Display device

Abstract

The display device includes: a display module; a support plate under the display module and including a first support plate, a second support plate, and a folding portion between the first support plate and the second support plate; the digitizer is arranged below the supporting plate; and a shield layer in contact with a lower surface of the digitizer and having: a first opening adjacent to the first support plate and overlapping the folded portion; and a second opening adjacent to the second support plate and overlapping the folded portion.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0173162 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 4, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device. Background Art

[0004] Electronic devices that provide images to users, such as smart phones, digital cameras, laptop computers, navigation systems, and smart TVs, include display devices for displaying images. The display device generates images and provides the images to users through a display screen.

[0005] Recently, with the development of display device technology, various display devices are being developed. For example, various flexible display devices that can be folded, rolled, or transformed into a curved shape are being developed. Flexible display devices that can be transformed into various shapes are easy to carry and improve user convenience.

[0006] The above information disclosed in this Background section is for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the invention

[0007] In a flexible display device, a foldable display device includes a display module that is folded based on a folding axis extending in one direction. The display module can be folded or unfolded around the folding axis. The display module includes a folding area that is bent during a folding operation. The folding area can be bent to have an appropriate radius of curvature (e.g., a predetermined radius of curvature).

[0008] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be directed to a display device that can extend a radius of curvature of a bent portion of a folding portion folded into a dumbbell shape.

[0009] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display module; a support plate below the display module and including a first support plate, a second support plate, and a folded portion between the first support plate and the second support plate; a digitizer below the support plate; and a shielding layer in contact with a lower surface of the digitizer and having a first opening and a second opening, the first opening being adjacent to the first support plate and overlapping with the folded portion, and the second opening being adjacent to the second support plate and overlapping with the folded portion.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first support plate, the folded portion, and the second support plate may be positioned along a first direction; and the first opening and the second opening may extend in a second direction crossing the first direction.

[0011] In an embodiment, the first opening and the second opening may open the shielding layer in the second direction to separate the shielding layer.

[0012] In an embodiment, the digitizer may include: a first digitizer overlapping the first support plate and a portion of the folded portion adjacent to the first support plate; and a second digitizer overlapping the second support plate and a portion of the folded portion adjacent to the second support plate. The shielding layer may include: a first shielding layer contacting a lower surface of the first digitizer and having a first opening defined therein; and a second shielding layer spaced apart from the first shielding layer, contacting a lower surface of the second digitizer, and having a second opening defined therein.

[0013] In an embodiment, the folding portion may include: a curved surface portion; a first reverse curved portion between the first support plate and the curved surface portion; and a second reverse curved portion between the second support plate and the curved surface portion. When the folding portion is folded, the curved surface portion may be bent to have a curvature, and the first reverse curved portion and the second reverse curved portion may be bent in a direction opposite to a bending direction of the curved surface portion.

[0014] In an embodiment, the first opening may overlap with a portion of the first reverse curved portion having a maximum curvature.

[0015] In an embodiment, the second opening may overlap with a portion of the second reverse curved portion having a maximum curvature.

[0016] In an embodiment, the first shielding layer may include a first curved surface portion overlapping the first reverse curved portion and bending together with the first reverse curved portion when the folding portion is folded; and the first opening may be in a central portion of the first curved surface portion.

[0017] In an embodiment, the second shielding layer may include a second curved surface portion overlapping the second reverse curved portion and bending together with the second reverse curved portion when the folding portion is folded; and the second opening may be in a central portion of the second curved surface portion.

[0018] In an embodiment, the first opening may overlap the entire first reverse bend portion; and the second opening may overlap the entire second reverse bend portion.

[0019] In an embodiment, the first opening may include a plurality of first openings; the second opening may include a plurality of second openings; the first shielding layer may include a first bent extension portion overlapping the folded portion; the second shielding layer may include a second bent extension portion overlapping the folded portion and positioned in a direction parallel to the first bent extension portion; a plurality of first openings may be in the first bent extension portion; and a plurality of second openings may be in the second bent extension portion.

[0020] In an embodiment, the first support plate, the folding portion, and the second support plate can be positioned along a first direction; the folding portion can be folded around a folding axis extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a plurality of first openings and a plurality of second openings can be located on a plane defined by the first direction and the second direction along a first diagonal direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction and a second diagonal direction intersecting the first diagonal direction.

[0021] In an embodiment, the first opening and the second opening may extend longer in the second direction than in the first direction.

[0022] In an embodiment, the first opening and the second opening may have a circular shape or a polygonal shape.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first curved extension portion may include: a first curved surface portion overlapping the first reverse curved portion and bending together with the first reverse curved portion when the folding portion is folded; and a first flat extension portion overlapping the folding portion and extending from the first curved surface portion in a flat state. The second curved extension portion may include: a second curved surface portion overlapping the second reverse curved portion and bending together with the second reverse curved portion when the folding portion is folded; and a second flat extension portion overlapping the folding portion and extending from the second curved surface portion in a flat state. The first opening and the second opening in the first curved surface portion and the second curved surface portion among the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings may be larger than the first opening and the second opening in the first flat extension portion and the second flat extension portion among the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings.

[0024] In an embodiment, the display device may further include: a first wing panel under the folding portion; a second wing panel under the folding portion and positioned in a direction parallel to the first wing panel; and a folding support portion connected to the second wing panel and extending onto the first wing panel. The first shielding layer may include a first curved extension portion overlapping the folding portion; the second shielding layer may include a second curved extension portion overlapping the folding portion and positioned in a direction parallel to the first curved extension portion; the first wing panel may be located under the first curved extension portion; the second wing panel may be located under the second curved extension portion; the folding support portion may be located between the first wing panel and the first curved extension portion and between the second wing panel and the second curved extension portion; and the folding support portion may extend to be adjacent to a boundary between the first support panel and the folding portion and a boundary between the second support panel and the folding portion.

[0025] In an embodiment, the shielding layer may include magnetic metal powder.

[0026] In an embodiment, an edge of the shielding layer may overlap an edge of the digitizer.

[0027] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display module; a support plate, which is below the display module and includes a first non-folding portion, a second non-folding portion, and a folding portion between the first non-folding portion and the second non-folding portion; a digitizer, which is below the support plate; and a shielding layer, which contacts the lower surface of the digitizer. The folding portion includes: a curved surface portion; a first reverse curved portion, between the first non-folding portion and the folding portion; and a second reverse curved portion, between the second non-folding portion and the folding portion. When the folding portion is folded, the curved surface portion is bent to have a curvature, and the first reverse curved portion and the second reverse curved portion are bent in a direction opposite to the bending direction of the curved surface portion. A first opening and a second opening are defined in the shielding layer, the first opening overlaps with a portion of the first reverse curved portion having a maximum curvature, and the second opening overlaps with a portion of the second reverse curved portion having a maximum curvature.

[0028] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display module; a support plate, which is below the display module and includes a first non-folding portion, a second non-folding portion, and a folding portion between the first non-folding portion and the second non-folding portion; a digitizer, which is below the support plate; and a shielding layer, which contacts the lower surface of the digitizer. The folding portion includes: a curved surface portion; a first reverse curved portion, between the first non-folding portion and the folding portion; and a second reverse curved portion, between the second non-folding portion and the folding portion. When the folding portion is folded, the curved surface portion is bent to have a curvature, and the first reverse curved portion and the second reverse curved portion are bent in a direction opposite to the bending direction of the curved surface portion. A first opening overlapping the central portion of the first reverse curved portion and a second opening overlapping the central portion of the second reverse curved portion are defined in the shielding layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description of exemplary, non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The folded state of the display device shown in ;

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the display device shown in ;

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A block diagram of a display device shown in ;

[0034] Figure 5 Shown include Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an electronic panel of a display panel shown in ;

[0035] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a display panel shown in ;

[0036] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A plan view of the display panel shown in ;

[0037] Figure 8 Shown with Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of an electronic panel corresponding to one pixel shown in FIG.

[0038] Fig. 9 is along Figure 7A cross-sectional view taken along line II' shown in FIG.

[0039] Fig. 10A is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' shown in FIG.

[0040] Fig. 10B Shows Fig. 10A The bending state of the bending area shown in ;

[0041] Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 A perspective view of the support plate shown in ;

[0042] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 An enlarged plan view of the area AA shown in FIG.

[0043] Fig.13 yes Fig. 9 A plan view of the shielding layer shown in;

[0044] Fig.14 Shows Fig. 9 The folded state of the display device shown in ;

[0045] Fig.15 shows a folded state of a comparative display device according to a comparative example or a comparative embodiment;

[0046] Fig.16 shows a folded state of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Fig.17 is a plan view of a shielding layer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Fig.18 Shown include Fig.17 The shield layer shown in FIG. 1 is a folded state of the display device;

[0049] Figures 19 to 21 is a plan view of a shielding layer according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0050] Fig. 22 shows a folded state of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Fig.23 Shows Fig. 22 The unfolded state of the display device shown in ;

[0052] Fig.24 shows a folded state of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0053] Fig.25A folded state of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals always represent the same elements. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown herein. Specifically, these embodiments are provided as examples so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and the aspects and features of the present disclosure will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Therefore, processes, elements and techniques that are not necessary for those of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand the aspects and features of the present disclosure may not be described. Unless otherwise stated, in all drawings and all written descriptions, the same reference numerals represent the same elements, and therefore, the redundant description of the same elements may not be repeated.

[0055] When a certain embodiment can be implemented differently, the specific process order may be different from the described order. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, or may be performed in the order opposite to the described order.

[0056] In the accompanying drawings, for the sake of clarity, the relative size, thickness and ratio of elements, layers and regions can be exaggerated and / or simplified. For ease of explanation, spatial relative terms such as "below ... ", "below ... ", "lower part", "under ... ", "above ... ", "upper part" etc. can be used in this article to describe the relationship between an element or feature as shown in the drawings and another (some) element or another (some) feature. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the drawings, the spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the equipment in use or in operation. For example, if the equipment in the figure is turned over, the elements described as being below, below or below other elements or features will be oriented to be above other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary terms "below ... " and "under ... " can cover both above and below orientations. The equipment can be oriented in other ways (for example, rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used in this article should be interpreted accordingly.

[0057] In the drawings, the DR1 axis, the DR2 axis, and the DR3 axis are not limited to the three axes of the rectangular coordinate system and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the DR1 axis, the DR2 axis, and the DR3 axis can be perpendicular to each other or substantially perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other.

[0058] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections in this article, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to separate one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, the first element, first component, first region, first layer or first section described below may be referred to as the second element, second component, second region, second layer or second section.

[0059] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being on, connected to, or coupled to another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to another element or layer, or there may be one or more intermediate elements or layers. Similarly, when a layer, region, or element is referred to as being "electrically connected" to another layer, region, or element, it may be directly electrically connected to another layer, region, or element, and / or may be indirectly electrically connected with one or more intermediate layers, regions, or elements therebetween. In addition, it should also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being between two elements or layers, it may be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or there may be one or more intermediate elements or layers.

[0060] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "have," and "having," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the expression "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B. Expressions such as "at least one of...", when following a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list. For example, the expressions "at least one of a, b, and c" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of a, b, and c" mean only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

[0061] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than as terms of degree, and are intended to allow for the inherent deviations in measurements or calculations that one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize. In addition, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure." As used herein, the terms "use," "using," and "used" may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize," "utilizing," and "utilized," respectively.

[0062] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It should also be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and / or this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0063] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The folded state of the display device is shown in .

[0064] Reference Figure 1 , the display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have a quadrilateral shape having long sides extending in a first direction DR1 and short sides extending in a second direction DR2 crossing the first direction DR1. However, not limited thereto, the display device DD may have various suitable shapes such as a circular shape or other polygonal shapes. The display device DD may be a flexible display device.

[0065] Hereinafter, a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 is defined as a third direction DR3. In addition, as used herein, the expressions "when viewed on a plane" and "in a plan view" may be defined as a state viewed on the third direction DR3.

[0066] The display device DD may include a folding area FA and a plurality of non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. The non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 may include a first non-folding area NFA1 and a second non-folding area NFA2. The folding area FA may be disposed between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. The first non-folding area NFA1, the folding area FA, and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be arranged along a first direction DR1.

[0067] As an example, one folding area FA and two non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 are shown, but the number of folding areas FA and non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 is not limited thereto. For example, the display device DD may include more than two non-folding areas and a plurality of folding areas disposed between the non-folding areas.

[0068] An upper surface of the display device DD may be defined as a display surface DS, and the display surface DS may have a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. An image IM generated in the display device DD may be provided to a user through the display surface DS.

[0069] The display surface DS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA (e.g., near the periphery of the display area DA). The display area DA may display an image, while the non-display area NDA may not display an image. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA (e.g., near the periphery of the display area DA), and may define an edge of the display device DD printed in an appropriate color (e.g., a predetermined color).

[0070] The display device DD may include at least one sensor SN and at least one camera CA. The sensor SN and the camera CA may be adjacent to an edge of the display device DD. The sensor SN and the camera CA may be disposed in the display area DA adjacent to the non-display area NDA. The sensor SN and the camera CA may be disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the sensor SN and the camera CA may be disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1.

[0071] Light may be transmitted through a portion of the display device DD in which the sensor SN and the camera CA are disposed, and may be provided to the camera CA and the sensor SN. For example, the sensor SN may be a proximity illumination sensor, but the type of the sensor SN is not limited thereto. The camera CA may capture an external image. The sensor SN and the camera CA may be disposed in plural.

[0072] Reference Figure 2 , the display device DD may be a foldable display device DD that is folded or unfolded. For example, the display device DD may be folded when the folding area FA is bent based on a folding axis FX that is parallel to or substantially parallel to the second direction DR2. The folding axis FX may be defined as a long axis that is parallel to or substantially parallel to the long side of the display device DD. However, without limitation thereto, the folding axis FX may be defined as a short axis that is parallel to or substantially parallel to the short side of the display device DD, and the display device DD may be folded around the folding axis FX that is parallel to or substantially parallel to the short side of the display device DD.

[0073] When the display device DD is folded, the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may face each other, and the display device DD may be folded inwardly so that the display surface DS is not exposed to the outside. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the display device DD may be folded outwardly around the folding axis FX so that the display surface DS is exposed to the outside.

[0074] The distance between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be smaller than the diameter of a circle defined by the curvature radius R of the folding area FA. In this case, the folding area FA may be folded into a dumbbell shape, and the distance between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may become shorter (e.g., may be reduced).

[0075] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the display device shown in FIG.

[0076] Reference Figure 3 The display device DD may include a display module DM (eg, a display or a touch display), a camera CA, a sensor SN, an electronic module (eg, an electronic device or an electronic circuit) EM, a power module (eg, a power supply or a power circuit) PSM, and a housing CAS.

[0077] The display module DM may include a window WIN and a display panel DP. Figure 3 1 and 2 show a window WIN and a display panel DP in a stacking structure of the display module DM, but the display module DM may include various components in addition to the window WIN and the display panel DP. The detailed stacking structure of the display module DM will be described in more detail below.

[0078] The window WIN may provide a front surface of the display device DD. The window WIN may transmit an image generated by the display panel DP and provide the image to a user.

[0079] The display panel DP may include display devices DD (see Figure 1 ) includes a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. As used herein, the expression “a region / portion corresponds to another region / portion” may mean that the region / portion and the another region / portion overlap each other, and may not be limited to having the same area as each other.

[0080] The first transmission area TA1 and the second transmission area TA2 may be defined in the display panel DP. The first transmission area TA1 and the second transmission area TA2 may have a higher light transmittance than the transmission area around the first transmission area TA1 and the second transmission area TA2. The camera CA may be disposed under the first transmission area TA1, and the sensor SN may be disposed under the second transmission area TA2. Light passing through the first transmission area TA1 and the second transmission area TA2 may be provided to the camera CA and the sensor SN.

[0081] The display module DM may include a data driver DDV disposed on the non-display area NDA of the display panel DP. The data driver DDV may be manufactured in the form of an integrated circuit chip and may be mounted on the non-display area NDA. However, not limited thereto, the data driver DDV may be mounted on a flexible circuit board connected to the display panel DP.

[0082] The electronic module EM and the power module PSM may be disposed below the display panel DP. The electronic module EM and the power module PSM may be connected to each other through a separate flexible circuit board. The electronic module EM may control the operation of the display module DM. The power module PSM may supply power to the electronic module EM.

[0083] The housing CAS may accommodate the display module DM, the electronic module EM and the power module PSM. The housing CAS may include two housings such as a first housing CAS1 and a second housing CAS2 to fold the display module DM. The first housing CAS1 and the second housing CAS2 may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be arranged along the first direction DR1.

[0084] The display device DD may further include a hinge structure to connect the first and second cases CAS1 and CAS2 to each other and rotate the first and second cases CAS1 and CAS2 so that the display device DD is folded. The case CAS may protect the display module DM, the electronic module EM, and the power module PSM.

[0085] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A block diagram of a display device is shown.

[0086] Reference Figure 4, the display device DD may include an electronic module (e.g., an electronic device or an electronic circuit) EM, a power module (e.g., a power supply or a power circuit) PSM, a display module (e.g., a display or a touch display) DM, and an electro-optical module (e.g., an electro-optical device, a sensor, or a circuit) ELM. The electronic module EM may include a control module (e.g., a controller) 10, a wireless communication module (e.g., a wireless communication device or circuit) 20, an image input module (e.g., an image input device or circuit) 30, a sound input module (e.g., a sound input device or circuit) 40, a sound output module (e.g., a sound output device or circuit) 50, a memory 60, an external interface module (e.g., an external interface device or circuit) 70, etc. The modules may be mounted on a circuit board or electrically connected to each other through a flexible circuit board. The electronic module EM may be electrically connected to the power module PSM.

[0087] The control module 10 may control the overall operation of the display device DD. For example, the control module 10 may activate or deactivate the display module DM according to user input. The control module 10 may control the image input module 30, the sound input module 40, the sound output module 50, etc. according to user input. The control module 10 may include at least one microprocessor.

[0088] The wireless communication module 20 can send / receive wireless signals to / from other terminals by using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi lines. The wireless communication module 20 can send / receive voice signals by using general communication lines. The wireless communication module 20 may include: a transmitting circuit 22 that modulates a signal to be sent and sends the modulated signal; and a receiving circuit 24 that demodulates the received signal.

[0089] The image input module 30 may process the image signal to convert the image signal into image data that can be displayed on the display module DM. The sound input module 40 may receive external sound signals through a microphone in a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, etc., and convert them into electrical voice data. The sound output module 50 may convert the sound data received from the wireless communication module 20 or the sound data stored in the memory 60, and output the converted sound data to the outside.

[0090] The external interface module 70 may be used as an interface to connect to an external charger, a wired / wireless data port, a card slot (eg, a slot for a memory card, a SIM / UIM card), and the like.

[0091] The power module PSM may provide power for overall operations of the display device DD. The power module PSM may include a general battery device (eg, a battery).

[0092] The electro-optical module ELM may be an electronic component that outputs or receives an optical signal. The electro-optical module ELM may transmit or receive an optical signal through a partial area of ​​the display module DM. In this embodiment, the electro-optical module ELM may include a camera module (e.g., a camera) CAM and a sensor module (e.g., a sensor) SNM. The camera module CAM may include Figure 3 The camera CA shown in FIG. The sensor module SNM may include Figure 3 The sensor SN shown in FIG.

[0093] Figure 5 Shown include Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an electronic panel of a display panel shown in FIG. Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a display panel shown in FIG.

[0094] As an example, Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view viewed in the first direction DR1.

[0095] Reference Figure 5 The electronic panel EP may include a display panel DP, an input sensing unit (eg, input sensing layer or panel) ISP disposed on the display panel DP, and an anti-reflection layer RPL disposed on the input sensing unit ISP. The display module DM described above may include the electronic panel EP.

[0096] The display panel DP may be a flexible display panel. The display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a light-emitting display panel, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel or an inorganic light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of the inorganic light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots, quantum rods, etc. Hereinafter, for convenience, the display panel DP will be described in more detail in the case of an organic light-emitting display panel.

[0097] The input sensing unit ISP may include a plurality of sensors for sensing external input in a capacitive method. When manufacturing the display device DD, the input sensing unit ISP may be directly manufactured on the display panel DP. However, not limited thereto, the input sensing unit ISP may be manufactured as a panel independent of the display panel DP and then attached to the display panel DP through an adhesive layer.

[0098] When manufacturing the display device DD, the anti-reflection layer RPL may be directly manufactured on the input sensing unit ISP. However, not limited thereto, the anti-reflection layer RPL may be manufactured as a separate panel and then attached to the input sensing unit ISP through an adhesive layer.

[0099] The anti-reflection layer RPL may be defined as an external light reflection preventing film and may reduce the reflectivity of external light incident from above the display device DD toward the display panel DP.

[0100] Reference Figure 6 The display panel DP may include a substrate SUB, a circuit element layer DP-CL disposed on the substrate SUB, a display element layer DP-OLED disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE disposed on the display element layer DP-OLED.

[0101] The substrate SUB may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA (e.g., near the periphery of the display area DA). The substrate SUB may include glass or a flexible plastic material such as polyimide (PI). The display element layer DP-OLED may be disposed on the display area DA.

[0102] A plurality of pixels may be provided in the circuit element layer DP-CL and the display element layer DP-OLED. Each of the pixels may include a transistor provided in the circuit element layer DP-CL and a light emitting element provided in the display element layer DP-OLED and connected to the transistor.

[0103] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL to cover the display element layer DP-OLED. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may protect the pixels from moisture, oxygen, and external impurities.

[0104] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A plan view of the display panel is shown.

[0105] Reference Figure 7 , the display module DM may include a display panel DP, a scan driver SDV, a data driver DDV, and a light emitting driver EDV.

[0106] The display panel DP may include a first area AA1, a second area AA2, and a bending area BA between the first area AA1 and the second area AA2. The bending area BA may extend in the second direction DR2, and the first area AA1, the bending area BA, and the second area AA2 may be arranged along the first direction DR1.

[0107] The first area AA1 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA (e.g., near the periphery of the display area DA). The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA (e.g., near the periphery of the display area DA). The display area DA may display an image, and the non-display area NDA may not display an image. The second area AA2 and the bending area BA may not display an image.

[0108] When viewed from the third direction DR3, the first area AA1 may include a first non-folding area NFA1, a second non-folding area NFA2, and a folding area FA between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. The first non-folding area NFA1, the second non-folding area NFA2, and the folding area FA may correspond to Figure 1 The first and second non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 and the folding area FA of the display device DD shown in FIG. The first and second transmission areas TA1 and TA2 may be defined in the display area DA and the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0109] The first area AA1 may be folded by being bent based on the folding axis FX described above. For example, when the folding area FA of the first area AA1 is folded based on the folding axis FX described above, the display panel DP may be folded.

[0110] The display panel DP may include a plurality of pixels PX, a plurality of scan lines SL1 to SLm, a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLn, a plurality of emission lines EL1 to ELm, a first control line CSL1 and a second control line CSL2, a power line PL, a plurality of connection lines CNL, and a plurality of pads PD, where m and n are natural numbers greater than 1. The pixels PX may be disposed in the display area DA and may be connected to the scan lines SL1 to SLm, the data lines DL1 to DLn, and the emission lines EL1 to ELm.

[0111] The scanning driver SDV and the light emitting driver EDV may be disposed in the non-display area NDA. The scanning driver SDV and the light emitting driver EDV may be disposed in the non-display area NDA adjacent to both sides (e.g., opposite sides) of the first area AA1 that are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2, respectively. The data driver DDV may be disposed in the second area AA2. The data driver DDV may be manufactured in the form of an integrated circuit chip and may be mounted on the second area AA2.

[0112] The scan lines SL1 to SLm may extend in the second direction DR2 to be connected to the scan driver SDV. The data lines DL1 to DLn may extend in the first direction DR1 to be connected to the data driver DDV via the bending area BA. The data driver DDV may be connected to the pixel PX through the data lines DL1 to DLn. The emission lines EL1 to ELm may extend in the second direction DR2 to be connected to the emission driver EDV.

[0113] The power line PL may extend in the first direction DR1 to be disposed in the non-display area NDA. The power line PL may be disposed between the display area DA and the light emitting driver EDV. The power line PL may extend to the second area AA2 via the bending area BA. When viewed on a plane (e.g., in a plan view), the power line PL may extend toward a lower end of the second area AA2. The power line PL may receive a driving voltage.

[0114] The connection line CNL may extend in the second direction DR2 and be arranged along the first direction DR1. The connection line CNL may be connected to the power line PL and the pixel PX. A driving voltage may be applied to the pixel PX through the power line PL and the connection line CNL connected to each other.

[0115] The first control line CSL1 may be connected to the scan driver SDV and may extend toward the lower end of the second area AA2 via the bending area BA. The second control line CSL2 may be connected to the light emitting driver EDV and may extend toward the lower end of the second area AA2 via the bending area BA. The data driver DDV may be disposed between the first control line CSL1 and the second control line CSL2.

[0116] The pad PD may be disposed adjacent to a lower end of the second area AA2 when viewed on a plane (eg, in a plan view). The data driver DDV, the power line PL, the first control line CSL1, and the second control line CSL2 may be connected to the pad PD.

[0117] The data lines DL1 to DLn may be connected to corresponding pads PD through a data driver DDV. For example, the data lines DL1 to DLn may be connected to the data driver DDV, and the data driver DDV may be connected to pads PD corresponding to the data lines DL1 to DLn, respectively.

[0118] A printed circuit board may be connected to the pad PD, and a timing controller and a voltage generator may be provided on the printed circuit board. The timing controller may be manufactured as an integrated circuit chip and may be mounted on the printed circuit board. The timing controller and the voltage generator may be connected to the pad PD through the printed circuit board.

[0119] The timing controller may control the operations of the scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the light emitting driver EDV. The timing controller may generate a scan control signal, a data control signal, and a light emitting control signal in response to a control signal received from the outside. The voltage generator may generate a driving voltage.

[0120] The scan control signal may be provided to the scan driver SDV through the first control line CSL1. The light emission control signal may be provided to the light emission driver EDV through the second control line CSL2. The data control signal may be provided to the data driver DDV. The timing controller may receive an image signal from the outside, convert the data format of the image signal to meet the interface specification of the data driver DDV, and provide the converted image signal to the data driver DDV.

[0121] The scan driver SDV may generate a plurality of scan signals in response to the scan control signal. The scan signals may be applied to the pixels PX through the scan lines SL1 to SLm. The scan signals may be sequentially applied to the scan lines SL1 to SLm.

[0122] The data driver DDV may generate a plurality of data voltages corresponding to the image signal in response to the data control signal. The data voltages may be applied to the pixels PX through the data lines DL1 to DLn. The light emitting driver EDV may generate a plurality of light emitting signals in response to the light emitting control signal. The light emitting signals may be applied to the pixels PX through the light emitting lines EL1 to ELm.

[0123] The pixel PX may receive a data voltage in response to the scan signal. The pixel PX may display an image by emitting light having brightness corresponding to the data voltage in response to the light emission signal. The light emission time of the pixel PX may be controlled by the light emission signal.

[0124] Figure 8 Shown with Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of an electronic panel corresponding to one pixel shown in FIG.

[0125] Reference Figure 8 The pixel PX may include a transistor TR and a light emitting element OLED. The light emitting element OLED may include a first electrode AE ​​(eg, an anode), a second electrode CE (eg, a cathode), a hole control layer HCL, an electron control layer ECL, and a light emitting layer EML.

[0126] The transistor TR and the light emitting element OLED may be disposed on the substrate SUB. Although one transistor TR is shown as an example, the pixel PX may include or substantially include a plurality of transistors for driving the light emitting element OLED and at least one capacitor.

[0127] The display area DA may include a light emitting area PA corresponding to each pixel PX and a non-light emitting area NPA surrounding (eg, adjacent to) the light emitting area PA. The light emitting element OLED may be disposed in the light emitting area PA.

[0128] The buffer layer BFL may be disposed on the substrate SUB, and the buffer layer BFL may be an inorganic layer. The semiconductor pattern may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor pattern may include polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, or metal oxide.

[0129] The semiconductor pattern may be doped with an N-type dopant or a P-type dopant. The semiconductor pattern may include a highly doped region and a lightly doped region. The conductivity of the highly doped region may be greater than the conductivity of the lightly doped region, and the highly doped region may be used as or substantially used as a source electrode and a drain electrode of the transistor TR. The lightly doped region may correspond to or substantially correspond to an active portion (e.g., a channel) of the transistor.

[0130] The source S, the active portion A, and the drain D of the transistor TR may be formed of a semiconductor pattern. A first insulating layer INS1 may be disposed on the semiconductor pattern. A gate G of the transistor TR may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1. A second insulating layer INS2 may be disposed on the gate G.

[0131] The third insulating layer INS3 may be disposed on the second insulating layer INS2 .

[0132] The connection electrode CNE may include a first connection electrode CNE1 and a second connection electrode CNE2 to connect the transistor TR and the light emitting element OLED to each other. The first connection electrode CNE1 may be disposed on the third insulating layer INS3 and connected to the drain electrode D through a first contact hole CH1 defined in the first insulating layer INS1 to the third insulating layer INS3 (e.g., penetrating the first insulating layer INS1 to the third insulating layer INS3).

[0133] The fourth insulating layer INS4 may be disposed on the first connection electrode CNE1. The fifth insulating layer INS5 may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer INS4. The second connection electrode CNE2 may be disposed on the fifth insulating layer INS5. The second connection electrode CNE2 may be connected to the first connection electrode CNE1 through a second contact hole CH2 defined in (e.g., penetrating) the fourth insulating layer INS4 and the fifth insulating layer INS5.

[0134] The sixth insulating layer INS6 may be disposed on the second connection electrode CNE2. Layers from the buffer layer BFL to the sixth insulating layer INS6 may be defined as a circuit element layer DP-CL. The first to sixth insulating layers INS1 to INS6 may be inorganic layers or organic layers.

[0135] The first electrode AE ​​may be disposed on the sixth insulating layer INS6. The first electrode AE ​​may be connected to the second connection electrode CNE2 through a third contact hole CH3 defined in (e.g., penetrating) the sixth insulating layer INS6. A pixel defining film PDL having an opening PX_OP defined therein to expose a portion (e.g., a predetermined portion) of the first electrode AE ​​may be disposed on the first electrode AE ​​and the sixth insulating layer INS6.

[0136] The hole control layer HCL may be disposed on the first electrode AE ​​and the pixel definition layer PDL. The hole control layer HCL may include a hole transport layer and / or a hole injection layer.

[0137] The light emitting layer EML may be disposed on the hole control layer HCL. The light emitting layer EML may be disposed in a region corresponding to the opening PX_OP. The light emitting layer EML may include an organic material and / or an inorganic material. The light emitting layer EML may generate any one of red light, green light, and blue light.

[0138] The electron control layer ECL may be disposed on the light emitting layer EML and the hole control layer HCL. The electron control layer ECL may include an electron transport layer and / or an electron injection layer. The hole control layer HCL and the electron control layer ECL may be disposed together in the light emitting area PA and the non-light emitting area NPA.

[0139] The second electrode CE may be disposed on the electronic control layer ECL. The second electrode CE may be commonly disposed in a plurality of pixels PX. A layer in which the light emitting element OLED is disposed may be defined as a display element layer DP-OLED.

[0140] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the second electrode CE and cover the pixel PX. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include a first encapsulation layer EN1 disposed on the second electrode CE, a second encapsulation layer EN2 disposed on the first encapsulation layer EN1, and a third encapsulation layer EN3 disposed on the second encapsulation layer EN2.

[0141] The first encapsulation layer EN1 and the third encapsulation layer EN3 may include an inorganic insulating layer and may protect the pixel PX from moisture / oxygen. The second encapsulation layer EN2 may include an organic insulating layer and may protect the pixel PX from impurities such as dust particles.

[0142] A first voltage may be applied to the first electrode AE ​​through the transistor TR, and a second voltage having a level lower than that of the first voltage may be applied to the second electrode CE. Holes and electrons injected into the light emitting layer EML may be recombined with each other to form excitons, and the light emitting element OLED may emit light when the excitons transition to a ground state.

[0143] The layers from the substrate SUB to the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be defined as the display panel DP. The input sensing unit ISP may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. The input sensing unit ISP may be directly manufactured on the upper surface of the thin film encapsulation layer TFE.

[0144] The base layer BS may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. The base layer BS may include an inorganic insulating layer. At least one inorganic insulating layer may be provided on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE as the base layer BS.

[0145] The input sensing unit ISP may include a first conductive pattern CTL1 and a second conductive pattern CTL2 disposed on the first conductive pattern CTL1. The first conductive pattern CTL1 may be disposed on the base layer BS. The insulating layer TINS ​​may be disposed on the base layer BS to cover the first conductive pattern CTL1. The insulating layer TINS ​​may include an inorganic insulating layer or an organic insulating layer. The second conductive pattern CTL2 may be disposed on the insulating layer TINS.

[0146] The first and second conductive patterns CTL1 and CTL2 may overlap the non-emission area NPA. The first and second conductive patterns CTL1 and CTL2 may be disposed on the non-emission area NPA between (eg, adjacent to each other) emission areas PA and may have a mesh shape.

[0147] The first conductive pattern CTL1 and the second conductive pattern CTL2 may form a sensor of the input sensing unit ISP described above. For example, the mesh-shaped first conductive pattern CTL1 and the second conductive pattern CTL2 may be spaced (e.g., separated) from each other in an appropriate region (e.g., a predetermined region) to form a sensor. A portion of the second conductive pattern CTL2 may be connected to the first conductive pattern CTL1.

[0148] The anti-reflection layer RPL may be disposed on the second conductive pattern CTL2. The anti-reflection layer RPL may include a black matrix BM and a plurality of color filters CF. The black matrix BM may overlap the non-emission areas NPA, respectively, and the color filters CF may overlap the emission areas PA, respectively.

[0149] The black matrix BM may be disposed on the insulating layer TINS ​​to cover the second conductive pattern CTL2. An opening B_OP overlapping the light emitting area PA and the opening PX_OP may be defined in the black matrix BM (e.g., may penetrate the black matrix B). The black matrix BM may block light by absorbing light. The width of the opening B_OP may be greater than the width of the opening PX_OP.

[0150] The color filters CF may be disposed on the insulating layer TINS ​​and the black matrix BM. The color filters CF may be disposed in the openings B_OP, respectively. The planarization insulating layer PINS may be disposed on the color filters CF. The planarization insulating layer PINS may provide a flat or substantially flat upper surface.

[0151] When external light traveling toward the display panel DP is reflected from the display panel DP like a mirror and provided back to an external user, the user may visually recognize the external light. In order to prevent or reduce this phenomenon, for example, the anti-reflection layer RPL may include a color filter CF that displays the same or substantially the same color as the color of the light of the pixel PX of the display panel DP. The color filter CF may filter the external light into the same or substantially the same color as the color of the light of the pixel PX. In this case, the external light may not be visible to the user.

[0152] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the anti-reflection layer RPL may include a polarizing film to reduce the reflectivity of external light. The polarizing film may be manufactured separately from the input sensing unit ISP and attached to the input sensing unit ISP through an adhesive layer. The polarizing film may include a retarder and / or a polarizer.

[0153] Fig. 9 is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' shown in FIG.

[0154] As an example, Fig. 9 A cross section of the display module DM corresponding to line II′ and a cross section of components disposed below (eg, under) the display module DM are shown.

[0155] Reference Fig. 9 , the display device DD may include a display module (e.g., a display or a touch display) DM, a digitizer DGT, a shielding layer SHL, a heat dissipation layer RHL, and an insulating layer INS. The display module DM may include a hard coating layer HC, a printing layer PIT, a window WIN, a window protection layer WP, an impact absorbing layer ISL, an electronic panel EP, and a panel protection layer PPL. The display device DD may include first to seventh adhesive layers AL1 to AL7 for bonding the components described above to each other.

[0156] The display module DM may be a flexible display module. The display module DM may include a first non-folding area NFA1, a folding area FA, and a second non-folding area NFA2. When the folding area FA is folded around the folding axis FX described above, the display module DM may be folded.

[0157] The window WIN may be disposed on the impact absorbing layer ISL. The window WIN may protect the electronic panel EP from external scratches. The window WIN may have an optically transparent property. The window WIN may include glass. However, not limited thereto, the window WIN may include a synthetic resin film.

[0158] The window WIN may have a multi-layer structure or a single-layer structure. For example, the window WIN may include a plurality of synthetic resin films bonded together with an adhesive, or may include a glass substrate and a synthetic resin film bonded together with an adhesive.

[0159] The window protection layer WP may be disposed on the window WIN. The window protection layer WP may include a flexible plastic material such as polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate. The hard coating layer HC may be disposed on an upper surface of the window protection layer WP.

[0160] The printed layer PIT may be disposed on the lower surface of the window protection layer WP. The printed layer PIT may be black, but the color of the printed layer PIT is not limited thereto. The printed layer PIT may be adjacent to an edge of the window protection layer WP.

[0161] The impact absorbing layer ISL may be disposed on the electronic panel EP. The impact absorbing layer ISL may protect the electronic panel EP by absorbing external impact applied toward the electronic panel EP from above the display device DD. The impact absorbing layer ISL may be manufactured in the form of a stretchable film.

[0162] The impact absorbing layer ISL may include a flexible plastic material. The flexible plastic material may be defined as a synthetic resin film. For example, the impact absorbing layer ISL may include a flexible plastic material such as polyimide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0163] The panel protection layer PPL may be disposed below the electronic panel EP. The panel protection layer PPL may be disposed below the display panel DP. The panel protection layer PPL may protect the lower portion of the display panel DP. The panel protection layer PPL may include a flexible plastic material. For example, the panel protection layer PPL may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0164] The first adhesive layer AL1 may be disposed between the window protection layer WP and the window WIN. The window protection layer WP and the window WIN may be bonded to each other through the first adhesive layer AL1. The first adhesive layer AL1 may cover the print layer PIT.

[0165] The second adhesive layer AL2 may be disposed between the window WIN and the impact absorbing layer ISL. The window WIN and the impact absorbing layer ISL may be bonded to each other by the second adhesive layer AL2.

[0166] The third adhesive layer AL3 may be disposed between the impact absorbing layer ISL and the electronic panel EP. The impact absorbing layer ISL and the electronic panel EP may be bonded to each other through the third adhesive layer AL3.

[0167] The fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be disposed between the electronic panel EP and the panel protection layer PPL. The electronic panel EP and the panel protection layer PPL may be bonded to each other through the fourth adhesive layer AL4. The fifth adhesive layer AL5 may be disposed under the panel protection layer PPL.

[0168] The support plate PLT may be disposed below the display module DM and support the display module DM. The support plate PLT may include a non-metal material. For example, the support plate PLT may include a fiber-reinforced composite material. The fiber-reinforced composite material may be a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or a glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP).

[0169] The support plate PLT can be made light-weight by including a fiber-reinforced composite material. By including a fiber-reinforced composite material, the support plate PLT according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can have a lighter weight than a metal support plate including a metal material, and can have a modulus and strength value similar to those of the metal support plate.

[0170] Because the support plate PLT includes a fiber reinforced composite material, shape processing of the support plate PLT can be easier than shape processing of a metal support plate. For example, the support plate PLT including a fiber reinforced composite material can be more easily processed by a laser process or a microblasting process.

[0171] A plurality of openings POP may be defined in a portion of the support plate PLT overlapping the folding area FA. The openings POP may be formed to pass through a portion of the support plate PLT in the third direction DR3. The openings POP may be formed by the above-mentioned laser process or micro-spray process.

[0172] The support plate PLT may include a first support plate PLT1, a second support plate PLT2, and a folding portion PLT_F. For example, a boundary between the first support plate PLT1, the second support plate PLT2, and the folding portion PLT_F is shown by a dotted line in the support plate PLT.

[0173] The folding portion PLT_F may be disposed between the first supporting plate PLT1 and the second supporting plate PLT2. The first supporting plate PLT1, the folding portion PLT_F, and the second supporting plate PLT2 may be disposed along the first direction DR1. An opening POP may be defined in the folding portion PLT_F.

[0174] Hereinafter, as used herein, the term "overlap" is defined as a state in which parts of components overlap each other when viewed on a plane (e.g., in a plan view) in a display device DD set to a flat state or a substantially flat state.

[0175] The first support plate PLT1 may be disposed under the first non-folding area NFA1 and overlap the first non-folding area NFA1. The second support plate PLT2 may be disposed under the second non-folding area NFA2 and overlap the second non-folding area NFA2. The folding portion PLT_F may be disposed under the folding area FA and overlap the folding area FA.

[0176] The folding portion PLT_F may include a curved surface portion CSP, a first extension portion EX1, a second extension portion EX2, a first reverse curved portion ICV1, and a second reverse curved portion ICV2. As an example, the boundaries of the curved surface portion CSP, the first extension portion EX1, the second extension portion EX2, the first reverse curved portion ICV1, and the second reverse curved portion ICV2 are shown with dotted lines in the support plate PLT, and for convenience, the reference numerals thereof are shown above the display module DM by extending the boundary dotted lines upward.

[0177] The curved surface portion CSP, the first extension portion EX1, the second extension portion EX2, the first reverse curved portion ICV1, and the second reverse curved portion ICV2 may be arranged along the first direction DR1. As an example, the curved surface portion CSP may be disposed in a central portion of the folding portion PLT_F. The first reverse curved portion ICV1 may be defined as a portion of the folding portion PLT_F adjacent to the first support plate PLT1. The second reverse curved portion ICV2 may be defined as a portion of the folding portion PLT_F adjacent to the second support plate PLT2.

[0178] The curved surface portion CSP may be disposed between the first extension portion EX1 and the second extension portion EX2. An opening POP may be defined in the curved surface portion CSP. When the folding portion PLT_F is folded, the curved surface portion CSP may be bent to have a desired curvature (e.g., a predetermined curvature). Since the opening POP is defined in the curved surface portion CSP, the flexibility of the curved surface portion CSP may be increased. As a result, the curved surface portion CSP may be easily folded.

[0179] The first extension portion EX1 may be disposed between the first reverse curved portion ICV1 and the curved surface portion CSP. The second extension portion EX2 may be disposed between the second reverse curved portion ICV2 and the curved surface portion CSP.

[0180] The first reverse curved portion ICV1 may be disposed between the first support plate PLT1 and the curved surface portion CSP. In more detail, the first reverse curved portion ICV1 may be disposed between the first support plate PLT1 and the first extension portion EX1. The second reverse curved portion ICV2 may be disposed between the second support plate PLT2 and the curved surface portion CSP. In more detail, the second reverse curved portion ICV2 may be disposed between the second support plate PLT2 and the second extension portion EX2.

[0181] The cover layer COV may be disposed below the support plate PLT. The cover layer COV may cover the opening POP defined in the support plate PLT from below (e.g., below) the support plate PLT. The cover layer COV may overlap the curved surface portion CSP of the folding portion PLT_F. The cover layer COV may contact the lower surface of the curved surface portion CSP in which the opening POP is formed.

[0182] The cover layer COV may have an elastic modulus lower than that of the support plate PLT. For example, the cover layer COV may include thermoplastic polyurethane or rubber, but the material of the cover layer COV is not limited thereto. The cover layer COV may be manufactured in the form of a functional sheet and attached to the support plate PLT.

[0183] The digitizer DGT may be disposed below the support plate PLT. The cover layer COV may be disposed between the support plate PLT and the digitizer DGT. The cover layer COV may be spaced apart from the upper surface of the digitizer DGT.

[0184] The digitizer DGT may receive position information indicated by the user on the display surface DS. The digitizer DGT may be implemented by an electromagnetic method (e.g., an electromagnetic resonance method). For example, the digitizer DGT may include a digitizer sensor substrate including a plurality of coils. However, not limited thereto, the digitizer DGT may be implemented by an active electrostatic method.

[0185] When the user moves the pen on the display device DD, the pen can be driven by an AC signal to generate a vibrating magnetic field, and the vibrating magnetic field can induce a signal to the coil. The position of the pen can be detected by the signal induced in the coil. The digitizer DGT can obtain the position of the pen by detecting the electromagnetic changes caused by the approach of the pen.

[0186] When the support plate PLT disposed on and adjacent to the digitizer DGT includes metal, the sensitivity of the digitizer DGT may be reduced (e.g., may be reduced) due to the metal. For example, when a signal transmitted on the display device DD is blocked due to signal interference from the metal support plate, the digitizer DGT may not operate normally.

[0187] However, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the support plate PLT disposed on the digitizer DGT includes the non-metal fiber reinforced composite material, the digitizer DGT may function normally.

[0188] The digitizer DGT may be separated into two below (e.g., below) the folding portion PLT_F. The digitizer DGT may include a first digitizer DGT1 and a second digitizer DGT2 that are spaced apart (e.g., separated) from each other and arranged along a first direction DR1. The first digitizer DGT1 may be disposed below the first support plate PLT1, and the second digitizer DGT2 may be disposed below the second support plate PLT2.

[0189] The first digitizer DGT1 and the second digitizer DGT2 , which are spaced apart (eg, separated) from each other, may be connected to the digitizer driver through a flexible circuit board.

[0190] The first digitizer DGT1 may overlap the first support plate PLT1 and a portion of the folded portion PLT_F adjacent to the first support plate PLT1. For example, the first digitizer DGT1 may overlap the first reverse curved portion ICV1, the first extension portion EX1, and a portion of the curved surface portion CSP adjacent to the first extension portion EX1.

[0191] The second digitizer DGT2 may overlap the second support plate PLT2 and a portion of the folded portion PLT_F adjacent to the second support plate PLT2. For example, the second digitizer DGT2 may overlap the second reverse curved portion ICV2, the second extension portion EX2, and a portion of the curved surface portion CSP adjacent to the second extension portion EX2.

[0192] The shielding layer SHL may be disposed below the digitizer DGT. The shielding layer SHL may include metal. In more detail, the shielding layer SHL may include magnetic metal powder. The shielding layer SHL may shield electromagnetic radiation that may be applied to the digitizer DGT from below the display device DD (e.g., from below). The shielding layer SHL may be defined as an electromagnetic shielding layer.

[0193] The shielding layer SHL may be in contact with the lower surface of the digitizer DGT. The shielding layer SHL may be directly attached to the lower surface of the digitizer DGT without using an adhesive layer. The shielding layer SHL may be manufactured in the form of a film and may be directly attached to the lower surface of the digitizer DGT by a hot pressing process.

[0194] When viewed on a plane (eg, in a plan view), a first opening OP1 adjacent to the first support plate PLT1 and overlapping the folded portion PLT_F may be defined in the shielding layer SHL. The first opening OP1 may overlap the first reverse curved portion ICV1.

[0195] When viewed on a plane (eg, in a plan view), a second opening OP2 adjacent to the second support plate PLT2 and overlapping the folded portion PLT_F may be defined in the shielding layer SHL. The second opening OP2 may overlap the second reverse curved portion ICV2.

[0196] Like the digitizer DGT, the shielding layer SHL may be separated into two below (eg, under) the folding portion PLT_F. The shielding layer SHL may include a first shielding layer SHL1 and a second shielding layer SHL2 that are spaced apart (eg, separated) from each other and arranged along the first direction DR1.

[0197] The first shielding layer SHL1 may be disposed below the first digitizer DGT1 and may be in contact with the lower surface of the first digitizer DGT1. The first opening OP1 may be defined in the first shielding layer SHL1. The second shielding layer SHL2 may be disposed below the second digitizer DGT2 and may be in contact with the lower surface of the second digitizer DGT2. The second opening OP2 may be defined in the second shielding layer SHL2.

[0198] The first shielding layer SHL1 may include a first flat portion PP1 and a first curved extension portion CEP1 arranged in the first direction DR1. The second shielding layer SHL2 may include a second flat portion PP2 and a second curved extension portion CEP2 arranged in the first direction DR1. The first curved extension portion CEP1 and the second curved extension portion CEP2 may be disposed under and overlap the folding portion PLT_F. The first curved extension portion CEP1 and the second curved extension portion CEP2 may be disposed in the first direction DR1.

[0199] The first curved extension portion CEP1 may include a first curved surface portion CS1 and a first planar extension portion PXP1 arranged in the first direction DR1. The second curved extension portion CEP2 may include a second curved surface portion CS2 and a second planar extension portion PXP2 arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0200] As an example, boundaries of the first and second planar portions PP1 and PP2, the first and second planar extension portions PXP1 and PXP2, and the first and second curved surface portions CS1 and CS2 are shown with dotted lines in the first and second shielding layers SHL1 and SHL2.

[0201] The first planar portion PP1 may be disposed under the first support plate PLT1 and overlap the first support plate PLT1. The second planar portion PP2 may be disposed under the second support plate PLT2 and overlap the second support plate PLT2.

[0202] The first curved surface portion CS1 may be disposed between the first planar portion PP1 and the first planar extension portion PXP1. The first curved surface portion CS1 may be disposed below and overlap the first reverse curved portion ICV1. The first opening OP1 may be defined in the first curved surface portion CS1. The first opening OP1 may be defined in a central portion of the first curved surface portion CS1.

[0203] The second curved surface portion CS2 may be disposed between the second flat portion PP2 and the second flat extension portion PXP2. The second curved surface portion CS2 may be disposed below and overlap the second reverse curved portion ICV2. A second opening OP2 may be defined in the second curved surface portion CS2. The second opening OP2 may be defined in a central portion of the second curved surface portion CS2.

[0204] The first flat extension portion PXP1 may be disposed under the first extension portion EX1 and the curved surface portion CSP, and may overlap portions of the first extension portion EX1 and the curved surface portion CSP adjacent to the first extension portion EX1. The second flat extension portion PXP2 may be disposed under the second extension portion EX2 and the curved surface portion CSP, and may overlap portions of the second extension portion EX2 and the curved surface portion CSP adjacent to the second extension portion EX2.

[0205] The heat dissipation layer RHL may be disposed under the shielding layer SHL. The heat dissipation layer RHL may be separated into two that may be disposed under the first shielding layer SHL1 and the second shielding layer SHL2, respectively. The heat dissipation layers RHL separated from each other (eg, separated) may be disposed under the first flat portion PP1 and the second flat portion PP2, respectively.

[0206] The heat dissipation layer RHL may perform a heat dissipation function. For example, the heat dissipation layer RHL may include copper or graphite, but the material of the heat dissipation layer RHL is not limited thereto.

[0207] The insulating layer INS may be disposed under the heat dissipation layer RHL. The insulating layer INS may be separated into two layers that may be respectively disposed under the two separated heat dissipation layers RHL. The insulating layer INS may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0208] The fifth adhesive layer AL5 may be disposed between the panel protection layer PPL and the digitizer DGT. The panel protection layer PPL and the digitizer DGT may be bonded to each other through the fifth adhesive layer AL5. The fifth adhesive layer AL5 may not be disposed in an area overlapping with the curved surface portion CSP. The fifth adhesive layer AL5 may be opened in an area overlapping with the curved surface portion CSP.

[0209] The sixth adhesive layer AL6 may be disposed between the support plate PLT and the digitizer DGT. The support plate PLT and the digitizer DGT may be bonded to each other through the sixth adhesive layer AL6. The sixth adhesive layer AL6 may be opened in a region overlapping the folded portion PLT_F. The width of the opening of the sixth adhesive layer AL6 in the first direction DR1 may be greater than the width of the opening of the fifth adhesive layer AL5.

[0210] The cover layer COV may be disposed in a region in which the sixth adhesive layer AL6 opens. Therefore, the sixth adhesive layer AL6 may be spaced apart from the cover layer COV without contacting the cover layer COV. A space in which the cover layer COV is disposed may be secured by the opening of the sixth adhesive layer AL6.

[0211] The seventh adhesive layer AL7 may be disposed between the shielding layer SHL and the heat dissipation layer RHL. The shielding layer SHL and the heat dissipation layer RHL may be bonded to each other through the seventh adhesive layer AL7. The seventh adhesive layer AL7 may be separated into two in the folding area FA.

[0212] The first to seventh adhesive layers AL1 to AL7 may include a transparent adhesive such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an optically clear adhesive (OCA), but the kind of the adhesive is not limited thereto.

[0213] Hereinafter, as used herein, the term “thickness” may refer to a value measured in the third direction DR3 , and the term “width” may refer to a value measured in the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2 which is a horizontal direction.

[0214] For example, the thickness of the hard coating layer HC may be about 5 μm, the thickness of the window protection layer WP may be about 65 μm, and the thickness of the first adhesive layer AL1 may be about 50 μm. The thickness of the window WIN may be about 30 μm, the thickness of the second adhesive layer AL2 may be about 50 μm, and the thickness of the impact absorbing layer ISL may be about 23 μm.

[0215] The thickness of the third adhesive layer AL3 may be about 50 μm, the thickness of the electronic panel EP may be about 30 μm, and the thickness of the fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be about 25 μm. The thickness of the panel protection layer PPL may be about 50 μm, and the thickness of the fifth adhesive layer AL5 may be about 16 μm.

[0216] The thickness of the support plate PLT may be about 170 μm, the thickness of the sixth adhesive layer AL6 may be about 20 μm, and the thickness of the digitizer DGT may be about 144 μm. The thickness of the shielding layer SHL may be about 57 μm, the thickness of the seventh adhesive layer AL7 may be about 31.5 μm, the thickness of the heat dissipation layer RHL may be about 12 μm, and the thickness of the insulating layer INS may be about 6 μm.

[0217] The electronic panel EP, the impact absorbing layer ISL, the panel protection layer PPL, and the third and fourth adhesive layers AL3 and AL4 may have the same or substantially the same width as each other. The hard coating layer HC, the window protection layer WP, and the first adhesive layer AL1 may have the same or substantially the same width as each other.

[0218] The width of the electronic panel EP, the impact absorbing layer ISL, the panel protective layer PPL, and the third adhesive layer AL3 and the fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be greater than the width of the hard coating layer HC, the window protective layer WP, and the first adhesive layer AL1. The edges of the electronic panel EP, the impact absorbing layer ISL, the panel protective layer PPL, and the third adhesive layer AL3 and the fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be set outward from the edges of the hard coating layer HC, the window protective layer WP, and the first adhesive layer AL1.

[0219] The width of the window WIN and the second adhesive layer AL2 may be smaller than the width of the window protection layer WP and the first adhesive layer AL1. The width of the second adhesive layer AL2 may be smaller than the width of the window WIN. The edge of the window WIN may be arranged inwardly than the edge of the window protection layer WP and the first adhesive layer AL1. The edge of the second adhesive layer AL2 may be arranged inwardly than the edge of the window WIN. The outer edge of the fifth adhesive layer AL5 may be arranged inwardly than the edge of the window protection layer WP and the first adhesive layer AL1.

[0220] The width of the support plate PLT may be the same or substantially the same as the width of the electronic panel EP. The outer edge of the digitizer DGT may overlap with the outer edge of the sixth adhesive layer AL6. The outer edges of the digitizer DGT and the sixth adhesive layer AL6 may be arranged inwardly than the outer edge of the support plate PLT. The outer edges of the shielding layer SHL, the seventh adhesive layer AL7, the heat dissipation layer RHL, and the insulating layer INS may overlap with the outer edge of the digitizer DGT.

[0221] Fig. 10A is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' shown in FIG. Fig. 10B Shows Fig. 10A The bending state of the bending area shown in .

[0222] Reference Fig. 10A, the panel protection layer PPL and the fourth adhesive layer AL4 may not be disposed under the bending area BA. The panel protection layer PPL and the fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be disposed under the second area AA2 of the electronic panel EP. The data driver DDV (for example, shown as an integrated circuit D-IC) may be disposed on the second area AA2 of the electronic panel EP.

[0223] The display device DD may further include a bending protection layer BAP. The bending protection layer BAP may be disposed on the bending area BA, a portion of the first area AA1 adjacent to the bending area BA, and a portion of the second area AA2 adjacent to the bending area BA. The bending protection layer BAP may extend continuously from the portion of the first area AA1 adjacent to the bending area BA to the portion of the second area AA2 adjacent to the bending area BA.

[0224] The bending protection layer BAP may be spaced apart from the third adhesive layer AL3. The bending protection layer BAP may be spaced apart from the data driver DDV in the second area AA2. The bending protection layer BAP may include an acrylic-based resin or a urethane-based resin.

[0225] The heat dissipation layer RHL and the insulating layer INS may be disposed under a portion of the digitizer DGT adjacent to the bending area BA, and the shielding layer SHL may not be disposed under a portion of the digitizer DGT adjacent to the bending area BA.

[0226] The display device DD may further include a spacer SPC disposed below the insulating layer INS. The thickness of the spacer SPC may be greater than the combined thickness of the seventh adhesive layer AL7, the heat dissipation layer RHL, and the insulating layer INS. The spacer SPC may be a double-sided tape. For example, the spacer SPC may include a base layer containing a flexible material (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate) and an adhesive disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the base layer.

[0227] The display device DD may further include first and second insulating tapes TAP1 and TAP2 disposed below the digitizer DGT between the spacer SPC and one side of the digitizer DGT adjacent to the bending area BA. The first and second insulating tapes TAP1 and TAP2 may include insulating materials.

[0228] The first insulating tape TAP1 may be disposed below the digitizer DGT and attached to the lower surface of the digitizer DGT. The second insulating tape TAP2 may be disposed below the first insulating tape TAP1 and attached to the lower surface of the first insulating tape TAP1. The thickness of the first insulating tape TAP1 may be greater than the thickness of the second insulating tape TAP2. The width of the first insulating tape TAP1 may be greater than the width of the second insulating tape TAP2.

[0229] Reference Fig. 10B , the bending area BA may be bent to have an appropriate curvature (e.g., a predetermined curvature). When the bending area BA is bent, the second area AA2 may be disposed below (e.g., below) the first area AA1. Therefore, the data driver DDV (e.g., shown as an integrated circuit D-IC) may be disposed below (e.g., below) the first area AA1.

[0230] The display device DD may further include an insulating tape ITP disposed under the second area AA2 and covering the data driver DDV. The insulating tape ITP may be disposed under a portion of the bent protection layer BAP disposed under the second area AA2.

[0231] The panel protection layer PPL disposed on the second area AA2 may be disposed under the second insulating tape TAP2 and the spacer SPC. The panel protection layer PPL disposed on the second area AA2 may be attached to the second insulating tape TAP2 and the spacer SPC.

[0232] The display device DD may include an insulating tape ITP disposed under the second area AA2 and covering the data driver DDV. The insulating tape ITP may be disposed under a portion of the bent protection layer BAP disposed under the second area AA2.

[0233] Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 A perspective view of the support plate shown in FIG. Fig.12 yes Fig.11 An enlarged plan view of area AA is shown in FIG.

[0234] Reference Fig.11 and Fig.12 The support plate PLT may include a first support plate PLT1, a folding portion PLT_F, and a second support plate PLT2 arranged along the first direction DR1. The folding portion PLT_F may include a first reverse bending portion ICV1, a first extension portion EX1, a curved surface portion CSP, a second extension portion EX2, and a second reverse bending portion ICV2 arranged along the first direction DR1.

[0235] A grid pattern may be defined in the curved surface portion CSP. For example, the openings POP defined in the curved surface portion CSP may be arranged according to an appropriate rule (eg, a predetermined rule). The openings POP may be arranged in a grid shape to form a grid pattern of the curved surface portion CSP.

[0236] The first hole H1 and the second hole H2 may be defined in (eg, may penetrate) the second support plate PLT2. The first hole H1 and the second hole H2 may be adjacent to an edge of the second support plate PLT2. The camera CA and the sensor SN described above may be disposed in the first hole H1 and the second hole H2, respectively.

[0237] The opening POP may extend longer in the second direction DR2 than in the first direction DR1. The opening POP may include a plurality of first sub-openings SOP1 arranged along the second direction DR2 and a plurality of second sub-openings SOP2 adjacent to the first sub-openings SOP1 in the first direction DR1 and arranged along the second direction DR2. The first sub-openings SOP1 may be disposed to be staggered with the second sub-openings SOP2.

[0238] Fig.13 yes Fig. 9 A plan view of the shielding layer is shown in FIG.

[0239] As an example, in Fig.13 , regions of the curved surface portion CSP, the first and second extended portions EX1 and EX2, and the first and second reverse curved portions ICV1 and ICV2 are shown by dotted lines.

[0240] Reference Fig.13 , the first opening OP1 may be defined in a central portion of the first curved surface portion CS1 in the first direction DR1 and extend in the second direction DR2. The second opening OP2 may be defined in a central portion of the second curved surface portion CS2 in the first direction DR1 and extend in the second direction DR2.

[0241] The first opening OP1 may open the first shielding layer SHL1 in the second direction DR2 to separate the first shielding layer SHL1. For example, the first opening OP1 may open the first curved surface portion CS1 in the second direction DR2 to separate the first curved surface portion CS1.

[0242] The second opening OP2 may open the second shielding layer SHL2 in the second direction DR2 to separate the second shielding layer SHL2. For example, the second opening OP2 may open the second curved surface portion CS2 in the second direction DR2 to separate the second curved surface portion CS2.

[0243] Fig.14 Shows Fig. 9 The folded state of the display device is shown in .

[0244] For convenience, in Fig.14In FIG. 5 , the display module DM is shown as a single layer. In addition, for convenience of explanation, a support plate PLT, a digitizer DGT, and a shielding layer SHL are shown together with the display module DM, and other components are omitted.

[0245] For example, the boundaries of the first support plate PLT1 and the second support plate PLT2, the curved surface portion CSP, the first extension portion EX1 and the second extension portion EX2, and the first reverse curved portion ICV1 and the second reverse curved portion ICV2 are shown in the support plate PLT by dotted lines. In addition, as an example, the boundaries of the first flat portion PP1 and the second flat portion PP2, the first flat extension portion PXP1 and the second flat extension portion PXP2, and the first curved surface portion CS1 and the second curved surface portion CS2 are shown in the shielding layer SHL by dotted lines.

[0246] Reference Fig.14 , the support plate PLT can be folded around the folding axis FX. The support plate PLT can be folded into a dumbbell shape. When the support plate PLT is folded, the display module DM can be folded together with the support plate PLT.

[0247] When the folding portion PLT_F is folded around the folding axis FX, the support plate PLT may be folded. When the folding portion PLT_F is folded, the curved surface portion CSP may be bent to have a desired curvature (e.g., a predetermined curvature). For example, the folding area FA of the display module DM on the curved surface portion CSP may be bent so as to have a curvature radius R. For example, the curvature radius R may be about 1.53 mm.

[0248] The first reverse curved portion ICV1 may be bent in a direction opposite to the bending direction of the curved surface portion CSP. The second reverse curved portion ICV2 may be bent in a direction opposite to the bending direction of the curved surface portion CSP. The second reverse curved portion ICV2 may have a shape symmetrical or substantially symmetrical to that of the first reverse curved portion ICV1.

[0249] When the folding portion PLT_F is folded, the first support plate PLT1 and the second support plate PLT2 may maintain a flat or substantially flat state. Therefore, the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may maintain a flat or substantially flat state by the first support plate PLT1 and the second support plate PLT2.

[0250] When the folding portion PLT_F is folded, a distance GP between the first support plate PLT1 and the second support plate PLT2 in the first direction DR1 may be smaller than a diameter of a circle having a curvature radius R. Therefore, the support plate PLT may be folded into a dumbbell shape.

[0251] The first extension portion EX1 may maintain a flat or substantially flat state between the curved surface portion CSP and the first reverse curved portion ICV1. The first extension portion EX1 may extend from the first reverse curved portion ICV1 toward the curved surface portion CSP in a flat or substantially flat state.

[0252] The second extension portion EX2 may maintain a flat or substantially flat state between the curved surface portion CSP and the second reverse curved portion ICV2. The second extension portion EX2 may extend from the second reverse curved portion ICV2 toward the curved surface portion CSP in a flat or substantially flat state.

[0253] When the folding portion PLT_F is folded, the first flat portion PP1 and the second flat portion PP2 can maintain a flat or substantially flat state together with the first support plate PLT1 and the second support plate PLT2. The portion of the first digitizer DGT1 between the first flat portion PP1 and the first support plate PLT1 and the portion of the second digitizer DGT2 between the second flat portion PP2 and the second support plate PLT2 can also maintain a flat or substantially flat state.

[0254] When the folding portion PLT_F is folded, the first curved surface portion CS1 may be bent together with the first reverse curved portion ICV1. The first curved surface portion CS1 may be bent into a shape corresponding to the first reverse curved portion ICV1. A portion of the first digitizer DGT1 overlapping the first curved surface portion CS1 and the first reverse curved portion ICV1 may be bent together with the first curved surface portion CS1 and the first reverse curved portion ICV1.

[0255] When the folding portion PLT_F is folded, the second curved surface portion CS2 may be bent together with the second reverse curved portion ICV2. The second curved surface portion CS2 may be bent into a shape corresponding to the second reverse curved portion ICV2. A portion of the second digitizer DGT2 overlapping the second curved surface portion CS2 and the second reverse curved portion ICV2 may be bent together with the second curved surface portion CS2 and the second reverse curved portion ICV2.

[0256] When the folding portion PLT_F is folded, the portion of the first planar extension portion PXP1 overlapping the first extension portion EX1 can maintain a flat or substantially flat shape together with the first extension portion EX1. When the folding portion PLT_F is folded, the portion of the second planar extension portion PXP2 overlapping the second extension portion EX2 can maintain a flat or substantially flat shape together with the second extension portion EX2.

[0257] Reference Fig. 9 and Fig.14, because the sixth adhesive layer AL6 is not disposed on the curved surface portion CSP, portions of the first digitizer DGT1 and the second digitizer DGT2 overlapping the curved surface portion CSP may not be bent together with the curved surface portion CSP. In addition, portions of the first planar extension portion PXP1 overlapping the curved surface portion CSP and portions of the second planar extension portion PXP2 overlapping the curved surface portion CSP may not be bent together with the curved surface portion CSP.

[0258] The first flat extension portion PXP1 may extend from the first curved surface portion CS1 in a flat state. The second flat extension portion PXP2 may extend from the second curved surface portion CS2 in a flat state. The first flat extension portion PXP1 may extend to form a first angle θ1 with respect to the third direction DR3. The second flat extension portion PXP2 may extend to form a second angle θ2 with respect to the third direction DR3. As an example, each of the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 may be about 8.92 degrees.

[0259] A central portion of the first curved surface portion CS1 in which the first opening OP1 is defined may overlap or substantially overlap with a portion of the first reverse curved portion ICV1 having a maximum curvature. In other words, the first opening OP1 may be defined to overlap with a portion of the first reverse curved portion ICV1 having a maximum curvature.

[0260] A central portion of the second curved surface portion CS2 in which the second opening OP2 is defined may overlap or substantially overlap with a portion of the second reverse curved portion ICV2 having a maximum curvature. In other words, the second opening OP2 may be defined to overlap with a portion of the second reverse curved portion ICV2 having a maximum curvature.

[0261] Since the first opening OP1 is defined to overlap the first reverse curved portion ICV1, the first reverse curved portion ICV1 may be more easily bent. Since the second opening OP2 is defined to overlap the second reverse curved portion ICV2, the second reverse curved portion ICV2 may be more easily bent.

[0262] Fig.15 A folded state of a comparative display device according to a comparative example or a comparative embodiment is shown.

[0263] As an example, Fig.15 Shown with Fig.14 The following will focus on the cross section corresponding to the cross section of the above reference Fig.14 The components described are different components to be described in more detail Fig.15 The structure shown in .

[0264] Reference Fig.15, the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 may not be defined in the shielding layer SHL-C of the comparative display device DD-C. Because the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 are not defined in the comparative display device DD-C, due to the shielding layer SHL-C, Fig.15 The first reverse curved portion ICV1 and the second reverse curved portion ICV2 shown in FIG. Fig.14 The bends of the first reverse curved portion ICV1 and the second reverse curved portion ICV2 are shown in FIG.

[0265] In this case, the curved surface portion CSP may be more curved to have a greater curvature. Since the radius of curvature is inversely proportional to the curvature, Fig.15 The folding area FA of the display module DM on the curved surface portion CSP in the embodiment may be bent to have a greater Fig.14 The radius of curvature R shown in FIG. 1 is smaller than the radius of curvature R′. As an example, the radius of curvature R′ may be about 1.49 mm. Fig.15 , each of the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 may be about 8.28 degrees.

[0266] Reference Fig.14 and Fig.15 , the stress may be proportional to the curvature. As the curvature of the curved surface portion CSP increases, the display module DM is bent to have a greater curvature, and thus, the stress of the display module DM on the curved surface portion CSP may also increase.

[0267] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, since the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 are defined in the shielding layer SHL, the bending characteristics of the first reverse curved portion ICV1 and the second reverse curved portion ICV2 can be improved. As the bending characteristics of the first reverse curved portion ICV1 and the second reverse curved portion ICV2 are improved, the curvature radius of the curved surface portion CSP can be enlarged. Therefore, the stress of the module DM on the curved surface portion CSP can be reduced.

[0268] In some embodiments, the support structure can support the support plate PLT so that the support plate PLT can maintain a dumbbell shape. Fig. 22 and Fig.23 The schematic structure of the support structure is described in more detail.

[0269] exist Fig.14 In the folded state shown in , the support plate PLT maintains the dumbbell shape, but the support plate PLT may have a first repulsive force to return from the dumbbell shape to the "U" shape. Fig.15In the folded state shown in , the support plate PLT maintains a dumbbell shape, but the support plate PLT may have a second repulsive force to return from the dumbbell shape to the "U" shape. When the second repulsive force is set to about 1.0, the first repulsive force may be reduced to about 0.95 compared to the second repulsive force. In other words, due to the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2, the first repulsive force may be reduced.

[0270] Fig.16 A folded state of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0271] As an example, Fig.16 Shown with Fig.14 The cross section corresponds to the cross section of the cross section, and the following will be directed to the cross section corresponding to the cross section of the cross section Fig.14 Those components described are described in more detail in different components Fig.16 2 shows the configuration of the shielding layer SHL-1 of the display device DD-1.

[0272] Reference Fig.16 , the first opening OP1-1 may be defined as overlapping the entire first reverse curved portion ICV1. The second opening OP2-1 may be defined as overlapping the entire second reverse curved portion ICV2. The bending characteristics of the first reverse curved portion ICV1 may be further improved by the first opening OP1-1. The bending characteristics of the second reverse curved portion ICV2 may be further improved by the second opening OP2-1.

[0273] Fig.17 is a plan view of a shielding layer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.18 Shown include Fig.17 The shield layer shown in FIG. 1 shows a folded state of the device.

[0274] As an example, Fig.17 Shown with Fig.13 The plane graph corresponding to the plane graph of Fig.18 Shown with Fig.14 The following will focus on the cross section corresponding to the cross section of the above reference. Fig.13 and Fig.14 The components described are different components to be described in more detail Fig.17 and Fig.18 The configurations of the shielding layer SHL-2 and the display device DD-2 are shown in FIG.

[0275] Reference Fig.17 and Fig.18 , a plurality of first openings OP1-2 may be defined in the first curved extension portion CEP1 overlapping the folded portion PLT_F. A plurality of second openings OP2-2 may be defined in the second curved extension portion CEP2 overlapping the folded portion PLT_F.

[0276] On a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 (e.g., in a plan view), a direction crossing the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be defined as a first diagonal direction DDR1. On a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 (e.g., in a plan view), a direction crossing the first diagonal direction DDR1 may be defined as a second diagonal direction DDR2.

[0277] The first openings OP1-2 may be arranged along the first diagonal direction DDR1 and the second diagonal direction DDR2. The second openings OP2-2 may be arranged along the first diagonal direction DDR1 and the second diagonal direction DDR2. The first openings OP1-2 and the second openings OP2-2 may extend longer in the second direction DR2 than in the first direction DR1.

[0278] When the display device DD-2 is folded, the folding area FA of the display module DM on the curved surface portion CSP may be curved to have a first curvature radius R1. As an example, the first curvature radius R1 may be about 1.51 mm. Fig.18 , each of the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 may be about 8.72 degrees.

[0279] Figures 19 to 21 is a plan view of a shielding layer according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0280] As an example, Figures 19 to 21 is shown as Fig.13 The following will be directed to the plan view corresponding to the plan view of the above reference Fig.13 The components described are different components to be described in more detail Figures 19 to 21 The configurations of shield layers SHL-3, SHL-4 and SHL-5 are shown in FIG.

[0281] Reference Fig.19 , a plurality of first openings OP1-3 may be defined in the first curved extension portion CEP1, and a plurality of second openings OP2-3 may be defined in the second curved extension portion CEP2. The first openings OP1-3 may be arranged along the first diagonal direction DDR1 and the second diagonal direction DDR2. The second openings OP2-3 may be arranged along the first diagonal direction DDR1 and the second diagonal direction DDR2.

[0282] The first opening OP1-3 and the second opening OP2-3 may have a circular shape, but are not limited thereto, and the first opening OP1-3 and the second opening OP2-3 may have various suitable shapes such as an ellipse or a polygon.

[0283] Reference Fig. 20 , a plurality of first openings OP1-4 may be defined in the first curved extension portion CEP1, and a plurality of second openings OP2-4 may be defined in the second curved extension portion CEP2. The first openings OP1-4 may be arranged along the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The second openings OP2-4 may be arranged along the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0284] The first openings OP1-4 and the second openings OP2-4 may have a shape bent into a "C" shape. The rows may correspond to the first direction DR1. The first openings OP1-4 and the second openings OP2-4 of the h-th row and the first openings OP1-4 and the second openings OP2-4 of the (h+1)-th row may have shapes that are symmetrical or substantially symmetrical to each other in the second direction DR2, where h is a natural number greater than 0.

[0285] Reference Fig.21 , a plurality of first openings OP1-5 and OP1-6 may be defined in the first curved extension portion CEP1, and a plurality of second openings OP2-5 and OP2-6 may be defined in the second curved extension portion CEP2.

[0286] The first openings OP1-5 and the second openings OP2-5 defined in the first curved surface portion CS1 and the second curved surface portion CS2 may be formed larger than the first openings OP1-6 and the second openings OP2-6 defined in the first flat extension portion PXP1 and the second flat extension portion PXP2. Because the first openings OP1-5 and the second openings OP2-5 are formed larger, the bending characteristics of the first and second reverse curved portions ICV1 and ICV2 respectively overlapping the first and second curved surface portions CS1 and CS2 may be improved.

[0287] Fig. 22 A folded state of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0288] Fig.23 Shows Fig. 22 The expanded state of the display device is shown in .

[0289] Reference Fig. 22 and Fig.23 , the display device DD-3 may include first and second supporting portions SUP1 and SUP2, first and second flap panels WPT1 and WPT2, and a folding supporting portion FSP. Fig. 22 and Fig.23 The shielding layer SHL shown can be compared with the above reference Fig.14 The shielding layers SHL described are identical or substantially identical.

[0290] In the following, it will be assumed Fig.23 The display device DD-3 is shown in an unfolded state. The stacking structure of the display device DD-3 is described in more detail.

[0291] The first support portion SUP1 and the first wing panel WPT1 may be disposed under the first shielding layer SHL1. The second support portion SUP2 and the second wing panel WPT2 may be disposed under the second shielding layer SHL2.

[0292] The first support portion SUP1 may be disposed under the first flat portion PP1, and the second support portion SUP2 may be disposed under the second flat portion PP2. The first wing panel WPT1 may be disposed under the first curved extension portion CEP1, and the second wing panel WPT2 may be disposed under the second curved extension portion CEP2. The first wing panel WPT1 and the second wing panel WPT2 may be arranged along the first direction DR1.

[0293] The first wing panel WPT1 and the first support part SUP1 can be connected to each other (e.g., coupled or attached) to rotate relative to each other in an area adjacent to a boundary between the first support plate PLT1 and the folding part PLT_F. The second wing panel WPT2 and the second support part SUP2 can be connected to each other (e.g., coupled or attached) to rotate relative to each other in an area adjacent to a boundary between the second support plate PLT2 and the folding part PLT_F.

[0294] The folding support portion FSP may be disposed between the first wing panel WPT1 and the first curved extension portion CEP1 and between the second wing panel WPT2 and the second curved extension portion CEP2. The folding support portion FSP may be connected to the second wing panel WPT2 and extend onto the first wing panel WPT1. The folding support portion FSP may be connected to the second wing panel WPT2 by an adhesive layer AH. The folding support portion FSP may not be connected to the first wing panel WPT1.

[0295] The folding support portion FSP may extend to be adjacent to a boundary between the first support plate PLT1 and the folding portion PLT_F and a boundary between the second support plate PLT2 and the folding portion PLT_F.

[0296] When the display device DD-3 is folded, the folding support portion FSP may be bent together with the folding portion PLT_F. When the folding support portion FSP is bent, the first curved extension portion CEP1 and the second curved extension portion CEP2 provided on the folding support portion FSP may also be bent. In addition, the first digitizer DGT1 and the second digitizer DGT2 respectively on the first curved extension portion CEP1 and the second curved extension portion CEP2 may also be bent.

[0297] Because the folding support portion FSP is not connected to the first flap WPT1, when the display device DD-3 is folded and unfolded, the folding support portion FSP can move to slide in the space between the first flap WPT1 and the first curved extension portion CEP1. The folding support portion FSP can more stably support the folded state of the folding portion PLT_F.

[0298] When the folding support portion FSP is disposed under the folding portion PLT_F, the folding area FA of the display module DM on the curved surface portion CSP may be curved to have a second curvature radius R2. As an example, the second curvature radius R2 may be about 1.68 mm. Fig. 22 , each of the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 may be about 9.68 degrees.

[0299] As an example, the setting in Fig.14 The structure of the folded support portion FSP below the shielding layer SHL is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the folded support portion FSP may be disposed above the shielding layer SHL. Figures 15 to 21 Depicted below are shielding sections SHL-C, SHL-1, SHL-2, SHL-3, SHL-4, and SHL-5.

[0300] As an example, refer to Fig.24 and Fig.25 A more detailed description of the settings is given above. Fig.17 Described in the shielding layer SHL-2 and above with reference to Fig.15 Described is the configuration of the folded support portion FSP beneath the shielding layer SHL-C.

[0301] Fig.24 A folded state of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0302] As an example, Fig.24 Shown with Fig. 22 The cross section corresponds to the cross section of the cross section, and will be described below for the cross section corresponding to the cross section of the cross section Fig. 22 The components described are described in more detail. Fig.24 The configuration of the display device DD-4 is shown in FIG.

[0303] Reference Fig.24 , the folding support part FSP can be set at Fig.17 and Fig.18 The other components of the display device DD-4 can be the same as those in the above reference. Fig. 22 The components of the described display device DD-3 are the same or substantially the same.

[0304] In this case, the folding area FA of the display module DM on the curved surface portion CSP may be curved to have a third radius of curvature R3. As an example, the third radius of curvature R3 may be about 1.65 mm. Fig.24 , each of the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 may be about 9.56 degrees.

[0305] Fig.25 A folded state of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0306] As an example, Fig.25 Shown with Fig. 22 The cross section corresponds to the cross section of the cross section, and will be described below for the cross section corresponding to the cross section of the cross section Fig. 22 The components described are described in more detail. Fig.25 The configuration of the display device DD-5 is shown in FIG.

[0307] Reference Fig.25 , the folding support portion FSP may be disposed below the shielding layer SHL-C in which the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 are not formed. Other components of the display device DD-5 may be the same as those described above. Fig. 22 The components of the display device DD-4 described are the same or substantially the same.

[0308] In this case, the folding area FA of the display module DM on the curved surface portion CSP may be curved to have a fourth radius of curvature R4. As an example, the fourth radius of curvature R4 may be about 1.61 mm. Fig.25 , each of the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 may be about 9.02 degrees.

[0309] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an opening may be defined in a shielding layer disposed in contact with a lower surface of a digitizer, and the opening may overlap with a reverse bending portion of a folding portion of a support plate for supporting a display module. During a folding operation of the display device, due to the opening, the bending characteristics of the reverse bending portion may be improved, and the curvature radius of the curved surface portion of the folding portion may be enlarged. As a result, the stress of the display module on the curved surface portion may be reduced.

[0310] The electronic device or electrical device and / or any other related device or component (e.g., various modules) according to the embodiments of the present invention described herein can be implemented using any appropriate hardware, firmware (e.g., application specific integrated circuit), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, the various components of these devices can be formed on an integrated circuit (IC) chip or on separate IC chips. In addition, the various components of these devices can be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, a tape carrier package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), or formed on a substrate. In addition, the various components of these devices can be processes or threads that execute computer program instructions and interact with other system components for performing various functions described herein, running on one or more processors in one or more computing devices. Computer program instructions are stored in a memory that can be implemented in a computing device using, for example, a standard storage device, such as a random access memory (RAM). Computer program instructions can also be stored, for example, in other non-temporary computer-readable media, such as a CD-ROM, a flash drive, etc. In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that, without departing from the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the functions of various computing devices can be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or the functions of a specific computing device can be distributed to one or more other computing devices.

[0311] The above is an explanation of some embodiments of the present disclosure, and should not be interpreted as limiting the present disclosure. Although some embodiments have been described, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that, unless otherwise described, the description of the features or aspects within each embodiment should generally be considered to be applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Therefore, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, unless otherwise specified, the features, characteristics and / or elements described in conjunction with a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with the features, characteristics and / or elements described in conjunction with other embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the above is an explanation of various exemplary embodiments, and the scope of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and various modifications to the disclosed embodiments and other exemplary embodiments are intended to be included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Display module; a support plate, under the display module, and comprising a first support plate, a second support plate, and a folded portion between the first support plate and the second support plate; a digitizer, below the support plate; as well as A shielding layer contacts the lower surface of the digitizer and has: a first opening, adjacent to the first support plate and overlapping the folded portion; as well as The second opening is adjacent to the second supporting plate and overlaps the folded portion.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first support plate, the folded portion, and the second support plate are positioned along a first direction; and The first opening and the second opening extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The first opening and the second opening open the shielding layer in the second direction to separate the shielding layer.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The digitizer comprises: a first digitizer overlapping the first support plate and a portion of the folded portion adjacent to the first support plate; and a second digitizer overlapping the second support plate and a portion of the folded portion adjacent to the second support plate, and Wherein, the shielding layer comprises: a first shielding layer in contact with the lower surface of the first digitizer and having the first opening defined therein; and A second shielding layer, spaced apart from the first shielding layer, contacts the lower surface of the second digitizer and has the second opening defined therein.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The folding part comprises: curved surface portion; a first reverse curved portion between the first support plate and the curved surface portion; and a second reverse curved portion between the second support plate and the curved surface portion, and wherein, when the folding portion is folded, the curved surface portion is curved to have a curvature, and the first reverse curved portion and the second reverse curved portion are curved in a direction opposite to a bending direction of the curved surface portion.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The first opening overlaps with a portion of the first reverse curved portion having a maximum curvature.

7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The second opening overlaps with a portion of the second reverse curved portion having a maximum curvature.

8. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The first shielding layer includes a first curved surface portion overlapping the first reverse curved portion and curved together with the first reverse curved portion when the folding portion is folded; as well as The first opening is in a central portion of the first curved surface portion.

9. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: the second shielding layer including a second curved surface portion overlapping the second reverse curved portion and curved together with the second reverse curved portion when the folding portion is folded; as well as The second opening is in a central portion of the second curved surface portion.

10. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The first opening overlaps the entire first reverse bend portion; and The second opening overlaps the entire second reverse bend portion.

11. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The first opening includes a plurality of first openings; The second opening includes a plurality of second openings; The first shielding layer includes a first curved extension portion overlapping the folded portion; the second shielding layer comprising a second curved extension portion overlapping the folded portion and positioned in a direction parallel to the first curved extension portion; The plurality of first openings are in the first curved extension; as well as The plurality of second openings are in the second curved extension.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The first support plate, the folded portion and the second support plate are positioned along a first direction; the folding portion is folded about a folding axis extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; as well as The plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings are located on a plane defined by the first direction and the second direction along a first diagonal direction crossing the first direction and the second direction and a second diagonal direction crossing the first diagonal direction.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The first opening and the second opening extend longer in the second direction than in the first direction.

14. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The first opening and the second opening have a circular shape or a polygonal shape.

15. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The first curved extension portion comprises: a first curved surface portion overlapping the first reverse curved portion and curved together with the first reverse curved portion when the folding portion is folded; and a first flat extending portion overlapping the folded portion and extending from the first curved surface portion in a flat state, Wherein, the second curved extension portion comprises: a second curved surface portion overlapping the second reverse curved portion and being curved together with the second reverse curved portion when the folding portion is folded; and a second flat extending portion overlapping the folded portion and extending from the second curved surface portion in a flat state, and Wherein, the first openings and the second openings among the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings in the first curved surface portion and the second curved surface portion are larger than the first openings and the second openings among the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings in the first flat extension portion and the second flat extension portion.

16. The display device according to claim 5, further comprising: a first wing panel below the folded portion; a second wing panel, below the folded portion and positioned in a direction parallel to the first wing panel; as well as A folding support portion connected to the second wing panel and extending onto the first wing panel, in: The first shielding layer includes a first curved extension portion overlapping the folded portion; the second shielding layer comprising a second curved extension portion overlapping the folded portion and positioned in a direction parallel to the first curved extension portion; The first wing plate is located below the first curved extension; The second wing plate is located below the second curved extension; The folding support portion is located between the first wing panel and the first curved extension portion and between the second wing panel and the second curved extension portion; and The folding support portion extends adjacent to a boundary between the first support plate and the folding portion and a boundary between the second support plate and the folding portion.

17. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The shielding layer includes magnetic metal powder.

18. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: An edge of the shielding layer overlaps an edge of the digitizer.

19. A display device comprising: Display module; a support plate, under the display module, and comprising a first non-folding portion, a second non-folding portion, and a folding portion between the first non-folding portion and the second non-folding portion; a digitizer, below the support plate; as well as A shielding layer in contact with the lower surface of the digitizer, Wherein, the folding part comprises: curved surface portion; a first reverse curved portion between the first unfolded portion and the folded portion; and a second reverse curved portion between the second unfolded portion and the folded portion, wherein, when the folding portion is folded, the curved surface portion is curved to have a curvature, and the first reverse curved portion and the second reverse curved portion are curved in a direction opposite to a bending direction of the curved surface portion, and A first opening and a second opening are defined in the shielding layer, the first opening overlaps with a portion of the first reverse curved portion having a maximum curvature, and the second opening overlaps with a portion of the second reverse curved portion having a maximum curvature.

20. A display device comprising: Display module; a support plate, under the display module, and comprising a first non-folding portion, a second non-folding portion, and a folding portion between the first non-folding portion and the second non-folding portion; a digitizer, below the support plate; as well as A shielding layer in contact with the lower surface of the digitizer, Wherein, the folding part comprises: curved surface portion; a first reverse curved portion between the first unfolded portion and the folded portion; and a second reverse curved portion between the second unfolded portion and the folded portion, wherein, when the folding portion is folded, the curved surface portion is curved to have a curvature, and the first reverse curved portion and the second reverse curved portion are curved in a direction opposite to a bending direction of the curved surface portion, and A first opening overlapping a central portion of the first reverse curved portion and a second opening overlapping a central portion of the second reverse curved portion are defined in the shielding layer.

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