Display device

Abstract

The display device includes a display panel including pixels, a folding region foldable about a folding axis defined to extend in a direction parallel to a first direction, and first and second non-folding regions spaced apart from each other in a second direction crossing the first direction, the folding area is located between the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area; and a glass cover disposed on the display panel and including a first non-folding member, a folding member, and a second non-folding member arranged in the second direction and overlapping the first non-folding area, the folding area, and the second non-folding area, respectively. The folding member defines a plurality of grooves respectively corresponding to the plurality of closure lines. Each of the plurality of closed lines corresponds to a pattern obtained by modifying an aspect ratio of a Voronoi pattern to 1: n. The aspect ratio is a ratio of a length of the Wornoi pattern in the second direction to a length of the Wornoi pattern in the first direction. N is greater than 1.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority and all rights arising therefrom to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0002454, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 5, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure described herein relate to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device including a foldable glass cover. Background Art

[0004] Various types of display devices are being used to provide image information, and display devices including flexible display panels that can be folded or bent are being developed. Different from rigid display devices, flexible display devices can be diversely changed in shape by folding, curling, or bending, and thus can be carried regardless of the size of the display screen.

[0005] Flexible display devices require a glass cover for protecting the display panel without interfering with the folding or bending operation. Therefore, a glass cover having excellent folding characteristics without degrading mechanical characteristics and providing improved display quality is desired. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a glass cover having good folding characteristics and preventing degradation of display quality.

[0007] According to an embodiment, a display device includes: a display panel and a glass cover. The display panel includes a plurality of pixels, a folding region that can be folded about a folding axis defined in a direction parallel to a first direction, and a first non-folding region and a second non-folding region spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the folding region is located between the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region, and the glass cover is disposed on the display panel and includes a first non-folding member, a folding member, and a second non-folding member that are arranged in the second direction and respectively overlap the first non-folding region, the folding region, and the second non-folding region. The folding member defines a plurality of grooves respectively corresponding to a plurality of closing lines. Pixels among the plurality of pixels that are provided to overlap the folding region form a regular pattern, and the plurality of closing lines form an irregular pattern. A first reference ratio defined as the total number of grooves per unit length provided to overlap a line extending in the first direction and passing through the center point of the folding member is less than a second reference ratio defined as the total number of grooves per unit length provided to overlap a line extending in the second direction and passing through the center point of the folding member.

[0008] The irregular pattern may correspond to a pattern obtained by modifying the aspect ratio of the Voronoi pattern to 1:n. The aspect ratio may be the ratio of the length of the Voronoi pattern in the second direction to the length of the Voronoi pattern in the first direction, and n may be greater than 1.

[0009] n may be less than or equal to 5.

[0010] The folding member may include a first portion adjacent to the folding axis and a second portion farther from the folding axis than the first portion, and the density of the plurality of closed lines in the first portion may be lower than the density of the plurality of closed lines in the second portion.

[0011] The folding region may include a plurality of folding regions, and the plurality of folding regions may be capable of folding around different folding axes. The folding member may include a plurality of folding members, and the total number of folding regions may be equal to the total number of folding members.

[0012] The ratio of the second reference ratio to the first reference ratio may be greater than 1 and less than or equal to 5.

[0013] The glass cover may further include a filling portion accommodated in the groove, and the filling portion may include at least one of an acrylate-based resin, a silicone-based resin, a urethane-based resin, and an epoxy-based resin.

[0014] The filling portion may have a thickness greater than the depth of each of the plurality of grooves.

[0015] The glass cover may have a thickness of 50 micrometers (μm) to 150 μm, and the folding member may have a width of 6.6 millimeters (mm) or less in the second direction.

[0016] Each of the plurality of grooves may have a width of 50 μm to 100 μm, and each of the plurality of grooves may have a depth of 50 μm to 100 μm.

[0017] The upper side and the lower side of each of the plurality of grooves may have different widths.

[0018] The plurality of grooves may be connected together to have an integral shape, and the irregular pattern may have a mesh shape.

[0019] The glass cover may include a lower surface facing the display panel and an upper surface facing away from the lower surface, and the plurality of grooves may be defined on the upper surface or the lower surface of the glass cover.

[0020] The plurality of grooves may include a plurality of first grooves defined on the upper surface of the glass cover and a plurality of second grooves defined on the lower surface of the glass cover, and the first grooves and the second grooves may not overlap each other in a plan view.

[0021] According to an embodiment, a display device includes a display panel and a glass cover. The display panel includes a plurality of pixels, a folding region capable of being folded about a folding axis defined in a direction parallel to a first direction, and a first non-folding region and a second non-folding region spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the folding region is between the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region. The glass cover is disposed on the display panel and includes a first non-folding member, a folding member, and a second non-folding member arranged in the second direction and overlapping the first non-folding region, the folding region, and the second non-folding region, respectively. The folding member defines a plurality of grooves respectively corresponding to a plurality of closed lines. The plurality of closed lines form an irregular pattern. The irregular pattern corresponds to a pattern obtained by modifying the aspect ratio of a Voronoi pattern to 1:n. The aspect ratio is the ratio of the length of the Voronoi pattern in the second direction to the length of the Voronoi pattern in the first direction, and n is greater than 1.

[0022] A first reference ratio is defined as the total number of grooves overlapping a line extending in the first direction and passing through the center point of the folding member per unit length, and a second reference ratio is defined as the total number of grooves overlapping a line extending in the second direction and relative to the center point of the folding member per unit length, and the first reference ratio may be less than the second reference ratio.

[0023] n may be less than or equal to 5.

[0024] The folding member may include a first portion adjacent to the folding axis and a second portion farther from the folding axis than the first portion, and the density of the plurality of closed lines in the first portion may be lower than the density of the plurality of closed lines in the second portion.

[0025] The glass cover may further include filling portions received in the plurality of grooves.

[0026] The plurality of grooves may be connected together to have an integral shape. The plurality of closed lines may form an irregular pattern, and the irregular pattern may have a mesh shape. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and other objects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent by referring to the embodiments of the present disclosure described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1A is a combined perspective view showing an unfolded state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 1B is a combined perspective view showing an inward folded state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 1C is a combined perspective view showing an outward folded state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2A is a combined perspective view showing an unfolded state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2B is a combined perspective view showing an inward folded state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a window according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 6 is an enlarged plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 7A is an enlarged plan view of a glass cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 7B is an enlarged plan view of a Voronoi pattern.

[0040] Figure 8A is an enlarged plan view of a glass cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 8B is an enlarged plan view of a Voronoi pattern.

[0042] Figures 9A - 9C is a cross-sectional view of a glass cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing an unfolded state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a folding process of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 12A and Figure 12B is a cross-sectional view showing a folded state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 13Ais a perspective view showing the folding process of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 13B and Figure 13C is a cross-sectional view showing the folded state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 16A and Figure 16B is an enlarged plan view of a glass cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0051] In this specification, when a component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is referred to as being "on" another component, "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, this means that the component can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other component, or there can be a third component between the component and the other component.

[0052] Like reference numerals refer to like components. Further, in the drawings, for effective description, the thickness, ratio, and dimensions of the components are enlarged. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes all one or more combinations defined by the related components.

[0053] Terms such as first and second can be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first component can be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component can also be referred to as a first component. Unless otherwise stated, the singular form of the term can also include the plural form.

[0054] In addition, terms such as "beneath", "below", "above", and "over" are used to describe the relationship of the components shown in the drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions shown in the drawings.

[0055] It should be understood that terms such as "including", "comprising", and "having", when used herein, indicate the presence of the stated features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0056] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical or scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Unless explicitly defined as having such a meaning in this application, terms (such as those defined in a general dictionary) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their context in the relevant technical field and should not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning.

[0057] Hereinafter, a display panel and a method of manufacturing the display panel according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] Figure 1A is a combined perspective view showing an unfolded state of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1B is a combined perspective view showing an inward-folded state of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1C is a combined perspective view showing an outward-folded state of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] A display device DD according to an embodiment may be a device activated according to an electrical signal. For example, the display device DD may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a car navigation unit, a game console, or a wearable device. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. Figures 1A - 1C Shows an example in which the display device DD is a mobile phone.

[0060] Although Figure 1A a first direction (also referred to as a first direction axis) DR1, a second direction (also referred to as a second direction axis) DR2, and a third direction (also referred to as a third direction axis) DR3 are shown in

[0061] and the subsequent drawings, the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 described in this specification may be relative concepts and may be changed to other directions. Figures 1A - 1C Referring to

[0062] The display device DD according to an embodiment may include a first display surface FS and a second display surface RS. The first display surface FS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. An electronic module area (not shown) may be included in the display area DA. The second display surface RS may be defined as a surface that faces away from at least a part of the first display surface FS. That is, the second display surface RS may be defined as a part of the rear surface of the display device DD.

[0063] The display device DD according to an embodiment may sense an external input applied from the outside. The external input may include various types of inputs provided from outside the display device DD. For example, the external input may include not only a touch of a part of a user's body (e.g., a user's finger) on the display device DD, but also an external input (e.g., hovering) applied near the display device DD or applied at a certain distance adjacent to the display device DD. In addition, the external input may have various types, such as force (e.g., pressure), temperature, and light.

[0064] The display device DD may include a folding area FA1 and non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. The display device DD according to an embodiment may include a first non-folding area NFA1 and a second non-folding area NFA2, and the folding area FA1 is disposed between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. Although Figures 1A - 1C an example in which the display device DD includes one folding area FA1 is shown, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the display device DD may include a plurality of folding areas defined therein.

[0065] Referring to Figure 1B , the display device DD according to an embodiment may be folded around a first folding axis FX1. The first folding axis FX1 may be a virtual axis extending in a first direction DR1. The first folding axis FX1 may be parallel to the direction of the long side of the display device DD. The first folding axis FX1 may extend in the first direction DR1 above the first display surface FS.

[0066] In an embodiment, the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 may be disposed adjacent to the folding area FA1, and the folding area FA1 is located between the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. For example, the first non-folding area NFA1 may be disposed on one side of the folding area FA1 in a second direction DR2, and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be disposed on the opposite side of the folding area FA1 in the second direction DR2.

[0067] The display device DD can be folded about a first folding axis FX1 and can be changed to an inward folding state in which a region of the first display surface FS overlapping with the first non-folding region NFA1 and an opposite region of the first display surface FS overlapping with the second non-folding region NFA2 face each other. Meanwhile, in the inward folding state of the display device DD, the second display surface RS can be visible to the user. The second display surface RS can also include an electronic module region in which an electronic module including various components is provided, and the present disclosure is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0068] Referring Figure 1C , the display device DD according to an embodiment can be folded about a first folding axis FX1 and can be changed to an outward folding state in which a region of the second display surface RS overlapping with the first non-folding region NFA1 and an opposite region of the second display surface RS overlapping with the second non-folding region NFA2 face each other. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The display device DD can be folded about a plurality of folding axes such that a part of the first display surface FS and a part of the second display surface RS face each other, and the number of folding axes and the number of non-folding regions are not particularly limited.

[0069] The display device DD can also include various electronic modules. For example, the electronic module can include at least one of a camera, a speaker, a light detection sensor, and a thermal detection sensor. The electronic module can sense an external object received through the first display surface FS or the second display surface RS, or can provide a sound signal, such as voice, to the outside through the first display surface FS or the second display surface RS. The electronic module can include a plurality of components and is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0070] Figure 2A is a combined perspective view showing an unfolded state of a display device DD-a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2B is a combined perspective view showing an inward folding state of a display device DD-a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] A display device DD-a according to an embodiment can be folded about a second folding axis FX2 extending in a direction parallel to a first direction DR1. Figure 2B shows an example in which the extending direction of the second folding axis FX2 is parallel to the extending direction of the short side of the display device DD-a. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0072] A display device DD-a according to an embodiment can include at least one folding region FA2 and non-folding regions NFA3 and NFA4 adjacent to the folding region FA2. The non-folding regions NFA3 and NFA4 can be spaced apart from each other, and the folding region FA2 is located between the non-folding regions NFA3 and NFA4.

[0073] In an embodiment, the display device DD-a may be folded in an inward folding manner such that the third non-folding region NFA3 and the fourth non-folding region NFA4 face each other and the display surface FS is not exposed to the outside. In addition, different from what is shown in Figure 2B , in an embodiment, the display device DD-a may be folded in an outward folding manner such that the display surface FS is exposed to the outside. The display device DD-a of one embodiment may include a first display surface FS and a second display surface RS. The first display surface FS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. In addition, the display device DD-a may further include various electronic modules.

[0074] Referring to Figures 1A - 1C , Figure 2A and Figure 2B The display devices DD and DD-a described may be configured such that an inward folding operation and an outward folding operation are repeated in an unfolded state. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the display devices DD and DD-a may be configured to select one of an unfolding operation, an inward folding operation, and an outward folding operation. In addition, although not shown, a display device of one embodiment may include a plurality of folding regions, or may be a flexible display device, at least a part of which can be bent or curled.

[0075] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4A is a perspective view of a window WM according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I' of Figure 3 .

[0076] Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a display device DD according to one embodiment shown in Figure 1A . Referring to Figure 3 , a display device DD of one embodiment may include a display module DM and a window WM disposed on the display module DM. The window WM may be disposed on and / or under the display module DM. Figure 3 shows an example in which the window WM is disposed on the display module DM.

[0077] A display device DD of one embodiment may further include an electronic module (not shown) disposed under the display module DM. For example, the electronic module (not shown) may include a camera module.

[0078] Although not shown, a display device DD of one embodiment may further include an adhesive layer AP-M disposed between the display module DM and the window WM (refer toFigure 5B ) and / or a polarizing film. In addition, although not shown, the display device DD of one embodiment may further include a lower functional layer disposed under the display module DM.

[0079] Referring to Figure 3 , the display device DD of one embodiment may further include a housing HAU that houses the display module DM, the lower functional layer, and the lower module SM. The housing HAU may be coupled to the window WM to form the exterior of the display device DD. The housing HAU may include a material having relatively high stiffness. For example, the housing HAU may include a plurality of frames and / or plates formed of glass, plastic, or metal. The display module DM may be housed in a receiving space and may be protected from external impacts. Although not shown, the housing HAU may further include a hinge structure for implementing folding or bending.

[0080] The display module DM of one embodiment may display an image IM according to an electrical signal and may transmit / receive information regarding an external input. The display module DM may include a display panel and a sensor layer disposed on the display panel.

[0081] The display module DM may include an active area AA and a peripheral area NAA. The active area AA may be an area that provides the image IM (refer to Figure 1A ). Pixels PX may be provided in the active area AA. The peripheral area NAA may be adjacent to the active area AA. The peripheral area NAA may surround the active area AA. A driving circuit or driving wiring for driving the active area AA may be provided in the peripheral area NAA.

[0082] The display module DM may include a plurality of pixels PX. Each of the plurality of pixels PX may emit light in response to an electrical signal. The light emitted from the pixels PX may implement the image IM. Each of the plurality of pixels PX may include a display element. For example, the display element may be an organic light-emitting element, an inorganic light-emitting element, an organic-inorganic light-emitting element, a micro light-emitting diode (LED), a nano LED, a quantum dot light-emitting element, an electrophoretic element, or an electro-wetting element.

[0083] In an embodiment, the display module DM at least includes a display panel DP (refer to Figure 4B ). The display panel DP may be an emissive display panel and is not particularly limited. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel or an inorganic light-emitting display panel. The emission layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material. The emission layer of the inorganic light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots and quantum rods, etc.

[0084] The window WM can cover the entire upper surface of the display module DM. The window WM can have a shape corresponding to that of the display module DM. The window WM can be flexible so as to deform according to the folding or bending of the display device DD. The window WM can serve to protect the display module DM from external impacts.

[0085] The window WM can include an optically transparent insulating material. The window WM can be a glass substrate or a polymer substrate. In an embodiment, the window WM can be formed of glass. For example, the window WM can be a glass substrate at least a part of which is chemically strengthened. In an embodiment, the window WM can be formed of glass and can be used as a cover window of the display device DD.

[0086] The window WM can include a transmissive area TA and a border area BZA. The transmissive area TA can overlap at least a part of the active area AA of the display module DM. The transmissive area TA can be an optically transparent area. For example, the transmissive area TA can have a transmittance of about 90% or higher for light having a wavelength in the visible light region. The image IM (refer to Figure 1A ) can be provided to the user through the transmissive area TA, and the user can receive information through the image IM (refer to Figure 1A ).

[0087] The border area BZA can be an area having a transmittance lower than that of the transmissive area TA. The border area BZA can define the shape of the transmissive area TA. The border area BZA can have a specific color. The border area BZA can cover the peripheral area NAA of the display module DM to block the visibility of the peripheral area NAA from the outside. Meanwhile, this is illustrative, and in the window WM according to an embodiment, the border area BZA can be omitted.

[0088] A display device DD according to an embodiment can further include an adhesive layer AP-M (refer to Figure 5B ) provided between the display module DM and the window WM.

[0089] Refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the window WM can include a first non-foldable member NFP1, a foldable member FP, and a second non-foldable member NFP2 arranged in the second direction DR2.

[0090] As described above, the display device DD can include a folding area FA1 (refer to Figure 1A ), the folding area FA1 can be folded about a folding axis FX1 defined in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1, and the first non-folding area NFA1 (refer to Figure 1A ) and the second non-folding area NFA2 (refer to Figure 1A ) are spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2 and the folding area FA1 (refer toFigure 1A ) is located between a first non-foldable area NFA1 (refer to Figure 1A ) and a second non-foldable area NFA2 (refer to Figure 1A ). A first non-foldable part NFP1, a second non-foldable part NFP2, and a foldable part FP of the window WM can be disposed corresponding to the above-mentioned first non-foldable area NFA1 (refer to Figure 1A ), second non-foldable area NFA2 (refer to Figure 1A ), and foldable area FA1 (refer to Figure 1A ). That is to say, the first non-foldable part NFP1, the foldable part FP, and the second non-foldable part NFP2 can be arranged in a second direction DR2, and can respectively overlap with the first non-foldable area NFA1 (refer to Figure 1A ), foldable area FA1 (refer to Figure 1A ), and second non-foldable area NFA2 (refer to Figure 1A ).

[0091] The foldable part FP can include a pattern part PT-FP. A plurality of grooves HO (refer to Figure 5B ) can be defined in the pattern part PT-FP. The plurality of grooves HO (refer to Figure 5B ) can respectively define closed lines, and can form an irregular pattern UPT (refer to Figure 7A ) in the foldable part FP. A description thereof will be given with reference to Figure 7A . The irregular pattern UPT (refer to Figure 7A ) can represent a non-periodic pattern.

[0092] The display module DM can further include an input sensor TP. The input sensor TP can be directly disposed on the display panel DP. The input sensor TP can include a plurality of sensing electrodes. The input sensor TP can sense an external input using a self-capacitance method or a mutual-capacitance method. The input sensor TP can sense an input through an active type of input device.

[0093] When manufacturing the display panel DP, the input sensor TP can be directly formed on the display panel DP through a continuous process. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the input sensor TP can be manufactured as a panel separate from the display panel DP, and can be attached to the display panel DP through an adhesive layer (not shown).

[0094] In the display device DD according to the embodiment, the lower module SM can include a support plate MP and a lower support member SPM.

[0095] The support plate MP can be disposed under the display module DM. In an embodiment, the support plate MP can include a metallic material or a polymeric material. For example, the support plate MP can be formed of stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy thereof. Optionally, the support plate MP can be formed of a polymeric material. The support plate MP can have a plurality of openings OP defined therein. The support plate MP can include an opening pattern including the plurality of openings OP

[0096] The lower support member SPM can be a component that overlaps most of the area of the display module DM. The lower support member SPM can include at least one of a support layer, a cushion layer, a shielding layer, and an interlayer bonding layer. Meanwhile, without being limited to what is disclosed, the configuration of the lower support member SPM can vary according to the size or shape of the display device DD or the operating characteristics of the display device DD.

[0097] The display device DD of one embodiment may further include an adhesive layer AP disposed between the display module DM and the lower module SM. The adhesive layer AP can be an optically clear adhesive (OCA) film or an optically clear resin (OCR) layer.

[0098] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II’ of Figure 4A One embodiment. Figure 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II’ along Figure 4A Another embodiment.

[0099] The window WM can include a glass cover GL and a cover film FL.

[0100] The glass cover GL can be disposed on the display panel DP. The glass cover GL can cover the display panel DP. The glass cover GL can protect the display panel DP. When the display device DD is folded or unfolded, the display panel DP and the glass cover GL can be folded or unfolded.

[0101] The glass cover GL can include a lower surface facing the display panel DP and an upper surface facing away from the lower surface. A groove HO can be defined on the upper surface or the lower surface of the glass cover GL.

[0102] As shown in the drawings, the groove HO can be defined on the upper surface of the glass cover GL. However, without being limited thereto, the groove HO can be defined on the lower surface of the glass cover GL, and the present disclosure is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0103] The groove HO can overlap with the folding member FP. The groove HO can extend in the thickness direction of the glass cover GL. Since the groove HO is defined in the glass cover GL, the glass cover GL can be easily folded or unfolded when the display device DD is folded or unfolded.

[0104] A plurality of grooves HO can be provided. The plurality of grooves HO can be filled with filling portions FM (refer to Figure 9A ). The impact resistance and flexibility of the glass cover GL can be improved by filling the grooves HO with the filling portions FM (refer to Figure 9A ).

[0105] The cover film FL can be disposed on the glass cover GL with an adhesive layer AP-W interposed therebetween. The cover film FL can cover the glass cover GL. The cover film FL can protect the glass cover GL.

[0106] However, not limited thereto, the adhesive layer can be omitted, and the glass cover GL can be in direct contact with the display panel DP, or the cover film FL can be in direct contact with the glass cover GL. The present disclosure is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0107] The glass cover GL can have a thickness D_GL of 50 micrometers (μm) to 150 micrometers (μm). The thickness D_GL of the glass cover GL can be 50 micrometers (μm) or greater, and the groove HO can not penetrate the glass cover GL. Optionally, the thickness D_GL of the glass cover GL can be 150 micrometers (μm) or less, and the glass cover GL can be prevented from being too thick. Thus, the folding characteristics can be effectively improved. The folding member FP can have a width of 6.6 mm or less in the second direction DR2.

[0108] Each of the grooves HO can have a width W_HO of 50 micrometers (μm) to 100 micrometers (μm). Specifically, the width W_HO of each of the plurality of grooves HO in the second direction DR2 can be in the range of 50 micrometers (μm) to 100 micrometers (μm). The groove HO can have a depth D_HO of 50 micrometers (μm) to 100 micrometers (μm).

[0109] In the drawings, for ease of description, the width W_HO of each of the plurality of grooves HO is shown to be less than the actual value. However, the width W_HO of each of the plurality of grooves HO is substantially the same as the depth D_HO of each of the grooves HO, and there can be no significant difference between them.

[0110] However, the above values can vary according to the size or shape of the display device DD or the operating characteristics of the display device DD.

[0111] A protective layer PL may be provided under the display panel DP. The protective layer PL may protect the display panel DP. As shown in the accompanying drawings, the protective layer PL may be attached to the display panel DP through the lower adhesive layer AP-L. However, and not limited to what is shown in the drawings, the lower adhesive layer AP-L may be omitted, and the protective layer PL may be provided as a functional layer. The present disclosure is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0112] Referring Figure 5B , the groove HO may be defined on both the upper surface and the lower surface of the glass cover GL.

[0113] The first groove HOa defined on the upper surface of the glass cover GL and the second groove HOb defined on the lower surface of the glass cover GL do not overlap each other in the plan view. Since the first groove HOa and the second groove HOb do not overlap each other in the plan view, the depth of the groove HO can be prevented from being too deep.

[0114] In addition, as will be described later, the first groove HOa and the second groove HOb may form different closed lines CLN (refer to Figure 7A ), and the irregular patterns UPT (refer to Figure 7A ) formed by the closed lines CLN (refer to Figure 7A ) may be different from each other. However, not limited thereto, the irregular patterns UPT (refer to Figure 7A ) formed by the closed lines CLN (refer to Figure 7A ) may be similar patterns, and the present disclosure is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0115] Figure 6 is an enlarged plan view of the display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] Referring Figure 6 , the display panel DP may include a plurality of pixels PX. The plurality of pixels PX may include a first color light-emitting element PX-R, a second color light-emitting element PX-G, and a third color light-emitting element PX-B.

[0117] According to an embodiment, the first color light-emitting element PX-R, the second color light-emitting element PX-G, and the third color light-emitting element PX-B may be arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0118] That is, the light-emitting elements PX-R, PX-G, and PX-B of multiple pixels PX can be regularly arranged. In other words, multiple pixels PX can form a regular pattern. However, it is not limited to that shown in the figure. The first-color light-emitting element PX-R and the second-color light-emitting element PX-G can be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2, and the first-color light-emitting element PX-R and the second-color light-emitting element PX-G can be spaced apart from the third-color light-emitting element PX-B in the first direction DR1. Optionally, the light-emitting elements PX-R, PX-G, and PX-B can be arranged in an S-shaped manner, and it is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0119] In this case, in the folding region FA1 (refer to Figure 1A ), and in the non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2 (refer to Figure 1A ), multiple pixels PX can form different regular patterns.

[0120] The present disclosure is not limited to this, and in the folding region FA1 (refer to Figure 1A ), and in the non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2 (refer to Figure 1A ), multiple pixels PX can form a common regular pattern, and it is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0121] Since the pixels PX of the display panel DP form a regular pattern as shown in Figure 6 , when the grooves HO (refer to Figure 5A ) of the glass cover GL (refer to Figure 5A ) also form a regular pattern, a moiré interference phenomenon may occur. For example, due to the periodic arrangement of the pixels PX and the periodic arrangement of the grooves HO (refer to Figure 5A ), a pattern with a larger period than the period that appears in each arrangement may be formed. When the moiré interference phenomenon occurs as described above, the display quality of the display device DD (refer to Figure 5A ) may deteriorate.

[0122] Figure 7A is an enlarged plan view of the glass cover GL (refer to Figure 5A ) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 7B is an enlarged plan view of the Voronoi pattern PT-VN according to an embodiment. Specifically, Figure 7A is Figure 4B the enlarged plan view of the pattern portion PT-FP (refer to Figure 4B ) of the folding member FP (refer to Figure 4B ) shown in

[0123] Refer to Figure 7A , the folding member FP (refer to Figure 4B) may include a plurality of grooves HO that respectively define a closed line CLN. The closed line CLN may form an irregular pattern UPT.

[0124] Pixels PX (refer to Figure 1A ) that overlap with the folding region FA1 may form a regular pattern, and in the folding member FP (refer to Figure 6 ), the closed line CLN may form an irregular pattern UPT. Therefore, moiré interference may not occur. Therefore, deterioration of the display quality of the display device DD (refer to Figure 4B ) can be effectively prevented. Figure 4B

[0125] The plurality of grooves HO may be connected together to have an integral shape. In this case, the irregular pattern UPT formed by the closed line CLN may have a net shape.

[0126] Refer to Figure 7B , per unit length, the number of portions CTP1 where a first line ADL1 extending in the first direction DR1 and passing through the center point CP of the folding member FP (refer to Figure 4B ) overlaps with the groove HO may be equal to the number of portions CTP2 where a second line ADL2 extending in the second direction DR2 and passing through the center point CP of the folding member FP (refer to Figure 4B ) overlaps with the groove HO. For example, refer to Figure 7B , for the same length, the number of portions CTP1 where the first line ADL1 overlaps with the groove HO and the number of portions CTP2 where the second line ADL2 overlaps with the groove HO may each be equal to 7.

[0127] Meanwhile, per unit length, the number of portions where the first line ADL1 extending in the first direction DR1 and passing through a portion other than the center point CP overlaps with the groove HO may be substantially the same as the number of portions where the second line ADL2 extending in the second direction DR2 and passing through a portion other than the center point CP overlaps with the groove HO. That is, the number of portions where the first line ADL1 and the second line ADL2 overlap with the groove HO when passing through the center point CP of the folding member FP (refer to Figure 4B ) may be substantially the same as the number of portions where the first line ADL1 and the second line ADL2 overlap with the groove HO when passing through a portion other than the center point CP of the folding member FP (refer to Figure 4B ), but there may be a slight difference between them.

[0128] The number (total) of the grooves HO overlapping with the first line ADL1 per unit length can be defined as the first reference ratio, and the number (total) of the grooves HO overlapping with the second line ADL2 per unit length can be defined as the second reference ratio. The first reference ratio can be less than the second reference ratio. In other words, the second reference ratio can be greater than the first reference ratio.

[0129] By making the first reference ratio less than the second reference ratio or making the second reference ratio greater than the first reference ratio, the number of the closed lines CLN overlapping with the second line ADL2 per unit length can be greater than the number of the closed lines CLN overlapping with the first line ADL1 per unit length.

[0130] At the same length, the number of the closed lines CLN overlapping with the second line ADL2 extending in the second direction DR2 crossing the folding axis (e.g., Figure 1B the folding axis FX1 and Figure 2B the folding axis FX2) can be greater than the number of the closed lines CLN overlapping with the first line ADL1 extending in the first direction DR1 parallel to the folding axis, and thus the folding characteristics can be effectively improved.

[0131] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ratio of the second reference ratio to the first reference ratio can be greater than 1 and less than or equal to 5. For example, when the ratio of the second reference ratio to the first reference ratio is greater than 1, the number of the closed lines CLN overlapping with the second line ADL2 per unit length can be greater than the number of the closed lines CLN overlapping with the first line ADL1 per unit length, and thus the folding characteristics can be effectively improved.

[0132] When the ratio of the second reference ratio to the first reference ratio is less than or equal to 5, the number of the closed lines CLN overlapping with the first line ADL1 per unit length and the number of the closed lines CLN overlapping with the second line ADL2 per unit length can be prevented from being significantly different, and thus an irregular pattern UPT having a regular pattern locally in the first direction DR1 can be prevented.

[0133] Figure 7A The irregular pattern UPT shown in Figure 7A can correspond to a pattern obtained by modifying the aspect ratio of another irregular pattern UPT. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7B the irregular pattern UPT shown in

[0134] For example, in Figure 7AThe irregular pattern UPT formed in the pattern portion PT-FP shown in can correspond to a pattern obtained by modifying the Voronoi pattern PT-VN (refer to Figure 7B ) in the first direction DR1. Specifically, Figure 7A The length L1 of the irregular pattern UPT in the first direction DR1 can be Figure 7B Twice the length L1-P of the Voronoi pattern PT-VN in the first direction DR1. In this case, Figure 7A The length L2 of the irregular pattern UPT in the second direction DR2 can correspond to Figure 7B The length L2-P of the Voronoi pattern PT-VN in the second direction DR2.

[0135] In other words, Figure 7A The length L2 of the irregular pattern UPT in the second direction DR2 can be Figure 7B 0.5 times the length L2-P of the Voronoi pattern PT-VN in the second direction DR2. In this case, Figure 7A The length L1 of the irregular pattern UPT in the first direction DR1 can correspond to Figure 7B The length L1-P of the Voronoi pattern PT-VN in the first direction DR1.

[0136] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when n is a number greater than 1, the number of closed lines CLN overlapping with the second line ADL2 per unit length can be greater than the number of closed lines CLN overlapping with the first line ADL1 per unit length, and thus the folding characteristics can be effectively improved.

[0137] When n is less than or equal to 5, the isotropic characteristics of the Voronoi pattern PT-VN (refer to Figure 7B ) can be prevented from deteriorating excessively, and thus moiré interference can be prevented from occurring in the regular pattern with respect to the pixel PX (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0138] Figure 7B The Voronoi pattern PT-VN shown in is an irregular pattern having isotropic characteristics. For example, Figure 7B The Voronoi pattern PT-VN shown in can be formed by a Voronoi diagram formed for a plurality of points (generation points, not shown here) arranged on a plane, and the Voronoi pattern PT-VN can be an irregular pattern having a mesh shape. Figure 7B The Voronoi pattern PT-VN shown in can be an irregular pattern having isotropic characteristics.

[0139] Figure 7A The irregular pattern UPT formed in the pattern portion PT-FP shown in can be obtained byFigure 7B The aspect ratio of the Voronoi pattern PT-VN with isotropic characteristics is modified to 1:n to form. By extending the Voronoi pattern PT-VN in the first direction DR1 parallel to the folding axis, the number of closed lines CLN overlapping with the first line ADL1 per unit length can be relatively large compared to the number of closed lines CLN overlapping with the second line ADL2 per unit length. Therefore, the folding characteristics of the display device can be effectively improved.

[0140] That is, the number of closed lines per unit length in the direction parallel to the folding axis can be greater than the number of closed lines per unit length in the direction intersecting the folding axis. By increasing the number of closed lines per unit length in the direction parallel to the folding axis, the amount of resin accommodated in the closed lines can be increased, and thus the folding characteristics can be effectively improved.

[0141] The Voronoi pattern PT-VN that can be used in the present disclosure is not limited to Figure 7B the Voronoi pattern PT-VN shown in, and the Voronoi pattern PT-VN formed using various numerical values and algorithms can be used.

[0142] In addition, without being limited thereto, an aperiodic tiling pattern can be used instead of the Voronoi pattern PT-VN, and the present disclosure is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0143] Figure 8A is an enlarged plan view of the glass cover GL (refer to Figure 5A ) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 8B is an enlarged plan view of the Voronoi pattern PT-VN1 according to an embodiment.

[0144] Refer to Figure 8A , the folding member FP (refer to Figure 4B ) may include a first part PT1 adjacent to the folding axis FX1 (refer to Figure 3 ) and a second part PT2 farther from the folding axis FX1 (refer to Figure 3 ) than the first part PT1. The density of the closed lines CLN-1 in the first part PT1 may be different from the density of the closed lines CLN-2 in the second part PT2.

[0145] In addition, the folding member FP (refer to Figure 4B) may include a third part PT3 spaced apart from the second part PT2, and the first part PT1 is located between the third part PT3 and the second part PT2. The density of the closed lines CLN-1 in the first part PT1 may be different from the density of the closed lines in the third part PT3. The density of the closed lines CLN-2 in the second part PT2 may be equal to the density of the closed lines in the third part PT3, but is not limited thereto.

[0146] Since the density of the closed lines CLN-1 in the first part PT1 is different from the density of the closed lines CLN-2 in the second part PT2, the bending characteristics of the first part PT1 may be different from the bending characteristics of the second part PT2. For example, the density of the closed lines CLN-1 in the first part PT1 may be lower than the density of the closed lines CLN-2 in the second part PT2, and thus the bending characteristics of the second part PT2 may be greater than the bending characteristics of the first part PT1.

[0147] In addition, the area (or density) occupied by the groove HO-2 formed in the second part PT2 may be greater than the area (or density) occupied by the groove HO-1 formed in the first part PT1. In this case, the amount of the filling part FM (refer to Figure 9A ) accommodated in the groove HO-2 of the second part PT2 may be greater than the amount of the filling part FM accommodated in the groove HO-1 of the first part PT1. Since the filling part FM that is softer than the glass cover GL (refer to Figure 5A ) can be more easily accommodated in the second part PT2 than in the first part PT1, the bending characteristics of the second part PT2 may be better than the bending characteristics of the first part PT1.

[0148] In Figure 8A , the density of the closed lines CLN-1 in the first part PT1 is shown to be lower than the density of the closed lines CLN-2 in the second part PT2. However, it is not limited thereto, the density of the closed lines CLN-1 in the first part PT1 may be higher than or equal to the density of the closed lines CLN-2 in the second part PT2, and the present disclosure is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0149] By adjusting the positions of the patterns formed by the closed lines CLN-1 in the first part PT1, the closed lines CLN-2 in the second part PT2, and the closed lines in the third part PT3, according to the curvature of the folding area FA (refer to Figure 1A ) of the display device DD (refer to Figure 1A ), the positions of the patterns can be adjusted to implement folding and unfolding.

[0150] For example, during outward folding, near the folding axis FX1 (refer to Figure 3) The density of the closed line CLN-1 in the portion of Figure 3 ) can be lowered to reduce the bending characteristics in the portion adjacent to the folding axis FX1 (refer to Figure 3 ) and increase the bending characteristics in the portion away from the folding axis FX1 (refer to Figure 4B ), and thus the display device DD (refer to

[0151] Figure 8B is an enlarged view of the Voronoi pattern PT-VN1 according to the embodiment. Figure 8B The pattern shown in

[0152] shows a case where a first pattern PT1-P, a second pattern PT2-P, and a third pattern PT3-P having different Voronoi patterns are formed in the second direction DR2.

[0153] The density of the closed line CLN-1P of the first pattern PT1-P of the Voronoi pattern PT-VN1 can be lower than the density of the closed line CLN-2P of the second pattern PT2-P and the density of the closed line of the third pattern PT3-P of the Voronoi pattern PT-VN1. The density of the closed line CLN-2P of the second pattern PT2-P can be equal to the density of the closed line of the third pattern PT3-P. Alternatively, and not limited thereto, the density of the closed line CLN-2P of the second pattern PT2-P can be different from the density of the closed line of the third pattern PT3-P.

[0153] The pattern obtained by modifying the aspect ratio of the first pattern PT1-P to 1:n can correspond to the pattern formed by the closed line CLN-1 in the first part PT1 shown in Figure 8A . The pattern obtained by modifying the aspect ratio of the second pattern PT2-P to 1:n can correspond to the pattern formed by the closed line CLN-2 in the second part PT2 shown in Figure 8A . The pattern obtained by modifying the aspect ratio of the third pattern PT3-P to 1:n can correspond to the pattern formed by the closed line in the third part PT3 shown in Figure 8A .

[0154] For example, in Figure 8A the irregular pattern formed in the pattern portion PT1-FP can correspond to the pattern obtained by modifying the Voronoi pattern PT-VN1 (refer to Figure 8B ) in the first direction DR1. Specifically, Figure 8A the length L1-1 of the irregular pattern in the first direction DR1 can be Figure 8B twice the length L1-1P of the Voronoi pattern PT-VN1 in the first direction DR1. In this case, Figure 8A the length L2-1 of the irregular pattern in the second direction DR2 can correspond toFigure 8B The length L2-1P in the second direction DR2 of the Voronoi pattern PT-VN1.

[0155] Figures 9A - 9C is a cross-sectional view of a glass cover GL according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0156] Referring to Figure 9A , the groove HO of the glass cover GL may be filled with a filling portion FM.

[0157] The filling portion FM may include a resin. The filling portion FM may include at least one of an acrylate-based resin, a silicone-based resin, a urethane-based resin, and an epoxy-based resin. The impact resistance and flexibility of the glass cover GL may be improved by filling the groove HO with the filling portion FM.

[0158] Referring to Figure 9B , the thickness D_FM of the filling portion FM may be greater than the depth D_HO of the groove. The filling portion FM may cover a pattern portion PT-FP formed by a closing line CLN (refer to Figure 7A ). That is, the filling portion FM and the closing line CLN (refer to Figure 7A ) may overlap each other in a plan view.

[0159] The filling portion FM may cover the closing line CLN (refer to Figure 7A ), and thus the folding member FP may be folded and unfolded smoothly. Accordingly, the impact resistance and flexibility of the glass cover GL may be improved.

[0160] Referring to Figure 9C , some of the plurality of grooves HO may have the same width, and the other grooves HO may have different widths. That is, the distances between the closing lines CLN (refer to Figure 7A ) may be equal to or different from each other.

[0161] In addition, the upper and lower sides of some of the grooves HO may have different widths. For example, the upper side may have a greater width than the lower side. The closing line CLN (refer to Figure 7A ) may have a tapered shape in a cross-section.

[0162] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing an unfolded state of a display device DD-1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0163] Referring to Figure 10, the display device DD-1 according to an embodiment may include a display surface FS, and the display surface FS is parallel to a plane defined by a first direction axis DR1 and a second direction axis DR2 intersecting the first direction axis DR1 in an unfolded state. The display device DD-1 may provide an image IM to a user through the display surface FS. Hereinafter, the front surface (or upper surface) and the rear surface (or lower surface) of the component are defined based on the direction of the displayed image IM, and the following description will be given based on this. In addition, the direction in which the display image IM is displayed may be defined as the direction of a third direction axis DR3, and the direction of a fourth direction axis DR4 may be defined as a direction opposite to the direction of the third direction axis DR3.

[0164] The display surface FS of the display device DD-1 may include an active area F-AA and a peripheral area F-NAA. The active area F-AA may be an area activated according to an electrical signal. The display device DD-1 according to an embodiment may display an image IM through the active area F-AA. In addition, the active area F-AA may sense various forms of external input. The peripheral area F-NAA is adjacent to the active area F-AA. The peripheral area F-NAA may have a specific color.

[0165] The electronic module area EMA may be included in the active area F-AA. Various electronic modules may be provided in the electronic module area EMA. For example, the electronic module may include at least one of a camera, a speaker, a light detection sensor, and a thermal detection sensor. The electronic module area EMA may sense an external object received through the display surface FS, or may provide a sound signal, such as voice, to the outside through the display surface FS. The electronic module may include a plurality of components and is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0166] The electronic module area EMA may be surrounded by the active area F-AA and the peripheral area F-NAA. However, it is not limited thereto, and the electronic module area EMA may be provided in the active area F-AA and is not limited to any one embodiment. When the electronic module provided in the electronic module area EMA is deactivated, the electronic module area EMA may display a video or an image in a corresponding part of the display surface FS.

[0167] The rear surface RS of the display device DD-1 of one embodiment may be a surface facing away from the display surface FS. In an embodiment, the rear surface RS may be an outer surface of the display device DD-1, and a video or an image may not be displayed on the rear surface RS. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the rear surface RS may be used as a second display surface on which a video or an image is displayed. In addition, the display device DD-1 of one embodiment may further include an electronic module area provided on the rear surface RS. A camera, a speaker, a light detection sensor, etc. may be provided in the electronic module area arranged on the rear surface RS.

[0168] In a display device DD-1 of an embodiment, a peripheral region F-NAA may surround an active region F-AA. Thus, the shape of the active region F-AA may be substantially defined by the peripheral region F-NAA. However, this is illustrative, and the peripheral region F-NAA may be arranged to be adjacent to only one side of the active region F-AA, or may be omitted. The display device DD-1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an active region F-AA having various shapes and is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0169] A display device DD-1 of an embodiment may include folding regions FA1 and FA2 and non-folding regions NFA1, NFA2, and NFA3. The display device DD-1 may include a first non-folding region NFA1, a first folding region FA1, a second non-folding region NFA2, a second folding region FA2, and a third non-folding region NFA3 arranged side by side in one direction. The first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2 may be spaced apart from each other, and the first folding region FA1 is between the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2, and the second non-folding region NFA2 and the third non-folding region NFA3 may be spaced apart from each other, and the second folding region FA2 is between the second non-folding region NFA2 and the third non-folding region NFA3. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The number (total number) of folding regions and the number (total number) of non-folding regions are not limited to those shown, and the display device DD-1 may include three or more folding regions and four or more non-folding regions.

[0170] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a folding process of a display device DD-1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12A is a side view showing a folded state of a display device DD-1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12B is a side view showing a folded state of a display device DD-1a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0171] Referring to Figure 11 and Figure 12A A display device DD-1 of an embodiment may include a first folding region FA1 folded about a first folding axis FX1 parallel to a first direction axis DR1, and a second folding region FA2 folded about a second folding axis FX2 parallel to the first direction axis DR1 and spaced apart from the first folding axis FX1. The second folding axis FX2 may be spaced apart from the first folding axis FX1 in the direction of a second direction axis DR2. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first folding axis FX1 and the second folding axis FX2 may be parallel to each other in any direction other than the direction of the first direction axis DR1.

[0172] In a display device DD-1 of an embodiment, a first folding region FA1 can be folded in a first folding direction FD1, and a second folding region FA2 can be folded in a second folding direction FD2. In the embodiment, the first folding direction FD1 can be a direction in which the first folding region FA1 is folded such that the display surface FS of the first non-folding region NFA1 and the display surface FS of the second non-folding region NFA2 are adjacent to each other and face each other, and the second folding direction FD2 can be a direction in which the second folding region FA2 is folded such that the display surface FS of the third non-folding region NFA3 is exposed to the outside.

[0173] A display device DD-1 of an embodiment can include a display module DM and a window WM. The window WM can be disposed on the display module DM. The window WM can form the display surface FS of the display device DD-1. The window WM can include a lower surface DS adjacent to the display module DM and an upper surface US facing away from the lower surface DS in the thickness direction.

[0174] In Figure 11 and Figure 12A In an embodiment shown, the first folding axis FX1 can be a virtual axis extending in the direction of the first direction axis DR1 and can be located above the display surface FS. In addition, the second folding axis FX2 can be a virtual axis extending in the direction of the first direction axis DR1 and can be located below the rear surface RS.

[0175] In a display device DD-1 of an embodiment, the first folding region FA1 can be folded in an inward folding manner such that the display surface FS of the first non-folding region NFA1 and the display surface FS of the second non-folding region NFA2 are adjacent to each other and face each other. The second folding region FA2 can be folded in an outward folding manner such that the rear surface RS of the second non-folding region NFA2 and the rear surface RS of the third non-folding region NFA3 are adjacent to each other and face each other. In the folded state of a display device DD-1 of an embodiment, the display surface FS of the third non-folding region NFA3 can be exposed to the outside. When a display device DD-1 of an embodiment is folded as in the operation of Figure 11 the upper surface US of the window WM in the first non-folding region NFA1 and the upper surface US of the window WM in the second non-folding region NFA2 can be adjacent to each other and can face each other, and the upper surface US of the window WM in the third non-folding region NFA3 can be exposed to the outside.

[0176] Referring to Figure 12A , the first folding region FA1 can be folded to have a first radius of curvature R IN . The first radius of curvature R INmay correspond to the maximum distance from the first folding axis FX1 to the upper surface US in the first folding region FA1 of the window WM. The second folding region FA2 may be folded to have a second radius of curvature R OT . The second radius of curvature R OT may correspond to the maximum distance from the second folding axis FX2 to the upper surface US in the second folding region FA2 of the window WM. The second radius of curvature R of the outwardly folded second folding region FA2 OT may be greater than the first radius of curvature R of the inwardly folded first folding region FA1 IN .

[0177] In Figure 12A the display device DD-1 of an embodiment shown in, the interval G between the upper surfaces US facing each other in the inwardly folded first folding region FA1 of the window WM FP may be greater than the interval G between the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2 facing each other in the folded state NF . In the display device DD-1 of an embodiment, the interval G between the upper surfaces US facing each other in the first folding region FA1 of the window WM FP may gradually increase from the portion adjacent to the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2 toward the first folding axis FX1. When viewed from above the plane defined by the second direction axis DR2 and the third direction axis DR3, the first folding region FA1 may have a water-drop shape. The interval G between the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2 facing each other in the folded state NF may be less than twice the first radius of curvature R IN .

[0178] When viewed from above the plane defined by the second direction axis DR2 and the third direction axis DR3 (e.g., sectional view), the second folding region FA2 may have a U shape. In Figure 12A an embodiment shown in, when the first folding region FA1 is folded, the first radius of curvature R IN may be less than the second radius of curvature R OT . However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first radius of curvature R IN and the second radius of curvature R OT may be changed to reflect the thickness of the display device DD-1.

[0179] Figure 12B is a side view showing the folded state of the display device DD-1a according to an embodiment. In terms of the folding shape of the first folding region, according to Figure 12B an embodiment shown in, the display device DD-1a is different from that according toFigure 12A The display device DD-1 of one embodiment shown in. In the display device DD-1a of one embodiment, the first folding region FA1-a can be folded in an inward folding manner such that the display surface FS of the first non-folding region NFA1 (refer to Figure 11 ) and the display surface FS of the second non-folding region NFA2 (refer to Figure 11 ) are adjacent to each other and face each other, and the second folding region FA2 can be folded in an outward folding manner such that the rear surface RS of the second non-folding region NFA2 (refer to Figure 11 ) and the rear surface RS of the third non-folding region NFA3 (refer to Figure 11 ) are adjacent to each other and face each other.

[0180] Refer to Figure 12B , the first folding region FA1-a can be folded to have a first radius of curvature R IN-a . The first radius of curvature R IN-a can correspond to the maximum distance from the first folding axis FX1 to the upper surface US of the window WM in the first folding region FA1-a. The second folding region FA2 can be folded to have a second radius of curvature R OT . The second radius of curvature R OT can correspond to the maximum distance from the second folding axis FX2 to the upper surface US of the window WM in the second folding region FA2. The second radius of curvature R OT of the outwardly folded second folding region FA2 can be greater than the first radius of curvature R IN-a of the inwardly folded first folding region FA1-a. In addition, in one embodiment shown in Figure 12B , the first radius of curvature R IN-a of the first folding region FA1-a can be smaller than the first radius of curvature R Figure 12A of the first folding region FA1 in one embodiment shown in IN .

[0181] In the display device DD-1a of one embodiment shown in Figure 12B , the interval G FP-a between the upper surfaces US facing each other in the inwardly folded first folding region FA1-a of the window WM can be equal to the interval G NF-a between the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2 facing each other in the folded state. When viewed from above the plane defined by the second direction axis DR2 and the third direction axis DR3, the first folding region FA1-a can have a U shape. The interval G NF-a between the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2 facing each other in the folded state can correspond to the first radius of curvature R IN-aTwice that of. In Figure 12B In one embodiment shown, when the first folding region FA1-a is folded, the first radius of curvature R IN-a can be less than the second radius of curvature R OT . However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first radius of curvature R IN-a and the second radius of curvature R OT can be changed to reflect the thickness of the display device DD-1a.

[0182] Figure 13A is a perspective view showing the folding process of a display device DD-2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13B is a cross-sectional view showing the folded state of a display device DD-2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13C is a cross-sectional view showing the folded state of a display device DD-2a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0183] Figure 13A The display device DD-2 of one embodiment shown in Figure 2A can perform a folding operation in a form different from that of the display device DD-a of one embodiment shown in

[0184] Referring to Figure 13A and Figure 13B , a display device DD-2 of one embodiment may include a first folding region FA1-1 that folds about a first folding axis FX1 parallel to the first direction axis DR1, and a second folding region FA2-1 that folds about a second folding axis FX2 parallel to the first direction axis DR1 and spaced apart from the first folding axis FX1. In Figure 13A and Figure 13B In one embodiment shown, the first folding axis FX1 and the second folding axis FX2 may be virtual axes extending in the direction of the first direction axis DR1, and may be located above the display surface FS. The second folding axis FX2 may be spaced apart from the first folding axis FX1 in the direction of the second direction axis DR2. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first folding axis FX1 and the second folding axis FX2 may be parallel to each other in any direction other than the direction of the first direction axis DR1.

[0185] In a display device DD-2 of an embodiment, a first folding region FA1-1 can be folded in a first folding direction FD1, and a second folding region FA2-1 can be folded in a second folding direction FD2. In the embodiment, the first folding direction FD1 can be a direction in which the first folding region FA1-1 is folded such that the display surface FS of the first non-folding region NFA1-1 and the display surface FS of the second non-folding region NFA2-1 are adjacent to each other and face each other, and the second folding direction FD2 can be a direction in which the second folding region FA2-1 is folded such that the rear surface RS of the third non-folding region NFA3-1 is exposed to the outside.

[0186] A display device DD-2 of an embodiment can include a display module DM and a window WM. The window WM can be disposed on the display module DM. The window WM can include a lower surface DS adjacent to the display module DM and an upper surface US facing away from the lower surface DS in the thickness direction.

[0187] In a display device DD-2 of an embodiment, the first folding region FA1-1 can be folded in an inward folding manner such that the display surface FS of the first non-folding region NFA1-1 and the display surface FS of the second non-folding region NFA2-1 are adjacent to each other and face each other. The second folding region FA2-1 can be folded in an inward folding manner such that the rear surface RS of the first non-folding region NFA1-1 and the rear surface RS of the third non-folding region NFA3-1 are adjacent to each other and face each other. In the folded state of a display device DD-2 of an embodiment, the rear surface RS of the third non-folding region NFA3-1 can be exposed to the outside. When a display device DD-2 of an embodiment is folded as in the Figure 13A operation, the upper surface US of the window WM in the first non-folding region NFA1-1 and the upper surface US of the window WM in the second non-folding region NFA2-1 can be adjacent to each other and can face each other, and the upper surface US of the window WM in the third non-folding region NFA3-1 can face inward and can be adjacent to the lower surface DS of the window WM in the first non-folding region NFA1-1.

[0188] Referring to Figure 13B , the first folding region FA1-1 can be folded to have a first radius of curvature R IN . The first radius of curvature R IN can correspond to the maximum distance from the first folding axis FX1 to the upper surface US of the window WM in the first folding region FA1-1. The second folding region FA2 can be folded to have a second radius of curvature R OT . The second radius of curvature R OTmay correspond to the maximum distance from the second folding axis FX2 to the upper surface US in the second folding region FA2-1 of the window WM. The second curvature radius R of the second folding region FA2-1 folded in an inward folding manner at a relatively outer position OT may be greater than the first curvature radius R of the first folding region FA1-1 folded in an inward folding manner at a relatively inner position IN .

[0189] In Figure 13B one embodiment shown, when the first folding region FA1-1 is folded, the first curvature radius R IN may be less than the second curvature radius R OT . However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first curvature radius R IN and the second curvature radius R OT may be changed to reflect the thickness of the display device DD-2.

[0190] Referring to Figure 13B and in conjunction with Figure 13A , in the display device DD-2 of one embodiment, the interval G between the upper surfaces US facing each other in the inwardly folded first folding region FA1-1 of the window WM FP may be greater than the interval G between the first non-folding region NFA1-1 and the second non-folding region NFA2-1 facing each other in the folded state NP . The interval G between the first non-folding region NFA1-1 and the second non-folding region NFA2-1 facing each other in the folded state NP may be less than twice the first curvature radius R IN .

[0191] When viewed from above the plane defined by the second direction axis DR2 and the third direction axis DR3, the first folding region FA1-1 may have a water droplet shape. When viewed from above the plane defined by the second direction axis DR2 and the third direction axis DR3, the second folding region FA2-1 may have a U shape.

[0192] Figure 13C is a side view showing the folded state of the display device DD-2a according to an embodiment. In terms of the folding shape of the first folding region, the display device DD-2a according to Figure 13C one embodiment shown is different from that according to Figure 13BThe display device DD-2 of one embodiment shown in the figure. In the display device DD-2a of one embodiment, the first folding region FA1-1a can be folded in an inward folding manner such that the display surfaces FS of the first non-folding region NFA1-1 and the second non-folding region NFA2-1 are adjacent to each other and face each other. The second folding region FA2-1 can be folded in an inward folding manner such that the rear surface RS of the first non-folding region NFA1-1 and the display surface FS of the third non-folding region NFA3-1 are adjacent to each other and face each other.

[0193] In the display device DD-2a of one embodiment, the interval G between the upper surfaces US facing each other in the inwardly folded first folding region FA1-1a of the window WM FP-a can be equal to the interval G between the first non-folding region NFA1-1 and the second non-folding region NFA2-1 in the folded state NP . When viewed from above the plane defined by the second direction axis DR2 and the third direction axis DR3, the first folding region FA1-1a can have a U shape. The interval G between the first non-folding region NFA1-1 and the second non-folding region NFA2-1 facing each other in the folded state NP can correspond to twice the first radius of curvature R IN-a .

[0194] In Figure 13C one embodiment shown in the figure, when the first folding region FA1-1a is folded, the second radius of curvature R OT-a can be greater than the first radius of curvature R IN-a . However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first radius of curvature R IN-a and the second radius of curvature R OT-a can be changed to reflect the thickness of the display device DD-2a.

[0195] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the display device DD-1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the display device DD-1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Components that are the same / similar as those described above with reference to Figures 1A - 13C will be denoted by the same / similar reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0196] Refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15, the window WM may include a first non-folding part NFP1, a first folding part FP1, a second non-folding part NFP2, a second folding part FP2, and a third non-folding part NFP3 arranged in the direction of the second direction axis DR2. The radius of curvature when the first folding part FP1 is folded may be smaller than the radius of curvature when the second folding part FP2 is folded. In addition, the width of the first folding part FP1 in the direction of the second direction axis DR2 may be smaller than the width of the second folding part FP2 in the direction of the second direction axis DR2. The first folding part FP1 and the second folding part FP2 may have a width of "πR" or more in the direction of the second direction axis DR2. Here, "R" corresponds to the radius of curvature of each of the first folding part FP1 and the second folding part FP2. The width of the first folding part FP1 may be greater than or equal to "πX (the first radius of curvature)", and the width of the second folding part FP2 may be greater than or equal to "πX (the second radius of curvature)". The first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature may be the radius of curvature of the first folding part FP1 and the second folding part FP2, respectively.

[0197] The display module DM may include folding display parts FP1-D and FP2-D and non-folding display parts NFP1-D, NFP2-D, and NFP3-D. The folding display parts FP1-D and FP2-D may be parts corresponding to the folding regions FA1 and FA2, and the non-folding display parts NFP1-D, NFP2-D, and NFP3-D may be parts corresponding to the non-folding regions NFA1, NFA2, and NFA3. That is, a plurality of folding regions and a plurality of folding display parts may be provided, and the number of folding regions and the number of folding display parts may be equal to each other.

[0198] The first foldable display component FP1-D may correspond to a component that can be folded or bent around a first fold axis FX1 extending in the direction of a first direction axis DR1. The second foldable display component FP2-D may correspond to a component that can be folded or bent around a second fold axis FX2 extending in the direction of the first direction axis DR1. The display module DM may include a first non-foldable display component NFP1-D, a second non-foldable display component NFP2-D, a third non-foldable display component NFP3-D, a first foldable display portion FP1-D, and a second foldable display component FP2-D. The first non-foldable display component NFP1-D and the second non-foldable display component NFP2-D may be spaced apart from each other, and the first foldable display portion FP1-D is located between the first non-foldable display component NFP1-D and the second non-foldable display component NFP2-D, and the second non-foldable display component NFP2-D and the third non-foldable display component NFP3-D may be spaced apart from each other, and the second foldable display component FP2-D is located between the second non-foldable display component NFP2-D and the third non-foldable display component NFP3-D.

[0199] Figure 16A and Figure 16B is an enlarged plan view of a glass cover GL (refer to Figure 5A ) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0200] Refer to Figure 16A , in the first pattern portion PT-FP1, a first irregular pattern UPT1 may be defined in a first fold component FP1 (refer to Figure 14 ) overlapping with the first fold axis FX1 (refer to Figure 14 ), and in the second pattern portion PT-FP2, a second irregular pattern UPT2 may be defined in a second fold component FP2 (refer to Figure 14 ) overlapping with the second fold axis FX2 (refer to Figure 14 ). In this case, the radius of curvature of the first fold component FP1 (refer to Figure 14 ) may be smaller than the radius of curvature of the second fold component FP2 (refer to Figure 14 ).

[0201] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the size of the closed line CLN1 of the first irregular pattern UPT1 may be different from the size of the closed line CLN2 of the second irregular pattern UPT2. In addition, in the second irregular pattern UTP2, the closed line CLN2 may have different sizes according to the position.

[0202] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, regardless of whether the closed line CLN1 coincides with the first fold axis FX1 (refer to Figure 14) Regardless of the distance between them, the density of the closed line CLN1 of the first irregular pattern UPT1 can be the same. As the distance between the closed line CLN2 and the second folding axis FX2 (refer to Figure 14 ) increases, the density of the closed line CLN2 of the second irregular pattern UPT2 can increase.

[0203] By placing the second irregular pattern UPT2 with a small bending characteristic in the central part in the second folding member FP2 having a large radius of curvature (refer to Figure 14 ), it is possible to prevent the glass cover GL (refer to Figure 5A ) from being over-folded and unfolded during folding and unfolding, and thus it is possible to prevent damage to the glass cover GL (refer to Figure 5A ).

[0204] Not limited to what is shown, the closed line CLN2 of the second irregular pattern UPT2 can form the same irregular pattern as the closed line CLN1 of the first irregular pattern UPT1, and is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0205] Refer to Figure 16B , the density of the closed line CLN1 of the first irregular pattern UPT1 in the first pattern part PT1-FP1 can increase as the distance between the closed line CLN1 and the first folding axis FX1 (refer to Figure 14 ) increases, and the density of the closed line CLN2 of the second irregular pattern UPT2 in the second pattern part PT2-FP2 can increase as the distance between the closed line CLN2 and the second folding axis FX2 (refer to Figure 14 ) increases. In this case, the minimum value of the density of the closed line CLN1 of the first irregular pattern UPT1 can be less than the minimum value of the density of the closed line CLN2 of the second irregular pattern UPT2.

[0206] Not limited to what is shown, the second irregular pattern UPT2 can be the same irregular pattern as the first irregular pattern UPT1, and is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0207] As described above, the display device can have good folding characteristics and can prevent the deterioration of display quality.

[0208] In addition, the display device can include a glass cover having grooves formed in an irregular pattern, and thus it is possible to prevent the occurrence of moiré interference related to pixels having a regular pattern.

[0209] Furthermore, by modifying the aspect ratio of the irregular pattern forming the grooves to 1:n, the display device can have good folding characteristics.

[0210] In addition, by using a Voronoi pattern obtained by modifying the aspect ratio of an irregular pattern forming a groove to 1:n, the display device can have good folding characteristics.

[0211] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein, The display device includes: A display panel including a plurality of pixels, a folding region capable of being folded around a folding axis defined in a direction parallel to a first direction, and a first non-folding region and a second non-folding region spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the folding region is located between the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region; and A glass cover disposed on the display panel, the glass cover including a first non-folding member, a folding member, and a second non-folding member arranged in the second direction and configured to overlap with the first non-folding region, the folding region, and the second non-folding region respectively, Wherein, the folding member defines a plurality of grooves respectively corresponding to a plurality of closing lines, Wherein, the pixels among the plurality of pixels configured to overlap with the folding region form a regular pattern, and the plurality of closing lines form an irregular pattern, and Wherein, a first reference ratio is defined as the total number of grooves configured to overlap with a line extending in the first direction and passing through the center point of the folding member per unit length, and a second reference ratio is defined as the total number of grooves configured to overlap with a line extending in the second direction and passing through the center point of the folding member per unit length, and the first reference ratio is less than the second reference ratio.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The irregular pattern corresponds to a pattern obtained by modifying the aspect ratio of a Voronoi pattern to 1:n, Wherein, the aspect ratio is the ratio of the length of the Voronoi pattern in the second direction to the length of the Voronoi pattern in the first direction, and Wherein, the n is greater than 1.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The n is less than or equal to 5.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The folding member includes a first portion adjacent to the folding axis and a second portion farther from the folding axis than the first portion, and Wherein, the density of the plurality of closing lines in the first portion is lower than the density of the plurality of closing lines in the second portion.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The folding regions are provided in plurality, and the plurality of folding regions can be folded around different folding axes respectively, and Wherein, the folding members are provided in plurality, and the total number of the folding regions is equal to the total number of the folding members.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The ratio of the second reference ratio to the first reference ratio is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 5.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The glass cover further includes a filling portion accommodated in the plurality of grooves, and Wherein, the filling portion includes at least one of an acrylate-based resin, a silicone-based resin, a urethane-based resin, and an epoxy-based resin.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The filling portion has a thickness greater than the depth of each of the plurality of grooves.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The glass cover has a thickness of 50 micrometers to 150 micrometers, and Wherein, the folding member has a width of 6.6 millimeters or less in the second direction.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of grooves has a width of 50 micrometers to 100 micrometers, and Wherein, each of the plurality of grooves has a depth of 50 micrometers to 100 micrometers.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The upper side and the lower side of each of the plurality of grooves have different widths from each other.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of grooves are connected together to have an integral shape, and Among them, the irregular pattern has a net shape.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The glass cover includes: a lower surface configured to face the display panel; and an upper surface configured to face away from the lower surface, and wherein the plurality of grooves are defined on the upper surface of the glass cover or on the lower surface of the glass cover.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein, The plurality of grooves includes: a plurality of first grooves defined on the upper surface of the glass cover; and a plurality of second grooves defined on the lower surface of the glass cover, and wherein the first grooves and the second grooves do not overlap with each other in a plan view.

15. A display device, wherein, The display device includes: a display panel including a plurality of pixels, a folding region capable of being folded about a folding axis defined in a direction parallel to a first direction, and a first non-folding region and a second non-folding region spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the folding region is located between the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region; and a glass cover disposed on the display panel, the glass cover including a first non-folding member, a folding member, and a second non-folding member arranged in the second direction and configured to overlap with the first non-folding region, the folding region, and the second non-folding region, respectively, wherein the folding member defines a plurality of grooves respectively corresponding to a plurality of closed lines, wherein the plurality of closed lines form an irregular pattern, and wherein the irregular pattern corresponds to a pattern obtained by modifying the aspect ratio of the Voronoi pattern to 1:n, wherein the aspect ratio is the ratio of the length of the Voronoi pattern in the second direction to the length of the Voronoi pattern in the first direction, and wherein the n is greater than 1.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein, A first reference ratio is defined as the total number of grooves per unit length configured to overlap with a line extending in the first direction and passing through the center point of the folding member, and a second reference ratio is defined as the total number of grooves per unit length configured to overlap with a line extending in the second direction and passing through the center point of the folding member, and the first reference ratio is less than the second reference ratio.

17. The display device according to claim 15, wherein, The n is less than or equal to 5.

18. The display device according to claim 15, wherein, The folding member includes a first portion adjacent to the folding axis and a second portion farther from the folding axis than the first portion, and wherein the density of the plurality of closed lines in the first portion is lower than the density of the plurality of closed lines in the second portion.

19. The display device according to claim 15, wherein, The glass cover further includes filling portions accommodated in the plurality of grooves.

20. The display device according to claim 15, wherein, The plurality of grooves are connected together to have an integral shape, and wherein the plurality of closed lines form an irregular pattern, and the irregular pattern has a net shape.

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