Display device

Abstract

A display device includes: a display panel; a support member below the display panel and including a lattice portion defining at least one opening; a first lower adhesive layer between the display panel and the support member, and the first lower adhesive layer overlaps the flat area; a cover adhesive layer between the display panel and the support member, and the cover adhesive layer overlaps the folding region; and a cover member between the display panel and the support member, the cover member overlapping the folding area, and the cover member being adhered to the cover adhesive layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a display device. Background Art

[0002] Flat panel display devices (e.g., organic light-emitting display devices) can be relatively lightweight and thin. With technological advancements, the development of flexible display devices with flexible characteristics is increasing. Flexible display devices can include curved display devices, bendable display devices, foldable display devices, rollable display devices, and stretchable display devices.

[0003] A flexible display device may include a display panel and a protective film. The display panel may have a flexible characteristic, and the protective film may be positioned under the display panel and support the display panel.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background technology and therefore the information discussed in this Background section does not necessarily constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aspects of some embodiments include a display device.

[0006] According to some embodiments, the display device may include: a display panel, which is divided into a folding area and a flat area adjacent to the folding area; a supporting member, which is below the display panel and includes a lattice portion (or grid portion) defining at least one opening; a first lower adhesive layer, which is between the display panel and the supporting member and overlaps with the flat area; a covering adhesive layer, which is between the display panel and the supporting member and overlaps with the folding area; and a covering member, which is between the display panel and the supporting member, overlaps with the folding area, and adheres to the covering adhesive layer.

[0007] According to some embodiments, the covering member may cover the lattice portion.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the length of the covering member may be greater than the length of the lattice portion.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the cover member may be spaced apart from the display panel.

[0010] According to some embodiments, a sum of a thickness of the cover adhesive layer and a thickness of the cover member may be smaller than a thickness of the first lower adhesive layer.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the thickness of the first lower adhesive layer may be in a range of 25 micrometers (μm) to 50 μm (or approximately 25 μm to approximately 50 μm).

[0012] According to some embodiments, the covering member may comprise metal.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the covering member may include stainless steel (SUS).

[0014] According to some embodiments, the covering member may include fiber reinforced plastic (FRP).

[0015] According to some embodiments, the display device may further include a digitizer below the support member.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the cover adhesive layer may be spaced apart from the first lower adhesive layer.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the first lower adhesive layer may be in contact with the display panel.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the modulus of the first lower adhesive layer may be different from the modulus of the cover adhesive layer.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the support member may further include a resin filled in the at least one opening.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the cover adhesive layer may also overlap the flat area and may be below the first lower adhesive layer.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the cover adhesive layer may also overlap the flat area and may be on the first lower adhesive layer.

[0022] Therefore, a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention may include a covering member that covers the lattice portion of the support member. The lattice portion may be formed in the folding region, and the covering member on the upper surface of the lattice portion may have a width greater than the width of the lattice portion. Thus, the stress applied to the lattice portion when the display device is folded can be relatively reduced, the impact resistance in the folding region can be relatively improved, and creases in the folding region can be prevented or reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments according to the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification and together with the description illustrate aspects of some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0024] Figure 1 and Figure 2is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 sectional view of a display device.

[0026] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A plan view of a support member included in a display device.

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Magnified view of area A.

[0028] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to a comparative example of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to another comparative example of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 10 is a graph showing crease measurement results according to a comparative example and an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 12 is a plan view illustrating a supporting member included in a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Magnified view of area B.

[0037] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Magnified view of area C. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Illustrative, non-limiting embodiments will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the display device 1000 may be divided into at least one folding area and at least one flat area. For example, the display device 1000 may be divided into a folding area FDA, a first flat area FLA1, and a second flat area FLA2. The display device 1000 may display images in the folding area FDA, the first flat area FLA1, and the second flat area FLA2. In this case, the display device 1000 may have a display surface defined by a first direction D1 and a second direction D2, and a thickness defined by a third direction D3.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the display device 1000 may be folded in the folding region FDA. For example, the display device 1000 may be folded inward or outward in the folding region FDA without damaging the display device 1000.

[0043] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 sectional view of a display device. Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A plan view of a support member included in a display device. Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Magnified view of area A.

[0044] Reference Figure 3 The display device 1000 may include a display panel PNL, a supporting member SM, a first lower adhesive layer 100, a cover member CM, a cover adhesive layer CAD, a second lower adhesive layer 200, a buffer member CSM, a functional layer FL, a first upper adhesive layer UAD1, a window WIN, a second upper adhesive layer UAD2, and a protective layer PL. The supporting member SM may include a supporting portion SP and a lattice portion LP.

[0045] The display panel PNL may overlap the folding area FDA, the first flat area FLA1, and the second flat area FLA2. In other words, the display panel PNL may be divided into at least one folding area and at least one flat area. The display panel PNL may display an image in the folding area FDA, the first flat area FLA1, and the second flat area FLA2, and may be folded in the folding area FDA.

[0046] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the support member SM can be positioned below the display panel PNL. According to some embodiments, the support member SM may include metal or non-metal, and as a non-metal, the support member SM may include at least one of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), other plastics and glass. Examples of fiber reinforced plastics that can be used as the support member SM may include glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP), carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), and the like. Glass fiber reinforced plastic can be a material that combines aromatic nylon fibers such as glass fibers with thermosetting resins such as unsaturated polyester and epoxy resin, and carbon fiber reinforced plastic can be a material that combines aromatic nylon fibers such as carbon fibers with thermosetting resins. Examples of metals that can be used as the support member SM may include invar, which is an alloy of nickel (Ni) and iron (Fe), stainless steel (SUS), titanium (Ti), and copper (Cu). Examples of other plastics that can be used as the support member SM may be polyimide, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and the like.

[0047] According to some embodiments, the support member SM may include a support portion SP and a lattice portion LP. The support portion SP may overlap the first flat area FLA1 and the second flat area FLA2, and the lattice portion LP may overlap the folding area FDA. At least one opening OP may be defined in the lattice portion LP, and the opening OP may penetrate the support member SM in the thickness direction. Since the opening OP penetrates the support member SM, the support member SM can be folded smoothly. Therefore, the display device 1000 can be folded relatively smoothly.

[0048] According to some embodiments, Figure 4 As shown in , the openings OP may be formed to intersect with each other.

[0049] Refer again Figure 3 , the first lower adhesive layer 100 may be positioned between the display panel PNL and the support member SM, and may overlap the first and second flat areas FLA1 and FLA2.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the first lower adhesive layer 100 may contact the display panel PNL and the support member SM and may adhere the display panel PNL and the support member SM to each other. In other words, the display device 1000 may not include a conventional protective film (eg, a protective film positioned below the display panel PNL).

[0051] According to some embodiments, the first lower adhesive layer 100 may include at least one of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), and an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0052] According to some embodiments, the modulus of the first lower adhesive layer 100 may be set according to the folding characteristics of the display device 1000. For example, at low temperatures (e.g., approximately -20°C), the modulus of the first lower adhesive layer 100 may be less than approximately 1.2 MPa. Therefore, the position of the neutral plane of the display device 1000 that does not include a conventional protective film may be appropriately adjusted.

[0053] The covering member CM may be positioned between the display panel PNL and the support member SM and may overlap with the folding area FDA. According to some embodiments, the covering member CM may include a metal or a non-metal. As a non-metal, the covering member CM may include at least one of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), other plastics, and glass. Examples of fiber reinforced plastics that can be used as the covering member CM may include glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP), carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), and the like. Glass fiber reinforced plastic may be a material that combines aromatic nylon fibers such as glass fibers with thermosetting resins such as unsaturated polyester and epoxy resin, and carbon fiber reinforced plastic may be a material that combines aromatic nylon fibers such as carbon fibers with thermosetting resins. Examples of metals that can be used as the covering member CM may include invar, which is an alloy of nickel (Ni) and iron (Fe), stainless steel (SUS), titanium (Ti), and copper (Cu). Examples of plastics that can be used as the covering member CM may be polyimide, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and the like.

[0054] The cover adhesive layer CAD may be positioned between the display panel PNL and the support member SM and may overlap the folding area FDA.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the cover adhesive layer CAD may be in contact with the cover member CM and the support member SM, and may attach the cover member CM and the support member SM to each other.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the cover adhesive layer CAD may include at least one of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), and an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0057] According to some embodiments, the cover adhesive layer CAD may be spaced apart from the first lower adhesive layer 100. In addition, the modulus of the cover adhesive layer CAD may be different from the modulus of the first lower adhesive layer 100.

[0058] Reference Figure 5According to some embodiments, the covering member CM and the covering adhesive layer CAD may cover the lattice portion LP. Specifically, the covering member CM may cover the opening OP defined in the lattice portion LP. For example, the covering member CM may have a first length L1 in the first direction D1, and the lattice portion LP may have a second length L2 in the first direction D1. In this case, the first length L1 may be approximately 600 μm longer than the second length L2. For example, the first length L1 may be approximately 10 mm to 12 mm, and the second length L2 may be approximately 9 mm to 10 mm.

[0059] According to some embodiments, the first lower adhesive layer 100 may have a first thickness TH1 in the third direction D3, the cover member CM may have a second thickness TH2 in the third direction D3, and the cover adhesive layer CAD may have a third thickness TH3 in the third direction D3. For example, the first thickness TH1 may be approximately 25 μm to 50 μm, and the third thickness TH3 may be greater than approximately 8 μm. When the cover member CM is made of metal, the second thickness TH2 may be less than 15 μm (or approximately 15 μm), and when the cover member CM is made of fiber-reinforced plastic, the second thickness TH2 may be less than 35 μm (or approximately 35 μm). In this case, the sum of the second thickness TH2 and the third thickness TH3 may be less than the first thickness TH1. Therefore, the cover member CM can be spaced apart from the display panel PNL.

[0060] Refer again Figure 3 , the second lower adhesive layer 200 may be positioned under the support member SM and may overlap the first flat area FLA1 and the second flat area FLA2. According to some embodiments, the second lower adhesive layer 200 may include at least one of a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), and an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0061] The cushioning member CSM may be positioned below the support member SM and may overlap the folding area FDA. According to some embodiments, the cushioning member CSM may include a flexible plastic material such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, latex, polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, etc.

[0062] The functional layer FL can be positioned below the second lower adhesive layer 200. In some embodiments, the functional layer FL can be a digitizer that detects electromagnetic changes caused by the proximity of a pen. In this case, the cover member CM can be made of fiber-reinforced plastic. Therefore, the operation of the functional layer FL can be uninterrupted.

[0063] According to some embodiments, the display device 1000 may not include the functional layer FL. In this case, the cover member CM may be implemented with metal or fiber reinforced plastic.

[0064] The first upper adhesive layer UAD1 may be positioned on the display panel PNL and may overlap the folding area FDA, the first flat area FLA1, and the second flat area FLA2. The first upper adhesive layer UAD1 may include at least one of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), and an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0065] The window WIN may be positioned on the first upper adhesive layer UAD1. The window WIN may constitute the front surface of the display device 1000 and may protect the display panel PNL (e.g., may protect the display panel PNL from external contaminants or may protect the display panel PNL from damage caused by impact from external objects). The window WIN may include ultra-thin glass (UTG), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc.

[0066] The second upper adhesive layer UAD2 may be positioned on the window WIN and may overlap the folding area FDA, the first flat area FLA1, and the second flat area FLA2. The second upper adhesive layer UAD2 may include at least one of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), and an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0067] A protective layer PL may be positioned on the second upper adhesive layer UAD2. The protective layer PL may include a hard coating layer, an anti-reflection layer, an anti-fingerprint layer, and the like. The hard coating layer may include at least one of a urethane resin, an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, and an acrylate resin. The anti-reflection layer may reduce the reflectivity of the display device 1000 by varying the refractive index. The anti-fingerprint layer may be formed by coating with an anti-fingerprint material.

[0068] The display device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a covering member CM covering the lattice portion LP of the support member SM. The lattice portion LP may be formed in the folding region FDA, and the covering member CM on the upper surface of the lattice portion LP may have a width greater than the width of the lattice portion LP. Therefore, the stress applied to the lattice portion LP when the display device 1000 is folded can be relatively reduced, the impact resistance in the folding region FDA can be relatively improved, and creases in the folding region FDA can be prevented or reduced.

[0069] Further details of the embodiments according to the present invention will be described below through specific embodiments and comparative examples.

[0070] Figure 6is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to a comparative example of the present invention. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to another comparative example of the present invention. Figure 10 is a graph showing crease measurement results according to a comparative example and an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Reference Figure 6 According to some embodiments of the present invention, a display device 1100 includes a first lower adhesive layer 110, a cover member CM, and a cover adhesive layer CAD. The modulus of the first lower adhesive layer 110 is 0.6 MPa (or approximately 0.6 MPa), and the thickness of the first lower adhesive layer 110 is 25 μm (or approximately 25 μm). The cover member CM is made of stainless steel (SUS), and the cover adhesive layer CAD is made of a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0072] In the display device 1100, the height at which a bright spot appears in the flat area is about 6 cm, and the height at which a bright spot appears in the folded area is about 10 cm. Furthermore, the height at which a ball appears in the flat area is about 5 cm, and the height at which a bright spot appears in the folded area is about 3 cm.

[0073] Reference Figure 7 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the display device 1200 includes a first lower adhesive layer 120, a cover member CM, and a cover adhesive layer CAD. The modulus of the first lower adhesive layer 120 is 0.34 MPa (or approximately 0.34 MPa), and the thickness of the first lower adhesive layer 120 is 32 μm (or approximately 32 μm). The cover member CM and the cover adhesive layer CAD included in the display device 1200 are substantially the same as the cover member CM and the cover adhesive layer CAD included in the display device 1100, respectively.

[0074] In the display device 1200, the height at which a bright spot appears in the flat area is approximately 13 cm, and the height at which a bright spot appears in the folded area is approximately 10 cm. Furthermore, the height at which a ball appears in the flat area is approximately 27 cm, and the height at which a bright spot appears in the folded area is approximately 2 cm.

[0075] Reference Figure 8 , the display device 10 according to the comparative example of the present invention includes the first lower adhesive layer 110 and does not include the cover member CM (see Figure 6 and Figure 7 ) and covering adhesive layer CAD (see Figure 6and Figure 7 ).

[0076] In the display device 10, the height of the pen drop at which a bright spot appears in the folded area is about 1 cm. In addition, the height of the ball drop at which a bright spot appears in the flat area is about 7 cm.

[0077] Reference Figure 9 , a display device 20 according to another comparative example of the present invention includes a first lower adhesive layer 110 and a protection film PFM. The protection film PFM is positioned under the display panel PNL and has a thickness of about 50 μm.

[0078] In the display device 20, the height at which a bright spot appears in the flat area is about 7 cm, and the height at which a bright spot appears in the folded area is about 6 cm. In addition, the height at which a ball appears in the flat area is about 5 cm, and the height at which a bright spot appears in the folded area is about 2 cm.

[0079] The pen drop height and ball drop height at which a bright spot appears in the display devices 1100 and 1200 according to the embodiment of the present invention are greater than the pen drop height and ball drop height at which a bright spot appears in the display devices 10 and 20. In other words, although a separate protective film PFM is not included, the display devices 1100 and 1200 according to the embodiment of the present invention have impact resistance due to the modulus and thickness of the first lower adhesive layer and the cover member.

[0080] Reference Figure 10 , the crease measurement results of the display devices according to the comparative example and the embodiment are shown in the graph. Figures 6 to 10 In the case of display device 20, the fold is formed with a depth of approximately 80 μm; in the case of display device 1100, the fold is formed with a depth of approximately 73 μm; and in the case of display device 1200, the fold is formed with a depth of approximately 77 μm. In other words, compared with display device 20 including the protective film PFM, the folds formed in display devices 1100 and 1200, each including the cover member CM, are smaller in depth and have improved folding characteristics.

[0081] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0082] Reference Figure 11According to some embodiments of the present invention, a display device 2000 may include a display panel PNL, a supporting member SM, a first lower adhesive layer 100, a cover member CM, a cover adhesive layer CAD, a second lower adhesive layer 200, a buffer member CSM, a functional layer FL, a first upper adhesive layer UAD1, a window WIN, a second upper adhesive layer UAD2, and a protective layer PL. The supporting member SM may include a supporting portion SP, a lattice portion LP, and a resin RS.

[0083] The display device 2000 may be similar to the reference SM except for the resin RS included in the support member SM. Figure 3 The display devices 1000 described are substantially the same.

[0084] The supporting member SM may be positioned under the first lower adhesive layer 100 and may include a supporting portion SP, a lattice portion LP, and a resin RS. The supporting portion SP may overlap the first and second flat areas FLA1 and FLA2, and the lattice portion LP and the resin RS may overlap the folding area FDA.

[0085] According to some embodiments, at least one opening may be formed in the lattice portion LP, and the resin RS may be filled in the opening. Since the resin RS fills the opening, deformation of the lattice portion LP may be relatively reduced.

[0086] Furthermore, the covering adhesive layer CAD and the covering member CM can be positioned on the resin RS. Therefore, the covering adhesive layer CAD and the covering member CM can function as a mask when forming the resin RS, and the resin RS can be filled more accurately.

[0087] Figure 12 is a plan view illustrating a supporting member included in a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0088] Reference Figure 12 , except for the support member SM', the display device 3000 according to some embodiments of the present invention may be similar to the reference Figure 3 The display devices 1000 described are substantially the same.

[0089] The support member SM' may include a support portion SP and a lattice portion LP'. The support portion SP may overlap the first flat area FLA1 and the second flat area FLA2. The lattice portion LP' may overlap the folding area FDA. According to some embodiments, at least one opening OP may be defined in the lattice portion LP', and the opening OP may be formed as follows: Figure 12 The slit shape shown in .

[0090] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Magnified view of area B.

[0091] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 The display device 4000 according to some embodiments of the present invention may include a display panel PNL, a supporting member SM, a first lower adhesive layer 100, a cover member CM, a cover adhesive layer CAD1, a second lower adhesive layer 200, a buffer member CSM, a functional layer FL, a first upper adhesive layer UAD1, a window WIN, a second upper adhesive layer UAD2, and a protective layer PL. The supporting member SM may include a supporting portion SP and a lattice portion LP.

[0092] According to some embodiments, the display device 4000 may be similar to the reference adhesive layer 100 except for the first lower adhesive layer 100 and the cover adhesive layer CAD1. Figure 3 The display devices 1000 described are substantially the same.

[0093] According to some embodiments, the first lower adhesive layer 100 may be positioned below the display panel PNL and may overlap the first flat area FLA1 and the second flat area FLA2. The first lower adhesive layer 100 may be in contact with the display panel PNL. The first lower adhesive layer 100 may include at least one of a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), and an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0094] According to some embodiments, the cover adhesive layer CAD1 may be positioned below the first lower adhesive layer 100 and may overlap the folding area FDA, the first flat area FLA1, and the second flat area FLA2. The cover adhesive layer CAD1 may contact the first lower adhesive layer 100, the cover member CM, and the support member SM. The cover adhesive layer CAD1 may include at least one of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), and an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0095] According to some embodiments, the material of the first lower adhesive layer 100 and the material of the cover adhesive layer CAD1 may be different from each other. For example, the modulus of the first lower adhesive layer 100 and the modulus of the cover adhesive layer CAD1 may be different from each other. According to some embodiments, the material of the first lower adhesive layer 100 and the material of the cover adhesive layer CAD1 may be the same.

[0096] According to some embodiments, the sum of the thicknesses of the first lower adhesive layer 100 and the cover adhesive layer CAD1 may be in the range of 25 μm to 50 μm (or approximately 25 μm to 50 μm). In addition, the sum of the thickness of the cover adhesive layer CAD1 and the thickness of the cover member CM may be less than the thickness of the first lower adhesive layer 100.

[0097] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Magnified view of area C.

[0098] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 The display device 5000 according to some embodiments of the present invention may include a display panel PNL, a supporting member SM, a first lower adhesive layer 100, a cover member CM, a cover adhesive layer CAD2, a second lower adhesive layer 200, a buffer member CSM, a functional layer FL, a first upper adhesive layer UAD1, a window WIN, a second upper adhesive layer UAD2, and a protective layer PL. The supporting member SM may include a supporting portion SP and a lattice portion LP.

[0099] According to some embodiments, the display device 5000 may be similar to the reference adhesive layer 100 except for the first lower adhesive layer 100 and the cover adhesive layer CAD2. Figure 3 The display devices 1000 described are substantially the same.

[0100] According to some embodiments, the first lower adhesive layer 100 may be positioned on the support member SM and may overlap the first flat area FLA1 and the second flat area FLA2. The first lower adhesive layer 100 may be in contact with the support member SM. The first lower adhesive layer 100 may include at least one of a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), and an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0101] According to some embodiments, the cover adhesive layer CAD2 may be positioned on the first lower adhesive layer 100 and may overlap the folding area FDA, the first flat area FLA1, and the second flat area FLA2. The cover adhesive layer CAD2 may contact the first lower adhesive layer 100, the cover member CM, and the display panel PNL. The cover adhesive layer CAD2 may include at least one of a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), and an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0102] According to some embodiments, the material of the first lower adhesive layer 100 and the material of the cover adhesive layer CAD2 may be different from each other. For example, the modulus of the first lower adhesive layer 100 and the modulus of the cover adhesive layer CAD2 may be different from each other. According to some embodiments, the material of the first lower adhesive layer 100 and the material of the cover adhesive layer CAD2 may be the same.

[0103] According to some embodiments, the sum of the thicknesses of the first lower adhesive layer 100 and the cover adhesive layer CAD2 may be approximately 25 to 50 μm. In addition, the sum of the thicknesses of the cover adhesive layer CAD2 and the cover member CM may be less than the thickness of the first lower adhesive layer 100 .

[0104] A display device according to some embodiments of the present invention may include a covering member that covers a lattice portion of a support member. The lattice portion may be formed in a folding region, and the covering member on the upper surface of the lattice portion may have a width greater than the width of the lattice portion. Thus, stress applied to the lattice portion when the display device is folded can be relatively reduced, impact resistance in the folding region can be relatively improved, and creases in the folding region can be prevented or reduced.

[0105] While specific embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Therefore, the inventive concept is not limited to these embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein: The display device includes: a display panel divided into a folding area and a flat area adjacent to the folding area; a support member below the display panel and including a lattice portion defining at least one opening; a first lower adhesive layer between the display panel and the support member, and overlapping the flat area; a covering adhesive layer between the display panel and the support member, the covering adhesive layer overlapping the folding area; and A covering member is provided between the display panel and the supporting member, the covering member overlapping the folding area and adhered to the covering adhesive layer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The covering member covers the lattice portion.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The length of the covering member is greater than the length of the lattice portion.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The cover member is spaced apart from the display panel.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein A sum of a thickness of the cover adhesive layer and a thickness of the cover member is smaller than a thickness of the first lower adhesive layer. The display device according to claim 5 , wherein: The thickness of the first lower adhesive layer is in a range of 25 micrometers to 50 micrometers.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The covering member includes metal.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The covering member includes stainless steel.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The covering member includes fiber reinforced plastic.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein The display device further includes: A digitizer is below the support member.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The cover adhesive layer is spaced apart from the first lower adhesive layer.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first lower adhesive layer contacts the display panel.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first lower adhesive layer has a modulus that is different from the modulus of the cover adhesive layer.

14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The supporting member further includes a resin filled in the at least one opening.

15. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The cover adhesive layer also overlaps the planar area and is below the first lower adhesive layer.

16. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The cover adhesive layer also overlaps the planar area and is on the first lower adhesive layer.

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