Display device

Abstract

A display device includes: a display panel; the patterned glass is arranged on the display panel, and the patterned glass comprises a first non-patterned part, a patterned part and a second non-patterned part which are sequentially arranged in a first direction; the protective layer is arranged on the patterned glass; and a first window adhesive layer disposed between the patterned glass and the protective layer. The protective layer has an elastic modulus within a predetermined range, a maximum value of the elastic modulus of the protective layer is constant, and a minimum value of the elastic modulus of the protective layer varies in proportion to a thickness of the first window adhesive layer.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and all benefits arising from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0146721, filed on October 30, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure herein relates to a display device. Background Art

[0004] An electronic device can provide information to a user by displaying various images in a display screen of the electronic device. Typically, an electronic device displays information within an assigned screen. Recently, a flexible electronic device including a foldable flexible display panel has been developed. Unlike a rigid electronic device, a flexible electronic device can be folded, curled or bent. Since a flexible electronic device that can be deformed into various shapes can be carried regardless of the existing screen size, the convenience of the user is improved.

[0005] An electronic device may include a display panel and a window disposed on the display panel for protecting the display panel. In a flexible electronic device, a plurality of patterns may be defined in the window to ensure flexibility of the window. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides a display device with improved folding reliability.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides a display device, comprising: a display panel; a patterned glass disposed on the display panel, wherein the patterned glass comprises a first non-patterned portion, a patterned portion, and a second non-patterned portion sequentially arranged in a first direction; a protective layer disposed on the patterned glass; and a first window adhesive layer disposed between the patterned glass and the protective layer, wherein the protective layer has an elastic modulus within a predetermined range, a maximum value of the elastic modulus of the protective layer is constant, and a minimum value of the elastic modulus of the protective layer varies in proportion to a thickness of the first window adhesive layer.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention provides a display device, comprising: a display panel, comprising a first non-folding area, a folding area, and a second non-folding area arranged in sequence in a first direction; a patterned glass arranged on the display panel; a lower film arranged under the display panel; and a protective film arranged between the display panel and the lower film, wherein the folding area is folded relative to a folding axis parallel to a second direction intersecting the first direction, when the folding area is folded, the patterned glass, the lower film and the protective film are folded relative to the folding axis, and the elastic modulus of the lower film is inversely proportional to the rate of change of the length of the protective film in the first direction before and after folding. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing the embodiments of the present invention in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The electronic device shown in is in a folded state;

[0012] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' shown in FIG.

[0014] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 The electronic device shown in is in a state of being folded inwardly relative to a folding axis;

[0015] Figure 6 Shows Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display panel shown in ;

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A plan view of the display panel shown in ;

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of the first area A1 in FIG.

[0018] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 a plan view of the patterned glass shown in ; and

[0019] Fig.10 It is along Fig. 9A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Hereinafter, the present invention will now be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which various embodiments are shown. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements.

[0021] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the referenced items.

[0022] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "below", "under", "lower", "above", and "upper" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or component to another element(s) or component(s) as shown in the drawings. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. Like numbers or symbols refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0023] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components and / or parts, these elements, components and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component or part from another element, component or part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present invention, the first element, first component or first part discussed below may be referred to as the second element, second component or second part.

[0024] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing a specific embodiment, and are not intended to be restrictive. Unless the context clearly indicates, the "one", "one (kind / person)", "the (said)" and "at least one (kind / person)" used herein do not represent the limitation of quantity, but are intended to include both singular and plural forms. Therefore, the reference to the "said" element after the reference to the "one" element in the claim includes one element and multiple elements. For example, unless the context clearly indicates, "an element" has the same meaning as "at least one element". "At least one" should not be interpreted as limiting "one" or "one". "Or" means "and / or". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. It will also be understood that when used in this specification, the term "comprises, comprising" and / or "includes, including" indicates the existence of stated features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups.

[0025] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurements in question and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5% of the stated value.

[0026] 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 also be understood that, unless explicitly defined as such herein, terms (such as those defined in general dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their context in the relevant technical field and the present disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formalized sense.

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to plan views and cross-sectional views as schematic diagrams of idealized embodiments. Therefore, the form of the examples shown can be modified by manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, etc. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific shapes shown, but include deformations caused by manufacturing processes. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific shapes of the regions shown herein, but include deviations in shapes, such as those caused by manufacturing. For example, a region shown or described as flat may generally have rough and / or nonlinear features. In addition, the sharp corners shown may be rounded. Therefore, the regions shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shapes of the regions, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The electronic device is shown in a folded state.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 , the electronic device ED according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a rectangular shape having long sides extending in a first direction DR1 and short sides extending in a second direction DR2 crossing the first direction DR1. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the electronic device ED may have various shapes such as a circular shape or other polygonal shapes. The electronic device ED may be a flexible electronic device.

[0031] Hereinafter, a cross direction substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 is defined as a third direction DR3. The third direction DR3 may be a thickness direction of the electronic device ED. In addition, in this specification, the expression "when viewed on a plane" may be defined as a state observed in the third direction DR3. In addition, the expression "overlapping with..." means that a plurality of components overlap each other in the third direction DR3 when viewed on a plane.

[0032] The electronic device ED may include a folding area FA and a plurality of non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. The non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 may include a first non-folding area NFA1 and a second non-folding area NFA2. The folding area FA may be disposed between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. The first non-folding area NFA1, the folding area FA, and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be arranged in a first direction DR1.

[0033] In an embodiment, for example, Figure 1 As shown in , one folding area FA and two non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 may be defined, but the number of folding areas FA and the number of non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, for example, the electronic device ED may include more than two non-folding areas and a plurality of folding areas disposed between the non-folding areas.

[0034] The top surface of the electronic device ED may be defined as a display surface DS, and may have a flat surface defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. An image IM generated in the electronic device ED may be provided to a user through the display surface DS.

[0035] The display surface DS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA around the display area DA. The display area DA may display an image, and the non-display area NDA may not display an image. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA and may define an edge of the electronic device ED printed in a predetermined color.

[0036] Although not shown, the electronic device ED may have a plurality of sensors and at least one camera.

[0037] Reference Figure 2 , an embodiment of the electronic device ED may be a foldable electronic device ED that is folded or unfolded. In an embodiment, for example, the electronic device ED may be folded in such a manner that the folding area FA is bent relative to a folding axis FX that is parallel to the second direction DR2. In such an embodiment where the electronic device ED is foldable, the folding axis FX may be defined as a short axis that is parallel to the short side of the electronic device ED.

[0038] When the electronic device ED is folded, the electronic device ED can be folded inwardly so that the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 can face each other, and the display surface DS is not exposed to the outside. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, for example, the electronic device ED can be folded outwardly relative to the folding axis FX so that the display surface DS is exposed to the outside.

[0039] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' shown in FIG.

[0040] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , an embodiment of the electronic device ED may include a display device DD and a housing HU. Although not shown, the electronic device ED may further include a mechanical structure (eg, a hinge) for controlling a folding operation of the display device DD.

[0041] The display device DD according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a display module DM for displaying an image, an upper module UM disposed on the display module DM, and a lower module LM disposed below the display module DM. The display module DM may constitute a part of the display device DD, and specifically, an image may be generated by the display module DM. The display module DM may display an image in response to an electrical signal, and may send / receive information about an external input. The display module DM may be defined by an active area AA and a peripheral area NAA. The active area AA may be defined as an area displaying an image provided by the display module DM.

[0042] The peripheral area NAA may be adjacent to the active area AA. In an embodiment, for example, the peripheral area NAA may surround the active area AA. However, this is shown as an example, and the peripheral area NAA may be defined as various shapes and is not limited to any one embodiment. According to an embodiment, the active area AA of the display module DM may be adjacent to the active area AA. Figure 1 Overlapping at least a portion of the display area DA in.

[0043] The display module DM may include a display panel DP and an input sensing unit ISP. The display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present invention may be an emissive display panel, but is not particularly limited. In an embodiment, for example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel, an inorganic light-emitting display panel, or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material, and the light-emitting layer of the inorganic light-emitting display panel may include an inorganic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots, quantum rods, etc. Hereinafter, for ease of description, an embodiment in which the display panel DP is an organic light-emitting display panel will be described.

[0044] The display panel DP may be a flexible display panel. Therefore, the display panel DP may be completely rolled, or may be folded or unfolded with respect to the folding axis FX.

[0045] In an embodiment, the input sensing unit ISP may be directly disposed on the display panel DP. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the input sensing unit ISP may be formed on the display panel DP by a continuous process. In such an embodiment in which the input sensing unit ISP is directly disposed on the display panel DP, no adhesive film is disposed between the input sensing unit ISP and the display panel DP. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In another embodiment, an adhesive film may be disposed between the input sensing unit ISP and the display panel DP. In such an embodiment, the input sensing unit ISP may not be manufactured together with the display panel DP by a continuous process, but may be manufactured together with the display panel DP by a separate process, and then fixed (or attached) to the top surface of the display panel DP via an adhesive film.

[0046] The display panel DP generates an image, and the input sensing unit ISP acquires coordinate information about a user's input (eg, a touch event).

[0047] The upper module UM may include a window WM disposed on the display module DM. The window WM may include an optically transparent insulating material. Therefore, an image generated by the display module DM may pass through the window WM and may be easily perceived by a user. Figure 8 Window WM is described in more detail.

[0048] The upper module UM may further include one or more functional layers disposed between the display module DM and the window WM. In an embodiment of the present invention, the functional layer may be an anti-reflection layer RPL for blocking external light reflection.

[0049] The anti-reflection layer RPL can prevent the elements constituting the display module DM from being observed from the outside due to external light incident through the front surface of the display device DD. The anti-reflection layer RPL may include a phase retarder and a polarizer. The phase retarder may be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type, and may include a λ / 2 phase retarder and / or a λ / 4 phase retarder. The polarizer may also be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type. The film type polarizer may include a stretched synthetic resin film, and the liquid crystal coating type polarizer may include liquid crystals arranged in a predetermined arrangement. The phase retarder and the polarizer may be provided as a single polarizing film. The functional layer may also include a protective film disposed on an upper portion or a lower portion of the anti-reflection layer RPL.

[0050] The lower module LM may include a support plate SP disposed on the rear surface of the display module DM to support the display module DM, a protective film PF disposed between the display module DM and the support plate SP, and a lower film UF disposed between the protective film PF and the support plate SP. The support plate SP may include a plurality of support plates SP, the number of which corresponds to the number of the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. In an embodiment of the present invention, the support plate SP may include a first support plate SP1 and a second support plate SP2 disposed to be spaced apart from the first support plate SP1.

[0051] The first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 may be disposed to correspond to the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2, respectively. The first support plate SP1 is disposed to overlap with the first non-folding area NFA1 of the display module DM, and the second support plate SP2 is disposed to overlap with the second non-folding area NFA2 of the display module DM. The first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 may each include a metal material or a plastic material.

[0052] In the display module DM Figure 1In the unfolded state shown in FIG, the first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 5 , in a state where the display module DM is folded with respect to the folding axis FX, the first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the third direction DR3 .

[0053] The first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 may be separated by a gap corresponding to the folding area FA. The first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 may partially overlap the folding area FA. That is, the spacing distance between the first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 in the first direction DR1 may be smaller than the width of the folding area FA.

[0054] Although not shown, the support plate SP may further include a connection module for connecting the first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2. The connection module may include a hinge module or a multi-joint module.

[0055] In an embodiment, Figure 3 As shown in , the support plate SP has two support plates SP1 and SP2, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In an embodiment in which a plurality of folding axes FX are provided, the support plate SP may have a plurality of support plates separated relative to the plurality of folding axes FX. Alternatively, the support plate SP may not be divided into a first support plate SP1 and a second support plate SP2, and may be provided in an integral shape. In this case, a bent portion corresponding to the folding area FA may be provided to the support plate SP or defined in the support plate SP. In the bent portion, an opening that may be formed or defined through the support plate SP may be provided, or a groove that is recessed from one surface of the support plate SP may be provided.

[0056] The protective film PF may be disposed between the display module DM and the support plate SP. The protective film PF may be disposed under the display module DM and may protect the rear surface of the display module DM. The protective film PF may include a synthetic resin film and may be, for example, a polyimide film or a polyethylene terephthalate film. However, this is an example, and the protective film PF is not limited to the above example.

[0057] The lower film UF may be disposed between the protection film PF and the support plate SP. The lower film UF may include a flexible plastic material such as polyimide (PI). Figure 8 The lower membrane UF is described in more detail.

[0058] The housing HU may house the display device DD, and in particular, the housing HU may house the display module DM and the lower module LM while being coupled to the window WM. Figure 3As shown in FIG, the housing HU includes a first housing HU1 and a second housing HU2 separated from each other, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. Although not shown, the electronic device ED may further include a hinge structure connecting the first housing HU1 and the second housing HU2.

[0059] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 The electronic device shown in is in a state of being folded inwardly relative to the folding axis.

[0060] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the folding area FA can be folded. The folding area FA can be bent into a curve. The folding area FA can be bent with a curvature radius R. The curvature radius R can be defined as the shortest distance between the folding axis FX and the window WM. The curvature radius R can be in a range of about 1.0 millimeters (mm) to about 2.0 mm. For example, in an embodiment, the curvature radius R can be about 1.0 mm, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0061] When the folding area FA is in the folded state, the portion of the window WM overlapping the folding area FA and the portion of the lower film UF overlapping the folding area FA can be bent. The folding area FA can repeatedly perform folding and unfolding operations. When the folding area FA is folded and unfolded, the portion of the window WM and the portion of the lower film UF can repeatedly present a bent state and a flat state.

[0062] The thickness and elastic modulus of each of the portion of the window WM and the portion of the lower film UF can be set according to the curvature radius R. Figure 8 The thickness and elastic modulus of each of the portion of the window WM and the portion of the lower film UF are described in more detail.

[0063] Figure 6 Shows Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display panel is shown in FIG.

[0064] By way of example, Figure 6 A cross section of the display panel DP when viewed in the first direction DR1 is shown.

[0065] Reference Figure 6 , an embodiment of the display panel DP may include a substrate SUB, a circuit element layer DP-CL disposed on the substrate SUB, a display element layer DP-OLED disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE covering the display element layer DP-OLED.

[0066] The substrate SUB may include an active area AA and a peripheral area NAA around the active area AA. The substrate SUB may include a flexible plastic material such as polyimide (PI). The display element layer DP-OLED may be disposed on the active area AA.

[0067] A plurality of pixels may be disposed in the active area AA. The pixels may each include a light emitting element disposed in the display element layer DP-OLED and connected to a transistor disposed in the circuit element layer DP-CL.

[0068] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL to cover the display element layer DP-OLED. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include a plurality of inorganic layers and an organic layer between the plurality of inorganic layers. The inorganic layer may protect the pixel from moisture / oxygen. The organic layer may protect the pixel PX from foreign matter such as dust particles.

[0069] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A plan view of the display panel shown in FIG.

[0070] Reference Figure 7 , an embodiment of the display module DM may include a display panel DP, a scan driver SDV, a data driver DDV, and an emission driver EDV.

[0071] The display panel DP may include a first area AA1, a second area AA2, and a bending area BA therebetween. The bending area BA may extend in the second direction DR2, and the first area AA1, the bending area BA, and the second area AA2 may be arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0072] The first area AA1 may include an active area AA and a peripheral area NAA around the active area AA. The peripheral area NAA may surround the active area AA. The active area AA may be an area where an image is displayed, and the peripheral area NAA may be an area where an image is not displayed. The second area AA2 and the bending area BA may be areas where an image is not displayed.

[0073] When viewed in the second direction DR2, the first area AA1 may include a first non-folding area NFA1, a second non-folding area NFA2, and a folding area FA between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0074] The display panel DP may include a plurality of pixels PX, a plurality of scan lines SL1 to SLm, a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLn, a plurality of emission lines EL1 to ELm, a first control line CSL1 and a second control line CSL2, a power line PL, a plurality of connection lines CNL, and a plurality of pads PD. Here, m and n are natural numbers greater than 0. The pixels PX may be disposed in the active area AA and connected to the scan lines SL1 to SLm, the data lines DL1 to DLn, and the emission lines EL1 to ELm.

[0075] The scan driver SDV and the emission driver EDV may be disposed in the peripheral area NAA. The scan driver SDV and the emission driver EDV may be disposed in portions of the peripheral area NAA adjacent to both sides of the first area AA1 that are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2. The data driver DDV may be disposed in the second area AA2. In an embodiment, the data driver DDV may be manufactured in the form of an integrated circuit chip and mounted on the second area AA2.

[0076] The scan lines SL1 to SLm may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be connected to the scan driver SDV. The data lines DL1 to DLn may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be connected to the data driver DDV via the bending area BA. The emission lines EL1 to ELm may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be connected to the emission driver EDV.

[0077] The power line PL may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be disposed in the peripheral area NAA. The power line PL may be disposed between the active area AA and the emission driver EDV. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the power line PL may also be disposed between the active area AA and the scan driver SDV.

[0078] The power line PL may extend to the second area AA2 via the bending area BA. When viewed on a plane, the power line PL may extend toward a lower end of the second area AA2. The power line PL may receive a driving voltage.

[0079] The connection line CNL may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be arranged in the first direction DR1. The connection line CNL may be connected to the power line PL and the pixel PX. A driving voltage may be applied to the pixel PX via the power line PL and the connection line CNL connected to each other.

[0080] The first control line CSL1 may be connected to the scan driver SDV and may extend to the lower end of the second area AA2 via the bending area BA. The second control line CSL2 may be connected to the emission driver EDV and may extend to the lower end of the second area AA2 via the bending area BA. The data driver DDV may be disposed between the first control line CSL1 and the second control line CSL2.

[0081] The pad PD may be disposed adjacent to a lower end of the second area AA2 when viewed on a plane. The data driver DDV, the power line PL, the first control line CSL1, and the second control line CSL2 may be connected to the pad PD.

[0082] The data lines DL1 to DLn may be connected to corresponding pads PD through a data driver DDV, respectively. For example, in an embodiment, the data lines DL1 to DLn may be connected to the data driver DDV, and the data driver DDV may be connected to the pads PD respectively corresponding to the data lines DL1 to DLn.

[0083] Although not shown, a printed circuit board may be connected to the pad PD, and a timing controller and a voltage generator may be provided on the printed circuit board. The timing controller may be manufactured as an integrated circuit chip and mounted on the printed circuit board. The timing controller and the voltage generator may be connected to the pad PD through the printed circuit board.

[0084] The timing controller may control the operations of the scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the emission driver EDV. The timing controller may generate a scan control signal, a data control signal, and an emission control signal in response to a control signal received from the outside. The voltage generator may generate a driving voltage.

[0085] The scan control signal may be provided to the scan driver SDV through the first control line CSL1. The emission control signal may be provided to the emission driver EDV through the second control line CSL2. The data control signal may be provided to the data driver DDV. The timing controller may receive an image signal from the outside, convert the data format of the image signal to comply with the specification of the interface with the data driver DDV, and provide the conversion result to the data driver DDV.

[0086] The scan driver SDV may generate a plurality of scan signals in response to the scan control signal. The scan signals may be applied to the pixels PX via the scan lines SL1 to SLm. The scan signals may be sequentially applied to the pixels PX.

[0087] The data driver DDV may generate a plurality of data voltages corresponding to the image signal in response to the data control signal. The data voltages may be applied to the pixels PX via the data lines DL1 to DLn. The emission driver EDV may generate a plurality of emission signals in response to the emission control signal. The emission signals may be applied to the pixels PX via the emission lines EL1 to ELm.

[0088] The pixel PX may receive a data voltage in response to a scan signal. The pixel PX may display an image by emitting light having brightness corresponding to the data voltage in response to an emission signal. The emission time of the pixel PX may be controlled by the emission signal.

[0089] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of the first area A1 in FIG. Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 Plan view of the patterned glass shown in . Fig.10 It is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0090] Specifically, Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the first area A1 in FIG. Fig. 9 It is a plan view of patterned glass PG.

[0091] exist Figures 8 to 10 middle, Figure 8 The first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2, the anti-reflection layer RPL, the protective film PF and the display module DM are the same as those mentioned above. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The described first and second support plates SP1 and SP2 , the anti-reflection layer RPL, the protection film PF, and the display module DM are the same, and thus any repeated detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0092] Reference Figure 8 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In an embodiment, the window WM may include a patterned glass PG, a first window adhesive layer W_AL1, a second window adhesive layer W_AL2, a protection layer PLL, and filling patterns FL1 and FL2.

[0093] The patterned glass PG may include a glass material. The patterned glass PG may include a patterned portion PGA and a first non-patterned portion NPG1 and a second non-patterned portion NPG2. The first non-patterned portion NPG1, the patterned portion PGA, and the second non-patterned portion NPG2 may be arranged in a first direction DR1. The patterned portion PGA may be disposed between the first non-patterned portion NPG1 and the second non-patterned portion NPG2. In essence, the first non-patterned portion NPG1, the patterned portion PGA, and the second non-patterned portion NPG2 may be integrally formed as a single integral and indivisible component.

[0094] The patterned portion PGA may overlap the folding area FA. The first non-patterned portion NPG1 may overlap the first non-folding area NFA1. The second non-patterned portion NPG2 may overlap the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0095] The patterned glass PG may include a top surface PG-F and a bottom surface PG-B. The top surface PG-F and the bottom surface PG-B may refer to two surfaces of the patterned glass PG facing each other in the third direction DR3. The bottom surface PG-B of the patterned glass PG may be defined as a surface facing the anti-reflection layer RPL.

[0096] The first width W1 may be a distance between the top surface PG-F and the bottom surface PG-B. That is, the first width W1 may correspond to a thickness (or a maximum thickness) of the patterned glass PG. The first width W1 may be in a range of about 100 micrometers (μm) to about 175 μm.

[0097] A plurality of first grooves GRU and a plurality of second grooves GRB may be defined in the patterned portion PGA. The first grooves GRU may be defined in the top surface PG-F of the patterned glass PG. When viewed on a plane, the first grooves GRU may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. The first grooves GRU may each be defined or formed from the top surface PG-F toward the bottom surface PG-B in the third direction DR3. The first grooves GRU may be recessed by more than half of the thickness (or first width W1) of the patterned glass PG. The first grooves GRU may each have a depth greater than half of the thickness of the patterned glass PG.

[0098] The first groove GRU may have a downwardly concave shape. A second width W2 of an upper end of each of the first grooves GRU adjacent to the top surface PG-F of the patterned glass PG may be greater than a third width W3 of a lower end of each of the first grooves GRU adjacent to the bottom surface PG-B of the patterned glass PG. The bottom surface of the first groove GRU (the surface adjacent to the bottom surface PG-B of the patterned glass PG) may have a curved surface.

[0099] The second groove GRB may be defined in the bottom surface PG-B of the patterned glass PG. When viewed on a plane, the second groove GRB may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. The second grooves GRB may each be defined or formed from the bottom surface PG-B toward the top surface PG-F in the third direction DR3. The second grooves GRB may extend over half the thickness of the patterned glass PG. The second grooves GRB may each have a depth greater than half the thickness of the patterned glass PG.

[0100] The second groove GRB may have an upwardly convex shape. A fourth width W4 of a lower end of each of the second grooves GRB adjacent to the bottom surface PG-B of the patterned glass PG may be greater than a fifth width W5 of an upper end of each of the second grooves GRB adjacent to the top surface PG-F of the patterned glass PG. The bottom surface of the second groove GRB (the surface adjacent to the top surface PG-F of the patterned glass PG) may have a curved surface.

[0101] In an embodiment, for example, the first groove GRU and the second groove GRB may have the same shape as each other. In such an embodiment, the second width W2 may be the same as the fourth width W4, and the third width W3 may be the same as the fifth width W5. However, embodiments of the present invention may not be limited thereto. Alternatively, each of the first grooves GRU may have a shape different from each of the second grooves GRB. In such an embodiment, the second width W2 may be different from the fourth width W4, and the third width W3 may be different from the fifth width W5.

[0102] The sizes of the first width W1 to the fifth width W5 can be determined according to the folding characteristics. In addition, the sizes of the second width W2 and the third width W3 can be adjusted based on the first depth d1 of the first groove GRU. The sizes of the fourth width W4 and the fifth width W5 can be adjusted based on the second depth d2 of the second groove GRB. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first depth d1 can be the same as the second depth d2. Alternatively, the first depth d1 can be different from the second depth d2.

[0103] When viewed in the second direction DR2, the first groove GRU and the second groove GRB may be alternately defined in opposite forms. The first groove GRU and the second groove GRB may not overlap each other. In an embodiment, for example, the first groove GRU may be spaced apart by the first gap P1 in the first direction DR1. The second groove GRB may be spaced apart by the third gap P3 in the first direction DR1. Basically, the first gap P1 and the third gap P3 may be identical to each other. The first groove GRU and the second groove GRB adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 may be spaced apart from each other by a sixth width W6.

[0104] The elastic modulus of each of the first non-patterned portion NPG1 and the second non-patterned portion NPG2 may be in the range of about 60 gigapascals (GPa) to about 80 GPa. In an embodiment, for example, the elastic modulus of the first non-patterned portion NPG1 and the second non-patterned portion NPG2 may be about 70 GPa. For example, in an embodiment, the elastic modulus of the patterned portion PGA may be in the range of about 30 MPa to about 2000 MPa.

[0105] Reference Figure 8 The first filling patterns FL1 may be respectively disposed in corresponding first grooves GRU among the first grooves GRU, and the second filling patterns FL2 may be respectively disposed in corresponding second grooves GRB among the second grooves GRB.

[0106] When viewed in the second direction DR2, the first fill patterns FL1 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. When viewed in the second direction DR2, the second fill patterns FL2 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. When viewed in the second direction DR2, the first fill patterns FL1 and the second fill patterns FL2 may be alternately disposed in an opposite form. Figure 8 , for convenience of explanation, four first filling patterns FL1 and four second filling patterns FL2 are illustrated, but the number of the first filling patterns FL1 and the second filling patterns FL2 is not limited thereto.

[0107] In an embodiment, the first filling pattern FL1 and the second filling pattern FL2 may include the same material as each other. In an embodiment, for example, the first filling pattern FL1 and the second filling pattern FL2 may each include a synthetic resin material. The first filling pattern FL1 and the second filling pattern FL2 may each include a material having the same refractive index as that of the patterned glass PG. In an embodiment, the first filling pattern FL1 and the second filling pattern FL2 may each include at least one selected from urethane-based resin, epoxy-based resin, polyester-based resin, polyether-based resin, acrylate-based resin, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin and rubber. In an embodiment, for example, the first filling pattern FL1 and the second filling pattern FL2 may each include at least one selected from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), polyamide (PAI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and polycarbonate (PC).

[0108] The protective layer PLL may be disposed on the patterned glass PG. The protective layer PLL may perform a function of protecting the patterned glass PG from external impact. The protective layer PLL may include a synthetic resin material. In an embodiment of the present invention, the protective layer PLL may include at least one selected from urethane-based resins, epoxy-based resins, polyester-based resins, polyether-based resins, acrylate-based resins, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resins, and rubber. For example, in an embodiment, the protective layer PLL may include at least one selected from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), polyamide (PAI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and polycarbonate (PC).

[0109] [Table 1]

[0110]

[0111] Table 1 shows the display device DD (see Figure 3 ) is measured at room temperature (e.g., about 25° C.) according to the thickness of the protective layer PLL when the protective layer PLL is folded. The deformation rate may be defined as a ratio of a change in the length of the protective layer PLL in the first direction DR1 after folding to the length of the protective layer PLL in the first direction DR1 before folding. For example, when the curvature radius R (see Figure 5 ) indicates the deformation rate of the protection layer PLL when it is about 1.0 mm during folding. For example, when the elastic modulus of the protection layer PLL is about 5 GPa, the deformation rate of the protection layer PLL is indicated.

[0112] In an embodiment, the thickness of the protection layer PLL is in a range of about 50 μm to about 60 μm. Specifically, when the deformation rate of the protection layer PLL is about 2.5% or more, cracks may occur in the protection layer PLL. In Table 1, when the thickness of the protection layer PLL is about 60 μm, the deformation rate of the protection layer PLL may be about 2.4%. Therefore, the maximum value of the thickness of the protection layer PLL may be about 60 μm to effectively prevent the deformation rate of the protection layer PLL from being about 2.5% or more.

[0113] In an embodiment, the minimum value of the thickness of the protection layer PLL may be about 50 μm. When the thickness of the protection layer PLL is less than about 50 μm, the impact resistance of the protection layer PLL may be weakened, and thus the function of protecting the patterned glass PG from external impact may be lost. In addition, when the thickness of the protection layer PLL is less than about 50 μm, when the display device DD (see Figure 3 ) is folded, buckling may occur in the protection layer PLL, and thus irreversible changes in physical properties of the protection layer PLL may occur.

[0114] As an example, Table 1 shows the deformation rate of the protection layer PLL when the elastic modulus of the protection layer PLL is about 5 GPa, but the elastic modulus of the protection layer PLL may have a predetermined range. The elastic modulus of the protection layer PLL will be described later.

[0115] In an embodiment, Figure 8 As shown in , the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 may be disposed between the patterned glass PG and the protective layer PLL. The first window adhesive layer W_AL1 may be disposed on the top surface PG-F of the patterned glass PG. The first window adhesive layer W_AL1 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the protective layer PLL. The patterned glass PG and the protective layer PLL may be bonded to each other by the first window adhesive layer W_AL1.

[0116] The first window adhesive layer W_AL1 may include an optically transparent adhesive material. The first window adhesive layer W_AL1 may include a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), or an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0117] [Table 2]

[0118]

[0119] Table 2 is shown for describing the acceptable thickness and elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1. Hereinafter, the wording "acceptable" means that when the display device DD (see Figure 3 ) is folded, no buckling occurs in the protection layer PLL. That is, the wording "acceptable" means that when the display device DD (see Figure 3) when folded, irreversible physical property changes may not occur in the protective layer PLL, and the display device DD (see Figure 3 )’s folding reliability.

[0120] As an example, Table 2 shows experimental results under the condition that the temperature is about -20°C and the protection layer PLL has a thickness of about 50 μm and has a fixed elastic modulus of about 7 GPa.

[0121] The mark "OK" in Table 2 indicates that deformation of the overcoat PLL may not occur. The mark "NG" in Table 2 indicates that deformation of the overcoat PLL may occur.

[0122] Referring to Table 2, the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 may vary depending on the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1. Specifically, when the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is less than about 25 μm, the adhesion of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 may be low. Therefore, the patterned glass PG and the protective layer PLL may be separated from each other. Therefore, in an embodiment, the minimum thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 may be about 25 μm to prevent such separation. The minimum value of the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 may be constant.

[0123] The maximum value of the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 may vary depending on the value of the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1. In the case where the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 50 kilopascals (kPa), the maximum value of the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 may be about 50 μm. In this case, the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 may be in the range of about 25 μm to about 50 μm. Here, although the display device DD (see Figure 3 ) is repeatedly folded and unfolded, but the protective layer PLL can also not be deformed. Therefore, the display device DD (see Figure 3 )’s folding reliability.

[0124] In the case where the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 73 kPa, the maximum value of the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 may be about 45 μm. In this case, the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 may be in the range of about 25 μm to about 45 μm. Here, although the display device DD (see Figure 3 ) is repeatedly folded and unfolded, but the protection layer PLL may not be deformed, and thus the display device DD may be improved (see Figure 3 )’s folding reliability.

[0125] In the case where the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 88 kPa to about 127 kPa, the maximum thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 may be about 40 μm. In this case, the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 may be in the range of about 25 μm to about 40 μm. Here, although the display device DD (see Figure 3 ) is repeatedly folded and unfolded, but the protective layer PLL can also not be deformed. Therefore, the display device DD (see Figure 3 )’s folding reliability.

[0126] As shown in Table 2, it is confirmed that the maximum value of the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 may vary in inverse proportion to the value of the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1. That is, the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 may vary depending on the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1.

[0127] [Table 3]

[0128]

[0129] Table 3 shows the relationship between the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 and the elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL when the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 73 kPa. As an example, Table 3 shows the experimental results under the condition that the thickness of the protective layer is about 50 μm at a temperature of about -20°C.

[0130] The mark "OK" in Table 3 indicates that deformation of the overcoat PLL may not occur. The mark "NG" in Table 3 indicates that deformation of the overcoat PLL may occur.

[0131] Referring to Table 3, the range of the elastic modulus of the protection layer PLL may vary depending on the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1. The maximum value of the elastic modulus of the protection layer PLL that can be produced in the process may be about 10 GPa. Therefore, the maximum value of the elastic modulus of the protection layer PLL may be about 10 GPa. The maximum value of the elastic modulus of the protection layer PLL may be constant.

[0132] The minimum value of the elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL may vary depending on the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1. Specifically, when the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 73 kPa and the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 35 μm, the acceptable elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL may be about 5 GPa to about 10 GPa. When the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 35 μm and the elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL is about 5 GPa to about 10 GPa, although the display device DD (see Figure 3) is folded, but the protective layer PLL may not be deformed. Therefore, the display device DD (see Figure 3 )’s folding reliability.

[0133] When the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 73 kPa and the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 40 μm, the acceptable elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL may be about 6 GPa to about 10 GPa. Figure 3 ) is folded, but the protective layer PLL may not be deformed. Therefore, the display device DD (see Figure 3 )’s folding reliability.

[0134] When the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 73 kPa and the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 45 μm, the acceptable elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL may be in the range of about 7 GPa to about 10 GPa. Figure 3 ) is folded, but the protective layer PLL may not be deformed. Therefore, the display device DD (see Figure 3 )’s folding reliability.

[0135] When the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 73 kPa and the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 50 μm, the acceptable elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL may be greater than about 7 GPa and less than or equal to about 10 GPa. Here, when the elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL is about 7 GPa or less, in the display device DD (see Figure 3 ) may cause deformation of the protection layer PLL during folding of the display device DD (see Figure 3 ) defects.

[0136] As shown in Table 3, it is confirmed that the minimum value of the elastic modulus of the protection layer PLL can vary in proportion to the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1. As the thickness of the protection layer PLL increases, the minimum value of the acceptable elastic modulus of the protection layer PLL can increase. That is, the range of the acceptable elastic modulus of the protection layer PLL can decrease.

[0137] [Table 4]

[0138]

[0139] Table 4 shows the relationship between the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 and the elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL when the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 127 kPa. Table 4 shows the experimental results under the condition that the thickness of the protective layer is about 50 μm at a temperature of about -20°C.

[0140] The mark "OK" in Table 4 indicates that deformation of the overcoat PLL may not occur. The mark "NG" in Table 4 indicates that deformation of the overcoat PLL may occur.

[0141] Referring to Table 4, the elastic modulus of the protection layer PLL may vary depending on the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1. The maximum value of the elastic modulus of the protection layer PLL that may be produced in the process may be about 10 GPa. Therefore, the maximum value of the elastic modulus of the protection layer PLL may be about 10 GPa. The maximum value of the elastic modulus of the protection layer PLL may be fixed.

[0142] The minimum value of the elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL may vary depending on the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1. Specifically, when the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 127 kPa and the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 35 μm, the acceptable elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL may be in the range of about 6 GPa to about 10 GPa. Here, when the elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL is less than about 6 GPa, in the display device DD (see Figure 3 ) may occur during folding of the protective layer PLL. However, when the elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL is about 6 GPa to about 10 GPa, although the display device DD (see Figure 3 ) is repeatedly folded and unfolded, but the protective layer PLL can also not be deformed. Therefore, the display device DD (see Figure 3 )’s folding reliability.

[0143] When the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 127 kPa and the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 40 μm, the acceptable elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL may be about 7 GPa to about 10 GPa. Here, when the elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL is less than 7 GPa, in the display device DD (see Figure 3 ) may occur during folding of the protective layer PLL. However, when the elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL is in the range of about 7 GPa to about 10 GPa, although the display device DD (see Figure 3 ) is repeatedly folded and unfolded, but the protective layer PLL can also not be deformed. Therefore, the display device DD (see Figure 3 )’s folding reliability.

[0144] When the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 127 kPa and the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 45 μm, the acceptable elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL may be greater than about 7 GPa and less than or equal to about 10 GPa. Here, when the elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL is about 7 GPa or less, in the display device DD (see Figure 3 ) may occur during folding of the protective layer PLL. In an embodiment, the elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL is greater than about 7 GPa and less than or equal to about 10 GPa, so that although the display device DD (see Figure 3 ) is repeatedly folded and unfolded, but the protective layer PLL can also not be deformed. Therefore, the display device DD (see Figure 3 )’s folding reliability.

[0145] According to Table 4, as the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 increases, the minimum value of the elastic modulus of the protection layer PLL may increase. That is, the minimum value of the elastic modulus of the protection layer PLL may vary in proportion to the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1.

[0146] By comparing Table 3 and Table 4, the relationship between the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 and the elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL can be understood. The minimum value of the elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL can increase in proportion to the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1. As the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 increases, the minimum value of the acceptable elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL can increase. The maximum value of the elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL can be fixed.

[0147] In an embodiment where the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 35 μm and the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 73 kPa, the acceptable elastic modulus of the protective layer PLL may range from about 5 GPa to about 10 GPa. In an embodiment where the thickness of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 35 μm and the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 is about 127 kPa, the acceptable elastic modulus of the protective layer may range from about 6 GPa to about 10 GPa.

[0148] It can be confirmed from the above results that, when the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 has the same thickness, the minimum value of the acceptable elastic modulus of the protection layer PLL may increase as the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer W_AL1 increases.

[0149] Reference Figure 8, the second window adhesive layer W_AL2 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the patterned glass PG. The second window adhesive layer W_AL2 may be disposed between the patterned glass PG and the anti-reflection layer RPL. The patterned glass PG and the anti-reflection layer RPL may be bonded to each other by the second window adhesive layer W_AL2.

[0150] The second window adhesive layer W_AL2 may include PSA, OCA, or OCR.

[0151] Display device DD (see Figure 3 ) may further include a first adhesive layer AF1. The first adhesive layer AF1 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the anti-reflection layer RPL. The first adhesive layer AF1 may be disposed between the anti-reflection layer RPL and the display module DM. The anti-reflection layer RPL and the display module DM may be bonded to each other by the first adhesive layer AF1.

[0152] Display device DD (see Figure 3 ) may further include a second adhesive layer AF2. The second adhesive layer AF2 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the display module DM. The second adhesive layer AF2 may be disposed between the display module DM and the protective film PF. The display module DM and the protective film PF may be bonded to each other by the second adhesive layer AF2.

[0153] The lower film UF may be disposed on the bottom surface of the protection film PF. The lower film UF may include a flexible plastic material such as polyimide (PI).

[0154] [Table 5]

[0155]

[0156] Table 5 shows the experimental results, which show that when the display device DD (see Figure 3 ) When the protective film PF is folded, the thickness and elastic modulus of the lower film UF change. The results in Table 5 can be seen when the curvature radius R (see Figure 5 ) is about 1.0 mm, and the deformation rate of the lower film UF and the protective film PF is measured at a temperature of -20°C.

[0157] When the display device DD (see Figure 3 ) When the protective film PF is folded, if the deformation rate of the protective film PF is greater than about 3.5%, cracks may occur in the protective film PF. Therefore, the lower film UF may be disposed under the protective film PF to reduce the deformation rate of the protective film PF. In an embodiment, the thickness and elastic modulus of the lower film UF may be set in such a manner that the deformation rate of the protective film PF is less than about 3.5% to prevent cracks from occurring in the protective film PF.

[0158] The maximum value of the elastic modulus of the lower film UF that can be produced in the process may be about 10 GPa. Therefore, the maximum value of the elastic modulus of the lower film UF may be about 10 GPa. In the case where the thickness of the lower film UF is in the range of about 30 μm to about 40 μm, the minimum value of the elastic modulus of the lower film UF may be about 2 GPa.

[0159] Specifically, referring to Table 5, when the elastic modulus of the lower film UF is less than 2 GPa and the thickness of the lower film UF is about 40 μm, the deformation rate of the protective film PF is about 3.48%. However, when the thickness of the lower film UF is in the range of about 30 μm to about 35 μm, the deformation rate of the protective film PF may be greater than about 3.5%. Therefore, cracks may occur in the protective film PF.

[0160] When the elastic modulus of the lower film UF is in the range of about 2 GPa to about 10 GPa and the thickness of the lower film UF is in the range of about 30 μm to about 40 μm, the deformation rate of the protection film PF may be less than about 3.5%. The deformation rate of the protection film PF may be inversely proportional to the elastic modulus of the lower film UF.

[0161] For example, when the elastic modulus of the lower film UF is about 2 GPa and its thickness is about 30 μm, the deformation rate of the protective film PF may be about 3.47%. When the elastic modulus of the lower film UF is about 2 GPa and its thickness is about 40 μm, the deformation rate of the protective film PF may be about 3.43%. Therefore, since the deformation rate of the protective film PF is less than about 3.5%, cracks may not occur in the protective film PF.

[0162] For example, when the elastic modulus of the lower film UF is about 10 GPa and the thickness of the lower film UF is about 30 μm, the deformation rate of the protective film PF may be about 3.02%. When the elastic modulus of the lower film UF is about 10 GPa and the thickness thereof is about 40 μm, the deformation rate of the protective film PF may be about 2.94%. Therefore, since the deformation rate of the protective film PF is less than about 3.5%, cracks may not occur in the protective film PF.

[0163] Therefore, it can be confirmed from Table 5 that the elastic modulus of the lower film UF may be in the range of about 2 GPa to about 10 GPa, and the thickness of the lower film UF may be in the range of about 30 μm to about 40 μm.

[0164] The third adhesive layer AF3 may be disposed between the lower film UF and the support plates SP1 and SP2. The third adhesive layer AF3 may include a first third adhesive layer (hereinafter, to be referred to as "the (3_1)th adhesive layer") AF3_1 and a second third adhesive layer (hereinafter, to be referred to as "the (3_2)th adhesive layer") AF3_2. The (3_1)th adhesive layer AF3_1 and the (3_2)th adhesive layer AF3_2 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. The (3_1)th adhesive layer AF3_1 and the (3_2)th adhesive layer AF3_2 may be disposed to correspond to the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2, respectively. The (3_1)th adhesive layer AF3_1 may be disposed to overlap the first non-folding area NFA1, and the (3_2)th adhesive layer AF3_2 may be disposed to overlap the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0165] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display device may include a protective layer disposed on a patterned glass, a window adhesive layer disposed between the patterned glass and the protective layer, and a lower film disposed under the patterned glass. In such an embodiment, the window adhesive layer, the patterned glass, and the protective layer may each have a thickness and an elastic modulus within a predetermined range, so that a portion of the patterned glass overlapping the folding region, a portion of the window adhesive layer overlapping the folding region, a portion of the protective layer overlapping the folding region, and a portion of the lower film overlapping the folding region are not deformed. Therefore, the folding reliability of the display device can be improved.

[0166] 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.

[0167] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein: The display device comprises: Display panel; A patterned glass disposed on the display panel, wherein the patterned glass comprises a first non-patterned portion, a patterned portion, and a second non-patterned portion sequentially arranged in a first direction; a protective layer disposed on the patterned glass; and a first window adhesive layer disposed between the patterned glass and the protective layer, The protective layer has an elastic modulus within a predetermined range, a maximum value of the elastic modulus of the protective layer is constant, and a minimum value of the elastic modulus of the protective layer varies in proportion to a thickness of the first window adhesive layer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The protective layer has a thickness in the range of 50 μm to 60 μm.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first window adhesive layer has an elastic modulus in a range of 50 kPa to 127 kPa.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: the first window adhesive layer having a thickness within a predetermined range, The minimum value of the thickness of the first window adhesive layer is constant, and The maximum value of the thickness of the first window adhesive layer varies in inverse proportion to the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: When the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer is 50 kPa, the thickness of the first window adhesive layer is in the range of 25 μm to 50 μm, and When the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer is 127 kPa, the thickness of the first window adhesive layer is in a range of 25 μm to 40 μm.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: When the thickness of the first window adhesive layer is 35 μm, the elastic modulus of the protective layer is in the range of 5 GPa to 10 GPa, and When the thickness of the first window adhesive layer is 40 μm, the elastic modulus of the protective layer is in a range of 6 GPa to 10 GPa.

7. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The minimum value of the elastic modulus of the protective layer varies in proportion to a value of the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display device further includes: A lower film is arranged below the display panel, Wherein, the lower film has a thickness in the range of 30 μm to 40 μm.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The lower film has an elastic modulus in a range of 2 GPa to 10 GPa.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: An elastic modulus of the first non-patterned portion and an elastic modulus of the second non-patterned portion are greater than an elastic modulus of the patterned portion.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The patterned portion has an elastic modulus in a range of 30 MPa to 2000 MPa.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display device further includes: A filling pattern is disposed in a first groove defined in the top surface of the patterned portion and a second groove defined in the bottom surface of the patterned portion.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The first groove is recessed from the top surface of the patterned portion to the bottom surface of the patterned portion, and the second groove is recessed from the bottom surface of the patterned portion to the top surface of the patterned portion.

14. A display device, wherein: The display device comprises: The display panel comprises a first non-folding area, a folding area, and a second non-folding area arranged sequentially in a first direction; A patterned glass is disposed on the display panel; a lower film disposed below the display panel; and a protective film disposed between the display panel and the lower film, wherein the folding area is folded relative to a folding axis parallel to a second direction intersecting the first direction, When the folding area is folded, the patterned glass, the lower film and the protective film are folded relative to the folding axis, and The elastic modulus of the lower film is inversely proportional to a rate of change of the length of the protective film in the first direction before and after folding.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The lower film has an elastic modulus in a range of 2 GPa to 10 GPa.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: The lower film has a thickness in the range of 30 μm to 40 μm.

17. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The display device further includes: a protective layer disposed on the patterned glass; and a first window adhesive layer disposed between the patterned glass and the protective layer, The protective layer has an elastic modulus within a predetermined range, a maximum value of the elastic modulus of the protective layer is constant, and a minimum value of the elastic modulus of the protective layer varies in proportion to a thickness of the first window adhesive layer.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein: the first window adhesive layer having an elastic modulus in a range of 50 kPa to 127 kPa, the first window adhesive layer having a thickness within a predetermined range, The minimum value of the thickness of the first window adhesive layer is constant, and The maximum value of the thickness of the first window adhesive layer varies in inverse proportion to the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer.

19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein: The minimum value of the elastic modulus of the protective layer varies in proportion to the elastic modulus of the first window adhesive layer.

20. The display device according to claim 17, wherein: The protective layer has a thickness in the range of 50 μm to 60 μm.

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