Display device

Abstract

The display device includes: a display module; the supporting plate is arranged below the display module; and a polymer film disposed below the support plate. The display module may include first and second non-bending areas and a bending area between the first and second non-bending areas. The support plate includes a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate spaced apart from each other in one direction perpendicular to the thickness direction. The polymer film may include a first flat portion, a curved portion extending from the first flat portion and overlapping the curved region, and a second flat portion extending from the curved portion and spaced apart from the first flat portion. A state in which the display module is bent such that the first non-bent region overlaps the second non-bent region is defined as a first mode, and in the first mode, the curved portion is bent to have a curvature.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and all benefits arising from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0088221, filed on Jul. 7, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The disclosure herein relates to a display device including a curved area. Background Art

[0004] Various display devices are being developed for multimedia devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation systems, and game consoles. The display device may include a display module that displays an image and senses an external input.

[0005] The display module may include a non-display area in which an image is not displayed and in which a circuit board, etc. are disposed. A portion of the display module may be bent to reduce the size of the non-display area. Summary of the invention

[0006] In a display module in which a portion is bent to reduce the size of a non-display area, cracks may occur due to bending stress during bending, and measures to prevent the occurrence of cracks may be required.

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display device exhibiting high impact resistance.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention provides a display device, which includes: a display module, including a first non-bending area, a bent area adjacent to the first non-bending area, and a second non-bending area spaced apart from the first non-bending area, and the bent area is between the first non-bending area and the second non-bending area; a supporting plate arranged below the display module, wherein the supporting plate includes a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction; and a polymer film arranged below the supporting plate, wherein the polymer film includes a first flat portion, a curved portion extending from the first flat portion and overlapping with the curved area, and a second flat portion extending from the curved portion and spaced apart from the first flat portion, wherein a state in which the display module is bent so that the first non-bending area overlaps with the second non-bending area is defined as a first mode, and a state in which the display module is not bent is defined as a second mode, and in the first mode, the curved portion is bent to have a curvature.

[0009] In an embodiment, in the first mode, the curved portion may form a portion of a circumference of an ellipse, and the major axis of the ellipse may be parallel to the one direction.

[0010] In an embodiment, the bent area may be a non-display area in which an image is not displayed.

[0011] In an embodiment, in the first mode, the curved portion may be in contact with the display module, and in the second mode, the curved portion may be spaced apart from the display module.

[0012] In an embodiment, in the first mode, the first planar portion may overlap with the second planar portion.

[0013] In an embodiment, a length of the bent portion of the polymer film may be greater than a length of the bent region of the display module.

[0014] In an implementation, the display device may further include a first buffer layer disposed on the curved portion.

[0015] In an embodiment, in the polymer film, a first groove may be defined between the first flat portion and the curved portion, and a second groove may be defined between the second flat portion and the curved portion.

[0016] In an embodiment, in the thickness direction, the first groove and the second groove may be defined by only a portion of the polymer film.

[0017] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a second buffer layer disposed under the curved portion, wherein, in the first mode, the second buffer layer may be disposed to fill an inner space formed by the curved portion.

[0018] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a sub-buffer layer disposed on the curved portion, wherein a length of the sub-buffer layer in one direction may be less than a minimum spacing distance between the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate.

[0019] In an embodiment, the thickness of the sub-buffer layer may be smaller than the thickness of the support plate.

[0020] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a lower module disposed under the polymer film, wherein at least a portion of the lower module may be in contact with the polymer film in the first mode.

[0021] In an implementation, the first glass substrate may overlap the first non-bending region, the second glass substrate may overlap the second non-bending region, and the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate may not overlap the bending region.

[0022] In an embodiment, each of the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate may include an upper surface, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, and a side surface arranged between the upper surface and the lower surface, and the side surface may include a first sub-side surface inclined relative to the upper surface and a second sub-side surface inclined relative to the first sub-side surface and the lower surface.

[0023] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a lower module disposed under the polymer film, wherein one side edge of the lower module may be disposed outside an edge at which the second sub-side surface and the lower surface are connected to each other.

[0024] In an embodiment, the polymer film may include at least one selected from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polysulfone (PSF), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), and cycloolefin polymer (COP).

[0025] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a curved protection layer disposed on the display module, wherein, in the first mode, the curved protection layer may be curved to have a curvature.

[0026] In an embodiment, in the first mode, the curved protection layer may be spaced apart from the curved portion with the display module between the curved protection layer and the curved portion.

[0027] In an implementation, the display module may include a base layer, a circuit layer disposed on the base layer, and a display element layer disposed on the circuit layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing embodiments of the present invention in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 4A is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 4B It shows that Figure 4A A diagram showing a state in which the display device is folded;

[0034] Figure 5 It is shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion taken along line II';

[0035] Figure 6is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 7 It is shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion taken along line II-II';

[0037] Figure 8 It is shown along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a portion taken along line III-III';

[0038] Fig.9A is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0039] Fig. 9B is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0040] Fig. 9C is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0041] Fig. 10A is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0042] Fig. 10B is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0043] Fig. 10C is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0044] Fig. 10D is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0045] Fig. 10E is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0046] Fig.10F is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0047] Figure 10G is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment; and

[0048] Fig. 10H is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The present invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which various embodiments are shown. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0050] In this specification, it will be understood that when an element (or region, layer, part, etc.) is referred to as being "on", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it can be directly set / directly connected / directly coupled to the other element, or intervening elements can be set therebetween.

[0051] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals or symbols represent the same elements. In the drawings, in order to effectively describe the technical content, the thickness, proportion and size of the elements are exaggerated.

[0052] Although the terms first, second, etc. can be used to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first element can be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element can also be referred to as the first element.

[0053] In addition, for the specification, terms such as "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used to describe the relationship of one element to another element shown in the drawings. It will be understood that the terms have relative concepts and are described based on the orientation depicted in the drawings.

[0054] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to be limited. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used herein, "a", "an", "the" and "at least one" do not represent the limitation of quantity, and are intended to include both singular and plural numbers. Therefore, mentioning "the" element after mentioning "an" element in the claim includes one element and multiple elements. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, "element" has the same meaning as "at least one element". "At least one" should not be interpreted as limiting "a" or "an". "Or" means "and / or". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. It will also be understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” or “includes” and / or “including” when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as that commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. In addition, terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0056] Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views as schematic diagrams of idealized embodiments. Therefore, differences from the illustrated shapes due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances should be expected. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific shapes of the regions as shown herein, but should include deviations in shapes caused by, for example, manufacturing. For example, a region shown or described as flat may typically have rough and / or nonlinear features. In addition, the sharp corners shown may be rounded. Therefore, the regions shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of the regions, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0057] Hereinafter, a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device DD according to an embodiment.

[0059] refer to Figure 1 , the display device DD according to the embodiment can be activated in response to the electrical signal. In the embodiment, for example, the display device DD can be a medium and large device such as a television, a monitor, an outdoor billboard, a tablet computer or a car navigation unit. In addition, the display device DD can be a medium and small device such as a personal computer (e.g., a laptop computer), a personal digital terminal, a game console, a smart phone and a camera. In addition, these are given as examples only, and without departing from the teachings herein, the display device DD can also be used as other display devices.

[0060] The display device DD may display an image IM through a display surface DD-IS. The display surface DD-IS may be parallel to a plane defined by a first direction axis (also referred to as a first direction) DR1 and a second direction axis (also referred to as a second direction) DR2. Figure 1 An embodiment of a display device DD having a flat display surface DD-IS is shown, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. The display device DD may include a curved display surface or a three-dimensional display surface. The three-dimensional display surface may include a plurality of display areas indicating different directions, respectively.

[0061] The display surface DD-IS may include a display area DD-DA and a non-display area DD-NDA. The display device DD may display an image IM through the display area DD-DA. The non-display area DD-NDA may be adjacent to the display area DD-DA. In an embodiment, Figure 1 As shown in , the non-display area DD-NDA may surround the display area DD-DA. In alternative embodiments, the non-display area DD-NDA may be disposed adjacent to only one side of the display area DD-DA, or may be omitted.

[0062] exist Figure 1 In the following drawings, the first direction axis DR1 to the third direction axis DR3 are shown, and the directions indicated by the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, and the third direction axis DR3 described herein may have a relative concept and thus may be changed to other directions. In addition, the directions indicated by the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, and the third direction axis DR3 may be referred to as the first direction to the third direction, and may be represented by the same reference numeral or symbol. In the present specification, the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2 may be orthogonal to each other, and the third direction axis DR3 may be a normal direction of a plane defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2.

[0063] The thickness direction of the display device DD may be a direction parallel to a third directional axis (also referred to as a thickness direction or a third direction) DR3. An upper surface (or top) and a lower surface (or bottom) may be defined based on the third directional axis DR3. An upper surface (or top) indicates a surface (or direction) closer to the display surface DD-IS, and a lower surface (or bottom) indicates a surface (or direction) farther from the display surface DD-IS. A cross section indicates a surface parallel to the thickness direction DR3, and a plane indicates a surface perpendicular to the thickness direction DR3. A plane indicates a flat surface defined by the first directional axis DR1 and the second directional axis DR2.

[0064] Figure 2 and Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a display device DD according to an embodiment. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in , the display device DD may include a display module DM and a window member WM disposed on the display module DM. In such an embodiment, the display device DD may further include a housing HAU.

[0065] The window member WM may cover the entire exterior of the display module DM. The window member WM may include a transmissive area TA and a frame area BZA. The front surface of the window member WM including the transmissive area TA and the frame area BZA may correspond to the front surface of the display device DD. The transmissive area TA may correspond to the front surface of the display device DD. Figure 1 The display area DD-DA of the display device DD shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the display area DD-DA of the display device DD, and the frame area BZA may correspond to the display area DD-DA of the display device DD shown in FIG. Figure 1 Corresponds to the non-display area DD-NDA of the display device DD shown in .

[0066] The transmissive area TA may be an optically transparent area. The frame area BZA may be a region having a relatively lower light transmittance than the transmissive area TA. The frame area BZA may have a predetermined color. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in , the border area BZA may be adjacent to the transmission area TA and surround the transmission area TA. The border area BZA may define the shape of the transmission area TA. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the border area BZA may be disposed adjacent to only one side of the transmission area TA, or a portion of the border area BZA may be omitted.

[0067] The housing HAU may include a material having relatively high rigidity. In an embodiment, for example, the housing HAU may include a frame and / or a plate made of glass, plastic, or metal. The frame and / or the plate may be provided in plurality. The housing HAU may provide a predetermined accommodation space. The display module DM may be accommodated inside the accommodation space and protected from external impacts.

[0068] The display module DM may be configured to generate an image and detect an external input applied from the outside. An active area DM-AA and a peripheral area DM-NAA may be defined in the display module DM. The active area DM-AA may be connected to Figure 1 The display area DD-DA shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the display area DD-DA, and the peripheral area DM-NAA can correspond to Figure 1 Corresponds to the non-display area DD-NDA shown in .

[0069] The active area DM-AA may be activated in response to an electrical signal. The peripheral area DM-NAA may be positioned adjacent to at least one side of the active area DM-AA. The peripheral area DM-NAA may be arranged to surround the active area DM-AA. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and optionally, a portion of the peripheral area DM-NAA may be omitted. A driving circuit, a driving line, etc. for driving the active area DM-AA may be arranged in the peripheral area DM-NAA.

[0070] A plurality of pixels PX may be arranged in the active area DM-AA. According to an embodiment, the plurality of pixels PX may include red pixels, green pixels, and blue pixels, and may also include white pixels.

[0071] The display module DM may be curved and accommodated inside the housing HAU. The display module DM may include a first non-curved (or flat) area NBA1, a curved area BA, and a second non-curved area NBA2. The curved area BA and the second non-curved area NBA2 may be included in the peripheral area DM-NAA. The curved area BA and the second non-curved area NBA2 may be disposed with the outer peripheral area DM-NAA. Figure 1 The bending area BA and the second non-bending area NBA2 may be areas in which videos and images are not displayed.

[0072] The first non-bending area NBA1 and the second non-bending area NBA2 may be spaced apart from each other and the bending area BA is between the first non-bending area NBA1 and the second non-bending area NBA2. The second non-bending area NBA2, the bending area BA and the first non-bending area NBA1 may be sequentially arranged or defined in the second direction DR2. When viewed on a plane (or in a plan view or in a third direction DR3), the area of ​​the first non-bending area NBA1 may be greater than the area of ​​the bending area BA and the area of ​​the second non-bending area NBA2. In a state in which the bending area BA is bent, at least a portion of the second non-bending area NBA2 may overlap with the first non-bending area NBA1. In the present specification, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as overlapping another element, this is not limited to the case of having the same area or shape, and may also include the case of having different areas and / or shapes.

[0073] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a second mode in which the display module DM is not bent, and Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a first mode in which the display module DM is bent. A state in which the display module DM is bent by bending the bending area BA so that the first non-bending area NBA1 overlaps the second non-bending area NBA2 may be defined as a first mode (or first state), and a state in which the display module DM is not bent may be defined as a second mode (or second state). The display device DD according to an embodiment may include a polymer film GF bent in the first mode to have a curvature (see Figure 7 ). Therefore, the display device DD according to the embodiment can effectively prevent cracks from occurring in the bending area BA and exhibit high impact resistance. The polymer film GF (see Figure 7 ) will be described in more detail later.

[0074] Figure 4A is a perspective view showing a display device DD-a according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4B It is shown Figure 4A ] A diagram showing a state in which the display device DD-a is bent.

[0075] refer to Figure 4A In an embodiment, the display device DD-a may have a rectangular shape having long sides extending in the direction of the first direction axis DR1 and short sides extending in the direction of the second direction axis DR2 intersecting the first direction axis DR1. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the display device DD-a may have various shapes such as a circular shape and a polygonal shape on a plane. The display device DD-a may be a flexible display device.

[0076] The display device DD-a according to the embodiment may include at least one folding area FA. Figure 4A and Figure 4B , an embodiment of the display device DD-a may include a folding area FA and a plurality of non-folding areas NFA. The folding area FA may be disposed between the non-folding areas NFA, and the folding area FA and the non-folding area NFA may be disposed adjacent to each other in the direction of the first direction axis DR1.

[0077] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An embodiment including a single folding area FA and two non-folding areas NFA is shown, but the number of folding areas FA and the number of non-folding areas NFA are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, for example, the display device DD-a may include three or more non-folding areas NFA and a plurality of folding areas FA disposed between the non-folding areas NFA.

[0078] The display surface DD-ISa of the display device DD-a may include a display area DD-DAa and a non-display area DD-NDAa around the display area DD-DAa. The display area DD-DAa may display an image IM-a, and the non-display area DD-NDAa may not display the image IM-a. The non-display area DD-NDAa may surround the display area DD-Daa and define the boundary of the display device DD-a.

[0079] The display device DD-a may be a flexible display device that can be repeatedly folded and unfolded. In an embodiment, for example, the folding area FA is bent (or is bendable) relative to a folding axis FX parallel to the second direction axis DR2, and the display device DD-a may be folded (or is foldable). The folding axis FX may be defined as a short axis parallel to the short side of the display device DD-a. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the folding axis may be a long axis parallel to the long side of the display device DD-a. Alternatively, the folding axis may be parallel to the first direction DR1.

[0080] When the display device DD-a is folded, the display device DD-a can be folded inwardly so that the non-folding areas NFA can face each other and the display surface DD-ISa is not exposed to the outside. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and the display device DD-a can be folded outwardly so that the display surface DD-ISa is exposed to the outside.

[0081] The folding area FA may be a portion that may be deformably formed into a form of being folded with respect to a folding axis FX parallel to the second direction axis DR2. In an embodiment, for example, the folding area FA may have a curvature radius RD of 5 mm or less.

[0082] In the following, for the convenience of description, the Figures 1 to 3 The features of the embodiment of the display device DD shown in FIG. 1 are illustrated, but it will be understood that such features of the display device DD may be similarly applied to Figure 4A and Figure 4B The display device DD-a shown in . Figure 5 It is shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion taken along line II'. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a display module DM according to an embodiment.

[0083] refer to Figure 5 , an embodiment of the display module DM may include a display panel DP and an input sensing layer ISP disposed on the display panel DP. The display panel DP may be configured to substantially generate an image.

[0084] The display panel DP may include a base layer BS, a circuit layer DP-CL, a display element layer DP-ED, and an encapsulation layer TFE stacked in sequence. In an embodiment, a functional layer (not shown) may be further disposed between two adjacent layers among the base layer BS, the circuit layer DP-CL, the display element layer DP-ED, and the encapsulation layer TFE.

[0085] The base layer BS may provide a base surface on which the circuit layer DP-CL is disposed. The base layer BS may be a flexible substrate that is bendable, foldable, rollable, etc. The base layer BS may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, a polymer substrate, etc. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the base layer BS may include an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material layer.

[0086] The base layer BS may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. In an embodiment, for example, the base layer BS may include a first synthetic resin layer, a multi-layer or single-layer inorganic layer, or a second synthetic resin layer disposed on a multi-layer or single-layer inorganic layer. In an embodiment, the first synthetic resin layer and the second synthetic resin layer may each include a polyimide-based resin. In an embodiment, the first synthetic resin layer and the second synthetic resin layer may each include at least one selected from an acryl-based resin, a methacryl-based resin, a polyisoprene-based resin, a vinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based resin. In this specification, a "~~-based" resin may be considered to include a "~~" functional group.

[0087] The circuit layer DP-CL may be disposed on the base layer BS. The circuit layer DP-CL may include an insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, a signal line, etc. The display element layer DP-ED may be disposed on the circuit layer DP-CL. The display element layer DP-ED may include a light emitting element ED to be described later (see Figure 6 In the embodiment, for example, the light emitting element ED (see Figure 6 ) may include organic light-emitting materials, inorganic light-emitting materials, organic-inorganic light-emitting materials, quantum dots, quantum rods, micro light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or nano-LEDs.

[0088] The encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the display element layer DP-ED. The encapsulation layer TFE may protect the display element layer DP-ED from moisture, oxygen, and foreign matter such as dust particles. The encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one inorganic layer. In an embodiment, for example, the encapsulation layer TFE may include an inorganic layer, an organic layer, and an inorganic layer stacked in sequence.

[0089] The input sensing layer ISP may be disposed on the display panel DP. The input sensing layer ISP may be disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE. In an embodiment, the input sensing layer ISP may be directly disposed or formed on the encapsulation layer TFE. In an embodiment, an adhesive member may be disposed between the input sensing layer ISP and the display panel DP.

[0090] In this specification, the phrase "an element is disposed directly on (or under) another element" means that no intervening element is disposed between the element and the other element. That is, the phrase "an element is disposed directly on (or under) another element" means that the element is in contact with another element.

[0091] The input sensing layer ISP may detect an external input, change the detected external input into a predetermined input signal, and provide the input signal to the display panel DP. In an embodiment, for example, the input sensing layer ISP may be a touch sensing layer that detects a touch. The input sensing layer ISP may recognize a direct touch by a user, an indirect touch by a user, a direct touch by an object, or an indirect touch by an object.

[0092] The input sensing layer ISP may detect at least one of the position and strength (pressure) of a touch applied from the outside. The input sensing layer ISP may have various structures or be composed of various materials, but is not limited to any one embodiment. In an embodiment, for example, the input sensing layer ISP may detect an external input in a capacitive manner. The display panel DP may receive an input signal from the input sensing layer ISP and generate an image corresponding to the input signal.

[0093] In an embodiment, the display module DM may further include an optical layer (not shown) disposed on the display panel DP. The optical layer may be disposed on the display panel DP and control reflected light of external light on the display panel DP. In an embodiment, for example, the optical layer may include a polarizer or a color filter layer.

[0094] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the display module DM. Figure 6 Can be described in more detail Figure 5 sectional view of the configuration of the display module DM shown in FIG.

[0095] The display panel DP may include pixels PX (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). Pixel PX (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) may include a transistor TR and a light emitting element ED. The transistor TR and the light emitting element ED may be disposed on the base layer BS. For ease of explanation, Figure 6 One transistor TR of the pixel PX is shown, but the pixel PX (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) may basically include a plurality of transistors for driving the light emitting element ED and at least one capacitor.

[0096] The circuit layer DP-CL may be disposed on the base layer BS. The circuit layer DP-CL may include a shielding electrode BML, a transistor TR, a connection electrode CNE, and a plurality of insulating layers BFL and INS1 to INS6. The plurality of insulating layers BFL and INS1 to INS6 may include a buffer layer BFL and first to sixth insulating layers INS1 to INS6. However, Figure 6 The stacking structure of the circuit layers DP-CL shown in FIG. 1 is only an example, and the stacking structure of the circuit layers DP-CL may be different depending on the pixel PX (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) configuration and the process used for the circuit layer DP-CL.

[0097] The shielding electrode BML may be disposed on the base layer BS. The shielding electrode BML may overlap the transistor TR. The shielding electrode BML may block light incident on the transistor TR from below the display panel DP to protect the transistor TR. The shielding electrode BML may include a conductive material. When a voltage is applied to the shielding electrode BML, a threshold voltage of the transistor TR disposed on the shielding electrode BML may be maintained. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the shielding electrode BML may be a floating electrode. Alternatively, the shielding electrode BML may be omitted.

[0098] The buffer layer BFL may be disposed on the base layer BS and cover the shielding electrode BML. The buffer layer BFL may include an inorganic layer. The buffer layer BFL may improve adhesion between the base layer BS and a semiconductor pattern or a conductive pattern disposed on the buffer layer BFL.

[0099] The transistor TR may include a source S1, a channel C1, a drain D1, and a gate G1. The source S1, the channel C1, and the drain D1 of the transistor TR may be formed by a semiconductor pattern. The semiconductor pattern of the transistor TR may include polysilicon, amorphous silicon, or metal oxide. However, any material having semiconductor properties may be used without limitation thereto.

[0100] The semiconductor pattern may include a plurality of regions divided based on the conductivity level. In the semiconductor pattern, a region doped with a dopant or in which a metal oxide is reduced may have a high conductivity and may be substantially used as a source electrode and a drain electrode of the transistor TR. The high conductivity region of the semiconductor pattern may correspond to the source S1 and the drain D1 of the transistor TR. In the semiconductor pattern, an undoped or lightly doped region or a region having a low conductivity due to an unreduced metal oxide may correspond to a channel C1 (or an active region) of the transistor TR.

[0101] The first insulating layer INS1 may cover the semiconductor pattern of the transistor TR and be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The gate G1 of the transistor TR may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1. The gate G1 may overlap with the channel C1 of the transistor TR. The gate G1 may be used as a mask during a process of doping the semiconductor pattern of the transistor TR.

[0102] The second insulating layer INS2 may cover the gate G1 and be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1. The third insulating layer INS3 may be disposed on the second insulating layer INS2.

[0103] The connection electrode CNE may include a first connection electrode CNE1 and a second connection electrode CNE2 that electrically connects the transistor TR and the light emitting element ED. However, the configuration of the connection electrode CNE that electrically connects the transistor TR to the light emitting element ED is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the first connection electrode CNE1 or the second connection electrode CNE2 may be omitted, or an additional connection electrode may be further included.

[0104] The first connection electrode CNE1 may be disposed on the third insulating layer INS3. The first connection electrode CNE1 may be connected to the drain electrode D1 via a first contact hole CH1 defined through the first insulating layer INS1 to the third insulating layer INS3. The fourth insulating layer INS4 may cover the first connection electrode CNE1 and be disposed on the third insulating layer INS3. The fifth insulating layer INS5 may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer INS4.

[0105] The second connection electrode CNE2 may be disposed on the fifth insulating layer INS5. The second connection electrode CNE2 may be connected to the first connection electrode CNE1 via a second contact hole CH2 passing through the fourth insulating layer INS4 and the fifth insulating layer INS5. The sixth insulating layer INS6 may cover the second connection electrode CNE2 and be disposed on the fifth insulating layer INS5.

[0106] The first to sixth insulating layers INS1 to INS6 may each include an inorganic layer or an organic layer. In an embodiment, for example, the inorganic layer may include at least one selected from aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. The organic layer may include at least one selected from acryl-based resin, methacryl-based resin, polyisoprene-based resin, vinyl-based resin, epoxy-based resin, urethane-based resin, cellulose-based resin, siloxane-based resin, polyamide-based resin, and perylene-based resin.

[0107] The display element layer DP-ED may include a pixel definition layer PDL and a light emitting element ED. The light emitting element ED may include a first electrode AE, a hole control layer HCL, a light emitting layer EML, an electron control layer ECL and a second electrode CE.

[0108] The first electrode AE ​​may be disposed on the sixth insulating layer INS6. The first electrode AE ​​may be connected to the second connection electrode CNE2 via a third contact hole CH3 defined by the sixth insulating layer INS6. The first electrode AE ​​may be electrically connected to the drain D1 of the transistor TR via the first and second connection electrodes CNE1 and CNE2.

[0109] The pixel defining film PDL may be disposed on the sixth insulating layer INS6. A light emitting opening PX_OP exposing a portion of the first electrode AE ​​may be defined in the pixel defining film PDL. The portion of the first electrode AE ​​exposed by the light emitting opening PX_OP may be defined as a light emitting area LA.

[0110] The region in which the pixel defining film PDL is disposed may correspond to the non-light emitting region NLA. The non-light emitting region NLA may surround the light emitting region LA in the active region DM-AA.

[0111] The hole control layer HCL may be disposed on the first electrode AE ​​and the pixel definition layer PDL. The hole control layer HCL may be disposed as a common layer overlapping the light emitting area LA and the non-light emitting area NLA. The hole control layer HCL may include at least one of a hole transport layer, a hole injection layer, and an electron blocking layer.

[0112] The light emitting layer EML may be disposed on the hole control layer HCL. Figure 6 As shown in , the light emitting layer EML may be disposed in a region corresponding to the light emitting opening PX_OP. Optionally, the light emitting layer EML may be disposed as a common layer. The light emitting layer EML may include an organic light emitting material and / or an inorganic light emitting material. The light emitting layer EML may emit light having one color of red, green, and blue.

[0113] The electron control layer ECL may be disposed on the light emitting layer EML. The electron control layer ECL may be disposed as a common layer overlapping the light emitting area LA and the non-light emitting area NLA. The electron control layer ECL may include at least one selected from an electron transport layer, an electron injection layer, and a hole blocking layer.

[0114] The second electrode CE may be disposed on the electronic control layer ECL. The second electrode CE may be disposed on a common layer overlapping the light emitting area LA and the non-light emitting area NLA. The second electrode CE may be commonly disposed in the pixel PX (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) and to the pixel PX (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) applies voltage.

[0115] The encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the second electrode CE and cover the light emitting element ED. The encapsulation layer TFE may include a plurality of thin films. In an embodiment, for example, the encapsulation layer TFE may include an inorganic film disposed on the second electrode CE and an organic film disposed between the inorganic films. The inorganic film may protect the light emitting element ED from moisture / oxygen, and the organic film may protect the light emitting element ED from foreign matter such as dust particles.

[0116] The input sensing layer ISP may include a first sensing insulating layer IL1, a second sensing insulating layer IL2, and a third sensing insulating layer IL3. The input sensing layer ISP may include at least one conductive layer disposed on the sensing insulating layer. The input sensing layer ISP may include a first conductive layer CDL1 and a second conductive layer CDL2.

[0117] The first sensing insulating layer IL1 may be disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE. The first sensing insulating layer IL1 may include at least one or more inorganic insulating layers. In an embodiment, the first sensing insulating layer IL1 may be in contact with the encapsulation layer TFE. Alternatively, the first sensing insulating layer IL1 may be omitted, and in this case, the first conductive layer CDL1 may be in contact with the encapsulation layer TFE.

[0118] The first conductive layer CDL1 may be disposed on the first sensing insulating layer IL1. The first conductive layer CDL1 may include a plurality of first conductive patterns. The plurality of first conductive patterns may be disposed on the first sensing insulating layer IL1. The second sensing insulating layer IL2 may be disposed on the first sensing insulating layer IL1 to cover at least a portion of the first conductive layer CDL1.

[0119] The second conductive layer CDL2 may be disposed on the second sensing insulating layer IL2. The second conductive layer CDL2 may include a plurality of second conductive patterns. The plurality of second conductive patterns may be disposed on the second sensing insulating layer IL2. The plurality of second conductive patterns may be connected to the plurality of first conductive patterns via contact holes defined or formed in the second sensing insulating layer IL2, respectively.

[0120] The plurality of first conductive patterns of the first conductive layer CDL1 and the plurality of second conductive patterns of the second conductive layer CDL2 may each be disposed to correspond to the non-light emitting area NLA. The plurality of first conductive patterns of the first conductive layer CDL1 and the plurality of second conductive patterns of the second conductive layer CDL2 may each correspond to a mesh pattern.

[0121] The third sensing insulating layer IL3 may be disposed on the second sensing insulating layer IL2 and cover the second conductive layer CDL2. The second sensing insulating layer IL2 and the third sensing insulating layer IL3 may each include an inorganic insulating layer or an organic insulating layer.

[0122] The first conductive layer CDL1 and the second conductive layer CDL2 may each have a single-layer structure or a multilayer structure in which the layers are stacked along the third direction DR3. The conductive layers CDL1 and CDL2 having a single-layer structure may each include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer may include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum or an alloy thereof. The transparent conductive layer may include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO) or indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO). In addition, the transparent conductive layer may include a conductive polymer such as poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), a metal nanowire, graphene, etc.

[0123] The conductive layers CDL1 and CDL2 having a multi-layer structure may include a metal layer. In an embodiment, for example, the metal layer may have a three-layer structure of titanium (Ti) / aluminum (Al) / titanium (Ti). In an embodiment, the conductive layers CDL1 and CDL2 having a multi-layer structure may each include at least one metal layer and at least one transparent conductive layer.

[0124] Figure 7 It is shown along Figure 2 A sectional view of a portion taken along line II-II'. Figure 7 In order to facilitate illustration and description, the housing HAU is omitted (see Figure 2 ). Figure 7 : may be a cross-sectional view showing the display device DD in the second mode. The display module DM may be in a flat (or unbent) state in the second mode.

[0125] refer to Figure 7 In an embodiment of the display device DD, the window member WM may be disposed on the display module DM. The window member WM may include a window WD, a protective layer PL, and a printed layer BM. In addition, the window member WM may further include a window adhesive layer AL-W disposed between the display module DM and the window WD, and a protective layer adhesive layer AL-P disposed between the window WD and the protective layer PL.

[0126] The window member WM may overlap the first non-bending area NBA1 in the thickness direction DR3. The window member WM may not overlap the bending area BA and the second non-bending area NBA2.

[0127] The window adhesive layer AL-W may bond the display module DM and the window WD to each other. The protective layer adhesive layer AL-P may bond the window WD and the protective layer PL to each other. The window adhesive layer AL-W and the protective layer adhesive layer AL-P may each include a typical adhesive such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), or an optically clear resin (OCR), but is not limited thereto. Optionally, at least one of the window adhesive layer AL-W and the protective layer adhesive layer AL-P may be omitted.

[0128] The printed layer BM can be Figure 1 The non-display area DD-NDA shown in FIG. 8 overlaps the non-display area DD-NDA shown in FIG. 8. The printing layer BM may be disposed on one surface of the protection layer PL or one surface of the window WD. Figure 7 An embodiment in which the printing layer BM is disposed on the lower surface of the protective layer PL is shown. One side edge of the printing layer BM may be parallel to one side edge of the protective layer PL in the third direction DR3. The printing layer BM is a colored light shielding film and may be formed, for example, by coating. The printing layer BM may be formed by providing a base material and a dye or pigment mixed with the base material.

[0129] One side edge of the window WD may be disposed more inwardly toward the display device DD than one side edge of the protective layer PL. The window WD may include a polymer substrate or a glass substrate. In an embodiment, for example, the window WD may include a glass substrate. The image IM generated from the display module DM (see Figure 1 ) may pass through the window WD and be provided to the user. In an embodiment, for example, the window WD may include ultra-thin glass (UTG).

[0130] The protective layer PL may be a functional layer for protecting one surface of the window WD. The protective layer PL may include a polymer film. The protective layer PL may include an anti-fingerprint coating agent, a hard coating agent, an antistatic agent, and the like.

[0131] The curved protective layer BPL may be disposed on the display module DM. The curved protective layer BPL may overlap the curved area BA in the thickness direction DR3. In addition, the curved protective layer BPL may overlap the first non-bending area NBA1 and the second non-bending area NBA2. The length of the curved protective layer BPL may be shorter than the length of the display module DM in the second direction DR2 perpendicular to the thickness direction DR3. In the second direction DR2, the length of a portion of the curved protective layer BPL overlapping the first non-bending area NBA1 may be shorter than the length of the first non-bending area NBA1. In the second direction DR2, the length of a portion of the curved protective layer BPL overlapping the second non-bending area NBA2 may be shorter than the length of the second non-bending area NBA2.

[0132] Bending protection layer BPL (see Figure 8) can be bent to have a curvature. The bending protection layer BPL can protect the bending area BA from external impact and control the neutral plane of the bending area BA. The bending protection layer BPL can control the stress in the bending area BA so that the neutral plane becomes closer to the signal line arranged in the bending area BA. In an embodiment, for example, the bending protection layer BPL may include an organic material such as polyimide, acrylate, or epoxy resin. The bending protection layer BPL may be attached in the form of a protective film. However, this is shown as an example, and the material included in the bending protection layer BPL and the form of the bending protection layer BPL are not limited thereto.

[0133] The circuit board FC may be disposed on the display module DM. The circuit board FC may be a flexible printed circuit board. The circuit board FC may generate an electrical signal provided to the display module DM, or receive a signal generated from the display module DM, and may calculate a result value including information related to a position at which an input applied from the outside is detected or information related to the strength of the input. A portion of the circuit board FC may be disposed on the bending protection layer BPL. The circuit board FC may overlap with the second non-bending area NBA2 in the thickness direction DR3. The circuit board FC may not overlap with the bending area BA. Figure 7 In the second mode shown in FIG. , the circuit board FC may not overlap with the first non-bending area NBA1. Figure 8 In the first mode shown in FIG. 8 , the circuit board FC may overlap the first non-bending area NBA1 .

[0134] The support plate SP may be disposed under the display module DM. The support plate SP may be disposed under the display module DM. The support plate SP may overlap the first non-bending area NBA1 and the second non-bending area NBA2. The support plate SP may not overlap the bending area BA. The support plate SP may include a first glass substrate GL1 and a second glass substrate GL2 spaced apart from each other. In the second mode, the first glass substrate GL1 and the second glass substrate GL2 may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction DR2 perpendicular to the thickness direction DR3. The first glass substrate GL1 may overlap the first non-bending area NBA1. The second glass substrate GL2 may overlap the second non-bending area NBA2. The first glass substrate GL1 and the second glass substrate GL2 may not overlap the bending area BA.

[0135] The first glass substrate GL1 and the second glass substrate GL2 may be disposed directly under the display module DM. In a typical or conventional display device, a protective film is disposed directly under the display module. The protective film is disposed to protect the display module from external impact. A typical or conventional method of manufacturing a display device includes disposing a glass substrate as a carrier substrate under the display module; removing the disposed glass substrate; and disposing a protective film.

[0136] In the display device DD according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first glass substrate GL1 and the second glass substrate GL2 are directly disposed under the display module DM, and the first glass substrate GL1 and the second glass substrate GL2 may be carrier substrates provided during the manufacturing process without being removed. Therefore, the method of manufacturing the display device DD may not include removing the glass substrate and providing a protective film, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving manufacturing efficiency.

[0137] The first glass substrate GL1 may include an upper surface GL1_UF, a lower surface GL1_DF opposite to the upper surface GL1_UF, and a side surface GL1_SF disposed between the upper surface GL1_UF and the lower surface GL1_DF. The upper surface GL1_UF, the side surface GL1_SF, and the lower surface GL1_DF may have an integral shape. The upper surface GL1_UF of the first glass substrate GL1 may be adjacent to the display module DM, and the lower surface GL1_DF of the first glass substrate GL1 may be adjacent to the polymer film GF. The side surface GL1_SF of the first glass substrate GL1 may include a first sub-side surface GL1_S1 and a second sub-side surface GL1_S2.

[0138] In the first glass substrate GL1, the first sub-side surface GL1_S1 may be inclined relative to the upper surface GL1_UF. In the first glass substrate GL1, an angle θ1 between the first sub-side surface GL1_S1 and the upper surface GL1_UF may be greater than 90° and less than 180°. In the first glass substrate GL1, the second sub-side surface GL1_S2 may be inclined relative to the lower surface GL1_DF and the first sub-side surface GL1_S1. In the first glass substrate GL1, an angle θ2 between the second sub-side surface GL1_S2 and the lower surface GL1_DF may be greater than 90° and less than 180°.

[0139] The second glass substrate GL2 may include an upper surface GL2_UF, a lower surface GL2_DF facing the upper surface GL2_UF, and a side surface GL2_SF disposed between the upper surface GL2_UF and the lower surface GL2_DF. The upper surface GL2_UF of the second glass substrate GL2 may be adjacent to the display module DM, and the lower surface GL2_DF of the second glass substrate GL2 may be adjacent to the polymer film GF. The side surface GL2_SF of the second glass substrate GL2 may include a first sub-side surface GL2_S1 and a second sub-side surface GL2_S2.

[0140] In the second glass substrate GL2, the first sub-side surface GL2_S1 may be inclined relative to the upper surface GL2_UF. In the second glass substrate GL2, an angle θ3 between the first sub-side surface GL2_S1 and the upper surface GL2_UF may be greater than 90° and less than 180°. In the second glass substrate GL2, the second sub-side surface GL2_S2 may be inclined relative to the lower surface GL2_DF and the first sub-side surface GL2_S1. In the second glass substrate GL2, an angle θ4 between the second sub-side surface GL2_S2 and the lower surface GL2_DF may be greater than 90° and less than 180°.

[0141] The side surface GL1_SF of the first glass substrate GL1 and the side surface GL2_SF of the second glass substrate GL2 may be reflectively symmetrical to each other (e.g., bilaterally symmetrical) in the second mode. The first glass substrate GL1 and the second glass substrate GL2 may be formed by etching a glass substrate. The first glass substrate GL1 and the second glass substrate GL2 may be formed by providing an etchant to the glass substrate. The first glass substrate GL1 and the second glass substrate GL2 formed by using the etchant may have inclined first sub-side surfaces GL1_S1 and GL2_S1 and inclined second sub-side surfaces GL1_S2 and GL2_S2, respectively.

[0142] The polymer film GF may be disposed under the support plate SP. The polymer film GF may be formed of a polymer material having a flexible property. The polymer film GF may include at least one selected from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polysulfone (PSF), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), and cycloolefin polymer (COP).

[0143] The polymer film GF may overlap the first non-bending area NBA1, the bending area BA, and the second non-bending area NBA2. The polymer film GF may include a first flat portion FP1, a curved portion CP, and a second flat portion FP2. The first flat portion FP1, the curved portion CP, and the second flat portion FP2 may have an integral shape. The first flat portion FP1 may overlap the first non-bending area NBA1 and may not bend when the display module DM is bent. The curved portion CP may overlap the bending area BA and may bend when the display module DM is bent. The second flat portion FP2 may overlap the second non-bending area NBA2 and may not bend when the display module DM is bent.

[0144] In the first mode in which the display module DM is bent such that the first non-bending area NBA1 overlaps the second non-bending area NBA2, the curved portion CP (see Figure 8) may be bent to have a curvature. In a second mode in which the display module DM is not bent, the curved portion CP may be in an unbent state.

[0145] In the second mode in which the display module DM is not bent, the second flat portion FP2, the curved portion CP, and the first flat portion FP1 may be sequentially disposed along the second direction DR2. In the second mode in which the display module DM is not bent, the first flat portion FP1 and the second flat portion FP2 may be spaced apart from each other with the curved portion CP between the first flat portion FP1 and the second flat portion FP2. In the second mode in which the display module DM is not bent, the curved portion CP and the display module DM may be spaced apart from each other.

[0146] In an embodiment, the display device DD including the polymer film GF may effectively prevent cracks from occurring in the bending area BA and improve impact resistance. As described above, the display device DD according to the embodiment may include first and second glass substrates GL1 and GL2 disposed directly under the display module DM.

[0147] In a display device including a first glass substrate GL1 and a second glass substrate GL2 disposed directly below a display module DM and not including a polymer film GF, cracks may occur in a bending area BA when the display module DM is bent. There is no component (i.e., polymer film GF) supporting the display module DM below the display module DM, and thus when the display module DM is bent, the component disposed in the bending area BA may be damaged. In addition, when an impact is applied to the bending area BA, the display device not including the polymer film GF may be susceptible to the impact, and the bending area BA may be sharply bent due to the impact. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display device DD may include a polymer film GF below the display module DM to stably support the bending area BA of the display module DM when the display module DM is bent, thereby effectively preventing damage to the bending area BA and exhibiting high impact resistance.

[0148] Although not shown, the adhesive layer may be disposed on and / or below the polymer film GF. The adhesive layer may be disposed between components (support plate SP and / or lower module FL) adjacent to the polymer film GF. In an embodiment, for example, the adhesive layer may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). However, this is given as an example, and embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0149] The lower module FL may be disposed under the polymer film GF. The lower module FL may overlap the first non-bending area NBA1. The lower module FL may not overlap the bending area BA. In the second mode in which the display module DM is not bent, the lower module FL may not overlap the second non-bending area NBA2. Figure 8 In the first mode in which the display module DM is bent as shown in FIG. 8 , the lower module FL may overlap the second non-bending area NBA2 .

[0150] In an embodiment, for example, the lower module FL may include at least one selected from a buffer layer, a shielding layer, and a heat dissipation layer. However, components included in the lower module FL are not limited thereto, and the lower module FL may further include other components in consideration of the operation of the display device DD, etc.

[0151] One side edge FL_EG of the lower module FL may be disposed more outward than one side edge GL1_PT of the first glass substrate GL1. One side edge GL1_PT of the first glass substrate GL1 may be an edge at which the second sub-side surface GL1_S2 of the first glass substrate GL1 and the lower surface GL1_DF of the first glass substrate GL1 are connected to each other. One side edge FL_EG of the lower module FL is disposed more outward (or more toward the bending area BA) than one side edge GL1_PT of the first glass substrate GL1, and thus the polymer film GF (see Figure 8 ) can be bent to have a uniform curvature.

[0152] In the case where one side edge FL_EG of the lower module FL is disposed more inward than one side edge GL1_PT of the first glass substrate GL1, the polymer film GF (see Figure 8 ) may not bend stably and thus bend part CP (see Figure 8 ) may not effectively support the display module DM. In this case, cracks occur in the bending area BA of the display module DM, and the impact resistance of the display device DD deteriorates. In an embodiment, the display device DD in which one side edge FL_EG of the lower module FL is disposed further outward than one side edge GL1_PT of the first glass substrate GL1 can effectively prevent cracks from occurring in the bending area BA and exhibit high impact resistance.

[0153] Figure 8 It is shown along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a portion taken along line III-III'. Figure 8 may be a cross-sectional view showing the display device DD in a first mode in which the display module DM is bent such that the first non-bending area NBA1 overlaps the second non-bending area NBA2.

[0154] refer to Figure 8 In the first mode in which the display module DM is bent, the curved portion CP may be bent to have a curvature. In the first mode, the first flat portion FP1 may face the second flat portion FP2. In the first mode, the first flat portion FP1 may overlap the second flat portion FP2. In the first mode, the first flat portion FP1 and the second flat portion FP2 may be spaced apart from each other with the lower module FL between the first flat portion FP1 and the second flat portion FP2.

[0155] In the first mode, the curved portion CP may form a portion of an ellipse or an elliptical circumference. The major axis (eg, the major axis of symmetry) LX of the ellipse formed by the curved portion CP may be parallel to the second direction DR2 perpendicular to the thickness direction DR3. Figure 8 , for ease of description, the major axis LX is shown as a dotted line. In the first mode, the polymer film GF may have a dumbbell-like shape. In the first mode, the curved portion CP may correspond to one of the protruding portions of the dumbbell, and the first flat portion FP1 and the second flat portion FP2 may correspond to a handle portion disposed between the protruding portions of the dumbbell.

[0156] In the first mode, the first glass substrate GL1 may overlap the second glass substrate GL2. In the first mode, the first glass substrate GL1 and the second glass substrate GL2 may be spaced apart from each other with the polymer film GF and the lower module FL between the first glass substrate GL1 and the second glass substrate GL2. In an embodiment, as described above, the first glass substrate GL1 and the second glass substrate GL2 may be formed by an etching process and include inclined first sub-side surfaces GL1_S1 and GL2_S1 and second sub-side surfaces GL1_S2 and GL2_S2 (see Figure 7 ). Therefore, in the first mode, the polymer film GF may have a dumbbell shape. In the first mode, the polymer film GF may be bent into a dumbbell shape due to the etching shapes of the first glass substrate GL1 and the second glass substrate GL2. When the display module DM is bent, the display module DM and the polymer film GF have different curvatures from each other, and due to the display module DM, the bent polymer film GF is expanded in a limited space, and thus the polymer film GF may be bent into a dumbbell shape.

[0157] In the first mode, the curved protection layer BPL may be curved to have a curvature. In the first mode, the curved protection layer BPL may be spaced apart from the curved portion CP with the display module DM between them. In the first mode, a portion of the curved portion CP may contact the display module DM.

[0158] 9A to 10H It is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the present invention. 9A to 9C It may be a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the display devices DD-1, DD-2, and DD-3 in the second mode in which the display module DM is not bent. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10H 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of display devices DD-4 to DD-11 in a first mode in which the display module DM is bent. 9A to 10H The description of the above reference will be omitted Figures 1 to 8 Any repeated detailed description of elements that are identical or similar to those described will be omitted and the following description will focus primarily on the differences.

[0159] refer to Figure 7 and Fig.9A , except that the display device DD-1 includes a curved portion CP-a of the polymer film GF-a, Fig.9A The display device DD-1 shown in Figure 7 The display device DD shown in FIG. 1 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in , the curved portion CP of the polymer film GF may have the same length as the curved area BA of the display module DM. Fig.9A As shown in , the length of the curved portion CP-a may be greater than the length of the bending area BA of the display module DM. Therefore, in the second mode in which the display module DM is not bent, the curved portion CP-a may have a curved shape. As the length of the curved portion CP-a increases, when the display module DM is bent, the time point at which the curved portion CP-a supports the display module DM is shortened, and the portion supporting the display module DM increases in the curved portion CP-a, and thus the display module DM may be stably bent.

[0160] refer to Figure 7 and Fig. 9B , in addition to the display device DD-2 further comprising a first buffer layer RS, Fig. 9B The display device DD-2 shown in Figure 7 The display device DD shown in FIG. 1 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. Fig. 9BAs shown in , the first buffer layer RS ​​may be disposed on the curved portion CP. The first buffer layer RS ​​may overlap the curved area BA. The edge area of ​​the first buffer layer RS ​​may overlap the first non-bending area NBA1 and the second non-bending area NBA2. The first buffer layer RS ​​may be formed by applying a polymer resin. In an embodiment, for example, the first buffer layer RS ​​may include at least one selected from an acryl-based resin, a urethane-based resin, and a silicon-based resin. The curved portion CP may be spaced apart from the display module DM and the first buffer layer RS ​​is between the curved portion CP and the display module DM. In a first mode in which the display module DM is bent, the first buffer layer RS ​​may be in contact with the display module DM. In an embodiment, for example, in the first mode, the first buffer layer RS ​​may be disposed to fill the space between the display module DM and the curved portion CP.

[0161] When the display module DM is bent, the first buffer layer RS ​​stably supports the display module DM and absorbs external impact, and thus can effectively prevent damage to the display module DM. Therefore, the display device DD-2 including the first buffer layer RS ​​according to the embodiment can prevent cracks from occurring in the bending area BA and exhibit high impact resistance.

[0162] refer to Figure 7 and Fig. 9C , in addition to the display device DD-3 further comprising a sub-buffer layer CS, Fig. 9C The display device DD-3 shown in Figure 7 The display device DD shown in FIG. 1 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. Fig. 9C As shown in , the sub-buffer layer CS may be disposed on the curved portion CP. In an embodiment, the sub-buffer layer CS may be formed of the same material as the polymer film GF. Alternatively, the sub-buffer layer CS may be formed of a material different from that of the polymer film GF, and in this case, the sub-buffer layer CS may include foam or sponge. However, this is given as an example, and the material included in the sub-buffer layer CS is not limited thereto.

[0163] In the thickness direction DR3, the thickness C_T2 of the sub-buffer layer CS may be smaller than the thickness G_TH of the support plate SP. In the second direction DR2 perpendicular to the thickness direction DR3, the length C_T1 of the sub-buffer layer CS may be smaller than the minimum spacing distance G_ST between the first glass substrate GL1 and the second glass substrate GL2. The minimum spacing distance G_ST between the first glass substrate GL1 and the second glass substrate GL2 may be the distance between the outermost position of the first glass substrate GL1 and the outermost position of the second glass substrate GL2 facing each other. The sub-buffer layer CS has a thickness C_T2 and a length C_T1 that respectively satisfy the above conditions, and thus the display module DM may be stably supported when being bent.

[0164] refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 10A , except that the display device DD-4 includes a curved portion CP-b of the polymer film GF having a different shape, Fig. 10A The display device DD-4 shown in Figure 8 The display device DD shown in FIG. 1 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 1 . Specifically, Fig. 10A The curved part CP-b shown in Figure 8 The difference between the curved portion CP shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is that the length of the major axis LX-b of the curved portion CP-b is shortened. Fig. 10A In the figure, for the convenience of illustration and description, the long axis LX-b is shown as a dotted line. The length of the long axis LX-b can be shortened by tightly bending the polymer film GF. As the length of the long axis LX-b is shortened, the portion where the curved portion CP-b and the support plate SP contact each other can be increased.

[0165] refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 10B , except that the display device DD-5 includes a polymer film GF-b defining a first groove GV1 and a second groove GV2, Fig. 10B The display device DD-5 shown in Figure 8 The display device DD shown in FIG. 1 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. Fig. 10B As shown in FIG. 1 , the first groove GV1 may be defined between the first flat portion FP1 and the curved portion CP, and the second groove GV2 may be defined between the second flat portion FP2 and the curved portion CP.

[0166] In the thickness direction DR3, the first groove GV1 and the second groove GV2 are defined or formed only by a portion of the polymer film GF-b. The first groove GV1 and the second groove GV2 may be defined or formed on one surface F-1 of the polymer film GF-b adjacent to the support plate SP, and may not be defined or formed by another surface F-2 of the polymer film GF-b adjacent to the lower module FL. One surface F-1 and another surface F-2 of the polymer film GF-b may be spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction DR3.

[0167] refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 10C , except that the display device DD-6 includes a second buffer layer RS-a, Fig. 10C The display device shown in DD-6 is Figure 8 The display device DD shown in FIG. 1 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. Fig. 10CAs shown in, in the first mode in which the display module DM is bent, the second buffer layer RS-a may be arranged to fill the internal space formed by the curved portion CP. The second buffer layer RS-a may be formed by applying a polymer resin. In such an embodiment, in the second mode in which the display module DM is not bent, the second buffer layer RS-a may be applied to the lower surface of the curved portion CP and temporarily cured. Thereafter, the temporarily cured polymer resin is mainly cured in the first mode in which the display module DM is bent, and then the second buffer layer RS-a may be formed. In an embodiment, for example, the second buffer layer RS-a may include at least one selected from an acryl-based resin, a urethane-based resin, and a silicon-based resin. The second buffer layer RS-a may maintain the curvature of the curved portion CP and absorb external impacts, thereby preventing damage to the display device DD-6. Therefore, the display device DD-6 including the second buffer layer RS-a according to the embodiment may exhibit excellent impact resistance.

[0168] refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 10D , except that the display device DD-7 includes the first groove GV1 and the second groove GV2 defined therein and the second buffer layer RS-a, Fig. 10D The display device shown in the DD-7 is Figure 8 The display device DD shown in FIG. 1 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 1 . In an embodiment of the display device DD-7, as shown in FIG. Fig. 10D As shown in Fig. 10B The first groove GV1 and the second groove GV2 shown in FIG. 1 and may include Fig. 10C The second buffer layer RS-a shown in FIG. Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C The description can be similarly applied to Fig. 10D The first groove GV1 and the second groove GV2 and the second buffer layer RS-a are shown in FIG.

[0169] refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 10E , except that at least a portion F_C of the lower module FL-a of the display device DD-8 is in contact with the polymer film GF, Fig. 10E The display device shown in the DD-8 is Figure 8 The display device DD shown in FIG. 1 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. Figure 8 Compared with the lower module FL shown in Fig. 10EThe length of the lower module FL-a shown in the figure may increase in the second direction DR2. In such an embodiment, as the length of the lower module FL-a relatively increases, at least a portion F_C of the lower module FL-a may contact the polymer film GF. The lower module FL-a having an increased length stably supports the polymer film GF, and thus the display device DD-8 according to the embodiment may exhibit high or improved impact resistance.

[0170] refer to Figure 8 and Fig.10F , except that the display device DD-9 does not include a bending protection layer BPL (see Figure 8 ), Fig.10F The display device shown in the DD-9 is Figure 8 In such an embodiment, since the polymer film GF stably supports the display module DM to prevent cracks from occurring in the bending area BA and to improve impact resistance, the bending protection layer BPL may be omitted.

[0171] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 10G , except that the display device DD-10 does not include the bending protection layer BPL and the length of the lower module FL-a thereof is increased, Figure 10G The display device DD-10 shown in Figure 8 The display device DD shown in FIG. 1 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. Figure 10G As shown in Fig.10F Similar to the display device DD-9, the display device DD-10 may not include the bending protection layer BPL, and include Fig. 10E The lower module FL-a shown in FIG. The lower module FL-a may have a length that increases in the second direction DR2. Fig. 10E and Fig.10F The description can be similarly applied to Figure 10G Description.

[0172] refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 10H , except that the display device DD-11 includes a curved protection layer BPL-a having a thin thickness, Fig. 10H The display device shown in DD-11 is Figure 8 The display device DD shown in FIG. 1 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. Fig. 10H As shown in FIG. 1 , since the polymer film GF stably supports the display module DM to prevent cracks from occurring in the bending area BA and to improve impact resistance, a bending protection layer BPL-a having a relatively thin thickness may be provided.

[0173] A display device according to an embodiment may include: a display module including a bending area; a support plate disposed under the display module; and a polymer film disposed under the support plate. The polymer film may include a curved portion that curves when the display module is curved, and the curved portion may be curved to have a curvature. A display device including a polymer film according to an embodiment may effectively prevent cracks from occurring in the bending area and exhibit high or improved impact resistance.

[0174] The display device according to the embodiment may include a polymer film that is bent to have a curvature, thereby effectively preventing cracks from occurring in a bent region and exhibiting high or improved impact resistance.

[0175] The present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0176] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display module comprising a first non-bending region, a bending region adjacent to the first non-bending region, and a second non-bending region spaced apart from the first non-bending region, wherein the bending region is between the first non-bending region and the second non-bending region; a support plate disposed below the display module, wherein the support plate includes a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to a thickness direction; and a polymer film disposed below the support plate, wherein the polymer film includes a first flat portion, a curved portion extending from the first flat portion and overlapping the curved region, and a second flat portion extending from the curved portion and spaced apart from the first flat portion, wherein a state in which the display module is bent so that the first non-bending area overlaps the second non-bending area is defined as a first mode, and a state in which the display module is not bent is defined as a second mode, and In the first mode, the curved portion is bent to have a curvature.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: In the first mode, the curved portion forms a portion of a circumference of an ellipse, and a major axis of the ellipse is parallel to the one direction.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The curved area is a non-display area in which no image is displayed.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: In the first mode, the curved portion is in contact with the display module, and In the second mode, the curved portion is spaced apart from the display module.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: In the first mode, the first flat portion overlaps the second flat portion.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The length of the curved portion of the polymer film is greater than the length of the bent region of the display module.

7. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: The first buffer layer is arranged on the curved portion.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: In the polymer film, a first groove is defined between the first flat portion and the curved portion, and a second groove is defined between the second flat portion and the curved portion, and Wherein, in the thickness direction, the first groove and the second groove are defined by only a portion of the polymer film.

9. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A second buffer layer is disposed below the curved portion, Wherein, in the first mode, the second buffer layer is configured to fill an inner space formed by the curved portion.

10. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a sub-buffer layer, disposed on the curved portion, Wherein, in the one direction, the length of the sub-buffer layer is smaller than the minimum spacing distance between the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate, and wherein the thickness of the sub-buffer layer is smaller than the thickness of the support plate.

11. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a lower module, disposed below the polymer membrane, Wherein, in the first mode, at least a portion of the lower module is in contact with the polymer film.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first glass substrate overlaps the first non-bending region, The second glass substrate overlaps the second non-bending region, and The first glass substrate and the second glass substrate do not overlap the bending region.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate includes an upper surface, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, and a side surface disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface, The side surface includes a first sub-side surface inclined relative to the upper surface and a second sub-side surface inclined relative to the first sub-side surface and the lower surface, and The display device further includes: a lower module, disposed below the polymer membrane, Wherein, one side edge of the lower module is disposed outside an edge at which the second sub-side surface and the lower surface are connected to each other.

14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The polymer film includes at least one selected from polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polysulfone, polymethyl methacrylate, triacetyl cellulose, and cycloolefin polymer.

15. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A curved protective layer is disposed on the display module. wherein, in the first mode, the curved protection layer is curved to have a curvature, and Wherein, in the first mode, the curved protection layer is spaced apart from the curved portion and the display module is between the curved protection layer and the curved portion.

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