved portion, having a curled shape and forming a second side of the curved support opposite to the first side, wherein the second curved portion extends in the curved region in the width direction of the display panel; and

[0047] The non-curled portion is disposed between the first curved portion and the second curved portion.

[0048] Note 11. The display device according to Note 1, wherein the bending support is a plastic material comprising at least one of polycarbonate, polyimide, polyethylene naphthalate or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0049] Note 12. The display device according to Note 1, wherein the bending support is glass, ceramic or metal, or a combination of at least two of glass, ceramic and metal.

[0050] Note 13. The display device according to Note 1, wherein the bending support is made of stainless steel.

[0051] Note 14. The display device according to Note 1, wherein the bending support comprises metal.

[0052] Note 15. The display device according to Note 1, wherein the first region is the display area of ​​the display panel.

[0053] The second region includes the pads of the display panel.

[0054] The first region and the second region face each other in the vertical direction.

[0055] Note 16. The display device according to Note 15, wherein the display panel has a flat shape in the first region, a downwardly curved shape in the curved region, and a flat shape in the second region.

[0056] Note 17. The display device according to Note 1 further includes a connecting member disposed between the second support plate and the bending support member.

[0057] The connecting member fixes the display panel in the second region.

[0058] Note 18. The display device according to Note 17, wherein the connecting member comprises at least one layer, the at least one layer comprising at least one of optically transparent adhesive OCA, optically transparent resin OCR, and pressure-sensitive adhesive PSA.

[0059] Note 19. The display device according to Note 17, wherein the connecting member comprises a tape containing foam tape or foam pad or a double-sided tape having conductive properties.

[0060] Appendix 20. The display device according to Appendix 1, wherein the bending support comprises:

[0061] An embossed layer that is in contact with the first support plate;

[0062] A buffer layer is disposed beneath the imprinting layer; and

[0063] A heat dissipation layer is disposed below the buffer layer.

[0064] Note 21. The display device according to Note 1 further includes a reinforcing member disposed on the outer surface of the display panel in the curved region.

[0065] Note 22. The display device according to Note 21, wherein the reinforcing member includes a micro-coating.

[0066] Note 23. The display device according to Note 21, wherein the reinforcing member covers the display panel in the curved region, and the reinforcing member extends to cover a portion of the display panel in the first region in contact with the curved region, and covers the display panel in the second region. Attached Figure Description

[0067] The above and other objects, 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:

[0068] Figure 1 A front view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0069] Figure 2 A rear view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0070] Figure 3 It is according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the cutting line 3-3.

[0071] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the detailed structure of a bending support member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a bending support member when an external force is applied according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Figure 6 It is a bending support member according to another embodiment of this disclosure along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the cutting line 3-3.

[0074] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the detailed structure of a bending support according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed description, unless otherwise described, the same reference numerals should be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the relative dimensions and descriptions of these elements may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0077] See below and appendix Figure 1 The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as the methods for achieving these advantages and features, will become clear from the detailed description of the embodiments described below. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms. Therefore, these embodiments are presented merely to complete this disclosure and to fully inform those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains of its scope, and the claims are not limited by this disclosure.

[0078] For the sake of brevity and clarity, the elements in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements and therefore perform similar functions. Furthermore, for the sake of brevity, descriptions and details of well-known steps and elements have been omitted. Moreover, numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description of this disclosure to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, it should be understood that this disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, and circuits have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the disclosure. Examples of various embodiments are further illustrated and described below. It should be understood that the description herein is not intended to limit the claims to the specific embodiments described. Rather, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0079] The shapes, dimensions, scales, angles, quantities, etc., disclosed in the accompanying drawings describing embodiments of this disclosure are exemplary, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements herein. Furthermore, for the sake of brevity, descriptions and details of well-known steps and elements have been omitted. Moreover, numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description of this disclosure to provide a thorough understanding of it. However, it should be understood that this disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, and circuits have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of this disclosure.

[0080] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular components “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural components as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “included in,” and “including” as used in this specification specify the presence of the stated features, integers, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, elements, components, and / or portions thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes all and any combinations of one or more associated listed items. Expressions such as “at least one” appearing before a list of elements may modify the entire list of elements or may not modify individual elements in the list. Errors or tolerances may occur in the interpretation of numerical values, even if not explicitly described.

[0081] Furthermore, it should be understood that when a first element or layer is referred to as existing "on" a second element or layer, the first element may be directly disposed on the second element, or may be indirectly disposed on the second element by means of a third element or layer disposed between the first element or layer and the second element or layer. It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "connected to" or "attached to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly connected to another element or layer, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may exist. Additionally, it will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, it may be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intermediate elements or layers may exist.

[0082] Furthermore, as used herein, when a layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., is disposed "above" or "on top of" another layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., the former can directly contact the latter, or another layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., can be disposed between the former and the latter. As used herein, when a layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., is directly disposed "above" or "on top of" another layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., the former directly contacts the latter, and no other layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., is disposed between the former and the latter. Furthermore, as used herein, when a layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., is disposed "below" or "below" another layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., the former can directly contact the latter, or another layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., can be disposed between the former and the latter. As used herein, when a layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., is directly disposed "below" or "below" another layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., the former directly contacts the latter, and no other layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., is disposed between the former and the latter.

[0083] When describing temporal relationships, such as the chronological order between two events, such as "after", "following", "before", etc., unless it means "immediately after", "immediately following", or "immediately before", another event may have occurred between them.

[0084] When a particular implementation can be implemented differently, the functions or operations specified in a particular block may occur in a different order than those specified in the flowchart. For example, two successive blocks may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the two blocks may be executed in reverse order based on the functions or operations involved.

[0085] It should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion described below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion.

[0086] The features of the various embodiments of this disclosure can be combined with each other in whole or in part, and can be technically related to or operable on each other. The embodiments can be implemented independently of each other, or they can be implemented together in an associated relationship.

[0087] When interpreting numerical values, unless otherwise explicitly described, the values ​​are interpreted to include a range of error.

[0088] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "connected to" or "attached to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or connected to another element or layer, or there can be one or more intermediary elements or layers. Furthermore, it should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or there can be one or more intermediary elements or layers.

[0089] The features of the various embodiments of this disclosure can be combined in part or in whole, and can be technically related to or operable on each other. The embodiments can be implemented independently of each other, or they can be implemented together in an associated relationship.

[0090] Unless otherwise defined, 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 the inventive concept pertains. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as their meaning in the context of the relevant field and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal manner unless expressly defined herein.

[0091] As used herein, terms such as “implementation,” “example,” and “aspect” should not be construed as making any aspect or design described superior or better than other aspects or designs.

[0092] Furthermore, the term "or" means "inclusive or" rather than "exclusive or". That is, unless otherwise mentioned or clear from the context, the expression "x uses a or b" means that it naturally includes any of the permutations.

[0093] The terms used in the following description have been selected as those that are common and frequently used in the relevant technical field. However, other terms may exist in addition to these, depending on technological developments and / or changes, conventions, preferences of those skilled in the art, etc. Therefore, the terms used in the following description should not be construed as limiting the technical concept, but rather as examples of terms used to describe implementation methods.

[0094] Furthermore, in certain circumstances, the terminology may be arbitrarily chosen by the applicant, in which case its detailed meaning will be described in the corresponding descriptive section. Therefore, the terminology used in the following description should not be understood based solely on the name of the term but on its meaning and the content of the entire specific implementation.

[0095] In the following, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device and a method of manufacturing the same will be described, wherein a bending support for supporting the bending area of ​​the panel can be used to enhance the rigidity of the bending area of ​​the panel without the need to add separate components, thereby simplifying the process, reducing manufacturing costs and improving product quality.

[0096] Figure 1 A front view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 A rear view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0097] Figure 1 The front surface of the display device 1, which has a display area or an active area AA, is briefly shown. Figure 2 A simplified view of the rear surface of the display device 1 is shown.

[0098] In this disclosure, the directions facing the front surface and upward are defined as the Z-axis direction, while the directions facing the rear surface and downward are defined as the -Z-axis direction.

[0099] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device 1 includes a cover member 20 constituting its front surface and a back frame 30 constituting its rear surface.

[0100] In this regard, the cover component 20 can be referred to as a cover window or a cover glass.

[0101] The display module can be disposed between the rear surface of the cover member 20 and the upper surface of the back frame 30. At this point, it will be... Figure 3 The display module is described in detail below. The display module may include, for example, a flexible substrate, a support plate, a bending support, and connecting components.

[0102] The display device 1 may include a display area or active area AA and a bezel area BZA in its front surface. The bezel area BZA may be disposed along the outermost edge of the display device 1 in a manner that surrounds the display area.

[0103] The cover member 20 can be configured to cover the front surface of the display module and can be used to protect the display module from external impacts.

[0104] The edge of the cover member 20 may have a rounded shape that curves toward the rear surface on which the display module is disposed.

[0105] In this case, the cover member 20 can be configured to cover at least a partial area of ​​the side surface of the display module disposed on the rear surface of the cover member, so that the cover member 20 can be used to protect not only the front surface of the display module but also the side surface from external impacts.

[0106] Since the cover member 20 includes the display area AA for displaying the image, the cover member can be made of a transparent material such as cover glass to display the image. For example, the cover member 20 can be made of transparent plastic material, glass material, or tempered glass material.

[0107] The back frame 30 can be disposed on the rear surface of the display module and can contact the cover member 20 to house the display module and support the cover member 20.

[0108] The back frame 30 can serve as a housing constituting the rear surface of the display device 1 and can be made of a metallic material such as aluminum or a polyepoxy resin material. Embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0109] In this case, the back frame 30 can serve as the outermost housing of the display device 1. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the back frame 30 can serve as an intermediate frame for the housing that protects the rear surface of the display module.

[0110] Reference Figures 3 to 7 A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0111] Figure 3 It is according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the cutting line 3-3. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the detailed structure of the bending support 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a bending support member when an external force is applied according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the bending support member is along... Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the cutting line 3-3. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the detailed structure of a bending support according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] Reference Figure 3 The display device 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a display module 17, a cover member 20 and a back frame 30.

[0114] The front surface of the cover member 20 can be divided into a display area AA and a non-display area NA, which is the area other than the display area AA. The non-display area NA can be formed along the edge of the display area AA on the front surface of the cover member 20 and can be defined as a border area BZA.

[0115] The rear surface of the cover member 20 may include a non-display area NA. The non-display area NA may be disposed between the rear surface of the cover member 20 and the upper surface of the back frame 30.

[0116] The display module 17, which is attached to the rear surface of the cover member 20, may have a curved region BA. The curved region BA may be provided in the border region BZA of the rear surface of the cover member 20 facing the -Z axis direction.

[0117] To reduce the border area BZA of the rear surface of the cover member 20, it is necessary to reduce the radius of curvature of the curved area BA.

[0118] The radius of curvature of the curved region BA is proportional to the total thickness of the display module 17, that is, the total thickness of the display device 1. Therefore, when the total thickness increases, the radius of curvature of the curved region BA increases. Conversely, when the total thickness decreases, the radius of curvature of the curved region BA decreases.

[0119] Therefore, in order to avoid increasing the size of the bezel area BZA, it is necessary to prevent the overall thickness of the display module (or display device 1) from increasing.

[0120] Figure 3 It shows along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the cutting line 3-3. (See diagram below.) Figure 3 The display device 1 shown may include a display module 17, a cover member 20 disposed on top of the display module 17, and a back frame 30 disposed below the display module 17 and supporting both the display module 17 and the cover member 20.

[0121] Display module 17 may include display panel 100. Display panel 100 may be referred to as a "flexible substrate". Display panel 100 may include a first region 1A belonging to the front surface of display panel 100, a second region 2A belonging to the rear surface of display panel 100, and a curved region BA included in the bezel region BZA of display device 1. The curved region BA may be configured to be disposed vertically between the first region 1A and the second region 2A while partially overlapping each of the first region 1A and the second region 2A.

[0122] Therefore, the display device 1 may include a display panel 100 that includes a first region 1A belonging to the front surface, a curved region BA, and a second region 2A belonging to the rear surface. The second region 2A may be curved at the curved region BA to be positioned below the first region 1A.

[0123] The first region 1A has a vertical structure that displays an image therein, extending in the upward direction from the display panel 100 to the cover member 20, and can therefore be referred to as the vertical display region AA.

[0124] The second region 2A has a vertical structure that does not display images and extends downward from the display panel 100 to the back frame 30, and can therefore be called the non-display region NA in the vertical direction.

[0125] In the display module 17 and the first region 1A, the polarizing layer 140 can be disposed on the display panel 100 and bonded to the display panel 100 via the first adhesive layer AD1, while the cover member 20 can be disposed on the polarizing layer 140 and bonded to the polarizing layer 140 via the optical adhesive layer 150. Furthermore, in the display module 17 and the first region 1A, a black matrix BM can be disposed between the optical adhesive layer 150 and the cover member 20. The black matrix BM can be disposed in the light-blocking non-display region NA or the bezel region BZA and can be used to prevent light leakage.

[0126] In display module 17 and second region A2, a first support plate BP1 can be disposed below display panel 100 and can be bonded to display panel 100 via second adhesive layer AD2, while a bending support member 120 can be disposed below the first support plate BP1 and can be bonded to the first support plate BP1 via third adhesive layer AD3. The bending support member 120 can be specifically implemented as a metal plate including metal. Furthermore, in display module 17 and second region A2, a connecting member 130 can be disposed below the bending support member 120 and can be bonded to the bending support member 120 via fourth adhesive layer AD4, while the second support plate BP2 can be disposed below the connecting member 130 and can be bonded to the connecting member 130 via fifth adhesive layer AD5. A portion of the second region 2A of display panel 100 can be disposed below the second support plate BP2 and can be bonded to the second support plate BP2 via sixth adhesive layer AD6. In this regard, the portion of reinforcing member 110 in the second region 2A and the pad PAD can be disposed below the portion of the display panel 100 in the second region 2A.

[0127] The connecting member 130 can be a member that bends and fixes the frame.

[0128] Depending on the circumstances, some components of the components according to the embodiments of this disclosure may be omitted, and / or the order of the components according to the embodiments of this disclosure may be changed.

[0129] The cover member 20 can be disposed on top of the display panel 100 and can include a border area BZA containing a curved area BA and a first area 1A containing a display area AA.

[0130] The back frame 30 can support the bezel area BZA of the cover member 20 and the second area 2A of the display panel 100. For this purpose, the back frame 30 can contact the cover member 20 in the bezel area BZA and can contact the curved reinforcing member 110 that reinforces the display panel 100 in the second area 2A.

[0131] The back frame 30 may have a flat lower surface and a vertical surface that projects vertically from the lower surface at its edge. The lower surface of the back frame 30 may be attached to the rear surface of the reinforcing member 110 by means of, for example, resin or tape. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The top of the sidewall that forms the top of the vertical surface of the back frame 30 may be adhered to the cover member 20 via, for example, double-sided tape.

[0132] The back frame 30 may have a box shape with an opening at the top, and may house the display module 17 therein. The display module 17 may include a display panel 100.

[0133] The display panel 100 may include a first region 1A, a second region 2A, and a border region BZA including a curved region BA.

[0134] The first region 1A corresponds to the display area AA of the display panel 100, while the second region 2A may include the pads PAD of the display panel 100. The first region 1A and the second region 2A may be configured to face each other in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0135] The display panel 100 may have a flat shape in the first region 1A, and may have a downward (in the Z direction) curved shape in the curved region BA, and may have a flat shape extending from the lower end of the curved region BA in the left-right direction.

[0136] A first support plate BP1 can be disposed below the display panel 100. The first support plate BP1 can support the display panel 100 in the first region 1A and the curved region BA of the display panel 100. For this purpose, the upper surface of the first support plate BP1 can contact the lower surface of the display panel 100, and can be bonded to the lower surface of the display panel 100 via the second adhesive layer AD2.

[0137] The first support plate BP1 may include a first back plate.

[0138] The second support plate BP2 may include a second back plate.

[0139] The second support plate BP2 can be disposed on top of the portion of the display panel 100 in the second region 2A. The second support plate BP2 can support the display panel 100 in the second region 2A. For this purpose, the second support plate BP2 can contact the upper surface of the portion of the display panel 100 in the second region 2A and can be adhered to the upper surface of the portion of the display panel 100 in the second region 2A via the sixth adhesive layer AD6.

[0140] A bending support 120 may be disposed between a first support plate BP1 and a second support plate BP2. The bending support 120 may support the bent portion of the display panel 100 in the bent region BA. To this end, the bending support 120 may have a rolled shape in the bent region BA, and the outermost part of the rolled shape may contact the bent portion of the display panel 100 along the bent shape.

[0141] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the bending support 120 can contact the bending region BA of the display panel 100 along the curled shape to support the bending region BA of the display panel 100, thereby protecting the bending region BA and thus realizing a narrow bezel of the display device 1.

[0142] In the display device 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the bending area BA of the display panel 100 can be protected by the bending support 120, so that the product can be durable and the product quality can be improved.

[0143] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the detailed structure of the bending support 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0144] The curled end 122 of the bent support 120, which is bent in the bending region BA, may not contact the flat area of ​​the bent support 120, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0145] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The bending support 120 may include a flat portion 124 having a flat shape in the first region 1A, and a curved portion 122 extending from the flat portion 124 and having a curled shape that bends in the bending region BA.

[0146] The curved portion 122 of the curved support 120 can extend from one side end 1S to the other side end 2S in the curved region BA along the width W direction of the curved support 120 or the width W direction of the display panel 100, reaching the width W of the curved support 120 or the display panel 100.

[0147] The curved portion 122 of the curved support 120 may have an upper surface extending from the flat portion 124 to have a flat shape in the curved region BA, and may then have a curled shape that bends downward (in the Z direction) from one end of the flat shape.

[0148] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a bending support member when an external force is applied according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] Reference Figure 5 In (a), the free end of the curved portion 122 of the curved support 120, which has a curled shape, can be kept in a state where the free end does not contact the flat portion 124. The curved portion 122 can be formed such that the free end of the curled shape is spaced apart from the flat portion 124 by a predetermined distance to form a gap 610.

[0150] Reference Figure 5 In (b), when a certain pressure or a force higher than a certain pressure is applied in the direction of the arrow without the free end contacting the flat portion 124, the free end of the curled portion 122 contacts the flat portion 124 under the action of the external force.

[0151] When a certain pressure or a force higher than a certain pressure is applied while the free end is not in contact with the flat portion 124, the free end of the curled portion 122 comes into contact with the flat portion 124 under the action of the external force. Then, refer to Figure 5 In (c), when the external force is removed, the free end can be removed from the flat portion 124 and can be restored to its original state.

[0152] Reference Figure 6 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the curved portion 122' of the curved support 120' may have a curled shape, the upper surface of which is curved downward (in the Z direction) from the curved region BA into an arc shape.

[0153] exist Figure 4 As shown in Figure 6, a coating 126 can be formed on the outermost surface of the curved portion 122 in the curved region BA of the curved support 120. Therefore, when the curved portion 122 of the curved support 120 contacts the display panel 100 in the curved region BA, the contact friction can be reduced due to the coating 126. For example, the coating 126 may include a polytetrafluoroethylene material.

[0154] In one example, refer to Figure 7 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the bending support 120 may include a first curled region CA1 (122a), a non-curled region NCA, and a second curled region CA2 (122b).

[0155] like Figure 7As shown, the curved portion 122 of the curved support member 120 may have a first curved portion 122a, which has a predetermined width and a curled shape on one side of the display panel 100 in the width direction within the curved region BA.

[0156] Furthermore, the curved portion 122 of the curved support 120 may have a second curved portion 122b, which has a predetermined width and a curled shape on the other side of the width direction of the display panel 100 in the curved region BA.

[0157] The curved support 120 may have a non-curled region NCA, which does not have a curled shape and has a predetermined width in the width direction of the display panel 100 in the curved region BA, wherein the non-curled region NCA may be disposed between the first curved portion 122a and the second curved portion 122b.

[0158] A structure in which curled and non-curled areas can be alternated can be applied to the bending support 120. For example, the bending support can be divided into areas using a rigid material such as stainless steel (SUS) and can undergo a pressing process to improve bending accuracy and increase curl dimensional accuracy. Therefore, this can help minimize stress on the curved areas of the panel based on individual piece dimensional correction (and stabilization). For example, the bending support can be dimensionally managed with precision when multiple short areas are formed instead of a single long area.

[0159] like Figures 3 to 7 The bending support 120 shown may be made of a plastic material including at least one of polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0160] In addition, the bending support 120 may include one or a combination of at least two of the following materials: stainless steel (SUS), glass, ceramic, and metal.

[0161] In such Figures 3 to 7 In the curved support 120 shown, the curved portion 122 and the flat portion 124 may be made of the same material.

[0162] In the curved support 120, the curved portion 122 and the flat portion 124 can be made of different materials.

[0163] In one example, in display device 1, as described above, a first support plate BP1 may be disposed below the display panel 100 in the first region 1A, while a second support plate BP2 may be disposed on top of the display panel 100 in the second region 2A. The first support plate BP1 may be attached to the bottom surface of the display panel 100 via a second adhesive layer AD2. The second support plate BP2 may be attached to the top surface of the display panel 100 via a sixth adhesive layer AD6.

[0164] The first support plate BP1 can be positioned below the display panel 100 to supplement the rigidity of the display panel 100, while keeping the portion constituting the front surface of the display panel 100 flat.

[0165] Each of the first support plate BP1 and the second support plate BP2 may have a certain level or higher strength and a predetermined value or greater thickness to supplement the rigidity of the display panel 100.

[0166] Since the first support plate BP1 is formed to have a certain strength and thickness to supplement the rigidity of the display panel 100, the first support plate BP1 may not be formed on the curved part of the display panel 100 in the curved region BA.

[0167] In one example, the second support plate BP2 can be set in the second area 2A of the display panel 100.

[0168] The second support plate BP2 can be spaced apart from the first support plate BP1 by a predetermined distance or a larger distance, and can be disposed on top of the display panel 100 in the second region 2A.

[0169] Referring to the shape of the display panel 100 before bending, a second support plate BP2 can be disposed below the display panel 100, spaced apart from the first support plate BP1. The second support plate BP2 can be disposed below the display panel 100 to supplement the rigidity of the display panel 100 while maintaining the display panel 100 in a flat state. Since the second support plate BP2 is formed to have a certain strength and thickness to supplement the rigidity of the display panel 100, the second support plate BP2 may not be formed on the portion of the display panel 100 in the bending region BA. Embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0170] After the display panel 100 is bent, the second support plate BP2 can be disposed on top of the display panel 100 in the bending region BA and the second region 2A.

[0171] The flat area of ​​the curved support member 120, including the flat shape, can be set between the first support plate BP1 and the second support plate BP2.

[0172] The first support plate BP1 can be attached to the upper surface of the bending support 120 via the third adhesive layer AD3. The frame bending fixing strap or connecting member 130 can be provided below the bending support 120.

[0173] The connecting member 130, which secures the curved display panel 100 in the bend region BA within the frame region BZA, can be disposed in the second region 2A and between the second support plate BP2 and the curved support member 120. The connecting member 130 can be joined to the flat region of the curved support member 120 via the fourth adhesive layer AD4 and can be adhered to the second support plate BP2 via the fifth adhesive layer AD5.

[0174] When the display panel 100 is bent in the bending region BA such that the pads PAD of the display panel 100 are set on the rear surface of the portion of the display panel 100 in the second region 2A, the restoring force that allows the display panel to return to its pre-bending state acts more strongly on the display panel 100.

[0175] When a strong restoring force is applied to the display panel 100, the pads PAD on the portion of the display panel 100 that is in a bent state in the second region 2A may fail to be fixed to the display panel 100 and may peel off from it.

[0176] The connecting member 130 may be disposed between the front surface of the display panel 100 and the pad PAD for fixing the curved display panel 100 to maintain its curved shape.

[0177] The connecting member 130 can be formed to have a certain thickness and can be specifically implemented as a double-sided tape with strong adhesive strength that can fix the front surface of the display panel 100 and the pad PAD to each other.

[0178] The connecting member 130 may consist of at least one or more layers made of at least one material selected from optically transparent adhesive (OCA), optically transparent resin (OCR), or pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0179] The connecting member 130 may include a tape containing foam tape or foam padding to provide shock absorption, or a double-sided tape with conductive properties. For example, the double-sided conductive tape may include an upper adhesive layer, a lower adhesive layer, and a conductive layer between the upper and lower adhesive layers, wherein each adhesive layer may further contain a conductive material.

[0180] The connecting member 130 can be attached to the bending support 120 via the fourth adhesive layer AD4. In this regard, the bending support 120 may include an embossed layer in contact with the first support plate BP1; a cushioning layer disposed below the embossed layer and having a shock-absorbing function; and a heat dissipation layer disposed below the cushioning layer and having a heat dissipation function.

[0181] In one example, Figure 3 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, a reinforcing member 110 to reinforce the bending of the display panel 100 may be disposed on the outer surface of the display panel 100 in the bending region BA. In this regard, the reinforcing member 110 may include, for example, a microcoating. The microcoating (MCL) may be referred to as a microcapsule (MCL).

[0182] The reinforcing member 110 may cover a portion of the display panel 100 in the curved region BA, a portion of the display panel 100 in the first region 1A that contacts the curved region BA, and a portion of the display panel 100 in the second region 2A. The reinforcing member 110 may include a resin. Ultraviolet (UV) curable acrylic resin may be used as the resin for the reinforcing member 110. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0183] Specifically, the reinforcing member 110 can be made from a cured product of a curable resin material that has undergone a curing process after being coated with a curable resin material. When the resin is used as a UV-curable resin, it can be cured by ultraviolet light.

[0184] The reinforcing member 110 can be disposed on the outer surface of the display panel 100 to cover the various signal lines between the encapsulation portion of the display panel 100 and the pads. Therefore, the reinforcing member 110 can prevent penetration into the signal lines and protect the signal lines from external impacts.

[0185] Furthermore, a reinforcing member 110 can be disposed on the outer surface of the display panel 100 in the curved region BA to supplement the rigidity of the display panel 100 in the curved region BA where the support plate has been removed. The support plate can be attached to the bottom of the display panel 100, and the display panel can be bent, allowing the portion of the support plate in the curved region BA to be removed, such that the first support plate BP1 remains below the display panel 100 in the first region 1A, while the second support plate BP2 remains on top of the portion of the display panel 100 in the second region 2A. Therefore, the rigidity of the display panel 100 in the curved region BA where the support plate has been removed can be weakened. However, the rigidity of the curved region BA can be supplemented by the reinforcing member 110 attached to the outer surface of the display panel.

[0186] exist Figure 3 and Figure 6 In the display device 1 shown, the components can be stacked in the vertical direction (Z direction) between the first region 1A and the second region 2A as follows.

[0187] For example, reinforcing member 110 may be disposed on back frame 30. A portion of display panel 100 in the second region may be disposed on reinforcing member 110. Sixth adhesive layer AD6 may be disposed on a portion of display panel 100 in the second region.

[0188] Furthermore, the second support plate BP2 can be disposed on the sixth adhesive layer AD6, and the fifth adhesive layer AD5 can be disposed on the second support plate BP2. The connecting member 130 can be disposed on the fifth adhesive layer AD5.

[0189] Furthermore, a fourth adhesive layer AD4 may be disposed on the connecting member 130. A bending support member 120 may be disposed on the fourth adhesive layer AD4. A third adhesive layer AD3 may be disposed on the bending support member 120.

[0190] Furthermore, the first support plate BP1 can be disposed on the third adhesive layer AD3. The second adhesive layer AD2 can be disposed on the first support plate BP1. A portion of the display panel 100 in the first region can be disposed on the second adhesive layer AD2.

[0191] Furthermore, the first adhesive layer AD1 may be disposed on a portion f of the first region of the display panel 100. A polarizing layer 140 may be disposed on the first adhesive layer AD1. An optically clear adhesive (OCA) 150 may be disposed on the polarizing layer 140. A cover member 20 may be disposed on the optically clear adhesive layer 150.

[0192] The cover member 20 protects the display panel 100 from external impacts and allows light emitted from the display panel 100 to pass through, so that the image displayed on the display panel 100 can be seen from the outside.

[0193] The cover component 20 may be made of one of the following materials that have impact resistance and light transmittance: polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), cyclic olefin polymer (COP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), and polyaramid (PA). Embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0194] The optical adhesive layer 150 can have a thickness of, for example, 100 μm to 300 μm.

[0195] When the optical adhesive layer 150 has a thickness of less than 100 μm, the adhesive strength weakens, making it difficult to modularize the cover member 20 and the support plates BP1 and BP2. When the optical adhesive layer 150 has a thickness of more than 300 μm, folding the display device 1 can become difficult.

[0196] The polarizing layer 140 prevents a decrease in contrast ratio (CR) caused by external light. In the display device 1 according to the present disclosure, when the OLED panel is in a driving mode for rendering an image, the polarizing layer 140 for blocking external light incident from the outside is disposed in the path of light emitted from the display panel, thereby improving the contrast ratio.

[0197] When a portion of the curved region BA in a single support plate that spans the first region 1A, the curved region BA, and the second region 2A is removed, the first support plate BP1 may be positioned on top of the flat portion 124 of the curved support member 120 and below a portion of the display panel 100 in the first region 1A, while the second support plate BP2 may be positioned below the flat region of the curved support member 120 and above a portion of the display panel 100 in the second region 2A.

[0198] At this point, a portion of the support plate in the curved region BA can be removed. This exposes the portion of the display panel 100 within the curved region BA. Then, the reinforcing member 110 and the display panel 100 in the curved region BA can be bent to attach to the connecting member 130 via the second support plate BP2.

[0199] The reinforcing member 110 can suppress deformation of the display panel 100 in the bending region BA and can allow the display panel 100 to bend with a uniform curvature. The reinforcing member 110 may be composed of a resin layer to compensate for the reduction in rigidity caused by bending of the display panel 100 in the bending region BA. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 110 may be made of a polymer such as polyimide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). When the reinforcing member is composed of a polymer film, the reinforcing member 110 may have a modulus of about 1 GPa to about 10 GPa. Embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0200] exist Figure 3 and Figure 5 In this case, the back frame 30 may include metal. Therefore, the back frame 30, made of metal material, can house and protect the components of the display panel 100 disposed on the rear surface of the cover member 20.

[0201] In one example, when an external force of a certain pressure or higher pressure is applied to the display device 1 or the back frame 30, the impact applied to the display device 1 or the back frame 30 is mitigated by the bending support 120 in the bending region BA of the display device 1.

[0202] Therefore, due to the shock absorption effect of the curved portion 122 of the bending support 120, no cracks will occur in the display panel 100, thus protecting the display panel 100.

[0203] Figure 8This is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0204] Reference Figure 8 In the manufacturing method of the display device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, firstly, in S710, a curved support member 120 having a curled shape at one end can be formed.

[0205] The process of forming the bending support 120 can be performed at the same location as subsequent processes, or it can be performed at a separate location as subsequent processes in a separate process.

[0206] In this regard, the curved support 120 may have a flat portion 124 and a curved portion 122, the flat portion 124 having a flat shape and the curved portion 122 extending from the flat portion 124 to the curved region BA and having a curled shape in the curved region BA of the display panel 100.

[0207] In this case, the curved portion 122 can be formed such that the end of the curved surface with a curled shape is spaced apart from the flat portion 124 by a predetermined distance to form an impact gap 610.

[0208] The impact gap 610 refers to the separation space that can be created or removed when the free end of the curled shape can contact the flat part 124 or be removed from it (impact) depending on whether an external force is applied to the curved part 122.

[0209] Furthermore, the bending support 120 can be formed by performing a pressing process on a metal made of stainless steel (SUS).

[0210] In addition, coating 126 can be formed on the outermost surface of the curled shape of the curved support 120 that contacts the display panel 100.

[0211] Then, in S720, the first support plate BP1 can be disposed on the bottom surface of one side of the display panel 100, while the second support plate BP2 can be disposed on the bottom surface of the other side of the display panel 100.

[0212] In this regard, a single support plate can be provided on the bottom surface of the display panel 100. Then, the curved area BA of the single support plate can be cut off, so that the first support plate BP1 can be provided below one side of the display panel 100, and the second support plate BP2 can be provided below the other side of the display panel 100.

[0213] One side of the display panel 100 may have a flat shape in the display area AA and may be adhered to the polarizing layer 140 via the first adhesive layer AD1.

[0214] The polarizing layer 140 can be adhered to the cover member 20 via the optical adhesive layer OCA150.

[0215] Subsequently, in S730, the bending support 120 can be positioned below the first support plate BP1.

[0216] The bending support 120 can be disposed below the first support plate BP1, such that the curved portion 122 with a curled shape is disposed in the bending region BA. The bending support 120 can be bonded to the first support plate BP1 via the third adhesive layer AD3.

[0217] Then, in S740, the display panel 100 can be bent at the bending region BA, so that the second support plate BP2 can be located on the top surface of the other side of the display panel 100 bent in the second region 2A.

[0218] In this regard, the other side of the display panel 100 can be bonded to the second support plate BP2 via the sixth adhesive layer AD6.

[0219] Subsequently, in S750, the connecting member 130 can be disposed between the first support plate BP1 and the second support plate BP2.

[0220] In this regard, the bending support 120 can be joined to the connecting member 130 via the fourth adhesive layer AD4. The connecting member 130 can be adhered to the second support plate BP2 via the fifth adhesive layer AD5.

[0221] Therefore, the second support plate BP2 can be adhered to the bending support 120 by the connecting member 130 for fixing the display panel 100 in a bent state.

[0222] In this regard, the connecting member 130 may consist of at least one or more layers made of at least one material selected from optically transparent adhesive (OCA), optically transparent resin (OCR), or pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0223] One end of the curved support has a curled shape, and the outermost surface of the curled shape can be curved and can contact the inner curved surface of the curved portion of the display panel 100, such as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0224] In this regard, the second support plate BP2 can be adhered to the curved portion of the display panel 100 via the sixth adhesive layer AD6.

[0225] In one example, the driver integrated circuit may be disposed on the other surface of the display panel 100, opposite to one surface on which the second support plate BP2 is disposed.

[0226] The driver integrated circuit can be mounted on the display panel 100 via chip bonding or surface mount technology. In a bent state, the driver integrated circuit can be positioned below the display panel 100. For example, the driver integrated circuit can be positioned below the pads (PADs).

[0227] In this case, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (not shown) can be disposed between the pads PAD and the driver integrated circuit, such that the driver integrated circuit can be disposed on the rear surface of the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0228] The driver integrated circuit generates data signals and gating control signals based on video data and timing synchronization signals provided from an external host driver system. The driver integrated circuit can then provide data signals to the data lines of each pixel via pads, and can also provide gating control signals to the gating driver circuit (not shown) via pads.

[0229] The driver integrated circuit can be mounted on the chip mounting area defined in the display panel 100, and can be electrically connected to the pad PAD, and can be connected to each of the signal lines of the gating driver circuit and the pixel array provided on the display panel 100.

[0230] Because the driver integrated circuit (IC) generates a significant amount of heat, it is necessary to effectively dissipate this heat. This heat can be initially dissipated through a support plate.

[0231] The pads can be set on one side of the display panel 100 so that the driver integrated circuit can be mounted on the pads.

[0232] The pads PAD on the rear surface of the display panel 100 can be electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit board on which a driver IC is mounted.

[0233] One side of the flexible printed circuit board can be electrically connected to the pads (PADs) disposed on one side of the display panel 100 during the lamination process using a conductive adhesive layer as a medium. Therefore, the flexible printed circuit board can be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 100.

[0234] In this case, as an example, the conductive adhesive layer can be specifically implemented as an anisotropic conductive film (ACF).

[0235] Flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) can provide image data and timing synchronization signals from the host driver system to the driver integrated circuits, and can provide the various voltages required to drive the individual pixel arrays, gating driver circuits, and driver integrated circuits.

[0236] A flexible printed circuit board connected to the display panel 100 on one side can be bent together with the display panel 10 toward the rear surface facing the front surface of the display panel 100.

[0237] A flexible printed circuit board connected to the display panel 100 on one side can be bent to be placed on the rear surface of the display panel 100 on a portion not covered by the pads of the display panel 100.

[0238] Therefore, at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit board can contact the rear surface of the display panel 100.

[0239] The display device 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure refers to a flexible display device, and may include a bendable display device, a rollable display device that can be rolled up, a non-breakable display device that will not break, and a foldable display device that can be folded.

[0240] The driver integrated circuit can be implemented as a TFT (thin-film transistor) in the non-display area NA. This driver integrated circuit can be referred to as a GIP (gate in panel) circuit. The GIP circuit includes a gate driver with a GIP structure, wherein the gate driver is specifically implemented as a bottom-gate thin-film transistor (BG-T), and the source-drain metal films of the bridging wire extend to connect to the drain electrode of the BG thin-film transistor.

[0241] Furthermore, some components, such as data driver ICs, can be mounted on separate printed circuit boards, or connected to connection interfaces (pads / bumps, pins, etc.) located in the non-display area NA using circuit films such as FPCB (flexible printed circuit board), COF (chip-on-film), or TCP (tape-on-carrier package). The non-display area NA can be bent along with the connection interfaces, allowing the printed circuitry (COF, PCB, etc.) to be positioned on the rear surface (or back surface) of the display device 1.

[0242] The display device 1 according to this disclosure may include various additional components for generating various signals or driving pixels PX in the display area. The additional components for driving pixels may include inverter circuits, multiplexers, and electrostatic discharge circuits. The display device 1 according to this disclosure may include additional components related to functions other than driving pixels. For example, the display device 1 according to this disclosure may include additional components providing touch sensing functions, user authentication functions such as fingerprint recognition, multi-level pressure sensing functions, and haptic feedback functions. These additional components may be disposed in external circuitry connected to a non-display area NA and / or a connection interface.

[0243] According to this disclosure, several portions of the display device 1 can be bent along a bending line. The bending line can extend laterally, longitudinally, or diagonally. Therefore, based on the desired design, the display device 1 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be bent in a combination of lateral, longitudinal, and diagonal directions.

[0244] According to this disclosure, one or more corner edges of the display device 1 may be curved along a bending line away from the central portion. The bending line may be positioned closer to the edge of the display device 1, but may extend through the central portion, or may extend diagonally from one or more corners of the display device 1. This structure allows the display device 1 to be implemented as a display device displaying an image from each of two folded surfaces facing each other, or as a foldable display device.

[0245] Since one or more portions of the display device 1 can be bent, the display device 1 according to this disclosure can be divided into substantially flat regions and curved regions. A portion of the display device 1 may be referred to as a substantially flat region. A portion of the display device 1 may be bent at a predetermined angle, and this portion may be referred to as a curved region or curvature region. A curvature region includes a curved segment that is actually bent at a predetermined radius of curvature.

[0246] The term "substantially flat" means that a substantially flat region includes portions that are not perfectly flat. For example, in some embodiments, a concave center portion and a convex center portion may belong to a substantially flat region. One or more curved segments may exist adjacent to the concave or convex center portion and bend inward or outward at an angle relative to the bending axis along the curvature line. The radius of curvature of the curvature region is smaller than the radius of curvature of the flat region. In other words, the term "substantially flat region" refers to a portion whose curvature is smaller than that of its adjacent portions.

[0247] Depending on the location of the bend, the portion on one side of the bend is positioned toward the center of the display device 1, while the portion on the other side of the bend is positioned toward the edge of the display device 1. The portion of the display device 1 positioned toward the center can be referred to as the center portion, and the portion of the display device 1 positioned toward the edge can be referred to as the edge portion. The center portion of the display device 1 can be substantially flat, while the edge portion can be a curved section. However, this is not always correct. A substantially flat area can also be provided in the edge portion. Furthermore, in some shapes of the display device 1, the curved section can be provided between two substantially flat areas.

[0248] When the non-display area NA is bent, the non-display area NA may be invisible or minimally visible to a viewer in front of the display device 1. The portion of the non-display area NA visible to the viewer in front of the display device 1 can be shielded by a bezel. The bezel may be formed as a separate structure, or as a housing or other suitable element. The portion of the non-display area NA visible in the field of view in front of the display device 1 can be hidden beneath an opaque mask layer, such as a black ink layer made of black ink (e.g., a polymer filled with carbon black). This opaque mask layer can be disposed on various layers included in the display device 1 (e.g., a touch sensor layer, a polarizing layer, a cover layer, etc.).

[0249] In some embodiments, the curved section of the display device 1 may include a display area capable of displaying an image. That is, the curved line may be provided in the display area such that at least some pixels of the display area are included in the curved section.

[0250] As described above, according to the embodiments of this disclosure, a display device can be realized in which deformation and image defects can be minimized when stress caused by external force occurs in the curved area of ​​the panel of the display device using an internal structure.

[0251] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, a display device can be realized that enhances the rigidity of the panel bending area by using a structure of a bending support member without increasing its individual components, thereby simplifying the process, reducing manufacturing costs, and improving product quality.

[0252] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, a method for manufacturing a display device can be implemented in which a bending support has a curled shape and the outermost surface of the curled shape is curved and contacts the inner surface of the curved portion of the curved area of ​​the display panel, thereby minimizing the deformation of the curved area due to external force and thus preventing the panel from cracking.

[0253] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these embodiments and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are intended to describe, not limit, the technical concept of the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limiting in all respects but exemplary.

[0254] The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide other embodiments. All U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in this specification and / or listed in the application data sheets are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. If necessary, aspects of the embodiments can be modified to incorporate concepts from various patents, applications, and publications to provide other embodiments.

[0255] Based on the detailed description above, these and other changes can be made to the embodiments. Generally, the terminology used in the appended claims should not be construed as limiting the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the claims and specification, but should be interpreted to include all possible embodiments and the full scope of the authorized equivalents of these claims. Therefore, the claims are not limited to this disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: The display panel includes a first region, a second region, and a curved region; A first support plate is disposed below the display panel and supports the first area and the curved area of ​​the display panel. A second support plate is disposed on the display panel and supports the second area of ​​the display panel; as well as A bending support member is disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate, and the bending support member provides support for the bent portion of the curved area of ​​the display panel. The bending support has a curled shape in the bending region. Wherein, the outermost surface of the curved surface of the curled shape of the curved support member is in contact with the inner surface of the curved portion of the curved area of ​​the display panel. The curved support includes a flat portion corresponding to the first region and a curved portion extending from the flat portion and being curved in the curved region to have a curled shape. Wherein, the distal end of the curved portion of the curled shape is spaced apart from the flat portion by a predetermined distance to form a travel gap between the flat portion and the distal end of the curved portion.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The travel clearance is configured to provide an opening space that allows the distal end of the curved portion to reciprocate toward and away from the flat portion in response to an external force.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The flat portion is disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate, and the curved portion extends from the flat portion toward the curved area of ​​the display panel.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The curved portion extends integrally from one side to the opposite side along the width direction of the display panel in the curved region, reaching the width of the display panel.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, When the end of the curved portion is spaced apart from the flat portion, the end of the curved portion of the curled shape contacts the flat portion in response to an external force applied to the curved portion of the curled shape.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, The end of the curved portion of the curled shape contacts the flat portion in response to an external force being applied to the curved portion of the curled shape. In response to the removal of the external force applied to the curved portion of the curled shape, the end of the curved portion of the curled shape returns to its original state, spaced apart from the flat portion.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The outermost surface of the curved portion of the curled shape includes a coating.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The coating comprises polytetrafluoroethylene material.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The bending support includes: A first curved portion having a first curled shape and forming a first side of the curved support member, wherein the first curved portion extends in the width direction of the display panel in the curved region; A second curved portion, having a curled shape and forming a second side of the curved support opposite to the first side, wherein the second curved portion extends in the curved region in the width direction of the display panel; and The non-curled portion is disposed between the first curved portion and the second curved portion.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The bending support is a plastic material comprising at least one of polycarbonate, polyimide, polyethylene naphthalate, or polyethylene terephthalate.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The bending support is made of glass, ceramic, or metal, or a combination of at least two of glass, ceramic, and metal.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The bending support is made of stainless steel.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The bending support comprises metal.

14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first area is the display area of ​​the display panel. The second region includes the pads of the display panel. The first region and the second region face each other in the vertical direction.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, The display panel has a flat shape in the first region, a downwardly curved shape in the curved region, and a flat shape in the second region.

16. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting member disposed between the second support plate and the bending support member. in, The connecting member secures the display panel in the second region.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein, The connecting member includes at least one layer, which includes at least one of optically transparent adhesive OCA, optically transparent resin OCR, and pressure-sensitive adhesive PSA.

18. The display device according to claim 16, wherein, The connecting component includes tape containing foam tape or foam pad, or double-sided tape with conductive properties.

19. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The bending support includes: An embossed layer that is in contact with the first support plate; A buffer layer is disposed beneath the imprinting layer; and A heat dissipation layer is disposed below the buffer layer.

20. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing member disposed on the outer surface of the display panel in the curved region.

21. The display device according to claim 20, wherein, The reinforcing member includes a micro-coating.

22. The display device according to claim 20, wherein, The reinforcing member covers the display panel in the curved region, and the reinforcing member extends to cover a portion of the display panel in the first region that contacts the curved region, and covers the display panel in the second region.

Images