Display device and electronic device

Abstract

A display device and an electronic device are provided. The display device includes: a display panel including a first area arranged in a first direction, a folding area, and a second area, in which the folding area is folded with respect to a folding axis extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a support plate on a rear surface of the display panel, the support plate including a pattern portion overlapping with the folding region, where the pattern portion includes a first recessed portion, a second recessed portion, and an opening portion between the first recessed portion and the second recessed portion, and where in a state in which the display panel is folded, a radius of curvature of the folding region is r, when the display panel is folded, the width of the pattern portion in the first direction is ([pi] r + 2) / 2 or more and [pi] r + 2 or less.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Recently, with the increasing interest in information display, research and development of display devices have been ongoing.

[0003] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background and therefore the information discussed in this Background section does not necessarily constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Aspects of some embodiments include a display device having relatively improved visibility.

[0005] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel, the display panel including a first area, a folding area, and a second area arranged along a first direction, wherein the folding area is folded relative to a folding axis extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a support plate, the support plate is on a rear surface of the display panel, the support plate including a pattern portion overlapping with the folding area, wherein the pattern portion includes a first recessed portion, a second recessed portion, and an opening portion between the first recessed portion and the second recessed portion, and wherein, when the curvature radius of the folding area is r in a state in which the display panel is folded, the width of the pattern portion in the first direction is greater than (πr+2) / 2 and less than πr+2.

[0006] According to some embodiments, the width of the opening portion in the first direction may be (πr+2) / 2, and the width of the first recessed portion in the first direction may be (πr+2) / 4.

[0007] According to some embodiments, a width of the first recessed portion in the first direction may be equal to a width of the second recessed portion in the first direction.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the display device may further include a hinge plate on a rear surface of the support plate.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the hinge plates may include a first hinge plate and a second hinge plate spaced apart from each other.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the first hinge plate may overlap the first recessed portion, and the second hinge plate may overlap the second recessed portion.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the display device may further include: a first digitizer between the support plate and the first hinge plate; and a second digitizer between the support plate and the second hinge plate.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the first digitizer and the second digitizer may be spaced apart from each other.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the display device may further include: a first spacer between the first digitizer and the first hinge plate; and a second spacer between the second digitizer and the second hinge plate.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the first spacer and the second spacer may be spaced apart from each other.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a supporting plate, the supporting plate including a first supporting portion, a pattern portion, and a second supporting portion arranged along a first direction; and a display panel, the display panel being on a top surface of the supporting plate, the display panel being folded in a folding area overlapping with the pattern portion relative to a folding axis extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the pattern portion includes a first recessed portion, a second recessed portion, and an opening portion between the first recessed portion and the second recessed portion, wherein when the curvature radius of the folding area is r when the display panel is folded, the width of the pattern portion in the first direction is greater than (πr+2) / 2 and less than πr+2.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the width of the opening portion in the first direction may be (πr+2) / 2, and the width of the first recessed portion in the first direction may be (πr+2) / 4.

[0017] According to some embodiments, a width of the first recessed portion in the first direction may be equal to a width of the second recessed portion in the first direction.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the display device may further include a hinge plate on a rear surface of the support plate.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the hinge plates may include a first hinge plate and a second hinge plate spaced apart from each other.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the first hinge plate may overlap the first recessed portion, and the second hinge plate may overlap the second recessed portion.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the display device may further include a digitizer on a rear surface of the support plate.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the digitizer may include a first digitizer and a second digitizer spaced apart from each other.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the first digitizer may overlap with the first support portion, and the second digitizer may overlap with the second support portion.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the display device may further include: a first hinge plate on a rear surface of the first digitizer; and a second hinge plate on a rear surface of the second digitizer.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes: a processor and a display device, the processor being used to provide input image data, the display device being used to display an image based on the input image data, the display device including a sub-pixel area, wherein the display device includes: a display panel, the display panel including a first area, a folding area, and a second area arranged along a first direction, wherein the folding area is folded relative to a folding axis extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a supporting plate, the supporting plate being on a rear surface of the display panel, the supporting plate including a pattern portion overlapping with the folding area, wherein the pattern portion includes a first recessed portion, a second recessed portion, and an opening portion between the first recessed portion and the second recessed portion, wherein when the curvature radius of the folding area is r when the display panel is folded, the width of the pattern portion in the first direction is greater than (πr+2) / 2 and less than πr+2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Aspects of some embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0027] In the accompanying drawings, dimensions may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "between" two elements, it can be the only element between the two elements, or one or more intervening elements may also be present. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements.

[0028] Figure 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of an unfolded state of a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2 is a side view illustrating an example of a folded state of a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an unfolded state of a folding region according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 6is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a folded state of a folding region according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figures 7 to 10 is a plan view illustrating a pattern portion of a support plate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 11 and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pattern portion of a support plate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an electronic device including a display device according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 Schematic diagram of an example in which the electronic device is a smart phone.

[0037] Figure 15 It shows Figure 13 Schematic diagram of an example in which the electronic device is a tablet computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] By referring to the embodiments described in detail below and the accompanying drawings, the effects and characteristics of some embodiments of the present disclosure and the methods for achieving these effects and characteristics will become clear. However, the embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but can be implemented in various forms. These embodiments are provided only by way of example so that those of ordinary skill in the art can fully understand the features and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure can be limited by the scope of the appended claims.

[0039] The terms used herein are used only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. As used herein, the singular is intended to include the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. When used in this specification, the terms "comprises / comprising" and / or "including / comprising" specify the presence of the components, steps, operations and / or elements mentioned, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations and / or elements.

[0040] When any element is described as being “connected,” “coupled,” or “accessed” to another element, it should be understood that another element may also be “connected,” “coupled,” or “accessed” between the two elements, or the two elements may be directly “connected,” “coupled,” or “accessed” to each other.

[0041] The term "on" used to indicate that an element or layer is on another element or layer includes both the case where the element or layer is directly on the other element or layer and the case where the element or layer is on the other element or layer via yet another element or layer. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals generally refer to the same elements.

[0042] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a "first" element discussed below may also be a "second" element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0043] Hereinafter, aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of an unfolded state of a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a side view showing an example of a folded state of a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a foldable display device or a foldable display panel is shown as an example of the display device DD.

[0045] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display device DD may include a first area A1, a second area A2, and / or a folding area FA. The folding area FA may be located between the first area A1 and the second area A2. The first area A1, the folding area FA, and the second area A2 may be arranged sequentially along a first direction DR1. The folding area FA may be configured to fold and unfold relative to a folding axis A (or folding line) extending in a second direction DR2 (e.g., the Y-axis direction of a rectangular coordinate system) that intersects the first direction DR1 (e.g., the X-axis direction of a rectangular coordinate system) without damaging the display device DD. The third direction DR3 may be a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0046] When the display device DD is folded, the first area A1 and the second area A2 may face each other. In an example, the first area A1 and the second area A2 may be coupled to a hinge device HG located at a folding axis A so as to rotate relative to the hinge device HG. The first area A1 and the second area A2 may have shapes that are symmetrical to each other, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0047] In the unfolded state of the display device DD, the hinge device HG may be covered by the first and second areas A1 and A2 without being exposed. In the folded state of the display device DD, when the first and second areas A1 and A2 rotate, the hinge device HG may be at least partially exposed.

[0048] The first area A1 may include a first display area DA1 where an image is displayed and a first non-display area NDA1 where no image is displayed. The first non-display area NDA1 may be located at the periphery of the first display area DA1 (eg, outside a coverage area).

[0049] The second area A2 may include a second display area DA2 where an image is displayed and a second non-display area NDA2 where no image is displayed. The second non-display area NDA2 may be located at the periphery of the second display area DA2 (eg, outside the coverage area).

[0050] The first display area DA1, the second display area DA2 and / or the folding area FA may constitute a screen on which images are displayed, and the first non-display area NDA1 and the second non-display area NDA2 may be other areas in addition to the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2 and / or the folding area FA.

[0051] For ease of description, Figure 1 In the embodiment, the structure of the display device DD will be briefly described based on the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the folding area FA. However, in some embodiments, at least one driving circuit (e.g., at least one of a scan driver or a data driver), lines, and / or pads may also be further located in the display device DD.

[0052] The pixel unit PXU may be located in the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and / or the folding area FA. The pixel unit PXU may include a first pixel PXL1, a second pixel PXL2, and / or a third pixel PXL3. Hereinafter, when at least one of the first pixel PXL1, the second pixel PXL2, and the third pixel PXL3 is arbitrarily specified, or when two or more of the first pixel PXL1, the second pixel PXL2, and the third pixel PXL3 are inclusively specified, the corresponding pixel or the corresponding plurality of pixels will be referred to as a "pixel PXL" or "pixels PXL."

[0053] Multiple pixels PXL can be based on the stripe structure, However, the arrangement structure of the plurality of pixels PXL is not limited thereto, and the plurality of pixels PXL may be arranged in the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2 and / or the folding area FA using various structures and / or methods.

[0054] In some embodiments, two or more pixels PXL emitting different colors of light may be located in the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and / or the folding area FA. In one example, a plurality of first pixels PXL1 emitting a first color of light, a plurality of second pixels PXL2 emitting a second color of light, and a plurality of third pixels PXL3 emitting a third color of light may be arranged in the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and / or the folding area FA. For example, the first pixel PXL1 may be a red pixel emitting red light, the second pixel PXL2 may be a green pixel emitting green light, and the third pixel PXL3 may be a blue pixel emitting blue light. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0055] At least one first pixel PXL1, at least one second pixel PXL2, and at least one third pixel PXL3 positioned adjacent to each other may constitute one pixel unit PXU capable of emitting light of various colors. Figure 1 , the pixel unit PXU includes one first pixel PXL1, one second pixel PXL2, and one third pixel PXL3, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and the pixel unit PXU may include one first pixel PXL1, two second pixels PXL2, and one third pixel PXL3.

[0056] The first pixel PXL1, the second pixel PXL2, and the third pixel PXL3 may have first, second, and third light emitting elements as light sources to emit first, second, and third color light, respectively. However, the color of light emitted from each pixel PXL may be variously changed.

[0057] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an unfolded state of a folding region according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a folded state of a folding region according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 7 to 10 is a plan view illustrating a pattern portion of a support plate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 11 and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pattern portion of a support plate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] Reference Figures 3 to 6 , the display device DD may include a display panel DP, a support plate PL, hinge plates HP1 and HP2, digitizers DT1 and DT2, a hinge device HG, and / or housings HS1 and HS2.

[0059] The display panel DP can be housed in the housings HS1 and HS2. The display panel DP can be folded or unfolded relative to a folding axis A. The display panel DP may include a first area A1 housed in the first housing HS1, a second area A2 housed in the second housing HS2, and a folding area FA folded or unfolded relative to the folding axis A.

[0060] The support plate PL may be located on the rear surface of the display panel DP. The support plate PL may be located on the rear surface of the display panel DP to support the display panel DP and enhance its rigidity. The support plate PL may be made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, glass fiber reinforced plastic, and / or stainless steel, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0061] The support plate PL may include a first support portion S1, a second support portion S2 and / or a pattern portion PT. The pattern portion PT may be located between the first support portion S1 and the second support portion S2. The first support portion S1, the pattern portion PT and the second support portion S2 may be sequentially arranged along the first direction DR1.

[0062] In the unfolded state of the folding area FA, the first supporting portion S1 may overlap the first area A1. The first supporting portion S1 may partially overlap the folding area FA.

[0063] In the expanded state of the folding area FA, the second supporting portion S2 may overlap the second area A2. The second supporting portion S2 may partially overlap the folding area FA.

[0064] The pattern portion PT may overlap the folding area FA. The pattern portion PT may minimize or reduce deformation of the display panel DP in the folding area FA. Therefore, even though the display device DD is repeatedly folded or unfolded, the crease phenomenon is minimized or reduced, thereby relatively improving visibility.

[0065] The pattern portion PT may include a first recessed portion RC1, a second recessed portion RC2, and / or an opening OP. The opening OP may be located between the first recessed portion RC1 and the second recessed portion RC2. The first recessed portion RC1, the opening OP, and the second recessed portion RC2 may be arranged sequentially along the first direction DR1. In other words, the first recessed portion RC1 and the second recessed portion RC2 may be located outside the pattern portion PT.

[0066] According to some embodiments, the modulus of the first recessed portion RC1 and / or the modulus of the second recessed portion RC2 may be greater than the modulus of the opening portion OP. Thus, when the outer portion of the pattern portion PT (e.g., the first recessed portion RC1 and the second recessed portion RC2) has a high modulus characteristic compared to the center of the pattern portion PT (e.g., the opening portion OP), the deformation of the folding area FA can be minimized or reduced even when the display device DD is repeatedly folded or unfolded. Therefore, the crease phenomenon in the folding area FA can be minimized or reduced, thereby relatively improving visibility. The modulus of the first recessed portion RC1 and / or the modulus of the second recessed portion RC2 may be 100 MPa or less. The modulus of the opening portion OP may be 10 MPa, but is not necessarily limited to this according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0067] In the unfolded state of the folding area FA, the width of the opening portion OP in the first direction DR1 may be greater than the width of the first recessed portion RC1 in the first direction DR1 and / or the width of the second recessed portion RC2 in the first direction DR1. The width of the first recessed portion RC1 in the first direction DR1 may be equal to the width of the second recessed portion RC2 in the first direction DR1.

[0068] When the display device DD (or display panel DP) is folded and the radius of curvature of the folding area FA is r, the width of the pattern portion PT in the first direction DR1 may be greater than (πr+2) / 2 and less than or equal to πr+2. The distance from the folding axis A to the first edge of the pattern portion PT (or the edge of the first recessed portion RC1) in the first direction DR1 may be (πr+2) / 2. The distance from the folding axis A to the second edge of the pattern portion PT (or the edge of the second recessed portion RC2) in the first direction DR1 may be (πr+2) / 2. In this example, the width of the pattern portion PT in the first direction DR1 may be πr+2, the width of the opening OP in the first direction DR1 may be (πr+2) / 2, the width of the first recessed portion RC1 in the first direction DR1 may be (πr+2) / 4, and the width of the second recessed portion RC2 in the first direction DR1 may be (πr+2) / 4.

[0069] Table 1

[0070]

[0071]

[0072] Referring to Table 1, it can be seen that in the embodiment in which the first recessed portion RC1 and the second recessed portion RC2 are located in the outer portion of the pattern portion PT, the fold is reduced by 37% compared to the comparative example. The first recessed portion RC1 may include a first recessed pattern RCP1. The opening portion OP may include an opening pattern OPP. The second recessed portion RC2 may include a second recessed pattern RCP2.

[0073] Each of the first recessed pattern RCP1, the second recessed pattern RCP2 and / or the opening pattern OPP may have a lattice shape on a plane, such as Figure 7 Alternatively, each of the first recessed pattern RCP1, the second recessed pattern RCP2 and / or the opening pattern OPP may have a shape in which lattices and slits are alternately arranged on a plane, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 Alternatively, each of the first recessed pattern RCP1, the second recessed pattern RCP2 and / or the opening pattern OPP may have a shape in which slits are continuously arranged on a plane, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 Alternatively, each of the first recessed pattern RCP1, the second recessed pattern RCP2 and / or the opening pattern OPP may have a circular shape on a plane, as shown in FIG. Figure 10 However, the plane shapes of the first recessed pattern RCP1, the second recessed pattern RCP2 and / or the opening pattern OPP are not limited to Figures 7 to 10 , and can be variously changed by considering the modulus of the pattern portion PT.

[0074] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the opening pattern OPP may have a penetrating hole shape penetrating the support plate PL.

[0075] The first recessed pattern RCP1 and / or the second recessed pattern RCP2 may have a half-cut shape. The first recessed pattern RCP1 and / or the second recessed pattern RCP2 may have a shape recessed from the rear surface of the support plate PL in the third direction DR3. The depth of the first recessed pattern RCP1 in the third direction DR3 and / or the depth of the second recessed pattern RCP2 in the third direction DR3 may be less than the thickness of the support plate PL in the third direction DR3. The depth of the first recessed pattern RCP1 in the third direction DR3 and / or the depth of the second recessed pattern RCP2 in the third direction DR3 may be less than the depth of the opening pattern OPP in the third direction DR3.

[0076] Reference Figure 11The first recessed patterns RCP1 and the second recessed patterns RCP2 may be formed to the same depth. The depth of the first recessed pattern RCP1 in the third direction DR3 may be equal to the depth of the second recessed pattern RCP2 in the third direction DR3, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0077] Reference Figure 12 Each of the first recessed pattern RCP1 and / or the second recessed pattern RCP2 may be formed to a different depth. In an example, the depth of the first recessed pattern RCP1 in the third direction DR3 and / or the depth of the second recessed pattern RCP2 in the third direction DR3 may gradually become smaller as the distance from the opening pattern OPP becomes farther.

[0078] However, the depth of the first recessed pattern RCP1 and / or the second recessed pattern RCP2 in the third direction DR3 is not limited to Figure 11 and Figure 12 , and can be variously changed by considering the modulus of the pattern portion PT.

[0079] Refer again Figures 3 to 6 The hinge plates HP1 and HP2 may be located on the rear surface of the support plate PL. The hinge plates HP1 and HP2 may be arranged to overlap the folding area FA. The hinge plates HP1 and HP2 may be coupled to a hinge assembly HG to fold or unfold relative to a folding axis A.

[0080] The hinge plates HP1 and HP2 may include a first hinge plate HP1 and / or a second hinge plate HP2. The first hinge plate HP1 and the second hinge plate HP2 may be spaced apart from each other with a folding axis A interposed therebetween.

[0081] When the folding area FA is unfolded, the first hinge plate HP1 may partially overlap the first support portion S1. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the first hinge plate HP1 may partially overlap the pattern portion PT. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the first hinge plate HP1 may overlap the first recessed portion RC1. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the first hinge plate HP1 may partially overlap the opening portion OP.

[0082] When the folding area FA is unfolded, the second hinge plate HP2 may partially overlap the second support portion S2. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the second hinge plate HP2 may partially overlap the pattern portion PT. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the second hinge plate HP2 may overlap the second recessed portion RC2. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the second hinge plate HP2 may partially overlap the opening portion OP.

[0083] The digitizers DT1 and DT2 may be located between the support plate PL and the hinge plates HP1 and HP2. The digitizers DT1 and DT2 may include a first digitizer DT1 and / or a second digitizer DT2. The first digitizer DT1 and the second digitizer DT2 may be spaced apart from each other, with the folding axis A being located between the first digitizer DT1 and the second digitizer DT2. In some embodiments, as Figure 4 As shown in , the digitizers DT1 and DT2 can be omitted.

[0084] When the folding area FA is unfolded, the first digitizer DT1 may overlap with the first area A1 of the display panel DP. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the first digitizer DT1 may partially overlap with the folding area FA. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the first digitizer DT1 may partially overlap with the first supporting portion S1. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the first digitizer DT1 may partially overlap with the pattern portion PT. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the first digitizer DT1 may partially overlap with the first recessed portion RC1. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the first digitizer DT1 may partially overlap with the opening portion OP.

[0085] When the folding area FA is unfolded, the second digitizer DT2 may overlap with the second area A2 of the display panel DP. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the second digitizer DT2 may partially overlap with the folding area FA. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the second digitizer DT2 may partially overlap with the second supporting portion S2. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the second digitizer DT2 may partially overlap with the pattern portion PT. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the second digitizer DT2 may partially overlap with the second recessed portion RC2. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the second digitizer DT2 may partially overlap with the opening portion OP.

[0086] Spacers SP1 and SP2 may also be located between the digitizers DT1 and DT2 and the hinge plates HP1 and HP2. When the digitizers DT1 and DT2 are omitted, the spacers SP1 and SP2 may be located between the display panel DP and the hinge plates HP1 and HP2.

[0087] The spacers SP1 and SP2 may include a first spacer SP1 and / or a second spacer SP2. The first spacer SP1 and the second spacer SP2 may be spaced apart from each other with a folding axis A interposed therebetween.

[0088] The first spacer SP1 may be located between the first digitizer DT1 and the first hinge plate HP1. If the digitizers DT1 and DT2 are omitted, the first spacer SP1 may be located between the display panel DP and the first hinge plate HP1. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the first spacer SP1 may partially overlap with the folding area FA. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the first spacer SP1 may partially overlap with the pattern portion PT. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the first spacer SP1 may partially overlap with the first recessed portion RC1. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the first spacer SP1 may partially overlap with the opening portion OP.

[0089] The second spacer SP2 may be located between the second digitizer DT2 and the second hinge plate HP2. If the digitizers DT1 and DT2 are omitted, the second spacer SP2 may be located between the display panel DP and the second hinge plate HP2. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the second spacer SP2 may partially overlap with the folding area FA. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the second spacer SP2 may partially overlap with the pattern portion PT. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the second spacer SP2 may partially overlap with the second recessed portion RC2. When the folding area FA is unfolded, the second spacer SP2 may partially overlap with the opening portion OP.

[0090] The hinge device HG may be coupled to the hinge plates HP1 and HP2 to allow the display panel DP (or the display device DD) to be folded or unfolded with respect to the folding axis A. The hinge device HG may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the folding axis A.

[0091] Housings HS1 and HS2 may be located on the rear surface of display panel DP. When digitizers DT1 and DT2 are provided on the rear surface of display panel DP, housings HS1 and HS2 may be located on the rear surface of digitizers DT1 and DT2. Housings HS1 and HS2 may be coupled to hinge plates HP1 and HP2 to fold or unfold relative to folding axis A via hinge assembly HG.

[0092] The housings HS1 and HS2 may include a first housing HS1 and / or a second housing HS2. The first housing HS1 and the second housing HS2 may be spaced apart from each other with a folding axis A (or folding line) interposed therebetween.

[0093] The first housing HS1 may be coupled to the first hinge plate HP1. When the folding area FA is deployed, the first housing HS1 may overlap the first area A1. When the folding area FA is deployed, the first housing HS1 may partially overlap the folding area FA. When the folding area FA is deployed, the first housing HS1 may overlap the first support portion S1.

[0094] The second housing HS2 can be coupled to the second hinge plate HP2. When the folding area FA is deployed, the second housing HS2 can overlap the second area A2. When the folding area FA is deployed, the second housing HS2 can partially overlap the folding area FA. When the folding area FA is deployed, the second housing HS2 can overlap the second support portion S2.

[0095] Adhesive layers AD1 and AD2 may also be located between the display panel DP and the housings HS1 and HS2. When the digitizers DT1 and DT2 are provided on the rear surface of the display panel DP, adhesive layers AD1 and AD2 may be located between the digitizers DT1 and DT2 and the housings HS1 and HS2.

[0096] The adhesive layers AD1 and AD2 may include a first adhesive layer AD1 and / or a second adhesive layer AD2. The first adhesive layer AD1 may be located between the display panel DP and the first housing HS1. The first adhesive layer AD1 may be located between the first digitizer DT1 and the first housing HS1. The first adhesive layer AD1 may couple the display panel DP (or the first digitizer DT1) and the first housing HS1 to each other.

[0097] The second adhesive layer AD2 may be located between the display panel DP and the second housing HS2. The second adhesive layer AD2 may be located between the second digitizer DT2 and the second housing HS2. The second adhesive layer AD2 may couple the display panel DP (or the second digitizer DT2) and the second housing HS2 to each other.

[0098] According to the above embodiment, the first and second recessed portions RC1 and RC2, corresponding to the outer portions of the pattern portion PT of the support plate PL, have relatively high modulus characteristics compared to the opening portion OP corresponding to the center of the pattern portion PT. Therefore, even when the display device DD is repeatedly folded and unfolded, deformation of the folding area FA can be minimized or reduced. Consequently, creases in the folding area FA can be minimized or reduced, thereby relatively improving visibility.

[0099] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a pattern portion is formed in a support plate, so that a crease phenomenon in a folding area can be minimized or reduced, thereby relatively improving visibility of a display device.

[0100] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an electronic device 1000 including a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 1 is a schematic diagram of an example in which the electronic device 1000 is a smart phone. Figure 15 It shows Figure 13 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example in which the electronic device 1000 is a tablet computer.

[0101] Reference Figures 13 to 15 , the electronic device 1000 may include a processor 1010, a memory device 1020, a storage device 1030, an input / output (I / O) device 1040, a power supply 1050, and a display device 1060. The display device 1060 may be Figure 1 The electronic device 1000 may also include various ports for communicating with a video card, a sound card, a memory card, a USB device or other systems. Figure 14 As shown in , the electronic device 1000 may be a smart phone. In an embodiment, as Figure 15 As shown in FIG, the electronic device 1000 may be a tablet computer. However, the above examples are illustrative, and the electronic device 1000 is not necessarily limited to the above examples. For example, the electronic device 1000 may be a cellular phone, a video phone, a smart tablet, a smart watch, a navigation device for a vehicle, a computer monitor, a laptop computer, a head-mounted display device, etc.

[0102] The processor 1010 may perform specific calculations or tasks. In embodiments, the processor 1010 may include at least one of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing unit, a communication processor, an image signal processor, a controller, and the like. The processor 1010 may be connected to other components via an address bus, a control bus, a data bus, and the like. In embodiments, the processor 1010 may be connected to an expansion bus, such as a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus. In embodiments, the processor 1010 may provide input image data to the display device 1060. Thus, the display device 1060 may display an image based on the input image data provided by the processor 1010.

[0103] The memory device 1020 may store data required to perform operations of the electronic device 1000. The memory device 1020 may be used as a working memory and / or a buffer memory of the processor 1010. For example, the memory device 1020 may include one or more volatile memory devices such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device, a static random access memory (SRAM) device, and a mobile DRAM device.

[0104] The storage device 1030 may store data in response to a control signal or data from the processor 1010. The storage device 1030 may include one or more non-volatile storage elements to retain data even when the electronic device 1000 is powered off. In some embodiments, the storage device 1030 may include a solid-state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), a CD-ROM, etc.

[0105] The I / O device 1040 may include input devices such as a keyboard, a keypad, a touch pad, a touch screen, and a mouse, and output devices such as a speaker and a printer. In an embodiment, the display device 1060 may be integrated with the I / O device 1040.

[0106] The power supply 1050 may supply power required to perform operations of the electronic device 1000. For example, the power supply 1050 may include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). In an embodiment, the power supply 1050 may supply power to the display device 1060.

[0107] The display device 1060 may display images in response to image data signals and / or control signals from the processor 1010. The display device 1060 may be connected to other components through a bus or other communication link.

[0108] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terms are employed, they are used and interpreted in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. In some cases, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing this application, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with other embodiments, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device comprising: a display panel comprising a first area, a folding area, and a second area arranged along a first direction, wherein the folding area is configured to be folded with respect to a folding axis extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a support plate on the rear surface of the display panel, the support plate including a pattern portion overlapping the folding area, wherein the pattern portion includes a first recessed portion, a second recessed portion, and an opening portion between the first recessed portion and the second recessed portion, and In which, when the display panel is folded, the curvature radius of the folding area is r, and in the folded state of the display panel, the width of the pattern portion in the first direction is greater than (πr+2) / 2 and less than πr+2.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The width of the opening in the first direction is (πr+2) / 2, and the width of the first recess in the first direction is (πr+2) / 4.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The width of the first recessed portion in the first direction is equal to the width of the second recessed portion in the first direction.

4. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A hinge plate is provided on the rear surface of the support plate.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein The hinge plates include a first hinge plate and a second hinge plate that are spaced apart from each other. The display device according to claim 5 , wherein: The first hinge plate overlaps the first recess, and the second hinge plate overlaps the second recess.

7. The display device according to claim 6, further comprising: a first digitizer, the first digitizer being between the support plate and the first hinge plate; as well as A second digitizer is provided between the support plate and the second hinge plate.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The first digitizer and the second digitizer are spaced apart from each other.

9. The display device according to claim 7, further comprising: a first spacer between the first digitizer and the first hinge plate; as well as A second spacer is provided between the second digitizer and the second hinge plate.

10. An electronic device comprising: a processor configured to provide input image data; as well as a display device for displaying an image based on the input image data, the display device comprising a sub-pixel region, Wherein, the display device includes: a display panel comprising a first area, a folding area, and a second area arranged along a first direction, wherein the folding area is configured to be folded with respect to a folding axis extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a support plate on the rear surface of the display panel, the support plate including a pattern portion overlapping the folding area, wherein the pattern portion includes a first recessed portion, a second recessed portion, and an opening portion between the first recessed portion and the second recessed portion, and In which, when the display panel is folded, the curvature radius of the folding area is r, and in the folded state of the display panel, the width of the pattern portion in the first direction is greater than (πr+2) / 2 and less than πr+2.

Images