Display device

Abstract

The present specification relates to a display device. A display device according to an embodiment of the present specification includes: a display panel including a plurality of non-bending areas and a bending area disposed between the plurality of non-bending areas; and a support member disposed on a rear surface of the display panel, in which a tip end of the support member located in the bending area and a tip end of the support member located in the non-bending area have different shapes.

Description

[0001] Cross-application in related fields

[0002] This patent application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0114485 filed on August 30, 2023 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present specification relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device capable of improving rigidity against external impact. Background Art

[0004] Recent display devices capable of displaying various information and interacting with a user receiving the corresponding information are required to have various sizes, various shapes, and various functions.

[0005] Examples of the display device include a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, an electrophoretic display device (FPD), a light emitting diode (LED) display device, and the like.

[0006] With various uses of display devices, the display devices have various designs to reduce the area of ​​a non-display region where no image is displayed, thereby providing a user with an aesthetic appearance.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, research is being conducted to bend or curve various parts of a display device by applying a flexible material to a substrate of the display device and utilizing the flexibility of a flexible substrate.

[0008] Meanwhile, there is a problem that an external impact applied to the display device will damage the display device and cause a display panel of the display device to crack and separate.

[0009] The cracking and separation of the display panel hinder the image operation of the display area and cause the problem of displaying abnormal images. Therefore, various studies have been conducted to suppress the cracking and separation in the bending area where the display panel of the display device is bent, but the research results are still insufficient. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to develop a technology for suppressing the cracking and separation in the bending area. Summary of the invention

[0010] An object to be achieved by the present specification is to provide a supporting member capable of protecting a display device, thereby minimizing damage to the display device caused by an external impact.

[0011] Another object to be achieved by the present specification is to provide a protection member located in a bending region, thereby minimizing damage to a display device caused by an external impact.

[0012] The technical issues of this specification are not limited to the technical issues mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical issues not mentioned above through the following description.

[0013] A display device according to an embodiment of the present specification includes: a display panel including a plurality of non-bending areas and a bending area arranged between the plurality of non-bending areas; and a supporting member arranged on a rear surface of the display panel, wherein an end of the supporting member located in the bending area and an end of the supporting member located in the non-bending area have different shapes.

[0014] A display device according to an embodiment of the present specification includes a support member configured to protect a display panel, thereby minimizing damage to the display device caused by an external impact.

[0015] The display device according to the embodiment of the present specification includes a protection member in a bending region, thereby minimizing damage to the display device caused by an external impact.

[0016] Effects according to the present specification are not limited to the aforementioned effects, and other effects not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The above and other aspects, features and other advantages of the present specification will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present specification;

[0019] Figure 2 is a top plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present specification;

[0020] Figure 3 According to the embodiment of this specification Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken along the A-A' line;

[0021] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a non-bending region according to another embodiment of the present specification; and

[0022] Figure 5 According to the embodiment of this specification Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the bending region taken along line BB'. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The advantages and features of the present specification and the methods for achieving them will be more clearly understood from the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present specification is not limited to the following exemplary embodiments, but can be implemented in various different forms. The exemplary embodiments are provided only to complete the description of the present specification, so as to fully provide the scope of the present specification to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present specification belongs, and the present specification will be defined by the attached claims.

[0024] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, quantities, etc. shown in the drawings for describing the exemplary embodiments of this specification are used only as examples, and this specification is not limited thereto. This specification generally represents similar elements with similar reference numerals throughout the text. In addition, in the following description of this specification, the detailed explanation of known related technologies may be omitted to avoid unnecessary ambiguity to the subject matter of this specification. Words such as "including", "having" and "consisting of..." used herein are generally intended to allow the addition of other components, unless the words are used together with the word "only". Any reference to the singular may include the plural, unless otherwise clearly stated.

[0025] Parts are to be interpreted as including ordinary margins of error even if not expressly stated.

[0026] When using words such as "on", "above", "under", and "adjacent" to describe the positional relationship between two parts, one or more other parts may be located between the two parts unless the words "immediately adjacent" or "directly" are used in conjunction with these words.

[0027] When words such as "after," "continuously," "next," and "before" are used to describe a temporal order relationship, the order may not be sequential unless the words "immediately" or "directly" are used in conjunction with these words.

[0028] Although the words "first", "second" and the like are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these words. These words are only used to distinguish one component from other components. Therefore, the first component mentioned below may be the second component in the technical concept of this specification.

[0029] When describing the components of the exemplary embodiments of the present specification, words such as "first", "second", "A", "B", "(a)", and "(b)" may be used. These words are used to distinguish one component from other components, but the nature, order, or number of components, etc. are not limited by the words. When a component is "linked", "coupled", or "connected" to another component, the component may be directly linked or connected to the other component. However, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that a third component may be interposed between components that may be indirectly linked or connected.

[0030] It should be understood that "at least one" includes all combinations of one or more of the associated components. For example, "at least one of the first component, the second component, and the third component" means only the first component, only the second component, only the third component, and also includes all combinations of two or more of the first component, the second component, and the third component.

[0031] In this specification, "device" (or equipment) may include a display device (equipment) including a display panel and a driver for driving the display panel in a narrow sense, such as a liquid crystal module (LCM) and an organic light emitting module (OLED module). In addition, "device" (or equipment) may further include: a set of electronic devices (equipment) or a set of equipment (or equipment), which is a complete product or final product including LCM, OLED module, etc., such as a laptop computer, a television, or a computer monitor; an automobile device (equipment) or an equipment device (equipment) including another type of transportation; and a mobile electronic device (equipment), including a smart phone, an electronic tablet, etc.

[0032] Accordingly, the display device of the present specification may include not only the display device itself (eg, LCM, OLED module, etc.) in a narrow sense, but also the applied product or complete set of devices as final consumer devices including LCD, OLED module, etc.

[0033] Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, an LCM, an OLED module, etc. configured by a display panel and a driver, etc., may be represented as a "display device" in a narrow sense, and an electronic device as a complete product including an LCM and an OLED module may be represented as a "set device". For example, a display device in a narrow sense includes a liquid crystal (LCD) display panel, an OLED display panel, and a source PCB as a controller for driving the display panel. In contrast, a set device may be a concept that further includes a set PCB as a set controller electrically connected to the source PCB to control the entire set device.

[0034] As the display panel used in the exemplary embodiments of this specification, any type of display panel may be used, such as a liquid crystal display panel, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel, and an electroluminescent display panel. The display panel of the exemplary embodiments described is not limited thereto. For example, the display panel may be a specific display panel that is vibrated by a vibration device to output sound according to an exemplary embodiment of this specification. In addition, the display panel used for the display device according to the exemplary embodiments of this specification is not limited by the shape or size of the display panel.

[0035] The features of various exemplary embodiments of the present specification may be partially or completely coupled or combined with each other and may be linked and operated in various technical ways, and these exemplary embodiments may be implemented independently or in combination with each other.

[0036] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present specification will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following exemplary embodiments. For descriptive purposes, the scales of components illustrated in the drawings are different from the actual scales, and thus the scales are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0037] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present specification.

[0039] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the display panel 1 of the display device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present specification is bent.

[0040] The display panel 1 may include a bending area BA and non-bending areas NBA1 and NBA2. The non-bending areas NBA1 and NBA2 may include two or more areas according to the area of ​​the substrate. For example, the substrate may have a bending area BA located between two non-bending areas NBA1 and NBA2.

[0041] The bending area BA may be a partially bent (or curved) area of ​​the display panel 1. Alternatively, the bending area BA is a partially bent (or curved) area of ​​the substrate 110 included in the display panel 1. For example, the bending area may be a partially bent (or curved) area of ​​the substrate 110, such that a pad portion and an external module bonded to the pad portion are disposed on the rear surface of the substrate. For example, as the bending area BA is bent in a direction toward the rear surface of the substrate, the external module bonded to the pad portion of the substrate is moved toward the rear surface of the substrate, and the external module may become visually indistinguishable when viewed from above the substrate. In addition, as the bending area BA is bent, the size (or area) of the non-display area NA that can be visually distinguished from above the substrate becomes smaller, and thus a narrow bezel may be implemented.

[0042] The non-bending regions NBA1 and NBA2 may be regions where the substrate 110 is partially flat and not bent (or curved). In the present specification, the non-bending regions NBA1 and NBA2 may include two regions. For example, the non-bending regions NBA1 and NBA2 may include a first non-bending region NBA1 and a second non-bending region NBA2, and a plurality of sub-pixels SP are arranged in the first non-bending region NBA1 (see Figure 2 ) and display an image, in the second non-bending area NBA2, a connection or bonding to the flexible film 2 (see Figure 5 ) pad.

[0043] The first non-bending area NBA1 and the second non-bending area NBA2 may be bent (curved) by the bending area BA to face each other. The non-bending areas NBA1 and NBA2 may face each other.

[0044] The first non-bending area NBA1 of the substrate may include a display area (active area AA) and a non-display area (non-active area NA) configured to surround the display area AA. The non-display area NA of the substrate may be adjacent to the display area AA and disposed outside the display area AA.

[0045] The display area AA may be a location where pixels P are arranged (see Figure 2 ) and an area where an image is displayed. The display area AA may include a plurality of sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 (see Figure 2 The plurality of sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 may each include a light emitting element layer configured to display an image and a thin film transistor configured to operate the light emitting element layer.

[0046] The non-display area NA may be an area where no image is displayed. The non-display area NA may be an area where various lines, driving circuits, etc. are arranged to operate the plurality of pixels SP arranged in the display area AA. Since the non-display area NA is not an area where an image is displayed, the non-display area NA (e.g., a frame area) may be reduced by bending a portion of the non-display area NA of the substrate.

[0047] Figure 2 is a top plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present specification.

[0048] refer to Figure 2 , a display device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present specification may include a display panel 1 and a support member 4 .

[0049] The display panel 1 is a panel configured to display an image. For example, display panels having all shapes (eg, a liquid crystal display panel, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel, and an electroluminescent display panel) may be used as the display panel 1. The embodiments of the present specification are not limited thereto.

[0050] The display panel 1 may include a display area AA. The display area AA may be an area where pixels P are provided and an image is displayed. The display area AA may include a plurality of sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. The plurality of sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 may each include a light-emitting element layer configured to display an image and a thin film transistor configured to operate the light-emitting element layer.

[0051] The plurality of sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 may be individual units configured to emit light, and the plurality of sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 may emit red, green, blue, and / or white light. The embodiments of the present specification are not limited thereto.

[0052] The support member 4 may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the display panel 1. The support member 4 may be disposed to surround a portion of an end of the first non-bending area NBA1 except for the bending area BA of the display panel 1. For example, the support member 4 may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 1 and surround and protect the rear surface and side surfaces of the display panel 1 to prevent the display panel 1 from being damaged by an external impact.

[0053] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a non-bending region according to an embodiment of the present specification. Figure 3 is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA'.

[0054] refer to Figure 3 , a display device according to an embodiment of the present specification may include a display panel 1 and a support member 4 .

[0055] The display panel 1 of the display device can display images or videos. The display panel according to the present specification can include a light emitting diode display device.

[0056] The display panel 1 may include a flexible substrate. The display driving part may be disposed on the flexible substrate and may include a plurality of thin film transistors and a light emitting element layer. The encapsulation part and the touch part may be disposed on the display driving part.

[0057] The substrate can support various components of the display device and can be made of a flexible plastic material or glass.

[0058] For example, the substrate may be formed of at least one of polyimide (PI), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethersulfone, and polycarbonate (PC). However, the present specification is not limited thereto.

[0059] The plurality of thin film transistors may be disposed on the substrate to operate the light emitting element layer. For example, a first thin film transistor and a second thin film transistor may be disposed. The first thin film transistor may be a switch thin film transistor, and the second thin film transistor may be a thin film drive transistor. The embodiments of the present specification are not limited thereto.

[0060] The light emitting element layer may be disposed on the thin film transistor to display an image. The light emitting element layer may include a first electrode, an organic layer, and a second electrode.

[0061] When voltage is applied to the first electrode (or anode electrode) and the second electrode (or cathode electrode), positive holes move from the anode electrode to the light-emitting layer, and electrons move from the cathode electrode to the light-emitting layer. When positive holes and electrons recombine in the light-emitting layer, excitons are formed during excitation, and light is generated by the energy from the excitons.

[0062] The organic layer may include at least one of a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an emission layer (EML), an electron transport layer (ETL), and an electron injection layer (EIL).

[0063] The hole injection layer (HIL) may play a role of smoothly injecting positive holes. For example, the hole injection layer (HIL) may be composed of any one or more of HATCN (1,4,5,8,9,11-hexaazatriphenyl-hexanenitrile) and CuPc (copper phthalocyanine), PEDOT (poly (3,4)-ethylenedioxythiophene), PANI (polyaniline) and NPD (N,N-dinaphthyl-N,N'-diphenylbenzidine). However, the present specification is not limited thereto.

[0064] The hole transport layer (HTL) may play a role in smoothly transporting positive holes. For example, the hole transport layer (HTL) may be composed of any one or more of NPD (N,N-dinaphthyl-N,N'-diphenylbenzidine), TPD (N,N'-di-(3-methylphenyl)-N,N'-di-(phenyl)-benzidine), s-TAD, and MTDATA (4,4',4"-tri(N-3-methylphenyl-N-phenyl-amino)-triphenylamine). However, the present specification is not limited thereto.

[0065] The electron transport layer (ETL) may play a role in smoothly transporting electrons. For example, the electron transport layer (ETL) may be composed of any one or more of Alq3 (tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum), PBD (2-(4-biphenyl)-5-(4-tert-butylbenzene)-1,3,4-oxadiazole), TAZ, spiral PBD, BAlq, and SAlq. However, the present specification is not limited thereto.

[0066] The electron injection layer (EIL) may play a role of smoothly injecting electrons. For example, the electron injection layer (EIL) may use Alq3 (tris (8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum), PBD (2- (4-biphenyl) -5- (4-tert-butylbenzene) -1,3,4-oxadiazole), TAZ, spiral PBD, BAlq or SAlq. However, the present specification is not limited thereto.

[0067] The emission layer (EML) may be disposed in the stack hole and at least partially overlap the bank. The emission layer (EML) may be formed to be spaced apart from each other between adjacent sub-pixels. For example, the emission layer may be deposited on each of the sub-pixels through a fine metal mask (FMM).

[0068] The light emitting layer may include light emitting materials that emit red light, green light, and blue light, respectively. The light emitting materials may be composed of phosphorescent materials or fluorescent materials.

[0069] The encapsulation part may be disposed on the light emitting element layer. The encapsulation part may protect the organic layer of the light emitting element layer from external moisture, oxygen or foreign matter. For example, the encapsulation part may inhibit the penetration of oxygen and moisture from the outside so as to inhibit the oxidation of the light emitting material and the electrode material.

[0070] The encapsulation part may include a first encapsulation layer, a second encapsulation layer, and a third encapsulation layer that prevent the penetration of moisture and oxygen. The first encapsulation layer, the second encapsulation layer, and the third encapsulation layer may be structured to be alternately stacked. The embodiments of the present specification are not limited thereto.

[0071] The encapsulation portion may be formed of a transparent material that transmits light emitted from the light emitting layer.

[0072] The touch portion may be provided on the encapsulation portion.

[0073] The touch portion may include a plurality of touch electrodes. For example, the touch portion may include a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode. The first touch electrode may receive a touch detection signal from a touch drive portion. The second touch electrode may send a touch drive signal to the touch drive portion. The touch drive portion may detect a user's touch by utilizing mutual capacitance between a plurality of first touch electrodes and a plurality of second touch electrodes. For example, in the case of performing a touch operation on the display device 1000, the capacitance between the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode may change. The touch drive circuit may detect the touch coordinates by detecting the capacitance change.

[0074] The polarizing plate 6 may be disposed on the display panel 1. The polarizing plate 6 may be disposed in the first non-bending area NBA1.

[0075] The polarizing plate 6 may selectively transmit light and reduce reflection of external light entering the display device 1000. For example, the display device 1000 includes various metal materials applied to thin film transistors, light-emitting layers, circuits, etc. External light entering the display device 1000 may be reflected by the metal materials, and the reflection of the external light may reduce the visibility of the display device 1000. Therefore, the polarizing plate 6 may be provided on one surface of the display device 1000 to suppress reflection of external light, thereby improving the outdoor visibility of the display device 1000.

[0076] The polarizing plate 6 may be excluded depending on the structure of the display device 1000 or the like.

[0077] The polarizing plate 6 may be attached to the display panel 1 using a bonding member 8 .

[0078] The bonding member 8 may be composed of a material having bonding ability, for example, an optically clear adhesive (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), or a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), etc. However, the present specification is not limited thereto.

[0079] The front surface member 7 may be disposed on the polarizing plate 6. The front surface member 7 may be disposed in the first non-bending area NBA1.

[0080] The front surface member 7 can protect the display panel 1 and other components arranged below or above the front surface member 7 from external impact, moisture or heat, etc. The front surface member 7 can be made of a material with impact resistance and light transmittance. For example, the front surface member 7 can be a substrate made of glass or a film, and the film is made of a plastic material such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyimide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, this specification is not limited to this. In addition, the front surface member 7 can be referred to as various names, such as a cover window, a window cover or a cover glass. However, the embodiments of this specification are not limited to this.

[0081] The front surface member 7 may be formed to be transparent so as to transmit light emitted by the display panel 1 to the outside of the display device and allow a user to recognize an image provided by the display device.

[0082] The blocking portion may be provided at the end of the front surface member 7. The blocking portion may be provided as a portion surrounding the end of the display panel 1. The blocking portion may be formed to be opaque so that the wiring, the driving circuit, and various constituent elements formed below or above the front surface member 7 of the display device 1000 are not visually perceived by the user.

[0083] The blocking portion may include a light blocking material, such as a pigment, a dye or carbon black. However, the embodiments of the present specification are not limited thereto. For example, the blocking portion may be formed by forming or applying black ink on the front surface member 7. Alternatively, the blocking portion may be formed as a separate component provided at the edge of the rear surface of the front surface member 7 and attached to the front surface member 7.

[0084] The blocking portion may be disposed to partially overlap one or more of the display panel 1, the first plate 3a, the support member 4, and the heat dissipation member 5. In the case where the display panel 1 is bent, the blocking portion may be disposed to partially overlap one or more of the second plate 3b and the flexible film 2.

[0085] According to the present specification, the board may include a first board 3a and a second board 3b. The first board 3a may be disposed in the first non-bending area NBA1 and support the display panel 1 having flexibility while corresponding to the display area AA of the display panel 1 so that the display panel 1 may maintain a straight state.

[0086] The plate may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 1. For example, the first plate 3a may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 1. The first plate 3a may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 1 and support and / or protect the display panel 1. The plate may be made of a material having high thermal conductivity and rigidity at the same time. For example, the plate may be made of a plastic material or a metal material, such as aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), silver (Ag), gold (Au), iron (Fe), stainless steel (SUS) or Invar. However, the embodiments of the present specification are not limited thereto.

[0087] The first plate 3 a may be attached to the display panel 1 using a bonding member 8 .

[0088] The bonding member 8 may be composed of a material having bonding ability, for example, an optically clear adhesive (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), or a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), etc. However, the present specification is not limited thereto.

[0089] The support member 4 may be disposed on the rear surface of the first plate 3 a in the first non-bending area NBA1 .

[0090] The support member 4 may support one or both of the rear surface and the side surface of the display panel 1. The support member 4 may have a plate shape.

[0091] The support member 4 may have a quadrilateral plate shape corresponding to the shape of the display device. The edge of the support member 4 may be bent toward the front surface and surround and accommodate the display panel 1 located therein. For example, the support member 4 may support the display panel 1 and protect the side surface and the rear surface of the display device 1 from external impact.

[0092] The supporting member 4 may include a body portion 4a and a protruding portion 4b.

[0093] The body portion 4a may be located on the rear surface of the display panel 1 and support the display panel 1. The body portion 4a may be formed in a straight state. The body portion 4a may overlap the display panel 1.

[0094] The protrusion 4b may extend from the body portion 4a. The protrusion 4b may be disposed in the first non-bending area NBA1 of the body portion 4a. The protrusion 4b may protrude toward the front surface of the display panel 1. The protrusion 4b may at least partially overlap the side surface of the display panel 1.

[0095] The protrusion 4b may be configured to have a predetermined angle relative to the main body 4a. For example, the angle between the protrusion 4b and the main body 4a may be 90 degrees or a right angle. Due to the protrusion 4b, the support member 4 may have a step portion or a bent portion. The protrusion 4b may alleviate or reduce an external impact applied to a corner portion of the display device, thereby reducing or suppressing an external impact applied to the display panel 1.

[0096] refer to Figure 3 , the end of the support member 4 may have an "L" shape. For example, the main portion 4a and the protruding portion 4b of the support member 4 may define an "L" shape toward the front surface of the display panel 1. The support member 4 may surround the rear surface and the side surface of the display panel 1 located in the first non-bending area NBA1, thereby protecting the display panel 1 from external impact.

[0097] The support member 4 may be made of a material having high rigidity and high thermal conductivity. For example, the support member 4 may be made of a plastic material or a metal material, such as aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), silver (Ag), gold (Au), iron (Fe), stainless steel (SUS) or Invar alloy. However, the embodiments of the present specification are not limited thereto.

[0098] Since the end of the support member 4 is bent and protects the display panel 1 , it is possible to minimize damage to the display device 1000 caused by an external impact.

[0099] The supporting member 4 may be attached to the first plate 3 a by using the joining member 8 .

[0100] The bonding member 8 may be composed of a material having bonding ability, for example, an optically clear adhesive (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), or a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), etc. However, the present specification is not limited thereto.

[0101] The heat dissipation member 5 may be provided on the rear surface of the support member 4 .

[0102] The heat dissipation member 5 can dissipate the heat transferred from the display panel 1. The heat dissipation member 5 may include a material having superiority in heat conduction, and the heat dissipation member 5 can dissipate the heat transferred from the display panel 1. For example, the heat dissipation member 5 may be composed of a metal or plastic material, such as aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), silver (Ag), gold (Au), iron (Fe), stainless steel (SUS), invar alloy or graphite, and at least include one or more materials, their alloy materials or joint structures. However, the embodiments of the present specification are not limited thereto.

[0103] In the first non-bending area NBA1, each of the cut surfaces of the display panel 1, the first plate 3a and the polarizing plate 6 may be formed to be straight without a step portion, an inclined or a meandering portion. For example, the display panel 1, the first plate 3a and the polarizing plate 6 may have the same surface in a direction perpendicular to the display panel 1.

[0104] A frame may be provided on the rear surface of the heat dissipation member 5. The frame may be a constituent element configured to protect the display panel 1 from external impact and allow the display panel 1 and constituent elements of the display panel 1 to be mounted thereon. The frame may be provided to be located under the heat dissipation member 5.

[0105] According to an embodiment of the present specification, the first protective member 9 may be disposed in the first non-bending area NBA1 . For example, the first protective member 9 may be disposed on an outer peripheral portion of the display device 1000 .

[0106] The first protective member 9 may be disposed along an outer peripheral portion of the display device 1000 .

[0107] The first protective member 9 may be formed to reinforce the side surface of the display panel 1 after the process of bending the display panel 1. After the frame 11 is provided, the first protective member 9 may be provided to cover the side surface of the display device 1000. The first protective member 9 may further cover the bottom surface (or lower portion) of the outer peripheral portion of the display device 1000.

[0108] The first protective member 9 may include a resin. However, the present specification is not limited thereto. The first protective member 9 may include a material that transmits ultraviolet light. The first protective member 9 may be formed by irradiating the material of the first protective member with light so as to cure the material of the first protective member. For example, the first protective member 9 may be formed by curing the material of the first protective member with ultraviolet light.

[0109] The tensile modulus of the first protective member 9 may be different from the following reference Figure 5 The tensile modulus of the second protective member 10 described above. For example, the tensile modulus of the first protective member 9 may be equal to or higher than the tensile modulus of the second protective member 10.

[0110] Since the display device 1000 is susceptible to external impact, the circuit of the display device 1000 may be disconnected due to the external impact, which may cause the display device 1000 to fail to work. The second protective member 10 may be provided because the curved area is susceptible to external impact. In addition, the first protective member 9 may be provided to more effectively mitigate the impact applied to the curved area of ​​the display device 1000 and the impact applied to the outer peripheral portion of the display device 1000 (on which the second protective member 10 is not provided).

[0111] The first protective member 9 having a high tensile modulus can protect the outer peripheral portion of the display device 1000 and suppress disconnection of lines caused by external impact. In addition, it is possible to suppress the display panel 1 from being damaged or broken, for example, from being squeezed or deformed.

[0112] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a non-bending region according to another embodiment of the present specification.

[0113] refer to Figure 4 , a display device 1000 according to the present specification may include a display panel 1 and a support member 4 . Figure 4 The components illustrated in FIG. 1 are substantially equivalent to Figure 3 The components illustrated in the figure are only the configuration of the supporting member except for that of the supporting member. Therefore, repeated description will be omitted.

[0114] The supporting member 4 may include a body portion 4a and a protruding portion 4b.

[0115] The protrusion 4b according to another embodiment of the present specification may extend from the body portion 4a and be disposed in the first non-bending area NBA1 of the body portion 4a. The protrusion 4b may protrude from the front of the display panel 1. The protrusion 4b may at least partially overlap the side surface of the display panel 1.

[0116] The protruding portion 4b may be configured to have a predetermined angle relative to the main body portion 4a. For example, the angle between the protruding portion 4b and the main body portion 4a may be 90 degrees or a right angle. Due to the protruding portion, the support member 4 may have a stepped portion and a meandering portion.

[0117] refer to Figure 4 , the end of the support member 4 may have a rounded shape. For example, the main portion 4a and the protruding portion 4b of the support member 4 may have a "∩" shape toward the front surface of the display panel 1. The support member 4 may surround the rear surface and the side surface of the display panel 1 located in the first non-bending area NBA1, thereby protecting the display panel 1 from external impact. The protruding portion 4b may alleviate or reduce the external impact applied to the corner portion of the display device, so that the external impact applied to the display panel 1 can be reduced or suppressed.

[0118] According to the embodiments of the present specification, the plurality of components capable of alleviating impact are disposed between the end of the display device 1 and the display panel 1 , which can further reduce the damage to the display device 1 caused by external impact.

[0119] The shape of the protruding portion 4b is not limited to the "L" shape and the "∩" shape. For example, in various embodiments, the protruding portion 4b may have various shapes such as a "W" shape or an "M" shape.

[0120] Figure 5 According to the embodiment of this specification Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the bending region taken along line BB'.

[0121] refer to Figure 5 , a display device 1000 according to the present specification may include a display panel 1 , a flexible film 2 , and a second protective member 10 . Figure 5 Examples and references Figure 3 Components identical to those described will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

[0122] The portion of the support member 4 corresponding to the bending area BA may include a body portion 4a. The portion of the support member 4 corresponding to the bending area BA may not include a protruding portion. For example, the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b may protrude further than the support member 4.

[0123] The support member 4 may have a quadrangular plate shape corresponding to the shape of the display device 1000. The edge of the support member 4 may be bent toward the front surface and surround and accommodate the display panel 1 located therein. For example, the support member 4 may support the display panel 1 and protect the side and rear surfaces of the display device 1000 from external impact.

[0124] Therefore, a portion of the support member 4 corresponding to the first non-bending area NBA1 and a portion of the support member 4 corresponding to the bending area BA may have different shapes.

[0125] refer to Figure 5 , the second plate 3 b may be disposed on the rear surface of the heat dissipation member 5 .

[0126] Before bending the display panel 1 , the second plate 3 b may be disposed in the second non-bending area NBA2 and support the display panel 1 and the flexible film 2 having flexibility.

[0127] After bending the display panel 1 , the second plate 3 b may be attached to the heat dissipation member 5 by using the bonding member 8 .

[0128] The flexible film 2 may be disposed on the rear surface of the second plate 3b.

[0129] The flexible film 2 may electrically connect the display panel 1 and a printed circuit board that generates and outputs a pixel driving signal to the display panel 1 .

[0130] As another example, the flexible film 2 may transmit a signal output from the printed circuit board to the display panel 1 and / or the printed circuit board.

[0131] The flexible film 2 may be made of a material having flexibility. For example, the flexible film 2 may be made of a plastic material such as polyimide (PI). However, the embodiments of the present specification are not limited thereto.

[0132] refer to Figure 5 In the bending area BA, the display panel 1 can be bent through the bending process and the display panel 1 can be located on the rear surface of the second plate 3b. For example, before the bending process, the second protective member 10 can be formed on the display panel 1 in the bending area BA, and the second protective member 10 can be bent together with the display panel 1 during the bending process and can be disposed along the bending area.

[0133] The second protective member 10 may suppress the generation of cracks and the penetration of external moisture and / or oxygen during the process of bending the display panel 1. Alternatively, the second protective member 10 may suppress disconnection of a line caused by an external impact applied to the bending area BA or suppress the penetration of external moisture and / or oxygen into the display panel 1 after the bending process.

[0134] The second protective member 10 may be disposed to cover at least a portion of the display panel 1 disposed in the bending area BA.

[0135] The second protective member 10 may include resin and employ ultraviolet (UV)-curable acrylic-based resin or epoxy resin. However, the present specification is not limited thereto.

[0136] The second protective member 10 may be formed as a product constituted by applying a resin and then curing the resin. In the case where an ultraviolet curable resin is used as the resin, the resin may be cured by ultraviolet (UV) rays.

[0137] The first protective member 9 may be disposed on the second protective member 10. The second protective member 10 may be disposed between the display panel 1 and the first protective member 9.

[0138] The frame 11 may be provided on the second plate 3 b or the rear surface of the display panel 1 .

[0139] The frame 11 may be a constituent element configured to protect the display panel 1 from external impact and allow the display panel 1 and constituent elements of the display panel 1 to be mounted thereon. The frame 11 may be disposed to be located below the heat dissipation member 5 .

[0140] The foregoing exemplary embodiments will be briefly described below.

[0141] A display device according to an embodiment of the present specification includes: a display panel including a plurality of non-bending areas and a bending area arranged between the plurality of non-bending areas; and a supporting member arranged on a rear surface of the display panel, wherein an end of the supporting member located in the bending area and an end of the supporting member located in the non-bending area have different shapes.

[0142] In the display device according to the embodiment of the present specification, the plurality of non-bending regions include a first non-bending region and a second non-bending region.

[0143] In the display device according to the embodiment of the present specification, a plurality of sub-pixels are disposed in the first non-bending region.

[0144] In the display device according to the embodiment of the present specification, a portion of the support member corresponding to the first non-bending area may overlap a portion of the side surface of the display panel.

[0145] In the display device according to the embodiment of the present specification, a portion of the support member corresponding to the first non-bending area may have an “L” shape.

[0146] In the display device according to the embodiment of the present specification, the support member corresponding to the non-bending area may have a “∩” shape.

[0147] In the display device according to the embodiment of the present specification, the support member may include a body portion corresponding to the display panel; and a protrusion portion protruding from the body portion toward the display panel.

[0148] In the display device according to the embodiment of the present specification, the body portion and the protrusion portion may accommodate the display panel.

[0149] The display device according to the embodiment of the present specification may further include a first protective member disposed on the display panel, wherein the first protective member may cover the supporting member.

[0150] In the display device according to the embodiment of the present specification, one side of the first protective member may be in contact with at least a portion of the display panel.

[0151] In the display device according to the embodiment of the present specification, the first protective member may include an ultraviolet transmitting material.

[0152] The display device according to the embodiment of the present specification may further include a second protective member disposed between the display panel and the first protective member in the bending region.

[0153] According to the display device of the embodiment of the present specification, the first protective member and the second protective member may include resin.

[0154] The display device according to the embodiment of the present specification may further include a polarizing plate disposed on the display panel, wherein the supporting member overlaps one side of the polarizing plate.

[0155] The display device according to the embodiments of the present specification includes a mobile device, a video phone, a smart watch, a watch phone, a wearable device (device), a foldable device (device), a rollable device (device), a bendable device (device), a flexible device (device), a curved device (device), a sliding device (device), a variable device (device), an electronic notebook, an electronic book, a portable multimedia player (PMP), a personal digital assistant (PDA), an MP3 player, a mobile medical device, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a notebook computer, a workstation, a navigation, a car navigation, a car display device, a car device, a cinema device, a cinema display device, a television, a wallpaper device, a sign device, a game device, a laptop, a monitor, a camera, a video camera, and a home appliance. In addition, the display device according to one or more embodiments of the present specification can be applied to an organic light-emitting lighting device or an inorganic light-emitting lighting device.

[0156] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present specification have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present specification is not limited thereto and can be embodied in many different forms without departing from the technical concept of the present specification. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present specification are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present specification. The scope of the technical concept of the present specification is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described above are illustrative in all aspects and do not limit the present specification.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display panel, the display panel comprising a plurality of non-bending regions and a bending region disposed between the plurality of non-bending regions; as well as a supporting member disposed on a rear surface of the display panel, The end of the support member located in the bending region and the end of the support member located in the non-bending region have different shapes.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of non-bending regions include a first non-bending region and a second non-bending region.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: A plurality of sub-pixels are disposed in the first non-bending region.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: A portion of the support member corresponding to the first non-bending area overlaps a portion of a side surface of the display panel.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: A portion of the supporting member corresponding to the first non-bending area has an “L” shape.

6. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: A portion of the support member corresponding to the first non-bending area has a “∩” shape.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The supporting member comprises: A main body portion corresponding to the display panel; and A protruding portion protrudes from the main body portion toward the display panel.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The body portion and the protruding portion accommodate the display panel.

9. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a first protective member disposed on the display panel, Wherein, the first protection member covers the supporting member.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: One side of the first protection member contacts at least a portion of the display panel.

11. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: The first protective member includes an ultraviolet transmissive material.

12. The display device according to claim 9, further comprising: A second protective member is disposed between the display panel and the first protective member in the bending region.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The first protective member and the second protective member include resin.

14. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A polarizing plate disposed on the display panel, Wherein, the supporting member overlaps with one side of the polarizing plate.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The polarizing plate is disposed in the first non-bending area.

16. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display panel includes a flexible substrate.

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