Display device and electronic device

Abstract

The invention discloses a display device and an electronic device. The display device includes: a display module including a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion in a first direction; a plurality of first sub-electrodes disposed under the first portion and extending in the first direction; a plurality of second sub-electrodes disposed under the second portion and extending in the first direction; a plurality of third sub-electrodes provided between the first portion and the plurality of first sub-electrodes, extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and provided in the same layer as the plurality of second sub-electrodes; and a plurality of fourth sub-electrodes disposed under the plurality of second sub-electrodes, extending in the second direction, and disposed on the same layer as the plurality of first sub-electrodes.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application 202010446427.X entitled “Display Device” filed on May 25, 2020. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device, and in particular, to a display device configured to reduce or prevent damage to a digitizer module. Background Art

[0003] Electronic products such as smart phones, digital cameras, notebook computers, navigation systems, and smart TVs have display devices for displaying images to users. The display devices generate images and provide the images to users through a screen.

[0004] In recent years, various display devices have been developed. An example of such a display device is a flexible display device that can be deformed to have a curved shape, folded, or rolled. The use of a flexible display device allows for improvements in portability and user convenience.

[0005] A foldable display device, which is one of the flexible display devices, can be folded about a folding axis. However, when the foldable display device is folded, since the folding area changes from a flat shape to a curved shape, components of the foldable display device at the folding area may be damaged due to various reasons. Summary of the invention

[0006] Aspects of some embodiments of the inventive concept are directed to a display device configured to prevent or reduce damage to a digitizer module overlapping a folding region.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the inventive concept, a display device may include: a display module, which is foldable about a first folding axis and a second folding axis, the first folding axis and the second folding axis are spaced apart from each other along a first direction and extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a digital converter module, located below the display module. The digital converter module may include: a plurality of first electrodes extending in the first direction and arranged along the second direction; and a plurality of second electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged along the first direction, the plurality of second electrodes being insulated from the plurality of first electrodes. The plurality of first electrodes may include: a plurality of first sub-electrodes overlapping the first folding axis; and a plurality of second sub-electrodes overlapping the second folding axis, the plurality of second sub-electrodes being located at a different layer from the plurality of first sub-electrodes.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the inventive concept, a display device may include: a display module, which is foldable about a first folding axis and a second folding axis, the first folding axis and the second folding axis are separated from each other along a first direction and extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a digital converter module, located below the display module. The digital converter module may include: a plurality of first electrodes extending in the first direction; and a plurality of second electrodes extending in the second direction and electrically disconnected from the plurality of first electrodes. The plurality of first electrodes may include: a plurality of first sub-electrodes overlapping the first folding axis; and a plurality of second sub-electrodes overlapping the second folding axis. The plurality of second sub-electrodes may be closer to the display module than the plurality of first sub-electrodes.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the inventive concept, a display device may include: a display module, which is foldable about a first folding axis and a second folding axis, the first folding axis and the second folding axis are spaced apart from each other along a first direction and extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a digital converter module, located below the display module. The digital converter module may include: a plurality of first electrodes extending in the first direction; and a plurality of second electrodes extending in the second direction and electrically disconnected from the plurality of first electrodes. The plurality of first electrodes may include: a plurality of first sub-electrodes; a plurality of second sub-electrodes located at the same layer as the plurality of first sub-electrodes; and a plurality of third sub-electrodes, which overlap with the first folding axis, are located between the plurality of first sub-electrodes and the plurality of second sub-electrodes, and are located at a different layer from the plurality of first sub-electrodes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Example embodiments will be more clearly understood from the following brief description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.The accompanying drawings illustrate non-limiting example embodiments as described herein.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0012] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view showing a folded state of the display device.

[0013] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a display module of a display device according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0014] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A plan view of the display module.

[0015] Figure 5 It is shown as an example Figure 4 An equivalent circuit diagram of one of the pixels.

[0016] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a display device in which a Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion of an emitting element.

[0017] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0018] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 Figure 2. Floor plan of the digitizer module.

[0019] Fig. 9 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0020] Fig.10 It is shown Figure 7 A side view of a display device.

[0021] Fig.11 It is shown Fig.10 A diagram showing a folded state of the display device.

[0022] Fig.12 It is shown Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of a digitizer module.

[0023] Fig.13 is a diagram illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0024] Fig.14 It is shown Fig.13 A diagram showing a folded state of the display device.

[0025] Fig.15 It is shown Fig.13 Figure 2. Floor plan of the digitizer module.

[0026] Fig.16 It is along Fig.15 The figure is taken along line II-II'.

[0027] Fig.17 is a side view schematically illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0028] Fig.18 It is shown Fig.17 A diagram showing a folded state of the display device.

[0029] Fig.19 It is shown Fig.17 Figure 2. Floor plan of the digitizer module.

[0030] Fig. 20 It is along Fig.19A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'.

[0031] Fig.21 is a plan view illustrating a digitizer module according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0032] Fig. 22 It is along Fig.21 A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV'.

[0033] Fig.23 It is shown Fig. 22 A cross-sectional view of a digitizer module in a folded state.

[0034] It should be noted that these drawings are intended to illustrate the general characteristics of the methods, structures and / or materials used in certain example embodiments and are supplemental to the written description provided below. However, these drawings may not be drawn to scale and may not accurately reflect the precise structural characteristics or performance characteristics of any given embodiment and should not be interpreted as defining or limiting the range of values ​​or properties included in the example embodiments. For example, the relative thickness and position of molecules, layers, regions and / or structural elements may be reduced or exaggerated for clarity. In the various drawings, the use of similar or identical reference numerals is intended to indicate the presence of similar or identical elements or features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Example embodiments of the inventive concept will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which example embodiments are shown. However, example embodiments of the inventive concept can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete and fully convey the concepts of the example embodiments to those of ordinary skill in the art. In the accompanying drawings, the thickness of layers and regions is exaggerated for clarity. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals represent like elements, and therefore their descriptions may be omitted.

[0036] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, the element may be directly connected or directly coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements or layers (for example, "at" or "at-" should be interpreted in a similar manner. between” and “directly between between", "adjacent" and "directly adjacent", "in "on" and "directly on superior").

[0037] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or part from another element, component, region, layer, or part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first part discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second part.

[0038] For ease of description, we can use expressions such as "in under”, “under Below", "under", "in Spatially relative terms such as “above”, “on”, etc. are used to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. 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 figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “above” The term "below" may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0039] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "one", and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that if the terms "include" and / or "comprise" and their variations are used herein, the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof are indicated, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof is not excluded.

[0040] Example embodiments of the inventive concepts are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic representations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of example embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments of the inventive concepts should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the example embodiments of the inventive concepts belong. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in general dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined as such herein.

[0042] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the inventive concept. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view showing a folded state of the display device.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 , the display device DD may have a rectangular shape or a quadrilateral shape, with its long sides parallel to the first direction DR1 and its short sides parallel to the second direction DR2 crossing the first direction DR1. However, the inventive concept is not limited to this example, and in some embodiments, the display device DD may have various suitable shapes including shapes other than a rectangle or a quadrilateral.

[0044] Hereinafter, a direction perpendicular or orthogonal to both the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 will be referred to as a third direction DR3. In addition, in the present specification, the expression "when viewed in a plan view" may refer to a related structure viewed in the third direction DR3 or in a direction opposite to the third direction DR3. In other words, "when viewed in a plan view" may refer to a top view, or any view from directly above the display surface of the display device DD or in a direction orthogonal to the display surface of the display device DD.

[0045] The display device DD may include a plurality of non-folding areas NFA1, NFA2, and NFA3 and a plurality of folding areas FA1 and FA2. The folding areas FA1 and FA2 may be disposed between the non-folding areas NFA1, NFA2, and NFA3, and the non-folding areas NFA1, NFA2, and NFA3 and the folding areas FA1 and FA2 may be arranged along a first direction DR1.

[0046] The non-folding areas NFA1, NFA2 and NFA3 may include a first non-folding area NFA1, a second non-folding area NFA2 and a third non-folding area NFA3 sequentially arranged along the first direction DR1. The folding areas FA1 and FA2 may include a first folding area FA1 and a second folding area FA2, the first folding area FA1 is arranged between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2, and the second folding area FA2 is arranged between the second non-folding area NFA2 and the third non-folding area NFA3. In other words, the folding areas FA1 and FA2 may be arranged alternately with the non-folding areas NFA1, NFA2 and NFA3. In some embodiments, each of the folding areas FA1 and FA2 is located between two non-folding areas at opposite boundaries (or edges) of the folding areas.

[0047] Although three non-folding areas NFA1, NFA2, and NFA3 and two folding areas FA1 and FA2 are shown as examples, the inventive concept is not limited to this example. For example, in some embodiments, the display device DD may include four or more non-folding areas and three or more folding areas. In other embodiments, the number of folding areas and non-folding areas may be different. For example, the number of folding areas may be less than or equal to the number of non-folding areas.

[0048] The top surface of the display device DD may be defined as a display surface DS, and may be a flat surface defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The display surface DS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA near or around the display area DA (e.g., around the periphery of the display area DA). The display area DA may be used to display an image, and the non-display area NDA may not be used to display an image. The non-display area NDA may surround (e.g., surround or surround) the display area DA, and may define an edge (e.g., periphery) of the display device DD printed with a set (e.g., predetermined) color.

[0049] Reference Figure 2 , the display device DD may be a flexible display device. The display device DD may be a foldable display device that can be folded and unfolded. When the display device DD is folded, at least one of the first folding area FA1 and the second folding area FA2 may have a curved shape. In some embodiments, when the display device DD is folded, the non-folding areas NFA1, NFA2, and NFA3 may have a substantially flat or flat shape.

[0050] The first folding area FA1 may overlap with the first folding axis FX1, and the second folding area FA2 may overlap with the second folding axis FX2. The first folding axis FX1 and the second folding axis FX2 may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be separated from each other along the first direction DR1. In some embodiments, the first folding axis FX1 is at the center of the first folding area FA1, and the second folding axis FX2 is at the center of the second folding area FA2.

[0051] The display device DD can be folded along (e.g., about or relative to) the first folding axis FX1 and the second folding axis FX2. Due to this folding manner, the display device DD can be defined as a multi-folding display device (i.e., a device with more than one folding axis). In some embodiments, the display device DD can be folded in different directions on the first folding axis FX1 and the second folding axis FX2.

[0052] The first folding area FA1 may be folded along the first folding axis FX1. A portion of the top surface of the display device DD (e.g., the top surface of the first folding area FA1) may be convexly curved, and another portion (e.g., the bottom surface of the first folding area FA1 opposite to the top surface of the first folding area FA1) may be concavely curved. In the case where the display surface DS (i.e., the top surface of the display device DD) is convexly curved, the display device DD may be referred to as being in an outwardly folded state.

[0053] The second folding area FA2 may be folded along the second folding axis FX2. A portion of the top surface of the display device DD (e.g., the top surface of the second folding area FA2) may be concavely curved, and another portion (e.g., the bottom surface of the second folding area FA2 opposite to the top surface of the second folding area FA2) may be convexly curved. In the case where the top surface of the display device DD is concavely curved, the display device DD may be referred to as being in an inner folded state.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first folding area FA1 can be folded to be in an outward folding state, and the second folding area FA2 can be folded to be in an inward folding state. The first non-folding area NFA1, the second non-folding area NFA2, and the third non-folding area NFA3 can be maintained in a substantially flat or flat state. In some embodiments, both the first folding area FA1 and the second folding area FA2 can be convexly curved or concavely curved relative to respective folding axes FX1 and FX2.

[0055] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a display module of a display device according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0056] Reference Figure 3The display module DM may include a display panel DP, a touch sensing portion TSP disposed on the display panel DP, a window WIN disposed on the touch sensing portion TSP, an adhesive OCA disposed between the touch sensing portion TSP and the window WIN in a third direction DR3, and a cushion layer CSL disposed under the display panel DP (e.g., attached to or bonded to the display panel DP).

[0057] In some embodiments, the display panel DP may be a light-emitting display panel, but the inventive concept is not limited to a specific type of display panel DP. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The emission layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may be formed of or include an organic light-emitting material. The emission layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots and / or quantum rods, etc. For simplicity, the following description will relate to an example in which the display panel DP is an organic light-emitting display panel.

[0058] The display panel DP may include a substrate SUB, a pixel layer PXL disposed on the substrate SUB, a thin encapsulation layer TFE disposed on the substrate SUB to cover the pixel layer PXL, and a protective substrate PS disposed under the substrate (e.g., attached to or bonded to the substrate SUB). The substrate SUB may be a transparent substrate and may include a flexible plastic substrate. For example, the substrate SUB may include polyimide (PI).

[0059] The substrate SUB may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA near the display area DA similar to the display surface DS of the display device DD. The pixel layer PXL may be disposed on the display area DA of the substrate SUB. The pixel layer PXL may include a plurality of pixels, each of which includes an emission element.

[0060] The thin encapsulation layer TFE may include at least two inorganic layers and an organic layer disposed between the inorganic layers. The inorganic layer may include an inorganic material and may protect the pixel layer PXL from moisture or oxygen. The organic layer may include an organic material and may protect the pixel layer PXL from pollutants such as dust particles.

[0061] The protective substrate PS may protect the bottom of the substrate SUB. The protective substrate PS may include a flexible plastic substrate. For example, the protective substrate PS may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or any other suitable material known to those skilled in the art.

[0062] The touch sensing part TSP may sense an external input (e.g., a touch event from a user), may generate an input signal from the sensed external input, and may provide the input signal to the display panel DP. The touch sensing part TSP may include a plurality of touch sensor units for sensing the external input. The touch sensor unit may sense the external input in a capacitive manner. The display panel DP may receive an input signal from the touch sensing part TSP and may generate an image corresponding to the input signal.

[0063] The window WIN may protect the display panel DP and the touch sensing part TSP from external scratches and / or external impacts. The window WIN may be attached to the touch sensing part TSP by an adhesive OCA. The adhesive OCA may include an optically transparent adhesive. An image generated by the display panel DP may be provided to a user through the window WIN.

[0064] The cushion layer CSL may absorb an external impact applied to a lower portion of the display module DM, thereby protecting the display panel DP. The cushion layer CSL may include a foam sheet having an elastic property.

[0065] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A plan view of the display module.

[0066] Reference Figure 4 , the display module DM may include a display panel DP, a scan driver SDV, a data driver DDV, and an emission driver EDV. Figure 4 exemplarily shows a planar structure of the display panel DP, but does not show a planar structure of the touch sensing part TSP.

[0067] The display panel DP may be a flexible display panel. For example, the display panel DP may include a plurality of electronic devices disposed on a flexible substrate. The display panel DP may have a rectangular shape, with its long sides parallel to the first direction DR1 and its short sides parallel to the second direction DR2. The display panel DP may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA (e.g., surrounding the display area DA, encircling the display area DA, or around the periphery of the display area DA) similar to the display surface DS of the display device DD.

[0068] The display panel DP may include a plurality of pixels PX, a plurality of scan lines SL1-SLm, a plurality of data lines DL1-DLn, and a plurality of emission lines EL1-ELm, where m and n are positive integers. The pixels PX may be arranged in a matrix shape, but the inventive concept is not limited to this example. For example, the arrangement of the pixels PX may be variously changed in any suitable manner. The pixels PX may be arranged in the display area DA and may be connected to the scan lines SL1-SLm, the data lines DL1-DLn, and the emission lines EL1-ELm.

[0069] The scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the emission driver EDV may be disposed in the non-display area NDA. The scan driver SDV and the emission driver EDV may be disposed adjacent to the long sides of the display panel DP, respectively. The data driver DDV may be manufactured in the form of an integrated circuit chip and may be disposed adjacent to one of the short sides of the display panel DP.

[0070] The scan lines SL1-SLm may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be connected to the scan driver SDV. The data lines DL1-DLn may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be connected to the data driver DDV. The emission lines EL1-ELm may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be connected to the emission driver EDV.

[0071] The scan driver SDV may generate (or produce) a plurality of scan signals, which may be applied to the pixels PX through the scan lines SL1-SLm. The scan signals may be sequentially applied to the pixels PX. The data driver DDV may generate (or produce) a plurality of data voltages, which may be applied to the pixels PX through the data lines DL1-DLn. The emission driver EDV may generate (or produce) a plurality of emission signals, which may be applied to the pixels PX through the emission lines EL1-ELm.

[0072] In some embodiments, the display module DM may include a timing controller for controlling operations of the scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the emission driver EDV.

[0073] The timing controller can generate a scan control signal, a data control signal, and an emission control signal in response to a control signal to be transmitted from the outside. The timing controller can receive an image signal from the outside, can convert the image signal into a data format suitable for the interface specification of the data driver DDV, and can provide the converted data to the data driver DDV.

[0074] The scan driver SDV may generate (or produce) a scan signal in response to the scan control signal, and the emission driver EDV may generate (or produce) an emission signal in response to the emission control signal. In response to the data control signal, the data driver DDV may receive an image signal having a converted data format and then may generate a data voltage corresponding to the image signal.

[0075] The pixel PX may receive a data voltage in response to a scan signal. The pixel PX may emit light having a brightness level corresponding to the data voltage and constituting an image in response to an emission signal. A light emission period of the pixel PX may be controlled by the emission signal.

[0076] Figure 5 It is shown as an example Figure 4An equivalent circuit diagram of one of the pixels.

[0077] Reference Figure 5 , the pixel PX may include an emission element OLED and a pixel circuit CC. The pixel circuit CC may include a plurality of transistors T1-T7 and a capacitor CP. The pixel circuit CC may control the amount of current flowing through the emission element OLED in response to a data signal.

[0078] The emission element OLED may emit light whose brightness is determined by the amount of current supplied from the pixel circuit CC. To this end, the first voltage ELVDD may be set to a level higher than that of the second voltage ELVSS.

[0079] Each of the transistors T1-T7 may include an input electrode (or source electrode), an output electrode (or drain electrode), and a control electrode (or gate electrode). In this specification, for ease of description, one of the input electrode and the output electrode may be referred to as a "first electrode" and the other may be referred to as a "second electrode".

[0080] The first electrode of the first transistor T1 may be coupled to the power line PL through which the first voltage ELVDD is transmitted through the fifth transistor T5, and the second electrode of the first transistor T1 may be coupled to the anode of the emission element OLED through the sixth transistor T6. The first transistor T1 may be defined as (or referred to as) a driving transistor. The first transistor T1 may control the amount of current flowing through the emission element OLED in response to a voltage applied to a control electrode of the first transistor T1.

[0081] The first electrode and the second electrode of the second transistor T2 may be disposed between the data line DL and the first electrode of the first transistor T1 and coupled to the data line DL and the first electrode of the first transistor T1, respectively, and the control electrode of the second transistor T2 may be coupled to the i-th scan line SLi (i is an integer greater than 1). The second transistor T2 may be turned on by the i-th scan signal (Si) provided through the i-th scan line SLi to electrically connect the data line DL to the first electrode of the first transistor T1.

[0082] The first electrode and the second electrode of the third transistor T3 may be disposed between the second electrode and the control electrode of the first transistor T1 and coupled to the second electrode and the control electrode of the first transistor T1, respectively. The control electrode of the third transistor T3 may be coupled to the i-th scan line SLi. The third transistor T3 may be turned on by the i-th scan signal (Si) provided through the i-th scan line SLi to electrically connect the second electrode and the control electrode of the first transistor T1 to each other. If the third transistor T3 is turned on, the first transistor T1 may function as a diode.

[0083] The first electrode and the second electrode of the fourth transistor T4 may be disposed between the node ND and an initialization power generator (e.g., a power source for providing the initialization voltage Vint) and are coupled to the node ND and the initialization power generator (e.g., a power source for providing the initialization voltage Vint), respectively. The control electrode of the fourth transistor T4 may be coupled to the i-1th scan line SLi-1. The fourth transistor T4 may be turned on by the i-1th scan signal (Si-1) provided through the i-1th scan line SLi-1 to provide the initialization voltage Vint to the node ND.

[0084] A first electrode and a second electrode of the fifth transistor T5 may be disposed between and coupled to the power line PL and the first electrode of the first transistor T1, respectively. A control electrode of the fifth transistor T5 may be coupled to the i-th emission line ELi.

[0085] The first and second electrodes of the sixth transistor T6 may be disposed between and coupled to the second electrode of the first transistor T1 and the anode of the emission element OLED, respectively. The control electrode of the sixth transistor T6 may be coupled to the i-th emission line ELi.

[0086] The first electrode and the second electrode of the seventh transistor T7 may be disposed between an initialization power generator (i.e., a power source for providing an initialization voltage Vint) and an anode of the emission element OLED and may be coupled to the initialization power generator (i.e., a power source for providing an initialization voltage Vint) and the anode of the emission element OLED, respectively. The control electrode of the seventh transistor T7 may be coupled to the i+1th scan line SLi+1. The seventh transistor T7 may be turned on by the i+1th scan signal (Si+1) provided through the i+1th scan line SLi+1 to provide the initialization voltage Vint to the anode of the emission element OLED.

[0087] The capacitor CP may be provided between the power line PL and the node ND. The capacitor CP may store a data voltage. When the fifth transistor T5 and the sixth transistor T6 are turned on, the amount of current flowing through the first transistor T1 may be controlled by the voltage stored in the capacitor CP.

[0088] Figure 5 An example is shown in which PMOS transistors are used as transistors T1-T7, but the inventive concept is not limited to this example. For example, transistors T1-T7 may be NMOS transistors, and those skilled in the art will understand the associated changes to the applied voltage levels and / or required circuit configurations.

[0089] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a display device in which a Figure 5A cross-sectional view of a portion of an emitting element.

[0090] Reference Figure 6 , the pixel PX may include an emission element OLED and a transistor TR connected to the emission element OLED. The emission element OLED may include a first electrode E1, a second electrode E2, and an organic emission layer OEL, and the organic emission layer OEL is arranged between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 along the third direction DR3. The transistor TR may be, for example Figure 5 The sixth transistor T6 is shown in FIG. The emission element OLED may be defined as an organic light emitting element.

[0091] The first electrode E1 may be an anode, and the second electrode E2 may be a cathode. The first electrode E1 may be defined as a pixel electrode, and the second electrode E2 may be defined as a common electrode.

[0092] The pixel PX may be divided into a pixel area PA and a non-pixel area NPA around the pixel area PA (eg, surrounding the pixel area PA or around the periphery of the pixel area PA). The emission element OLED may be disposed in the pixel area PA, and the transistor TR may be disposed in the non-pixel area NPA.

[0093] The transistor TR and the emission element OLED may be disposed on the substrate SUB. The buffer layer BFL may be disposed on the substrate SUB, and in some embodiments, the buffer layer BFL may be formed of or include at least one of inorganic materials.

[0094] The semiconductor layer SM of the transistor TR may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor layer SM may be formed of at least one of a suitable inorganic semiconductor material (such as, for example, amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon) or a suitable organic semiconductor material, or include at least one of a suitable inorganic semiconductor material (such as, for example, amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon) or a suitable organic semiconductor material. In some embodiments, the semiconductor layer SM may be formed of at least one of a suitable oxide semiconductor material or include at least one of a suitable oxide semiconductor material. In some embodiments, the semiconductor layer SM may include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region between the source region and the drain region.

[0095] The first insulating layer INS1 may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL to cover the semiconductor layer SM. The first insulating layer INS1 may be formed of or include an inorganic material. The gate electrode GE of the transistor TR may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1 and may overlap the semiconductor layer SM. The gate electrode GE may be disposed to overlap the channel region of the semiconductor layer SM.

[0096] The second insulating layer INS2 may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1 to cover the gate electrode GE. The second insulating layer INS2 may include an organic material and / or an inorganic material.

[0097] The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR may be disposed on the second insulating layer INS2 and spaced apart from each other. The source electrode SE may be connected to the source region of the semiconductor layer SM through a first contact hole CH1 defined in the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2. The drain electrode DE may be connected to the drain region of the semiconductor layer SM through a second contact hole CH2 defined in the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2.

[0098] The third insulating layer INS3 may be disposed on the second insulating layer INS2 to cover the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR. The third insulating layer INS3 may be defined as a planarization layer providing a substantially flat or planar top surface, and may include an organic material.

[0099] The first electrode E1 may be disposed on the third insulating layer INS3 . The first electrode E1 may be connected to the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR through a third contact hole CH3 defined in the third insulating layer INS3 .

[0100] The pixel defining layer PDL may be disposed on the first electrode E1 and the third insulating layer INS3 to expose a specific portion of the first electrode E1. An opening PX_OP exposing the specific portion of the first electrode E1 may be defined in the pixel defining layer PDL.

[0101] The organic emission layer OEL may be disposed in the opening PX_OP and on the first electrode E1. The organic emission layer OEL may generate one of red light, green light, and blue light. However, the inventive concept is not limited to this example, and in some embodiments, the organic emission layer OEL may generate white light by a combination of organic materials capable of generating red light, green light, and blue light.

[0102] The second electrode E2 may be disposed on the pixel defining layer PDL and the organic emission layer OEL. A thin encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the emission element OLED to cover the pixel PX. A layer between the substrate SUB and the thin encapsulation layer TFE may be defined as a pixel layer PXL.

[0103] A first voltage ELVDD may be applied to the first electrode E1, and a second voltage ELVSS may be applied to the second electrode E2. When holes and electrons are injected into the organic emission layer OEL, the holes and electrons may be recombined with each other to generate excitons, and light may be emitted from the emission element OLED when the excitons transition to a ground state. The emission element OLED may emit red light, green light, or blue light constituting a portion of an image provided to a user using current flowing therethrough.

[0104] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0105] Reference Figure 7 A display device DD according to some embodiments of the inventive concept may include a display module DM, a digitizer module DTM disposed below the display module DM (e.g., attached to or coupled to the display module DM), and a support portion SP disposed below the digitizer module DTM (e.g., attached to or coupled to the digitizer module DTM).

[0106] The display module DM may include the first non-folding area NFA1, the second non-folding area NFA2, and the third non-folding area NFA3, and the first folding area FA1 and the second folding area FA2 similarly to the display device DD (e.g., similar to or substantially the same as the display device DD). The first non-folding area NFA1, the second non-folding area NFA2, and the third non-folding area NFA3, and the first folding area FA1 and the second folding area FA2 may be provided to have the same Figure 1 and Figure 2 The arrangement is the same as that in the previous embodiment, so its detailed description may be omitted (eg, not repeated).

[0107] The digitizer module DTM may have a rectangular shape, with its long side parallel to the first direction DR1 and its short side parallel to the second direction DR2. The digitizer module DTM may be implemented in a pressure sensing manner. The digitizer module DTM may be configured to sense pressure applied to the display device DD.

[0108] When a user applies pressure (e.g., presses) on the display device DD using a digital pen, the digitizer module DTM can sense the change in pressure caused by the digital pen. The digitizer module DTM can implement an input associated with the sensed pressure. The display device DD can implement an output corresponding to the input. For example, the user can draw on the display device DD using the digital pen.

[0109] The support portion SP may support the display module DM and the digitizer module DTM. The support portion SP may include a first support portion SP1, a second support portion SP2, a third support portion SP3, and a plurality of joint units JU. The first support portion SP1, the second support portion SP2, and the third support portion SP3 may be arranged along a first direction DR1. The joint unit JU may be disposed between the first support portion SP1 and the second support portion SP2 along the first direction DR1.

[0110] The first support portion SP1 may be disposed below the digitizer module DTM (e.g., attached to or coupled to the digitizer module DTM), and may overlap with the first non-folding area NFA1 when viewed from a plan view. The second support portion SP2 may be disposed below the digitizer module DTM (e.g., attached to or coupled to the digitizer module DTM), and may overlap with the second non-folding area NFA2 when viewed from a plan view. The joining unit JU may be disposed below the digitizer module DTM (e.g., attached to or coupled to the digitizer module DTM), and may overlap with the first folding area FA1 when viewed from a plan view. The joining unit JU may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be arranged along the first direction DR1.

[0111] The third support portion SP3 may be disposed below the digitizer module DTM (e.g., attached to or coupled to the digitizer module DTM) and may overlap the third non-folding area NFA3 when viewed from a plan view. The third support portion SP3 may be separated from the second support portion SP2 along the first direction DR1. When viewed from a plan view, the support portion SP may not be disposed in an area overlapping the second folding area FA2. In some embodiments, when viewed from a plan view, the third support portion SP3 and the second support portion SP2 define opposite sides of an opening or gap in the support portion SP overlapping the second folding area FA2.

[0112] In some embodiments, an adhesive may be provided between the display module DM and the digitizer module DTM and between the digitizer module DTM and the support portion SP. The display module DM, the digitizer module DTM and the support portion SP may be bonded to each other by an adhesive. The adhesive may be, for example, a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0113] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 Figure 2. Floor plan of the digitizer module. Fig. 9 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0114] In order to provide a more detailed understanding of some embodiments of the inventive concept, Fig. 9 A display module DM and a digitizer module DTM are shown in FIG.

[0115] Reference Figure 8 , the digital converter module DTM may include a plurality of first electrodes ET1 and a plurality of second electrodes ET2 that are insulated from each other and arranged to cross each other. For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of first electrodes ET1 and the plurality of second electrodes ET2 do not intersect each other or do not physically contact each other. The first electrode ET1 may extend in a first direction DR1 and may be arranged along a second direction DR2. The first electrode ET1 may extend to cross the first folding axis FX1 and the second folding axis FX2. The second electrode ET2 may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be arranged along the first direction DR1.

[0116] In the first folding area FA1, the first electrode ET1 may be disposed below (eg, attached to or coupled to) the second electrode ET2. In the second folding area FA2, the first electrode ET1 may be disposed on the second electrode ET2.

[0117] The first electrode ET1 may include a plurality of first sub-electrodes SET1 and a plurality of second sub-electrodes SET2. The first sub-electrode SET1 may overlap the first folding axis FX1. In some embodiments, the first sub-electrode SET1 may be disposed to overlap the first non-folding area NFA1, the first folding area FA1, and the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0118] The second sub-electrode SET2 may overlap the second folding axis FX2. In some embodiments, the second sub-electrode SET2 may be disposed to overlap the third non-folding area NFA3, the second folding area FA2, and the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0119] The first sub-electrode SET1 and the second sub-electrode SET2 may be disposed on or at different layers from each other. In the second non-folding area NFA2, the first sub-electrode SET1 and the second sub-electrode SET2 disposed at different layers may be electrically connected to each other. A portion of the first sub-electrode SET1 may be electrically connected to a portion of the second sub-electrode SET2 through a through hole VH. Fig. 9 The through hole VH according to some embodiments is described in more detail.

[0120] The second electrode ET2 may include a plurality of third sub-electrodes SET3 and a plurality of fourth sub-electrodes SET4. The third sub-electrode SET3 may be disposed to overlap the first non-folding area NFA1, the first folding area FA1, and the second non-folding area NFA2. The fourth sub-electrode SET4 may be disposed to overlap the third non-folding area NFA3, the second folding area FA2, and the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0121] The third sub-electrode SET3 may be disposed on a layer different from the layer below the fourth sub-electrode SET4. For example, the third sub-electrode SET3 may be located at a layer above the fourth sub-electrode SET4. In other words, the fourth sub-electrode SET4 may be located at a layer below the third sub-electrode SET3. The third sub-electrode SET3 may overlap with the first sub-electrode SET1, and the fourth sub-electrode SET4 may overlap with the second sub-electrode SET2. The first sub-electrode SET1 may be disposed below the third sub-electrode SET3 (e.g., attached to or bonded to the third sub-electrode SET3), and the second sub-electrode SET2 may be disposed on the fourth sub-electrode SET4.

[0122] Reference Fig. 9 The digital converter module DTM may include a base substrate BS, a plurality of first electrodes ET1, a plurality of second electrodes ET2, a first insulating layer IS1, and a second insulating layer IS2. The base substrate BS may include a flexible plastic substrate. For example, the base substrate BS may include polyimide (PI).

[0123] The first sub-electrode SET1 may be disposed under the base substrate BS (e.g., attached to or bonded to the base substrate BS), and the second sub-electrode SET2 may be disposed on the base substrate BS. The third sub-electrode SET3 may be disposed on the base substrate BS, and the fourth sub-electrode SET4 may be disposed under the base substrate BS (e.g., attached to or bonded to the base substrate BS).

[0124] The first sub-electrode SET1 may be disposed at a lower level (or layer) than the second sub-electrode SET2, and the third sub-electrode SET3 may be disposed at a higher level (or layer) than the fourth sub-electrode SET4. Therefore, the second and third sub-electrodes SET2 and SET3 may be closer to the display module DM than the first and fourth sub-electrodes SET1 and SET4.

[0125] The second sub-electrode SET2 may be electrically connected to the first sub-electrode SET1 through a through hole VH defined in the base substrate BS and overlapping the second non-folding area NFA2. Portions of the second sub-electrode SET2 may be respectively connected to portions of the first sub-electrode SET1 through the through holes VH.

[0126] A first insulating layer IS1 may be disposed under (eg, attached to or bonded to) the base substrate BS to cover the first and fourth sub-electrodes SET1 and SET4 . A second insulating layer IS2 may be disposed on the base substrate BS to cover the second and third sub-electrodes SET2 and SET3 .

[0127] Fig.10 is a diagram showing a method according to some embodiments Figure 7 A side view of a display device. Fig.11It is shown Fig.10 A diagram showing a folded state of the display device.

[0128] Fig.10 1 shows a shape of the display device DD viewed in the second direction DR2, in which the display module DM, the digitizer module DTM, and the support portion SP are combined with each other. Fig.11 , an enlarged structure of the display device DD in a folded state is shown in FIG. 4 to more clearly illustrate the folded structure of the display device DD.

[0129] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 , the first support portion SP1, the second support portion SP2, and the third support portion SP3 may overlap the first non-folding area NFA1, the second non-folding area NFA2, and the third non-folding area NFA3, respectively, and the joint unit JU may overlap the first folding area FA1. In some embodiments, the opening or gap defined by the second support portion SP2 and the third support portion SP3 in the support portion SP may overlap the second folding area FA2. When viewed in the second direction DR2 (e.g., see Fig.10 ), the width of each of the joining units JU may decrease (e.g., linearly decrease) in a direction from the top of each of the joining units JU toward the bottom of each of the joining units JU (e.g., a direction opposite to the third direction DR3). For example, when viewed in the second direction DR2, each of the joining units JU may have an inverted trapezoidal shape.

[0130] The first folding area FA1 and the second folding area FA2 of the display module DM may overlap the first folding axis FX1 and the second folding axis FX2, respectively. The first folding area FA1 may be folded along the first folding axis FX1, and the second folding area FA2 may be folded along the second folding axis FX2.

[0131] The top surface of the display module DM may be defined as a display surface DS of the display device DD. The bottom surface of the display module DM may be a surface opposite to the top surface of the display module DM and may be defined as a surface facing the digitizer module DTM.

[0132] When the first folding area FA1 is folded, the top surface of the first folding area FA1, which is a part of the top surface of the display module DM, may be convexly curved, and the bottom surface of the first folding area FA1 may be concavely curved. In other words, the first folding area FA1 may be folded in an outward folding manner. The first support portion SP1 and the second support portion SP2 may be arranged to face each other. In contrast, the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be arranged at opposite sides so that they do not face each other. The side surfaces of the joining unit JU may be arranged to be adjacent to each other. In some embodiments, when the display device DD is folded (e.g., see Fig.11 ), side surfaces of adjacent joining units JU may be in contact with each other (eg, in direct contact).

[0133] When the second folding area FA2 is folded, the top surface of the second folding area FA2, which is a part of the top surface of the display module DM, may be concavely curved, and the bottom surface of the second folding area FA2 may be convexly curved. In other words, the second folding area FA2 may be folded in an inner folding manner. The third support portion SP3 may be arranged not to face the second support portion SP2 (e.g., arranged to face away from the second support portion SP2). For example, the second support portion SP2 and the third support portion SP3 may be arranged at opposite sides, and the display module DM and the digitizer module DTM are placed between the second support portion SP2 and the third support portion SP3. The second non-folding area NFA2 and the third non-folding area NFA3 may be arranged to face each other.

[0134] In some embodiments, the display device DD may further include a hinge structure connected to the support portion SP to provide the first and second folding axes FX1 and FX2 to the display device DD.

[0135] Fig.12 It is shown Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of a digitizer module.

[0136] Fig.12 Basically shows Fig. 9 A vertical cross section of a digitizer module DTM with Fig.11 The display device DD is folded in the same way. Fig.12 , an enlarged structure of the digital converter module DTM in a folded state is shown in order to more clearly illustrate the folded structure of the digital converter module DTM according to some embodiments. In the following, for ease of description, Fig.12 The cross-sectional structure of the digital converter module DTM can be referred to Figure 8 The planar structure of the digitizer module DTM is described.

[0137] Reference Figure 8 and Fig.12Since the second electrode ET2 extends in parallel with the first and second folding axes FX1 and FX2, the second electrode ET2 is not damaged when the first and second folding areas FA1 and FA2 are folded along the first and second folding axes FX1 and FX2.

[0138] However, since the first electrode ET1 extends in a direction intersecting the first folding axis FX1 and the second folding axis FX2, the first electrode ET1 may be damaged when the first folding area FA1 and the second folding area FA2 are folded along the first folding axis FX1 and the second folding axis FX2. For example, in the case where the first folding area FA1 is folded in an out-folding manner, in the first folding area FA1, the length of the top surface of the base substrate BS deformed to have a convex curved shape may be longer than the length of the bottom surface of the base substrate BS deformed to have a concave curved shape.

[0139] In the case where the first sub-electrode SET1 is disposed on the top surface of the base substrate BS and the first folding area FA1 is folded in an outer folding manner, the length of the top surface of the base substrate BS may increase, which may result in an increase in the strength of the pulling force applied to the first sub-electrode SET1. The first sub-electrode SET1 may be damaged due to such pulling force.

[0140] According to some embodiments of the inventive concept, because in the first folding area FA1 (i.e., the outer folding area), the first sub-electrode SET1 is disposed below the bottom surface of the base substrate BS deformed to have a concave curved shape (e.g., attached to or bonded to the bottom surface of the base substrate BS deformed to have a concave curved shape), but is not disposed on or above the top surface of the base substrate BS having an increased length, this may be able to reduce the strength of the pulling force applied to the first sub-electrode SET1, thereby preventing or reducing damage to the first sub-electrode SET1.

[0141] Similarly, because in the second folding area FA2 (i.e., the inner folding area), the second sub-electrode SET2 is arranged on the top surface of the base substrate BS deformed to have a concave curved shape, and is not arranged on the bottom surface of the base substrate BS having an increased length, this can reduce the strength of the pulling force, thereby preventing or reducing damage to the second sub-electrode SET2.

[0142] Therefore, the display device DD according to some embodiments of the inventive concept may prevent or reduce damage to the digitizer module DTM that may occur in the first folding area FA1 and the second folding area FA2 .

[0143] Fig.13 is a diagram illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the inventive concept. Fig.14 It is shown Fig.13A diagram showing a folded state of the display device.

[0144] Fig.13 and Fig.14 Basically, it shows Fig.10 and Fig.11 Therefore, the following description can focus on Fig.13 and Fig.14 The display device DD_1 is Fig.10 and Fig.11 The technical features of the display device DD shown in FIG. 1 are different from the technical features previously referred to in Fig.10 and Fig.11 Features of described elements may be identified by the same reference numerals without repeating their overlapping descriptions. Fig.14 FIG. 4 shows an enlarged structure of the display device DD_1 in a folded state.

[0145] Reference Fig.13 and Fig.14 The display device DD_1 may include a display module DM_1, a digitizer module DTM_1 disposed below the display module DM_1 (eg, attached to or coupled to the display module DM_1), and a support portion SP_1 disposed below the digitizer module DTM_1 (eg, attached to or coupled to the digitizer module DTM_1).

[0146] The display module DM_1 may include a first non-folding area NFA1, a second non-folding area NFA2, a third non-folding area NFA3, and a fourth non-folding area NFA4 arranged along a first direction DR1, and a first folding area FA1, a second folding area FA2, and a third folding area FA3 disposed between the first non-folding area NFA1, the second non-folding area NFA2, the third non-folding area NFA3, and the fourth non-folding area NFA4. The third folding area FA3 may be disposed between the third non-folding area NFA3 and the fourth non-folding area NFA4.

[0147] The support portion SP_1 may include first, second, third, and fourth support portions SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4, and first and second joining units JU1 and JU2. The fourth support portion SP4 may be disposed below the digitizer module DTM_1 (eg, attached to or coupled to the digitizer module DTM_1) and may overlap the fourth non-folding area NFA4.

[0148] The first joint unit JU1 can be connected to Fig.10 and Fig.11The second joining unit JU2 may be substantially the same as or identical to the first joining unit JU1 (e.g., may have a shape substantially the same as or identical to that of the first joining unit JU1). The second joining unit JU2 may overlap the third folding area FA3 and may be disposed below the digitizer module DTM_1 (e.g., attached to or coupled to the digitizer module DTM_1). The second joining unit JU2 may be disposed between the third support portion SP3 and the fourth support portion SP4.

[0149] The other elements constituting the display module DM_1 and the support portion SP_1 may be the same as those in the reference Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The elements in the display module DM and the support portion SP are described to be substantially the same or identical.

[0150] The first folding area FA1 may be folded in an outward folding manner, and the second folding area FA2 may be folded in an inward folding manner. The third folding area FA3 may overlap with a third folding axis FX3 extending in the second direction DR2, and may be folded in an outward folding manner along the third folding axis FX3. The top surface of the third folding area FA3 may be convexly curved, and the bottom surface of the third folding area FA3 may be concavely curved. The side surfaces of the second joining unit JU2 may be disposed adjacent to each other.

[0151] Fig.15 It is shown Fig.13 Figure 2. Floor plan of the digitizer module. Fig.16 It is along Fig.15 The figure is taken along line II-II'.

[0152] Reference Fig.15 and Fig.16 , the digitizer module DTM_1 may include a plurality of first electrodes ET1_1 extending in the first direction DR1 and a plurality of second electrodes ET2 extending in the second direction DR2.

[0153] The first electrode ET1_1 may include a plurality of first sub-electrodes SET1, a plurality of second sub-electrodes SET2, and a plurality of fifth sub-electrodes SET5. For ease of description, the second electrode ET2 is described with a single reference numeral without using the first sub-electrode SET1, the second sub-electrode SET2, and the fifth sub-electrode SET5. Figure 8 The term for the sub-electrode in.

[0154] The second sub-electrode SET2 may be electrically connected to the first sub-electrode SET1 through the first through hole VH1. For example, the first sub-electrode SET1 and the second sub-electrode SET2 may have the same Figure 8The described arrangements and connection structures of the first sub-electrode SET1 and the second sub-electrode SET2 are substantially the same or identical, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted (eg, not repeated).

[0155] The fifth sub-electrode SET5 may overlap the third folding axis FX3. In some embodiments, the fifth sub-electrode SET5 may overlap the third non-folding area NFA3, the third folding area FA3, and the fourth non-folding area NFA4. The fifth sub-electrode SET5 and the first sub-electrode SET1 may be disposed on the same layer or at the same level. The first sub-electrode SET1 and the fifth sub-electrode SET5 may be disposed below the second electrode ET2 (e.g., attached to or bonded to the second electrode ET2) in the first folding area FA1 and the third folding area FA3, and the second sub-electrode SET2 may be disposed on the second electrode ET2 in the second folding area FA2.

[0156] The first sub-electrode SET1 and the fifth sub-electrode SET5 may be disposed under the base substrate BS (e.g., attached to or bonded to the base substrate BS), and the second sub-electrode SET2 may be disposed on the base substrate BS. The second electrode ET2 may be disposed on the base substrate BS in the first folding area FA1 and the third folding area FA3, and may be disposed under the base substrate BS (e.g., attached to or bonded to the base substrate BS) in the second folding area FA2. The second sub-electrode SET2 may be electrically connected to the fifth sub-electrode SET5 through a second through hole VH2 defined in the base substrate BS and overlapping the third non-folding area NFA3.

[0157] Because the fifth sub-electrode SET5 extending across the third folding axis FX3 is disposed below (eg, attached to or bonded to) the base substrate BS in the third folding area FA3 (ie, outer folding area), damage to the fifth sub-electrode SET5 may be prevented or reduced.

[0158] Fig.17 is a side view schematically illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the inventive concept. Fig.18 It is shown Fig.17 A diagram showing a folded state of the display device.

[0159] Fig.17 and Fig.18 Shown with Fig.13 and Fig.14 Therefore, the following description can focus on Fig.17 and Fig.18 The display device DD_2 is Fig.13 and Fig.14 The technical features of the display device DD_1 are different from the technical features. Fig.18 FIG. 4 shows an enlarged structure of the display device DD_2 in a folded state.

[0160] Reference Fig.17 and Fig.18 The display device DD_2 may include a display module DM_2, a digitizer module DTM_2 disposed below the display module DM_2 (eg, attached to or coupled to the display module DM_2), and a support portion SP_2 disposed below the digitizer module DTM_2 (eg, attached to or coupled to the digitizer module DTM_2).

[0161] The display module DM_2 can be used with Fig.13 The display module DM_1 shown in FIG. 4 similarly includes first, second, third, and fourth non-folding areas NFA1, NFA2, NFA3, and NFA4, and first, second, and third folding areas FA1, FA2, and FA3.

[0162] The support portion SP_2 may include a first support portion SP1, a second support portion SP2, a third support portion SP3, and a fourth support portion SP4 and a joint unit JU. The first support portion SP1, the second support portion SP2, the third support portion SP3, and the fourth support portion SP4 may be connected to Fig.13 The engaging unit JU may extend in the second direction DR2, may be arranged along the first direction DR1, and may be disposed between the second supporting portion SP2 and the third supporting portion SP3.

[0163] The display device DD_2 can be folded in a manner opposite to the display device DD_1. For example, the first folding area FA1 and the third folding area FA3 can be folded in an inner folding manner along the first folding axis FX1 and the third folding axis FX3, respectively, so that the first folding area FA1 and the third folding area FA3 have a concave top surface. The second folding area FA2 can be folded in an outer folding manner along the second folding axis FX2, so that the second folding area FA2 has a convex top surface.

[0164] Fig.19 It is shown Fig.17 Figure 2. Floor plan of the digitizer module. Fig. 20 It is along Fig.19 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'.

[0165] For ease of description, Fig.19 and Fig. 20 Shown respectively with Fig.15 and Fig.16Corresponding plan and section views.

[0166] Reference Fig.19 and Fig. 20 The digitizer module DTM_2 may include a plurality of first electrodes ET1_2 extending in the first direction DR1 and a plurality of second electrodes ET2 extending in the second direction DR2. The first electrode ET1_2 may include a plurality of first sub-electrodes SET1_1, a plurality of second sub-electrodes SET2_1, and a plurality of fifth sub-electrodes SET5_1.

[0167] The first sub-electrode SET1_1, the second sub-electrode SET2_1, and the fifth sub-electrode SET5_1 may be connected to Fig.15 and Fig.16 The first sub-electrode SET1 , the second sub-electrode SET2 , and the fifth sub-electrode shown in FIG. 5 are arranged in the opposite manner.

[0168] The first and fifth sub-electrodes SET1_1 and SET5_1 may be disposed on the second electrode ET2 in the first and third folding areas FA1 and FA3 , and the second sub-electrode SET2_1 may be disposed under (eg, attached to or coupled to) the second electrode ET2 in the second folding area FA2 .

[0169] The first sub-electrode SET1_1 and the fifth sub-electrode SET5_1 may be disposed on the base substrate BS, and the second sub-electrode SET2_1 may be disposed under the base substrate BS (e.g., attached to or bonded to the base substrate BS). The second electrode ET2 may be disposed under the base substrate BS (e.g., attached to or bonded to the base substrate BS) in the first folding area FA1 and the third folding area FA3, and may be disposed on the base substrate BS in the second folding area FA2.

[0170] The second sub-electrode SET2_1 may be electrically connected to the first sub-electrode SET1_1 and the fifth sub-electrode SET5_1 through the first and second through holes VH1 and VH2 defined in the base substrate BS.

[0171] Because the second sub-electrode SET2_1 extending across the second folding axis FX2 is disposed under (eg, attached to or bonded to) the base substrate BS in the second folding area FA2 (ie, outer folding area), damage to the second sub-electrode SET2_1 may be prevented or reduced.

[0172] Fig.21 is a plan view illustrating a digitizer module according to some embodiments of the inventive concept. Fig. 22 It is along Fig.21 A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV'. Fig.23 It is shown Fig. 22 A cross-sectional view of a digitizer module in a folded state.

[0173] For ease of description, Fig.21 Shown with Figure 8 The following description can focus on the digital converter module DTM_3 and Figure 8 Technical characteristics of the digitizer module DTM have different technical characteristics.

[0174] Reference Fig.21 and Fig. 22 , the digitizer module DTM_3 may include a plurality of first electrodes ET1_3 extending in the first direction DR1 and a plurality of second electrodes ET2 extending in the second direction DR2.

[0175] The first electrode ET1_3 may include a plurality of first sub-electrodes SET1_2, a plurality of second sub-electrodes SET2_2, and a plurality of third sub-electrodes SET3_1. The first sub-electrode SET1_2 may be disposed to overlap the first non-folding area NFA1. The second sub-electrode SET2_2 may be disposed to overlap the second non-folding area NFA2 and the third non-folding area NFA3 and the second folding area FA2. The second sub-electrode SET2_2 and the first sub-electrode SET1_2 may be disposed at the same layer (e.g., on the same layer) or at the same level.

[0176] The third sub-electrode SET3_1 may overlap the first folding axis FX1. In some embodiments, the third sub-electrode SET3_1 may be disposed to overlap the first folding area FA1 and the first and second non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. The third sub-electrode SET3_1 may be disposed between the first sub-electrode SET1_2 and the second sub-electrode SET2_2 in a plan view. The third sub-electrode SET3_1 may be disposed at a level (or layer) different from that of the first sub-electrode SET1_2 and the second sub-electrode SET2_2.

[0177] The first and second sub-electrodes SET1_2 and SET2_2 may be disposed on the base substrate BS, and the third sub-electrode SET3_1 may be disposed under (eg, attached to or coupled to) the base substrate BS. The first and second sub-electrodes SET1_2 and SET2_2 may be closer to the display module DM than the third sub-electrode SET3_1.

[0178] The second electrode ET2 may be disposed on the third sub-electrode SET3_1 in the first folding area FA1, and may be disposed below the first sub-electrode SET1_2 and the second sub-electrode SET2_2 in the other areas NFA1, NFA2, NFA3, and FA2 (e.g., attached to or bonded to the first sub-electrode SET1_2 and the second sub-electrode SET2_2). The second electrode ET2 may be disposed on the base substrate BS in the first folding area FA1, and may be disposed below the base substrate BS in the other areas NFA1, NFA2, NFA3, and FA2 (e.g., attached to or bonded to the base substrate BS).

[0179] The third sub-electrode SET3_1 may be electrically connected to the first sub-electrode SET1_2 through a first through hole VH1 defined in the base substrate BS and overlapping the first non-folding area NFA1. The third sub-electrode SET3_1 may be electrically connected to the second sub-electrode SET2_2 through a second through hole VH2 defined in the base substrate BS and overlapping the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0180] In some embodiments, the display device including the digital converter module DTM_3 can be used with Fig.11 In other words, the first folding area FA1 can be folded in an outward folding manner, and the second folding area FA2 can be folded in an inward folding manner.

[0181] Reference Fig.23 Because the third sub-electrode SET3_1 extending across the first folding axis FX1 is disposed below (eg, attached to or bonded to) the base substrate BS in the first folding area FA1 (ie, the outer folding area), damage to the third sub-electrode SET3_1 may be prevented or reduced.

[0182] According to some embodiments of the inventive concept, the digitizer module may include a first electrode extending in a direction intersecting the folding axis, and the first electrode of the digitizer module may be disposed under (e.g., attached to or bonded to) the base substrate in an outer folding region (e.g., first folding region), and may be disposed on the base substrate in an inner folding region (e.g., second folding region). Therefore, damage to the first electrode may be prevented or reduced.

[0183] While example embodiments of the inventive concepts have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display module comprising a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion in a first direction; a plurality of first sub-electrodes, disposed below the first portion and extending in the first direction; a plurality of second sub-electrodes, disposed below the second portion and extending in the first direction; a plurality of third sub-electrodes, disposed between the first portion and the plurality of first sub-electrodes, extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and disposed in the same layer as the plurality of second sub-electrodes; as well as The plurality of fourth sub-electrodes are arranged below the plurality of second sub-electrodes, extend in the second direction, and are arranged in the same layer as the plurality of first sub-electrodes.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of first sub-electrodes are electrically connected to the plurality of second sub-electrodes.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first portion is folded about a first folding axis, the second portion is folded about a second folding axis, and the first folding axis and the second folding axis are spaced apart from each other along the first direction and extend in the second direction.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The display module further includes: The first non-folding area, the second non-folding area and the third non-folding area are arranged along the first direction; a first folding region overlapping the first folding axis and located between the first unfolding region and the second unfolding region; and a second folding area, overlapping the second folding axis and located between the second non-folding area and the third non-folding area; Among them, the first non-folding area, the first folding area and the part of the second non-folding area adjacent to the first folding area are defined as the first part, and the third non-folding area, the second folding area and the part of the second non-folding area adjacent to the second folding area are defined as the second part.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The plurality of first sub-electrodes overlap the first non-folding region, the first folding region, and the second non-folding region, and The plurality of second sub-electrodes overlap the third non-folding region, the second folding region, and the second non-folding region.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The plurality of second sub-electrodes are disposed at a different layer from the plurality of first sub-electrodes, and the plurality of fourth sub-electrodes are disposed at a different layer from the plurality of third sub-electrodes.

7. The display device according to claim 6, further comprising a base substrate, The plurality of first sub-electrodes are located below the base substrate, and The plurality of second sub-electrodes are located on the base substrate.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The plurality of second sub-electrodes are electrically connected to the plurality of first sub-electrodes through a through hole defined in the base substrate and overlapping the second non-folding region.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The plurality of third sub-electrodes are located on the base substrate, and the plurality of fourth sub-electrodes are located under the base substrate.

10. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The first folding region is foldable in an outward-folding manner about the first folding axis such that the first folding region has a convex top surface.

11. The display device according to claim 10, further comprising: a base substrate, the plurality of first sub-electrodes being located below the base substrate, and the plurality of second sub-electrodes being located on the base substrate; A first supporting portion, located below the base substrate and overlapping the first unfolded area; A second supporting portion, located below the base substrate and overlapping the second unfolded area; as well as a plurality of bonding units, located below the base substrate and overlapping the first folding area, The plurality of joining units extend in the second direction and are arranged along the first direction.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: When viewed in the second direction, a width of each of the plurality of bonding units decreases in a direction from a top of each of the plurality of bonding units toward a bottom of each of the plurality of bonding units.

13. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The second folding region is foldable in an inward-folding manner about the second folding axis such that the second folding region has a concave top surface.

14. The display device according to claim 11, further comprising: The third supporting portion is located below the base substrate, is spaced apart from the second supporting portion, and overlaps the third unfolded area.

15. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The display module further includes: a fourth unfolded region; and A third folding area is located between the third non-folding area and the fourth non-folding area, and the third folding area overlaps a third folding axis extending in the second direction. The display device further includes a plurality of fifth sub-electrodes overlapping the third folding axis, and The plurality of fifth sub-electrodes are located at the same layer as the plurality of first sub-electrodes.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: The plurality of first sub-electrodes and the plurality of fifth sub-electrodes are located below the plurality of third sub-electrodes in the first folding region and the third folding region, respectively, and The plurality of second sub-electrodes are located on the plurality of fourth sub-electrodes in the second folding region.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein: The first folding region and the third folding region are foldable in an external folding manner about the first folding axis and the third folding axis, respectively, so that the first folding region and the third folding region have a convex top surface; and The second folding region is foldable in an inward-folding manner about the second folding axis such that the second folding region has a concave top surface.

18. The display device according to claim 16, further comprising a base substrate, The plurality of first sub-electrodes and the plurality of fifth sub-electrodes are located below the base substrate, The plurality of second sub-electrodes are located on the base substrate, and The plurality of third sub-electrodes are located on the base substrate in the first and third folding regions, and the plurality of fourth sub-electrodes are located under the base substrate in the second folding region.

19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein: The plurality of second sub-electrodes are electrically connected to the plurality of first sub-electrodes through first through holes defined in the base substrate and overlapping with the second non-folding region, and the plurality of second sub-electrodes are electrically connected to the plurality of fifth sub-electrodes through second through holes defined in the base substrate and overlapping with the third non-folding region.

20. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: The plurality of first sub-electrodes and the plurality of fifth sub-electrodes are located on the plurality of third sub-electrodes in the first folding region and the third folding region, respectively, and The plurality of second sub-electrodes are located below the plurality of fourth sub-electrodes in the second folding region.

21. The display device according to claim 20, wherein: The first folding region and the third folding region are foldable in an inward-folding manner about the first folding axis and the third folding axis, respectively, so that the first folding region and the third folding region have concave top surfaces; and The second folding region is foldable in an outward-folding manner about the second folding axis such that the second folding region has a convex top surface.

22. An electronic device, comprising: Display device, providing images to users, Among them, the display device includes: a display module, including a first part and a second part adjacent to the first part in a first direction; a plurality of first sub-electrodes, arranged under the first part and extending in the first direction; a plurality of second sub-electrodes, arranged under the second part and extending in the first direction; a plurality of third sub-electrodes, arranged between the first part and the plurality of first sub-electrodes, extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and arranged on the same layer as the plurality of second sub-electrodes; and a plurality of fourth sub-electrodes, arranged under the plurality of second sub-electrodes, extending in the second direction, and arranged on the same layer as the plurality of first sub-electrodes.

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