Display device

Abstract

A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a display panel including a folding area, a bending area, a first non-folding area, a second non-folding area, and a third non-folding area, a back plate disposed on a rear surface of the display panel, and a folding auxiliary layer disposed on a rear surface of the back plate, wherein the back plate includes a plurality of patterns overlapping the folding area, and wherein the folding auxiliary layer overlaps the entire folding area and a portion of each of the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area between which the folding area is disposed, thereby preventing a wrinkle from occurring in the folding area and preventing visibility degradation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to display devices, and more specifically, for example, but not limited to, display devices having reduced thickness and improved visibility. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, as society has entered a mature information age, the display field, which processes and displays large amounts of information, has developed rapidly. Display devices used in computer monitors, TVs, or mobile phones include self-emissive organic light-emitting displays (OLEDs) and liquid crystal displays (LCDs) that require a separate light source.

[0003] Display devices have been used in a variety of applications, including computer monitors, TVs, and personal portable devices, and research is underway on display devices with large display areas and reduced size and weight.

[0004] In particular, in recent years, flexible display devices, manufactured to display images even when bent or folded, have attracted attention as the next generation of display devices. Flexible display devices can be categorized as durable, indestructible display devices utilizing plastic thin-film transistor substrates other than glass; bendable display devices that can be bent without damage; rollable display devices that can be rolled up; and foldable display devices that can be folded. These flexible display devices offer advantages in space utilization, internal design, and overall aesthetics, and can be used in a wide range of applications.

[0005] The descriptions provided in the Background section should not be assumed to be prior art simply because they are mentioned in or associated with the Background section. The Background section may include information describing one or more aspects of the subject matter. Summary of the Invention

[0006] On the other hand, the inventors of this application have discovered the following problem: the shrinkage of the display panel cannot be performed smoothly, and wrinkles or damage occur due to shrinkage deformation in the structure that supports the shape of the display panel in the folding area, thereby reducing the display quality of the display panel.

[0007] The objective of this disclosure is to provide a display device that can prevent wrinkles and reduced visibility in folded areas.

[0008] The objective of this disclosure is to provide a display device having a structure that can reduce the thickness and weight of a foldable display device.

[0009] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel including a folded region, a bent region, a first non-folded region, a second non-folded region, and a third non-folded region; a base plate disposed on a rear surface of the display panel; and a folding auxiliary layer disposed on the rear surface of the base plate, the base plate including a plurality of patterns overlapping the folded region, the folding auxiliary layer overlapping the entire folded region and a portion of each of the first non-folded region and the second non-folded region, wherein the folded region is disposed between the first non-folded region and the second non-folded region.

[0010] Further details of the implementation methods are included in the detailed embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the folding area, the base plate has a plurality of patterns, and the folding auxiliary layer is disposed below the base plate to prevent wrinkles from occurring even when the display device is repeatedly folded.

[0012] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the base plate is made of a single layer of non-alkali glass, and the substrate of the display panel disposed on the base plate is made of a single layer, thereby reducing the thickness and weight of the display device.

[0013] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a low-power display device is achieved by using a folded auxiliary layer that overlaps with multiple patterns on a base plate to block moisture and foreign matter introduced from the multiple patterns, thereby preventing a shortened lifespan of the display device.

[0014] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those illustrated above, and include a wide variety of other effects.

[0015] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed inventive concept. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure and incorporated into and constituting a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. The above and other aspects, features, and other advantages of the disclosure will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic plan view of a portion of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line AB.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the state of a display device bent in a bending region according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line CD.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing multiple patterns set in the base plate within the folded area.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a plurality of patterns disposed on a base plate in a folding area of ​​a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the state in which the base plate of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is folded around a folding axis.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the shape of the edges of a plurality of patterns in the edge region of the base plate in a folded area of ​​the base plate of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 10A and Figure 10B It is an image of the shape of the edge area of ​​the base plate.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the display area located in the folded region of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the display area located in the folded region of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, unless otherwise described, the same reference numerals should be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the relative dimensions and depictions of these elements may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of this disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The described progression of processing steps and / or operations is exemplary; however, the order of steps and / or operations is not limited to the order set forth herein and can be varied as is known in the art, except for steps and / or operations that must occur in a specific order. The names of the corresponding elements used in the following explanation may be chosen solely for the convenience of drafting the specification and may therefore differ from those used in actual products.

[0030] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as the methods for achieving these advantages and features, will become clear from the exemplary embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but will be implemented in various forms. The exemplary embodiments are provided by way of example only, enabling those skilled in the art to fully understand the disclosure and scope of this disclosure.

[0031] The shapes, sizes, dimensions (e.g., length, width, height, thickness, radius, diameter, area, etc.), ratios, angles, quantities, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings used to describe exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are merely examples, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, in the following description of this disclosure, detailed explanations of known related technologies may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of this disclosure. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” and “consisting of” as used herein are generally intended to allow for the addition of additional components, unless these terms are used in conjunction with the term “only.” Unless otherwise expressly stated, any reference to the singular may include the plural.

[0032] The term "exemplary" is used to indicate that something is used as an example or illustration. An aspect is an example aspect. "Implementation method," "example," "aspect," etc., should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementation methods. Unless otherwise stated, implementation method, example, example implementation method, aspect, etc., may refer to one or more implementation methods, one or more examples, one or more example implementation methods, one or more aspects, etc. Furthermore, the term "may" encompasses all the meanings of the term "able to."

[0033] Even without explicit explanation, components are interpreted as including the normal tolerance range.

[0034] When using terms such as “above,” “over,” “below,” and “beside” to describe the positional relationship between two parts, one or more parts may be positioned between the two parts, unless these terms are used with the terms “immediately adjacent” or “directly.”

[0035] When describing temporal relationships, such as when time sequence is described as "after", "following", "next", and "before", discontinuous situations may be included unless more restrictive terms such as "only", "immediately after", or "directly" are used.

[0036] When an element or layer is placed "on" another element or layer, the other layer or element can be directly inserted on or between the other element.

[0037] Terms such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” are used herein to describe the relationships between elements as shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these terms are spatially relative and based on the orientation depicted in the drawings.

[0038] Although the terms "first," "second," "A," "B," "(a)," and "(b)," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. Therefore, the first component mentioned below can be the second component in the technical concept of this disclosure.

[0039] Throughout this disclosure, the same reference numerals generally denote the same elements.

[0040] The term “at least one” should be understood to include any and all combinations of one or more related listed items. For example, “at least one of the first, second, and third elements” means a combination of all three listed elements, a combination of any two of the three elements, and each individual element, the first element, the second element, or the third element.

[0041] For ease of description, the dimensions and thickness of each component shown in the accompanying drawings are illustrated, and this disclosure is not limited to the dimensions and thickness of the components shown.

[0042] Features of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be partially or completely adhered to or combined with each other, and may be interlocked and operated in various technical ways, and the embodiments may be performed independently or collaboratively.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the example embodiments pertain. It will also be understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent, for example, with their meaning in the context of the relevant field, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein. For example, the terms “part” or “unit” may be applied to, for example, a single circuit or structure, an integrated circuit, a computational block of a circuit device, or any structure configured to perform the described functions as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0044] This disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic plan view of a portion of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure is an apparatus for displaying video or still images. The display device 100 can be used as a display screen for various products (such as televisions, laptops, monitors, billboards, and the Internet of Things) and portable electronic devices (such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablet PCs, smartwatches, mobile communication terminals, e-notebooks, e-readers, PMPs, navigation devices, and UMPCs). Embodiments are not limited thereto. As an example, the display device 100 can also be used as a display screen for buildings, vehicles, home appliances, etc., and is not limited thereto.

[0048] As an example, the display device 100 may include at least one folded region FA, a plurality of non-folded regions NFA1, NFA2, NFA3 and / or at least one bent region BA, but is not limited thereto.

[0049] For example, the display device 100 may include a folded region FA, a first non-folded region NFA1, a second non-folded region NFA2, a third non-folded region NFA3, and a bent region BA. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display device 100 may include two or more folded regions FA and two or more bent regions BA. As an example, depending on the design, at least one of the folded region FA, the first non-folded region NFA1, the second non-folded region NFA2, the third non-folded region NFA3, and the bent region BA may be omitted.

[0050] The folding region FA of the display device 100 can represent an area that can be folded around the folding axis FX. The bending region BA of the display device 100 can represent an area that can be bent around the bending axis BX. As an example, the radius of curvature of the folding region FA of the display device 100 can be smaller than the radius of curvature of the bending region BA, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the radius of curvature of the folding region FA of the display device 100 in the folded state can be smaller than the radius of curvature of the bending region BA in the bent state, but is not limited thereto.

[0051] Additionally, as an example, the folding area FA of the display device 100 may include the display area AA, but the bending area BA may not include the display area AA, but is not limited thereto.

[0052] The first non-folded region NFA1, the second non-folded region NFA2, and the third non-folded region NFA3 can be flat, folded portions.

[0053] The folded area FA can be set between the first non-folded area NFA1 and the second non-folded area NFA2. The bent area BA can be set between the second non-folded area NFA2 and the third non-folded area NFA3.

[0054] The folded region FA and the bent region BA can be spaced apart from each other, and at least one non-folded region NFA is interposed between the folded region FA and the bent region BA. For example, the folded region FA and the bent region BA can be spaced apart from each other, with a second non-folded region NFA interposed between the folded region FA and the bent region BA. As an example, the folded region FA and the bent region BA can be arranged parallel to each other, but are not limited thereto. As an example, the folded region FA and the bent region BA can be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the folded region FA, but are not limited thereto.

[0055] A display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel 110.

[0056] The display panel 110 may include a folded area FA, a first non-folded area NFA1, a second non-folded area NFA2, a third non-folded area NFA3, and a bent area BA.

[0057] In addition, the display panel 110 may include a display area AA and a non-display area NA.

[0058] Each of the display area AA and the non-display area NA of the display panel 110 can be set in a portion of the folded area FA, a portion of the first non-folded area NFA1, and a portion of the second non-folded area NFA2.

[0059] At least a portion of the non-display area NA of the display panel 110 may be configured to surround the display area AA disposed in a portion of the folded area FA, a portion of the first non-folded area NFA1, and a portion of the second non-folded area NFA2.

[0060] As an example, each of the folded area BA and the third non-folded area NFA3 of the display panel 110 may be a non-display area NA, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the display area AA may be further disposed in at least one of the folded area BA and the third non-folded area NFA3, but is not limited thereto.

[0061] The folding area FA of the display panel 110 may include the display area AA, and the bending area BA of the display panel 110 may not include the display area AA.

[0062] Display panel 110 displays images through display area AA. Non-display area NA does not display images. In non-display area NA, drive units and / or lines for driving display area AA can be configured.

[0063] The display panel 110 can be of various types, such as a display panel including an organic light-emitting element (OLED), a display panel including a light-emitting element (LED), a display panel including a micro-LED, and a liquid crystal display panel, but is not limited thereto. In the following description, for ease of description, a display panel including a light-emitting element will be mainly described as an example.

[0064] Next, we will refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The structure of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail.

[0065] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line AB.

[0066] Figure 4 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the state of a display device bent in a bending region according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel 110, a base plate 180, and a folding auxiliary layer 186.

[0068] The display panel 110 may include a substrate 112 and a display element layer 111 disposed on the substrate 112.

[0069] The substrate 112 may include a material that can be bent and folded. For example, the substrate 112 may include at least one of polyimide (PI), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyurethane (PU), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), but is not limited thereto.

[0070] The substrate 112 may be formed from a single layer. The substrate 112 may be formed from 1 μm to 16 μm. The embodiments are not limited thereto. As an example, the substrate 112 may be formed from multiple layers. As an example, the substrate 112 may be formed from a thickness of less than 1 μm or greater than 16 μm, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] As described above, since the substrate 112 is formed as a single layer, the structure of the display device 100 can be simplified and the thickness of the display device 100 can be reduced, thereby reducing the stress applied to the display device 100 due to folding or bending, and thus suppressing defects in the display device 100.

[0072] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, the display element layer 111 may include multiple light-emitting devices, multiple transistors, and multiple interconnect lines.

[0073] Some of the multiple link lines included in the display element layer 111 may be configured to extend from the non-display area NA located in each of the folded area FA, the first non-folded area NFA1, and the second non-folded area NFA2 to the bent area BA and the third non-folded area NFA3.

[0074] The base plate 180 may be disposed on a portion of the rear surface of the substrate 112.

[0075] As an example, the base plate 180 may be made of glass, but is not limited to this. For example, the base plate 180 may be non-alkali glass.

[0076] Specifically, the base plate 180 may include an alkali-free material. For example, the base plate 180 may include silicon dioxide (SiO2).

[0077] Therefore, the base plate 180 exhibits excellent chemical durability and can remain undegraded even under high temperatures and rapid temperature changes. The implementation is not limited thereto. As an example, the base plate 180 may include materials other than glass, such as plastics, ceramics, oxides, metals, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0078] Furthermore, the base plate 180 may not contain alkali metals. Therefore, ion exchange processes are not used in the process of forming the base plate 180.

[0079] To form glass containing alkali metals, an ion exchange process is required. However, the glass formed by the ion exchange process has significantly reduced strength at the edges or cut surfaces, which may degrade its durability.

[0080] Specifically, in order to form glass containing alkali metals, sodium-calcium glass containing sodium (Na) ions is immersed in an alkali metal salt solution (e.g., potassium nitrate solution).

[0081] Subsequently, an alkali metal salt solution is melted at a high temperature of 400°C to 500°C to remove sodium (Na) ions from inside the soda-lime glass, and potassium (Ka) ions, which are larger than sodium (Na) ions, are located in the sodium (Na) ion sites inside the soda-lime glass to exchange ions.

[0082] When potassium (Ka) ions, which are larger than sodium (Na) ions, are located inside the glass, compressive stress is generated on the glass surface due to the difference in ion size.

[0083] When this ion exchange is complete, the glass gradually cools and a compressive stress layer can form on the glass surface.

[0084] However, during this process, a compressive stress layer may not form on the glass edges and cut surfaces. In this case, the chemical and physical durability of the glass edges and cut surfaces deteriorates.

[0085] Because ion exchange processes use alkali metal salt solutions, the process becomes more difficult as the glass thickness increases, and it also poses environmental pollution problems.

[0086] On the other hand, the base plate 180 of the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure does not contain alkali metals, so there is no need to use an ion exchange process to enhance durability.

[0087] Therefore, even if the base plate 180, which does not contain alkali metals, becomes thicker than glass that does contain alkali metals, uniform chemical and physical durability can be ensured, and no environmental pollution is generated even in the process of forming the base plate 180.

[0088] Since the substrate 112 of the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has a single-layer structure, it is desirable that the bottom plate 180 disposed on the rear surface of the substrate 112 stably supports the substrate 112.

[0089] Since the base plate 180 is a non-alkali glass, chemical and physical durability of the entire surface, including the edges and cut surfaces of the base plate 180, can be ensured even if the base plate 180 has a thickness sufficient to stably support the substrate 112.

[0090] For example, the thickness of the base plate 180 can be from 1 μm to 200 μm, and specifically, the thickness of the base plate 180 can be from 50 μm to 200 μm, but is not limited thereto.

[0091] When the thickness of the base plate 180 is less than 50 μm, defects such as sagging may occur in some areas of the base plate 180 used to support the display panel 110.

[0092] When the thickness of the base plate 180 exceeds 200 μm, when the display device 100 is folded in the folding area FA, wrinkles may appear in the display device 100 due to the increased thickness. This may result in problems such as visually identifying steps in the wrinkled areas and an increase in the weight of the display device 100.

[0093] The base plate 180 of the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is formed of non-alkali glass to easily achieve a thickness of more than 50 μm. In addition, since the base plate 180 has a thickness of less than 200 μm, wrinkles in the folding area FA of the display device 100 or visually identifiable defects such as steps can be reduced or prevented.

[0094] The base plate 180 may be disposed in any one or at least a portion of the folded area FA, the first non-folded area NFA1, the second non-folded area NFA2, and the third non-folded area NFA3 of the display device 100.

[0095] Therefore, in the folded region FA, the first non-folded region NFA1, the second non-folded region NFA2, and the third non-folded region NFA3 of the display device 100, the base plate 180 can stably support the display panel 110. The implementation is not limited to this. As an example, the base plate 180 may be omitted in at least a portion of any one of the folded region FA, the first non-folded region NFA1, the second non-folded region NFA2, and the third non-folded region NFA3 of the display device 100.

[0096] As an example, the base plate 180 may include multiple patterns 185 in the folding area FA of the display device 100, but is not limited thereto.

[0097] Multiple patterns 185 can be configured to be spaced apart from each other in the folding area FA of the display device 100. As an example, multiple patterns 185 can be configured to be spaced apart from each other in the folding direction in the folding area FA of the display device 100, but are not limited thereto.

[0098] When the display device 100 is folded in the folding area FA, a plurality of patterns 185 can be used to facilitate the folding of the display device 100 and to reduce the stress applied to the base plate 180 during folding.

[0099] In the bending region BA of the display device 100, as an example, a first micro-coating 195 may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 110, but is not limited thereto.

[0100] The first micro-coating 195 can fill the holes in the base plate 180 located in the bending region BA.

[0101] The first microcoating 195 can be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 110 and is used to suppress the occurrence of cracks in the bending region BA of the display panel 110 and adjust the neutral surface of the bending region BA.

[0102] like Figure 4 As shown, the display device 100 can be bent in the bending region BA.

[0103] When the display device 100 is bent, the third non-folding region NFA3 may be located on the rear surface of the second non-folding region NFA2.

[0104] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In a portion of each of the first non-folding region NFA1 and the third non-folding region NFA3 of the display device 100, the sealing layer 172 may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 110.

[0105] As an example, the sealing layer 172 may be disposed at the edges of the first non-folded region NFA1 and the third non-folded region NFA3. As an example, the sealing layer 172 may be disposed at the edges of the first non-folded region NFA1 facing the outside of the display panel 110 and the edges of the third non-folded region NFA3 facing the outside of the display panel 110, but is not limited thereto.

[0106] In addition, the sealing layer 172 may be disposed on the rear surface of the substrate 112 in the region of the base plate 180 not disposed in each of the first non-folded region NFA1 and the third non-folded region NFA3.

[0107] As an example, the sealing layer 172 can be used to fill the step created between the substrate 112 and the base plate 180, but is not limited thereto.

[0108] As an example, the folding auxiliary layer 186 may be disposed on a portion of the rear surface of the base plate 180, but is not limited thereto.

[0109] As an example, the folding auxiliary layer 186 may overlap with the entire folding area FA of the display device 100.

[0110] Additionally, as an example, the folding auxiliary layer 186 may be configured to extend into a portion of the first non-folded region NFA1 and a portion of the second non-folded region NFA2, but is not limited thereto.

[0111] As an example, the folding auxiliary layer 186 may overlap with a portion of the display area AA of each of the first non-folded region NFA1 and the second non-folded region NFA2. For example, the display area AA may include a light-emitting area and a non-light-emitting area, and the folding auxiliary layer 186 may overlap with a portion of the light-emitting area and a portion of the non-light-emitting area of ​​each of the first non-folded region NFA1 and the second non-folded region NFA2.

[0112] The folding auxiliary layer 186 can be used to reduce or prevent damage that may occur during the process of repeatedly folding or unfolding the display device 100.

[0113] Specifically, the folding auxiliary layer 186 can absorb the mechanical stress generated when the display device 100 is folded or unfolded, thereby reducing the impact applied to the display device 100, and in particular, can reduce or prevent wrinkles or damage that may occur in the folding area FA of the display device 100.

[0114] Additionally, the folding auxiliary layer 186 can be disposed on the rear surface of the base plate 180 and configured to overlap with the entire plurality of patterns 185 disposed in the base plate 180.

[0115] Therefore, it can be used to reduce or prevent the introduction of moisture or foreign matter through multiple patterns 185. Specifically, moisture or foreign matter is introduced through multiple patterns 185, and the moisture or foreign matter moves to the display panel 110 to suppress the lifespan of multiple light-emitting devices disposed on the display panel 110.

[0116] Additionally, as an example, the folding aid layer 186 can be a flexible silicone-based adhesive or an adhesive film, but is not limited thereto. Therefore, it attaches to the rear surface of the substrate 180 without a separate adhesive layer, and simultaneously maintains adhesion even after repeated folding and unfolding, and the display device 100 can have flexibility that does not interfere with the folding and unfolding of the display device 100. The implementation is not limited thereto. As an example, the folding aid layer 186 may not be adhesive and may be attached to the rear surface of the substrate 180 with a separate adhesive layer.

[0117] The folded auxiliary layer 186 can have a thickness of 1 μm to 25 μm, but is not limited to this.

[0118] When the thickness of the folding auxiliary layer 186 is less than 1 μm, moisture or foreign matter may penetrate into multiple patterns 185, or cracks may appear in the folding auxiliary layer 186 due to repeated folding and unfolding. In addition, when the thickness of the folding auxiliary layer 186 exceeds 25 μm, the flexibility may decrease.

[0119] Furthermore, the base plate 180 may not be located within the bending region BA of the display device 100. Therefore, when the display device 100 bends within the bending region BA, the display device 100 can be easily bent without interference from the base plate 180.

[0120] As an example, the heat sink 190 may be disposed on a portion of the rear surface of the base plate 180, but is not limited thereto.

[0121] As an example, the heat sink 190 can be attached to the rear surface of the base plate 180 via the first adhesive layer 187. The implementation is not limited to this. As an example, the heat sink 190 may be adhesive and can be attached to the rear surface of the base plate 180 without the first adhesive layer 187. As an example, the heat sink 190 may be omitted depending on the design. As an example, the heat sink 190 may be attached to the rear surface of the base plate 180 exposed by the folding aid layer 186. As an example, the heat sink 190 may be further attached to a portion of the rear surface of the folding aid layer 186, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the heat sink 190 may extend beyond the first adhesive layer 187 to the portion of the folding aid layer 186 outside the folding region FA, but is not limited thereto.

[0122] The heat sink 190 can be used to reduce or prevent defects in the display device 100 caused by the heat generated when driving the display device 100.

[0123] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The heat sink 190 is shown to be a single-layer structure. However, the structure of the heat sink 190 of the display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the heat sink 190 may have a multi-layer structure including two or more layers.

[0124] Reference Figure 3 When the display device 100 is not bent in the bending region BA, the first adhesive layer 187 and the heat sink 190 may be configured to overlap with at least a portion of each of the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2.

[0125] In addition, refer to Figure 4 When the display device 100 is bent in the bending region BA, the first adhesive layer 187 and the heat sink 190 may overlap with at least a portion of each of the first non-folding region NFA1, the second non-folding region NFA2 and the third non-folding region NFA3.

[0126] Furthermore, when the display device 100 is bent in the bending region BA, the first adhesive layer 187 and the heat sink 190 can be disposed between the base plate 180 disposed in the second non-folding region NFA2 and the base plate 180 disposed in the third non-folding region NFA3.

[0127] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first adhesive layer 187 and the heat sink 190 may not overlap with the folded area FA of the display device 100.

[0128] Therefore, the display device 100 can be folded or unfolded in the folding area FA without being affected by the first adhesive layer 187 and the heat sink 190.

[0129] A display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base plate 180 made of non-alkali glass to reduce the thickness of the display device 100, thereby reducing the weight of the display device 100.

[0130] In addition, the base plate 180 is provided with a plurality of patterns 185 in the folding area FA of the display device 100, so that damage to the display device 100 can be reduced or prevented even when the display device 100 is repeatedly folded and unfolded.

[0131] In addition, a folding auxiliary layer 186 is provided on the rear surface of the base plate 180 in the folding area FA to reduce or prevent wrinkles or damage that may occur in the folding area FA of the display device 100, and to prevent moisture and foreign matter from flowing into the multiple patterns 185.

[0132] Next, we will refer to Figure 5 Specifically, we review the structure of the folding region FA of the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line CD.

[0134] Reference Figure 5 The display device 100 may include a display panel 110, a base plate 180, and a folding auxiliary layer 186.

[0135] The base plate 180 is disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 110 and may include multiple patterns 185 in the folding area FA.

[0136] The base plate 180 disposed on the rear surface of the substrate 112 may be formed of non-alkali glass.

[0137] The base plate 180 does not contain alkali metals, so that the display element layer 111 on the substrate 112 can be formed with the base plate 180 disposed on the rear surface of the substrate 112.

[0138] Specifically, a separate support substrate is needed to support the substrate 112 in order to reduce or prevent the substrate 112 from sagging during the process of forming the display element layer 111 on the substrate 112.

[0139] To form multiple light-emitting devices, multiple transistors, and multiple interconnects included in the display element layer 111, as an example, a deposition process in which multiple layers are deposited under vacuum conditions can be utilized.

[0140] As the impurity content of the substrate 112 or the support substrate increases, it may be difficult to ensure a vacuum state.

[0141] In particular, when the glass substrate includes alkali metals, it may be difficult to generate a vacuum state because the alkali metals act as impurities.

[0142] Therefore, in order to create a vacuum state sufficient to form the display element layer 111, a separate support substrate with low impurity content is used below the substrate 112.

[0143] After the vacuum process, the support substrate can be separated from the bottom of the substrate 112 by a laser process (e.g., laser lift-off; LLO), and the separate back plate and metal plate supporting the substrate 112 below the substrate 112 can be attached to the bottom of the substrate 112 by means of multiple adhesive layers.

[0144] In particular, when the backplate attached to the rear surface of the substrate 112 is made of glass including alkali metals, it is difficult to perform vacuum processes while the backplate is attached to the rear surface of the substrate 112. Therefore, a separate support substrate capable of supporting the substrate 112 is required.

[0145] On the other hand, since the base plate 180 of the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is formed of non-alkaline glass, the impurity content of the base plate 180 is small, making it possible to form a display element layer 111 on the substrate 112 with the base plate 180 disposed on the rear surface of the substrate 112 in a vacuum process.

[0146] For example, by providing a base plate 180 made of non-alkali glass on the rear surface of the substrate 112, the steps of setting up a separate support substrate and separating the support substrate can be eliminated after the process of forming the display element layer 111, thereby simplifying the process.

[0147] Furthermore, when multiple boards and multiple adhesive layers are disposed under the substrate 112, the thickness of the display device 100 increases, and this increased thickness may make folding of the display device 100 in the folding region FA difficult.

[0148] On the other hand, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, only the base plate 180 and the folding auxiliary layer 186 are disposed on the rear surface of the substrate 112 in at least a portion of the folding region FA, thereby facilitating the folding of the display device 100.

[0149] Furthermore, in the folding area FA, the base plate 180 includes multiple patterns 185 and may have the shape of multiple patterns 185, which reduces or minimizes the effect of stress during folding and maintains rigidity even in repeated folding.

[0150] This will refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The following description is provided.

[0151] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing multiple patterns set in the base plate within the folded area.

[0152] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a plurality of patterns disposed on a base plate in a folding area of ​​a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0153] First, refer to Figure 6 The base plate 180 may include multiple patterns 185 in the folding area FA of the display device 100.

[0154] Multiple patterns 185 can be patterns that remove holes in the base plate 180. Multiple patterns 185 can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other to form a grid pattern on a plane.

[0155] Specifically, the multiple patterns 185 may have a major axis and a minor axis, and the major axis of the multiple patterns 185 may be in the same direction as the folding axis of the folding area FA.

[0156] Therefore, the base plate 180 can be easily folded in the folding area FA.

[0157] As an example, the length 'a' of the major axis of each of the multiple patterns 185 can be from 120 μm to 200 μm, but is not limited to this.

[0158] When the length a of the major axis of each of the multiple patterns 185 is less than 120 μm, stress is concentrated in the folding area FA of the base plate 180 when the display device 100 is repeatedly folded, which may cause damage. In addition, when the length a of the major axis of each of the multiple patterns 185 exceeds 200 μm, the multiple patterns 185 can be visually identified, thereby reducing the visibility of the display device 100.

[0159] Another pattern 185 adjacent to a pattern 185 can be configured to be spaced apart from a pattern 185 by a distance b in the direction extending along the folding axis FX. Here, b can be formed to be 100 μm to 140 μm, but is not limited thereto.

[0160] When the distance from one pattern 185 adjacent to another pattern 185 to another pattern 185 in the direction extending along the folding axis FX is less than 100 μm, stress is concentrated in the folding area FA of the base plate 180 during the folding of the base plate 180 to be damaged. Furthermore, when the distance from one pattern 185 adjacent to another pattern 185 to another pattern 185 in the direction extending along the folding axis FX exceeds 140 μm, multiple patterns 185 can be visually identified, thereby reducing the visibility of the display device 100.

[0161] As an example, a pattern 185 may be configured to be spaced apart from another adjacent pattern 185 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the folding axis FX extends (e.g., the folding direction).

[0162] The length c of a pattern 185 relative to the direction perpendicular to the direction extending from the folding axis FX (e.g., the folding direction), i.e., the length c of the minor axis, can be longer than the distance d between multiple patterns 185 in the direction perpendicular to the direction extending from the folding axis FX (e.g., the folding direction).

[0163] As an example, the length c of the minor axis of each of the plurality of patterns 185 can be from 3.2 μm to 5.3 μm, and the distance d between the plurality of patterns 185 in a direction perpendicular to the direction extending from the folding axis FX can be from 0.24 μm to 0.4 μm. However, the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0164] When the length c of the minor axis of each of the multiple patterns 185 is less than 3.2 μm, the distance d between the multiple patterns 185 in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the extension of the folding axis FX exceeds 0.4 μm, so that the multiple patterns 185 can be visually identified by the viewer.

[0165] Furthermore, when the length c of the short axis of each of the multiple patterns 185 exceeds 5.3 μm, the process of forming multiple patterns 185 spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the folding axis FX may be difficult, and stress concentration may occur in a portion of the folding area FA of the base plate 180 during folding.

[0166] However, the structure of the multiple patterns 185 on the base plate 180 is not limited to this.

[0167] For example, refer to Figure 7 According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the base plate 280 of the display device 200 may include an extension region 285a disposed in at least one pattern 285.

[0168] The length of the extension region 285a in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the extension of the fold axis FX can be greater than the length c of the short axis of the pattern 285.

[0169] The extension region 285a can be used to reduce the distance d between multiple patterns 285 that are spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the folding axis FX extends in a part of the folding region FA.

[0170] Therefore, it can have the effect of reducing or preventing multiple patterns 285 from being visually recognized by the viewer.

[0171] Figure 8This is a diagram showing the state in which the base plate of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is folded around a folding axis.

[0172] Reference Figure 8 The base plate 180 can be folded around the folding axis FX in the folding area FA.

[0173] Since stress concentration does not occur even during repeated folding due to multiple patterns 185, the base plate 180 can be easily folded.

[0174] The base plate 180 may include edge regions 185b of multiple patterns 185 disposed in the folding area FA.

[0175] The edge region 185b may include the boundary between the base plate 180 and a plurality of patterns 185 that are hole patterns.

[0176] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the shape of the edges of a plurality of patterns in the edge region of the base plate in a folded area of ​​the base plate of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0177] Figure 10A and Figure 10B It is an image of the shape of the edge area of ​​the base plate.

[0178] refer to Figure 9 , Figure 10A and Figure 10B The base plate 180 may include an edge region 185b.

[0179] At least a portion of the edge region 185b, which is set to be adjacent to the multiple patterns 185 in the folded region FA, may have a tapered shape.

[0180] Multiple patterns 185 can be formed by etching the base plate 180, and in the process of forming multiple patterns 185, a portion of the edge region 185b can be formed with a tapered shape. Therefore, stress concentration at the boundary between the multiple patterns 185 and the edge region 185b can be reduced or prevented during the folding of the base plate 180.

[0181] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0182] Figure 11 The cross-sectional view shows the state of the display panel 110 bent in the bending region BA of the display device 100.

[0183] refer to Figure 11The display device 100 may include a display panel 110, a cover member 164, a base plate 180, a folding auxiliary layer 186, a heat sink 190, a top shell 101, and a bottom shell 102. The embodiments are not limited thereto. As an example, at least one of the above-mentioned components may be omitted, or at least one additional component may be included.

[0184] Specifically, the base plate 180, the folding auxiliary layer 186, the first adhesive layer 187, the digital converter 193, the heat sink 190, and the second adhesive layer 194 can be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 110.

[0185] In the folded area FA and the second non-folded area NFA2 of the display device 100, the base plate 180 may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 110.

[0186] The base plate 180 may include a first base plate 181 and a second base plate 182 that are spaced apart from each other.

[0187] The first base plate 181 can be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 110 in the folded area FA and the second non-folded area NFA2. In addition, the first base plate 181 can overlap with the entire display area AA and a portion of the non-display area NA.

[0188] With the display panel 110 bent, the second base plate 182 can be positioned below the first base plate 181. The second base plate 182 can be positioned in the third non-folded area NFA3, and can also be positioned in a portion of the non-display area NA.

[0189] When the display panel 110 is bent, the folding auxiliary layer 186 and the first adhesive layer 187 can be disposed on the rear surface of the first base plate 181.

[0190] The folding auxiliary layer 186 may overlap with the entire folded area FA and a portion of the second non-folded area NFA2. The folding auxiliary layer 186 may be disposed in a portion of the display area AA of the display device 100.

[0191] The first adhesive layer 187 may not be disposed in the folded region FA, but may be disposed in at least a portion of the second non-folded region NFA2. The first adhesive layer 187 may be disposed spaced apart from the folding auxiliary layer 186, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the heat sink 190 may overlap with the gap between the first adhesive layer 187 and the folding auxiliary layer 186, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the heat sink 190 may overlap with the entire first adhesive layer 187, the gap between the first adhesive layer 187 and the folding auxiliary layer 186, and a portion of the folding auxiliary layer 186, but is not limited thereto.

[0192] Additionally, as an example, the thickness of the first adhesive layer 187 can be greater than the thickness of the folding auxiliary layer 186. Therefore, interference between the digital converter 193, attached to the rear surface of the first base plate 181, and the folding auxiliary layer 186 can be prevented at least partially.

[0193] The digitizer 193 is an input device that converts the movement of a pen or finger into a digital signal. As an example, the digitizer 193 may be omitted depending on the design.

[0194] A heat sink 190 may be disposed on the rear surface of the digital converter 193. The heat sink 190 may include, but is not limited to, a first heat sink 191 and a second heat sink 192 disposed on the rear surface of the first heat sink 191.

[0195] The first heat sink 191 and the second heat sink 192 may be made of different materials. For example, the first heat sink 191 may be made of graphite and the second heat sink may be made of copper (Cu), but are not limited thereto.

[0196] The second adhesive layer 194 may be disposed on the rear surface of the second heat sink 192. The second adhesive layer 194 may be a foam strip, but is not limited thereto.

[0197] Each of the digitizer 193 and the heat sink 190 may overlap with a portion of the folding auxiliary layer 186. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and each of the digitizer 193 and the heat sink 190 may not overlap with the folding auxiliary layer 186. Therefore, interference between the digitizer 193 and the heat sink 190 and the folding of the display device 100 can be reduced or prevented.

[0198] With the display panel 110 bent, the second base plate 182, the substrate 112 of the display panel 110, and the second micro-coating 196 can be sequentially disposed on the rear surface of the second adhesive layer 194.

[0199] In the bending region BA of the display device 100, as an example, the display device 100 may include a substrate 112, a first microcoating 195 disposed on the rear surface of the substrate 112, and a second microcoating 196 disposed on the top surface of the substrate 112.

[0200] Despite Figure 11 Although not shown, multiple link lines may be further provided on the substrate 112 in the bending area BA.

[0201] The second microcoating 196 can be used to reduce or prevent damage to multiple connecting lines disposed on the substrate 112 due to stress concentration under bending conditions, and to adjust the neutral surface of the bending region BA.

[0202] Multiple adhesive layers, cover members 164, and multiple hard coating components may be disposed on the top surface of the display panel 110, but are not limited thereto.

[0203] Specifically, the first adhesive member 161 may be disposed on the top surface of the display panel 110. The first adhesive member 161 may have a low light absorption rate for light from the plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on the display panel 110. For example, the first adhesive member 161 may be an optically transparent adhesive (OCA), but is not limited thereto.

[0204] The polarizing layer 162 can be disposed on the first adhesive member 161.

[0205] The second adhesive member 163 may be disposed on the polarizing layer 162. The second adhesive member 163 may include, but is not limited to, the same material as the first adhesive member 161.

[0206] The cover member 164 may be disposed on the second adhesive member 163. The cover member 164 protects the display panel 110 from external impacts and transmits light emitted from the display panel 110, making the image displayed on the display panel 110 visible from the outside.

[0207] The cover member 164 can be positioned closer to the bending region BA of the display device 100 than each of the first adhesive member 161, the polarizing layer 162, and the second adhesive member 163. Therefore, the cover member 164 can protect the display panel 110 and the polarizing layer 162.

[0208] The third adhesive member 165 may be disposed on the cover member 164. The third adhesive member 165 may include, but is not limited to, the same material as the first adhesive member 161.

[0209] The light-shielding layer 174 may be disposed on a portion of the top surface of the third adhesive member 165. The light-shielding layer 174 may be used to prevent various circuits and connecting lines disposed in the non-display area NA of the display panel 110, as well as various structures disposed in the non-display area NA of the display panel 110, from being visually identified by the user.

[0210] Multiple hard coating components can be disposed on the third adhesive member 165 and the light-shielding layer 174.

[0211] The hard coating assembly may include a first hard coating assembly 168 and a second hard coating assembly 178 disposed on the first hard coating assembly 168.

[0212] The first hard coating assembly 168 may include a first base layer 166 disposed on the third adhesive member 165 and the light-shielding layer 174, and a first hard coating 167 disposed on the first base layer 166.

[0213] The second hard coating assembly 178 may include a second base layer 176 disposed on the first hard coating 167 and a second hard coating 177 disposed on the second base layer 176.

[0214] The fourth adhesive member 175 may be disposed between the first hard coating assembly 168 and the second hard coating assembly 178, and the first hard coating 167 and the second base layer 176 may be bonded to each other by the fourth adhesive member 175.

[0215] Furthermore, as an example, the display device 100 may include a top shell 101 and a bottom shell 102, but is not limited thereto.

[0216] As an example, a portion of the top shell 101 may be inserted into a fastening recess 103 of the bottom shell 102 located on a side surface of the display device 100 to secure it to the bottom shell 102, but is not limited thereto.

[0217] The top cover 101 may be configured to surround a portion of the top surface and a portion of the side surface of the display device 100.

[0218] The bottom shell 102 may be configured to surround part of the side surface of the display device 100 and the rear surface of the display device 100.

[0219] The top cover 101 may overlap with a portion of the display panel 110, a portion of the cover member 164, and a portion of the first hard coating assembly 168 disposed in the non-display area NA of the display device 100.

[0220] Furthermore, the top shell 101 is positioned to be spaced apart from the second hard coating assembly 178 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the cover member 164 is stacked on the display panel 110, thereby reducing or preventing interference between the top shell 101 and the second hard coating assembly 178.

[0221] In the folded area FA of the display device 100, a first adhesive member 161, a polarizing layer 162, a second adhesive member 163, a cover member 164, a third adhesive member 165, a first base layer 166, a first hard coating layer 167, a fourth adhesive member 175, a second base layer 176, and a second hard coating layer 177 may be provided.

[0222] As an example, each of the first adhesive member 161, polarizing layer 162, second adhesive member 163, cover member 164, third adhesive member 165, first base layer 166, first hard coating 167, fourth adhesive member 175, second base layer 176, and second hard coating 177 has a thickness of 5 μm to 65 μm, such that folding can be easily performed in the folding region FA, but is not limited thereto. As an example, at least one of the first adhesive member 161, polarizing layer 162, second adhesive member 163, cover member 164, third adhesive member 165, first base layer 166, first hard coating 167, fourth adhesive member 175, second base layer 176, and second hard coating 177 may be omitted at least in the folding region FA, but is not limited thereto.

[0223] The folding area FA of the display device 100 can be set in the display area AA, and the multiple light-emitting areas set in the folding area FA can overlap with the multiple patterns 185 and the folding auxiliary layer 186.

[0224] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the display area located in the folded region of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0225] refer to Figure 12 It may include a plurality of transistors Tr1 and Tr2 disposed on the substrate 112 and a light-emitting element 140, and may include a base plate 180 and a folding auxiliary layer 186 disposed on the rear surface of the substrate 112.

[0226] Specifically, the multiple buffer layer 113 may be disposed on the substrate 112.

[0227] The multi-buffer layer 113 may include a first multi-buffer layer 113a disposed on the substrate 112 and a second multi-buffer layer 113b disposed on the first multi-buffer layer 113a, but is not limited thereto.

[0228] A first metal layer 121 having a single or multiple membrane structure may be disposed between a first multiple buffer layer 113a and a second multiple buffer layer 113b. The first metal layer 121 may serve as a light-blocking film LS. As an example, the first metal layer 121 may be omitted depending on the design.

[0229] The active buffer layer 114 can be set on the second multi-buffer layer 113b.

[0230] The first transistor Tr1 and the second transistor Tr2 can be disposed on the active buffer layer 114.

[0231] The first transistor Tr1 may include a first active layer 122, a first gate electrode 124, a first source electrode 132, and a first drain electrode 133.

[0232] The second transistor Tr2 may include a second active layer 128, a second gate electrode 129, a second source electrode 134, and a second drain electrode 135.

[0233] The first transistor Tr1 can be a driving transistor, and the second transistor Tr2 can be a sensing transistor, but is not limited thereto.

[0234] Specifically, the first active layer 122 may be disposed on the active buffer layer 114. The first active layer 122 may be disposed overlapping the first metal layer 121.

[0235] The first gate insulating layer 115 can be disposed on the first active layer 122. The first gate insulating layer 115 can be disposed while covering the first active layer 122.

[0236] The second metal layer 123, the first gate electrode 124, the first storage capacitor electrode 125, and the third metal layer 126 can be disposed on the first gate insulating layer 115. The second metal layer 123, the first gate electrode 124, the first storage capacitor electrode 125, and the third metal layer 126 can be disposed on the same layer and formed of the same material, but are not limited thereto. Therefore, the process for forming the display panel 110 can be simplified.

[0237] The second metal layer 123 can contact and be electrically connected to the first metal layer 121 through contact holes disposed in the first gate insulating layer 115, the active buffer layer 114, and the second multi-buffer layer 113b. However, the implementation is not limited to this. As an example, the first metal layer 121 may be floating and not connected to any electrode or metal layer.

[0238] The first gate electrode 124 may be configured to overlap with a portion of the first active layer 122.

[0239] The third metal layer 126 can be spaced apart from the first storage capacitor electrode 125. Here, the third metal layer 126 can be a light-blocking film. As an example, the third metal layer 126 can be floating or can be connected to the electrode or metal layer. As an example, depending on the design, the third metal layer 126 can be omitted.

[0240] The first interlayer insulating layer 116 can be disposed on the second metal layer 123, the first gate electrode 124, the first storage capacitor electrode 125, and the third metal layer 126.

[0241] The second storage capacitor electrode 127 can be disposed on the first interlayer insulating layer 116. The second storage capacitor electrode 127 can overlap with the first storage capacitor electrode 125 to form a storage capacitor Cst.

[0242] The second interlayer insulating layer 117 can be disposed on the second storage capacitor electrode 127.

[0243] The second active layer 128 can be disposed on the second interlayer insulating layer 117. The second active layer 128 can be disposed overlapping the third metal layer 126.

[0244] Each of the first active layer 122 and the second active layer 128 may be formed of oxide semiconductor or amorphous silicon (a-Si), polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si), compound semiconductor or organic semiconductor.

[0245] The second gate insulating layer 118 can be disposed on the second active layer 128.

[0246] The second gate electrode 129 may be disposed on the second gate insulating layer 118. The second gate electrode 129 may be disposed to overlap with a portion of the second active layer 128.

[0247] The third interlayer insulating layer 119 can be disposed on the second gate electrode 129.

[0248] The fourth metal layer 131, the first source electrode 132, the first drain electrode 133, the second source electrode 134, and the second drain electrode 135 can be disposed on the third interlayer insulating layer 119. The fourth metal layer 131, the first source electrode 132, the first drain electrode 133, the second source electrode 134, and the second drain electrode 135 can be disposed on the same layer and formed of the same material, but are not limited thereto. Therefore, the process of forming the display panel 110 can be simplified.

[0249] The fourth metal layer 131 can be electrically connected to the second metal layer through contact holes provided in the third interlayer insulating layer 119, the second gate insulating layer 118, the second interlayer insulating layer 117 and the first interlayer insulating layer 116.

[0250] Each of the first source electrode 132 and the first drain electrode 133 can be electrically connected to one end and the other end of the first active layer 122 through contact holes disposed in the third interlayer insulating layer 119, the second gate insulating layer 118, the second interlayer insulating layer 117, the first interlayer insulating layer 116, and the first gate insulating layer 115.

[0251] The portion of the first active layer 122 that overlaps with the first gate electrode 124 is a channel region. The first source electrode 132 can be connected to one end of the channel region of the first active layer 122, and the first drain electrode 133 can be connected to the other end of the channel region of the first active layer 122.

[0252] Each of the second source electrode 134 and the second drain electrode 135 can be electrically connected to one end and the other end of the second active layer 128 through contact holes disposed in the third interlayer insulating layer 119 and the second gate insulating layer 118.

[0253] The portion of the second active layer 128 that overlaps with the second gate electrode 129 is a channel region. The second source electrode 134 can be connected to one end of the channel region of the second active layer 128, and the second drain electrode 135 can be connected to the other end of the channel region of the second active layer 128.

[0254] The first planarization layer 137 can be disposed on the fourth metal layer 131, the first source electrode 132, the first drain electrode 133, the second source electrode 134, and the second drain electrode 135.

[0255] The connecting electrode 136 can be disposed on the first planarization layer 137.

[0256] The connecting electrode 136 can be electrically connected to the first source electrode 132 through a contact hole provided in the first planarization layer 137.

[0257] As an example, the second planarization layer 138 and the third planarization layer 139 may be sequentially disposed on the connecting electrode 136, but are not limited thereto. As an example, depending on the design, at least one of the second planarization layer 138 and the third planarization layer 139 may be omitted.

[0258] The second planarization layer 138 and the third planarization layer 139 can be used to planarize the top surface of the substrate 112 on which a plurality of transistors, a plurality of metal layers and a plurality of electrodes are disposed.

[0259] The light-emitting element 140 can be disposed on the third planarization layer 139.

[0260] The light-emitting element 140 may include a first electrode 141, an organic layer 142, and a second electrode 143.

[0261] The first electrode 141 can be the anode of the light-emitting element 140, and the second electrode 143 can be the cathode of the light-emitting element 140, but is not limited thereto. For example, the first electrode 141 can be the cathode, and the second electrode 143 can be the anode.

[0262] The first electrode 141 may be disposed on a portion of the top surface of the third planarization layer 139.

[0263] The first electrode 141 can be electrically connected to the connecting electrode 136 through contact holes disposed in the third planarization layer 139 and the second planarization layer 138.

[0264] The embankment 145 may be disposed on a portion of the top surface of the first electrode 141 and the third planarization layer 139.

[0265] The embankment 145 may include, but is not limited to, a black organic material to improve reflective visibility due to external light.

[0266] The embankment 145 can define the light-emitting area EA and the non-light-emitting area NEA of the sub-pixels set in the display area AA.

[0267] Specifically, the embankment 145 may include an embankment hole (or an opening of the embankment) that exposes a portion of the top surface of the first electrode 141, and the area overlapping with the embankment hole may be the light-emitting area EA of the sub-pixel.

[0268] Furthermore, the area of ​​the sub-pixel where the embankment 145 is provided can be a non-light-emitting area NEA.

[0269] Spacer 146 may be disposed on a portion of the top surface of embankment 145. Spacer 146 may be used to reduce or prevent the encapsulation layer 150 disposed on the second electrode 143 of light-emitting element 140 from being lifted by folding of display device 100.

[0270] The organic layer 142 of the light-emitting element 140 can be disposed on the top surface of the first electrode 141 exposed by the embankment 145. Therefore, the organic layer 142 can contact the top surface of the first electrode 141 in the hole of the embankment 145.

[0271] Figure 12 The diagram shows a structure in which the organic layer 142 is a single layer. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The organic layer 142 may have a multilayer structure including at least one light-emitting layer.

[0272] The second electrode 143 of the light-emitting element 140 can be disposed on the organic layer 142, the embankment 145 and the spacer 146.

[0273] The first electrode 141 of the light-emitting element 140 may include a reflective electrode, and the second electrode 143 may include an electrode made of a transparent conductive material or a semi-transparent reflective electrode, but is not limited thereto.

[0274] The encapsulation layer 150 can be disposed on the second electrode 143.

[0275] The encapsulation layer 150 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example, the encapsulation layer 150 may include a first encapsulation film 151, a second encapsulation film 152, and a third encapsulation film 153.

[0276] The first encapsulation film 151 and the third encapsulation film 153 can be inorganic films, and the second encapsulation film 152 can be an organic film. Among the first encapsulation film 151, the second encapsulation film 152 and the third encapsulation film 153, the second encapsulation film 152, being an organic film, is the thickest and can be used as a planarization film.

[0277] The first touch buffer layer 154 can be disposed on the encapsulation layer 150.

[0278] The first touch electrode 157 may be disposed on the first touch buffer layer 154.

[0279] The second touch buffer layer 155 can be disposed on the first touch electrode 157. Figure 11 The second touch buffer layer 155 is shown to be a single membrane structure, but is not limited thereto, and the second touch buffer layer 155 may have a multi-membrane structure. In this case, inorganic membranes or organic membranes may be alternately arranged, but are not limited thereto.

[0280] The interlayer insulating layer 156 may be disposed on the second touch buffer layer 155. The interlayer insulating layer 156 may include, but is not limited to, organic materials.

[0281] The second touch electrode 158 can be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 156. The second touch electrode 158 can be electrically connected to the first touch electrode 157 through contact holes formed in the second touch buffer layer 155 and the interlayer insulating layer 156. Each of the first touch electrode 157 and the second touch electrode 158 can be disposed in the non-light-emitting area NEA of the display area AA.

[0282] Multiple patterns and folding auxiliary layers of the base plate can be disposed in each of the light-emitting area EA and the non-light-emitting area NEA of the folded area FA. Furthermore, in the non-light-emitting area NEA of the folded area FA, each of the first touch electrode 157 and the second touch electrode 158 can overlap with the multiple patterns and folding auxiliary layers of the base plate.

[0283] The organic layer 159 can be disposed on the second touch electrode 158.

[0284] A color filter buffer layer 105 may be disposed on the organic layer 159.

[0285] The black matrix 106 and the color filter 107 can be set on the color filter buffer layer 105.

[0286] The black matrix 106 can be set in the non-emitting area NEA of the display area AA. In addition, the color filter 107 can be set in the emitting area EA of the display area AA, and can extend to a part of the non-emitting area NEA.

[0287] Furthermore, even if not shown in the figure, the black matrix 106 and color filter 107 in the display area AA of the folded area FA can overlap with the multiple patterns 185 of the base plate 180.

[0288] Furthermore, even in Figure 12 In this example, the display area AA disposed in the folded region FA is shown as an example, but the structure of the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is not limited thereto. The structure of the display area AA of each of the first non-folded region NFA1 and the second non-folded region NFA2 can be different from that of the display area AA in the folded region NFA2. Figure 12 The structure of the display area AA is the same.

[0289] For example, each of the first non-folded region NFA1 and the second non-folded region NFA2 includes a light-emitting region EA and a non-light-emitting region NEA, and each of the first touch electrode 157 and the second touch electrode 158 may overlap with the non-light-emitting region NEA. Additionally, each of the first touch electrode 157 and the second touch electrode 158 may overlap with a portion of the folding auxiliary layer.

[0290] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel including a folded region, a first non-folded region, and a second non-folded region; a base plate disposed on a rear surface of the display panel; and a folding auxiliary layer disposed on the rear surface of the base plate, the base plate including a plurality of patterns overlapping the folded region, the folding auxiliary layer overlapping the entire folded region and a portion of each of the first non-folded region and the second non-folded region, wherein the folded region is disposed between the first non-folded region and the second non-folded region.

[0291] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the display panel includes a substrate disposed on a base plate, and the substrate may be a single layer.

[0292] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the edges of the multiple patterns may have a tapered shape.

[0293] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the display panel may further include a bent region and a third non-folded region, and the bent region may be disposed between the second non-folded region and the third non-folded region.

[0294] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a portion of each of the folded region, the first non-folded region, and the second non-folded region may include a display region.

[0295] According to another aspect of this disclosure, multiple patterns can be arranged in the same direction as the direction in which the folding axis of the folded area extends and in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the folding axis extends.

[0296] According to another aspect of this disclosure, each of the plurality of patterns may be spaced apart from each other by 100 μm to 140 μm in the same direction as the direction in which the folding axis of the folded region extends.

[0297] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the folded region includes a light-emitting region and a non-light-emitting region, and multiple patterns and folding auxiliary layers may overlap with the light-emitting region and the non-light-emitting region of the folded region, respectively.

[0298] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the display device may further include a plurality of first touch electrodes disposed in a folded area of ​​the display panel. At least a portion of the plurality of patterns and the folding auxiliary layer may overlap with the plurality of first touch electrodes.

[0299] According to another aspect of this disclosure, each of the first non-folded region and the second non-folded region may include a light-emitting region and a non-light-emitting region, and the folding auxiliary layer may overlap with a portion of the light-emitting region and a portion of the non-light-emitting region of the first non-folded region and the second non-folded region.

[0300] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the display device may further include a plurality of second touch electrodes disposed in each of a first non-folded region and a second non-folded region of the display panel, and the folding auxiliary layer may overlap with a portion of the plurality of second touch electrodes.

[0301] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the base plate can be made of non-alkali glass as a single layer.

[0302] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the display device may further include a cover member disposed on the display panel, the cover member being glass comprising an alkali metal.

[0303] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the display panel may further include a third non-folded region spaced apart from the second non-folded region, and the base plate may include a first base plate and a second base plate spaced apart from each other, the first base plate may overlap with the folded region, the first non-folded region and the second non-folded region, and the second base plate may overlap with the third non-folded region.

[0304] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the microcoating may be disposed between the first base plate and the second base plate.

[0305] Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may be embodied in various forms without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present disclosure. The scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative in all embodiments and do not limit the present disclosure.

[0306] Cross-references to related applications

[0307] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0056645, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on April 29, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes, as if fully set forth herein.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: The display panel includes a folded area and a first non-folded area and a second non-folded area, with the folded area disposed between the first non-folded area and the second non-folded area. A base plate, which is disposed on the rear surface of the display panel; as well as A folding auxiliary layer is disposed on the rear surface of the base plate. The base plate includes multiple patterns that overlap with the folded area, and The folding auxiliary layer overlaps with the entire folded area and partially overlaps with each of the first non-folded area and the second non-folded area.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display panel includes a substrate disposed on the base plate, and The substrate is a single layer.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The edges of the plurality of patterns adjacent to the first non-folded region or the second non-folded region are tapered.

4. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: The folded area and the third non-folded area, The bending region is located between the second non-folded region and the third non-folded region.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The bending area is spaced apart from the folding area in the folding direction. The display area is located in the folded area but not in the bent area, and Wherein, the radius of curvature of the folded region in the folded state is smaller than the radius of curvature of the bent region in the bent state.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, A portion of each of the folded region, the first non-folded region, and the second non-folded region includes a display area.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of patterns are spaced apart from each other in an axial direction parallel to the folding axis of the folded region and in a folding direction perpendicular to the folding axis.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The plurality of patterns are spaced 100 μm to 140 μm apart from each other in the axial direction.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The plurality of patterns are patterns from which the holes of the base plate have been removed.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the plurality of patterns has a major axis parallel to the axis direction and a minor axis parallel to the folding direction.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein, The length of the short axis is longer than the distance between the plurality of patterns in the folding direction.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The folded region includes a light-emitting region and a non-light-emitting region, and The plurality of patterns and the folding auxiliary layer overlap with each of the luminous area and the non-luminous area of ​​the folded region.

13. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A plurality of first touch electrodes are disposed in the folded area of ​​the display panel. At least a portion of the plurality of patterns and the folding auxiliary layer overlap with the plurality of first touch electrodes.

14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first non-folded region and the second non-folded region includes a light-emitting region and a non-light-emitting region, and The folded auxiliary layer overlaps with a portion of the light-emitting region and a portion of the non-light-emitting region of the first non-folded region and the second non-folded region.

15. The display device according to claim 14, further comprising: A plurality of second touch electrodes are respectively disposed in the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area of ​​the display panel. The folded auxiliary layer overlaps with a portion of the plurality of second touch electrodes.

16. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The base plate is formed of a single layer of non-alkali glass.

17. The display device according to claim 16, further comprising: Cover component, the cover component being disposed on the display panel, The cover component is glass containing alkali metals.

18. The display device according to claim 16, wherein, The display panel includes a substrate disposed on the base plate and a display element layer disposed on the substrate. The display element layer is formed on the substrate with the base plate disposed on the rear surface of the substrate.

19. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display panel also includes a third non-folding area spaced apart from the second non-folding area. The base plate includes a first base plate and a second base plate that are spaced apart from each other. Wherein, the first base plate overlaps with the folded area, the first non-folded area, and the second non-folded area, and The second base plate overlaps with the third non-folded area.

20. The display device according to claim 19, wherein, A micro-coating is provided between the first base plate and the second base plate.

21. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The folding auxiliary layer is a flexible silicone-based adhesive.

22. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The heat sink is attached to the rear surface of the base plate via a first adhesive layer. The first adhesive layer is spaced apart from the folding auxiliary layer in the folding direction, and the thickness of the first adhesive layer is greater than the thickness of the folding auxiliary layer, such that the heat sink overlaps with a portion of the folding auxiliary layer while being spaced apart from it.

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