Display device

Abstract

A display device includes: a display panel including a display area at which the display panel is foldable or curled; a window capable of being folded or curled together with the display panel, and including a first window portion and a second window portion; and a bracket in which the display panel and the window are received. The bracket includes: a first bracket corresponding to the display area and the first and second window portions; and a second bracket and a third bracket extending from the first bracket, and the first window portion and the second window portion extending along the second bracket and the third bracket, respectively. Within the bracket, a receiving slot is defined by the first bracket and the third bracket, and the second window extends into the receiving slot to have a length overlapping the third bracket. Folding and unfolding (or curling and uncurling) of the display panel includes a change in a length of the second window portion overlapping the third bracket.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and all benefits arising from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0094760, filed on Jul. 20, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure described herein relate to a display device. Background Art

[0004] In general, a display device includes a display module for displaying an image and a support member for supporting the display module. The display module includes a display panel for displaying an image, a window disposed on the display panel and protecting the display panel from external scratches and impacts, and a protective layer disposed under the display panel and protecting the display panel from external impacts. The support member has higher rigidity than the display module and supports the display module.

[0005] With the development of display device technology, flexible display devices that can be deformed into various forms are being developed. The flexible display device includes a flexible display module that can be folded or rolled. A support component disposed under the flexible display module that can be folded around a folding axis has a structure that can be folded together with the flexible display module. Summary of the invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display device having an increased display surface area and improved folding reliability.

[0007] According to an embodiment, a display panel capable of folding around a folding axis includes: a first panel portion, the folding axis is defined in the first panel portion; a bending panel portion, the display panel is bent at the bending panel portion; and a second panel portion, arranged in a first direction, the folding axis of the display panel extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a window is provided on the display panel, the window includes a first window portion adjacent to the bending panel portion and a second window portion spaced apart from the first window portion along the first direction, and a bracket receiving the display panel and the window includes: a first bracket corresponding to the first panel portion, the bending panel portion and the second panel portion; a second bracket, the second bracket extending from the first bracket toward the window and covering the first window portion; and a third bracket, the third bracket extending from the first bracket toward the window, the third bracket spaced apart from the second bracket along the first direction, and the third bracket covering the second window portion. The folding and unfolding of the display panel around the folding axis include movement of the second window portion within the bracket along the first direction.

[0008] According to an embodiment, a display panel includes a display area, the display panel can be rolled at the display area, a window is provided on the display panel, the window includes a first window portion and a second window portion spaced apart from each other in a first direction, and a bracket receiving the display panel and the window includes: a first bracket, provided below the display panel; a second bracket, the second bracket extending from the first bracket, and the first window portion extending along the second bracket; a third bracket, the third bracket extending from the first bracket, opposite to the second bracket along the first direction, and the second window portion extending along the third bracket to have a length overlapping with the third bracket. A first receiving groove is defined by the first bracket and the second bracket, and the first window portion extends into the first receiving groove; and a second receiving groove is defined by the first bracket and the third bracket, and the second window portion extends into the second receiving groove. The curling and uncurling of the display panel include a change in the length of the second window portion overlapping with the third bracket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The above objects and features and other objects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent by describing in detail embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the attached drawings.

[0010] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1B It is shown Figure 1A A view of a folded state of the electronic device shown in FIG.

[0012] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2B It is shown Figure 2A A view of a folded state of the electronic device shown in FIG.

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B An exploded perspective view of the electronic device shown in FIG.

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A block diagram of the electronic device shown in FIG.

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Schematic cross-sectional view of a display module shown in FIG.

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 5A cross-sectional view of a display panel shown in FIG.

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A top plan view of the display panel shown in FIG.

[0019] Figure 8 is shown with Figure 7 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a cross section of an electronic panel corresponding to any one pixel shown in FIG.

[0020] Fig. 9A It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line V-V' shown in FIG.

[0021] Fig. 9B It is shown Fig. 9A The cross-sectional view of the bent portion shown in FIG.

[0022] Fig.10 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI' shown in FIG.

[0023] Fig.11 It is along Figure 1A An enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line II' shown in FIG.

[0024] Fig.12 It is along Figure 1A An enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' shown in FIG.

[0025] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B It is along Figure 1B A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV' shown in FIG.

[0026] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to a comparative example.

[0027] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15E is a sectional view for explaining a second guide member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig.16 is a view for explaining a third guide member for guiding a display module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig.17A It is along Figure 1A A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' shown in FIG.

[0030] Fig. 17B is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig. 17Cis a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig.18A and Fig.18B is a perspective view showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Fig.19A It is along Fig.18A A cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII' shown in FIG.

[0034] Fig.19B It is along Fig.18A A cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII' shown in FIG.

[0035] Fig.19C and Fig.19D It is along Fig.18B A cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX' shown in FIG.

[0036] Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B is a perspective view for explaining an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig.21A It is along Fig. 20A A cross-sectional view taken along the line XX′ shown in (eg, the first non-curled edge portion).

[0038] Fig. 21B It is along Fig. 20A A cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI′ shown in FIG. 1 (eg, the second non-curled edge portion).

[0039] Fig. 21C It is along Fig. 20B A cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII' shown in FIG. 1 (eg, a curled edge portion).

[0040] Fig.22A and Fig. 22B is a perspective view for explaining an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein and may be implemented in various different forms. Herein, embodiments are provided to provide a complete disclosure of the present disclosure and to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs, and the scope of the present disclosure shall be limited only by the attached claims and their equivalents. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements.

[0042] When an element or layer is referred to as being associated with another element or layer (such as “on” another element or layer), the element or layer may be directly on the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. Conversely, when an element or layer is referred to as being associated with another element or layer (such as “directly on” another element or layer), there are no intervening elements or layers.

[0043] The term used herein is only used to describe the purpose of a particular embodiment, and is not intended to be limited. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used herein, "one", "one (kind / person)", "described (the)" and "at least one (kind / person)" do not indicate the limitation of quantity, and are intended to include both the singular and the plural. Therefore, the reference to "described" element after the reference to "one" element in the claim includes one element and multiple elements. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, "an element" has the same meaning as "at least one element". "At least one (kind / person)" should not be interpreted as limiting "one" or "one (kind / person)". "Or" means "and / or". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes all combinations of each of the items mentioned and one or more items. It will also be understood that the terms “comprises and / or comprising” or “includes and / or including” when used in the 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.

[0044] Spatially relative terms (such as "below", "beneath", "below", "above", and "on") may be used to easily describe the relationship between one element or component and another element or component as shown in the drawings. Spatially relative terms should be understood as terms that also include different orientations of an element during use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the drawings.

[0045] Although the terms "first" and "second" and the like are used herein to describe various elements, components and / or sections, these elements, components and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component or section from another element, component or section. Therefore, within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, the first element, first component or first section mentioned below may be referred to as the second element, second component or second section.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that, unless expressly defined as such herein, terms (such as those defined in general dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the context of the present disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0047] Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views of the illustrations as idealized embodiments. As such, variations in the shapes of the illustrations due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are anticipated. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be construed as being limited to the shapes of specific regions as shown herein, but rather to include deviations in shapes, for example, caused by manufacturing. For example, a region shown or described as flat may typically have rough and / or nonlinear features. Moreover, 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 shapes of the regions, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0048] The embodiments described herein will be described with reference to plan views and cross-sectional views as ideal schematic diagrams of the present disclosure. Therefore, the form of the diagrams may change depending on the manufacturing technology and / or allowed errors. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific forms shown, but include changes in the form generated according to the manufacturing process. The areas shown in the drawings have schematic characteristics, and the shapes of the areas shown in the drawings illustrate specific forms of the areas of the device and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an electronic device EDa according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1B It is shown Figure 1A FIG. 4 is a view of the folded state of the electronic device EDa shown in FIG.

[0051] Reference Figure 1A According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device EDa may have a rectangular shape having short sides extending in a first direction DR1 and long sides extending in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. However, not limited thereto, the electronic device EDa may have various planar shapes (such as a circular shape and other polygonal shapes). The electronic device EDa may be a flexible electronic device.

[0052] The plane may be defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2 that intersect each other. The direction intersecting the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be a third direction DR3. The thickness of the electronic device EDa and its various components or layers may be defined along the third direction DR3 (e.g., thickness direction). Hereinafter, a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be defined as the third direction DR3, without being limited thereto. Moreover, the expression "when viewed from above the plane" used herein may refer to a view along the third direction DR3.

[0053] The electronic device EDa may include a folding area FAa and a non-folding area provided in plurality, the non-folding area including a plurality of non-folding areas NFA1a and NFA2a. The non-folding areas NFA1a and NFA2a may include a first non-folding area NFA1a and a second non-folding area NFA2a. The folding area FAa may be disposed between the first non-folding area NFA1a and the second non-folding area NFA2a. The first non-folding area NFA1a, the folding area FAa, and the second non-folding area NFA2a may be arranged in a first direction DR1.

[0054] Although one folding area FAa and two non-folding areas NFA1a and NFA2a are shown as examples, the number of folding areas FAa and the number of non-folding areas NFA1a and NFA2a are not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device EDa may include more than two non-folding areas and a plurality of folding areas, each of which is disposed between the non-folding areas.

[0055] As used herein, the first non-folding area NFA1a may be defined as a first area NFA1a. The second non-folding area NFA2a may be defined as a second area NFA2a. The folding area FAa may be defined as a third area FAa.

[0056] The upper surface (or outer surface) of the electronic device EDa may be defined as a display surface DSa. The display surface DSa may be defined in a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 (hereinafter, referred to as a DR1-DR2 plane) or parallel to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The image IM generated by the electronic device EDa may be provided to the outside of the electronic device EDa (such as a user of the electronic device EDa) through the display surface DSa.

[0057] The display surface DSa may include a display area DAa and a non-display area NDAa adjacent to the display area DAa. The non-display area NDAa may extend around the display area DAa. The display area DAa may be defined as the front surface of the electronic device EDa. The display area DAa may display an image IM, and the non-display area NDAa may not display the image IM. The non-display area NDAa may surround the display area DAa in a plan view (e.g., a view along a third direction DR3), and may define a boundary of the electronic device EDa. The boundary may be a printed feature (such as having a predetermined color).

[0058] The display area DAa may be divided into a first display area DAa1 and a second display area DAa2 with respect to the folding axis FXa. The first display area DAa1 may overlap the first area NFA1a. The second display area DAa2 may overlap the second area NFA2a.

[0059] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B The electronic device EDa may be a foldable electronic device EDa that is folded or unfolded at the folding area FAa. For example, the folding area FAa may be bent about a folding axis FXa parallel to the second direction DR2, and the electronic device EDa may thus be folded relative to the folding axis FXa.

[0060] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the electronic device EDa may have cross-sectional shapes at opposite edge portions of the electronic device EDa. The edge portions of the first non-folding area NFA1a and the second non-folding area NFA2a may define these cross-sectional shapes (such as the cross-sectional shapes of the cross sections taken along lines II' and II-II' to be discussed later). Even in the electronic device EDa folded at the folding area FAa, the cross-sectional shapes defined at the edge portions of the first non-folding area NFA1a and the second non-folding area NFA2a may be maintained.

[0061] When the electronic device EDa is folded, the first non-folding area NFA1a and the second non-folding area NFA2a may face each other in the thickness direction. The first display area DAa1 and the second display area DAa2 may face each other. The electronic device EDa may be folded inwardly so that portions of the display surface DSa face each other and are not exposed to the outside (e.g., the outside of the electronic device EDa).

[0062] However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device EDa may be folded outwardly around the folding axis FXa. Fig.18A and Fig.18B Describe the outer fold in detail.

[0063] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an electronic device EDb according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2B It is shown Figure 2A 4 is a view of a folded state of the electronic device EDb shown in FIG.

[0064] The following description will focus on Figure 2A and Figure 2B The electronic device EDb shown in FIG. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The differences between the electronic devices EDa shown in FIG.

[0065] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B , the electronic device EDb according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have a rectangular shape having long sides extending in the first direction DR1 and short sides extending in the second direction DR2 .

[0066] The folding area FAb may be disposed between the first non-folding area NFA1b and the second non-folding area NFA2b. The first non-folding area NFA1b, the folding area FAb, and the second non-folding area NFA2b may be arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0067] As used herein, the first non-folding area NFA1b may be defined as a first area NFA1b. The second non-folding area NFA2b may be defined as a second area NFA2b. The folding area FAb may be defined as a third area FAb.

[0068] The electronic device EDb may be a foldable electronic device EDb that is folded or unfolded. The folding area FAb may be bent about a folding axis FXb parallel to the second direction DR2, and the electronic device EDb may be folded accordingly. The folding axis FXb may be defined as an axis parallel to the short side.

[0069] An upper surface of the electronic device EDb may be defined as a display surface DSb, and the display surface DSb may have a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. An image IM generated by the electronic device EDb may be provided to a user through the display surface DSb.

[0070] The display surface DSb may include a display area DAb and a non-display area NDAb around the display area DAb. The display area DAb may be defined as a front surface of the electronic device EDb. The display area DAb may display an image IM, and the non-display area NDAb may not display the image IM.

[0071] The display area DAb may be divided into a first display area DAb1 and a second display area DAb2 with respect to the folding axis FXb. The first display area DAb1 may overlap the first area NFA1b. The second display area DAb2 may overlap the second area NFA2b.

[0072] When the electronic device EDb is folded, the first non-folding area NFA1b and the second non-folding area NFA2b may face each other. The first display area DAb1 and the second display area DAb2 may face each other. The electronic device EDb may be folded inwardly so that the display surface DSb is not exposed to the outside.

[0073] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B Exploded perspective view of the electronic device EDa shown in FIG.

[0074] Will refer to Figure 3 describe Figure 1A and Figure 1B 0014 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device EDa shown in FIG. However, it is not limited thereto, and in addition to the extending direction of the long side and the extending direction of the short side, Figure 2A and Figure 2B The electronic device EDb shown in FIG. 1 can also be used with Figure 1A and Figure 1B The electronic device EDa shown in FIG. 1 has a holder EDC having substantially the same configuration.

[0075] Reference Figure 3 , the electronic device EDa may include a display device DD, an electronic module EM, a power module PSM, and a bracket EDC. Although not shown, the electronic device EDa may also include a mechanical structure (e.g., a hinge) for controlling the folding operation of the display device DD. One or more components of the electronic device EDa may be foldable, rollable, bendable, etc. together with each other.

[0076] The display device DD may generate an image IM (eg, referring to Figure 1A ), and can sense external input. The display device DD may include a window module WM and a display module DM. The window module WM may provide a front surface of the electronic device EDa. The window module WM may be disposed on the display module DM, and may protect the display module DM. The window module WM may transmit light generated from the display module DM, and may provide the light to the outside of the electronic device EDa (such as to a user).

[0077] The display module DM may include a display panel DP. Figure 3Only the display panel DP in the stacking structure of the display module DM is shown, but the display module DM may also include a plurality of components disposed on and / or under the display panel DP. The detailed stacking structure of the display module DM will be described in detail below. The display panel DP may include a display area DAa and a non-display area NDAa, and the display area DAa and the non-display area NDAa correspond to Figure 1A The electronic device EDa has a display area DAa and a non-display area NDAa.

[0078] The display module DM may include a data driver DDV disposed on the non-display area NDAa of the display panel DP. The data driver DDV may be manufactured in the form of an integrated circuit chip and may be mounted on the non-display area NDAa. However, not limited thereto, the data driver DDV may be mounted on a flexible circuit board connected to the display panel DP.

[0079] The electronic module EM and the power module PSM may be disposed under the display device DD. Although not shown, the electronic module EM and the power module PSM may be connected to each other through a separate flexible circuit board. The electronic module EM may control the operation of the display device DD. The power module PSM may supply power to the electronic module EM.

[0080] The bracket EDC may accommodate (or receive) the display device DD, the electronic module EM, and the power module PSM. In order to fold the display device DD, the bracket EDC may include a first shell EDC1 and a second shell EDC2. The first shell EDC1 and the second shell EDC2 may extend to have a main dimension in the second direction DR2 (or along the second direction DR2), and the first shell EDC1 and the second shell EDC2 may be arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 (or along the first direction DR1). These shells may form a housing together.

[0081] The edges of the cross-section obtained by cutting the first shell EDC1 and the second shell EDC2 in the first direction DR1 may have cross-sectional shapes different from each other. Fig.11 and Fig.12 A detailed description is given regarding this. Each of the first case EDC1 and the second case EDC2 may include a first side (eg, one side) and a second side (eg, opposite side) opposite to the first side.

[0082] Although not shown, the electronic device EDa may further include a hinge structure for connecting the first shell EDC1 and the second shell EDC2 to each other. The bracket EDC may be coupled to the window module WM. The bracket EDC may protect the display device DD, the electronic module EM, and the power supply module PSM. The bracket EDC may form an outer surface or appearance of the electronic device EDa together with the window module WM.

[0083] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Block diagram of the electronic device EDa shown in .

[0084] Reference Figure 4 , the electronic device EDa may include an electronic module EM, a power module PSM and a display device DD. The electronic module EM may include a control module 10, a wireless communication module 20, an image input module 30, a sound input module 40, a sound output module 50, a memory 60 and an external interface module 70. The modules may be mounted on a circuit board or may be electrically connected via a flexible circuit board. The electronic module EM may be electrically connected to the power module PSM.

[0085] The control module 10 may control the overall operation of the electronic device EDa. For example, the control module 10 may activate or deactivate the display device DD in response to an input (such as a user input). The control module 10 may control the image input module 30, the sound input module 40, and the sound output module 50 in response to the user input. The control module 10 may include at least one microprocessor.

[0086] The wireless communication module 20 can send / receive wireless signals to / from other terminals via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The wireless communication module 20 can send / receive sound signals using a general communication line. The wireless communication module 20 may include a transmitter circuit 22 and a receiver circuit 24, the transmitter circuit 22 modulates a signal to be sent and sends the modulated signal, and the receiver circuit 24 demodulates the received signal.

[0087] The image input module 30 may process the image signal to convert the image signal into image data that can be displayed in the display device DD. The sound input module 40 may receive an external sound signal through a microphone in a voice recording mode or a voice recognition mode, and may convert the external sound signal into electronic voice data. The sound output module 50 may convert the sound data received from the wireless communication module 20 or the sound data stored in the memory 60, and may output the converted sound data to the outside.

[0088] The external interface module 70 may serve as an interface to an external charger, a wired / wireless data port, or a card slot (eg, a memory card slot or a Subscriber Identity Module / User Identity Module (SIM / UIM) card slot).

[0089] The power supply module PSM may supply the power required for the overall operation of the electronic device EDa. The power supply module PSM may include a conventional battery device.

[0090] Figure 5 yes Figure 3A schematic cross-sectional view of a display module DM is shown in FIG.

[0091] Reference Figure 5 The display module DM may include a display panel DP, an input sensing unit ISP disposed on the display panel DP, an anti-reflection layer RPL disposed on the input sensing unit ISP, and a panel protection layer PPL disposed under the display panel DP. The display panel DP may be a flexible display panel. For example, the display panel DP may include a flexible substrate and a plurality of elements disposed on the flexible substrate.

[0092] The display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be an emissive display panel, but is not particularly limited. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel or an inorganic light-emitting display panel. The emission layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material. The emission layer of the inorganic light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots and quantum rods, etc. In the following, the display panel DP will be illustrated as an organic light-emitting display panel.

[0093] The input sensing unit ISP as a sensing layer may include a plurality of sensor units (not shown) for sensing a capacitance type external input. When manufacturing the display module DM, the input sensing unit ISP may be directly formed (or provided) on the display panel DP.

[0094] The anti-reflection layer RPL as a functional layer may be provided on the input sensing unit ISP. When manufacturing the display module DM, the anti-reflection layer RPL may be directly formed on the input sensing unit ISP. The anti-reflection layer RPL may be defined as a film (or layer) for preventing reflection of external light. The anti-reflection layer RPL may reduce the reflection of the display device DD (refer to FIG. 2 ). Figure 3 ) is the reflectivity of external light incident toward the display panel DP from above.

[0095] For example, the input sensing unit ISP may be directly formed on the display panel DP, and the anti-reflection layer RPL may be directly formed on the input sensing unit ISP. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the input sensing unit ISP may be manufactured separately and may be attached to the display panel DP through an intermediate layer (such as an adhesive layer), and the anti-reflection layer RPL may be manufactured separately and may be attached to the input sensing unit ISP through an intermediate layer (such as an adhesive layer).

[0096] The display panel DP, the input sensing unit ISP, and the anti-reflection layer RPL may be defined together as an electronic panel EP.

[0097] The panel protection layer PPL may be disposed under the display panel DP. The panel protection layer PPL may protect the bottom of the display panel DP. The panel protection layer PPL may include a flexible plastic material. For example, the panel protection layer PPL may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0098] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the display panel DP shown in FIG.

[0099] exist Figure 6 , a cross section of the display panel DP viewed in the second direction DR2 is shown.

[0100] Reference Figure 6 The display panel DP may include a substrate SUB, a circuit element layer DP-CL disposed on the substrate SUB, a display element layer DP-OLED disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE as an encapsulation layer disposed on the display element layer DP-OLED.

[0101] The substrate SUB may include a display area DAa and a non-display area NDAa around the display area DAa. The substrate SUB may include glass or a flexible plastic material such as polyimide (PI). The display element layer DP-OLED may be disposed on the display area DAa.

[0102] A plurality of pixels PX (for example, see Figure 7 ) may be disposed in the circuit element layer DP-CL and the display element layer DP-OLED. Each of the plurality of pixels PX may include a transistor (eg, Figure 8 A transistor TR) and a light emitting element OLED (refer to FIG. 1 ) provided in the display element layer DP-OLED and connected to one or more of the plurality of transistors Figure 8 ). Figure 8 The configuration of the pixel PX is described in detail.

[0103] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL to cover the display element layer DP-OLED. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may protect the pixel PX from moisture, oxygen, and external foreign matter.

[0104] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 4 is a top plan view of the display panel DP shown in .

[0105] Reference Figure 7 , the display module DM may include a display panel DP, a scan driver SDV, a data driver DDV, and an emission driver EDV.

[0106] The display panel DP may include a folding axis (eg, Figure 1A The display panel DP may be folded at the bending portion BA. The display panel DP may be folded around the folding axis. The folding axis may extend in a second direction DR2 that intersects the first direction DR1. The bending portion BA may extend in the second direction DR2 (for example, have a main dimension in the second direction DR2). The first panel portion AA1, the bending portion BA, and the second panel portion AA2 may be arranged in sequence in the first direction DR1.

[0107] The first panel portion AA1 may include a display area DAa and a non-display area NDAa around the display area DAa. In a plan view, the non-display area NDAa may surround the display area DAa. The display area DAa may be a display area for displaying an image IM (eg, referring to Figure 1A ), and the non-display area NDAa may be an area where the image IM is not displayed. The second panel portion AA2 and the bent portion BA may be an area where the image IM is not displayed. That is, the second panel portion AA2 and the bent portion BA may be a plane area in the overall plane area of ​​the non-display area NDAa.

[0108] When viewed in the second direction DR2, the first panel portion AA1 may include a first non-folding area NFA1a (or first area NFA1a), a second non-folding area NFA2a (or second area NFA2a), and a folding area FAa (or third area FAa) between the first non-folding area NFA1a and the second non-folding area NFA2a.

[0109] The display panel DP may include a plurality of pixels PX, a plurality of scan lines SL1 to SLm, a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLn, a plurality of emission lines EL1 to ELm, a first control line CSL1 and a second control line CSL2, a power line PL, a plurality of connection lines CNL, and a plurality of pads PD. As used herein, "m" and "n" are natural numbers greater than 0. The pixels PX may be disposed in the display area DAa and may be variously connected to the scan lines SL1 to SLm, the data lines DL1 to DLn, and the emission lines EL1 to ELm as signal lines (or wires) through which one or more electrical signals are transmitted.

[0110] The scan driver SDV and the emission driver EDV may be disposed in the non-display area NDAa. The scan driver SDV and the emission driver EDV may be adjacent to opposite sides of the first panel portion AA1 along the second direction DR2, respectively. The data driver DDV may be disposed on the second panel portion AA2 at a distal end of the display panel DP. The data driver DDV may be manufactured in the form of an integrated circuit chip and may be mounted on the display panel DP at the second panel portion AA2.

[0111] The scan lines SL1 to SLm may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be connected to the scan driver SDV. The data lines DL1 to DLn may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be connected to the data driver DDV via the conductive lines in the bent portion BA. The emission lines EL1 to ELm may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be connected to the emission driver EDV.

[0112] The power line PL may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be disposed in the non-display area NDAa. In a plan view, the power line PL may be disposed between the display area DAa and the emission driver EDV. However, not limited thereto, the power line PL may be disposed between the display area DAa and the scan driver SDV.

[0113] The power line PL may extend to the second panel portion AA2 via the bent portion BA. The power line PL may extend toward a lower end (eg, a distal end) of the second panel portion AA2 when viewed from above the plane. The power line PL may receive a driving voltage.

[0114] The connection line CNL may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be arranged in the first direction DR1. The connection line CNL may be variously connected to the power line PL and the pixel PX. A driving voltage may be applied to the pixel PX through the power line PL and the connection line CNL connected to each other.

[0115] The first control line CSL1 may be connected to the scan driver SDV, and may extend toward a lower end of the second panel portion AA2 via the bending portion BA. The data driver DDV may be disposed between the first control line CSL1 and the second control line CSL2.

[0116] The pad PD may be provided in plural and disposed adjacent to the lower end of the second panel portion AA2 when viewed from above in a plane. The data driver DDV, the power line PL, the first control line CSL1, and the second control line CSL2 may be variously connected to the pad PD.

[0117] Each of the plurality of data lines DL1 to DLn may be connected to a corresponding pad PD among the plurality of pads PD through a data driver DDV. For example, the data lines DL1 to DLn may be connected to the data driver DDV, and the data driver DDV may be connected to the plurality of pads PD respectively corresponding to the plurality of data lines DL1 to DLn.

[0118] Although not shown, a printed circuit board PCB (eg, referring to Fig. 9A ) can be connected to the display panel DP via the pad PD, and the timing controller and the voltage generator can be set on the printed circuit board PCB. The timing controller can be manufactured in the form of an integrated circuit chip and can be mounted on the printed circuit board PCB. The timing controller and the voltage generator can be connected to the pad PD through the printed circuit board PCB.

[0119] The timing controller may control the operation of the scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the emission driver EDV. The timing controller may generate a scan control signal, a data control signal, and an emission control signal as various electrical signals in response to a control signal received from the outside. The voltage generator may generate a driving voltage.

[0120] The scan control signal may be provided to the scan driver SDV through the first control line CSL1. The emission control signal may be provided to the emission driver EDV through the second control line CSL2. The data control signal may be provided to the data driver DDV. The timing controller may receive an image signal from the outside, may convert the data format of the image signal according to the specification of the interface with the data driver DDV, and may provide the converted signal to the data driver DDV.

[0121] The scan driver SDV may generate a plurality of scan signals in response to the scan control signal. The scan signals may be applied to the pixels PX through the scan lines SL1 to SLm. The scan signals may be sequentially applied to the pixels PX.

[0122] The data driver DDV may generate a plurality of data voltages corresponding to the image signal in response to the data control signal. The data voltages may be applied to the pixels PX through the data lines DL1 to DLn. The emission driver EDV may generate a plurality of emission signals in response to the emission control signal. The emission signals may be applied to the pixels PX through the emission lines EL1 to ELm.

[0123] The pixel PX may receive a data voltage in response to the scan signal. The pixel PX may display an image IM by emitting light having brightness corresponding to the data voltage in response to the emission signal. The light emission time of the pixel PX may be controlled by the emission signal.

[0124] Figure 8 is shown with Figure 70 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a cross section of the electronic panel EP corresponding to any one pixel PX shown in FIG.

[0125] Reference Figure 8 , the pixel PX may include a transistor TR and a light emitting element OLED. The light emitting element OLED may include a first electrode AE ​​(or anode), a second electrode CE (or cathode) facing the first electrode AE, a hole control layer HCL, an electron control layer ECL, and an emission layer EML as a light emitting layer.

[0126] The transistor TR and the light emitting element OLED may be disposed on the substrate SUB. Although one transistor TR is shown as an example, the pixel PX may basically include a plurality of transistors for driving the light emitting element OLED and at least one capacitor.

[0127] In a plan view, the display area DAa may include an emission area PA as a light emission area corresponding to each of the plurality of pixels PX and a non-emission area NPA adjacent to the emission area PA, such as around the emission area PA. A light emitting element OLED may be disposed in the emission area PA.

[0128] The buffer layer BFL may be disposed on the substrate SUB. The buffer layer BFL may be an inorganic layer. The semiconductor pattern may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor pattern may include polysilicon, amorphous silicon, or metal oxide.

[0129] The semiconductor pattern may be doped with an N-type dopant or a P-type dopant. The semiconductor pattern may include a heavily doped region and a lightly doped region. The heavily doped region may have a higher conductivity (e.g., electrical conductivity) than the lightly doped region and may be substantially used as a source electrode and a drain electrode of the transistor TR. The lightly doped region may substantially correspond to an active (or channel) region of the transistor TR.

[0130] The source S, active region A, and drain D (corresponding to the above-mentioned source electrode, active region, and drain electrode) of the transistor TR may be formed by a semiconductor pattern. A first insulating layer INS1 may be disposed on the semiconductor pattern. A gate G of the transistor TR may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1. A second insulating layer INS2 may be disposed on the gate G. A third insulating layer INS3 may be disposed on the second insulating layer INS2.

[0131] In order to connect the transistor TR and the light emitting element OLED in different layers to each other, the connection electrode CNE may include a first connection electrode CNE1 and a second connection electrode CNE2. The first connection electrode CNE1 as a lower connection electrode may be disposed on the third insulating layer INS3 and may be connected to the drain electrode D through a first contact hole CH1 (or at the first contact hole CH1) defined in the first insulating layer INS1 to the third insulating layer INS3. Here, one or more insulating layers like the first insulating layer INS1 to the third insulating layer INS3 may be collectively referred to as "insulating layers".

[0132] The fourth insulating layer INS4 may be disposed on the first connection electrode CNE1. The fifth insulating layer INS5 may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer INS4. The second connection electrode CNE2 as an upper connection electrode may be disposed on the fifth insulating layer INS5. The second connection electrode CNE2 may be connected (e.g., electrically connected) to the first connection electrode CNE1 through a second contact hole CH2 defined in the fourth insulating layer INS4 and the fifth insulating layer INS5 and form a connection electrode CNE.

[0133] The sixth insulating layer INS6 may be disposed on the second connection electrode CNE2. A plurality of layers from the buffer layer BFL to the sixth insulating layer INS6 may be defined as a circuit element layer DP-CL. The first to sixth insulating layers INS1 to INS6 may each be an inorganic layer or an organic layer.

[0134] The first electrode AE ​​may be disposed on the sixth insulating layer INS6. The first electrode AE ​​may be electrically connected to the second connection electrode CNE2 through a third contact hole CH3 defined in the sixth insulating layer INS6.

[0135] A pixel defining layer PDL may be disposed on the first electrode AE ​​and the sixth insulating layer INS6, and an opening PX_OP (e.g., a pixel opening) is defined in the pixel defining layer PDL to expose a predetermined portion of the first electrode AE ​​to the outside of the pixel defining layer PDL. The pixel opening may define an emission area PA, wherein each of the pixel opening and the emission area PA may have a plane area defined along a plane.

[0136] The hole control layer HCL may be disposed on the first electrode AE ​​and the pixel defining layer PDL. The hole control layer HCL may include a hole transport layer and a hole injection layer.

[0137] The emission layer EML may be disposed on the hole control layer HCL. The emission layer EML may be disposed in a region corresponding to the opening PX_OP. The emission layer EML may include an organic material and / or an inorganic material. The emission layer EML may generate one of red light, green light, and blue light. The first electrode AE ​​and the emission layer EML may be discretely disposed in the light emitting region (e.g., the emission region PA) in a form such as a discrete pattern.

[0138] The electron control layer ECL may be disposed on the emission layer EML and the hole control layer HCL. The electron control layer ECL may include an electron transport layer and an electron injection layer. The hole control layer HCL and the electron control layer ECL may be commonly disposed in the emission area PA and the non-emission area NPA.

[0139] The second electrode CE may be disposed on the electronic control layer ECL. The second electrode CE may be commonly disposed in the pixel PX. The layer in which the light emitting element OLED is disposed may be defined as a display element layer DP-OLED.

[0140] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the second electrode CE and may cover the pixel PX. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include a first encapsulation layer EN1 disposed on the second electrode CE, a second encapsulation layer EN2 disposed on the first encapsulation layer EN1, and a third encapsulation layer EN3 disposed on the second encapsulation layer EN2.

[0141] The first and third encapsulation layers EN1 and EN3 may be inorganic insulating layers and may protect the pixels PX from moisture / oxygen. The second encapsulation layer EN2 may be an organic insulating layer and may protect the pixels PX from foreign matter such as dust particles.

[0142] A first voltage may be applied to the first electrode AE ​​through the transistor TR, and a second voltage having a lower level than the first voltage may be applied to the second electrode CE. Holes and electrons injected into the emission layer EML may recombine to form excitons, and as the excitons transition to a ground state, the light emitting element OLED may emit light.

[0143] The input sensing unit ISP may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. The input sensing unit ISP may be directly manufactured on the upper surface of the thin film encapsulation layer TFE.

[0144] The base layer BS may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. The base layer BS may be an inorganic insulating layer. At least one inorganic insulating layer may be provided on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE as the base layer BS.

[0145] The input sensing unit ISP may include a first conductive pattern CTL1 and a second conductive pattern CTL2 disposed on the first conductive pattern CTL1. The first conductive pattern CTL1 may be disposed on the base layer BS. The insulating layer TINS ​​may be disposed on the base layer BS to cover the first conductive pattern CTL1. The insulating layer TINS ​​may be an inorganic insulating layer or an organic insulating layer. The second conductive pattern CTL2 may be disposed on the insulating layer TINS.

[0146] The first conductive pattern CTL1 and the second conductive pattern CTL2 may overlap the non-emission area NPA. Although not shown, the first conductive pattern CTL1 and the second conductive pattern CTL2 may be disposed in the non-emission area NPA between adjacent emission areas PA, and the first conductive pattern CTL1 and the second conductive pattern CTL2 may have a mesh shape. Due to the mesh shape, material portions of the conductive layer may be spaced apart from each other, and gaps are between the material portions of the conductive layer, wherein the material portions and the gaps form a mesh shape.

[0147] The first conductive pattern CTL1 and the second conductive pattern CTL2 may form the above-mentioned sensor of the input sensing unit ISP. For example, the first conductive pattern CTL1 and the second conductive pattern CTL2 having a mesh shape may be separated from each other in a predetermined area to form a sensor. A portion of the second conductive pattern CTL2 may be connected to the first conductive pattern CTL1 (such as a portion of the second conductive pattern CTL2 and the first conductive pattern CTL1 are electrically connected to each other).

[0148] The anti-reflection layer RPL may be disposed on the second conductive pattern CTL2. The anti-reflection layer RPL may include a black matrix BM and a plurality of color filters CF. The anti-reflection layer RPL may further include a planarization insulating layer PINS. The black matrix BM may overlap the non-emission area NPA, and the plurality of color filters CF may overlap the plurality of emission areas PA, respectively.

[0149] The black matrix BM may be disposed on the insulating layer TINS ​​to cover the second conductive pattern CTL2. The opening B_OP overlapping the emission area PA and the opening PX_OP may be defined by the black matrix BM to provide a light blocking layer including the black matrix BM and the opening B_OP between the black matrix BM. The black matrix BM may absorb and block light. The width of the opening B_OP may be greater than the width of the opening PX_OP. As used herein, the width may be obtained in one or more planar directions (such as along a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2 intersecting each other).

[0150] The color filter CF may be disposed on the insulating layer TINS ​​and the black matrix BM. A plurality of color filters CF may be disposed in the plurality of openings B_OP, respectively. A planarization insulating layer PINS may be disposed on the color filter CF. The planarization insulating layer PINS may provide a flat upper surface of a stacked structure forming the electronic panel EP.

[0151] When external light traveling toward the display panel DP is reflected from the display panel DP and returned to the user, the user may visually recognize the external light as in a mirror. In order to prevent such a phenomenon, for example, the anti-reflection layer RPL may include a plurality of color filters CF that display the same color as the color of the pixel PX of the display panel DP. The color filter CF may filter the external light into light having the same color as the color of the pixel PX. In this case, the external light may not be visible to the user.

[0152] However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the anti-reflection layer RPL may include a polarizing film to reduce the reflectivity of external light. The polarizing film may be manufactured separately and may be attached to the input sensing unit ISP through an adhesive layer. The polarizing film may include a phase retarder and / or a polarizer.

[0153] Fig. 9A It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line V-V' shown in FIG. Fig. 9B It is shown Fig. 9A : is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the bent portion BA shown in FIG.

[0154] Fig. 9A is a view showing a portion of the display unit DSP, a portion of the support panel PLT, and a portion of the window module WM.

[0155] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the display device DD viewed in the second direction DR2.

[0156] Reference Fig. 9A , the display device DD may include a display unit DSP, a window module WM disposed on the display unit DSP, and a support plate PLT disposed under the display unit DSP. The support plate PLT may support the display module DM. The window module WM may include a window WIN, a window protection layer WP, a hard coating layer HC, and a first adhesive layer AL1 and a second adhesive layer AL2.

[0157] The display unit DSP may include an electronic panel EP, an impact absorbing layer ISL, a panel protective layer PPL, a barrier layer BRL, and third to sixth adhesive layers AL3 to AL6. The impact absorbing layer ISL, the electronic panel EP, the panel protective layer PPL, the third adhesive layer AL3, and the fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be defined as a display module DM. Figure 5 The configurations of the electronic panel EP and the panel protection layer PPL are described in detail, and thus a description thereof will be omitted.

[0158] The impact absorbing layer ISL may be disposed on the electronic panel EP. The impact absorbing layer ISL may protect the electronic panel EP by absorbing external impact applied from above the display device DD toward the electronic panel EP. The impact absorbing layer ISL may be manufactured in the form of a stretchable film.

[0159] The impact absorbing layer ISL may include a flexible plastic material. The flexible plastic material may be defined as a synthetic resin film. For example, the impact absorbing layer ISL may include a flexible plastic material such as polyimide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0160] The window WIN may be disposed on the impact absorbing layer ISL. The window WIN may protect the electronic panel EP from external scratches. The window WIN may have an optically transparent property. The window WIN may include glass. However, not limited thereto, the window WIN may include a synthetic resin film.

[0161] The window WIN may have a multi-layer structure or a single-layer structure. For example, the window WIN may include a plurality of synthetic resin films coupled by an adhesive, or may include a glass substrate and a synthetic resin film coupled by an adhesive.

[0162] The window protection layer WP may be disposed on the window WIN. The window protection layer WP may include a flexible plastic material such as polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate. The hard coating layer HC may be disposed on an upper surface of the window protection layer WP.

[0163] The printed layer PIT may be disposed on the window WIN. The printed layer PIT may be black and may define a light blocking pattern. However, the color of the printed layer PIT is not limited thereto. The printed layer PIT may be adjacent to the periphery of the window WIN.

[0164] The barrier layer BRL may be disposed under the panel protection layer PPL. The barrier layer BRL may increase resistance to compression caused by external extrusion. Therefore, the barrier layer BRL may be used to prevent deformation of the electronic panel EP. The barrier layer BRL may include a flexible plastic material such as polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0165] The barrier layer BRL may have a color that absorbs light. For example, the barrier layer BRL may be black. In this case, when the display module DM is observed from above the display module DM, components disposed under the barrier layer BRL may not be visible.

[0166] The first adhesive layer AL1 may be disposed between the window protection layer WP and the window WIN. The window protection layer WP and the window WIN may be bonded to each other through the first adhesive layer AL1. The first adhesive layer AL1 may cover a portion of the printed layer PIT.

[0167] The second adhesive layer AL2 may be disposed between the window WIN and the impact absorbing layer ISL. The window WIN and the impact absorbing layer ISL may be bonded to each other through the second adhesive layer AL2.

[0168] The third adhesive layer AL3 may be disposed between the impact absorbing layer ISL and the electronic panel EP. The impact absorbing layer ISL and the electronic panel EP may be bonded to each other through the third adhesive layer AL3.

[0169] The fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be disposed between the electronic panel EP and the panel protection layer PPL. The electronic panel EP and the panel protection layer PPL may be bonded to each other through the fourth adhesive layer AL4.

[0170] The fifth adhesive layer AL5 may be disposed between the panel protection layer PPL and the barrier layer BRL. The panel protection layer PPL and the barrier layer BRL may be bonded to each other through the fifth adhesive layer AL5.

[0171] The sixth adhesive layer AL6 may be disposed between the barrier layer BRL and the support plate PLT to be described below. Specifically, the support plate PLT may be disposed under the barrier layer BRL, and the sixth adhesive layer AL6 may be disposed between the barrier layer BRL and the support plate PLT. The barrier layer BRL and the support plate PLT may be bonded to each other through the sixth adhesive layer AL6.

[0172] The sixth adhesive layer AL6 may overlap the first non-folding area NFA1a and the second non-folding area NFA2a, and may not overlap the folding area FAa. That is, the sixth adhesive layer AL6 may not be disposed in the folding area FAa. The sixth adhesive layer AL6 may define an adhesive opening portion (e.g., a gap) therein at the folding area FAa. The sixth adhesive layer AL6 may be disconnected at the folding area FAa.

[0173] The first to sixth adhesive layers AL1 to AL6 may include a transparent adhesive such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an optically clear adhesive (OCA). However, the type of the adhesive is not limited thereto.

[0174] The thickness of the panel protection layer PPL may be less than the thickness of the window protection layer WP, and the thickness of the barrier layer BRL may be less than the thickness of the panel protection layer PPL. The thickness of the electronic panel EP may be less than the thickness of the barrier layer BRL and may be equal to the thickness of the window WIN. The thickness of the impact absorbing layer ISL may be less than the thickness of the electronic panel EP.

[0175] The thickness of the first adhesive layer AL1 may be equal to that of the barrier layer BRL, and the thickness of the second adhesive layer AL2 and the thickness of the third adhesive layer AL3 may each be equal to that of the panel protection layer PPL. The thickness of the fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be equal to that of the fifth adhesive layer AL5.

[0176] The thickness of the fourth adhesive layer AL4 and the thickness of the fifth adhesive layer AL5 may each be less than the thickness of the electronic panel EP, and may each be greater than the thickness of the impact absorbing layer ISL. The thickness of the sixth adhesive layer AL6 may be less than the thickness of the impact absorbing layer ISL. The thickness of the hard coating layer HC may be less than the thickness of the sixth adhesive layer AL6.

[0177] Along the planar direction, the electronic panel EP, the impact absorbing layer ISL, the panel protection layer PPL, and the third adhesive layer AL3 and the fourth adhesive layer AL4 may have the same width. The window protection layer WP and the first adhesive layer AL1 may have the same width. Due to the same width, the corresponding side surfaces of the layers may be at substantially the same position along the planar direction. In an embodiment, at the same side of the display device DD, the corresponding side surfaces of the layers may be coplanar with each other (such as being considered to have the same width), but are not limited thereto.

[0178] The width of the electronic panel EP, the impact absorbing layer ISL, the panel protective layer PPL, and the third adhesive layer AL3 and the fourth adhesive layer AL4 along the first direction DR1 may be greater than the width of the window protection layer WP and the first adhesive layer AL1 along the first direction DR1. The periphery of the electronic panel EP, the impact absorbing layer ISL, the panel protective layer PPL, and the third adhesive layer AL3 and the fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be disposed outside the periphery of the window protection layer WP and the first adhesive layer AL1. That is, the electronic panel EP, the impact absorbing layer ISL, the panel protective layer PPL, and the third adhesive layer AL3 and the fourth adhesive layer AL4 may extend farther than the side surface of the window protection layer WP and the side surface of the first adhesive layer AL1.

[0179] The width of the window WIN along the first direction DR1 may be greater than the width of the electronic panel EP, the impact absorbing layer ISL, the panel protection layer PPL, and the third and fourth adhesive layers AL3 and AL4 in the first direction DR1. Fig. 9AAt the right side of the window WIN, the periphery of the window WIN may be disposed outside the peripheries of the electronic panel EP, the impact absorbing layer ISL, the panel protection layer PPL, and the third and fourth adhesive layers AL3 and AL4.

[0180] The width of the second adhesive layer AL2 in the first direction DR1 may be smaller than the widths of the window protection layer WP and the first adhesive layer AL1 in the first direction DR1. The periphery of the second adhesive layer AL2 may be disposed inside the peripheries of the window protection layer WP and the first adhesive layer AL1. That is, one or more of the plurality of side surfaces of the second adhesive layer AL2 may be recessed from the corresponding side surfaces of the window protection layer WP and the first adhesive layer AL1.

[0181] The barrier layer BRL and the fifth and sixth adhesive layers AL5 and AL6 may have a width along the first direction DR1 smaller than that of the second adhesive layer AL2. The periphery of the barrier layer BRL and the fifth and sixth adhesive layers AL5 and AL6 may be disposed inside the periphery of the second adhesive layer AL2.

[0182] The support plate PLT may be disposed under the display unit DSP and may support the display unit DSP. The support plate PLT may be disposed under the electronic panel EP and may support the electronic panel EP. The support plate PLT may have higher rigidity than the display unit DSP.

[0183] The support plate PLT may include a non-metal material. For example, the support plate PLT may include a fiber-reinforced composite material. The fiber-reinforced composite material may be a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or a glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP).

[0184] The support plate PLT including the fiber reinforced composite material can be made relatively light. The support plate PLT including the fiber reinforced composite material can be lighter than a metal support plate formed of a metal material, and can have a modulus (eg, elastic modulus) and stiffness similar to those of a metal support plate.

[0185] In addition, the support plate PLT including the fiber reinforced composite material can be easily shaped than the metal support plate. For example, the support plate PLT including the fiber reinforced composite material can be easily shaped by a laser process or a micro sandblasting process.

[0186] However, this is illustrative and not limited thereto, and the support plate PLT may include a metal material.

[0187] The support plate PLT may include a first non-folding portion PLT1, a folding portion PLF, and a second non-folding portion PLT2. The first non-folding portion PLT1 may overlap with the first non-folding area NFA1a. The folding portion PLF may overlap with the folding area FAa. The second non-folding portion PLT2 may overlap with the second non-folding area NFA2a.

[0188] The support plate PLT may have a plurality of openings OP defined therein at the folding portion PLF. The openings OP (e.g., plate openings) may be formed in the third direction DR3 to pass through a thickness portion of the support plate PLT. When viewed in the second direction DR2, the openings OP may be arranged in the first direction DR1 so as to be spaced apart from each other, with the plate openings between the openings OP. The openings OP may be formed (or provided) by the above-mentioned laser process or micro-sandblasting process. Based on the first direction DR1, the width of the openings OP may be smaller than the width of the adhesive opening portion of the sixth adhesive layer AL6.

[0189] Since the opening OP is defined in the portion of the support plate PLT overlapping the folding area FAa, the flexibility of the support plate PLT overlapping the folding area FAa (eg, the folding portion PLF) can be increased. Therefore, the support plate PLT can be folded around the folding area FAa.

[0190] The folding portion PLF may include a branch portion BR. Each of the plurality of branch portions BR may be disposed between openings OP adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1. The branch portion BR may be a material portion (or a solid portion) of the support plate PLT, and a gap corresponding to the opening OP may be defined by the branch portion BR. In an embodiment, the opening OP may be defined along the entire thickness portion of the support plate PLT at the folding area FAa (such as being open at the upper surface of the support plate PLT closest to the electronic panel EP and at the lower surface of the support plate PLT farthest from the electronic panel EP).

[0191] Although not shown, the display device DD may further include a digitizer, a shielding layer, and a heat radiation layer disposed under the support plate PLT.

[0192] Reference Fig. 9B The panel protection layer PPL and the fourth adhesive layer AL4 may not be disposed under the bending portion BA of the electronic panel EP. The panel protection layer PPL and the fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be disposed under the first panel portion AA1 of the electronic panel EP. The data driver DDV may be disposed under the second panel portion AA2 of the electronic panel EP.

[0193] The printed circuit board PCB may be connected to the electronic panel EP at the second panel portion AA2. The printed circuit board PCB may be connected to a side of the second panel portion AA2, wherein the side is farthest from the first panel portion AA1. As the display module DM is bent at the bending portion BA, the second panel portion AA2 may be disposed under the first panel portion AA1. Therefore, the data driver DDV and the printed circuit board PCB may be disposed under the first panel portion AA1 to face the first panel portion AA1 along the thickness direction of the folded display module DM.

[0194] Fig.10 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI' shown in FIG.

[0195] Fig.10 is a view showing a portion of the display unit DSP, a portion of the support panel PLT, and a portion of the window module WM.

[0196] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of the display device DD viewed in the first direction DR1.

[0197] In addition to the width in the second direction DR2, Fig.10 The window module WM, display unit DSP and support plate PLT shown in FIG. Fig. 9A The window module WM, display unit DSP and support plate PLT shown in FIG. 1 are substantially the same. Therefore, the following description will focus on Fig.10 The display device DD and Fig. 9A The differences between the display devices DD are shown in FIG.

[0198] Reference Fig.10 , the electronic panel EP, the impact absorbing layer ISL, the panel protection layer PPL, the third and fourth adhesive layers AL3 and AL4, and the support plate PLT may have the same width as each other.

[0199] The window WIN, the window protection layer WP, the first adhesive layer AL1 and the hard coating layer HC may have the same width.

[0200] The barrier layer BRL and the fifth and sixth adhesive layers AL5 and AL6 may have the same width.

[0201] The width of the window module WM in the second direction DR2 may be greater than the width of the display module DM in the second direction DR2. The periphery of the window WIN, the window protection layer WP, the first adhesive layer AL1, and the hard coating layer HC may be disposed outside the periphery of the electronic panel EP, the impact absorbing layer ISL, the panel protection layer PPL, the third adhesive layer AL3, the fourth adhesive layer AL4, and the support plate PLT in the second direction DR2.

[0202] The display module DM and the support plate PLT may have substantially the same width in the second direction DR2. The width of the second adhesive layer AL2 may be smaller than the width of the display module DM and the support plate PLT. The periphery of the second adhesive layer AL2 may be disposed inside the periphery of the electronic panel EP, the impact absorbing layer ISL, the panel protection layer PPL, the third adhesive layer AL3 and the fourth adhesive layer AL4, and the support plate PLT.

[0203] The width of the barrier layer BRL and the fifth and sixth adhesive layers AL5 and AL6 may be smaller than the width of the display module DM and the support plate PLT. The periphery of the barrier layer BRL and the fifth and sixth adhesive layers AL5 and AL6 may be disposed inside the periphery of the display module DM and the support plate PLT.

[0204] The width of the second adhesive layer AL2 may be smaller than the widths of the barrier layer BRL and the fifth and sixth adhesive layers AL5 and AL6. The periphery of the second adhesive layer AL2 may be disposed inside the peripheries of the barrier layer BRL and the fifth and sixth adhesive layers AL5 and AL6.

[0205] Fig.11 It is along Figure 1A An enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line II' shown in FIG.

[0206] Fig.11 The structure of the electronic device EDa at a first edge portion viewed in the second direction DR2 is shown.

[0207] Fig.11 is a view showing the electronic device EDa in an unfolded state, the electronic device EDa having the display device DD bent inside the electronic device EDa.

[0208] Fig.11 The window module WM, display unit DSP and support plate PLT Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B The window module WM, the display unit DSP, and the supporting panel PLT shown in FIG. 1 are the same and thus will be omitted from the description or will be briefly described.

[0209] Reference Figure 3 and Fig.11 , the first molding part MP1 as the first molding member may be disposed on one side of the display device DD along the first direction DR1. The first molding part MP1 may be disposed on one side of the support plate PLT and one side of the display unit DSP corresponding to each other (for example, at the same side of the electronic device EDa). The first molding part MP1 may be disposed under the window WIN (specifically, the first molding part MP1 may be disposed between the window WIN and the display unit DSP). Figure 3The first molding part MP1 may cover the second panel portion AA2 overlapping the first panel portion AA1. One side of the display unit DSP may be parallel to the folding axis FXa (refer to Figure 1A ) and the side adjacent to the bending portion BA.

[0210] As used herein, "one side" may be considered to be an outer side surface or an end surface of a corresponding layer. Fig.11 The first molding part MP1 may cover one side of the support plate PLT, one side of the display unit DSP, and the bent portion BA of the display module DM bent at the bent portion BA. The first molding part MP1 may fix the positions of the support plate PLT, the display unit DSP, and the bent portion BA in the unfolded (or flat) form of the electronic device EDa.

[0211] Therefore, when the electronic device EDa is folded relative to the unfolded form, the first molding part MP1 can prevent the edges (e.g., outer edges or side surfaces) of the display module DM, the panel protection layer PPL, the fifth adhesive layer AL5, the barrier layer BRL, the sixth adhesive layer AL6 and the support plate PLT from moving or sliding at the first edge portion.

[0212] The bracket EDC may include a first bracket BR1 and a second bracket BR2. The first bracket BR1 may be disposed under the display device DD. The first bracket BR1 and the second bracket BR2 may represent Figure 3 The first housing EDC1 shown in FIG. 8 may include a display device DD and a first molding part MP1 disposed on an upper surface BR1 -U1 of the first bracket BR1 .

[0213] The second bracket BR2 may be disposed on the first bracket BR1. The second bracket BR2 may extend in the third direction DR3 from a virtual plane corresponding to the upper surface BR1-U1 of the first bracket BR1 and cover the first portion PT1. The second bracket BR2 may extend from the first edge portion and toward the window WIN in a planar direction. A portion of the second bracket BR2 may have a curved cross-sectional shape.

[0214] The first corner EG1 of the side surface of the second bracket BR2 closest to the window module WM may be positioned at a higher position than the upper surface of the hard coating layer HC along the third direction DR3. The first corner EG1 may be defined as a point of the second bracket BR2 having a maximum height from the upper surface BR1-U1 of the first bracket BR1 in the third direction DR3. The outer surface of the second bracket BR2 may be defined as a surface facing away from the display device DD. The outer surface of the second bracket BR2 may define the outer surface of the electronic device EDa at its first edge portion.

[0215] The first receiving groove GR1 may be defined by the upper surface BR1-U1 of the first bracket BR1 and a portion of the inner surface of the second bracket BR2. The first receiving groove GR1 may extend between the protrusion BPP and the second bracket BR2. The inner surface of the second bracket BR2 may be defined as a surface facing the display device DD and opposite to the outer surface of the second bracket BR2.

[0216] A portion of the window WIN may be disposed in the first receiving groove GR1. An outer periphery of the window WIN may be disposed in the first receiving groove GR1. A portion of the window WIN overlapping the second bracket BR2 may be defined as a first portion (or first window part) PT1.

[0217] The end of the window WIN may be bent into a curved shape. The bent end of the window WIN may be disposed in the first receiving groove GR1 in a curved shape. The first portion PT1 may be disposed in the first receiving groove GR1 in a curved shape. The first portion PT1 may extend along the second bracket BR2 along the first direction DR1 and extend into the first receiving groove GR1. The first portion PT1 may be adjacent to the bent portion BA.

[0218] The first adhesive layer AL1, the window protection layer WP, and the hard coating layer HC of the window module WM may not be disposed in the first receiving groove GR1. The first adhesive layer AL1, the window protection layer WP, and the hard coating layer HC may not overlap with the second bracket BR2. Due to not being disposed or not overlapping, the elements may be spaced apart from each other or adjacent to each other along the plane direction.

[0219] The bracket EDC may include a protrusion BPP. The protrusion BPP may be provided to protrude from a virtual plane corresponding to the upper surface BR1-U1 of the first bracket BR1. The protrusion BPP may extend from the upper surface BR1-U1 of the first bracket BR1 in the third direction DR3. Basically, the protrusion BPP may be formed integrally with the first bracket BR1. That is, the protrusion BPP and / or the second bracket BR2 may be a single integral body with the first bracket BR1.

[0220] For example, when viewed in the second direction DR2, the protrusion BPP may have a triangular cross-sectional shape. However, not limited thereto, the protrusion BPP may have various shapes. The opposite side surfaces of the protrusion BPP facing each other in the first direction DR1 may be inclined. The extending directions of the inclined surfaces may be opposite to each other.

[0221] The first adhesive part GRP1 may be disposed between the first side surface of the protrusion BPP and the first portion PT1 of the window WIN. A portion of the first adhesive part GRP1 may be attached to the first portion PT1 at the lower surface of the first adhesive part GRP1. Another portion of the first adhesive part GRP1 may be attached to one of a plurality of opposite side surfaces of the protrusion BPP that are opposite to each other in the first direction DR1. One side surface of the protrusion BPP may be defined as a side surface that is opposite to the other side surface of the first molding part MP1. The first portion PT1 and the protrusion BPP may be bonded to each other by the first adhesive part GRP1 as a first adhesive member. The bent state of the first portion PT1 may be maintained by the first adhesive part GRP1.

[0222] Fig.12 It is along Figure 1A An enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' shown in FIG.

[0223] Fig.12 The structure of the electronic device EDa at the second edge portion viewed in the second direction DR2 is shown.

[0224] Fig.12 is a view showing the electronic device EDa in an unfolded state, the electronic device EDa having a plurality of electronic devices (for example, Fig.11 A display device DD is bent at a first edge portion as shown in FIG.

[0225] Fig.12 The window module WM, display unit DSP and support plate PLT Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B The window module WM, the display unit DSP, and the supporting panel PLT shown in FIG. 1 are the same and thus will be omitted from the description or will be briefly described.

[0226] Reference Figure 3 and Fig.12 The second molding part MP2 as the second molding member may be disposed on the opposite side of the display device DD along the first direction DR1. The opposite side of the display device DD may be defined as a portion of the display device DD parallel to the folding axis FXa (refer to FIG. Figure 1A) on one side opposite to the side adjacent to the bending portion BA. The second molding part MP2 can be arranged on the opposite side of the fifth adhesive layer AL5, the opposite side of the barrier layer BRL, the opposite side of the sixth adhesive layer AL6, and the opposite side of the support plate PLT corresponding to each other (for example, can be arranged at the same side of the electronic device EDa). The second molding part MP2 can cover the opposite side of the fifth adhesive layer AL5, the opposite side of the barrier layer BRL, the opposite side of the sixth adhesive layer AL6, and the opposite side of the support plate PLT. The opposite side of the fifth adhesive layer AL5, the opposite side of the barrier layer BRL, the opposite side of the sixth adhesive layer AL6, and the opposite side of the support plate PLT can be defined as a side facing the third bracket BR3 to be described below. The second molding part MP2 can protect the support plate PLT, the barrier layer BRL, and the fifth adhesive layer AL5 and the sixth adhesive layer AL6 from moisture or foreign matter.

[0227] The first bracket BR1 as a first bracket portion may be disposed under the electronic panel EP. The upper surface BR1-U of the first bracket BR1 may include an upper surface 1-1BR1-U1 as a first upper surface portion (also referred to as upper surface BR1-U1) and an upper surface 1-2BR1-U2 as a second upper surface portion (also referred to as upper surface BR1-U2). Fig.11 ) can be considered as a part of the first upper surface portion, but is not limited to this. The upper surface 1-1BR1-U1 and the upper surface 1-2BR1-U2 can be arranged in different planes, and the step is between the upper surface 1-1BR1-U1 and the upper surface 1-2BR1-U2. Relative to the lower surface defined by the first bracket BR1 such as the bracket EDC, the upper surface 1-1BR1-U1 can be positioned at a higher position than the upper surface 1-2BR1-U2. Since the upper surface 1-1BR1-U1 and the upper surface 1-2BR1-U2 are arranged to have a step between the upper surface 1-1BR1-U1 and the upper surface 1-2BR1-U2, the receiving groove 2-1GR2-1 (also referred to as the receiving groove GR2-1) can be defined as a recess by the first bracket BR1.

[0228] The bracket EDC may further include a third bracket BR3. The third bracket BR3 may be arranged to extend from a virtual plane corresponding to the upper surface 1-2BR1-U2 toward the window WIN and cover the second portion PT2. The third bracket BR3 may extend from the upper surface 1-2BR1-U2 in a third direction DR3. When viewed in the second direction DR2, a portion of the third bracket BR3 may have a curved shape. Although not shown, the third bracket BR3 and the second bracket BR2 (refer to Fig.11) may be disposed on opposite sides of the first bracket BR1 that are opposite to each other in the first direction DR1. That is, the second bracket BR2 and the third bracket BR3 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0229] The second corner EG2 of the third bracket BR3 may be positioned at a higher position than the upper surface of the hard coating layer HC. The third bracket BR3 may overlap the hard coating layer HC, but the second bracket BR2 is adjacent to the end of the hard coating layer HC so as not to overlap the hard coating layer HC. The second corner EG2 may be defined as a point having a maximum height from the upper surface 1-1BR1-U1 of the first bracket BR1 to the outer surface of the third bracket BR3 in the third direction DR3. The outer surface of the third bracket BR3 may be defined as a surface opposite to the surface of the third bracket BR3 facing the display device DD.

[0230] The receiving groove 2-2GR2-2 (also referred to as the receiving groove GR2-2) may be formed by the inner surface of the third bracket BR3. The inner surface of the third bracket BR3 may be defined as a surface facing the display device DD. Basically, the receiving groove 2-2GR2-2 may be defined integrally with the receiving groove 2-1GR2-1 (such as forming a single receiving space). That is, the second receiving groove GR2 may be defined at the inner surfaces of both the first bracket BR1 and the third bracket BR3 together with the layers in the receiving space.

[0231] The display device DD and the second molding part MP2 may be accommodated in the bracket EDC. The support plate PLT may be disposed on the upper surface 1-1BR1-U1 of the first bracket BR1. The second molding part MP2 may be disposed on the upper surface 1-1BR1-U1 of the first bracket BR1.

[0232] When the display device DD is disposed on the upper surface 1-1BR1-U1 of the first bracket BR1, a portion of the window module WM and a portion of the display module DM may be disposed in the second receiving groove GR2. A portion of the window module WM and a portion of the display module DM may be disposed in the receiving groove 2-2GR2-2. The periphery of the window module WM and the display module DM that extends farther than the side surfaces of various other (modules) may be disposed in the receiving groove 2-2GR2-2. The portion of the window WIN that overlaps with the third bracket BR3 may be defined as a second portion (or second window portion) PT2. The second portion PT2 may overlap with the third bracket BR3 along the first direction DR1. Fig.11 The second portion PT2 may extend along the third bracket BR3 and extend into the second receiving groove GR2.

[0233] The portion of the window module WM extending into the second receiving groove GR2 and the portion of the display module DM extending into the second receiving groove GR2 may be bent into a curved shape. A portion of the window module WM and a portion of the display module DM may be disposed in the receiving groove 2-2GR2-2 in a curved shape. The second portion PT2 may be disposed in the receiving groove 2-2GR2-2 in a curved shape.

[0234] The electronic device EDa may further include a guide member GPa as a guide for the display device DD. The guide member GPa may be disposed between the first bracket BR1 and the lower surface of the display module DM (such as the panel protection layer PPL). A portion of the guide member GPa may be disposed on the upper surface BR1-U1 of the first bracket BR1. For example, another portion of the guide member GPa may be disposed on the lower surface of the panel protection layer PPL.

[0235] The guide member GPa may include a track CT and a wheel WH, the wheel WH being disposed inside the track CT bent into a curved shape. A portion of the track CT may be disposed on and extend along the upper surface BR1-U1 of the first bracket BR1, and another portion of the track CT may be disposed on and extend along the lower surface of the display module DM.

[0236] The track CT may include a first track portion CT1 between the wheel WH and the first bracket BR1, a bent track portion CBT, and a second track portion CT2 between the wheel WH and the window WIN. The first track portion CT1 may be defined as a portion of the track CT extending along the upper surface BR1-U1 of the first bracket BR1. The second track portion CT2 may be defined as a portion of the track CT facing the first track portion CT1 and extending along the lower surface of the display module DM. The bent track portion CBT may be defined as a portion of the track CT that is bent and connects the first track portion CT1 and the second track portion CT2 to each other.

[0237] When viewed in the second direction DR2, the first rail portion CT1 may be shorter than the second rail portion CT2 in a direction along the corresponding components (e.g., the display module DM and the first bracket BR1). However, not limited thereto, the first rail portion CT1 may have the same length as the second rail portion CT2, or the first rail portion CT1 may be longer than the second rail portion CT2. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A detailed description is given thereon.

[0238] Each of the first track portion CT1, the second track portion CT2, and the curved track portion CBT may include a track protrusion PRP. The track protrusion PRP may be provided on virtual surfaces of the first track portion CT1 and the second track portion CT2 facing each other or protrude from virtual surfaces of the first track portion CT1 and the second track portion CT2 facing each other. The track protrusion PRP may be provided on a surface of the curved track portion CBT facing the wheel WH.

[0239] The wheel WH may be disposed between the first track portion CT1 and the second track portion CT2. The wheel WH and the curved track portion CBT may be arranged in the first direction DR1, and the curved track portion CBT is closer to the second end of the electronic device EDa than the wheel WH. The wheel WH may be differently engaged with the first track portion CT1, the second track portion CT2, and the curved track portion CBT.

[0240] The wheel protrusions PRG may be provided along the outer surface of the wheel WH. The wheel protrusions PRG may be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals along the outer surface of the wheel WH. The track protrusions PRP of the first track portion CT1, the second track portion CT2, and the bent track portion CBT may be engaged differently with the wheel protrusions PRG. Therefore, when the track protrusions PRP move along the outer surface of the wheel WH, the wheel WH may rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the second direction DR2. This will be referred to later. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A detailed description is given thereon.

[0241] In an embodiment, the wheel WH may be actively driven to rotate, and the friction between the rotating wheel WH and the display module DM may cause the display device DD to slide passively along a sliding direction (e.g., a first direction DR1). In an embodiment, the active sliding of the display module DM may cause the wheel WH to rotate passively and allow the display device DD to slide in the sliding direction.

[0242] The electronic device EDa may further include a tip portion TP. The tip portion TP may be disposed on an inner surface of the third bracket BR3. The tip portion TP may extend from the inner surface of the third bracket BR3 in a direction toward the hard coating layer HC. The tip portion TP may be disposed adjacent to an upper portion of the third bracket BR3. The inner surface of the third bracket BR3 may be defined as a surface facing the display device DD.

[0243] For example, the tip portion TP may include an elastic material. Fig.12 As shown in , the distal end of the tip portion TP may contact the hard coating layer HC. When in contact, the elements may form an interface therebetween. The tip portion TP may be disposed between the third bracket BR3 and the hard coating layer HC, and may block foreign matter introduced into the second receiving groove GR2 from the outside of the electronic device EDa.

[0244] However, without limitation thereto, the tip portion TP may be spaced apart from the hard coating layer HC by a predetermined distance. The distance between the tip portion TP and the hard coating layer HC may be adjusted according to the size of the foreign matter. The distance may be defined at a position along the upper surface of the hard coating layer HC facing the inner surface of the third bracket BR3 (such as in a direction normal to the upper surface).

[0245] Although it has been described that the tip portion TP includes an elastic material, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the tip portion TP may be a non-elastic body. The tip portion TP may include metal or plastic. In this case, the tip portion TP may be spaced apart from the hard coating layer HC by a predetermined distance.

[0246] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B It is along Figure 1B A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV' shown in FIG. Fig.13A yes Fig.11 A view of the structure in which the structure is flipped and faces Fig.12 The structure in Figure 1B At the second edge portion of the folded electronic device EDa. Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to a comparative example.

[0247] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B 1 is a view of a corresponding edge portion of an electronic device EDa in a folded state, the electronic device EDa having a display device DD bent within the electronic device EDa (eg, referring to Fig.12 ).Although Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The views in are shown separately for illustration, but it will be understood that Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The structure can be found in Figure 1B The second edge portions of the folded electronic devices EDa are directly adjacent to each other.

[0248] Fig.14 is a diagram showing the electronic device EDa' and Fig. 13B A view of a second edge portion corresponding to the third bracket BR3.

[0249] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the opposite side of the electronic device EDa′ (eg, at the second edge portion) according to the comparative example.

[0250] right Fig.14 The description of the electronic device EDa' shown in FIG. 1 will focus on the Fig. 13B The difference between the electronic device EDa shown in FIG.

[0251] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The display device DD, the first bracket BR1, the second bracket BR2, the third bracket BR3, the guide part GPa, the first molding part MP1, the second molding part MP2 and the first adhesive part GRP1 are Fig.11 and Fig.12 The display device DD, the first bracket BR1, the second bracket BR2, the third bracket BR3, the guide part GPa, the first molding part MP1, the second molding part MP2, and the first adhesive part GRP1 are the same and thus will be omitted from the description or will be briefly described.

[0252] Reference Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Fig. 13B The third area FAa of the electronic device EDa may be folded about a folding axis FXa extending in the second direction DR2. When the electronic device EDa is folded at the third area FAa, the electronic device EDa may be folded inwardly so that the first area NFA1a and the second area NFA2a face each other.

[0253] When the electronic device EDa is folded, the first corner EG1 (for example, Fig.13A ) and the second corner EG2 may face each other at a second edge portion of the electronic device EDa. Figure 1A In the electronic device EDa that is unfolded as in FIG. 1 , the height of the first corner EG1 and the height of the second corner EG2 may each be greater than the height of the upper surface of the hard coating layer HC. Figure 1B When folded as in FIG. 1 , the first corner EG1 and the second corner EG2 may contact each other before the portion of the upper surface of the hard coating layer HC overlapping the first display area DAa1 and the portion of the upper surface of the hard coating layer HC overlapping the second display area DAa2 contact each other. Fig.13A and 13B As shown in the view of the stacking structure at the second edge portion of the folded electronic device EDa, the bracket EDC (refer to Figure 3 ) are closer to each other along the third direction DR3 than the closest corresponding parts of the hard coating layer HC. Therefore, when the electronic device EDa is folded, damage to the hard coating layer HC can be prevented.

[0254] The display device DD (for example, see Fig.12 ) with the second bracket BR2 (for example, refer to Fig.13A ) adjacent to one side (eg, at the first edge portion) may be formed by the first molding member MP1 (eg, referring to Fig.13A) is fixed. Therefore, when the electronic device EDa is folded, the periphery of the window module WM, the display module DM, the panel protection layer PPL, the fifth adhesive layer AL5, the barrier layer BRL, the sixth adhesive layer AL6 and the support plate PLT can be fixed in place without moving or sliding.

[0255] When the electronic device EDa is folded, sliding may occur on the opposite side of the display device DD adjacent to the third bracket BR3 (e.g., at the second edge portion). The periphery of the window module WM, the display module DM, the panel protection layer PPL, the fifth adhesive layer AL5, the barrier layer BRL, the sixth adhesive layer AL6, and the support plate PLT may move or slide. That is, the second end (e.g., periphery) of the window module WM, the display module DM, the panel protection layer PPL, the fifth adhesive layer AL5, the barrier layer BRL, the sixth adhesive layer AL6, and the support plate PLT can move or slide relative to the bracket EDC.

[0256] When the second ends (e.g., peripheries) of the window module WM, the display module DM, the fifth adhesive layer AL5, the barrier layer BRL, the sixth adhesive layer AL6, and the support plate PLT slide or move along the inner surface of the bracket EDC, the second end of the display module DM and the window module WM can be moved along the second receiving groove GR2 (e.g., along both the sliding direction and the thickness direction), the second end of the second part PT2 of the window WIN can be moved into the receiving groove 2-1GR2-1, and the area of ​​the second part PT2 overlapping with the third bracket BR3 can be increased. The display module DM and the window module WM can be in a bent state within the second receiving groove GR2 of the bracket EDC. Therefore, the sliding peripheries of the window module WM and the display module DM can be invisible to the user.

[0257] Reference Fig.14 When the electronic device EDa' according to the comparative example is folded, the second end (e.g., periphery) of the display device DD' may slide along the third bracket BR3'. The display device DD' may be disposed in a space defined by the first bracket BR1' and the third bracket BR3'. At this time, the periphery of the display device DD' may not be bent.

[0258] like Fig.14 As shown in , in order to prevent the sliding from being visible from the outside, the third bracket BR3' may have a flipped and inverted L-shape. In this case, a portion of the third bracket BR3' extending in the first direction DR1 may have a second length L2.

[0259] Reference Fig. 13B When the electronic device EDa is folded, the peripheries of the window module WM, the display module DM and the panel protection layer PPL can be disposed in the second receiving groove GR2 in a state of being bent in a curved shape to provide a bent display device DD (for example, referring to Fig.12 ).

[0260] According to one or more embodiments, the third bracket BR3 may overlap the periphery of the display device DD to prevent sliding from being visible from the outside. Even in the folded electronic device EDa, when viewed in the second direction DR2, the third bracket BR3 may have a first length L1 in the first direction DR1. The first length L1 may be smaller than the second length L2.

[0261] Reference Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Fig. 13B and Fig.14 ,because Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The display device DD (for example, see Fig.12 ) is arranged in the second receiving groove GR2 in a bent state, so the third bracket BR3 covering a portion of the display device DD can be shorter than the conventional bracket structure in the first direction DR1. Therefore, the plane area of ​​the display device DD overlapping with the third bracket BR3 (for example, defined in the DR1-DR2 plane) can be reduced. Therefore, the plane area of ​​the display surface DSa of the electronic device EDa can be increased. For example, the visible part of the display surface DSa is defined by the bracket EDC at the first corner EG1 and the second corner EG2 (refer to Figure 3 ) between the inner surfaces of the .

[0262] Reference Fig. 13B , when the display device DD (for example, referring to Fig.12 ) moves in a sliding direction (e.g., along the first direction DR1), the track CT attached to the lower surface of the panel protection layer PPL may be moved. The track CT may move together with the panel protection layer PPL and the layers attached thereto (e.g., the layers of the display device DD). In an embodiment, the track CT may be fixedly attached to the panel protection layer PPL at a position along the second track portion CT2. Fig.12 and Fig. 13B , the unattached portion of the track CT may extend from the fixed position in a direction toward the first track portion CT1. Fig.12 The unattached portion of the track CT at the second track portion CT2 in the panel protection layer PPL can be moved from the lower surface of the panel protection layer PPL and moved onto the upper surface BR1-U1 of the first bracket BR1 while traveling along the outer surface of the wheel WH to be included in Fig. 13B The first track portion CT1 may be disposed along the upper surface BR1-U1 of the first bracket BR1.

[0263] The rail protrusion PRP at the second rail portion CT2 of the rail CT can be moved while engaging with the wheel protrusion PRG provided on the surface of the wheel WH. When the electronic device EDa is folded, as the second rail portion CT2 moves around the wheel WH in the clockwise direction, the length of the first rail portion CT1 extending along the upper surface BR1-U1 of the first bracket BR1 can increase, and the length of the second rail portion CT2 extending along the lower surface of the panel protection layer PPL can decrease. In the folded electronic device EDa, the length of the first rail portion CT1 can be greater than the length of the second rail portion CT2.

[0264] The direction of movement of the display module DM and the window module WM can be adjusted by the guide member GPa connected to the display module DM and the window module WM. That is, since the guide member GPa is provided between the first bracket BR1 and the display module DM, the display module DM and the window module WM can be moved along the second receiving groove GR2 defined by the first bracket BR1 and the third bracket BR3 (for example, along both the sliding direction and the thickness direction). Therefore, the window module WM and the display module DM can be moved without separating the bracket EDC (refer to Figure 3 ). Therefore, the folding reliability of the electronic device EDa can be improved.

[0265] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15E is a cross-sectional view for explaining the second guide member GPb according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0266] Fig.15A It is along Figure 1A A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' shown in FIG. Fig. 15B and Fig. 15C yes Fig.15A A top plan view of the second guide member GPb shown in FIG. Fig.15D and Fig.15E It is along Figure 1B A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV' shown in FIG.

[0267] Fig.15A The electronic device EDa is shown in a deployed state, and Fig.15D and Fig.15E The electronic device EDa is shown in a folded state. Fig.15A ) and fold( Fig.15D and Fig.15E ) of the electronic device EDa, the display device DD at the first end ( Figure 1A line I-I' in) and the second end ( Figure 1A Line II-II' and Figure 1B Bend at line IV-IV'). Fig.15E yes Fig.11A view of the structure in which the structure is flipped and faces Fig.15A The structure in Figure 1B At the second edge portion of the folded electronic device EDa.

[0268] Fig.15A , Fig.15D and Fig.15E The display device DD, the first bracket BR1, the second bracket BR2, the third bracket BR3, the second molding part MP2, the first adhesive part GRP1 and the tip part TP are shown in FIG. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The display device DD, the first bracket BR1, the second bracket BR2, the third bracket BR3, the second molding part MP2, the first adhesive part GRP1, and the tip portion TP are the same and thus will be omitted from the description or will be briefly described.

[0269] Reference Fig.15A , the second guide part GPb as a guide for the display device DD may be disposed between the first bracket BR1 and the display module DM. The second guide part GPb may be connected to the first bracket BR1. The second guide part GPb may be connected to the display module DM.

[0270] Reference FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C , the second guide part GPb may include a first guide plate GPT1 and a second guide plate GPT2. The first guide plate GPT1 may be connected to the first bracket BR1, and the second guide plate GPT2 may be connected to the display module DM. The first guide plate GPT1 may be fixedly connected to the first bracket BR1, and the second guide plate GPT2 may be fixedly connected to the display module DM and may be movable with the display module DM. The first guide plate GPT1 may be disposed on an upper surface BR1-U1 of the first bracket BR1. The second guide plate GPT2 may be disposed under the display module DM at a position where it overlaps with the second portion PT2. For example, the second guide plate GPT2 may be disposed on a lower surface of the panel protection layer PPL.

[0271] When viewed from above a plane (eg, a plan view of a DR1 - DR2 plane), the first guide plate GPT1 may have a shape of a portion of a rectangle. However, this is illustrative, and the first guide plate GPT1 may have various planar shapes.

[0272] The first guide plate GPT1 may have (or define) a plurality of guide grooves GR defined therein. The guide grooves GR may extend longitudinally in the first direction DR1 from one side of opposite sides of the first guide plate GPT1 facing each other in the first direction DR1 toward the other side. One side of the first guide plate GPT1 may be defined as a side facing the second guide plate GPT2.

[0273] The guide grooves GR may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. Fig. 15B and Fig. 15C Four guide grooves GR are shown in FIG. 4 , but the number of guide grooves GR may vary.

[0274] The second guide plate GPT2 may include a plurality of guide ribs GRB and a guide frame GFR. When viewed from above a plane, the guide frame GFR may have a rectangular shape extending longitudinally in the second direction DR2.

[0275] The guide rib GRB may be provided on one side of the guide frame GFR, which are opposite to each other in the first direction DR1. The guide rib GRB may extend from one side of the guide frame GFR in the first direction DR1. Basically, the guide rib GRB may be formed integrally with the guide frame GFR. One side of the guide frame GFR in the first direction DR1 may be defined as a side facing the first guide plate GPT1.

[0276] When viewed from above a plane, the plurality of guide ribs GRB may be arranged in the second direction DR2 so as to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. Fig. 15B and Fig. 15C Four guide ribs GRB are shown in FIG. 4 , but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of the guide ribs GRB may be varied to correspond to the number of the guide grooves GR.

[0277] When viewed from above in a plane, the guide rib GRB may have a planar shape corresponding to a planar shape of the first guide plate GPT1 at the guide groove GR For example, the guide rib GRB may have a rectangular shape.

[0278] The guide rib GRB can reciprocate along the sliding direction (for example, the first direction DR1) toward the inside or outside of the guide groove GR. That is, the first guide plate GPT1 and the second guide plate GPT2 can move relative to each other along the sliding direction. By inserting the guide rib GRB into the corresponding guide groove GR among the multiple guide grooves GR, or pulling the guide rib GRB out of the corresponding guide groove GR among the multiple guide grooves GR, the length portion of the guide rib GRB can be variable. The state in which substantially the entire length of the guide rib GRB is set in the guide groove GR can be defined as a first state. The state in which the length of the guide rib GRB set in the guide groove GR is less than the length of the guide rib GRB set in the guide groove GR in the first state can be defined as a second state.

[0279] When the second guide part GPb changes from the first state to the second state, a separation distance between the first guide plate GPT1 and the guide frame GFR in the sliding direction may increase.

[0280] Reference FIG. 15A to FIG. 15E , when the electronic device EDa is unfolded ( Fig.15A and Fig. 15B ), the second guide part GPb may be in the first state. Each of the plurality of guide ribs GRB may be disposed in a corresponding guide groove GR among the plurality of guide grooves GR. Here, a maximum length of the guide rib GRB may extend into the guide groove GR.

[0281] When the electronic device EDa is folded ( Fig. 15C , Fig.15D and Fig.15E ), the display module DM and the window module WM can slide into the second receiving groove GR2. The area of ​​the second portion PT2 overlapping with the third bracket BR3 can be increased. Here, the display module DM and the window module WM can be set to overlap the maximum length with the third bracket BR3.

[0282] When the electronic device EDa is folded, the second guide component GPb may be in a second state. Specifically, the second guide plate GPT2 connected to the display module DM may move together with the display module DM. The second guide plate GPT2 may move relative to the first bracket BR1 and along the upper surface BR1-U1 of the first bracket BR1. The guide ribs GRB of the second guide plate GPT2 may move out of the guide groove GR along the sliding direction (e.g., the first direction DR1). The distance between the guide frame GFR and the first guide plate GPT1 may increase. Here, the maximum distance (or maximum displacement) may be defined between the guide frame GFR of the second guide plate GPT2 and the guide frame of the first guide plate GPT1, and the minimum length of the guide ribs GRB may be in the guide groove GR.

[0283] Since the guide plates can slide relative to each other, the direction of movement of the display module DM and the window module WM can be adjusted by the second guide member GPb, which includes a first guide plate GPT1 connected to the first bracket BR1 and a second guide plate GPT2 connected to the display module DM. When the electronic device EDa is folded, the display module DM and the window module WM can be moved along the second receiving groove GR2 (for example, along both the sliding direction and the thickness direction) by the second guide member GPb. Therefore, the window module WM and the display module DM may not be separated from the bracket EDC (refer to Figure 3 ), and can be held in the bracket EDC. Therefore, the folding reliability of the electronic device EDa can be improved.

[0284] Fig.16 is a view for explaining a third guide part GPc for guiding the display module DM according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0285] Fig.16 It is along Figure 1A A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' shown in FIG.

[0286] Fig.16 1 is a view showing the electronic device EDa in an unfolded state. Here, the display device DD may be located at the first end ( Figure 1A line I-I' in) and the second end ( Figure 1A Line II-II' and Figure 1B Bend at line IV-IV').

[0287] Fig.16 The display device DD, the first bracket BR1, the third bracket BR3 and the tip portion TP shown in FIG. Fig.12 The display device DD, the first bracket BR1, the third bracket BR3, and the tip portion TP are the same and thus will be omitted from the description or will be briefly described.

[0288] Reference Fig.16 , when viewed in the second direction DR2, the third guide member GPc may include a roller ROL. The roller ROL may be disposed between the first bracket BR1 and the window WIN. The roller ROL may contact the lower surface of the second portion PT2. The roller ROL may rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0289] When the electronic device EDa is folded, the second portion PT2 of the window WIN can be moved along the sliding direction (e.g., the first direction DR1) and along the third direction DR3. The second portion PT2 can be moved along the outer surface of the roller ROL. When the electronic device EDa is folded, the roller ROL can be rotated in a clockwise direction around a rotation axis parallel to the second direction DR2 by the second portion PT2.

[0290] The second portion PT2 of the window WIN may be moved along the second receiving groove GR2 (eg, along both the sliding direction and the thickness direction) together with the roller ROL. Therefore, the window module WM and the display module DM may not be separated from the bracket EDC (refer to Figure 3 ). In an embodiment, the roller ROL may be actively driven to rotate, and the friction between the rotating roller ROL and the display module DM may cause the display device DD to slide passively along the sliding direction. In an embodiment, the active sliding of the display module DM may cause the roller ROL to rotate passively and allow the display device DD to slide in the sliding direction. Therefore, the folding reliability of the electronic device EDa may be improved.

[0291] Fig.17A It is along Figure 1A A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' shown in FIG. Fig. 17Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 17C is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0292] 17A to 17C is the electronic device EDa along a line parallel to the folding axis FXa (refer to Figure 1A ) direction.

[0293] 17A to 17C is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device EDa as viewed in the first direction DR1.

[0294] In addition to the third molded part MP3 and the fourth molded part MP4, Fig. 17B and Fig. 17C and Fig.17A same, and therefore in reference Fig. 17B and Fig. 17C When describing the embodiment, only the third molding part MP3 and the fourth molding part MP4 will be described.

[0295] 17A to 17C The display device DD and Fig.10 The display device DD is the same as that of FIG. 1 and will therefore be omitted from the description or will be briefly described.

[0296] For the convenience of description, reference will be made to 17A to 17C One side (eg, the third edge portion) of the electronic device EDa facing away from each other in the first direction DR1 is described. However, the other side (eg, the fourth edge portion) of the electronic device EDa facing away from each other in the first direction DR1 may also have substantially the same structure.

[0297] Reference Figure 3 and Fig.17A The bracket EDC may further include a fourth bracket BR4. The fourth bracket BR4 may be disposed on the first bracket BR1. The fourth bracket BR4 may be disposed adjacent to the periphery of the first bracket BR1.

[0298] The fourth bracket BR4 may extend in the third direction DR3 from a virtual plane corresponding to the upper surface of the first bracket BR1. Basically, the first bracket BR1 and the fourth bracket BR4 may be formed integrally with each other.

[0299] The fourth bracket BR4 may include a first side wall WB1 and a second side wall WB2. The first side wall WB1 may be disposed on an upper surface of the first bracket BR1. The first side wall WB1 may extend from the upper surface of the first bracket BR1 in the third direction DR3.

[0300] For example, when viewed in the second direction DR2, the first sidewall WB1 may have a rectangular shape. However, not limited thereto, the first sidewall WB1 may have various shapes.

[0301] For example, the upper surface of the first side wall WB1 may be positioned at a higher position than the upper surface of the impact absorbing layer ISL. For example, the upper surface of the first side wall WB1 may be positioned at a lower position than the lower surface of the window WIN.

[0302] The second side wall WB2 may be disposed on an upper surface of the first side wall WB1. The second side wall WB2 may be disposed adjacent to one of opposite sides of the first side wall WB1 facing away from each other in the second direction DR2. One side of the first side wall WB1 in the second direction DR2 may be defined as a side facing away from the other side facing the display device DD.

[0303] The second sidewall WB2 may extend from the upper surface of the first sidewall WB1 in the third direction DR3. Basically, the first sidewall WB1 and the second sidewall WB2 may be formed integrally with each other.

[0304] When viewed in the first direction DR1 , a width of the first sidewall WB1 in the second direction DR2 may be greater than a width of the second sidewall WB2 in the second direction DR2 .

[0305] A partial area of ​​the window WIN (or the third window portion), a partial area of ​​the first adhesive layer AL1, a partial area of ​​the window protection layer WP, and a partial area of ​​the hard coating layer HC disposed outside the display module DM (for example, extending further than the outer side surface of the display module DM) may be disposed on the first side wall WB1. A partial area of ​​the window WIN, a partial area of ​​the first adhesive layer AL1, a partial area of ​​the window protection layer WP, and a partial area of ​​the hard coating layer HC disposed outside the display module DM may overlap with the first side wall WB1.

[0306] The second adhesive part GRP2 may be disposed between the window WIN and the first side wall WB1. The second adhesive part GRP2 may be disposed directly on the lower surface of the window WIN and the upper surface of the first side wall WB1. Therefore, the window WIN and the fourth bracket BR4 (specifically, the first side wall WB1) may be bonded to each other by the second adhesive part GRP2.

[0307] For example, the second adhesive component GRP2 may be a flexible adhesive. Figure 1B When folded as shown in , the window WIN may be movable in a first direction DR1 (eg, a sliding direction) by a predetermined distance.

[0308] Reference Fig. 17B, the electronic device EDa may further include a third molding part MP3. The third molding part MP3 may be disposed between the display unit DSP and the other side of the first side wall WB1, and between the support plate PLT and the other side of the first side wall WB1. The third molding part MP3 may cover one side of the display unit DSP and one side of the support plate PLT. The third molding part MP3 may not contact the other side of the first side wall WB1 (e.g., the inner surface of the first side wall WB1). The third molding part MP3 may be spaced apart from the other side of the first side wall WB1 by a predetermined distance in the first direction DR1. One side of the display unit DSP and one side of the support plate PLT may be defined as a side facing the other side of the first side wall WB1.

[0309] The third molding part MP3 may cover one side of the display unit DSP and one side of the support plate PLT, and may prevent moisture from penetrating into the display unit DSP and the support plate PLT. For example, the third molding part MP3 may include resin. However, not limited thereto, the third molding part MP3 may include other materials.

[0310] Reference Fig. 17C , the fourth molding part MP4 may be disposed between the display unit DSP and the other side of the first side wall WB1, and between the support plate PLT and the other side of the first side wall WB1. The fourth molding part MP4 may cover one side of the display unit DSP and one side of the support plate PLT. The fourth molding part MP4 may contact the other side of the first side wall WB1 (e.g., the inner side surface of the first side wall WB1).

[0311] The fourth molding part MP4 may cover one side of the display unit DSP and one side of the support plate PLT, and may prevent moisture from penetrating into the display unit DSP and the support plate PLT. For example, the fourth molding part MP4 may include resin. However, not limited thereto, the fourth molding part MP4 may include other materials.

[0312] Fig.18A and Fig.18B is a perspective view showing an electronic device EDc according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0313] Fig.18A and Fig.18B is a perspective view of the electronic device EDc.

[0314] In addition to the folding direction, Fig.18A and Fig.18B The electronic device EDc can be used with Figure 1A and Figure 1B The electronic devices EDa are substantially identical and therefore Fig.18A and Fig.18B The description of the electronic device EDc will focus on Figure 1Aand Figure 1B The difference in electronic device EDa.

[0315] Reference Fig.18A and Fig.18B , the electronic device EDc may include a folding area FAc and a plurality of non-folding areas NFA1c and NFA2c. The non-folding areas NFA1c and NFA2c may include a first non-folding area NFA1c and a second non-folding area NFA2c. The first non-folding area NFA1c and the second non-folding area NFA2c may be arranged to face away from each other in a first direction DR1. The folding area FAc may be arranged between the first non-folding area NFA1c and the second non-folding area NFA2c. The first non-folding area NFA1c, the folding area FAc, and the second non-folding area NFA2c may be arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0316] The first non-folding area NFA1c may be defined as a first area NFA1c. The second non-folding area NFA2c may be defined as a second area NFA2c. The folding area FAc may be defined as a third area FAc.

[0317] The electronic device EDc may be a foldable electronic device EDc that is folded or unfolded. For example, the folding area FAc may be bent around a folding axis FXc parallel to the second direction DR2, and the electronic device EDc may be folded accordingly. The folding axis FXc may be defined as a long axis parallel to the long side of the electronic device EDc.

[0318] An upper surface of the electronic device EDc may be defined as a display surface DSc, and the display surface DSc may have a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. An image IM generated by the electronic device EDc may be provided to a user through the display surface DSc.

[0319] The display surface DSc may include a display area DAc and a non-display area NDAc around the display area DAc. The display area DAc may be defined as a front surface of the electronic device EDc. The display area DAc may display an image IM, and the non-display area NDAc may not display the image IM.

[0320] When viewed from above a plane, the display area DAc may be divided into a first display area DAc1 and a second display area DAc2 with respect to the folding axis FXc. The first display area DAc1 may overlap the first area NFA1c. The second display area DAc2 may overlap the second area NFA2c.

[0321] When the electronic device EDc is folded, the first non-folding area NFA1c and the second non-folding area NFA2c may not face each other. The first display area DAc1 and the second display area DAc2 may not face each other. The electronic device EDc may be folded outward so that the display surface DSc is exposed to the outside.

[0322] Fig.19A It is along Fig.18A A cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII' shown in FIG. Fig.19A The electronic device EDc (see Fig.18A ) at the first edge portion observed in the second direction DR2. Fig.19B It is along Fig.18A A cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII' shown in FIG. Fig.19B The electronic device EDc (see Fig.18A ) at the second edge portion observed in the second direction DR2. Fig.19C and Fig.19D It is along Fig.18B A cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX' shown in FIG.

[0323] Fig.19D yes Fig.19B A view of the structure in which the structure is flipped and faces Fig.19A The structure in Fig.18B At the first edge portion of the folded electronic device EDc. Fig.19C and Fig.19D The views in FIG. 1 are shown separately for illustration, but it will be understood that Fig.19C and Fig.19D The structure can be found in Fig.18B The first edge portions of the folded electronic devices EDc are directly adjacent to each other.

[0324] Fig.19A and Fig.19B is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device EDc in the unfolded state, and Fig.19C is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device EDc in an expanded state. Fig.18A ) or outer fold ( Fig.18B ) in the electronic device EDc, the extended portions of the layers in the display device DD are on the bracket EDC (refer to Figure 3 )Inward bend.

[0325] 19A to 19D The display device DD, the first bracket BR1a, the second bracket BR2a, the third bracket BR3a, the first adhesive part GRP1a and the tip part TPa and Fig.13A and Fig. 13BThe display device DD, the first bracket BR1, the second bracket BR2, the third bracket BR3, the first adhesive part GRP1, and the tip portion TP shown in FIG. 1 are substantially the same and thus will be omitted from the description or will be briefly described.

[0326] Reference Fig.19A , the first molding part MP1 may be disposed on one side of the display device DD. The first molding part MP1 may cover the display unit DSP, the support plate PLT and the bending portion BA. The first molding part MP1 may fix the positions of the support plate PLT, the display unit DSP and the bending portion BA.

[0327] Therefore, when the electronic device EDc is folded, the first molding part MP1 may prevent movement or sliding of the edges of the display module DM, the panel protection layer PPL, the fifth adhesive layer AL5, the barrier layer BRL, the sixth adhesive layer AL6, and the support plate PLT.

[0328] The extension portion of the window WIN may be disposed in the first receiving groove GR1a. The periphery of the window WIN extending further than the end surfaces of each layer may define an extension portion and be disposed in the first receiving groove GR1a. The portion of the window WIN overlapping with the second bracket BR2a may be defined as a first portion PT1a.

[0329] A portion of the window WIN may be bent in a curved shape. A portion of the window WIN may be disposed in the first receiving groove GR1a in a curved shape. The first portion PT1a may be disposed in the first receiving groove GR1a in a curved shape.

[0330] Bracket EDC (refer to Figure 3 ) may include a protrusion BPPa. The protrusion BPPa may be disposed on the first bracket BR1a. The protrusion BPPa may be disposed on the upper surface BR1-U1a of the first bracket BR1a. The protrusion BPPa may extend from the upper surface BR1-U1a of the first bracket BR1a in the third direction DR3. Basically, the protrusion BPPa may be formed integrally with the first bracket BR1a.

[0331] The first adhesive part GRP1a may be disposed between the protrusion BPPa and the first portion PT1a. A portion of the first adhesive part GRP1a may be attached to the lower surface of the first portion PT1a. Another portion of the first adhesive part GRP1a may be attached to one of a plurality of opposite side surfaces of the protrusion BPPa that are opposite to each other in the first direction DR1. One side surface of the protrusion BPPa may be defined as a side surface that is opposite to another side surface facing the first molding part MP1. The first portion PT1a and the protrusion BPPa may be bonded to each other by the first adhesive part GRP1a. The curved shape of the first portion PT1a may be maintained by the first adhesive part GRP1a.

[0332] Reference Fig.19B , the second molded part MP2 may be disposed on the opposite side of the display device DD. The second molded part MP2 may be disposed on the opposite side of the fifth adhesive layer AL5, the opposite side of the barrier layer BRL, the opposite side of the sixth adhesive layer AL6, and the opposite side of the support plate PLT. The second molded part MP2 may cover the opposite side of the fifth adhesive layer AL5, the opposite side of the barrier layer BRL, the opposite side of the sixth adhesive layer AL6, and the opposite side of the support plate PLT. The opposite side of the fifth adhesive layer AL5, the opposite side of the barrier layer BRL, the opposite side of the sixth adhesive layer AL6, and the opposite side of the support plate PLT may be defined as a side facing the third bracket BR3a.

[0333] The support plate PLT may be disposed on the upper surface 1 - 1 BR1 -U1a of the first bracket BR1a. The second molding part MP2 may be disposed on the upper surface 1 - 1 BR1 -U1a of the first bracket BR1a.

[0334] When the display device DD is disposed on the upper surface 1-1BR1-U1a of the first bracket BR1a, the extension portion of the window module WM and the display module DM may be disposed in the second receiving groove GR2a. The corresponding extension portion of the window module WM and a portion of the display module DM may be disposed in the receiving groove 2-2GR2-2a. The periphery of the window module WM and the display module DM extending further than the side surfaces of each layer may define an extension portion and be disposed in the receiving groove 2-2GR2-2a. The portion of the window WIN overlapping with the third bracket BR3a may be defined as a second portion PT2a.

[0335] A portion of the window module WM and a portion of the display module DM may be bent into a curved shape. A portion of the window module WM and a portion of the display module DM may be disposed in a curved shape in the receiving groove 2-2GR2-2a. The second portion PT2a of the window WIN may be disposed in the receiving groove 2-1GR2-1a. The second portion PT2a may be disposed in the receiving groove 2-1GR2-1a and the receiving groove 2-2GR2-2a in a curved shape.

[0336] The electronic device EDc may further include a fourth guide component GPd. The fourth guide component GPd may be disposed between the first bracket BR1a and the panel protection layer PPL. A portion of the fourth guide component GPd may be disposed on the upper surface BR1-U1a of the first bracket BR1a. The upper surface BR1-Ua of the first bracket BR1a may include an upper surface 1-1BR1-U1a as a first upper surface portion and an upper surface 1-2BR1-U2a as a second upper surface portion.

[0337] The fourth guide part GPd may include a rail CTa and a wheel WHa disposed inside the rail CTa bent in a curved shape. A portion of the rail CTa may be disposed on the upper surface BR1-U1a of the first bracket BR1a, and another portion of the rail CTa may be disposed on the lower surface of the panel protection layer PPL.

[0338] The track CTa may include a first track portion CT1a, a bent track portion CBTa, and a second track portion CT2a. The first track portion CT1a may be defined as a portion of the track CTa disposed on the upper surface BR1-U1a of the first bracket BR1a. The second track portion CT2a may be defined as a portion of the track CTa disposed on the lower surface of the panel protection layer PPL to face the first track portion CT1a. The bent track portion CBTa may be defined as a portion of the track CTa that is bent and connects the first track portion CT1a and the second track portion CT2a to each other.

[0339] When viewed in the second direction DR2, the first rail portion CT1a may be longer than the second rail portion CT2a.

[0340] Each of the first rail portion CT1a, the second rail portion CT2a, and the bent rail portion CBTa may include a rail protrusion PRPa.

[0341] The rail protrusion PRPa may be provided on surfaces of the first rail portion CT1a and the second rail portion CT2a facing each other. The rail protrusion PRPa may be provided on a surface of the bent rail portion CBTa facing the wheel WHa.

[0342] The wheel WHa may be provided between the first rail portion CT1a and the second rail portion CT2a. The wheel WHa may be connected to a portion of the first rail portion CT1a, a portion of the second rail portion CT2a, and the bent rail portion CBTa.

[0343] The wheel protrusions PRGa may be provided on the outer surface of the wheel WHa. The wheel protrusions PRGa may be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals along the outer surface of the wheel WHa.

[0344] The rail protrusions PRPa of the first rail portion CT1a, the second rail portion CT2a, and the bent rail portion CBTa may engage with the wheel protrusions PRGa. Therefore, when the rail protrusions PRP move along the outer surface of the wheel WHa, the wheel WHa may rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0345] The electronic device EDc may further include a tip portion TPa. The tip portion TPa may be disposed on an inner surface of the third bracket BR3a. The tip portion TPa may be disposed adjacent to an upper portion of the third bracket BR3a.

[0346] The tip portion TPa may prevent foreign matter from penetrating into the second receiving groove GR2a. The tip portion TPa may block foreign matter from penetrating into the second receiving groove GR2a.

[0347] refer to Fig.18B , Fig.19B , Fig.19C and Fig.19D When the electronic device EDc is folded outward, the third bracket BR3a may be disposed under the second bracket BR2a.

[0348] When the electronic device EDc is folded outward, the display unit DSP and the window module WM can be moved from the receiving slot 2-1GR2-1a ( Fig.19B ) moves to the first position inside the receiving groove 2-1GR2-1a ( Fig.19D ) outside. As the display unit DSP and the window module WM move out of the receiving groove 2-1GR2-1a, the area of ​​the second portion PT2a overlapping with the third bracket BR3a can be reduced. That is, the exposed area of ​​the second portion PT2a (corresponding to the bracket EDC at the first corner EG1 and the second corner EG2 (refer to Figure 3 )'s inner surface area can be increased.

[0349] When the display unit DSP and the window module WM move from the receiving groove 2-1GR2-1a to the outside thereof, the length of the second rail portion CT2a extending along the display unit DSP may increase, and the length of the first rail portion CT1a may decrease. Specifically, the unattached portion of the first rail portion CT1a originally disposed along the first bracket BR1a may move by moving along the outer surface of the wheel WHa to extend along the display unit DSP.

[0350] Although not shown, when the electronic device EDc changes from the outer folded state to the unfolded state, a portion of the second rail portion CT2a may be moved onto the first bracket BR1a along the outer surface of the wheel WHa. At this time, the length of the first rail portion CT1a may increase, and the length of the second rail portion CT2a may decrease.

[0351] Even if the electronic device EDc repeatedly performs the outer folding and unfolding operation, the fourth guide member GPd can move the display unit DSP and the window module WM into the receiving groove 2-1GR2-1a without moving out of the first bracket BR1a and the third bracket BR3a and being visible from the outside of the first bracket BR1a and the third bracket BR3a. Therefore, the window module WM and the display module DM can be moved out of the bracket EDC (refer to FIG. Figure 3 ). Therefore, the folding reliability of the electronic device EDc can be improved.

[0352] Reference FIG. 15A to FIG. 15E , Fig.19B and Fig.19D , Fig.19B and Fig.19D The electronic device EDc is shown to include a fourth guide part GPd. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, although not shown, Fig.19B , Fig.19C and Fig.19D The electronic device EDc may include FIG. 15A to FIG. 15E In this case, when the electronic device EDc is in the unfolded state, the second guide part GPb may be in the second state. When the electronic device EDc is in the outer folded state, the second guide part GPb may be in the first state.

[0353] Reference Fig.16 , Fig.19B , Fig.19C and Fig.19D , although not shown, Fig.19B , Fig.19C and Fig.19D The electronic device EDc shown in FIG. 1 may include Fig.16In this case, when the electronic device EDc is changed from the unfolded state to the outwardly folded state, the third guide member GPc may rotate in a counterclockwise direction around a rotation axis parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0354] Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B is a perspective view for explaining an electronic device EDd according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0355] Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B is a perspective view of the electronic device EDd.

[0356] Fig. 20B It is shown Fig. 20A 0 is a view of a rolled-up state of the electronic device EDd shown in FIG.

[0357] Reference Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B The electronic device EDd may have a rectangular shape having long sides extending in the first direction DR1 and short sides extending in the second direction DR2. However, not limited thereto, the electronic device EDd may have various shapes such as a circular shape and other polygonal shapes.

[0358] An upper surface of the electronic device EDd may be defined as a display surface DSd, and the display surface DSd may have a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. An image IM generated by the electronic device EDd may be provided to a user through the display surface DSd.

[0359] The display surface DSd may include a display area DAd and a non-display area NDAd around the display area DAd. The display area DAd may be defined as a front surface of the electronic device EDd. The display area DAd may display an image IM, and the non-display area NDAd may not display the image IM.

[0360] Reference Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B , the electronic device EDd may be rolled into a roll shape (e.g., has a roll shape). The electronic device EDd may be rolled around a roll axis RXa parallel to the second direction DR2. The electronic device EDd may be rolled around the roll axis RXa in the first direction DR1 as the roll direction. The electronic device EDd may be rolled outward so that the display surface DSd faces outward.

[0361] When the electronic device EDd is curled outwardly, one side of the electronic device EDd in the first direction DR1 (for example, the first edge portion) may be spaced apart from the curling axis RXa, and the opposite side of the electronic device EDd in the first direction DR1 may be adjacent to the curling axis RXa (for example, closer to the curling axis RXa than the side that is the first edge portion). The curling of the electronic device EDd relative to the curling axis RXa may start at the second edge portion. Hereinafter, one side of the electronic device EDd in the first direction DR1 may be defined as a first region, and the opposite side of the electronic device EDd in the first direction DR1 may be defined as a second region. When the electronic device EDd is curled, the second region may be positioned in the center of the curled electronic device EDd. The electronic device EDd may curl around the curling axis RXa starting from the second region.

[0362] For example, when the initial portion of the electronic device EDd starts to curl from the second edge portion, the second region of the electronic device EDd may be in a bent or curved state, and the remaining portion of the electronic device EDd up to the first region of the electronic device EDd may be in a flat state. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and when the electronic device EDd is fully curled, the first region of the electronic device EDd may also be in a bent or curled state.

[0363] Fig.21A It is along Fig. 20A A cross-sectional view taken along the line XX′ shown in (eg, the first non-curled edge portion). Fig. 21B is along Fig. 20A A cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI′ shown in FIG. 1 (eg, the second non-curled edge portion). Fig. 21C It is along Fig. 20B A cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII' shown in FIG. 1 (eg, a curled edge portion).

[0364] Fig.21A and Fig. 21B is a cross-sectional view of a non-curled edge portion of the electronic device EDd in an uncurled state, and Fig. 21C is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device EDd in a rolled state.

[0365] Fig. 21C Only the portion adjacent to the periphery of the second region is shown. Fig. 21C The orientation of the structure in is basically similar to Fig. 21B of the orientation, but it will be understood that Fig. 21C The structure in can be rotated about the rotation axis RXa to different orientations.

[0366] In addition to the first area NFA1a (ref. Fig.11 ), Fig.21A The components shown in Fig.11The components shown in Fig.19A The components shown in FIG. 1 are substantially the same. Therefore, for ease of description, the Fig.21A Description.

[0367] Fig. 21B and Fig. 21C The display device DD, the first bracket BR1b, the third bracket BR3b, the first adhesive part GRP1b, the protrusion BPPb and the tip TPb shown in FIG. Fig.19B and Fig.19C The display device DD, the first bracket BR1a, the third bracket BR3a, the first adhesive part GRP1a, the protrusion BPPa and the tip portion TPa shown in FIG. 1 are substantially the same and will therefore be omitted from the description or will be briefly described. The upper surface BR1-Ub of the first bracket BR1b may include an upper surface 1-1BR1-U1b as a first upper surface portion and an upper surface 1-2BR1-U2b as a second upper surface portion.

[0368] Reference Fig. 21B , the fifth guide part GPe may be disposed between the display unit DSP and the first bracket BR1b. A portion of the fifth guide part GPe may be connected to the upper surface BR1-U1b of the first bracket BR1b. Another portion of the fifth guide part GPe may be connected to the lower surface of the panel protection layer PPL.

[0369] The fifth guide member GPe may include a track CTb and a wheel WHb disposed inside the track CTb bent in a curved shape. A portion of the track CTb may be disposed on the upper surface BR1-U1b of the first bracket BR1b, and another portion of the track CTb may be disposed on the lower surface of the panel protection layer PPL.

[0370] The track CTb may include a first track portion CT1b, a bent track portion CBTb, and a second track portion CT2b. The first track portion CT1b may be defined as a portion of the track CTb disposed on the upper surface BR1-U1b of the first bracket BR1b. The second track portion CT2b may be defined as a portion of the track CTb disposed on the lower surface of the panel protection layer PPL to face the first track portion CT1b. The bent track portion CBTb may be defined as a portion of the track CTb that is bent and connects the first track portion CT1b and the second track portion CT2b to each other.

[0371] When the electronic device EDd is in an uncurled state, the first rail portion CT1b may be longer than the second rail portion CT2b.

[0372] Reference FIG. 21A to FIG. 21C, when the electronic device EDd is rolled, the first molding part MP1 may fix one side of the display unit DSP and one side of the support plate PLT at, for example, the same side adjacent to the first non-rolled edge portion. Therefore, when the electronic device EDd is rolled, one side of the display unit DSP and one side of the support plate PLT may not slide and may be fixedly disposed. One side of the display unit DSP and one side of the support plate PLT may be defined as a side adjacent to the second bracket BR2b. A portion of the window WIN overlapping the second bracket BR2b may be defined as a first portion PT1b.

[0373] When the electronic device EDd is curled, the opposite side of the display unit DSP and the opposite side of the window module WM can slide or slide at a position adjacent to the second edge portion, for example, to define the curled edge portion. The opposite side of the display unit DSP and the opposite side of the window module WM can be moved by the sliding. The opposite side of the display unit DSP and the opposite side of the window module WM can be moved from the inside of the first sub-groove GR2-1b of the second receiving groove GR2b to the outside of the first sub-groove GR2-1b. That is, one end of the window module WM can move from the first sub-groove GR2-1b to the second sub-groove GR2-2b. When the electronic device EDd is curled outward, the area of ​​the second part PT2b can be reduced. The opposite side of the display unit DSP and the opposite side of the window module WM can be defined as the side facing the third bracket BR3b.

[0374] As the display unit DSP and the window module WM move, the track CTb connected to the display unit DSP may move along the outer surface of the wheel WHb. Specifically, a portion of the first track portion CT1b may move along the outer surface of the wheel WHb to the lower surface of the panel protection layer PPL. Therefore, when the electronic device EDd is curled, the length of the first track portion CT1b may decrease. When the electronic device EDd is curled, the length of the second track portion CT2b may increase.

[0375] Even if the electronic device EDd repeatedly performs rolling and unrolling operations, the fifth guide member GPe may enable the display unit DSP and the window module WM to move along the second receiving groove GR2b (e.g., in both the sliding direction and the thickness direction) without moving out of the first bracket BR1b and the third bracket BR3b. Therefore, the window module WM and the display module DM may not be separated from the bracket EDC (refer to Figure 3 ). Therefore, the curling reliability of the electronic device EDd can be improved.

[0376] although Fig. 21C The electronic device EDd is shown to include a fifth guide member GPe, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, although not shown, Fig. 21C The electronic device EDd shown in FIG. 1 may include FIG. 15A to FIG. 15EIn this case, when the electronic device EDd is in the outer rolled state, the second guide member GPb may be in the first state. When the electronic device EDd is in the non-rolled state, the second guide member GPb may be in the second state.

[0377] Although not shown, Fig. 21C The electronic device EDd shown in FIG. 1 may include Fig.16 In this case, when the electronic device EDd is changed from the non-rolled state to the rolled state, the third guide member GPc may rotate in the counterclockwise direction around a rotation axis parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0378] Fig.22A and Fig. 22B is a view for explaining the electronic device EDe according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0379] Fig.22A is a perspective view of the inwardly curled electronic device EDe, and Fig. 22B It is along Fig.22A A cross-sectional view at the curled edge portion taken along the line XIII-XIII' shown in FIG.

[0380] For ease of description, Fig. 22B Only Fig.22A Part of the electronic device EDe.

[0381] In addition to the curling direction, Fig.22A The electronic device EDe shown in Fig. 20A The electronic devices EDd shown in FIG. 1 are substantially the same, and thus the following description will focus on the differences. The display surface DSe may include a display area DAe and a non-display area NDAe around the display area DAe.

[0382] Fig. 22B The display device DD, the first bracket BR1c, the third bracket BR3c, the guide part GPf and the tip part TPc shown in FIG. Fig. 21B The display device DD, the first bracket BR1b, the third bracket BR3b, the fifth guide part GPe, and the tip portion TPb shown in FIG. 1 are substantially the same, and thus will be omitted from the description or will be briefly described.

[0383] Reference Fig.22A , the electronic device EDe may be rolled into a roll shape. The electronic device EDe may be rolled around a roll axis RXb parallel to the second direction DR2. The electronic device EDe may be rolled around the roll axis RXb in the first direction DR1. The electronic device EDe may be rolled inwardly so that the display surface DSe does not face outward.

[0384] When the electronic device EDe is curled inwardly, one side of the first edge portion of the electronic device EDe in the first direction DR1 may be spaced apart from the curling axis RXb, and the opposite side of the second edge portion of the electronic device EDe in the first direction DR1 may be adjacent to the curling axis RXb. Hereinafter, one side of the electronic device EDe in the first direction DR1 may be defined as a first region, and the opposite side of the electronic device EDe in the first direction DR1 may be defined as a second region. When the electronic device EDe is curled, the second region may be defined in the center of the curled electronic device EDe. The electronic device EDe may start curling from the second region.

[0385] For example, when the electronic device EDe is curled inwardly, the second region of the electronic device EDe may be in a bent state. The first region of the electronic device EDe and the remaining portion between the bent state and the first edge portion may be in a flat state. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and when the electronic device EDe is fully curled, the first region of the electronic device EDe may also be in a bent state.

[0386] Reference Fig.22A and Fig. 22B , when the electronic device EDe is curled inwardly, the opposite side of the display unit DSP and the opposite side of the window module WM can slide. The opposite side of the display unit DSP and the opposite side of the window module WM can move by the sliding. The opposite side of the display unit DSP and the opposite side of the window module WM can move along the second receiving groove GR2c (for example, along both the sliding direction and the thickness direction) (such as moving from the second sub-groove GR2-2c to the first sub-groove GR2-1c). The area of ​​the second portion PT2c overlapping with the third bracket BR3c can be increased. The opposite side of the display unit DSP and the opposite side of the window module WM can be defined as the side facing the third bracket BR3c.

[0387] As the display unit DSP and the window module WM move, the track CTc connected to the display unit DSP can move along the outer surface of the wheel WHc. The track CTc may include a first track portion CT1c, a bent track portion CBTc, and a second track portion CT2c. Specifically, a portion of the second track portion CT2c may move along the outer surface of the wheel WHc onto the upper surface BR1-U1c of the first bracket BR1c. The upper surface BR1-Uc of the first bracket BR1c may include an upper surface 1-1BR1-U1c as a first upper surface portion and an upper surface 1-2BR1-U2c as a second upper surface portion. Therefore, when the electronic device EDe is curled, the length of the second track portion CT2c may be reduced. When the electronic device EDe is curled, the length of the first track portion CT1c may be increased.

[0388] Even if the electronic device EDe repeatedly performs rolling and unrolling operations, the sixth guide member GPf can enable the display unit DSP and the window module WM to move along the second receiving groove GR2c (e.g., in both the sliding direction and the thickness direction) without moving out of the first bracket BR1c and the third bracket BR3c. Therefore, the window module WM and the display module DM may not be separated from the bracket EDC (refer to Figure 3 ). Therefore, the curling reliability of the electronic device EDe can be improved.

[0389] Reference FIG. 15A to FIG. 15E , Fig.22A and Fig. 22B , Fig.22A and Fig. 22B The electronic device EDe is shown to include a sixth guide component GPf. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, although not shown, Fig.22A and Fig. 22B The electronic device EDe shown in FIG. 1 may include FIG. 15A to FIG. 15E In this case, when the electronic device EDe is in the inner curled state, the second guide member GPb may be in the second state. When the electronic device EDe is in the non-curled state, the second guide member GPb may be in the first state.

[0390] Reference Fig.16 , Fig.22A and Fig. 22B , although not shown, Fig.22A and Fig. 22B The electronic device EDe shown in FIG. 1 may include Fig.16 In this case, when the electronic device EDe is changed from the non-rolled state to the in-rolled state, the third guide member GPc may rotate in the clockwise direction around a rotation axis parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0391] In an embodiment, a display device includes: a display panel capable of folding around a folding axis, the display panel including a first panel portion, a bending panel portion, and a second panel portion arranged in a first direction, the folding axis being defined in the first panel portion, the display panel being bent at the bending panel portion, and the folding axis of the display panel extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a window provided on the display panel, the window including a first window portion adjacent to the bending panel portion and a second window portion spaced apart from the first window portion along the first direction; and a bracket, the display panel and the window being received in the bracket, the bracket including a first bracket, a second bracket, and a third bracket, the first bracket corresponding to the first panel portion, the bending panel portion, and the second panel portion, the second bracket extending from the first bracket toward the window and covering the first window portion, the third bracket extending from the first bracket toward the window, the third bracket spaced apart from the first bracket along the first direction, and the third bracket covering the second window portion. The folding and unfolding of the display panel around the folding axis includes movement of the second window portion within the bracket along the first direction.

[0392] In the bracket, a first receiving groove can be defined by the first bracket and the second bracket, a second receiving groove can be defined by the first bracket and the third bracket, the first window portion can extend along the second bracket along the first direction and extend into the first receiving groove, and the second window portion can extend along the third bracket and extend into the second receiving groove, and the folding and unfolding of the display panel can cause the second window portion to move along the third bracket in the second receiving groove.

[0393] Furthermore, within the bracket, a protrusion may protrude from an upper surface of the first bracket, the first receiving groove may extend between the protrusion and the second bracket, and a first adhesive member may bond the first window portion to the first bracket at the protrusion.

[0394] The edge of the third bracket may be farthest from the first bracket, and the length of the third bracket may extend from the edge of the third bracket and overlap the window, a gap may be defined between the length of the third bracket and the window overlapping with the length, the gap may be open to the outside of the display device at the edge, and the tip may be within the gap.

[0395] The guide may include a wheel between the window and the first bracket, and a track engaged with the wheel and movable along the wheel. The track may include a first track portion between the wheel and the first bracket, a second track portion between the wheel and the window, and a bent track portion connecting the first track portion and the second track portion to each other. The unfolded display panel may include: the first track portion having a length extending along the first bracket; the second track portion having a length extending along the window; and the second window portion, in the second receiving groove, the second window portion having a length extending along the third bracket.

[0396] The inner folding of the display panel may include: the first display area and the second display area of ​​the first panel portion face each other; the length of the first rail portion increases; the length of the second rail portion decreases; and in the second receiving groove, the second window portion moves toward the first bracket and increases the length of the second window portion (for example, Fig.12 The structure in Fig. 13B structure in ).

[0397] The outward folding of the display panel may include: the first display area and the second display area of ​​the first panel portion are opposite to each other; the length of the first track portion is reduced; the length of the second track portion is increased; and in the second receiving groove, the second window portion moves away from the first bracket and reduces the length of the second window portion (for example, Fig.19B The structure in Fig.19D structure in ).

[0398] The guide member may include a first guide plate and a second guide plate, the first guide plate being connected to the first bracket and defining a guide slot of the first guide plate, the second guide plate being connected to the display panel, the second guide plate including a guide rib capable of moving in the first direction along the guide slot. The unfolded display panel may include the guide rib having a length within the guide slot. The inward folding of the display panel may include: the length of the guide rib is reduced; and within the second receiving slot, the second window portion moves toward the first bracket and increases the length of the second window portion (for example, Fig.15A The structure in Fig.15E structure in ).

[0399] The guide may include a roller between the second window portion and the first bracket, and the unfolded display panel may include the second window portion in the second receiving groove, the second window portion having a length extending along the third bracket, the length extending from the roller to an end of the window at the second window portion. The inner folding of the display panel may include: in the second receiving groove; and the second window portion moves toward the first bracket along the roller and increases the length of the second window portion (for example, Fig.16 structure in ).

[0400] In an embodiment, a display device may include: a display panel including a display area, the display panel being capable of curling at the display area; a window capable of curling together with the display panel, the window including a first window portion and a second window portion spaced apart from each other in a first direction; and a bracket, the display panel and the window being received in the bracket, the bracket including a first bracket, a second bracket, a third bracket, a first receiving groove and a second receiving groove, the first bracket corresponding to the display area, the first window portion and the second window portion, the second bracket extending from the first bracket, and the first window portion extending along the second bracket, the third bracket extending from the first bracket, opposite to the second bracket along the first direction, and the second window portion extending along the third bracket to have a length overlapping with the third bracket, the first receiving groove being defined by the first bracket and the second bracket and the first window portion extending into the first receiving groove, the second receiving groove being defined by the first bracket and the third bracket and the second window portion extending into the second receiving groove. The curling and uncurling (or inner curling and outer curling) of the display panel include a change in the length of the second window portion overlapping with the third bracket.

[0401] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the electronic device EDa is folded, one of the opposite sides of the display panel DP facing away from each other in the first direction DR1 can be bent and moved along the receiving space in the housing (e.g., the bracket EDC). Therefore, the width of the bracket EDC defined along the sliding direction (or curling direction), which is used to hide the layer sliding along the receiving space at one side of the display panel DP, can be reduced. In addition, the opposite sides of the display panel DP facing away from each other in the second direction DR2 and not sliding may not be covered by the bracket EDC and may be exposed to the outside of the housing. Therefore, the plane area defined between the inner surface of the housing at the display surface DSa of the display panel DP can be increased.

[0402] In addition, the guide member GPa may enable one side of the display panel DP to move into the bracket EDC without being separated from the bracket EDC to the outside. Therefore, the folding reliability of the electronic device EDa may be improved.

[0403] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein: The display device comprises: A display panel capable of being folded about a folding axis, the display panel comprising a first panel portion, a bent panel portion, and a second panel portion arranged in a first direction, the folding axis being defined in the first panel portion, the display panel being bent at the bent panel portion, and the folding axis of the display panel extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a window disposed on the display panel, the window comprising a first window portion adjacent to the bent panel portion and a second window portion spaced apart from the first window portion along the first direction; and a bracket in which the display panel and the window are received, the bracket comprising: A first bracket, corresponding to the first panel portion, the bent panel portion and the second panel portion; a second bracket extending from the first bracket toward the window and covering the first window portion; and a third bracket, the third bracket extending from the first bracket toward the window, the third bracket being spaced apart from the second bracket along the first direction, and the third bracket covering the second window portion, Wherein, the folding and unfolding of the display panel around the folding axis includes the movement of the second window portion in the bracket along the first direction.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display device further includes a molding member between the window and the bracket, in, The display panel bent at the bent panel portion includes the second panel portion overlapping the first panel portion, and The molding member covers the bent panel portion that is bent and the second panel portion that overlaps the first panel portion.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: In the bracket: A first receiving slot is defined by the first bracket and the second bracket, The second receiving slot is defined by the first bracket and the third bracket, The first window portion extends along the second bracket along the first direction and extends into the first receiving groove, and The second window portion extends along the third bracket and extends into the second receiving groove, and The folding and unfolding of the display panel causes the second window portion to move along the third bracket in the second receiving groove.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The display device further comprises in the bracket: a protrusion protruding from an upper surface of the first bracket, The first receiving slot extends between the protrusion and the second bracket, and A first adhesive member bonds the first window portion to the first bracket at the protrusion.

5. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The first panel portion of the display panel includes a first display area and a second display area at opposite sides of the folding axis.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The display device further includes: a guide within the bracket between the window and the first bracket, and the movement of the window is guided along the first direction along the guide.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The guide member comprises: a wheel between the window and the first bracket, and a track, the track being engaged with the wheel and being movable along the wheel, the track comprising: a first rail portion, between the wheel and the first bracket, a second track portion between the wheel and the window, and a bent rail portion connecting the first rail portion and the second rail portion to each other; and The unfolded display panel includes: The first rail portion has a length extending along the first bracket, The second rail portion has a length extending along the window, and The second window portion is in the second receiving groove, and has a length extending along the third bracket.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The inner folding of the display panel comprises: The first display area and the second display area of ​​the first panel portion face each other, The length of the first rail portion increases, the length of the second rail portion is reduced, and In the second receiving groove, the second window portion moves toward the first bracket and the length of the second window portion increases.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The outer folding of the display panel comprises: The first display area and the second display area of ​​the first panel portion face away from each other, the length of the first rail portion is reduced, the length of the second rail portion is increased, and In the second receiving groove, the second window portion moves away from the first bracket and the length of the second window portion is reduced.

10. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The guide member comprises: a first guide plate connected to the first bracket and defining a guide slot of the first guide plate; and a second guide plate connected to the display panel, the second guide plate comprising a guide rib movable in the first direction along the guide groove, and The unfolded display panel includes: The guide rib has a length within the guide slot, and The second window portion is in the second receiving groove, and has a length extending along the third bracket.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The inner folding of the display panel comprises: The first display area and the second display area of ​​the first panel portion face each other, The length of the guide rib is reduced, and In the second receiving groove, the second window portion moves toward the first bracket and the length of the second window portion increases.

12. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The outer folding of the display panel comprises: The first display area and the second display area face away from each other, The length of the guide rib is increased, and In the second receiving groove, the second window portion moves away from the first bracket and the length of the second window portion is reduced.

13. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The guide member includes a roller between the second window portion and the first bracket, and The unfolded display panel includes, in the second receiving groove, the second window portion having a length extending along the third bracket, the length extending from the roller to one end of the window at the second window portion.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: The inner folding of the display panel comprises: The first display area and the second display area of ​​the first panel portion face each other, and In the second receiving groove, the second window portion moves toward the first bracket along the roller and increases the length of the second window portion.

15. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: The outer folding of the display panel comprises: The first display area and the second display area face away from each other, and In the second receiving groove, the second window portion moves away from the first bracket along the roller and the length of the second window portion is reduced.

16. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The bracket further includes a fourth bracket disposed on the first bracket and extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the fourth bracket including: a plurality of first side walls, which are arranged on two opposite sides of the first bracket in the second direction and have a first width along the second direction, a plurality of second side walls extending respectively from the plurality of upper surfaces of the plurality of first side walls and having a second width in the second direction, and The first width is greater than the second width, and The window further includes a third window portion extending farther than the display panel in the second direction and overlapping the plurality of upper surfaces of the plurality of first side walls.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein: The display device further includes a second adhesive member between the plurality of first side walls and the third window portion and respectively bonding the plurality of first side walls and the window to each other.

18. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display device further includes: an edge of the third bracket farthest from the first bracket, and a length of the third bracket extending from the edge of the third bracket and overlapping the window, a gap defined between the length of the third bracket and the window overlapped by the length, the gap opening to the outside of the display device at the edge, and A tip portion is within the gap.

19. A display device, wherein: The display device comprises: A display panel comprising a display area, wherein the display panel is capable of being rolled at the display area; a window disposed on the display panel, the window comprising a first window portion and a second window portion spaced apart from each other in a first direction; and a bracket in which the display panel and the window are received, the bracket comprising: A first bracket is arranged under the display panel, a second bracket, the second bracket extending from the first bracket, and the first window portion extending along the second bracket, a third bracket extending from the first bracket and being opposite to the second bracket along the first direction, and the second window portion extending along the third bracket to have a length overlapping with the third bracket, a first receiving groove defined by the first bracket and the second bracket and into which the first window portion extends, and a second receiving groove, defined by the first bracket and the third bracket and into which the second window portion extends; The curling and uncurling of the display panel includes a change in the length of the second window portion overlapping with the third bracket.

20. The display device according to claim 19, wherein: The display panel is capable of being rolled around a rolling axis extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

21. The display device according to claim 20, wherein: The display device further includes a guide within the bracket, the guide being between the window and the first bracket, and movement of the window is guided along the first direction along the guide.

22. The display device according to claim 21, wherein: The guide member comprises: a wheel between the window and the first bracket, and a track engaged with the wheel and movable along the wheel, The track includes: a first rail portion, between the wheel and the first bracket, a second track portion between the wheel and the window, and a bent rail portion connecting the first rail portion and the second rail portion to each other; and The uncurled display panel comprises: The first rail portion has a length extending along the first bracket, and The second rail portion has a length extending along the window.

23. The display device according to claim 22, wherein: The outer curling of the display panel comprises: The display area is exposed to the outside of the display panel, the length of the first rail portion is reduced, the length of the second rail portion is increased, and In the second receiving groove, the second window portion moves away from the first bracket and the length of the second window portion is reduced.

24. The display device according to claim 22, wherein: The inner curling of the display panel includes: The display area is not exposed to the outside of the display panel, The length of the first rail portion increases, the length of the second rail portion is reduced, and In the second receiving groove, the second window portion moves toward the first bracket and the length of the second window portion increases.

25. The display device according to claim 21, wherein: The guide member comprises: a first guide plate connected to the first bracket and defining a guide slot of the first guide plate; and a second guide plate connected to the display panel, the second guide plate comprising a guide rib movable in the first direction along the guide groove, and The uncurled display panel includes the guide rib having a length within the guide groove.

26. The display device according to claim 25, wherein: The outer curling of the display panel comprises: The display area is exposed to the outside of the display panel, The length of the guide rib is increased, and In the second receiving groove, the second window portion moves away from the first bracket and the length of the second window portion is reduced.

27. The display device according to claim 25, wherein: The inner curling of the display panel includes: The display area is not exposed to the outside of the display panel, The length of the guide rib is reduced, and In the second receiving groove, the second window portion moves toward the first bracket and the length of the second window portion increases.

28. The display device according to claim 21, wherein: The guide member includes a roller between the second window portion and the first bracket, and The uncurled display panel includes the length of the second window portion extending from the roller to one end of the window at the second window portion.

29. The display device according to claim 28, wherein: The outer curling of the display panel comprises: The display area is exposed to the outside of the display panel, and In the second receiving groove, the second window portion moves along the roller and away from the first bracket and the length of the second window portion is reduced.

30. The display device according to claim 28, wherein: The inner curling of the display panel includes: The display area is not exposed to the outside of the display panel, and In the second receiving groove, the second window portion moves along the roller toward the first bracket and increases the length of the second window portion.

31. The display device according to claim 19, wherein: The display device further comprises in the bracket: a protrusion protruding from an upper surface of the first bracket, The first receiving slot extends between the protrusion and the second bracket, and A first adhesive member joins the first window portion to the first bracket at the protrusion.

32. The display device according to claim 19, wherein: The bracket further includes a fourth bracket disposed on the first bracket and extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the fourth bracket including: a plurality of first side walls, the plurality of first side walls being opposite to each other along a second direction intersecting the first direction and having a first width along the second direction, and a plurality of second side walls extending respectively from the plurality of upper surfaces of the plurality of first side walls and having a second width in the second direction, and The first width is greater than the second width, and The window further includes a third window portion extending further than the display panel in the second direction and overlapping the plurality of upper surfaces of the plurality of first side walls.

33. The display device according to claim 32, wherein: The display device further includes a second adhesive member between the plurality of first side walls and the window and respectively bonding the plurality of first side walls and the window to each other.

34. The display device according to claim 19, wherein: The display device further includes: an edge of the third bracket farthest from the first bracket, and a length of the third bracket extending from the edge of the third bracket and overlapping the window, a gap defined between the length of the third bracket and the window overlapped by the length, the gap opening to the outside of the display device at the edge, and A tip portion is within the gap.

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