Display device

Abstract

A display device according to one embodiment includes: a display panel including a display area, a first portion located around the display area and including a first non-display area, and a second portion disposed in a second non-display area located outside the first non-display area; and a bridge portion disposed between adjacent second portions, in which the second portions are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, the second portions each protrude from the first portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the bridge portion physically connects the adjacent second portions.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0170731, filed on November 30, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical field

[0003] This specification relates to a display device. Background art

[0004] With the development of the information society, various demands for display devices for displaying images are increasing, and various types of display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic light - emitting diode (OLED) displays are utilized.

[0005] In display devices, the advantages are that, as a self - emissive type, OLED displays have superior viewing angles and contrast ratios compared to LCDs, and since they do not require a separate backlight, they are lighter, thinner, and have low power consumption. In addition, the advantages are that OLED displays can be driven with a low DC voltage, have a fast response speed, and particularly low manufacturing costs.

[0006] On the other hand, many structures for reducing the bezel of a display device are being studied. Summary of the invention

[0007] This specification aims to provide a display device with a reduced bezel.

[0008] This specification also aims to provide a display device in which the curvatures between bending regions are uniformly equal to each other.

[0009] This specification also aims to provide a display device in which the attachment deviation between a printed circuit film and / or a circuit board is improved.

[0010] The object of this specification is not limited to the above - mentioned object, and other technical objects can be inferred from the following embodiments.

[0011] To achieve the above object, a display device according to an embodiment includes: a display panel including a display area, a first part, and a second part, the first part being located around the display area and including a first non - display area, and the second part being disposed in a second non - display area outside the first non - display area; and a bridge part disposed between adjacent second parts, wherein the second parts are spaced apart from each other in a first direction, each of the second parts protrudes from the first part in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the bridge part physically connects the adjacent second parts.

[0012] To achieve the above object, a display device according to an embodiment includes: a display panel including a first part and a second part protruding from the first part and including a curved region; and a bridging part disposed between adjacent second parts, wherein the second parts are spaced apart from each other in a first direction, each of the second parts protrudes from the first part in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second parts are curved in the curved region, and the radius of curvature of each of the second parts is the same.

[0013] Details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

[0014] The display panel of the display device according to an embodiment includes a first part and a second part protruding from the first part and including a curved region. The second part is provided with a pad region and is attached to a printed circuit film. The second part can be bent in the thickness direction through the curved region of the second part, thereby reducing the bezel space of the display device.

[0015] In addition, a plurality of second parts can be provided. The plurality of second parts can be spaced apart from each other. For medium or large-sized display devices, when one second part is provided, the bending stress increases and thus the second part cannot be easily bent. However, since the display device according to an embodiment is provided with a plurality of second parts, the bezel can be easily reduced even in the case of medium or large-sized display devices.

[0016] In addition, the display device according to an embodiment further includes a bridging part connecting adjacent second parts. When the second parts are bent, the radius of curvature of the second parts may be different, and in this case, an attachment deviation may occur between the printed circuit film attached to the pad region of the second part and the circuit board attached to the printed circuit film. However, since the display device according to an embodiment can further include a bridging part connecting adjacent second parts, the radius of curvature of each of the second parts can be uniformly formed even when the plurality of second parts are bent.

[0017] In addition, due to the display device according to an embodiment, the attachment deviation between the printed circuit film attached to the pad region of the second part and the circuit board attached to the printed circuit film is improved, so the defect rate can be reduced when manufacturing the display device. Therefore, cost can be saved and process optimization can be achieved.

[0018] However, the effects that can be obtained from this specification are not limited to the above effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this specification pertains from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a plan view of a display device according to a first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the folded state of the display device shown Figure 1 in the figure.

[0021] Figure 3 is Figure 1 an enlarged plan view of region Q1 in

[0022] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Figure 3 the figure.

[0023] Figure 5 is Figure 1 an enlarged plan view of region Q2 in

[0024] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in Figure 5 the figure.

[0025] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' in Figure 5 the figure.

[0026] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the attachment deviation between printed circuit films of a display device according to a first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the attachment deviation of a circuit board of a display device according to a first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 10 is a plan view of a display device according to a second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' in Figure 10 the figure.

[0030] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D' in Figure 10 the figure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, when a first component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is described as being "disposed on", "connected to", or "coupled to" a second component, it means that the first component can be directly connected / coupled to the second component or a third component can be disposed between them.

[0032] Like reference numerals denote like components. Further, in the drawings, for the purpose of effectively describing the technical content, the thickness, ratio, and dimensions of the components are exaggerated. The term "and / or" includes all one or more combinations that can be defined by the associated configuration.

[0033] Terms such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the embodiments, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0034] Terms such as "below", "lower side", "above", "upper side" are used to describe the relationship between components illustrated in the drawings. The terms are relative concepts and are described with respect to the directions marked in the drawings.

[0035] It should be understood that terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification and do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof in advance.

[0036] Figure 1 is a plan view of a display device according to a first embodiment. Figure 2 is shown Figure 1 a cross-sectional view showing the folded state of the display device shown.

[0037] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to the first embodiment, the display device 10 may be an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, but is not limited thereto, and may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an inorganic light emitting display. The following description will focus on the case where the display device according to one embodiment is an OLED display. The OLED display may include a display panel 100. The display panel 100 may include a display area DA and a first non-display area NDA1 located around the display area DA. In other words, the display area DA and the first non-display area NDA1 located around the display area DA may be defined in the display panel 100. All areas to be described below may be described as being included in the display panel 100 and being defined in the display panel 100.

[0038] The display area DA may include a plurality of pixels. The plurality of pixels may be arranged in a matrix arrangement, but is not limited thereto. The display area DA may have a rectangular shape including a short side extending in a first direction DR1 and a long side extending in a second direction DR2, but is not limited thereto.

[0039] The first non-display area NDA1 can surround the display area DA on a plane. For example, the first non-display area NDA1 can be set to surround all the long sides (or the sides extending along the second direction DR2) and short sides (or the sides extending along the first direction DR1) of the display area DA, but is not limited thereto.

[0040] The display panel 100 may further include a second non-display area NDA2. The second non-display area NDA2 may be disposed adjacent to the first non-display area NDA1. For example, the second non-display area NDA2 may be disposed adjacent to the first non-display area NDA1 that surrounds the short side on the other side in the second direction DR2 of the display area DA. The second non-display area NDA2 may be spaced apart from the display area DA in a state where the first non-display area NDA1 is interposed between the second non-display area NDA2 and the display area DA. The second non-display area NDA2 may represent an area protruding from the first non-display area NDA1 to the other side in the second direction DR2 of the display area DA. The second part 120 (see Figure 5 ) may be disposed in the second non-display area NDA2. A plurality of second parts 120 may be provided. A plurality of second parts 120 may be provided (see Figure 5 ). The plurality of second parts 120 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0041] The second non-display area NDA2 may include a pad area PA (see Figure 5 ). The pad area PA may be disposed at an end portion on the other side in the second direction DR2 of the second non-display area NDA2.

[0042] The printed circuit film FPC may be attached to the pad area PA. The driving chip DIC may be mounted on the printed circuit film FPC. A plurality of printed circuit films FPC may be provided to be attached corresponding to the plurality of second parts 120 respectively. The plurality of printed circuit films FPC may be respectively attached to the corresponding pad areas PA of the second parts 120. The plurality of printed circuit films FPC may be set to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. An end portion on one side in the second direction DR2 of the printed circuit film FPC may be attached to the pad area PA.

[0043] The display device 10 according to the first embodiment may be a medium-sized display device. For example, the display device 10 may include a medium-sized display device such as a tablet computer or a monitor. In the case of a medium-sized display device, since the number of pixels is large, a plurality of printed circuit films FPC for controlling the driving of the pixels can be applied. However, the display device 10 is not limited thereto, and may include a small-sized or large-sized display device.

[0044] The circuit board PB can be attached to the end on the other side of the printed circuit film FPC in the second direction DR2. A plurality of printed circuit films FPC can be connected to one circuit board PB. In Figure 1 , one circuit board PB is shown as being connected to all the printed circuit films FPC of the display device 10, but is not limited thereto, and a plurality of circuit boards PB can be provided. A plurality of printed circuit films FPC can be provided, and the plurality of printed circuit films FPC can be arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0045] Although not shown on the circuit board PB, a power management IC (PMIC), a controller, etc. can be mounted thereon. The controller can execute an overall control function related to the driving of the display panel 100 and control the operation of the driving chip DIC and the gate driving circuit. The power management IC can supply various voltages or currents to the driving chip DIC, the gate driving circuit, etc. or control the various voltages or currents to be supplied to the driving chip DIC, the gate driving circuit, etc. The gate driving circuit can be exemplarily provided on the first non-display area NDA1 on one side or the other side of the display area DA in the first direction DR1, but is not limited thereto.

[0046] Meanwhile, the display device 10 according to the first embodiment can be a foldable display device. The display device 10 can include a folding area FA extending in the first direction DR1, a first non-folding area NFA1 located on one side of the folding area FA in the second direction DR2, and a second non-folding area NFA2 located on the other side of the folding area FA in the second direction DR2.

[0047] As Figure 2 shown, the display device 10 can be folded with respect to the folding area FA. For example, when the display device 10 is folded, the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 can be set to overlap each other in the thickness direction. As will be described below, the display device 10 can be a foldable display device and can also be a bendable display device.

[0048] However, this specification is not limited thereto, and the display device 10 may be a stretchable display device. In this specification, a stretchable display device may be referred to as a display device that can display an image even when bent or stretched. A foldable display device and a stretchable display device may have higher flexibility than a general display device. The shape of the stretchable display device may be freely changed according to a user's operation, for example, by bending or stretching the stretchable display device. For example, when a user holds and pulls an end of the stretchable display device, the stretchable display device may be stretched by the user's force. Or, when the user arranges the stretchable display device on an uneven wall, the stretchable display device may be set to bend along the shape of the surface of the wall. In addition, when the force applied by the user is removed, the stretchable display device may return to its original shape.

[0049] Figure 3 is Figure 1 an enlarged plan view of region Q1 in Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Figure 3

[0050] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the display device 10 may further include a second plate layer 750 disposed below the display panel 100. The second plate layer 750 may contain a metal, for example, stainless steel, but is not limited thereto.

[0051] The second plate layer 750 may include a plate portion 751 disposed in the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2, and a pattern 755 disposed in the folding region FA. The plate portions 751 may be spaced apart from each other with the folding region FA interposed therebetween. Each pattern in the pattern 755 may have a line shape extending in the first direction DR1. The patterns 755 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. In Figure 3 , the patterns 755 are shown arranged in three rows in the second direction DR2, but are not limited thereto. As described above, the second plate layer 750 may contain a metal, and in order to reduce the folding stress in the folding region FA when the display device 10 is folded, the second plate layer 750 may be formed by a plurality of patterns 755 in the folding region FA.

[0052] The extending direction of the pattern 755 in the first direction DR1 is related to the extending direction of the folding region FA described above in Figure 1 .

[0053] Since the folding region FA extends in the first direction DR1 and the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2 overlap each other with respect to the folding region FA, the pattern 755 in the folding region FA may also extend in the first direction DR1, and thus may serve to reduce the folding stress when the display device 10 is folded.​

[0054] Hereinafter, components of the display device 10 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 4 the following.

[0055] With reference to Figures 1 to 4 , the display device 10 may include a display panel 100, a polarization layer 200 disposed above the display panel 100, a cover layer 300 disposed above the polarization layer 200, a film layer 400 disposed above the cover layer 300, a hard coat layer 500 disposed above the film layer 400, a backplane layer 600 disposed below the display panel 100, a board layer 700 disposed below the backplane layer 600, and bonding layers 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, and 860 that bond adjacent components 100, 200, 300, 400, 600, and 700.

[0056] The display panel 100 may include a plurality of pixels disposed in a display area of a base substrate and a driving unit disposed in a non-display area around the display area to drive the pixels. The pixels may include a transistor TFT connected to the driving unit through a control signal line and a light-emitting element OLED connected to the transistor TFT. The transistor TFT is turned on or off according to a control signal applied through the control signal line to adjust the amount of current applied to the light-emitting element OLED. The light-emitting element OLED may emit light with a brightness corresponding to the amount of current applied through the transistor TFT. The light-emitting element OLED may include a light-emitting diode, but is not limited thereto. The base substrate may include a flexible substrate. Since the base substrate of the display panel 100 has flexibility by including a flexible substrate, the display device 10 may be used as a foldable, stretchable, or bendable display device.

[0057] The backplane layer 600 may be disposed below the display panel 100. The backplane layer 600 may be disposed below the display panel 100 to support the display panel 100. The backplane layer 600 may include a material capable of supporting the display panel 100. For example, the backplane layer 600 may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), or polycarbonate (PC), but is not limited thereto.

[0058] The board layer 700 may be disposed below the backplane layer 600. The board layer 700 may include a first board layer 710 and a second board layer 720 disposed on the first board layer 710. Each of the board layers 710 and 720 may include metal. For example, each of the board layers 710 and 720 may include stainless steel, but is not limited thereto. The second board layer 750 may include a board portion 751 disposed in non-fold regions NFA1 and NFA2 and a pattern 755 disposed in a fold region FA. The first board layer 710 may be disposed below the second board layer 750 to prevent the pattern 755 from being visible.

[0059] The polarization layer 200 may be disposed above the display panel 100. The polarization layer 200 may include a first phase retardation layer, a second phase retardation layer disposed on the first phase retardation layer, and a first polarization layer disposed on the second phase retardation layer. In Figure 4 , the polarization layer 200 and the display panel 100 are shown separated from each other, but are not limited thereto, and the polarization layer 200 may be defined as being included in the display panel 100.

[0060] The cover layer 300 may be disposed on the polarization layer 200. The cover layer 300 may be formed of glass or made of a glass material including quartz. However, the cover layer 300 is not limited thereto and may be made of a plastic material.

[0061] The cover layer 300 may be disposed above the display panel 100 to protect the components disposed below the cover layer 300 from the outside. At the same time, since the display device 10 functions as a foldable, stretchable, or bendable display device, the cover layer 300 should have flexibility. To this end, the modulus of the cover layer 300 is preferably less than or equal to 70 GPa, and the thickness t3 of the cover layer 300 is also preferably less than or equal to about 100 μm. However, when the thickness t3 of the cover layer 300 is too small, the cover layer 300 cannot function to protect the components disposed below the cover layer 300, and thus the cover layer 300 preferably has a thickness of at least about 20 μm or more. The cover layer 300 may be a cover layer formed by chemical strengthening.

[0062] At the same time, although the cover layer 300 functions to protect the components disposed below the cover layer 300 from the outside, as described above, since the cover layer is made of a glass material, the cover layer 300 may be damaged by an external force to generate glass fragments, and the glass fragments may be scattered to the outside of the display device 10. In the first embodiment, in order to prevent the scattering of the glass fragments generated due to the breakage of the cover layer 300, the film layer 400 and the hard coat layer 500 may be further included above the cover layer 300.

[0063] The film layer 400 may function to protect the cover layer 300. The film layer 400 may be a thin film sheet made of a polymer organic material. The film layer 400 may have a high transmittance of 88% or more, a heat resistance of 100 °C or more, and 80e- 6A coefficient of thermal expansion below / K. This is to prevent the film layer 400 from bending or being damaged in high-temperature, high-humidity, or thermal shock environments (e.g., within 100 °C). In other words, the film layer 400 can have a low coefficient of thermal expansion and can be made of a material with thermal stability. For example, the film layer 400 can be made of polyimide (PI), (poly)norbornene, high heat-resistant polyester (PET), epoxy resin, urethane, etc. Alternatively, the film layer 400 can be made of a copolymer. For example, the film layer 400 can be made of a copolymer of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) combined with special PMMA, a copolymer of polycarbonate (PC) and PI, a copolymer of PMMA and PI, or a copolymer combined with urethane. The thickness t4 of the film layer 400 can be about 75 μm or less. When the thickness t4 of the film layer 400 exceeds 75 μm, it may be difficult for the display device 10 to be used as a foldable, stretchable, or bendable display device. However, only when the thickness t4 of the film layer 400 is about 25 μm or more, the film layer 400 can function to protect the cover layer 300. In other words, only when the thickness t4 of the film layer 400 is about 25 μm or more, physical damage to the cover layer 300 can be prevented and even when the cover layer 300 is damaged and glass fragments are generated, the spread can be prevented.

[0064] The modulus of the film layer 400 can be less than the modulus of the cover layer 300 and greater than the modulus of the third bonding layer 730. For example, the modulus of the film layer 400 can be in the range of 2 GPa to 8 GPa. For example, when the modulus of the film layer 400 is 8 GPa or less, flexibility can be provided to the film layer 400 and thus the display device 10 can function as a foldable, stretchable, or bendable display device. In addition, depending on the material of the film layer 400, the film layer 400 can have a modulus of 2 GPa or more.

[0065] The hard coat 500 can be provided on the film layer 400. The hard coat 500 can be formed by directly coating on the upper surface of the film layer 400. Since the hard coat 500 contacts the front surface of the cover layer 300, the hard coat 500 can be implemented as a surface protection layer with stronger strength, and when the hard coat 500 is used as a surface protection layer, the hard coat 500 uses a material with a high content of a resin with a relatively high hardness when cured, for example, a resin such as an acrylic resin or an epoxy resin. In addition, if necessary, the hard coat 500 can be given an anti-fingerprint (AF) or anti-reflection (AR) function, which can be achieved by synthesizing a resin with these functions, or by forming various patterns (e.g., a pattern like a moth's eye).

[0066] The bonding layers 810 to 860 may include: a first bonding layer 810 for bonding the first panel layer 710 and the second panel layer 750; a second bonding layer 820 for bonding the second panel layer 750 and the backplane layer 600; a third bonding layer 830 for bonding the backplane layer 600 and the display panel 100; a fourth bonding layer 840 for bonding the display panel 100 and the polarizing layer 200; a fifth bonding layer 850 for bonding the polarizing layer 200 and the cover layer 300; and a sixth bonding layer 860 for bonding the cover layer 300 and the film layer 400.

[0067] Each of the bonding layers 810 to 860 may contain an optically clear resin (OCR) or an optically clear adhesive (OCA).

[0068] Hereinafter, the second non-display area NDA2, the printed circuit film FPC, and the circuit board PB of the display device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0069] Figure 5 is Figure 1 an enlarged plan view of the area Q2 in

[0070] Referring to Figures 1 to 5 , the display panel 100 may include a first portion 110 provided in the display area DA and the first non-display area NDA1, and a second portion 120 provided in the second non-display area NDA2. Each of the second portions 120 may protrude from the first portion 110 toward the other side along the second direction DR2. The second portions 120 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. The printed circuit film FPC may be attached to the pad area PA of the second portion 120. The pad area PA may be spaced apart from the first non-display area NDA1 and the bending area BA may be interposed therebetween. Each of the second portions 120 may be bent in the bending area BA.

[0071] The backplane layer 600 may include a first backplane layer 610 and a second backplane layer 650. The first backplane layer 610 may be provided in the display area DA and the first non-display area NDA1. The first backplane layer 610 may overlap with the first portion 110 of the display panel 100 and may have the same area as the first portion 110, but is not limited thereto. The second backplane layer 650 may be spaced apart from the first backplane layer 610 and the bending area BA may be interposed therebetween. The second backplane layer 650 may be provided in the second non-display area NDA2. The second backplane layer 650 may be provided in the second non-display area NDA2 except for the bending area BA. Since the backplane layer 600 is not provided in the bending area BA, the bending stress when the second portion 120 of the display panel 100 is bent can be reduced.

[0072] Figure 6 is along Figure 5A cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in Figure 6 shows Figure 5 a cross-sectional view when the display panel 100 of Figure 6 is bent. In other words, Figure 7 shows the second portion 120 of the display panel 100 bent around the bending region BA. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' in Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of Figure 6 differs from the cross-sectional view of

[0073] in that it does not include the second non-display area NDA2. Figures 5 to 7 Referring to Figure 6 , the second portion 120 can be bent in the bending region BA. In

[0074]

[0075]

[0076]

[0077] , the bending region BA is shown as being directly connected to the first non-display area NDA1, but the bending region BA can be spaced from the first non-display area NDA1 by a predetermined distance. In this case, the second portion 120 can have a structure that extends flatly in the second direction DR2 like the first non-display area NDA1 and then bends in the bending region BA. The second portion 120 can be bent in the bending region BA and then can extend flatly to the other side in the second direction DR2. The pad area PA of the second portion 120 can extend flatly and overlap the first non-display area NDA1 in the thickness direction.

[0074] The printed circuit film FPC can be attached to the pad area PA of the second portion 120.

[0075] The first backplane layer 610 can be provided in the first non-display area NDA1. The second backplane layer 650 can be provided between the pad area PA of the second portion 120 and the first backplane layer 610. The backplane layers 610 and 650 can be attached to the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 respectively through the third bonding layer 830. The backplane layers 610 and 650 can not be provided in the bending region BA.

[0076] The second plate layer 750 can overlap the first backplane layer 610 and can be provided between the first backplane layer 610 and the first plate layer 710. The second plate layer 750 can be provided only in the first non-display area NDA1 and can not be in the second non-display area NDA2. A part of the end of the first plate layer 710 can extend to the second non-display area NDA2. In other words, the end of the first plate layer 710 can protrude further toward the bending region BA compared to the end of the second plate layer 750 or the end of the first backplane layer 610. The second plate layer 750 can be attached to the first backplane layer 610 through the second bonding layer 820. The first plate layer 710 can be attached to the second plate layer 750 through the first bonding layer 810.

[0077] The end of the polarizing layer 200 may be located inside the first non-display area NDA1. The polarizing layer 200 may expose a first portion 110 at the end of the first non-display area NDA1. The polarizing layer 200 may be attached to the first portion 110 through a fourth bonding layer 840.

[0078] Meanwhile, a protective layer 900 may be further provided on the upper surface of the second portion 120. The protective layer 900 may be provided on the upper surface of the second portion 120 to reduce the bending stress of the bending area BA of the second portion 120. The protective layer 900 may include an organic material. The protective layer 900 may be in contact with the side surfaces of the polarizing layer 200 and the third bonding layer 730. The protective layer 900 may be in contact with the printed circuit film FPC and may cover a part of the upper surface (representing the upper surface before bending) of the printed circuit film FPC.

[0079] The end of the cover layer 300 may extend further toward the bending area BA than the end of the polarizing layer 200, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] The end of the film layer 400 may extend further toward the bending area BA than the end of the cover layer 300, but is not limited thereto.

[0081] The end of the hard coat layer 500 may extend further toward the bending area BA than the end of the film layer 400, but is not limited thereto. A part of the hard coat layer 500 may be provided in the bending area BA, but is not limited thereto.

[0082] Hereinafter, problems caused by the movement of the second portion 120 of the display panel 100 of the display device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0083] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing the attachment deviation between printed circuit films of the display device according to the first embodiment. Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram showing the attachment deviation of the circuit board of the display device according to the first embodiment.

[0084] Figure 8 It shows the process of attaching a plurality of printed circuit films FPC1 and FPC2 to the corresponding second portions 120 respectively. The process of attaching a plurality of printed circuit films FPCl and FPC2 to the corresponding second portions 120 respectively may be performed in a state where the second portions 120 are flatly unfolded.

[0085] As Figure 8As shown, the second portions 120 of the display device 10 according to the first embodiment are spaced apart from each other and may not be directly connected. In other words, the second portions 120 may be in a state where they are directly connected to the first portion 110 but the second portions 120 are not connected to each other. In this case, a wavemess area may be generated in at least one of the second portions 120. Figure 8 It is shown that a wave area WA has been generated in the second portion 120 located on the right side. On the other hand, the second portion 120 located on the left side may be in a state of being flatly unfolded.

[0086] As Figure 8 shown, the printed circuit films FPC1 and FPC2 may be attached to the corresponding second portions 120 at the same position respectively, and as described above, since the second portion 120 located on the right side includes the wave area WA, the pad area PA of the second portion 120 located on the right side is on one side in the second direction DR2 compared to the pad area PA of the second portion 120 located on the left side. In this case, when the printed circuit films FPC1 and FPC2 are attached, the printed circuit film FPC1 may be attached at an exact position to cover the pad area PA of the second portion 120 located on the left side, but the printed circuit film FPC2 is not precisely attached to the pad area PA of the second portion 120 located on the right side, and an attachment deviation may occur. For example, as Figure 8 shown, the printed circuit film FPC2 may not cover the pad area PA and may be attached to expose a part of the pad area PA. In other words, an alignment miss may occur between the printed circuit film FPC2 attached to the second portion 120 located on the right side and the pads of the pad area PA of the second portion 120.

[0087] Figure 9 It is shown a case where the second portions 120 of the display panel 100 of the display device 10 according to the first embodiment are bent with different curvature radii R1 and R2. As Figure 9 shown, the second portion 120 on the other side in the first direction DR1 may be bent to the first curvature radius R1, and the second portion 120 on one side in the first direction DR1 may be bent to a second curvature radius R2 smaller than the first curvature radius R1. The reason why the second portions 120 of the display panel 100 are bent with different curvature radii R1 and R2 is that the second portions 120 are each directly connected to the first portion 110 but the second portions 120 are not connected to each other as described above. Figure 9 Only the display panel 100, the printed circuit films FPC1’ and FPC2’, and the circuit board PB are schematically shown to show the bending of the second portions 120 of the display panel 100.

[0088] Figure 9 It shows a case where the printed circuit films FPC1' and FPC2' are respectively and precisely attached to the corresponding second parts 120. In other words, the printed circuit films FPC1' and FPC2' can be attached at precise positions to cover the pad regions PA of each of the corresponding second parts 120. However, this specification is not limited thereto, and the printed circuit films FPC1' and FPC2' may not cover the pad regions PA of each of the corresponding second parts 120, and attachment deviation may occur to expose a part of the pad region PA. In Figure 9 , for ease of description, the case where the printed circuit films FPC1' and FPC2' are respectively and precisely attached to the corresponding second parts 120 will be mainly described.

[0089] As Figure 9 shown, even when the printed circuit films FPC1' and FPC2' are respectively and precisely attached to the corresponding second parts 120, the second parts 120 are bent with different radii of curvature R1 and R2. Therefore, the circuit boards PB attached to the other ends of the printed circuit films FPC1' and FPC2' can be set by tilting as Figure 9 shown. In this specification, although the member to which the circuit board PB is attached is not shown, the circuit board PB can be attached to the lower surface of the first layer 710 or to a separate member. For example, as Figure 9 shown, when the circuit board PB is tilted and attached to the first layer 710 or a separate member, distortion occurs inside the circuit board PB, which not only causes physical damage to the circuit board PB but also causes unexpected physical interference with other components at the attachment position.

[0090] Hereinafter, a second embodiment for solving the problems of the display device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0091] Figure 10 is a plan view of a display device according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C' in Figure 10 . Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D' in Figure 10 .

[0092] Referring to Figures 10 to 12 , the display device 11 according to the second embodiment is different from the display device 10 shown in Figures 5 to 7 in that it further includes a bridging portion BP.

[0093] More specifically, the display device 11 may further include a bridging portion BP for connecting adjacent second portions 120. The bridging portion BP may be disposed between adjacent second portions 120 in a plane and physically connected to each of the second portions 120. The bridging portion BP may include a first bridging portion BP1 and a second bridging portion BP2 that overlap each other in the thickness direction. The second bridging portion BP2 may be disposed on the first bridging portion BP1. The width W2 of the bridging portion BP in the second direction DR2 may be smaller than the width W1 of the second portion 120 (or the second non-display area NDA2) except for the bending area BA in the second direction DR2. Meanwhile, since Figure 10 the second portion 120 shown in is in an unfolded state without being bent, it should be noted that the comparison between the width W2 of the bridging portion BP in the second direction DR2 and the width W1 of the second portion 120 (or the second non-display area NDA2) except for the bending area BA in the second direction DR2 is made in the unfolded state of the second portion 120. In addition, even when the second portion 120 is bent, the width of the bridging portion BP measured in the bending direction may also be smaller than the width of the second portion 120 (or the second non-display area NDA2) except for the bending area BA in the second direction DR2.

[0094] The first bridging portion BP1 may connect adjacent second portions 120, and the second bridging portion BP2 may connect adjacent second backplane layers 650. The first bridging portion BP1 and the second bridging portion BP2 may be joined by a third bonding layer 830. The first bridging portion BP1 may be disposed on the same layer as the second portion 120, and the second bridging portion BP2 may be disposed on the same layer as the second backplane layer 650.

[0095] The first bridging portion BP1 and the second bridging portion BP2 may have the same shape and area.

[0096] The second portions 120 of the display device 11 according to the second embodiment are spaced apart from each other, but may be directly connected by the bridging portion BP. For example, the second portions 120 may be directly connected by the first bridging portion BP1 of the bridging portion BP. Therefore, in the case of the display device 11, since the second portions 120 are integrally connected, the phenomenon of generating a wavy area in at least one of the second portions 120 as Figure 8 shown can be improved.

[0097] In other words, in the process of attaching the printed circuit films FPC to the respective second portions 120, at the same position, the printed circuit films FPC are respectively attached at precise positions to cover the pad areas PA of the respective second portions 120.

[0098] It is possible to prevent misalignment between the printed circuit film FPC and the pads in the pad region PA of the second part 120.

[0099] In addition, as described above with reference to Figure 9 , it is possible to solve the problem that the second part 120 is bent with different radii of curvature R1 and R2. In other words, in the case of the display device 11, since the second parts 120 are integrally connected, all the second parts 120 can be bent with the same radius of curvature. Thus, the circuit boards PB attached to the other ends of each of the printed circuit films FPC will not be tilted. Therefore, it is possible to not only solve the problem of physical damage to the circuit board PB caused by the occurrence of twisting inside the circuit board PB, but also prevent the occurrence of unexpected physical interference with other components at the attachment positions.

[0100] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, those skilled in the art to which this specification pertains will be able to understand that the above technical configurations can be implemented in other specific forms without changing their technical spirit or essential features. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative rather than restrictive in all aspects. In addition, the scope of the embodiments is indicated by the appended claims to be described rather than the detailed description. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims and all changes or variant forms derived from their equivalent concepts should be construed as being included within the scope of the embodiments.

[0101] Description of Reference Numerals

[0102] 10, 11: Display device

[0103] 100: Display panel

[0104] 200: Polarizing layer

[0105] 300: Cover layer

[0106] 400: Film layer

[0107] 500: Hard coating

[0108] 600: Backplane layer

[0109] 700: Board layer

[0110] 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860: First to Sixth bonding layers

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display panel, the display panel comprising a display area, a first portion, and a plurality of second portions, the first portion being located around the display area and including a first non-display area, the plurality of second portions being arranged in a second non-display area located outside the first non-display area; as well as a bridging portion, the bridging portion being arranged between adjacent second portions, wherein the second portions are spaced apart from each other in a first direction, The second portions each protrude from the first portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and The bridge portion physically connects adjacent second portions.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The second non-display area includes a bending area and a pad area, the pad area is spaced apart from the first non-display area when the bending area is inserted between the pad area and the first non-display area, the second part is bent in the bending area, and the pad area overlaps with the first non-display area.

3. The display device according to claim 2, further comprising a plurality of printed circuit films, one end of each of the plurality of printed circuit films being connected to the pad area, in, The printed circuit films are connected to the second portions, respectively. 4 . The display device according to claim 3 , further comprising a circuit board connected to the other end of the printed circuit film.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The bridge portion includes a first bridge portion located at the same layer as the display panel.

6. The display device according to claim 5, further comprising a backplane layer disposed below the display panel, in, The backplane layer includes a first backplane layer disposed on the display area and the first non-display area and a second backplane layer disposed on the pad area.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The second backplane layer is disposed between the pad region of the display panel and the first backplane layer.

8. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The bridge portion further includes a second bridge portion overlapping the first bridge portion and located at the same layer as the back plate layer. 9 . The display device according to claim 1 , further comprising a board layer disposed under the display panel and overlapping the first portion.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: The display panel includes a folding region extending along the first direction, a first non-folding region located on one side of the folding region in the second direction, and a second non-folding region located on the other side of the folding region in the second direction.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The ply includes a first ply and a second ply disposed over the first ply, and the second ply includes a pattern disposed in the folding region.

12. A display device, comprising: a display panel including a first portion and a plurality of second portions protruding from the first portion and including a bent area; as well as a bridging portion, the bridging portion being arranged between adjacent second portions, wherein the second portions are spaced apart from each other in a first direction, the second portions each protrude from the first portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, The second portion is bent in the bending region, and The second portions have the same radius of curvature.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The second portion includes a pad region that is spaced apart from the first portion in a state in which the bending region is interposed between the pad region and the first portion, and the pad region overlaps the first portion.

14. The display device according to claim 13, further comprising a plurality of printed circuit films, one end of each of the plurality of printed circuit films being connected to the pad area, in, The printed circuit films are connected to the second portions, respectively. 15 . The display device according to claim 14 , further comprising a circuit board connected to the other end of the printed circuit film.

16. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: The bridge portion includes a first bridge portion located at the same layer as the display panel.

17. The display device according to claim 16, further comprising a backplane layer disposed below the display panel, in, The backplane layer includes a first backplane layer overlapping the first portion and a second backplane layer disposed on the pad area.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein: The second backplane layer is disposed between the pad region of the display panel and the first backplane layer.

19. The display device according to claim 17, wherein: The bridge portion further includes a second bridge portion overlapping the first bridge portion and located at the same layer as the back plate layer.

20. The display device according to claim 12, further comprising a board layer disposed below the display panel and overlapping the first portion, in, The display panel includes a folding area extending along the first direction, a first non-folding area located on one side of the folding area in the second direction, and a second non-folding area located on the other side of the folding area in the second direction, The ply includes a first ply and a second ply disposed above the first ply, and the second ply includes a pattern disposed in the folding region.

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