Display device and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a display device and a manufacturing method thereof. The display device may include: a display panel including a folding area; and a plate disposed below the display panel and defining a plurality of openings, each of the plurality of openings continuously extending in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction crossing the first direction, a value obtained by dividing a width in the second direction of each of the opening portions by a separation distance in the second direction of opening portions adjacent to each other among the opening portions is about 0.05 to about 0.5.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device and a method for manufacturing the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a display device for providing visual information and a method for manufacturing the same. Background Art

[0002] The field of displays for processing and displaying information has recently experienced rapid development, leading to the development of numerous technologies for foldable, large-area mobile displays. Such flexible display devices are typically foldable and unfoldable, and thus, the display panel, which has a structure where the display elements are formed on a very thin polymer substrate, suffers from weak impact resistance, thus requiring a backplane to protect the display panel. As part of these displays, foldable electronic devices continue to be introduced to the market, potentially requiring improved support structures for foldable displays. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a display device with improved stability and reliability.

[0004] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing the display device.

[0005] However, the purpose of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned purpose, and various extensions can be made without departing from the scope of the concept and field of the present invention.

[0006] In order to achieve one of the aforementioned purposes of the present invention, a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a display panel including a folding area; and a plate arranged below the display panel and defining a plurality of opening portions, each of the plurality of opening portions extending continuously in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a value obtained by dividing the width of each of the opening portions in the second direction by the spacing distance between adjacent opening portions in the opening portions in the second direction is approximately 0.05 to approximately 0.5.

[0007] In one embodiment, each of the openings may penetrate the entire plate along the first direction.

[0008] In one embodiment, a value obtained by dividing the separation distance by the length of the plate in the first direction may be approximately 0.003 to approximately 0.04.

[0009] In one embodiment, the length of each of the openings in the first direction may be the same as the length of the plate in the first direction.

[0010] In one embodiment, the opening may be defined in the folding area below the display panel.

[0011] In one embodiment, the display device may further include: an adhesive film disposed between the display panel and the board; and a cover film disposed below the board.

[0012] In one embodiment, the adhesive film and the opening may overlap in a plane in the folding region.

[0013] In one embodiment, the planar area of ​​the plate may be the same as at least one of the planar area of ​​the adhesive film and the planar area of ​​the cover film.

[0014] In one embodiment, the width of each of the openings may be about 20 μm to about 1000 μm, and the separation distance may be about 200 μm to about 5000 μm.

[0015] In one embodiment, the plate may include at least one of plastic, metal, and glass.

[0016] In one embodiment, the plastic included in the panel may include at least one of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP).

[0017] In one embodiment, the metal contained in the plate may include at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, and copper.

[0018] In order to achieve the aforementioned another object of the present invention, the manufacturing method of the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a step of forming a plurality of opening portions on a preliminary plate using a laser, wherein the plurality of opening portions extend continuously in a first direction and are separated from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a step of attaching a preliminary film to one side of the preliminary plate; and a step of simultaneously cutting the preliminary plate and the preliminary film along a closed-loop-shaped cutting line to form a plate with a film attached.

[0019] In one embodiment, in the step of forming the opening portion, the opening portion is formed so that a value obtained by dividing the width of each of the opening portions in the second direction by the spacing distance between adjacent opening portions in the opening portion in the second direction becomes approximately 0.05 to approximately 0.5.

[0020] In one embodiment, the width of each of the openings may be about 20 μm to about 1000 μm, and a distance between adjacent openings in the second direction may be about 200 μm to about 5000 μm.

[0021] In one embodiment, in the step of forming the plate to which the film is attached, the preliminary plate and the preliminary film are cut so that the value obtained by dividing the separation distance between the adjacent openings by the length of the plate in the first direction becomes approximately 0.003 to approximately 0.04.

[0022] In one embodiment, the cutting area defined by the cutting line may overlap with the opening portion in a plane.

[0023] In one embodiment, after forming the plate with the film attached thereto, the length of each of the openings in the first direction may be the same as the length of the plate in the first direction.

[0024] In one embodiment, the planar area of ​​the plate and the planar area of ​​the membrane may be the same.

[0025] In one embodiment, the preliminary plate and the preliminary film may be cut by using a laser.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display device may include: a display panel including a folding area; and a plate arranged below the display panel and defining a plurality of opening portions, each of the plurality of opening portions extending continuously in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a value obtained by dividing the width of each of the opening portions in the second direction by the spacing distance between adjacent opening portions in the opening portions in the second direction is approximately 0.05 to approximately 0.5.

[0027] Therefore, by having the ratio between the width of each opening and the spacing, the display device including the panel can have improved impact resistance, improved folding reliability, and prevented wrinkles. Furthermore, the openings extend continuously, thereby improving product productivity and reducing costs. Furthermore, the reduced width of the openings prevents the lines passing through the openings from being visible from the outside, thereby providing users with a display device with improved stability and reliability.

[0028] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above effects, and various extensions can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device in a folded state is shown.

[0031] Figure 3 It is intercepted along the I-I' line Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device shown.

[0032] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display panel.

[0033] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 Plan view of the board.

[0034] Figures 6 to 11 It is a figure which shows the manufacturing method of the display device of this invention.

[0035] Figure 12 is used to show Figure 6 as well as Figure 8 A simplified diagram of the laser cutting machine used in the

[0036] (Explanation of Reference Numerals)

[0037] FA: Third area NFA1, NFA2: First and second areas

[0038] DA: Display area SA: Surrounding area

[0039] FX: Folding axis HP: Opening

[0040] DP: Display Panel FL: Film

[0041] CF: Covering film PT: Plate

[0042] CA: Cutting area AF: Adhesive film

[0043] DL: Damping layer WL: Window layer

[0044] LBP: Light blocking pattern PL: Protective film

[0045] DD: Display Device LSC: Laser Cutting Machine

[0046] L1, L2, L3: First to third lengths CL: Cutting line DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals will be used for the same components in the drawings, and repeated description of the same components will be omitted.

[0048] In this specification, a plane may be defined by a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1. For example, the second direction D2 may be perpendicular to the first direction D1. Alternatively, a third direction D3 may be a normal direction to the plane. That is, the third direction D3 may be perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0049] Figure 1 is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device in a folded state is shown.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The top surface of the display device DD may be defined as a display surface DS. The display surface DS may have a plane defined by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. An image generated in the display device DD may be provided to a user through the display surface DS.

[0051] The display surface DS may include a display area DA and a peripheral area SA. The display area DA may display an image, while the peripheral area SA may not display an image. The peripheral area SA may be located around the display area DA. For example, the peripheral area SA may surround the display area DA in a plane.

[0052] The display device DD may be a flexible display device. The display device DD may be a foldable display device that can be folded or unfolded. The display device DD may include a first area NFA1, a second area NFA2, and a third area FA. The second area NFA2 may be spaced apart from the first area NFA1 in the second direction D2. The third area FA may be located between the first area NFA1 and the second area NFA2.

[0053] The third area FA is bent with the folding axis FX being parallel to the first direction D1 as a reference, so that the display device DD can be folded. Figure 2As shown, the display device DD can be folded inward (in-folding) so that the display surface DS is not exposed to the outside. That is, when the display device DD is folded, the first area NFA1 and the second area NFA2 of the display surface DS can face each other. In another embodiment, the display device DD can also be folded outward (out-folding) so that the display surface DS is exposed to the outside.

[0054] The first area NFA1, the second area NFA2 and the third area FA may be referred to as a first non-folding area, a second non-folding area and a folding area, respectively. Figure 1 The display device DD is shown to include two non-folding areas (the first area NFA1 and the second area NFA2) and one folding area (the third area FA), but this is exemplary and the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the display device DD may include three or more non-folding areas and two or more folding areas located between the non-folding areas.

[0055] Figure 3 It is intercepted along the I-I' line Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device shown.

[0056] The display device DD may include a cover film CF, a plate PT, an adhesive film AF, a display panel DP, a damping layer DL, a window layer WL, a light blocking pattern LBP, and a protection film PL.

[0057] The cover film CF may be disposed on the back side of the display device DD to protect the display device DD from external impacts, etc. For example, the cover film CF may include at least one of polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicon (Si), and polydimethylacrylamide (PDMA). These materials may be used alone or in combination. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0058] The plate PT may be disposed on the cover film CF. The plate PT may support the display panel DP and protect the display device DD from external impacts. An opening HP may be defined in a portion of the plate PT. For example, the opening HP may overlap with the folding area FA in planar view.

[0059] In one embodiment, the plate PT may have substantially the same area as at least one of the cover film CF and the adhesive film AF. Figure 5 As shown, the plate PT can be connected with the cover film CF (refer to Figure 3 ) and / or the adhesive film AF (refer to Figure 3 ) has a difference of about 10 μm or less along the first direction D1 and / or the second direction D2. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 5 Details will be described later.

[0060] The adhesive film AF may be disposed on the panel PT. The adhesive film AF may bond the panel PT to a structure disposed thereon. For example, the adhesive film AF may bond the panel PT to the display panel DP. The adhesive film AF may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), or an optically clear resin (OCR). However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0061] In one embodiment, the adhesive film AF may overlap with the opening HP of the plate PT in a planar manner. Specifically, the adhesive film AF may not be open at the portion overlapping with the opening HP of the plate PT, but may cover the upper surface of the plate PT. Thus, the adhesive film AF can block or minimize light from behind the opening HP.

[0062] The display panel DP may be configured on the adhesive film AF. The display panel DP may receive an electrical signal and emit light so that the display device DD may provide visual information to the user. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic light emitting device or an inorganic light emitting device. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. With regard to the display panel DP, refer to Figure 4 Details will be described later.

[0063] The damping layer DL may be configured on the display panel DP. The damping layer DL may include a multi-layer structure or a single-layer structure. The damping layer DL may protect the display panel DP from external impact. For example, the damping layer DL may include at least one of polyimide, polycarbonate, polyamide, triacetylcellulose, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyethylene terphthalate. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. The damping layer DL may also be omitted.

[0064] The window layer WL may be disposed on the damping layer DL. The window layer WL may include a substantially transparent material. For example, the window layer WL may be glass or plastic. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0065] A light blocking pattern LBP may be disposed on the window layer WL. The light blocking pattern LBP may be disposed in the peripheral region (eg, Figure 1 The light-blocking pattern LBP may block light from the display device DD in the third direction D3. The light-blocking pattern LBP may include a black dye. For example, the light-blocking pattern LBP may include at least one of carbon black (CB) and titanium black (TiBK). These may be used alone or in combination. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0066] The protective film PL may be disposed on the window layer WL. Specifically, the protective film PL may be disposed on the window layer WL, covering the light-blocking pattern LBP. The protective film PL may protect the window layer WL from frontal impacts, scratches, and the like. For example, the protective film PL may include at least one of a substrate layer, a hard coating layer, a low-refractive layer, and a fingerprint protection layer. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0067] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display panel.

[0068] Reference Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The display panel DP may include a substrate SUB, a buffer layer BF, a gate insulating layer GI, a transistor TR, an interlayer insulating layer IL, a connection electrode CNE, a first via layer VIA1, a second via layer VIA2, a light emitting element LED, a pixel defining layer PDL, and an encapsulation layer ENC.

[0069] The transistor TR may include an active layer ACT, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, and a drain electrode DE. The light emitting element LED may include a pixel electrode PE, a light emitting layer EL, and a common electrode CE.

[0070] The substrate SUB may include a glass substrate, a metal substrate, a plastic substrate, etc. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the substrate SUB may be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material layer.

[0071] The buffer layer BF may be disposed on the substrate SUB. The buffer layer BF may be disposed on the substrate SUB. The buffer layer BF may prevent impurities such as oxygen and moisture from penetrating through the substrate SUB to the upper portion of the substrate SUB. The buffer layer BF may include an inorganic insulating material.

[0072] The active layer ACT may be disposed on the buffer layer BF. The active layer ACT may include an oxide semiconductor, a silicon semiconductor, an organic semiconductor, or the like. For example, the oxide semiconductor may include an oxide of at least one of indium (In), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), and zinc (Zn). The silicon semiconductor may include amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or the like. The active layer ACT may include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region located between the source region and the drain region.

[0073] The gate insulating layer GI may be disposed on the buffer layer BF. Specifically, the gate insulating layer GI may cover the active layer ACT on the buffer layer BF. The gate insulating layer GI may include an inorganic insulating material. In one embodiment, the gate insulating layer GI may be formed entirely in the display area DA (refer to FIG. Figure 1 ) and the surrounding area SA (refer to Figure 1 ).

[0074] The gate electrode GE may be disposed on the gate insulating layer GI. The gate electrode GE may at least partially overlap with the channel region of the active layer ACT. The gate electrode GE may include a conductive material such as a metal, an alloy, a conductive metal nitride, a conductive metal oxide, or a transparent conductive material. Examples of the conductive material that can be used for the gate electrode GE include gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), palladium (Pd), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), lithium (Li), chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), scandium (Sc), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), alloys containing aluminum, alloys containing silver, alloys containing copper, alloys containing molybdenum, aluminum nitride (AlN), tungsten nitride (WN), titanium nitride (TiN), chromium nitride (CrN), tantalum nitride (TaN), strontium ruthenium oxide (SrRuO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin oxide (ITO), tin oxide (SnO), indium oxide (InO), gallium oxide (GaO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), etc. These can be used alone or in combination with each other. Alternatively, the gate electrode GE can have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure including multiple conductive layers.

[0075] The interlayer insulating layer IL may be disposed on the gate electrode GE. Specifically, the interlayer insulating layer IL may be disposed on the gate insulating layer GI, covering the gate electrode GE on the gate insulating layer GI. The interlayer insulating layer IL may include an inorganic insulating material.

[0076] The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer IL. The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may be connected to the active layer ACT, respectively. For example, the source electrode SE may contact the source region of the active layer ACT, and the drain electrode DE may contact the drain region of the active layer ACT. Each of the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may include a conductive material. The active layer ACT, the gate electrode GE, the source electrode SE, and the drain electrode DE may form the transistor TR.

[0077] A first via layer VIA1 may be disposed on the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE. Specifically, the first via layer VIA1 may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer IL, covering the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE on the interlayer insulating layer IL. The first via layer VIA1 may include an organic insulating material. In one embodiment, the first via layer VIA1 may be formed only in the display area DA and a portion of the peripheral area SA adjacent to the display area DA.

[0078] The connection electrode CNE may be disposed on the first via layer VIA1. The connection electrode CNE may transmit a signal transmitted from the transistor TR to the light-emitting element LED. The connection electrode CNE may include a metal, an alloy, a metal nitride, a conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, or the like. These materials may be used alone or in combination. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0079] The second via layer VIA2 may be disposed on the connection electrode CNE. Specifically, the second via layer VIA2 may be disposed on the first via layer VIA1 to cover the connection electrode CNE. The second via layer VIA2 may include substantially the same material as the first via layer VIA1.

[0080] The pixel electrode PE may be disposed on the second via layer VIA2. The pixel electrode PE may include a conductive material. The pixel electrode PE may be connected to the drain electrode DE via the connection electrode CNE. Thus, the pixel electrode PE may be electrically connected to the transistor TR.

[0081] The pixel defining layer PDL may be disposed on the pixel electrode PE. For example, the pixel defining layer PDL may expose at least a portion of the pixel electrode PE. The pixel defining layer PDL may include an inorganic insulating material or an organic insulating material.

[0082] The light-emitting layer EL may be disposed on the pixel electrode PE. Specifically, the light-emitting layer EL may be disposed within an opening defined by the pixel-defining layer PDL. That is, the light-emitting layer EL may be surrounded by the pixel-defining layer PDL. The light-emitting layer EL may include at least one of an organic light-emitting material and / or quantum dots. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0083] The common electrode CE may be disposed on the light-emitting layer EL. The common electrode CE may also be disposed on the pixel definition layer PDL. That is, the common electrode CE may be disposed continuously on the light-emitting layer EL and the pixel definition layer PDL. The common electrode CE may include a conductive material. The light-emitting layer EL may emit light based on the voltage difference between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE.

[0084] The encapsulation layer ENC may be disposed on the common electrode CE. The encapsulation layer ENC may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. In one embodiment, the inorganic encapsulation layers and the organic encapsulation layers may be alternately disposed. For example, the organic encapsulation layer may include a cured polymer such as polyacrylate, epoxy resin, or silicone resin. For example, the inorganic encapsulation layer may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, etc.

[0085] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 Plan view of the board.

[0086] Reference Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 The plate PT may include openings HP that extend continuously in the first direction D1. For example, each opening HP may be a line that continuously cuts the plate PT in the first direction D1. That is, the opening HP may penetrate the entire plate PT in the first direction D1. Each opening HP may be separated from another in the second direction D2.

[0087] In one embodiment, each of the openings HP of the panel PT may have a width along the second direction D2 having a first length L1. The first length L1 may be about 20 μm or more and about 1000 μm or less. Preferably, the first length L1 may be about 20 μm or more and about 40 μm or less.

[0088] In one embodiment, adjacent openings HP of the plate PT may be separated by a second length L2 in the second direction D2. The second length L2 may be approximately 200 μm or more and approximately 5000 μm or less. Preferably, the second length L2 may be approximately 200 μm or more and approximately 1000 μm or less.

[0089] In one embodiment, the length ratio (L1 / L2) of the first length L1 and the second length L2 of the panel PT may be greater than or equal to 0.05 and less than or equal to 0.5. Preferably, the length ratio of the first length L1 and the second length L2 of the panel PT may be greater than or equal to 0.05 and less than or equal to 0.2. If the length ratio of the first length L1 and the second length L2 deviates from the stated range, the impact resistance and folding reliability of the display device DD may be reduced.

[0090] In one embodiment, the panel PT may have a third length L3 in the first direction D1. The length ratio (L2 / L3) of the second length L2 and the third length L3 of the panel PT may be approximately 0.003 or more and approximately 0.04 or less. Preferably, the length ratio of the second length L2 and the third length L3 of the panel PT may be approximately 0.003 or more and approximately 0.02 or less. When the length ratio of the second length L2 and the third length L3 of the panel PT is less than 0.003, the strength of the panel PT is weakened and the impact resistance of the display device DD may also be weakened. When the length ratio of the second length L2 and the third length L3 of the panel PT is greater than 0.04, the folding reliability of the display device DD may be reduced.

[0091] As a result, the ratio between the width of each opening HP and the spacing distance can improve the impact resistance of the display device DD including the panel PT, enhance folding reliability, and prevent wrinkles. Furthermore, the opening HP extends continuously, thereby improving product productivity and reducing costs. Furthermore, the reduced width of the opening HP prevents the lines passing through the opening HP from being visible from the outside, thereby providing users with a display device with improved stability and reliability.

[0092] In one embodiment, the third length L3 of the plate PT may be the same as the length of each of the openings HP in the first direction D1. That is, the plate PT may have a rectangular shape in a plane. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0093] In one embodiment, the plate PT may include at least one of plastic, metal, and glass. For example, the plastic included in the plate PT may include at least one of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP). The metal included in the plate PT may include at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, and copper. These may be used alone or in combination. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0094] Table 2 below is a table showing the results of evaluating the impact resistance and folding reliability of the panels according to Examples and Comparative Examples.

[0095] Impact resistance was evaluated by a ball-drop test. In the ball-drop test, a 5.6 g metal ball was dropped from a predetermined height onto the plate, and the plate was visually observed for damage. Table 2 shows the minimum height at which the plate cracked.

[0096] Folding reliability is evaluated through deformation measurement tests and wrinkle measurement tests. In the deformation measurement test, the sheet is repeatedly folded and unfolded to measure whether the shape deforms. Table 2 shows the number of repeated folding and unfolding operations and the resulting sheet quality. Specifically, good results after repeated folding and unfolding are rated "OK," while defects are rated "NG."

[0097] In the wrinkle measurement test, a plate was fixed in a folded state at 60 degrees Celsius for 2 hours, and the height of wrinkles formed on the film attached to one side of the plate was measured.

[0098] Table 1 below is a table showing the materials of the plates according to the comparative example and embodiment of Table 2, the width of the opening defined by the plates according to the embodiment and the comparative example (i.e., the first length L1), the separation distance of the opening (i.e., the second length L2), and the value of dividing the width by the separation distance.

[0099] Referring to Table 1 below, Examples 1 to 12 are examples of panels according to an embodiment in which the value of dividing the first length L1 by the second length L2 satisfies a value of not less than 0.05 and not more than 0.5. Comparative Examples 1 to 4 are examples of panels in which the value of dividing the first length L1 by the second length L2 does not satisfy a value of not less than approximately 0.05 and not more than approximately 0.5.

[0100] For example, in Example 1, the first length L1, which is the width of each opening formed in the plate, is 40 μm, and the second length L2, which is the distance between adjacent openings, is 500 μm. Specifically, the value obtained by dividing the first length L1 of the plate by the second length L2 is 0.08. In Example 1, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) was selected as the material for the plate PT. Similarly, in Examples 2 to Comparative Examples 4, plates were formed as described in Table 1 below and experiments were conducted.

[0101] [Table 1]

[0102]

[0103]

[0104] [Table 2]

[0105]

[0106]

[0107] Referring to Table 1 and Table 2, it can be confirmed that the minimum height at which the plate breaks in Example 1 is 5 cm, and even after repeated folding and unfolding 200,000 times, the shape does not deform, and the wrinkle height is 60 μm.

[0108] It was confirmed that the minimum height at which the plate broke in Example 2 was 5 cm, and even after repeated folding and unfolding 100,000 times, the shape did not deform, and the wrinkle height was 60 μm.

[0109] It was confirmed that the minimum height at which the plate broke in Example 3 was 4 cm, and even after repeated folding and unfolding operations 200,000 times, the shape did not deform, and the wrinkle height was 60 μm.

[0110] It was confirmed that the minimum height at which the plate broke in Example 4 was 4 cm, and even after repeated folding and unfolding operations 200,000 times, the shape did not deform, and the wrinkle height was 60 μm.

[0111] It was confirmed that the minimum height at which the plate broke in Example 5 was 5 cm, and even after repeated folding and unfolding operations 100,000 times, the shape did not deform, and the wrinkle height was 60 μm.

[0112] It was confirmed that the minimum height at which the plate broke in Example 6 was 5 cm, and even after repeated folding and unfolding 100,000 times, the shape did not deform, and the wrinkle height was 60 μm.

[0113] It was confirmed that the minimum height at which the plate broke in Example 7 was 4 cm, and even after repeated folding and unfolding 200,000 times, the shape did not deform, and the wrinkle height was 60 μm.

[0114] It was confirmed that the minimum height at which the plate broke in Example 8 was 4 cm, and even after repeated folding and unfolding operations 200,000 times, the shape did not deform, and the wrinkle height was 60 μm.

[0115] It was confirmed that the minimum height at which the plate broke in Example 9 was 5 cm, and even after repeated folding and unfolding operations 200,000 times, the shape did not deform, and the wrinkle height was 60 μm.

[0116] It was confirmed that the minimum height at which the plate broke in Example 10 was 3 cm, and even after repeated folding and unfolding operations 100,000 times, the shape did not deform, and the wrinkle height was 60 μm.

[0117] It was confirmed that the minimum height at which the plate broke in Example 11 was 5 cm, and that the plate deformed in shape after repeated folding and unfolding 1,000 times, with a wrinkle height of 60 μm.

[0118] It was confirmed that the minimum height at which the plate broke in Example 12 was 3 cm, and that the plate deformed in shape after repeated folding and unfolding 1,000 times, with a wrinkle height of 60 μm.

[0119] It was confirmed that the minimum height at which the plate broke in Comparative Example 1 was 3 cm, and even after folding and unfolding were repeated 200,000 times, the shape did not deform, and the wrinkle height was 100 μm.

[0120] It was confirmed that the minimum height at which the plate broke in Comparative Example 2 was 3 cm, and even after repeated folding and unfolding operations 200,000 times, the shape did not deform, and the wrinkle height was 100 μm.

[0121] It was confirmed that the minimum height at which the plate broke in Comparative Example 3 was 1 cm, and even after repeated folding and unfolding operations 200,000 times, the shape did not deform, and the wrinkle height was 100 μm.

[0122] It was confirmed that in Comparative Example 4, the minimum height at which the plate was broken was 5 cm, and the shape was deformed when the folding and unfolding operation was repeated 1000 times, with the wrinkle height being 60 μm.

[0123] As a result, it can be confirmed that Examples 1 to 12, in which the value of the first length L1 divided by the second length L2 satisfies 0.05 or more and 0.5 or less, have relatively excellent impact resistance and folding reliability compared with Comparative Examples 1 to 4, in which the value of the first length L1 divided by the second length L2 does not satisfy 0.05 or more and 0.5 or less.

[0124] For example, a comparison between Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 reveals that in the ball drop test, the minimum height at which the plate breaks in Example 1 is 5 cm, while in Comparative Example 1, the minimum height is 3 cm, confirming that Example 1 exhibits superior impact resistance. Furthermore, in the wrinkle measurement test, Example 1 exhibits wrinkles of 60 μm, while Comparative Example 1 exhibits wrinkles of 100 μm, confirming that Example 1 exhibits relatively superior impact resistance and folding reliability.

[0125] In addition, if Example 1 and Comparative Example 4 are compared, it can be seen that in the deformation degree measurement experiment based on folding, in Example 1, the shape of the plate is good even when folded and unfolded 200,000 times, but the result of folding and unfolding 1,000 times in Comparative Example 4 is that the shape is deformed and not good, thereby confirming that the higher folding reliability in Example 1 is relatively excellent.

[0126] Figures 6 to 11 It is a figure which shows the manufacturing method of the display device of this invention.

[0127] Reference Figure 6 The openings HP may be formed on the preparatory plate PPT so as to extend continuously in the first direction D1. For example, the openings HP may be formed using a laser. The openings HP may be spaced apart from each other along the second direction D2.

[0128] The openings HP may be formed so that a value obtained by dividing the width of each opening HP in the second direction D2 by the distance between adjacent openings HP in the second direction D2 is approximately 0.05 to 0.5. The width of the openings HP in the second direction D2 may be formed to be approximately 20 μm to 1000 μm. The distance between adjacent openings HP may be formed to be approximately 200 μm to 5000 μm.

[0129] Further references Figure 7, a preparation film PFL may be attached to one side of the preparation plate PPT. That is, the preparation film PFL may be attached to the preparation plate PPT in the third direction D3 or in the opposite direction of the third direction D3. For example, the preparation film PFL may be attached to the preparation plate PPT in the third direction D3 or in the opposite direction of the third direction D3. Figure 3 According to the preparation film PFL attached to one side of the preparation plate PPT, Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 After the cutting in FIG. 1 , the plate PT may not be broken through the opening portion HP and may be integrally formed.

[0130] Further references Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 , the preliminary plate PPT and the preliminary film PFL can be cut along the closed loop shaped cutting line CL. Thus, the plate PT with the film FL attached thereto can be formed. The plate PT can be cut simultaneously with the film FL. For example, the plate PT can be cut simultaneously with the film FL along the cutting line CL by laser. The length of the cutting area CA formed by the cutting line CL in the first direction D1 can be smaller than the length of each of the openings HP in the first direction D1. As a result, Figure 9 A length of each of the opening portions HP in the first direction D1 may be the same as a length of the plate PT in the first direction D1.

[0131] The value obtained by dividing the distance between the adjacent openings HP by the length of the plate PT in the first direction D1 may be approximately 0.003 to approximately 0.04. Preferably, the value obtained by dividing the distance between the adjacent openings HP by the length of the plate PT in the first direction D1 may be approximately 0.003 to approximately 0.02.

[0132] After simultaneously cutting the plate PT and the film FL, the length of each of the openings HP in the first direction D1 and the length of the plate PT in the first direction D1 may be substantially the same. That is, the plate PT may have a rectangular shape in a plane.

[0133] Further references Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 , in reference Figures 6 to 9 The formed plate PT and the film FL may further sequentially attach the display panel DP, the damping layer DL, and the window layer WL. As a result, the Figure 3 The display device DD is shown.

[0134] Figure 12 is used to show Figure 6as well as Figure 8 A simplified diagram of the laser cutting machine used in the

[0135] Reference Figure 12 The laser cutting machine LSC may include an oscillator OSC, a mirror MR, and a lens CD. The laser cutting machine LSC may be used to form the opening (eg, Figure 8 opening HP) or along the cutting line (eg, Figure 8 Used when cutting along the cutting line CL).

[0136] The laser light LS oscillating from the oscillator OSC may be a CO2 laser. Furthermore, the laser light LS may include a solid-state laser such as a YAG laser or a sapphire laser, or a gas laser such as a He-Ne laser, an Ar+ laser, or an excimer laser. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0137] The oscillator OSC can oscillate the laser LS. In one embodiment, the power of the oscillator OSC may be greater than or equal to about 5 watts and less than or equal to about 100 watts. Preferably, the power of the oscillator OSC may be greater than or equal to about 10 watts and less than or equal to about 50 watts. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0138] As a result, the laser light LS oscillated from the oscillator OSC can be reflected by the mirror MR, focused by the lens CD, and irradiated onto the plate (for example, Figure 8 Preparation board PPT).

[0139] The present invention can be applied to display devices and electronic devices including the same. For example, the present invention can be applied to high-resolution smartphones, mobile phones, smart tablets, smart watches, tablet PCs, car navigation systems, televisions, computer monitors, notebook computers, and the like.

[0140] The above description refers to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: display panel, including a folding area; as well as A plate is disposed below the display panel and defines a plurality of openings, wherein each of the plurality of openings extends continuously in a first direction and is spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction. A value obtained by dividing the width of each of the openings in the second direction by a spacing distance between mutually adjacent openings among the openings in the second direction is 0.05 to 0.

5.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein Each of the openings penetrates the entire plate along the first direction.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein A value obtained by dividing the separation distance by the length of the plate in the first direction is 0.003 to 0.

04.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein A length of each of the opening portions in the first direction is the same as a length of the plate in the first direction.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The opening is defined in the folding area below the display panel.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The display device further includes: an adhesive film disposed between the display panel and the plate; and The covering film is arranged below the plate.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The adhesive film and the opening portion overlap in plane in the folding region.

8. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The planar area of ​​the plate is the same as at least one of the planar area of ​​the adhesive film and the planar area of ​​the cover film.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The width of each of the openings is 20 μm to 1000 μm, and the separation distance is 200 μm to 5000 μm.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The plate comprises at least one of plastic, metal, and glass.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The plastic included in the panel includes at least one of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and glass fiber reinforced plastic.

12. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The metal contained in the plate includes at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, and copper.

13. A method for manufacturing a display device, comprising: forming a plurality of openings in the preliminary plate using a laser, the plurality of openings extending continuously in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a step of attaching a preparation film to one side of the preparation plate; as well as The step of simultaneously cutting the preliminary plate and the preliminary film along a closed loop-shaped cutting line to form a plate with a film attached thereto.

14. The method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 13, wherein: In the step of forming the opening, The openings are formed so that a value obtained by dividing the width of each of the openings in the second direction by a distance between adjacent openings in the second direction becomes 0.05 to 0.

5.

15. The method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 14, wherein: The width of each of the openings is 20 μm to 1000 μm, and a distance between adjacent openings in the second direction is 200 μm to 5000 μm.

16. The method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 14, wherein: In the step of forming the plate to which the film is attached, The preliminary plate and the preliminary film are cut so that a value obtained by dividing the separation distance between the adjacent openings by the length of the plate in the first direction becomes 0.003 to 0.

04.

17. The method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 13, wherein: A cutting area defined by the cutting line overlaps with the opening in a plane.

18. The method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 13, wherein: After the step of forming the plate with the film attached, a length of each of the openings in the first direction is the same as a length of the plate in the first direction.

19. The method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 13, wherein: The in-plane area of ​​the plate and the in-plane area of ​​the membrane are the same.

20. The method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 13, wherein: The preliminary plate and the preliminary film are cut by using a laser.

Images