Display device

Abstract

A display device includes: a display panel including a display area for displaying an image and a sub-area extending in one direction from the display area, in which the sub-area includes a bent area bent in a rear direction of the display panel and an outer portion extending from the bent area to overlap with the display area; a display driving circuit disposed at an outer portion of the sub-area to drive pixels of the display area; a bending protection member provided to cover a bending region of the sub-region; a rear surface cover disposed on a rear surface of the display panel to cover an outer portion of the sub-area and the display driving circuit; and an adhesive tape covering an end portion of the rear surface cover adjacent to the bending region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a display device. Background Art

[0002] As information-oriented society develops, more and more requirements are placed on image display devices that display images in various ways. For example, display devices have been applied to various electronic devices such as smart phones, digital cameras, smart watches, laptop computers, navigation systems, and smart TVs.

[0003] The display device may be a flat panel display device such as a liquid crystal display device, a field emission display device, and an organic light emitting display device. In a light emitting display device among flat panel display devices, since each pixel of a display panel includes a light emitting element capable of emitting light by itself, an image can be displayed without using a backlight unit for providing light to the display panel.

[0004] Display devices that are mainly used as portable devices, such as smartphones, tablet devices, and smart watches, may encounter accidents such as being caught in rain or falling into water. If the display device is submerged or water falls on the display device, moisture may penetrate into the inner space of the display device. Therefore, it may be desirable to apply a safer waterproof structure to the display device to prevent moisture from penetrating into the inner space of the display device when the display device is submerged. Summary of the invention

[0005] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a display device capable of forming a bending protection member in a bending region of a display panel and improving reinforcement efficiency in the bending region.

[0006] An embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a display device capable of improving waterproof and moisture-proof efficiency and improving a waterproof and moisture-proof structure by defining a bending area as an area in which a bending protection member is formed.

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

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel, including a display area for displaying an image and a sub-area extending in one direction from the display area, wherein the sub-area includes a bending area bent in a rear direction of the display panel and an outer portion extending from the bending area to overlap with the display area; a display driving circuit, arranged on the outer portion of the sub-area to drive pixels of the display area; a bending protection member, arranged to cover the bending area of ​​the sub-area; a rear surface cover, arranged on the rear surface of the display panel to cover the outer portion of the sub-area and the display driving circuit; and an adhesive tape covering the end of the rear surface cover adjacent to the bending area.

[0009] In an embodiment, the bending protection member may extend to cover a partial area of ​​an outer portion of the sub-region overlapping the display region, and the bending protection member may be disposed between the rear surface cover and the outer portion of the sub-region.

[0010] In an embodiment, a portion of the bending protection member disposed between the rear surface cover and the outer portion of the sub-region may be divided into two portions spaced apart from each other, and one of the two portions may be disposed adjacent to the display driving circuit.

[0011] In one embodiment, the display device may further include a bending boundary pattern formed in a straight line shape, a curve shape, or a combination of a straight line shape and a curve shape along the boundary between the outer part of the sub-area and the bending area, and the bending protection member may cover the bending area of ​​the sub-area, and the bending boundary pattern defines the boundary.

[0012] In one embodiment, the adhesive tape may cover at least one contact area selected from a first contact area and a second contact area, the first contact area includes a contact portion between the bending protection member and the bending boundary pattern, and the second contact area includes a contact portion between the bending boundary pattern and the rear surface cover.

[0013] In an embodiment, a thickness or height of an end portion of the rear surface cover adjacent to the bending boundary pattern may be thicker or higher than a thickness or height of the bending protection member or a thickness or height of the bending boundary pattern.

[0014] In one embodiment, the display device may further include an additional bending boundary pattern formed on the rear surface of the rear surface cover, and the adhesive tape is formed to cover at least one contact area selected from a first contact area, a second contact area, and a third contact area, the first contact area including a contact portion between the bending protection member and the bending boundary pattern, the second contact area including a contact portion between the bending boundary pattern and the rear surface cover, and the third contact area including a contact portion between the rear surface of the rear surface cover and the additional bending boundary pattern.

[0015] In one embodiment, the bending protection member may be divided into two parts to respectively cover the bending area and the outer part of the secondary area, the two parts of the bending protection member may be spaced apart from each other so as not to overlap with the bending boundary pattern at the boundary between the bending area and the outer part of the secondary area, and the rear surface cover may be set to cover one of the two parts of the bending protection member covering the outer part of the secondary area and the display driving circuit.

[0016] In one embodiment, the display device may further include an additional bending boundary pattern formed on one of the two parts of the bending protection member covering the outer portion of the sub-region, and the adhesive tape may cover a contact portion between the additional bending boundary pattern and the rear surface cover.

[0017] In one embodiment, the bending protection member can be coated or applied in the bending area by at least one selected from an inkjet printing process, a photoresist process and a spin coating process, and the bending protection member may include: an organic or inorganic material for forming a pixel defining layer, a planarization layer and an encapsulation layer formed in the display area, or at least one organic material selected from acrylic acid, benzocyclobutene (BCB) and hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), or a pressure-sensitive adhesive material including an ultraviolet (UV)-curable acrylic resin.

[0018] In one embodiment, the bending boundary pattern includes: at least one adhesive curing material selected from optically clear adhesive (OCA), optically clear resin (OCR) and pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), or at least one inorganic material selected from pressure sensitive adhesive and photoresist.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel, including a display area for displaying an image and a sub-area extending in one direction from the display area, wherein the sub-area includes a bending area bent in a rear direction of the display panel and an outer part extending from the bending area to overlap with the display area; a touch sensing unit formed on the front surface of the display panel to sense the touch of a user or an object; a display driving circuit, arranged on the outer part of the sub-area to drive pixels of the display area; a display circuit board, electrically connected to one end of the outer part of the sub-area; a touch driving circuit, arranged on the display circuit board to drive the touch sensing unit; a bending protection member, formed to cover the bending area of ​​the sub-area; a rear surface cover, arranged to cover the outer part of the sub-area and the display circuit board on which the touch driving circuit is arranged, and an adhesive tape, covering the end of the rear surface cover adjacent to the bending area.

[0020] In an embodiment, the bending protection member may extend to cover a partial area of ​​an outer portion of the sub-region overlapping the display region, and the bending protection member may be disposed between the rear surface cover and the outer portion of the sub-region.

[0021] In one embodiment, the display device may further include a bending boundary pattern formed in a straight line shape or a curved line shape or a combination of a straight line shape and a curved line shape along the boundary between the outer part of the sub-region and the bending region, wherein the bending protection member may cover the bending region of the sub-region, and the bending boundary pattern defines the boundary.

[0022] In one embodiment, the adhesive tape may cover at least one contact area selected from a first contact area and a second contact area, the first contact area includes a contact portion between the bending protection member and the bending boundary pattern, and the second contact area includes a contact portion between the bending boundary pattern and the rear surface cover.

[0023] In one embodiment, the bending protection member may be divided into two parts to respectively cover the bending area and the outer part of the secondary area, the two parts of the bending protection member may be spaced apart from each other so as not to overlap with the bending boundary pattern at the boundary between the bending area and the outer part of the secondary area, and the rear surface cover may be set to cover one of the two parts of the bending protection member covering the outer part of the secondary area and the display driving circuit.

[0024] The display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may improve coating and deposition efficiency of a bending protection member by defining a bending region in which the bending protection member is formed as a bending boundary pattern and stably forming the bending protection member in the bending region.

[0025] The display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may also improve the reinforcement efficiency of the bending area and improve the waterproof and moisture-proof effects by improving the arrangement structure of the bending protection member, the bending boundary pattern, and the waterproof tape.

[0026] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned effects, and various other effects are included in the specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and other features of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing in detail the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 is a plan view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 As an example Figure 1 and Figure 2 A side view of a first embodiment of a side surface or cross-sectional shape of a display device illustrated in FIG.

[0031] Figure 4To show Figures 1 to 3 A view of an example of a display panel shown in FIG.

[0032] Figure 5 As an example Figure 3 A view of an example of a touch sensing unit shown in FIG.

[0033] Figure 6 As an example Figure 1 and Figure 2 A side view of another embodiment of a side surface or cross-sectional shape of the display device illustrated in FIG.

[0034] Figure 7 As an example Figure 1 and Figure 2 A side view of another embodiment of a side surface or cross-sectional shape of the display device illustrated in FIG.

[0035] Figure 8 As an example Figure 1 and Figure 2 A side view of another embodiment of a side surface or cross-sectional shape of the display device illustrated in FIG.

[0036] Fig. 9 As an example Figure 1 and Figure 2 A side view of another embodiment of a side surface or cross-sectional shape of the display device illustrated in FIG.

[0037] Fig.10 As an example Figure 1 and Figure 2 A side view of another embodiment of a side surface or cross-sectional shape of the display device illustrated in FIG.

[0038] Fig.11 and Fig.12 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to other embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0039] Fig.13 and Fig.14 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0041] It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or intervening layers may also be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present. Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the specification.

[0042] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. Similarly, the second element may also be referred to as the first element.

[0043] The terms used in this article are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to be restrictive. "(a)", "an", "said" and "at least one" as used in this article do not represent quantitative limitations, and are intended to include both singular and plural numbers, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Therefore, the reference to "said" element after the reference to "an" element in the claim includes one element and a plurality of said elements. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, "an element" has the same meaning as "at least one element". "At least one" should not be interpreted as being limited to "a" or "an". "Or" means "and / or". As used in this article, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related enumerated items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises / comprising" and / or "includes / including" when used in this specification indicate the presence of narrated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups.

[0044] In addition, relative terms, such as "lower" or "bottom" and "upper" or "top", may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element as illustrated in the figure. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figure. For example, if one of the devices in the drawings is flipped, the elements described as being on the "lower" side of the other elements will be oriented on the "upper" side of the other elements. Therefore, the term "lower" can encompass both "lower" and "upper" orientations, depending on the specific orientation of the drawings. Similarly, if one of the devices in the drawings is flipped, the elements described as being "below" or "below" the other elements will be oriented "above" the other elements. Therefore, the terms "below" or "below" can encompass both upper and lower orientations.

[0045] Each of the features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined in part or in whole or in combination with each other, and various linkages and drives are technically possible. Each embodiment can be implemented independently of each other or can be implemented together in a related manner.

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

[0047] Embodiments are described herein with reference to schematically illustrated cross-sectional views as idealized embodiments. As such, variations in the illustrated shapes are expected due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be construed as being limited to the specific shapes of the zones illustrated herein, but rather include shape deviations, for example, due to manufacturing. For example, zones illustrated or described as flat may typically have rough and / or nonlinear features. In addition, illustrated sharp corners may be rounded. Therefore, the zones illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shapes of the zones and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 As an example Figure 1 and Figure 2 A side view of a first embodiment of a side surface or cross-sectional shape of a display device illustrated in FIG.

[0050] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The display device 10 according to one embodiment can be applied to a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile communication terminal, an electronic organizer, an electronic book, a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation system or an ultra mobile personal computer (UMPC), etc.

[0051] In addition, the display device 10 according to an embodiment may be applied as a display unit of a television, a laptop computer, a monitor, a billboard, or an Internet of Things (IoT) terminal. Further, the display device 10 according to an embodiment may be applied to a wearable device such as a smart watch, a watch phone, a glasses-type display, or a head-mounted display (HMD). Alternatively, the display device 10 according to an embodiment may be applied to a dashboard of a vehicle, a center console of a vehicle, a central information display (CID) provided on the dashboard of a vehicle, an interior mirror display replacing a side mirror of a vehicle, or a display provided on the rear surface of a front seat of a vehicle for rear seat entertainment.

[0052] The display device 10 according to an embodiment may be a light-emitting display device, such as an organic light-emitting display device using an organic light-emitting diode, a quantum dot light-emitting display including a quantum dot light-emitting layer, an inorganic light-emitting display including an inorganic semiconductor, and a micro light-emitting display using a micro or nano light-emitting diode (LED). In the following description, for convenience of description, an embodiment in which the display device 10 is an organic light-emitting display device will be described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0053] The display device 10 according to an embodiment includes a display panel 100 , a display driving circuit 200 , a display circuit board 300 , a touch driving circuit 400 , and a rear surface cover 141 .

[0054] The display panel 100 may be formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view, having a short side in a first direction (X-axis direction) and a long side in a second direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the first direction (X-axis direction). The corner formed by the intersection of the short side in the first direction (X-axis direction) and the long side in the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be rounded to have a predetermined curvature or may be a right angle. Here, the third direction (Z-axis direction) may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction or a thickness direction of the display panel 100. The planar shape of the display panel 100 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be formed in another polygonal shape, a circular shape, or an elliptical shape. The display panel 100 may be formed to be flat, but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, for example, the display panel 100 includes a curved portion formed at the left and right ends and having a constant curvature or a variable curvature. In one embodiment, the display panel 100 may be flexible so that the display panel 100 may be bent, bent, folded, or curled.

[0055] The display panel 100 includes a main area MA and a sub-area SBA.

[0056] The main area MA includes a display area DA for displaying an image and a non-display area NDA as a peripheral area of ​​the display area DA. The display area DA includes pixels for displaying an image. The sub-area SBA may protrude from one side of the main area MA in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0057] although Figure 1 and Figure 2 The embodiment is described in the state where the sub-area SBA is expanded, but the sub-area SBA is Figure 3 In the bent state, the sub-area SBA may overlap the main area MA in the third direction (Z-axis direction) which is the thickness direction of the display panel 100 to face the bottom surface or the rear surface of the display panel 100. Hereinafter, the direction opposite to the third direction (Z-axis direction) (the direction facing the bottom surface or the rear surface of the display panel 100) will be referred to as the rear direction of the display panel 100.

[0058] refer to Figure 3 , the bending area of ​​the sub-area SBA bent in the rear direction may be predefined and set, and the display driving circuit 200 is disposed on the outer portion of the sub-area SBA extending from the bending area. In such an embodiment, the display driving circuit 200 may be disposed outside the bending area. In an embodiment, the sub-area SBA may include a bending area bent in the rear direction and an outer portion extending from the bending area to overlap with the main area MA or the display area DA.

[0059] A bending boundary pattern 111 is provided or formed between the bending area defined in the sub-area SBA and the outer part, that is, on the boundary line of the bending area. In addition, a bending protection member 101 is formed in the bending area of ​​the sub-area SBA, and the bending boundary pattern 111 serves as a boundary between the bending area and the outer part.

[0060] An adhesive tape, such as a moisture-proof and waterproof adhesive tape 121, may be further formed in the contact area of ​​the bend protection member 101, the bend boundary pattern 111, and the rear surface cover 141. The moisture-proof and waterproof adhesive tape 121 may be formed to completely cover at least one contact area selected from a first contact area including a contact portion of the bend protection member 101 and the bend boundary pattern 111, and a second contact area including a contact portion of the bend boundary pattern 111 and the rear surface cover 141. The moisture-proof and waterproof adhesive tape 121 may be formed by covering at least a portion of each of the rear surface cover 141, the bend protection member 101, and the bend boundary pattern 111 to cover the first contact area and the second contact area.

[0061] The bending protection member 101 may be formed to cover the sub-area SBA with the bending boundary pattern 111 as a boundary. In other words, the bending protection member 101 may be formed to cover the entire bending area of ​​the sub-area SBA, excluding the outer portion of the sub-area SBA where the display driving circuit 200 is disposed. In one embodiment, for example, the bending protection member 101 may cover the bending area and the outer portion that overlaps with the non-display area NDA and does not overlap with the display area DA.

[0062] The bending boundary pattern 111 may include or be formed of an adhesive curing material such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), or a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), or an inorganic material such as a pressure sensitive adhesive material or a photoresist, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0063] In the process of forming the bending protection member 101 in the bending area, that is, in the process of coating and applying the bending protection member 101 to the bending area, the bending boundary pattern 111 can prevent the bending protection member 101 from leaving or overflowing to an area outside the bending area. That is, the bending boundary pattern 111 establishes the bending area of ​​the sub-area SBA in which the bending protection member 101 is formed and the boundary between the bending area and the outer part. Therefore, in the process of coating and applying the bending protection member 101, the bending boundary pattern 111 prevents the bending protection member 101 from overflowing to the outer part of the sub-area SBA (for example, the outer part in which the display driving circuit 200 is disposed).

[0064] In one embodiment, the bend protection member 101 covers the bend area, strengthens the rigidity of the bend area, and performs a waterproof function such as preventing moisture penetration. In one embodiment, the bend protection member 101 covers the signal line, i.e., the wire, formed in the bend area to protect the wire from external impact or friction.

[0065] The bending protection member 101 may be coated or applied to the bending area by a coating or coating process such as an inkjet printing process, a photoresist process, or a spin coating process. Such a bending protection member 101 may include an organic material or an inorganic material for forming a pixel defining layer, a planarization layer, or an encapsulation layer TFEL formed in the display area DA, or may be formed of the organic material or the inorganic material. In one embodiment, the bending protection member 101 may include a separate organic material such as acrylic acid, benzocyclobutene (BCB), hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), etc., or may be formed of the above-mentioned separate organic materials. Alternatively, the bending protection member 101 may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive material such as an ultraviolet (UV)-curable acrylic resin or may be formed of a pressure-sensitive adhesive material, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0066] In one embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the display panel 100 includes: a display module DU including a substrate SUB, a thin film transistor layer TFTL, a light emitting element layer EML and an encapsulation layer TFEL; and a touch sensing unit TSU disposed or formed on a front surface of the display module DU.

[0067] The thin film transistor layer TFTL may be disposed on the substrate SUB. The thin film transistor layer TFTL may be arranged in the main area MA and the sub-area SBA. The thin film transistor layer TFTL includes a thin film transistor.

[0068] The light emitting element layer EML may be disposed on the thin film transistor layer TFTL. The light emitting element layer EML may be arranged in the display area DA of the main area MA. The light emitting element layer EML includes a light emitting element arranged in a light emitting cell.

[0069] The encapsulation layer TFEL may be disposed on the light emitting element layer EML and may be arranged in the display area DA and the non-display area NDA of the main area MA, and includes at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer for encapsulating the light emitting element layer EML.

[0070] The touch sensing unit TSU may be formed on the encapsulation layer TFEL or mounted on the encapsulation layer TFEL. The touch sensing unit TSU may be disposed in the display area DA of the main area MA. The touch sensing unit TSU may sense a touch of a person or an object using a touch electrode.

[0071] A cover window (not shown) may be provided on the touch sensing unit TSU to protect the upper portion of the display panel 100. The cover window may be attached to the touch sensing unit TDU with a transparent adhesive material such as an OCA film or an OCR. The cover window may include or be made of an inorganic material such as glass or an organic material such as a plastic or polymer material. In one embodiment, a polarizing layer may be additionally provided between the touch sensing unit TSU and the cover window to prevent the visibility of the image from being reduced due to reflection of external light.

[0072] The display driving circuit 200 may generate signals and voltages for driving the display panel 100. The display driving circuit 200 may be formed as an integrated circuit (IC) and attached to the display panel 100 by a chip on glass (COG) method, a chip on plastic (COP) method, or an ultrasonic bonding method, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, for example, the display driving circuit 200 may be attached to the display circuit board 300 by a chip on film (COF) method.

[0073] The display circuit board 300 may be attached to one end of the sub-area SBA of the display panel 100. Therefore, the display circuit board 300 may be electrically connected to the display panel 100 and the display driving circuit 200. The display panel 100 and the display driving circuit 200 may receive digital video data, timing signals, and driving voltages through the display circuit board 300. The display circuit board 300 may be a flexible printed circuit board, a rigid printed circuit board, or a flexible film such as a chip on film.

[0074] The touch driving circuit 400 may be provided on the display circuit board 300. The touch driving circuit 400 may be formed as an IC and attached to the display circuit board 300.

[0075] The touch drive circuit 400 may be electrically connected to the touch electrodes of the touch sensing unit TSU. The touch drive circuit 400 may apply a touch drive signal to the touch electrodes of the touch sensing unit TSU, and measure the charge change amount of each mutual capacitance of each of the multiple touch nodes formed by the touch electrodes. Specifically, the touch drive circuit 400 measures the capacitance change of the multiple touch nodes according to the change in the voltage magnitude or current amount of the touch detection signal received through the touch electrode. In this way, the touch drive circuit 400 may determine whether a user's touch or a user's approach has been made according to the charge change amount of the mutual capacitance of each of the multiple touch nodes. The user's touch means that an object such as a user's finger or a pen is in direct contact with a surface of a cover window set on the touch sensing unit TSU. The user's approach means that an object such as a user's body part or a pen hovers above a surface of the cover window.

[0076] The rear surface cover 141 is disposed and assembled on the rear surface of the display panel 100 to completely cover at least a portion of the surface of the sub-area SBA bent upward in the rear direction of the display panel 100 (for example, a portion of the outer surface of the sub-area SBA), the display driving circuit 200, and the display circuit board 300 on which the touch driving circuit 400 is disposed.

[0077] One end of the rear surface cover 141 may be disposed to cover a portion of the outer surface of the sub-area SBA and contact the bending boundary pattern 111 or cover the bending boundary pattern 111. Alternatively, one end of the rear surface cover 141 may be disposed to cover the bending boundary pattern 111 and a portion of the side surface of the bending protection member 101 formed in the sub-area SBA. The opposite end of the rear surface cover 141 is disposed to cover the opposite side of the rear surface of the display panel 100.

[0078] Figure 4 To show Figures 1 to 3 . Specifically, Figure 4 2 is a schematic plan view showing a display area DA and a non-display area NDA of a display module DU before a touch sensing unit TSU is formed or provided thereon.

[0079] The display area DA displays an image therein and may be defined as a central area of ​​the display panel 100. The display area DA may include a plurality of pixels SP, a plurality of gate lines GL, a plurality of data lines DL, and a plurality of voltage lines VL. Each of the plurality of pixels SP may be defined as a minimum unit of outputting light.

[0080] The plurality of gate lines GL may supply gate signals received from the gate driver 201 to the plurality of pixels SP. The plurality of gate lines GL may extend in an X-axis direction (or a first direction) and may be spaced apart from each other in a Y-axis direction (or a second direction) intersecting the X-axis direction.

[0081] The plurality of data lines DL may supply data voltages received from the display driving circuit 200 to the plurality of pixels SP. The plurality of data lines DL may extend in the Y-axis direction and may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction.

[0082] The plurality of voltage lines VL may supply a power supply voltage received from the display driving circuit 200 to the plurality of pixels SP. The power supply voltage may include at least one selected from a driving voltage, an initialization voltage, and a reference voltage. The plurality of voltage lines VL may extend in the Y-axis direction and may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction.

[0083] The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may include a gate driver 201, a fan-out line FOL, and a gate control line GCL. The gate driver 201 may generate a plurality of gate signals based on a gate control signal, and may sequentially supply the plurality of gate signals to a plurality of gate lines GL in a predetermined order.

[0084] The fan-out line FOL may extend from the display driving circuit 200 to the display area DA, and the fan-out line FOL may supply a data voltage received from the display driving circuit 200 to the plurality of data lines DL.

[0085] The gate control line GCL may extend from the display driving circuit 200 to the gate driver 201. The gate control line GCL may supply a gate control signal received from the display driving circuit 200 to the gate driver 201.

[0086] The sub-area SBA may include the display driving circuit 200 , the display pad area DPA, and first and second touch pad areas TPA1 and TPA2 .

[0087] The display driving circuit 200 may output a signal and a voltage for driving the display panel 100 to the fan-out line FOL. The display driving circuit 200 may provide a data voltage to the data line DL through the fan-out line FOL. The data voltage may be applied to a plurality of pixels SP so that the brightness of the plurality of pixels SP may be determined. The display driving circuit 200 may supply a gate control signal to the gate driver 201 through the gate control line GCL.

[0088] The display pad area DPA, the first touch pad area TPA1, and the second touch pad area TPA2 may be defined or disposed at an edge portion of the sub-area SBA. The display pad area DPA, the first touch pad area TPA1, and the second touch pad area TPA2 may be electrically connected to the display circuit board 300 using a low resistance, high reliability material such as anisotropic conductive film or semi-additive plating (SAP).

[0089] The display pad area DPA may include a plurality of display pads DP. The plurality of display pads DP may be connected to the display driving circuit 200 or the touch driving circuit 400 through the display circuit board 300. The plurality of display pads DP may be connected to the display circuit board 300 to receive digital video data, and may provide the digital video data to the display driving circuit 200.

[0090] Figure 5 As an example Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a view of an example of a touch sensing unit shown in FIG.

[0091] refer to Figure 5 , the touch electrodes SE of the main area MA include two electrodes, for example, a driving electrode TE and a sensing electrode RE. Mutual capacitance sensing is performed by applying a touch driving signal to the driving electrode TE and then sensing the change in mutual capacitance of each of the touch nodes TN through the sensing electrode RE. It should be noted that the type and arrangement structure of the touch electrodes SE and the method of driving the touch electrodes SE are not limited to capacitance sensing.

[0092] For the sake of illustration, Figure 5 Only the driving electrodes TE, the sensing electrodes RE, the dummy patterns DE, the touch lines SL, and the first and second touch pads TP1 and TP2 are shown.

[0093] refer to Figure 5 The main area MA of the touch sensing unit TSU includes a touch sensing area TSA for sensing a user's touch and a touch peripheral area TPA disposed around the touch sensing area TSA. The touch sensing area TSA may be aligned with the touch screen in a third direction (Z-axis direction). Figures 1 to 3 The touch peripheral area TPA may overlap the non-display area NDA in the third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0094] In the touch sensing area TSA, driving electrodes TE, sensing electrodes RE, and dummy patterns DE are disposed. The driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE may be electrodes for forming mutual capacitance to sense a touch of an electronic pen or a person.

[0095] The driving electrodes TE may be arranged in a first direction (X-axis direction) and a second direction (Y-axis direction). The driving electrodes TE adjacent to each other in the first direction (X-axis direction) are electrically separated from each other, and the driving electrodes TE adjacent to each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction) are electrically connected to each other. The driving electrodes TE adjacent to each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be connected through a separated connection electrode.

[0096] The sensing electrodes RE may be arranged in a first direction (x-axis direction) and a second direction (y-axis direction). The sensing electrodes RE adjacent to each other in the first direction (x-axis direction) may be electrically connected to each other in the first direction (x-axis direction). In addition, the sensing electrodes RE adjacent to each other in the second direction (y-axis direction) may be electrically separated from each other. Therefore, a touch node TN in which mutual capacitance is formed may be formed at the intersection of the driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE. A plurality of touch nodes TN may be associated with the intersections of the driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE, respectively.

[0097] Each of the dummy patterns DE may be surrounded by the driving electrode TE or the sensing electrode RE. Each of the dummy patterns DE may be electrically separated from the driving electrode TE or the sensing electrode RE. Each of the dummy patterns DE may be spaced apart from the driving electrode TE or the sensing electrode RE. Each of the dummy patterns DE may be electrically floating.

[0098] In one embodiment, if Figure 5 , when viewed from the top, the driving electrode TE, the sensing electrode RE, and the dummy pattern DE each have a rhombus shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, for example, when viewed from the top, each of the driving electrode TE, the sensing electrode RE, and the dummy pattern DE may have a quadrilateral shape other than a rhombus, a polygon other than a quadrilateral shape, a circle, or an ellipse.

[0099] The touch lines SL may be disposed around the touch sensing area TSA, ie, in the touch peripheral area TPA. The touch lines SL include first and second touch driving lines TL1 and TL2 connected to the driving electrodes TE and a touch sensing line RL connected to the sensing electrodes RE.

[0100] The sensing electrodes RE disposed at one side of the touch sensing area TSA may be connected to the touch sensing lines RL, respectively. Figure 5, some of the sensing electrodes RE disposed at the right end and electrically connected to each other in the first direction (X-axis direction) may be respectively connected to the touch sensing lines RL. Each of the touch sensing lines RL may be connected to the pad unit PD via a portion of the touch peripheral area TPA. In one embodiment, for example, the touch sensing lines RL may extend around the right side of the touch sensing area TSA and may be respectively connected to the second touch pads TP2 disposed in the pad unit PD.

[0101] The driving electrodes TE disposed at one end of the touch sensing area TSA may be respectively connected to the first touch driving line TL1, and the driving electrodes TE disposed at the opposite end of the touch sensing area TSA may be respectively connected to the second touch driving line TL2. In one embodiment, for example, some of the driving electrodes TE disposed at the lower end and electrically connected to each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be respectively connected to the first touch driving line TL1, and some of the driving electrodes TE disposed at the upper end may be respectively connected to the second touch driving line TL2.

[0102] The first touch drive line TL1 or the second touch drive line TL2 may be connected to the pad unit PD formed in the sub-area SBA of the display panel 100 via a portion of the touch peripheral area TPA. In one embodiment, for example, the second touch drive line TL2 may extend around the left side of the touch sensing area TSA and be connected to the drive electrode TE on the upper side of the touch sensing area TSA. In addition, the first touch drive line TL1 and the second touch drive line TL2 may be connected to the pad unit PD formed in the sub-area SBA on the lower side of the touch sensing area TSA. The first touch drive line TL1 and the second touch drive line TL2 may be connected to the first touch pad TP1 provided in the pad unit PD, respectively.

[0103] The driving electrode TE is connected to the first touch driving line TL1 and the second touch driving line TL2 on both sides of the touch sensing area TSA to receive the touch driving signal through the first touch driving line TL1 and the second touch driving line TL2 on both sides. Therefore, the difference between the touch driving signal applied to the driving electrode TE disposed on the lower side of the touch sensing area TSA and the touch driving signal applied to the driving electrode TE disposed on the upper side of the touch sensing area TSA due to the RC delay of the touch driving signal can be prevented.

[0104] In one embodiment, if Figures 1 to 3, where the display circuit board 300 is connected to one side of the flexible film, the display pad area DPA of the pad area PD and the first touch pad area TPA1 and the second touch pad area TPA2 may be associated with the pads of the display panel 100 connected to the display circuit board 300. Therefore, the pads of the display panel 100 may contact the display pads DP, the first touch pads TP1 and the second touch pads TP2. The display pads DP, the first touch pads TP1 and the second touch pads TP2 may be electrically connected to the pads of the display circuit board 300 using a low resistance, high reliability material such as anisotropic conductive layer or SAP. Therefore, the display pads DP, the first touch pads TP1 and the second touch pads TP2 may be electrically connected to the touch drive circuit 400 provided on the display circuit board 300.

[0105] Figure 6 As an example Figure 1 and Figure 2 A side view of another embodiment of a side surface or cross-sectional shape of a display device illustrated in FIG.

[0106] refer to Figure 6 In one embodiment, the bending boundary pattern 111 can be formed into a straight line shape or a curve shape or a combination of a straight line and a curve shape along the boundary of the bending area, wherein the boundary of the bending area sets the boundary between the bending area of ​​the sub-area SBA and the outer part of the sub-area SBA.

[0107] The bending protection member 101 is formed to cover a bending area of ​​a preset sub-area SBA with the bending boundary pattern 111 as a boundary. Therefore, one side of the bending protection member 101 may contact one side of the bending boundary pattern 111.

[0108] The rear surface cover 141 is disposed and assembled on the rear surface of the display panel 100 to completely cover at least a portion of the surface of the sub-area SBA bent upward in the rear direction of the display panel 100 (for example, a portion of the outer surface of the sub-area SBA), the display driving circuit 200, and the display circuit board 300 on which the touch driving circuit 400 is disposed.

[0109] One end of the back surface cover 141 is disposed to cover a portion of one side of the sub area SBA to contact the bending border pattern 111 , and an opposite end thereof is disposed to cover the other end (or opposite end) of the back surface of the display panel 100 .

[0110] In one embodiment, the moisture-proof and waterproof adhesive tape 121 may cover the end of the back surface cover 141 adjacent to the bending area of ​​the sub-area SBA. The moisture-proof and waterproof adhesive tape 121 may be formed to cover at least one contact area selected from a first contact area and a second contact area, the first contact area including a contact portion between the bending protection member 101 and the bending boundary pattern 111, and the second contact area including a contact portion between the bending boundary pattern 111 and the back surface cover 141. The moisture-proof and waterproof adhesive tape 121 may be formed by covering at least a portion of the bending protection member 101, the bending boundary pattern 111, and the back surface cover 141 to cover the above-mentioned first contact area and the second contact area.

[0111] In one embodiment, if Figure 6 , the thickness hw or height of one end portion of the rear surface cover 141 adjacent to the bending boundary pattern 111 and covering at least a portion of the surface of the sub-area SBA bent in the rear direction of the display panel 100 (e.g., a portion of the outer surface of the sub-area SBA) may be formed to be thicker or higher than the thickness or height of the bending protection member 101 and the thickness or height of the bending boundary pattern 111. In such an embodiment, the rear surface cover 141 may prevent the bending protection member 101 and the bending boundary pattern 111 from escaping or overflowing into an area other than the bending area.

[0112] Figure 7 As an example Figure 1 and Figure 2 A side view of another embodiment of a side surface or cross-sectional shape of a display device illustrated in FIG.

[0113] refer to Figure 7 In one embodiment, the bending boundary pattern 111 can be formed into a straight line shape or a curve shape or a combination of a straight line and a curve shape along the boundary of the bending area, wherein the boundary of the bending area is set at the boundary between the bending area of ​​the sub-area SBA and the outer part of the sub-area SBA.

[0114] The bending protection member 101 is formed to cover a bending area of ​​a preset sub-area SBA with the bending boundary pattern 111 as a boundary. Therefore, one side of the bending protection member 101 may contact one side of the bending boundary pattern 111.

[0115] The rear surface cover 141 is arranged and assembled on the rear surface of the display panel 100 to completely cover at least a portion of the surface of the sub-area SBA bent upward in the rear direction of the display panel 100 (for example, a portion of the outer surface of the sub-area SBA), the display driving circuit 200, and the display circuit board 300 on which the touch driving circuit 400 is set.

[0116] In one embodiment, the bend boundary pattern 111 may be further formed as a single pattern on the rear surface of the rear surface cover 141 covering at least a portion of the sub-area SBA. In such an embodiment, the bend boundary pattern 111 further formed on the rear surface of the rear surface cover 141 may be referred to as an additional bend boundary pattern. In another embodiment, the additional bend boundary pattern further formed on the rear surface of the rear surface cover 141 may be formed as a plurality of parallel patterns.

[0117] The moisture-proof and waterproof adhesive tape 121 may be formed to cover at least one contact area selected from a first contact area including a contact portion between the bend protection member 101 and the bend boundary pattern 111, a second contact area including a contact portion between the bend boundary pattern 111 and the rear surface cover 141, and a third contact area including a contact portion between the rear surface cover 141 and an additional bend boundary pattern further formed on the rear surface of the rear surface cover 141. The moisture-proof and waterproof adhesive tape 121 may be formed by covering at least a portion of the bend protection member 101, the bend boundary pattern 111, and the rear surface cover 141 to cover the above-mentioned first to third contact areas.

[0118] Figure 8 As an example Figure 1 and Figure 2 A side view of another embodiment of a side surface or cross-sectional shape of a display device illustrated in FIG.

[0119] refer to Figure 8 In one embodiment, the bending protection member 101 may be formed to cover the bending area of ​​the sub-area SBA and a partial area of ​​the outer portion of the sub-area SBA. In such an embodiment, the bending protection member 101 may further extend toward the display driving circuit 200 to overlap the display area DA. Therefore, one side of the bending protection member 101 may be disposed at a side area of ​​the sub-area SBA adjacent to the display driving circuit 200 formed on the outer portion of the sub-area SBA.

[0120] The rear surface cover 141 can be arranged and assembled on the rear surface of the display panel 100 to cover at least a portion of the surface of the sub-area SBA bent in the rear direction of the display panel 100 (for example, a portion of the outer surface of the sub-area SBA), a rear portion of the surface of the bending protection member 101, the display driving circuit 200, and the display circuit board 300 on which the touch driving circuit 400 is set.

[0121] The moisture-proof and waterproof adhesive tape 121 may be formed to cover a contact area including a contact portion between the bending protection member 101 and the rear surface cover 141. That is, the moisture-proof and waterproof adhesive tape 121 may be formed by covering at least a portion of the bending protection member 101 and the rear surface cover 141 to cover the contact portion between the bending protection member 101 and the rear surface cover 141.

[0122] Fig. 9 As an example Figure 1 and Figure 2 A side view of another embodiment of a side surface or cross-sectional shape of a display device illustrated in FIG.

[0123] refer to Fig. 9 In one embodiment, the bending protection member 101 may be formed in a separated form to cover a preset bending area of ​​the sub-area SBA and a partial area of ​​the outer portion of the sub-area SBA. In one embodiment, a portion of the bending protection member 101 disposed between the rear surface cover 141 and the outer portion of the sub-area SBA may be divided into two portions spaced apart from each other.

[0124] The bending protection member 101 on the outer portion and separated (or spaced apart) from the bending protection member 101 formed on the bending area of ​​the sub area SBA may be disposed at a side area of ​​the sub area SBA adjacent to the display driving circuit 200 formed on the outer portion.

[0125] The rear surface cover 141 is disposed and assembled on the rear surface of the display panel 100 to cover the rear partial surface of the bending protection member 101 formed in the sub area SBA, the display driving circuit 200 , and the display circuit board 300 on which the touch driving circuit 400 is disposed.

[0126] The moisture-proof and waterproof adhesive tape 121 may be formed to cover a contact area including a contact portion between the bending protection member 101 and the rear surface cover 141. That is, the moisture-proof and waterproof adhesive tape 121 may be formed by covering at least a portion of the bending protection member 101 and the rear surface cover 141 to cover the contact portion between the bending protection member 101 and the rear surface cover 141.

[0127] Fig.10 As an example Figure 1 and Figure 2 A side view of another embodiment of a side surface or cross-sectional shape of a display device illustrated in FIG.

[0128] refer to Fig.10 In one embodiment, the bending boundary pattern 111 can be formed into a straight line shape or a curve shape or a combination of a straight line and a curve shape along the boundary of the bending area, wherein the boundary of the bending area is set at the boundary between the bending area of ​​the sub-area SBA and the outer part of the sub-area SBA.

[0129] The bending protection member 101 can be formed in a separated form (or divided into two parts) to respectively cover the bending area of ​​a preset sub-area SBA and a partial area of ​​the outer part of the sub-area SBA, but does not overlap with the bending boundary pattern 111 at the boundary between the bending area and the outer part of the sub-area SBA.

[0130] A bending boundary pattern 111 may be further formed on a rear outer portion of the two portions of the bending protection member 101 , the rear outer portion covering a partial area of ​​the outer portion of the sub-area SBA.

[0131] The moisture-proof and waterproof adhesive tape 121 may be formed to cover a contact area including a contact portion between at least one bending protection member and the rear surface cover 141. That is, the moisture-proof and waterproof adhesive tape 121 may be formed by covering at least a portion of the bending protection member 101 and the rear surface cover 141 to cover the contact portion between the bending protection member 101 and the rear surface cover 141. In one embodiment, the rear surface cover 141 may be provided to cover a rear outer portion of the bending protection member 101.

[0132] Fig.11 and Fig.12 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0133] Fig.11 and Fig.12 An embodiment of the display device 10 is illustrated, and the display device 10 is a foldable display device that is folded in a first direction (X-axis direction). The display device 10 can maintain both a folded state and an unfolded state. The display device 10 can be folded in an inward folding manner with the front surface disposed on the inner side thereof. When the display device 10 is bent or folded in an inward folding manner, the front surfaces of the display device 10 can be arranged to face each other. Alternatively, the display device 10 can be folded in an outward folding manner with the front surface disposed on the outer side thereof. When the display device 10 is bent or folded in an outward folding manner, the rear surfaces of the display device 10 can be arranged to face each other.

[0134] The first non-folding area NFA1 may be disposed on one side of the folding area FDA, for example, the right side. The second non-folding area NFA2 may be disposed on the other side of the folding area FDA, for example, the left side. The touch sensing unit TSU according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed on each of the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0135] The first folding line FOL1 and the second folding line FOL2 extend in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the display device 10 can be folded in the first direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the length of the display device 10 in the first direction (X-axis direction) can be reduced to approximately half, so that the user can conveniently carry the display device 10.

[0136] In an embodiment, the extending direction of the first folding line FOL1 and the extending direction of the second folding line FOL2 are not limited to the second direction (Y-axis direction). In an embodiment, for example, the first folding line FOL1 and the second folding line FOL2 may extend in the first direction (X-axis direction), and the display device 10 may be folded in the second direction (Y-axis direction). In such an embodiment, the length of the display device 10 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be reduced to approximately half. Alternatively, the first folding line FOL1 and the second folding line FOL2 may extend in a diagonal direction between the first direction (X-axis direction) and the second direction (Y-axis direction) of the display device 10. In this case, the display device 10 may be folded into a triangular shape.

[0137] In an embodiment where the first folding line FOL1 and the second folding line FOL2 extend in the second direction (Y-axis direction), the length of the folding area FDA in the first direction (X-axis direction) may be shorter than its length in the second direction (Y-axis direction). Further, the length of the first non-folding area NFA1 in the first direction (X-axis direction) may be longer than the length of the folding area FDA in the first direction (X-axis direction). The length of the second non-folding area NFA2 in the first direction (X-axis direction) may be longer than the length of the folding area FDA in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0138] The first display area DA1 may be disposed on the front surface of the display device 10. The first display area DA1 may overlap the folding area FDA, the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second non-folding area NFA2 in the third direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, when the display device 10 is unfolded, an image may be displayed toward the front side of the display device 10 in the folding area FDA, the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second non-folding area NFA2 of the display device 10.

[0139] The second display area DA2 may be provided on the rear surface of the display device 10. The second display area DA2 may overlap with the second non-folding area NFA2 in the third direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, when the display device 10 is folded, an image may be displayed in the second non-folding area NFA2 of the display device 10 toward the front side of the display device 10.

[0140] Fig.11 and Fig.12 It is illustrated that the through hole TH in which the camera is formed is disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The through hole TH or the camera may be defined or disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2 or the folding area FDA.

[0141] Fig.13 and Fig.14is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0142] Fig.13 and Fig.14 An embodiment of the display device 10 is illustrated, and the display device 10 is a foldable display device that is folded in the second direction (Y-axis direction). The display device 10 can maintain both the folded state and the unfolded state. The display device 10 can be folded in an inward folding manner with the front surface arranged on the inner side thereof. When the display device 10 is bent or folded in an inward folding manner, the front surfaces of the display device 10 can be arranged to face each other. Alternatively, the display device 10 can be folded in an outward folding manner with the front surface arranged on the outer side thereof. When the display device 10 is bent or folded in an outward folding manner, the rear surfaces of the display device 10 can be arranged to face each other.

[0143] The display device 10 may include a folding area FDA, a first non-folding area NFA1, and a second non-folding area NFA2. The folding area FDA may be an area in which the display device 10 is folded, and the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be areas in which the display device 10 is not folded. The first non-folding area NFA1 may be disposed on one side (e.g., the lower side) of the folding area FDA. The second non-folding area NFA2 may be disposed on the other side (e.g., the upper side) of the folding area FDA.

[0144] The touch sensing unit TSU according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed on each of the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 .

[0145] In one embodiment, the folding area FDA may be a curved area having a predetermined curvature at the first folding line FOL1 and the second folding line FOL2. Therefore, the first folding line FOL1 may be a boundary between the folding area FDA and the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second folding line FOL2 may be a boundary between the folding area FDA and the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0146] In one embodiment, the first folding line FOL1 and the second folding line FOL2 may extend in a first direction (X-axis direction). Fig.13 and Fig.14 In such an embodiment, the display device 10 can be folded in the second direction (Y-axis direction). Therefore, the length of the display device 10 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) can be reduced to approximately half, so that the user can conveniently carry the display device 10.

[0147] In an embodiment, the extending direction of the first folding line FOL1 and the extending direction of the second folding line FOL2 are not limited to the first direction (X-axis direction). In an embodiment, for example, the first folding line FOL1 and the second folding line FOL2 may extend in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the display device 10 may be folded in the first direction (X-axis direction). In such an embodiment, the length of the display device 10 in the first direction (X-axis direction) may be reduced to approximately half. Alternatively, the first folding line FOL1 and the second folding line FOL2 may extend in a diagonal direction between the first direction (X-axis direction) and the second direction (Y-axis direction) of the display device 10. In this case, the display device 10 may be folded into a triangular shape.

[0148] The first folding line FOL1 and the second folding line FOL2 are as follows: Fig.13 and Fig.14 In the embodiment extending in the first direction (X-axis direction) shown in FIG, the length of the folding area FDA in the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be shorter than the length of the folding area FDA in the first direction (X-axis direction). Further, the length of the first non-folding area NFA1 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be longer than the length of the folding area FDA in the second direction (Y-axis direction). The length of the second non-folding area NFA2 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be longer than the length of the folding area FDA in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0149] The first display area DA1 may be disposed on the front surface of the display device 10. The first display area DA1 may overlap the folding area FDA, the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second non-folding area NFA2 in the third direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, when the display device 10 is unfolded, an image may be displayed toward the front side of the display device 10 in the folding area FDA, the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second non-folding area NFA2 of the display device 10.

[0150] The second display area DA2 may be provided on the rear surface of the display device 10. The second display area DA2 may overlap with the second non-folding area NFA2 in the third direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, when the display device 10 is folded, an image may be displayed in the second non-folding area NFA2 of the display device 10 toward the front side thereof.

[0151] Fig.13 and Fig.14 An embodiment in which a through hole TH provided with a camera or the like is defined or provided in the second non-folding area NFA2 is illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, for example, the through hole TH may be provided in the first non-folding area NFA1 or the folding area FDA.

[0152] The present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0153] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display panel comprising a display area for displaying an image and a sub-area extending in one direction from the display area, wherein the sub-area comprises a bending area bent in a rear direction of the display panel and an outer portion extending from the bending area to overlap with the display area; a display driving circuit disposed on the outer portion of the sub-area to drive pixels of the display area; a bending protection member, arranged to cover the bending area of ​​the secondary area; a rear surface cover disposed on the rear surface of the display panel to cover the outer portion of the sub-area and the display driving circuit; as well as An adhesive tape covers an end portion of the rear surface cover adjacent to the bending region.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the bending protection member extends to cover a portion of the outer portion of the secondary region that overlaps with the display region, and wherein the bend protection member is disposed between the rear surface cover and the outer portion of the secondary region.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein a portion of the bend protection member disposed between the rear surface cover and the outer portion of the sub-region is divided into two portions spaced apart from each other, and One of the two parts is arranged adjacent to the display driving circuit.

4. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a bending boundary pattern formed in a straight line shape, a curved line shape, or a combination of a straight line shape and a curved line shape along a boundary between the outer portion of the secondary region and the curved region, wherein the bending protection member covers the bending region of the secondary region, and the bending boundary pattern defines the boundary.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the adhesive tape covers at least one contact area selected from a first contact area and a second contact area, the first contact area including a contact portion between the bending protection member and the bending boundary pattern, the second contact area including a contact portion between the bending boundary pattern and the rear surface cover, The thickness or height of the end portion of the rear surface cover adjacent to the bending boundary pattern is formed to be thicker or higher than the thickness or height of the bending protection member or the thickness or height of the bending boundary pattern.

6. The display device according to claim 4, further comprising an additional bent border pattern formed on the rear surface of the rear surface cover, and The adhesive tape is formed to cover at least one contact area selected from a first contact area, a second contact area and a third contact area, the first contact area includes a contact portion between the bending protection member and the bending boundary pattern, the second contact area includes a contact portion between the bending boundary pattern and the rear surface cover, and the third contact area includes a contact portion between the rear surface of the rear surface cover and the additional bending boundary pattern.

7. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the bending protection member is divided into two parts to respectively cover the bending area and the outer part of the secondary area, wherein the two portions of the bend protection member are spaced apart from each other so as not to overlap with the bend boundary pattern at a boundary between the bend region of the secondary region and the outer portion, and wherein the rear surface cover is provided to cover one of the two portions of the bend protection member, the outer portion covering the secondary region, and the display drive circuit, An additional bending boundary pattern is formed on the one of the two portions of the bending protection member covering the outer portion of the secondary region, and wherein the adhesive tape covers a contact portion between the additional bending border pattern and the rear surface cover.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the bending protection member is coated or applied in the bending area by at least one process selected from an inkjet printing process, a photoresist process and a spin coating process, The bending protection member comprises: An organic or inorganic material for forming a pixel defining layer, a planarization layer and an encapsulation layer formed in the display area, or at least one organic material selected from acrylic acid, benzocyclobutene (BCB) and hexamethyldisiloxane, or a pressure-sensitive adhesive material including an ultraviolet-curable acrylic resin.

9. The display device according to claim 4, The bending boundary pattern comprises: At least one adhesive curing material selected from the group consisting of an optically transparent adhesive, an optically transparent resin, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive, or at least one inorganic material selected from the group consisting of a pressure-sensitive adhesive and a photoresist.

10. A display device, comprising: A display panel comprising a display area for displaying an image and a sub-area extending in one direction from the display area, wherein the sub-area comprises a bending area bent in a rear direction of the display panel and an outer portion extending from the bending area to overlap with the display area; a touch sensing unit formed on the front surface of the display panel to sense a touch of a user or an object; a display driving circuit disposed on the outer portion of the sub-area to drive pixels of the display area; a display circuit board electrically connected to one end of the outer portion of the secondary region; A touch driving circuit, disposed on the display circuit board to drive the touch sensing unit; a bending protection member formed to cover the bending region of the secondary region; a rear surface cover configured to cover the outer portion of the secondary area and the display circuit board on which the touch drive circuit is arranged; as well as An adhesive tape covers an end portion of the rear surface cover adjacent to the bending region.

Images