Display device

Abstract

A display device is disclosed. The display device includes a substrate including a display area and a non-display area, a display layer disposed on the substrate and overlapping the display area, and a support plate disposed under the substrate. The support plate includes a first region disposed on a rear surface of the display layer, a second region connected to the first region and including a lattice pattern, and a third region connected to the second region and disposed on a rear surface of the first region. The second region is curved and overlaps a curved region of the non-display region of the substrate.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0107657 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 17, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments relate to a display device having a bendable area. Background Art

[0004] The display device may include pixels, and display an image on a display screen by controlling the brightness of each pixel. The display device may include a touch sensing unit capable of sensing a user's touch. The display device may include a display panel on which pixels are formed. The touch sensor may be provided on the display panel. For example, the display panel may include a touch sensing unit, or a panel including a touch sensing unit may be attached to the display panel.

[0005] The display device may include a flexible printed circuit board that transmits a signal for driving the pixel and a signal for driving the touch sensing unit to the display panel. Summary of the invention

[0006] Embodiments provide a display device including a substrate having a bendable region and capable of improving impact resistance in the bendable region of the substrate.

[0007] However, the embodiments are not limited to those set forth herein. The above and other embodiments will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains by referring to the detailed description of the present disclosure given below.

[0008] According to an embodiment, a display device may include a substrate including a display area and a non-display area, a display layer disposed on the substrate and overlapping the display area, and a support plate disposed under the substrate, the support plate may include a first region disposed on a rear surface of the display layer, a second region connected to the first region and including a lattice pattern, and a third region connected to the second region and disposed on the rear surface of the first region, and the second region may be bent and may overlap with a bent region of the non-display area of ​​the substrate.

[0009] The bent region of the substrate and the second area of ​​the support plate may not be coupled to each other.

[0010] The bent region of the substrate and the second area of ​​the support plate may be spaced apart from each other.

[0011] The display device may further include an adhesive layer disposed between the first region of the support plate and the substrate and between the third region of the support plate and the substrate.

[0012] The display device may further include a buffer layer disposed between the first region and the third region of the support plate.

[0013] The first region, the second region and the third region of the support plate may have the same thickness.

[0014] The thickness of the second region of the support plate may be smaller than the thickness of the first region of the support plate.

[0015] The thickness of the third region of the support plate may be smaller than the thickness of the first region of the support plate.

[0016] The thicknesses of the second and third regions of the support plate may be the same as each other.

[0017] When the support plate is unfolded, an upper surface of the second region of the support plate may be coplanar with upper surfaces of the first region and upper surfaces of the third region of the support plate.

[0018] When the support plate is in an unfolded state, a lower surface of the second region of the support plate may be coplanar with lower surfaces of the first region and lower surfaces of the third region of the support plate.

[0019] The display device may further include an auxiliary buffer layer disposed between the substrate and the second region of the support plate.

[0020] According to an embodiment, a display device may include a substrate including a display area and a non-display area, a display layer arranged on the substrate and overlapping the display area, and a support plate arranged under the substrate, wherein the support plate may include a first area arranged on a rear surface of the display layer, a second area connected to the first area and including a lattice pattern, and a third area connected to the second area and arranged on the rear surface of the first area, the first area of ​​the support plate and the substrate may be connected by an adhesive layer, the third area of ​​the support plate and the substrate may be connected by an adhesive layer, and a separation space may be set between the second area of ​​the support plate and the substrate.

[0021] The display device may further include a buffer layer disposed between the first region and the third region of the support plate.

[0022] The first region, the second region and the third region of the support plate may have the same thickness.

[0023] The thickness of the second region of the support plate may be smaller than the thickness of the first region of the support plate.

[0024] The thickness of the third region of the support plate may be smaller than the thickness of the first region of the support plate.

[0025] The thicknesses of the second and third regions of the support plate may be the same as each other.

[0026] In a state in which the support plate is unfolded, an upper surface of the second region of the support plate may be coplanar with upper surfaces of the first region and upper surfaces of the third region of the support plate.

[0027] In a state in which the support plate is unfolded, a lower surface of the second region of the support plate may be coplanar with lower surfaces of the first region and lower surfaces of the third region of the support plate.

[0028] According to an embodiment, a display device may include a bendable region, and can improve impact resistance in the bendable region. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a use state of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 is an exploded schematic perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating a display device according to another embodiment.

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a partial region of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of a support plate according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a support plate according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial region of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0036] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a support plate according to another embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial region of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0038] Fig.10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a support plate according to another embodiment.

[0039] Fig.11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial region of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0040] Fig.12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a support plate according to another embodiment.

[0041] Fig.13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial region of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0042] Fig.14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a support plate according to another embodiment.

[0043] Fig.15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial region of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0044] Fig.16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a support plate according to another embodiment.

[0045] Fig.17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial region of a display device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments or implementations of the present invention. As used herein, "embodiment" and "implementation" are interchangeable words, which are non-limiting examples of the device or method disclosed herein. However, it is obvious that various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. Here, various embodiments do not have to be exclusive, nor do they have to limit the present disclosure. For example, the specific shape, configuration and characteristics of the embodiment can be used or implemented in another embodiment.

[0047] Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated embodiments are understood to provide features of the present invention. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions and / or aspects of the various embodiments, etc. (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as "elements") may be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged in other ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0048] The use of cross hatching and / or shading in the drawings is generally to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the presence or absence of cross hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material property, size, ratio, commonality between the illustrated elements and / or any other characteristics, attributes, properties, etc. of the elements. In addition, in the drawings, the size and relative size of the elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of clarity and / or description. When the embodiment can be implemented differently, the specific processing sequence may be performed differently from the described sequence. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously or in an order opposite to the described order. In addition, similar reference numerals represent similar elements.

[0049] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly connected to or directly coupled to another element or layer, or there may be an intervening element or layer. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For this purpose, the term "connected" may refer to a physical, electrical and / or fluid connection with or without an intervening element. In addition, the axis of the first direction DR1, the axis of the second direction DR2, and the axis of the third direction DR3 are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, such as the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis, and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the axis of the first direction DR1, the axis of the second direction DR2, and the axis of the third direction DR3 may be perpendicular to each other, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purpose of this disclosure, "at least one of A and B" may be understood to mean only A, only B, or any combination of A and B. Furthermore, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” may be interpreted as any combination of only X, only Y, only Z, or two or more of X, Y, and Z. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0050] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used to describe various types of elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another element. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element.

[0051] Spatially relative terms such as "beneath," "below," "under," "lower," "above," "upper," "over," "higher," "side" (e.g., in a "sidewall"), and the like may be used herein for descriptive purposes, and thus to describe the relationship of one element to another element(s) as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, elements described as being "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would be oriented as being "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can include both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and thus, the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0052] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. In addition, the terms "comprise", "comprising", "include" and / or "including" when used in this specification specify the presence of the features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially", "about" and other similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are therefore used to illustrate the inherent deviations in the measured values, calculated values ​​and / or provided values ​​that will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0053] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations and / or exploded illustrations, which are schematic illustrations of embodiments and / or intermediate structures. As such, it is expected that the shapes of the illustrations will vary due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Thus, the embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily to be construed as limited to the shapes of the particular illustrated regions, but rather include deviations in shape due to, for example, manufacturing. In this manner, the regions illustrated in the accompanying drawings may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of the regions of the device, and therefore, are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0054] According to the convention in the art, some embodiments are described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings in the form of functional blocks, units and / or modules. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that these blocks, units and / or modules are physically implemented by electronic (or optical) circuits (such as logic circuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hard-wired circuits, memory elements, wiring connections, etc.), which can be formed using semiconductor-based manufacturing techniques or other manufacturing techniques. In the case where blocks, units and / or modules are implemented by microprocessors or other similar hardware, blocks, units and / or modules can be programmed and controlled using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the various functions discussed herein, and can be optionally driven by firmware and / or software. It is also envisioned that each block, unit and / or module can be implemented by dedicated hardware, or as a combination of dedicated hardware that performs some functions and processors that perform other functions (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and related circuits). In addition, without departing from the scope of the present invention, each block, unit and / or module of some embodiments can be physically separated into two or more interacting and discrete blocks, units and / or modules. Furthermore, the blocks, units and / or modules of some embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks, units and / or modules without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0055] In the following, we will Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic structure of the display device 1000 is described.

[0056] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a use state of a display device 1000 according to an embodiment, and Figure 2 is an exploded schematic perspective view of a display device 1000 according to an embodiment.

[0057] refer to Figure 1 The display device 1000 according to the embodiment may be a device that displays a video or a still image, and may be used as a display screen for various products such as mobile phones, smart phones, tablet personal computers (PCs), mobile communication terminals, electronic notebooks, electronic books, portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation devices, ultra mobile personal computers (UMPCs), as well as televisions, notebook computers, monitors, billboards, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

[0058] For example, the display device 1000 according to the embodiment may be a wearable device such as a smart watch, a watch phone, a glasses type display, and a head mounted display (HMD).

[0059] For example, the display device 1000 according to the embodiment may include a dashboard of a vehicle, a central information display (CID) provided on a central instrument panel or dashboard of the vehicle, and an interior mirror display for entertainment of a rear seat of the vehicle as a substitute for a side mirror of the vehicle, and may be used as a display provided on the back of a front seat. For ease of explanation, Figure 1 It is illustrated that the display device 1000 is used as a smartphone.

[0060] The display device 1000 may display an image in a third direction DR3 on a display surface parallel to each of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The display surface on which the image is displayed may correspond to the front surface of the display device 1000, and may correspond to the front surface of the cover window CW. The image may include a still image as well as a dynamic image.

[0061] In an embodiment, the front surface (or upper surface) and the rear surface (or lower surface) of each member are defined based on the direction in which an image is displayed. The front surface and the rear surface may be opposite to each other in the third direction DR3, and the normal direction of each of the front surface and the rear surface may be parallel to the third direction DR3. The separation distance between the front surface and the rear surface in the third direction DR3 may correspond to the thickness of the display panel DP in the third direction DR3.

[0062] The display device 1000 according to the embodiment may detect a user's input applied from the outside (refer to Figure 1 The user's input may include various types of external inputs, such as a part of the user's body, light, heat, or pressure. In an embodiment, the user's input is shown as the user's hand applied to the front surface of the display device 1000. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The user's input may be provided in various forms, and the display device 1000 may detect the user's input applied to the side surface or the rear surface of the display device 1000 according to the structure of the display device 1000.

[0063] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the display device 1000 may include a cover window CW, a housing HM, a display panel DP, and an optical element ES. In an implementation, the cover window CW and the housing HM may be combined to form the exterior of the display device 1000.

[0064] The cover window CW may include an insulating panel. For example, the cover window CW may be made of glass, plastic, or a combination thereof.

[0065] The front surface of the cover window CW may define the front surface of the display device 1000. The transmissive area TA may be an optically transparent area. For example, the transmissive area TA may have a visible light transmittance of about 90% or more.

[0066] The blocking area BBA may define the shape of the transmission area TA. The blocking area BBA may be adjacent to the transmission area TA and surround the transmission area TA. The blocking area BBA may have a relatively low light transmittance compared to the transmission area TA. The blocking area BBA may include an opaque material that blocks light. The blocking area BBA may have a specific color. The blocking area BBA may be defined by a frame layer provided separately from the transparent substrate defining the transmission area TA, or may be defined by an ink layer inserted into the transparent substrate or colored in the transparent substrate.

[0067] The display panel DP may include pixels PX displaying an image and a driving unit 50, and the pixels PX may be disposed in a display area DA and an assembly area EA. The display panel DP may include a front surface including a display area DA and a non-display area PA. In an embodiment, the display area DA and the assembly area EA may be areas in which an image is displayed using the pixels PX, and may be areas in which an external input is sensed using a touch sensor positioned above the pixels PX in the third direction DR3.

[0068] The transmissive area TA of the cover window CW may at least partially overlap the display area DA and the assembly area EA of the display panel DP. For example, the transmissive area TA may overlap the entire surface of the display area DA and the assembly area EA, or may overlap at least a portion of the display area DA and the assembly area EA.

[0069] Therefore, the user can view an image through the transmissive area TA, or provide an external input based on the image. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. In another example, the area in which the image is displayed and the area in which the external input is sensed may be separated from each other.

[0070] The non-display area PA of the display panel DP may at least partially overlap with the blocking area BBA of the cover window CW. The non-display area PA may be an area covered by the blocking area BBA. The non-display area PA may be adjacent to the display area DA and may surround the display area DA. An image may not be displayed in the non-display area PA, and a driving circuit and / or driving line for driving the display area DA may be disposed in the non-display area PA. The non-display area PA may include a first non-display area PA1 disposed outside the display area DA and a second non-display area PA2 including a driving unit 50, a connecting line and a bending area BA. Figure 2 In an embodiment of the present invention, the first non-display area PA1 may be disposed on a side (eg, three sides) of the display area DA, and the second non-display area PA2 may be disposed on the remaining side of the display area DA.

[0071] A portion of the non-display area PA of the display panel DP may be bent. For example, some of the non-display area PA may face the back of the display device 1000. Thus, the non-display area PA may be reduced and minimized. Figure 2 The blocking area BBA is shown on the front of the display device 1000. For example, the second non-display area PA2 may be assembled after being bent and positioned on the back of the display area DA.

[0072] For example, the component area EA of the display panel DP may include a first component area EA1 and a second component area EA2. The first component area EA1 and the second component area EA2 may be at least partially surrounded by the display area DA. The first component area EA1 and the second component area EA2 are illustrated as being spaced apart from each other. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the first component area EA1 and the second component area EA2 may be at least partially connected to each other. The first component area EA1 and the second component area EA2 may be areas in which / under which optical elements operating using infrared light, visible light, or sound are disposed (see Figure 2 The area of ​​the optical element ES; hereinafter referred to as the component).

[0073] The display area DA (hereinafter also referred to as the main display area) and the assembly area EA may include a light emitting diode and a pixel circuit unit. The light emitting diode may emit light according to a current generated and controlled by the pixel circuit unit. For example, one light emitting diode and one pixel circuit unit are referred to as a pixel PX. One pixel circuit unit and one light emitting diode may be formed one-to-one in the display area DA and the assembly area EA.

[0074] The first component area EA1 may include a display layer including pixels PX and a transmissive portion. For example, light and / or sound may pass through the transmissive portion. The transmissive portion may be positioned between adjacent pixels PX and may be composed of a layer that transmits light and / or sound. According to an embodiment, a layer that does not transmit light (such as a light blocking member) may overlap the first component area EA1. The number of pixels per unit area (hereinafter referred to as resolution) of the pixels PX (hereinafter referred to as normal pixels) included in the display area DA and the number of pixels per unit area of ​​the pixels PX (hereinafter referred to as first component pixels) included in the first component area EA1 may be the same as each other.

[0075] The second component area EA2 may include an area made of a transparent layer so that light can pass through the area (hereinafter referred to as a light transmission area). The light transmission area may not include a conductive layer or a semiconductor layer. For example, a layer including a light blocking material (e.g., a pixel defining layer and / or a light blocking member) may have a structure that does not block light due to an opening overlapping with the second component area EA2. The number of pixels per unit area of ​​the pixels PX (hereinafter referred to as second component pixels) included in the second component area EA2 may be less than the number of pixels per unit area of ​​the normal pixels included in the display area DA. Therefore, the resolution of the second component pixels included in the second component area EA2 may be lower than the resolution of the normal pixels included in the display area DA.

[0076] The second non-display area PA2 may include a bent portion. The display area DA and the first non-display area PA1 may be flat and substantially parallel to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The side of the second non-display area PA2 may extend in a flat state, may pass through the bent portion (or may extend in a bent state), and may then extend again in a flat state. Therefore, at least a portion of the second non-display area PA2 may be bent and assembled to be positioned on the rear side of the display area DA. Since at least a portion of the second non-display area PA2 overlaps with the display area DA in a plan view when assembled, the blocking area BBA of the display device 1000 may be reduced.

[0077] The driving unit 50 may be mounted on the second non-display area PA2, and may be mounted on the bent portion, or may be positioned on the side of the bent portion. The driving unit 50 may be implemented as a chip.

[0078] The driving unit 50 may be electrically connected to the display area DA and the assembly area EA, and may send electrical signals to the pixels PX in the display area DA and the assembly area EA. For example, the driving unit 50 may provide a data signal to the pixels PX disposed in the display area DA. In another example, the driving unit 50 may include a touch driving circuit, and may be electrically connected to a touch sensor disposed in the display area DA and / or the assembly area EA. For example, in addition to the above-mentioned circuits, the driving unit 50 may also include various circuits, or may be designed to provide various electrical signals to the display area DA.

[0079] For example, the display device 1000 may have a pad portion disposed at the end of the second non-display area PA2, and may be electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) including a driving chip through the pad portion. For example, the driving chip positioned on the flexible printed circuit board may include various driving circuits for driving the display device 1000 or a connector for power supply. According to an embodiment, a rigid printed circuit board (PCB) may be used instead of the flexible printed circuit board.

[0080] The optical element ES may be disposed below the display panel DP. The optical element ES may include a first optical element ES1 overlapping the first assembly area EA1 and a second optical element ES2 overlapping the second assembly area EA2. The first optical element ES1 may use infrared light. In the case where the first optical element ES1 uses infrared light, a layer through which light is not transmitted (e.g., a light blocking member) may overlap the first assembly area EA1.

[0081] The first optical element ES1 may be an electronic element using light or sound. For example, the first optical element ES1 may include a sensor that receives and uses light (e.g., an infrared sensor), a sensor that outputs and detects light or sound to measure distance or recognize fingerprints, a small lamp that outputs light, and a speaker that outputs sound, etc. In the case of an electronic element using light, light of various wavelengths such as visible light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light may be used.

[0082] The second optical element ES2 may include at least one of a camera, an infrared (IR) camera, a dot projector, an IR illuminator, and a time-of-flight detector (ToF).

[0083] The housing HM may be connected to the cover window CW. The cover window CW may be provided on the front surface of the housing HM. The housing HM may be coupled to the cover window CW to provide an accommodation space. The display panel DP and the optical element ES may be accommodated in the accommodation space provided between the housing HM and the cover window CW.

[0084] The housing HM may include a material having relatively high rigidity. For example, the housing HM may include a frame and / or a plate made of glass, plastic, metal, or a combination thereof. The housing HM may stably protect the components of the display device 1000 accommodated in the internal space from external impact.

[0085] In the following, we will Figure 3 A structure of a display device 1000 according to another embodiment is described. Figure 3 1 is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating a display device 1000 according to another embodiment. For the convenience of description, descriptions of components identical to those described above will be omitted, and Figure 3 The embodiment illustrates a foldable display device having a structure in which the display device 1000 is folded by a folding axis FAX.

[0086] refer to Figure 3In an embodiment, the display device 1000 may be a foldable display device. The display device 1000 may be folded outward or inward relative to the folding axis FAX. In the case where the display device 1000 is folded outward relative to the folding axis FAX, the display surface of the display device 1000 may be positioned on the outside in the third direction DR3, so that images may be displayed in multiple directions (e.g., opposite directions). In the case where the display device 1000 is folded inward relative to the folding axis FAX, the display surface may not be visually recognized from the outside.

[0087] In an embodiment, the display device 1000 may include a display area DA, an assembly area EA, and a non-display area PA. The display area DA may be divided into a (1-1)th display area DA1-1, a (1-2)th display area DA1-2, and a folding area FA. The (1-1)th display area DA1-1 and the (1-2)th display area DA1-2 may be respectively arranged (or symmetrically arranged) on the left and right sides of the folding axis FAX, and the folding area FA may be positioned between the (1-1)th display area DA1-1 and the (1-2)th display area DA1-2. For example, in a case where the display device 1000 is folded outward based on the folding axis FAX, the (1-1)th display area DA1-1 and the (1-2)th display area DA1-2 may be arranged on the side (e.g., opposite sides) in the third direction DR3, and images may be displayed in multiple directions (e.g., opposite directions). For example, in a case where the display device 1000 is folded inwardly with respect to the folding axis FAX, the (1-1)th display area DA1-1 and the (1-2)th display area DA1-2 may not be visually recognized from the outside.

[0088] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 A display device 1000 according to an embodiment is described. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a partial region of a display device 1000 according to an embodiment, Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of a support plate PL according to an embodiment, and Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a support plate PL according to an embodiment.

[0089] Figure 4 An area BA in which the substrate SUB is bent among the non-display area PA of the display panel DP according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0090] The cover window CW may be positioned above the display panel DP. The cover window CW may cover an upper portion of the display panel DP. The cover window CW may protect an upper surface of the display panel DP.

[0091] The cover window CW may include a base layer CW1 and a protective layer CW2. In an embodiment, the base layer CW1 may be made of a transparent material. For example, the base layer CW1 may include glass, a transparent synthetic resin, etc. The base layer CW1 may include one or more layers.

[0092] The protective layer CW2 may be disposed on the upper surface of the base layer CW1 to prevent or minimize the occurrence of scratches on the base layer CW1. The opaque layer CWa may be disposed on a portion of the protective layer CW2. In an embodiment, the opaque layer CWa may be disposed on an edge portion of the protective layer CW2. The opaque layer CWa may block light. The opaque layer CWa may include a pattern that may be displayed to a user without displaying an image.

[0093] The cover window CW may be coupled to the display panel DP through a first adhesive layer AD1. The first adhesive layer AD1 may be a transparent adhesive material such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an optically clear adhesive (OCA).

[0094] Referring to the schematic lamination structure of the display panel DP, the display panel DP may include a display layer DL and a touch sensing unit positioned on the display layer DL. The display layer DL may include a driving element layer, a light emitting element layer, and an encapsulation layer positioned on a substrate SUB.

[0095] The substrate SUB may be a basic substrate or a basic component. The substrate SUB may be a flexible substrate including a polymer resin (such as polyimide, polyamide or polyethylene terephthalate). The driving element layer may be positioned on the substrate SUB. The driving element layer may include transistors and capacitors constituting a pixel circuit unit that outputs a driving current to the light-emitting element. The driving element layer may include a gate line, a data line, a power line, a gate control line, a fan-out line connecting a display driver and a data line, and a lead connecting a display driver and a display pad. The driving element layer may include transistors and capacitors constituting a gate driving unit and a gate control line. The driving element layer may include a conductive layer, a semiconductor layer and an insulating layer, and a combination thereof may form transistors, capacitors and signal lines and insulate the transistors, capacitors and signal lines.

[0096] The light emitting element layer may be positioned on the driving element layer and may include a light emitting element and a light emitting region corresponding to the light emitting element. The light emitting element layer may include a pixel defining layer having an opening defining the light emitting region.

[0097] The encapsulation layer (or thin film encapsulation layer) may cover the top surface and side surface (or upper surface and side surface) of the light emitting element layer and may prevent moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the light emitting element layer from the outside. The encapsulation layer may include one or more inorganic layers and one or more organic layers.

[0098] The touch sensing unit may be positioned on the encapsulation layer and may include a sensing electrode. The sensing electrode may sense a user's touch using a mutual capacitor method and / or a magnetic capacitor method.

[0099] The substrate SUB according to an embodiment may include a bending area BA bent in the non-display area PA. The bending area BA may be bent so that a portion of the non-display area PA may be disposed on the rear surface of the display layer DL.

[0100] For example, the bending protection layer BPL may be disposed at a portion where the substrate SUB is bent to prevent the substrate SUB from being broken. For example, the bending protection layer BPL may include a polymer resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI).

[0101] A portion of the substrate SUB may be bent and positioned on the rear surface of the display panel DP. The above-mentioned driving unit 50 may be disposed in a portion of the substrate SUB. For example, the bending protection layer BPL, the driving unit 50, and a portion of the substrate SUB may be covered by the cover CC. The cover CC may be used to cover at least a portion of the driving unit 50 and the flexible printed circuit board to protect them from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electrostatic discharge (ESD). For example, the cover CC may prevent the driving unit 50 from directly contacting external objects, thereby protecting the driving unit 50 from physical damage caused by friction.

[0102] The support plate PL may be positioned below the substrate SUB. The support plate PL may include a material having high rigidity, for example, copper, stainless steel (SUS), aluminum (Al), graphite, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP), glass, etc. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) may be a plastic made by impregnating carbon fiber (CF) with resin and curing it. Glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) may be a material combining glass fiber with a thermosetting resin such as unsaturated polyester or epoxy resin. The support plate PL may protect the display panel DP during the manufacturing process of the display device 1000.

[0103] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 4 , the support plate PL may include a first region PLa disposed on the rear surface of the substrate SUB, a second region PLb overlapping the bending area BA, and a third region PLc overlapping the driving unit 50. The second region PLb may be positioned between the first region PLa and the third region PLc. For example, the second region PLb may be positioned on a side of the first region PLa, and the third region PLc may be positioned on a side of the second region PLb. The third region PLc may be disposed at an edge portion of the support plate PL.

[0104] The first region PLa, the second region PLb, and the third region PLc may have a flat plate shape with a rectangular shape in a plan view. In an embodiment, the plane area of ​​the first region PLa may be greater than the plane areas of the second region PLb and the third region PLc, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The first region PLa, the second region PLb, and the third region PLc may have the same thickness.

[0105] The second region PLb may include a second grid pattern (or a second lattice pattern) SL2 overlapping the bending area BA so that the substrate SUB is easily bent in the bending area BA. For example, according to an embodiment, the first region PLa may include a metal folding area PLf in which the display device 1000 overlaps the folding area FA. The metal folding area PLf may include a first grid pattern (or a first lattice pattern) SL1 so that the support plate PL is easily bent in the folding area FA. The first grid pattern (or the first lattice pattern) SL1 may be positioned in the middle of the first region PLa, and the position of the first grid pattern (or the first lattice pattern) SL1 may be determined according to the position of the folding area FA. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0106] The first grid pattern (or first lattice pattern) SL1 and the second grid pattern (or second lattice pattern) SL2 may include a plurality of slits penetrating the support plate PL in the third direction DR3. The plurality of slits may have a strip shape extending in the second direction DR2. Each of the plurality of slits may be spaced apart from each other to form a grid pattern (or lattice pattern). The first grid pattern (or first lattice pattern) SL1 and the second grid pattern (or second lattice pattern) SL2 may be easily folded by the plurality of slits.

[0107] In the display device 1000 according to the embodiment, the user can repeatedly switch between the unfolded state (e.g., the first state) and the folded state (e.g., the second state) based on the folding area FA. The first region PLa of the support plate PL can repeatedly switch between the folded state and the unfolded state based on the first grid pattern (or the first lattice pattern) SL1. For example, the second region PLb including the second grid pattern (or the second lattice pattern) SL2 can be bent during the manufacturing process of the display device 1000, and can maintain the bent state regardless of the folding and unfolding of the display device 1000.

[0108] The folding area FA of the support plate PL may continue to repeat the folding-unfolding state more than the bending area BA during use of the display device 1000. Therefore, the first grid pattern (or first lattice pattern) SL1 may have a slit shape more suitable for folding characteristics than the second grid pattern (or second lattice pattern) SL2.

[0109] For example, a first distance between adjacent first grid patterns (or first lattice patterns) SL1 in the folding area FA may be smaller than a second distance between adjacent second grid patterns (or second lattice patterns) SL2 in the bending area BA. The first distance and the second distance represent separation distances between grid patterns along the first direction DR1.

[0110] For example, the second width of the second grid pattern (or second lattice pattern) SL2 disposed in the bending area BA of the support plate PL may be greater than the first width of the first grid pattern (or first lattice pattern) SL1 disposed in the folding area FA. The first width and the second width represent the width of the grid pattern along the first direction DR1. In the folding area FA, the larger the area of ​​the support plate PL supporting the substrate SUB, the better the characteristics of the supporting substrate SUB. Therefore, the folding area FA may support the substrate SUB more stably, and the first width of the first grid pattern (or first lattice pattern) SL1 may be less than the second width of the second grid pattern (or second lattice pattern) SL2.

[0111] However, the shapes of the first grid pattern (or first lattice pattern) SL1 and the second grid pattern (or second lattice pattern) SL2 are not limited to the above shapes, and the shapes of the first grid pattern (or first lattice pattern) SL1 and the second grid pattern (or second lattice pattern) SL2 may be changed or modified according to the needs of those skilled in the art, and the shapes of the first grid pattern (or first lattice pattern) SL1 and the second grid pattern (or second lattice pattern) SL2 may be formed differently or identically.

[0112] refer to Figure 6 The support plate PL according to the embodiment may protrude beyond the edge portion of the substrate SUB in the first direction DR1. The support plate PL may be attached to the substrate SUB during a manufacturing process to prevent the substrate SUB from colliding with other devices during the manufacturing process and being damaged.

[0113] Figure 6 The support plate PL is shown to be directly disposed on the rear side of the substrate SUB, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. In another example, the substrate SUB and the support plate PL may be coupled by an adhesive layer. Figure 4 , the second adhesive layer AD2 according to the embodiment may be positioned between the substrate SUB and the first region PLa. The second adhesive layer AD2 may couple the substrate SUB and the first region PLa. For example, the third adhesive layer AD3 may be positioned between the substrate SUB and the third region PLc. The third adhesive layer AD3 may couple the substrate SUB and the third region PLc.

[0114] The second adhesive layer AD2 and the third adhesive layer AD3 may be spaced apart from each other in the third direction DR3. The second adhesive layer AD2 and the third adhesive layer AD3 may overlap along the third direction DR3.

[0115] A separate adhesive layer may not be positioned between the second region PLb and the substrate SUB. A separation space corresponding to the thickness of the second adhesive layer AD2 and the third adhesive layer AD3 may be provided between the second region PLb and the substrate SUB.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the second region PLb and the substrate SUB may be in contact with each other, but the second region PLb and the substrate SUB may be simply disposed in contact without being coupled to each other.

[0117] The buffer layer CS may be positioned between the first region PLa and the third region PLc. A separation space may exist between the buffer layer CS and the second region PLb.

[0118] The buffer layer CS may absorb external impact to prevent damage to the display panel DP, etc. The buffer layer CS may include a material having elasticity such as a sponge formed by foaming and molding rubber, a urethane-based material, or an acrylic-based material.

[0119] Although the specification shows that the buffer layer CS is disposed between the first region PLa and the third region PLc, the buffer layer CS is not limited thereto, and according to an embodiment, the buffer layer CS may be replaced with an adhesive layer or an air gap.

[0120] In the display device 1000 according to the embodiment, the support plate PL may be provided on the rear surface of the display panel DP instead of a separate film. The support plate PL may reduce the inflow (or penetration) of impurities into the display panel DP during the manufacturing process, the occurrence of stamping during the process, or the generation of static electricity, and may simplify the process and improve the impact resistance of the display device 1000 by replacing the film. For example, as the thickness of the components provided on the rear surface of the display panel DP is reduced, a thinner display device may be realized.

[0121] The support plate PL according to the embodiment may be coupled to the substrate SUB overlapping the display area DA, and may overlap the bending area BA without being coupled to the bending area BA. In the case where the display panel DP slides, since the substrate SUB and the support plate PL are not coupled in the bending area BA, defects such as buckling or cracking may be prevented from occurring.

[0122] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 7 and Figure 8 A display device 1000 according to another embodiment is described. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial region of a display device 1000 according to another embodiment. Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a support plate PL according to another embodiment. Figure 7 and Figure 8, the support plate PL according to the embodiment may include a first region PLa overlapping the display layer DL, a second region PLb overlapping the bending area BA, and a third region PLc overlapping the driving unit 50. The second region PLb may include a second grid pattern (or second lattice pattern) SL2 overlapping the bending area BA. The second grid pattern (or second lattice pattern) SL2 may include a plurality of slits penetrating the support plate PL in the third direction DR3.

[0123] The first region PLa may have a first thickness t1, the second region PLb may have a second thickness t2, and the third region PLc may have a third thickness t3. The second thickness t2 may be smaller than the first thickness t1 and the third thickness t3. The first thickness t1 and the third thickness t3 may be the same as each other. The second region PLb may be easily bent because the second region PLb is formed to have a thin thickness while improving the impact resistance of the bending area BA.

[0124] According to an embodiment, when the support plate PL is unfolded, the upper surface of the second region PLb may be positioned on the same plane as the upper surfaces of the first region PLa and the upper surfaces of the third region PLc (or the upper surface of the second region PLb may be coplanar with the upper surfaces of the first region PLa and the upper surfaces of the third region PLc). The second region PLb may have a concave shape in a cross-sectional view compared to the first region PLa and the third region PLc.

[0125] In the following, reference will be made to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A display device 1000 according to another embodiment is described. Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial region of a display device 1000 according to another embodiment, and Fig.10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a support plate PL according to another embodiment. For convenience of description, descriptions of components identical to those described above will be omitted.

[0126] refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , the support plate PL according to the embodiment may include a first region PLa overlapping the display layer DL, a second region PLb overlapping the bending area BA, and a third region PLc overlapping the driving unit 50. The second region PLb may include a second grid pattern (or second lattice pattern) SL2 overlapping the bending area BA. The second grid pattern (or second lattice pattern) SL2 may include a plurality of slits penetrating the support plate PL in the third direction DR3.

[0127] The first region PLa may have a first thickness t1, the second region PLb may have a second thickness t2, and the third region PLc may have a third thickness t3. The second thickness t2 and the third thickness t3 may be less than the first thickness t1. The second thickness t2 and the third thickness t3 may be the same as each other. The first region PLa may protect the display panel DP disposed on the substrate SUB by being provided with a relatively thick thickness, and the second region PLb may be easily bent by being formed to have a thin thickness while improving the impact resistance of the bending area BA. For example, since the third region PLc is provided with a relatively thin thickness, the thickness of the display device 1000 may be reduced.

[0128] According to an embodiment, when the support plate PL is unfolded, the upper surface of the second zone PLb may be positioned on the same plane as the upper surfaces of the first zone PLa and the third zone PLc (or the upper surface of the second zone PLb may be coplanar with the upper surfaces of the first zone PLa and the third zone PLc).

[0129] In the following, reference will be made to Fig.11 and Fig.12 A display device 1000 according to another embodiment is described. Fig.11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial region of a display device 1000 according to another embodiment, and Fig.12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a support plate PL according to another embodiment. For convenience of description, descriptions of components identical to those described above will be omitted.

[0130] refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the support plate PL according to the embodiment may include a first region PLa overlapping the display layer DL, a second region PLb overlapping the bending area BA, and a third region PLc overlapping the driving unit 50. The second region PLb may include a second grid pattern (or second lattice pattern) SL2 overlapping the bending area BA. The second grid pattern (or second lattice pattern) SL2 may include a plurality of slits penetrating the support plate PL in the third direction DR3.

[0131] The first region PLa may have a first thickness t1, the second region PLb may have a second thickness t2, and the third region PLc may have a third thickness t3. The first thickness t1 and the third thickness t3 may be the same as each other. The second thickness t2 may be smaller than the first thickness t1 and the third thickness t3.

[0132] The second area PLb can be easily bent because the second area PLb is formed to have a thin thickness while improving the impact resistance of the bending area BA. The second area PLb may be spaced apart from the bending area BA of the substrate SUB. The second area PLb may be disposed adjacent to the buffer layer CS. For example, when the support plate PL is unfolded, the lower surface of the second area PLb may be positioned on the same plane as the lower surface of the first area PLa and the lower surface of the third area PLc (or the lower surface of the second area PLb may be coplanar with the lower surface of the first area PLa and the lower surface of the third area PLc). When the support plate PL is unfolded, the upper surface of the second area PLb may be spaced apart from the substrate SUB, and a separation space may be formed between the substrate SUB and the second area PLb. Since the separation space is formed, direct contact may not occur between the substrate SUB and the second area PLb. Therefore, when the support plate PL is bent, the impact on the substrate SUB can be reduced.

[0133] In the following, reference will be made to Fig.13 and Fig.14 A display device 1000 according to another embodiment is described. Fig.13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial region of a display device 1000 according to another embodiment, and Fig.14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a support plate PL according to another embodiment. For convenience of description, descriptions of components identical to those described above will be omitted.

[0134] refer to Fig.13 and Fig.14 , the support plate PL according to the embodiment may include a first region PLa overlapping the display layer DL, a second region PLb overlapping the bending area BA, and a third region PLc overlapping the driving unit 50. The second region PLb may include a second grid pattern (or second lattice pattern) SL2 overlapping the bending area BA. The second grid pattern (or second lattice pattern) SL2 may include a plurality of slits penetrating the support plate PL in the third direction DR3.

[0135] The first region PLa may have a first thickness t1, the second region PLb may have a second thickness t2, and the third region PLc may have a third thickness t3. The first thickness t1 and the third thickness t3 may be the same as each other. The second thickness t2 may be smaller than the first thickness t1 and the third thickness t3. The second region PLb may be easily bent because the second region PLb is formed to have a thin thickness while improving the impact resistance of the bending area BA.

[0136] The second region PLb may be spaced apart from the bending area BA of the substrate SUB. The second region PLb may be disposed adjacent to the buffer layer CS. When the support plate PL is unfolded, the lower surface of the second region PLb may be positioned on the same plane as the lower surface of the first region PLa and the lower surface of the third region PLc (or the lower surface of the second region PLb may be coplanar with the lower surface of the first region PLa and the lower surface of the third region PLc). When the support plate PL is unfolded, the upper surface of the second region PLb may be spaced apart from the substrate SUB, and a separation space may be formed between the substrate SUB and the second region PLb.

[0137] The display device 1000 according to the embodiment may further include an auxiliary buffer layer CSa positioned between the substrate SUB and the second region PLb. The auxiliary buffer layer CSa may absorb external impact. The auxiliary buffer layer CSa may include a material having elasticity such as a sponge obtained by foaming and molding rubber, a urethane-based material, or an acrylic-based material.

[0138] In the following, reference will be made to Fig.15 and Fig.16 A display device 1000 according to another embodiment is described. Fig.15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial region of a display device 1000 according to another embodiment, and Fig.16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a support plate PL according to another embodiment. For convenience of description, descriptions of components identical to those described above will be omitted.

[0139] refer to Fig.15 and Fig.16 , the support plate PL according to an embodiment may include a first region PLa overlapping the display layer DL and a third region PLc overlapping the driving unit 50 .

[0140] The support plate PL according to an embodiment may have a shape completely removed from the bending area BA. For example, the support plate PL may include first and third regions PLa and PLc having the same thickness, and the first and third regions PLa and PLc may be spaced apart from each other.

[0141] In the following, reference will be made to Fig.17 A display device 1000 according to another embodiment is described. Fig.17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial region of a display device 1000 according to another embodiment. For convenience of description, descriptions of components identical to those described above will be omitted.

[0142] refer to Fig.17, the support plate PL according to the embodiment may have a structure in which one side is folded. The support plate PL may have a curling structure overlapping the bending area BA. The support plate PL may include a first area PLa overlapping the display layer DL and a third area PLc positioned on the rear surface of the first area PLa and realizing the curling structure. The first area PLa and the third area PLc may be connected by the second area PLb. A separation space may be formed between the first area PLa and the third area PLc. The impact resistance near the bending area BA may be improved by the support plate PL including the curling structure.

[0143] The buffer layer CS according to the embodiment may be disposed under the support plate PL having the curling structure. The buffer layer CS may be positioned between the lower surface of the support plate PL and the driving unit 50.

[0144] Although the description shows an embodiment in which a separate adhesive layer is not positioned between the support plate PL and the substrate SUB and between the support plate PL and the buffer layer CS, an adhesive layer may be positioned between the support plate PL and the substrate SUB and between the support plate PL and the buffer layer CS.

[0145] In summarizing the detailed description, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing substantially from the principles, spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments are used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A substrate, the substrate comprising a display area and a non-display area; a display layer, the display layer being disposed on the substrate and overlapping the display area; as well as a support plate, the support plate being arranged below the substrate, Wherein, the support plate comprises: a first area, the first area being disposed on a rear surface of the display layer; a second region connected to the first region and including a lattice pattern; and a third area connected to the second area and disposed on a rear surface of the first area, and The second region is bent and overlaps a bent region of the non-display area of ​​the substrate.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The bent region of the substrate and the second region of the support plate are spaced apart from each other.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display device further includes an adhesive layer disposed between the first region of the support plate and the substrate and between the third region of the support plate and the substrate.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first region, the second region, and the third region of the support plate have the same thickness.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness of the second region of the support plate is smaller than the thickness of the first region of the support plate.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The thickness of the third region of the support plate is smaller than the thickness of the first region of the support plate.

7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The thickness of the second region and the thickness of the third region of the support plate are identical to each other.

8. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: When the support plate is in an unfolded state, an upper surface of the second region of the support plate is coplanar with an upper surface of the first region of the support plate and an upper surface of the third region of the support plate.

9. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: When the support plate is in an unfolded state, a lower surface of the second region of the support plate is coplanar with a lower surface of the first region of the support plate and a lower surface of the third region of the support plate.

10. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The display device further includes an auxiliary buffer layer disposed between the substrate and the second region of the support plate.

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