Electronic device

Abstract

The electronic device includes: a display module curled or bent with respect to a virtual axis extending in a first direction; a first lower support bar and a second lower support bar disposed below the display module; a first impact absorbing member disposed between the display module and the first lower support bar; and a second impact absorbing member disposed between the display module and the second lower support bar. In a state in which the display module is unfolded, each of the first lower support bar and the second lower support bar extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first lower support bar overlaps a first side of the display module extending in the second direction, and the second lower support bar overlaps a second side of the display module, the second side of the display module is opposite the first side of the display module and extends in a second direction.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and all benefits arising from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0032077, filed on March 10, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure described herein relate to electronic devices, and more particularly, to electronic devices including a display device. Background Art

[0003] Electronic devices such as smart phones, digital cameras, laptop computers, navigation devices, and smart TVs that provide images to users include display devices for displaying images. The display device generates images and provides the images to users through a display screen.

[0004] In recent years, with the development of display device technology, various types of display devices are being developed. For example, various flexible display devices that can be deformed into a curved shape or foldable or rollable have been developed. Flexible display devices can be easily carried and improve user convenience. Utility Model Content

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display device having improved impact resistance and an electronic device including the display device.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device includes: a display module, which is curled or bent relative to a virtual axis extending in a first direction; a first lower support rod and a second lower support rod, each of the first lower support rod and the second lower support rod is arranged below the display module; a first impact absorbing member is arranged between the display module and the first lower support rod; and a second impact absorbing member is arranged between the display module and the second lower support rod, wherein, in a state where the display module is unfolded, each of the first lower support rod and the second lower support rod can extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first lower support rod can overlap with a first side of the display module extending in the second direction, and the second lower support rod can overlap with a second side of the display module, the second side of the display module is opposite to the first side of the display module and extends in the second direction.

[0007] In an embodiment, the first and second impact absorbing members may have modulus values ​​less than modulus values ​​of the first and second lower support rods.

[0008] In an embodiment, each of the first impact absorbing member and the second impact absorbing member may include any one of a porous material, rubber, and a spring.

[0009] In an embodiment, the first and second lower support rods may provide an internal space, and at least a portion of the first impact absorbing member may be disposed in the internal space of the first lower support rod, and at least a portion of the second impact absorbing member may be disposed in the internal space of the second lower support rod.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first shock absorbing member may overlap the first lower support rod, and the second shock absorbing member may overlap the second lower support rod.

[0011] In an embodiment, when the display module is rolled, the display module may include a display panel and an upper supporting member disposed below the display panel, and the upper supporting member may include a base portion and an upper supporting rod, which contacts the base portion, extends in a first direction, and is arranged in a second direction.

[0012] In an embodiment, an upper surface of each of the upper support bars, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, and a side surface connecting the upper surface and the lower surface and extending in the first direction may contact the base part.

[0013] In an embodiment, an upper surface of each of the upper support bars may contact the base part, and a side surface of each of the upper support bars extending in the first direction may be exposed from the base part.

[0014] In an embodiment, the first shock absorbing member and the second shock absorbing member may have a modulus value smaller than a modulus value of the base portion.

[0015] In an embodiment, when the display module is curled, the first lower support rod may include a support portion and at least one hinge portion connecting the support portion, and when the display module is curled, the support portion may extend in the first direction and be arranged in the second direction, and when the display module is unfolded, the support portion may extend in the second direction and be arranged in the second direction.

[0016] In an embodiment, when the display module is rolled, each of the first impact absorbing member and the second impact absorbing member may be attached to the display module and rolled together with the display module.

[0017] In an embodiment, when the display module is bent, the display module may include a first area bent relative to a virtual axis extending in a first direction and a second area extending from the first area and being flat, and include a display panel and an upper supporting member arranged below the display panel, the upper supporting member may include a first supporting layer defining an opening therein and overlapping the first area, a second supporting layer overlapping the second area, and an upper supporting rod, the upper supporting rod extending in the first direction and arranged in the second direction, overlapping the first area, and arranged below the first supporting layer, and when the display module is unfolded, the first and second lower supporting rods and the first and second impact absorbing members may overlap with the first area.

[0018] In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include: a third lower support rod and a fourth lower support rod, the third lower support rod and the fourth lower support rod overlapping the second area, being arranged below the second supporting layer, and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a third impact absorbing member disposed between the display module and the third lower support rod; and a fourth impact absorbing member disposed between the display module and the fourth lower support rod, wherein the third lower support rod may overlap with a first side of the display module in the second area, the first side of the display module may extend in the second direction, the fourth lower support rod may overlap with a second side of the display module in the second area, and the second side of the display module may be opposite to the first side of the display module and extend in the second direction.

[0019] In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a shell and a roller, the roller being arranged in the shell and rotating around the virtual axis, and one side of the display module being connected to the roller, wherein the shell may include a first shell accommodating the roller therein and a second shell, the second shell being connected to the first shell and moving closer to or farther away from the first shell, the first lower support rod and the second lower support rod may be connected to the first shell, and the third lower support rod and the fourth lower support rod may be connected to the second shell.

[0020] In an embodiment, the electronic device includes: a display panel, which is curled or bent relative to a virtual axis extending in a first direction; an upper support member, which is arranged below the display panel and includes a plurality of upper support rods extending in the first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a first lower support rod and a second lower support rod, each of the first lower support rod and the second lower support rod being arranged below the upper support member; a first impact absorbing member, which is arranged between the upper support member and the first lower support rod; and a second impact absorbing member, which is arranged between the upper support member and the second lower support rod, wherein, in a state where the display panel is unfolded, each of the first lower support rod and the second lower support rod can extend in the second direction, the first lower support rod can overlap with at least some of one ends of the plurality of upper support rods, and the second lower support rod can overlap with some of the other ends of the plurality of upper support rods.

[0021] In an embodiment, the first and second impact absorbing members may have modulus values ​​less than modulus values ​​of the first and second lower support rods.

[0022] In an embodiment, each of the first impact absorbing member and the second impact absorbing member may include any one of a porous material, rubber, and a spring.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first shock absorbing member may overlap the first lower support rod, and the second shock absorbing member may overlap the second lower support rod.

[0024] In an embodiment, when the display panel is rolled, the upper supporting member may further include a base portion, at least a portion of which is disposed on and in contact with the plurality of upper supporting bars, and the plurality of upper supporting bars may have a modulus value greater than that of the base portion.

[0025] In an embodiment, when the display panel is bent, the display panel may include a first area bent relative to a virtual axis extending in a first direction and a second area extending from the first area and being flat, a plurality of upper support rods overlap the first area, and the upper support member may further include: a first supporting layer having an opening defined therein, overlapping the first area, and being disposed on a plurality of upper support rods; and a second supporting layer overlapping the second area, and when the display panel is unfolded, each of the first and second lower support rods and the first and second impact absorbing members may overlap the first area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The above and other embodiments, advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent by describing in detail embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the attached drawings.

[0027] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a display device according to the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display device according to the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display unit according to the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3 is a plan view of an embodiment of a display panel according to the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display device according to the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pen-drop display device according to the present disclosure.

[0033] Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display device in which a pen drop test is performed according to the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of a comparative example of a display device in which a pen drop test is performed.

[0035] Fig. 7A is a graph showing an embodiment of a relationship between a pen drop point and a pen drop maximum height in a display device according to the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 7B is a graph showing the relationship between the pen drop point and the maximum pen drop height in a comparative example of a display device.

[0037] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display device according to the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display device according to the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B is a perspective view of an electronic device according to the present disclosure.

[0040] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an electronic device according to the present disclosure.

[0041] Fig.12is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an electronic device according to the present disclosure.

[0042] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B is a plan view of an embodiment of a partial assembly of an electronic device according to the present disclosure.

[0043] Fig.14A and Fig. 14B is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electronic device according to the present disclosure.

[0044] Fig.15 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a display device according to the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig.16A is an embodiment of the electronic device in the embodiment corresponding to Fig.14A Cross-sectional view along line II'.

[0046] Fig. 16B is an embodiment of the electronic device in the embodiment corresponding to Fig. 14B Cross-sectional view along line II-II'.

[0047] Fig.17A and Fig. 17B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In this specification, the statement that a first component (or region, layer, part, portion, etc.) is "disposed on" a second component, is "connected to" a second component, or is "coupled to" a second component means that the first component is directly disposed on / directly connected to / coupled to the second component, or that a third component is inserted between the first component and the second component.

[0049] The same reference numerals represent the same components. In addition, in the drawings, in order to effectively describe the technical content, the thickness, proportion and size of the components are exaggerated. The term "and / or" includes all combinations of one or more components that can be defined by the relevant components.

[0050] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component. Unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context, a singular expression includes a plural expression.

[0051] Also, the terms "under," "beneath," "on," "over," etc. are used to describe the relationship of components shown in the drawings. Conceptually relative terms are described based on the directions shown in the drawings.

[0052] It should be understood that the terms "comprises", "includes", "has", etc. specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or a combination thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or a combination thereof.

[0053] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, in view of the measurements in question and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). The term "about" can mean, for example, within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5% of the stated value.

[0054] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in the specification have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. In addition, terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an overly ideal or overly formal meaning unless clearly defined herein.

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a display device DD according to the present disclosure. Figure 1B is shown in a curled state Figure 1A A perspective view of a display device DD is shown in FIG.

[0057] The display device DD may be a device that is activated according to an electrical signal to display an image IM. In an embodiment, the display device DD may be included in large-sized devices such as televisions and billboards, and small and medium-sized devices such as monitors, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation devices, and game consoles. Without departing from the concept of the present disclosure, the embodiment of the display device DD is not limited thereto.

[0058] The display device DD in an embodiment may be flexible. The term "flexible" may refer to a property that can be bent, and may include a fully foldable structure as well as a structure that can be bent by a few nanometers. In an embodiment, for example, the flexible display device DD may include a rollable display device that is rolled around a virtual axis. Figure 1AThe display device DD is shown in an unfolded state, and Figure 1B The display device DD is shown in a rolled state.

[0059] refer to Figure 1A , the display device DD in the unfolded state may have a quadrilateral shape in a plan view, for example, a rectangular shape having short sides extending in a first direction DR1 and long sides extending in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display device DD may have various shapes such as a circle and a polygon.

[0060] The display device DD may generate an image IM in response to an electrical signal and provide the image IM to a user through a display surface DS. The display device DD in the unfolded state may display the image IM in a third direction DR3 on a display surface DS parallel to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The display surface DS on which the image IM is displayed may correspond to a front surface of the display device DD.

[0061] The images IM provided by the display device DD may include still images as well as dynamic images. Figure 1A A plurality of icons in an embodiment of an image IM is shown.

[0062] The front surface (or upper surface) and the rear surface (or lower surface) of each of the members constituting the display device DD may be opposite to each other in the third direction DR3, and the normal direction of each of the front surface and the rear surface may be substantially parallel to the third direction DR3. The spacing distance between the front surface and the rear surface defined in the third direction DR3 may correspond to the thickness of the member (or unit).

[0063] In the present specification, the wording "in a plan view" may be defined as a state viewed in the third direction DR3. In the present specification, the wording "in a cross section" may be defined as a state viewed from the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2. The directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 are relative concepts and may be changed to other directions.

[0064] The display surface DS of the display device DD may include a display area DA and a peripheral area NDA. The display area DA may be an area on which an image IM is displayed, and the peripheral area NDA may be an area on which the image IM is not displayed. The peripheral area NDA may be set as an area having a lower transmittance than that of the display area DA and having a predetermined color.

[0065] The peripheral area NDA may be adjacent to the display area DA. In an embodiment, for example, the peripheral area NDA may surround the display area DA and define an edge of the display device DD. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the peripheral area NDA may be disposed adjacent to only one side of the display area DA, or may be omitted. In an optional embodiment, the peripheral area NDA may not be disposed on the front surface of the display device DD but on the side surface of the display device DD.

[0066] refer to Figure 1B , the display device DD may be rolled around a virtual rolling axis RX (hereinafter also referred to as a rolling axis RX or a virtual axis RX) extending in one direction. In an embodiment, for example, the display device DD may be rolled around the rolling axis RX extending in the first direction DR1. Figure 1B The rolling axis RX extending in the first direction DR1 parallel to the short side of the display device DD is exemplarily shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display device DD may be rolled about the rolling axis RX parallel to the long side of the display device DD.

[0067] The display device DD can be rolled so that the display surface DS faces the outside. When the display device DD is rolled, the display device DD can be easily carried. Therefore, a large-area display device DD can also be rolled and thus can be accommodated in the accommodating member.

[0068] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display device DD according to the present disclosure. Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display unit DU according to the present disclosure.

[0069] refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B The display device DD in the embodiment may include a display unit DU, an upper support member USM disposed below the display unit DU, a lower support member LSM disposed below the upper support member USM, and an intermediate member MM disposed between the upper support member USM and the lower support member LSM. In the embodiment, the display unit DU and the upper support member USM may constitute a display module DM.

[0070] like Figure 2B As shown, the display unit DU may include a display panel DP, an input sensing layer ISP, an upper protection layer UPF, a lower protection layer LPF, an adhesive layer AL, and a window WIN. The display unit DU may be a component activated in response to an electrical signal.

[0071] The display panel DP may be a flexible display panel. The display panel DP in the embodiment of the present disclosure may be a light-emitting display panel, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto. In an embodiment, for example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel or an inorganic light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of the inorganic light-emitting display panel may include an inorganic light-emitting material such as a quantum dot or a quantum rod.

[0072] The display panel DP may include a base substrate SUB, a circuit layer CL, a display element layer PXL, and an encapsulation layer TFE. The base substrate SUB, the circuit layer CL, the display element layer PXL, and the encapsulation layer TFE may be sequentially stacked in the third direction DR3.

[0073] The base substrate SUB may include a display area DA and a peripheral area NDA, which may respectively correspond to the display area DA and the peripheral area NDA of the display device DD. The base substrate SUB may provide a base surface on which the circuit layer CL is disposed.

[0074] The base substrate SUB may include a flexible plastic substrate. In an embodiment, for example, the base substrate SUB may include at least one synthetic resin layer. The synthetic resin layer of the base substrate SUB may include at least one of an acryl-based resin, a methacrylate-based resin, a polyisoprene-based resin, a vinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, a perylene-based resin, and a polyimide-based resin. However, the material of the base substrate SUB is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0075] The circuit layer CL may be disposed on the base substrate SUB. The circuit layer CL may include at least one insulating layer, a driving element, a signal line, and a signal pad. The circuit layer CL may include a conductive pattern and a semiconductor pattern forming the driving element, the signal line, and the signal pad. After forming the insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer on the base substrate SUB by coating, deposition, etc., the insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer are selectively patterned by photolithography, and thus the driving element, the signal line, and the signal pad included in the circuit layer CL may be formed.

[0076] The display element layer PXL may be disposed on the circuit layer CL. The display element layer PXL may include a light emitting element disposed to overlap the display area DA. The light emitting element of the display element layer PXL may be electrically connected to the driving element of the circuit layer CL, and thus may provide a light beam through the display area DA according to a signal of the driving element.

[0077] The encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the display element layer PXL to seal the light emitting element. The encapsulation layer TFE may include a plurality of thin films. The thin films of the encapsulation layer TFE may be arranged to improve the optical efficiency of the light emitting element or to protect the light emitting element. In an embodiment, the encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one inorganic film and at least one organic film. The inorganic film of the encapsulation layer TFE may protect the light emitting element from moisture / oxygen. The organic film of the encapsulation layer TFE may protect the light emitting element from impurities such as dust particles.

[0078] The input sensing layer ISP may be disposed on the display panel DP. The input sensing layer ISP may be directly disposed on the display panel DP without a separate adhesive member. That is, after the display panel DP is formed, the input sensing layer ISP may be formed on a base surface provided by the display panel DP through a continuous process. In an embodiment, for example, the input sensing layer ISP may be directly disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the input sensing layer ISP may be manufactured into a panel shape through a separate manufacturing process different from the process for manufacturing the display panel DP, and may then be attached to the display panel DP through an adhesive member.

[0079] The input detection layer ISP can detect the display device DD (reference Figure 1A ) and obtains coordinate information of the external input. The input detection layer ISP can be driven in various ways such as capacitance, resistance, infrared and pressure, and is not limited to any one of them.

[0080] However, according to the present disclosure, the input detection layer ISP may be omitted.

[0081] The upper protection layer UPF may be disposed on the input sensing layer ISP. The upper protection layer UPF may be coupled to the front surface of the input sensing layer ISP by an adhesive member, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the upper protection layer UPF may be directly formed on the front surface of the input sensing layer ISP.

[0082] The lower protective layer LPF may be disposed under the display panel DP. The lower protective layer LPF may be coupled to the rear surface of the display panel DP by an adhesive member, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the lower protective layer LPF may be directly formed on the rear surface of the display panel DP.

[0083] Each of the upper protection layer UPF and the lower protection layer LPF may include at least one of a protection film layer and a shock absorbing layer which protect the display panel DP and the input sensing layer ISP from external impact.

[0084] Each of the upper protective layer UPF and the lower protective layer LPF may include a flexible polymer material such as polyethylene terephthalate and polyimide. The impact absorbing layer may include materials such as sponge, expanded foam, and urethane resin, and may absorb impact applied to the display panel DP and the input sensing layer ISP. The shapes of the upper protective layer UPF and the lower protective layer LPF are not limited to the embodiment as long as the upper protective layer UPF and the lower protective layer LPF may protect the display panel DP and the input sensing layer ISP.

[0085] The adhesive layer AL may be disposed on the upper protective layer UPF. The adhesive layer AL may be disposed between the upper protective layer UPF and the window WIN to couple the upper protective layer UPF and the window WIN. The adhesive layer AL may include a transparent adhesive such as an optically clear adhesive ("OCA") film, an optically clear resin ("OCR"), or a pressure-sensitive adhesive ("PSA") film. However, the type of adhesive included in the adhesive layer AL is not limited thereto.

[0086] The window WIN may be disposed on the upper protection layer UPF. The window WIN may cover the entire outer side of the display panel DP, the input sensing layer ISP, and the upper protection layer UPF, and may protect other components of the display unit DU from external impact and scratches.

[0087] The window WIN may include an optically transparent insulating material. In an embodiment, for example, the window WIN may include glass, sapphire, or a polymer. The window WIN may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The window WIN may also include a functional layer such as an anti-fingerprint layer, a phase control layer, and a hard coating layer arranged on an optically transparent substrate.

[0088] The upper support member USM may be disposed under the display unit DU to support the display unit DU, and may be rolled together with the display unit DU. The upper support member USM may be attached to the rear surface of the display unit DU. In an embodiment, for example, the upper support member USM may be attached to the rear surface of the display unit DU by a separate adhesive layer. The upper support member USM may provide a flat surface to the display unit DU to prevent the surface quality of the display unit DU from being deteriorated.

[0089] The lower support member LSM may be disposed below the upper support member USM to support the display unit DU and the upper support member USM. The lower support member LSM may be connected to the upper support member USM and may be rolled together with the display unit DU. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the lower support member LSM may not be connected to the upper support member USM, may be independently disposed, and thus may not be rolled.

[0090] The middle member MM may be disposed between the upper support member USM and the lower support member LSM to absorb external impact provided to the display module DM disposed on the upper side. Therefore, the display module DM may have predetermined impact resistance and thus the display module DM may be prevented from being damaged by external impact.

[0091] refer to Figure 3 , the display panel DP may include a base substrate SUB, a plurality of pixels PX, a plurality of signal lines SL1 to SLm, DL1 to DLn, EL1 to Elm, CSL1, CSL2, PL1, PL2, and CNL electrically connected to the pixels PX, a scan driver SDV, a data driver DDV, and an emission driver EDV. Here, "m" and "n" are natural numbers greater than 1.

[0092] As described above, the base substrate SUB may include the display area DA and the peripheral area NDA. The base substrate SUB may provide a base surface on which electrical elements and wirings of the display panel DP are arranged. Figure 3 The base substrate SUB having a quadrilateral shape (eg, a rectangular shape parallel to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2) in a plan view is schematically shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the base substrate SUB may be configured according to the display device DD (refer to Figure 1A )'s structure is designed into various shapes.

[0093] Each of the pixels PX may include a pixel driving circuit including a light emitting element, a plurality of transistors (e.g., a switching transistor, a driving transistor, etc.) connected to the light emitting element, and at least one capacitor. Each of the pixels PX may emit a light beam in response to an electrical signal applied to the pixel PX.

[0094] The pixels PX may be arranged in the display area DA. However, this is exemplarily shown, some of the pixels PX may include thin film transistors arranged in the peripheral area NDA, and the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments.

[0095] Each of the scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the emission driver EDV may be arranged in the peripheral area NDA. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in an embodiment, at least one of the scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the emission driver EDV may overlap the display area DA. Therefore, the area of ​​the peripheral area NDA may be reduced, and thus the display device DD (refer to Figure 1A )'s border area.

[0096] The data driver DDV may be provided in the form of an integrated circuit chip defined as a driving chip and may be disposed (e.g., mounted) in the peripheral area NDA of the display panel DP. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the data driver DDV may be disposed (e.g., mounted) on a separate flexible circuit board connected to the display panel DP and electrically connected to the display panel DP.

[0097] The plurality of signal lines SL1 to SLm, DL1 to DLn, EL1 to ELm, CSL1, CSL2, PL1, PL2 and CNL may include a plurality of scan lines SL1 to SLm, a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLn, a plurality of emission lines EL1 to ELm, first and second control lines CSL1 and CSL2, first and second power lines PL1 and PL2, and a connection line CNL.

[0098] The scan lines SL1 to SLm may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be connected to the scan driver SDV. The data lines DL1 to DLn may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be connected to the data driver DDV. The emission lines EL1 to ELm may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be connected to the emission driver EDV.

[0099] The first power line PL1 may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be disposed in the peripheral area NDA. The first power line PL1 may be disposed between the display area DA and the emission driver EDV. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first power line PL1 may be disposed between the display area DA and the scan driver SDV.

[0100] The connection line CNL may extend in the first direction DR1, may be arranged in the second direction DR2, and may be connected to the first power line PL1 and the pixel PX. The connection line CNL may be arranged in a different layer from the first power line PL1 and electrically connected to the first power line PL1. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the connection line CNL may be integral in the same layer as the first power line PL1. The first voltage may be applied to the pixel PX through the first power line PL1 and the connection line CNL connected to each other.

[0101] The second power line PL2 may be disposed in the peripheral area NDA. The second power line PL2 may be disposed outside the scan driver SDV and the emission driver EDV. Although not shown separately, the second power line PL2 may extend toward the display area DA and may be connected to the pixel PX. A second voltage having a level lower than the first voltage may be applied to the pixel PX through the second power line PL2. The first voltage and the second voltage may be applied to the electrode of the light emitting element of the pixel PX, and thus, the light emitting element may generate and emit a light beam.

[0102] The first control line CSL1 may be connected to the scan driver SDV. The second control line CSL2 may be connected to the emission driver EDV.

[0103] The pad PD may be arranged adjacent to the lower end of the peripheral area NDA. The pad PD may be disposed closer to the lower end of the display panel DP than the data driver DDV. The pad PD may be arranged in the first direction DR1. Figure 1A ) may include a circuit board including a timing controller for controlling operations of a scan driver SDV, a data driver DDV, and an emission driver EDV and a voltage generating unit for generating a voltage, and the pad PD may be a display device DD (reference Figure 1A ) of the circuit board connected to it.

[0104] The pad PD may be connected to a corresponding signal line among a plurality of signal lines. The first power line PL1 and the second power line PL2 and the first control line CSL1 and the second control line CSL2 may be connected to the pad PD. The data lines DL1 to DLn may be connected to the corresponding pad PD through the data driver DDV. In an embodiment, for example, the data lines DL1 to DLn may be connected to the data driver DDV, and the data driver DDV may be connected to the pads PD corresponding to the data lines DL1 to DLn, respectively.

[0105] The scan driver SDV may generate a scan signal in response to a scan control signal. The scan signal may be applied to the pixel PX through the scan lines SL1 to SLm. The data driver DDV may generate a data voltage corresponding to an image signal in response to the data control signal. The data voltage may be applied to the pixel PX through the data lines DL1 to DLn. The emission driver EDV may generate a light emission signal in response to a light emission control signal. The light emission signal may be applied to the pixel PX through the emission lines EL1 to ELm.

[0106] The pixel PX may receive a data voltage in response to a scan signal. The pixel PX may display an image IM by emitting a light beam having a brightness corresponding to the data voltage in response to a light emission signal. The light emission time of the pixel PX may be controlled by the light emission signal. The display panel DP may output an image IM through the display area DA through the pixel PX.

[0107] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display device DD according to the present disclosure. Figure 4A shows a cross section in the direction in which the long sides of the display device DD extend, and Figure 4B A cross section in the direction in which the short sides of the display device DD extend is shown.

[0108] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B The display device DD in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display unit DU, an upper support member USM, an intermediate member MM and a lower support member LSM. The description of the display unit DU has been made above with reference to Figure 2B A description has been made and will therefore be omitted.

[0109] The upper support member USM may include an upper support rod USB and a base part BP.

[0110] Each of the upper support rods USB can be parallel to the curling axis RX (see Figure 1B The upper support bars USB may extend in a first direction DR1 of the first direction DR2. The upper support bars USB may be arranged in a second direction DR2 intersecting the direction in which the upper support bars USB extend. The upper support bars USB may be arranged at equal intervals in the second direction DR2. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the intervals between the upper support bars USB may gradually increase or decrease in the second direction DR2.

[0111] Each of the upper support bars USB may have a rod shape extending in the first direction DR1. Figure 4B As shown, each of the upper support bars USB may have a quadrilateral shape (eg, a rectangular shape) in a cross section viewed in the second direction DR2. However, the shape of each of the upper support bars USB in a cross section is not limited thereto and may be other polygonal shapes or a circular shape.

[0112] The upper support bar USB may have a predetermined stiffness. In an embodiment, for example, the upper support bar USB may include at least one of metal, plastic, carbon fiber, and glass fiber. The upper support bar USB may include aluminum, stainless steel, Invar, carbon fiber reinforced plastic ("CFRP"), glass fiber reinforced plastic ("GFRP"), etc. In addition, in an embodiment, the upper support bar USB may include a metal attached to a magnet.

[0113] The modulus value (or modulus) of each upper support bar USB may be greater than that of the base part BP. The upper support bar USB having a relatively large modulus may support the display unit DU and improve the impact resistance of the upper support member USM.

[0114] The base part BP may be connected to the upper support rod USB. The base part BP may contact the upper support rod USB. The base part BP may cover at least a portion of each of the upper support rods USB. At least a portion of the base part BP may be disposed on the upper support rod USB and cover the upper surface UU of the upper support rod USB.

[0115] In an embodiment, the base part BP may cover all surfaces of the upper support bars USB extending in the first direction DR1. In detail, the base part BP may cover all upper surfaces UU, side surfaces S1-U extending in the first direction DR1, and lower surfaces LU of each of the upper support bars USB. The base part BP may be filled between the upper support bars USB spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. Therefore, the upper support bars USB in the embodiment may be disposed within the base part BP.

[0116] In an embodiment, the base part BP may expose the opposite ends of each upper support bar USB. That is, the side surfaces S2-U of each of the upper support bars USB facing each other in the first direction DR1 may be exposed. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the base part BP may cover the opposite ends of each of the upper support bars USB. In this case, the base part BP may cover the entire surface of each of the upper support bars USB.

[0117] In an embodiment, an edge of the base part BP may be aligned with an edge of the display unit DU. That is, a width of the base part BP in the first direction DR1 and a width of the base part BP in the second direction DR2 may be substantially the same as a width of the display unit DU in the first direction DR1 and a width of the display unit DU in the second direction DR2, respectively.

[0118] The base part BP may include an upper surface UB parallel to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 and a lower surface LB facing the upper surface UB. The interval between the upper surface UB and the lower surface LB of the base part BP may be substantially uniform. Therefore, the thickness of the base part BP may be uniform in the region in which the display unit DU is disposed.

[0119] Since the display unit DU is disposed on the upper surface UB of the base part BP having a flat surface, the portion of the display unit DU overlapping the space between the upper support bars USB is not deformed and remains in a flat state. That is, the surface quality of the display unit DU can be improved by the base part BP.

[0120] The base part BP may include an elastomer having a predetermined elastic force. In an embodiment, for example, the elastomer may include at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone, thermoplastic rubber, elastic olefin, thermoplastic olefin, polydimethylsiloxane, polyurethane acrylate, polyamide, polyether block amide, synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene, epichlorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluorine-containing elastomer, and ethylene-vinyl acetate.

[0121] The lower support member LSM may be disposed below the upper support member USM. The lower support member LSM may include two support bars (hereinafter also referred to as a first lower support bar LSB1 and a second lower support bar LSB2). The first lower support bar LSB1 and the second lower support bar LSB2 may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0122] The first lower supporting bar LSB1 may be adjacent to one side of the display module DM extending in the second direction DR2, and the second lower supporting bar LSB2 may be adjacent to the other side of the display module DM extending in the second direction DR2. In a cross section of the display device DD obtained by cutting one upper supporting bar USB in the first direction DR1, the first lower supporting bar LSB1 may be adjacent to one end of the one upper supporting bar USB, and the second lower supporting bar LSB2 may be adjacent to the other end of the one upper supporting bar USB.

[0123] In an embodiment, the first lower support bar LSB1 may overlap at least a portion of one side of the display module DM extending in the second direction DR2, and the second lower support bar LSB2 may overlap at least a portion of the other side of the display module DM extending in the second direction DR2. The first lower support bar LSB1 may overlap at least some of one ends of the plurality of upper support bars USB, and the second lower support bar LSB2 may overlap at least some of the other ends of the plurality of upper support bars USB. The first lower support bar LSB1 may be substantially aligned with one end of the base part BP through which one end of the upper support bar USB is exposed, and the second lower support bar LSB2 may be substantially aligned with the other end of the base part BP through which the other end of the upper support bar USB is exposed.

[0124] Each of the first lower support bar LSB1 and the second lower support bar LSB2 may have a predetermined rigidity. In an embodiment, for example, each of the first lower support bar LSB1 and the second lower support bar LSB2 may include at least one of metal, plastic, carbon fiber, and glass fiber. Each of the first lower support bar LSB1 and the second lower support bar LSB2 may include aluminum, stainless steel, invar, CFRP, GFRP, etc. However, the material of the first lower support bar LSB1 and the second lower support bar LSB2 is not limited thereto, and may include various materials as long as the first lower support bar LSB1 and the second lower support bar LSB2 can support the display module DM.

[0125] The middle member MM may be disposed between the upper support member USM and the lower support member LSM. The middle member MM may include a first shock absorbing member ASB1 disposed between the upper support member USM and the first lower support bar LSB1 and a second shock absorbing member ASB2 disposed between the upper support member USM and the second lower support bar LSB2.

[0126] In an embodiment, the entirety of the first impact absorbing member ASB1 may overlap with the first lower support bar LSB1, and the entirety of the second impact absorbing member ASB2 may overlap with the second lower support bar LSB2. In an embodiment, for example, the width of the first impact absorbing member ASB1 in the first direction DR1 may be substantially equal to or less than the width of the first lower support bar LSB1 in the first direction DR1, and the width of the second impact absorbing member ASB2 in the first direction DR1 may be substantially equal to or less than the width of the second lower support bar LSB2 in the first direction DR1. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the width of the first impact absorbing member ASB1 in the first direction DR1 may be greater than the width of the first lower support bar LSB1 in the first direction DR1, and the width of the second impact absorbing member ASB2 in the first direction DR1 may be greater than the width of the second lower support bar LSB2 in the first direction DR1.

[0127] The first impact absorbing member ASB1 and the second impact absorbing member ASB2 may have a modulus value (or modulus) smaller than the modulus value (or modulus) of the first lower support bar LSB1 and the second lower support bar LSB2, respectively. In addition, the first impact absorbing member ASB1 and the second impact absorbing member ASB2 may have a modulus value smaller than the modulus value of the upper support member USM (particularly, the base part BP). In an embodiment, each of the first impact absorbing member ASB1 and the second impact absorbing member ASB2 may include a porous material such as a sponge and a foam. In an embodiment, for example, the sponge may include polyether, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyester, and the foam may include polyurethane. In an optional embodiment, each of the first impact absorbing member ASB1 and the second impact absorbing member ASB2 may include rubber.

[0128] In an embodiment, the thickness of each of the first impact absorbing member ASB1 and the second impact absorbing member ASB2 may be 1 millimeter (mm) or less. When the thickness of each of the first impact absorbing member ASB1 and the second impact absorbing member ASB2 exceeds 1 mm, deformation such as bending may easily occur in the display module DM due to a predetermined external pressure. However, the thickness of each of the first impact absorbing member ASB1 and the second impact absorbing member ASB2 is not limited thereto, and the appropriate thickness may vary according to the material and / or thickness of the components within the upper support member USM.

[0129] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pen-drop display device DD according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 A cross section in the direction in which the short sides of the display device DD extend is shown. Figure 51 shows a cross section at a time point when an external impact is applied to the upper portion of the display device DD, and exemplarily shows that the external impact is applied by a pen drop. The same or similar reference numerals are used for Figures 1A to 4B The same or similar components described in the drawings will be described herein, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0130] refer to Figure 5 , when an external impact is applied to a local area of ​​the display device DD by the pen falling, the first lower support bar LSB1 and the second lower support bar LSB2 support the display module DM, and thus the upper support bar USB to which the external impact is applied may bend in the direction in which the pen PN falls. In this case, a bend may be formed in the entire upper support bar USB to which the external impact is applied.

[0131] The base part BP and the display unit DU may also bend together with the upper support rod USB in the direction in which the pen PN is lowered near the area to which the external impact is applied, and thus, a bend may be formed in the entire base part BP and the entire display unit DU. Therefore, the impact applied to a local area by the external impact may be transmitted to a more extended area, thereby improving the impact resistance of the display device DD.

[0132] When an external impact is applied to the vicinity of the center of the display module DM, when the upper supporting bar USB is sufficiently bent, the impact applied to the vicinity of the center can be transmitted to a more extended area and thus be sufficiently absorbed, and thus the impact force applied to the display device DD can be reduced.

[0133] When an external impact is applied near the edge of the display module DM adjacent to the first lower support bar LSB1 or the second lower support bar LSB2, even when the upper support bar USB is supported by the first lower support bar LSB1 or the second lower support bar LSB2, the external impact can be absorbed by the first impact absorbing member ASB1 or the second impact absorbing member ASB2, and thus the impact force applied to the display device DD can be reduced. In more detail, when the first impact absorbing member ASB1 or the second impact absorbing member ASB2 is pressed near the area where the external impact is applied, the thickness of the first impact absorbing member ASB1 or the second impact absorbing member ASB2 can be reduced, and thus the upper support bar USB can be bent in the direction in which the pen PN drops.

[0134] Therefore, the lower support member LSM and the middle member MM according to the present disclosure can absorb the external impact regardless of the point to which the external impact is applied, and thus the impact resistance in the entire area of ​​the display module DM can be improved. The damage to the display unit DU caused by the external impact can be prevented, and thus the damage to the display surface DS (reference Figure 1A ) appears on the display device DD. Therefore, a display device DD with improved reliability can be provided.

[0135] Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a comparative example of a display device in which a pen drop test is performed. Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display device in which a pen drop test is performed according to the present disclosure. Fig. 7A is a graph showing the relationship between the pen drop point and the maximum pen drop height in a comparative example of a display device. Figure 7B is a graph showing the relationship between the pen drop point and the maximum height of the pen drop in an embodiment of the display device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6A to FIG. 7B , the impact resistance against pen drop in a comparative example of a display device DD′ and an embodiment of a display device DD according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0136] like Fig. 6A As shown, a comparative example of a display device DD' in which a pen drop test is performed includes a display unit DU', an upper support member USM', and a lower support member LSM'. The upper support member USM' includes a base BP' and an upper support rod USB' arranged inside the base BP', and the lower support member LSM' includes a first lower support rod LSB1' and a second lower support rod LSB2'. In the comparative example, each of the first lower support rod LSB1' and the second lower support rod LSB2' contacts the upper support member USM'.

[0137] like Figure 6B As shown, the display device DD in which the pen drop test is performed in the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a display unit DU, an upper support member USM, an intermediate member MM, and a lower support member LSM. The upper support member USM includes a base BP and an upper support rod USB arranged inside the base BP, the lower support member LSM includes a first lower support rod LSB1 and a second lower support rod LSB2, and the intermediate member MM includes a first impact absorbing member ASB1 disposed between the upper support member USM and the first lower support rod LSB1 and a second impact absorbing member ASB2 disposed between the upper support member USM and the second lower support rod LSB2. In the test, each of the first impact absorbing member ASB1 and the second impact absorbing member ASB2 is a sponge including a thickness of about 1 mm.

[0138] like Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown in FIG. 1 , the pen drop test is performed in a manner of dropping the pen PN onto the display devices DD′ and DD to be tested. In detail, for each preset pen drop point, the pen drop test is performed while changing the pen drop heights H1 and H2, and the pen drop heights H1 and H2 on the display panel DP (reference Figure 3) is the maximum height of the pen drop without a dark spot appearing on the display module DM' and DM. In this case, the pen drop point refers to the distance away from the center of the display modules DM' and DM, and the distances d1 and d2 between the center C' and C of the display modules DM' and DM and the points P' and P separated from the center C' and C of the display modules DM' and DM in the first direction DR1 are written as positive values, and the distances between the center C' and C of the display modules DM' and DM and the points separated from the center C' and C of the display modules DM' and DM in the direction opposite to the first direction DR1 are written as negative values. In the test, the width of each of the display modules DM' and DM in the first direction DR1 is set to 200mm, and the pen drop point is set to -80mm, -60mm, -40mm, -20mm, 0mm, 20mm, 40mm, 60mm and 80mm.

[0139] Furthermore, in the test, the test was performed while the pen drop heights H1 and H2 were increased by 1 cm at a time starting from 1 centimeter (cm) and the pen drop height at which a dark spot first appeared at each preset pen drop point was measured. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The maximum height of the pen drop shown in the figure refers to the height of the pen drop on the display panel DP (reference Figure 3 ) is the maximum value of the pen drop height at which no dark spot appears, and this corresponds to the value obtained by subtracting 1 cm from the pen drop height at which a dark spot appears.

[0140] like Fig. 7A As shown, according to the comparative example, when the pen drop is performed at a point P' from -20 mm to 20 mm, it can be confirmed that the display panel DP (reference Figure 3 ) can be 7 cm to 8 cm. According to the comparative example, when the pen drop is performed at a point P' greater than 20 mm and less than -20 mm, it can be confirmed that when the pen drop point is far from the center C' of the display module DM', the display panel DP (reference Figure 3 ) is reduced. When the point P' at which the pen is dropped is set near the edge of the display module DM' adjacent to the first lower support bar LSB1' or the second lower support bar LSB2', it can be confirmed that the display panel DP (reference Figure 3 ) is reduced to a maximum height of 1 cm to 2 cm without any dark spots appearing on the surface.

[0141] like Figure 7B As shown, according to the present disclosure, it can be confirmed that at the point P where the pen is dropped, on the display panel DP (reference Figure 3) may be 7 cm to 8 cm. Therefore, even when the pen drop point becomes farther from the center C of the display module DM and becomes adjacent to the first lower support bar LSB1 or the second lower support bar LSB2, it can be confirmed that the pen drop point is located on the display panel DP (reference Figure 3 ) is similar to the maximum height of the pen drop when the pen drop point is set near the center of the display module DM.

[0142] Therefore, in the embodiment, when an external impact is applied near the edge of the display module DM adjacent to the first lower supporting bar LSB1 or the second lower supporting bar LSB2, it can be confirmed that the external impact can be absorbed by the first impact absorbing member ASB1 or the second impact absorbing member ASB2, and thus, the display module DM can be prevented from being damaged. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the impact resistance is improved in the entire area of ​​the display module DM.

[0143] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display device DD-1 according to the present disclosure. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B The display device DD-1 in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display unit DU, an upper support member USM-1, an intermediate member MM-1, and a lower support member LSM. The same or similar reference numerals are used for Figures 1A to 5 For the same or similar components described in , repeated description thereof will be omitted, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0144] The upper support member USM-1 may include a base portion BP-1 and an upper support bar USB-1. In an embodiment, the base portion BP-1 may be attached to a lower portion of the display unit DU, and the upper support bar USB-1 may be attached to a lower portion of the base portion BP-1. In detail, an upper surface U-U1 of each of the upper support bars USB-1 may be attached to the base portion BP-1. In this case, a side surface S1-U1 of each of the upper support bars USB-1 extending in the first direction DR1 may be exposed.

[0145] The lower support member LSM may include a first lower support rod LSB1 and a second lower support rod LSB2, and the middle member MM-1 may include a first shock absorbing member ASB1-1 disposed between the upper support rod USB-1 and the first lower support rod LSB1 and a second shock absorbing member ASB2-1 disposed between the upper support rod USB-1 and the second lower support rod LSB2.

[0146] In an embodiment, each of the first impact absorbing member ASB1-1 and the second impact absorbing member ASB2-1 may contact at least some of the upper support rod USB-1. In detail, each of the first impact absorbing member ASB1-1 and the second impact absorbing member ASB2-1 may contact the lower surface L-U1 of at least some of the upper support rod USB-1. The first impact absorbing member ASB1-1 and the second impact absorbing member ASB2-1 may be disposed to contact one end and the other end of the upper support rod USB-1, and the first impact absorbing member ASB1-1 and the second impact absorbing member ASB2-1 may be disposed to contact the first lower support rod LSB1 and the second lower support rod LSB2, respectively. The display unit DU and the upper support member USM-1 may constitute a display module DM-1.

[0147] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display device DD-2a and DD-2b according to the present disclosure. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B , the display devices DD-2a and DD-2b in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a display unit DU, an upper support member USM, intermediate members MM-2a and MM-2b, and lower support members LSM-2a and LSM-2b. The same or similar reference numerals are used for Figures 1A to 5 For the same or similar components described in , repeated description thereof will be omitted, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0148] The lower support members LSM-2a and LSM-2b may include a first lower support rod LSB1-2a and LSB1-2b and a second lower support rod LSB2-2a and LSB2-2b, and the intermediate members MM-2a and MM-2b may include a first impact absorbing member ASB1-2a and ASB1-2b arranged between the upper support rod USB and the first lower support rod LSB1-2a and LSB1-2b and a second impact absorbing member ASB2-2a and ASB2-2b arranged between the upper support rod USB and the second lower support rod LSB2-2a and LSB2-2b.

[0149] In an embodiment, each of the first shock absorbing members ASB1 - 2 a and ASB1 - 2 b and the second shock absorbing members ASB2 - 2 a and ASB2 - 2 b may be a spring.

[0150] like Fig.9AAs shown, each of the first lower support bar LSB1-2a and the second lower support bar LSB2-2a can be configured in a quadrilateral shape, such as a rectangular bar shape. The first shock absorbing member ASB1-2a and the second shock absorbing member ASB2-2a can be respectively disposed on the first lower support bar LSB1-2a and the second lower support bar LSB2-2a.

[0151] In an optional embodiment, if Fig. 9B As shown, the first lower support bar LSB1-2b and the second lower support bar LSB2-2b may provide an internal space PP, and the first shock absorbing member ASB1-2b and the second shock absorbing member ASB2-2b may be arranged in the internal space PP. A portion of the first shock absorbing member ASB1-2b may be disposed in the internal space PP of the first lower support bar LSB1-2b, and a portion of the second shock absorbing member ASB2-2b may be disposed in the internal space PP of the second lower support bar LSB2-2b.

[0152] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electronic device ED according to the present disclosure. Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an electronic device ED according to the present disclosure.

[0153] refer to FIG. 10A to FIG. 11 , the electronic device ED in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case CS, a roller ROL, a display device DD, and a holder HD. The roller ROL and the display device DD may be accommodated in the case CS. The electronic device ED may further include additional components.

[0154] The case CS may include a lower surface and an upper surface parallel to each of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 and a side surface connecting the lower surface and the upper surface and forming a receiving space therein. An opening C-OP may be defined in the upper surface of the case CS.

[0155] The roller ROL may be adjacent to one surface of the shell CS inside the shell CS. The one surface of the shell CS may be spaced apart from another surface of the shell CS adjacent to the holder HD in the second direction DR2. The roller ROL may have a cylindrical shape extending in the first direction DR1, and when viewed in the first direction DR1, the roller ROL may have a circular shape. The extending direction of the roller ROL may correspond to the curling axis RX (see Figure 1B ) in an extending direction. The roller ROL may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. Although not shown separately, the electronic device ED may further include a driving portion for rotating the roller ROL.

[0156] One end of the display module DM may be connected to the roller ROL. The display module DM may be wound around the roller ROL and accommodated in the housing CS. The display module DM may be rolled by the roller ROL. When the roller ROL rotates in one direction, the display module DM may be rolled while surrounding the roller ROL.

[0157] The other end of the display module DM may be connected to the holder HD. When the holder HD moves away from the case CS in the second direction DR2, the roller ROL may rotate in a direction opposite to the one direction, and at least a portion of the display module DM may be deployed outside the case CS.

[0158] Fig. 10A The electronic device ED is shown in a state where the display device DD is accommodated in the case CS and the display module DM is rolled. Fig. 10A exemplarily shows that a portion of the display device DD in the rolled state is exposed from the opening C-OP of the casing CS to provide a display surface DS (refer to FIG. Figure 1A ) of the electronic device ED, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the rolled state, the display device DD can be completely inserted into the housing CS.

[0159] Fig. 10B and Fig.11 The electronic device ED is shown in a state where the display module DM is unfolded. In the unfolded state, the display device DD exposed from the housing CS can provide an extended display surface DS (refer to Figure 1A That is, the display surface DS of the display device DD (refer to Figure 1A ) can be adjusted according to the movement of the retaining member HD.

[0160] The display device DD may include a display module DM, an intermediate member MM (refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B ) and the lower support member LSM (reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B The display module DM may include a display unit DU (refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B ) and upper support member USM (reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B The above description can also be applied to the display module DM, the intermediate member MM (refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B ) and the lower support member LSM (reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B ). Fig.11 The intermediate member MM (refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B ) of the first shock absorbing member ASB1 and the second shock absorbing member ASB2 (see Figure 4A and Figure 4B ) and the lower support member LSM (reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B ) of the first lower support bar LSB1 and the second lower support bar LSB2 (see Figure 4A and Figure 4B ) in the lower support rod (hereinafter also referred to as the lower support rod LSB).

[0161] In an embodiment, the shock absorbing member ASB may be arranged to be adhered to the lower support bar LSB. In detail, when the holder HD moves, the lower support bar LSB may be unfolded or folded, and in this case, the shock absorbing member ASB may also be unfolded or folded together with the lower support bar LSB. In this case, the shock absorbing member ASB may not be connected to the display module DM, and thus may not be curled together with the display module DM.

[0162] In an embodiment, the lower support bar LSB may include a support portion SPP and at least one hinge portion HGP connecting the support portion SPP. Fig.11 It is schematically shown that the lower support rod LSB includes four support portions SPP and three hinge portions HGP. When the holder HD moves in a direction away from the shell CS, the support portions SPP in a folded state can be unfolded while being spaced apart from each other. On the contrary, when the holder HD moves in a direction closer to the shell CS, the support portions SPP in an unfolded state can be folded while being closer to each other. In an embodiment, one end of each of the support portions SPP may be provided in the form of a semicircular gear, and adjacent support portions SPP may move while being engaged with each other by a gear provided at one end of each of the support portions SPP. In this case, the hinge portion HGP may connect the ends of the support portions SPP that move while being engaged with each other.

[0163] In an embodiment, the shock absorbing member ASB may include a first absorbing portion ASP1 and a second absorbing portion ASP2. The first absorbing portions ASP1 may be attached to the support portions SPP, respectively, and the second absorbing portions ASP2 may be attached to the hinge portions HGP, respectively. The first absorbing portions ASP1 and the second absorbing portions ASP2 may be spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the shock absorbing member ASB may not interfere with the operation of the support portion SPP and the hinge portion HGP. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the shock absorbing member ASB may include only the first absorbing portion ASP1, and may not be attached to the hinge portion HGP.

[0164] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an electronic device ED according to the present disclosure. Fig.12The electronic device ED is shown in a state where the display module DM is unfolded. The same or similar reference numerals are used in FIG. 10A to FIG. 11 For the same or similar components described in , repeated description thereof will be omitted, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0165] In an embodiment, the shock absorbing member ASB may be provided to be adhered to the lower portion of the display module DM. Therefore, when the holder HD moves, the display module DM may be unfolded or rolled, and in this case, the shock absorbing member ASB may also be unfolded or rolled together with the display module DM.

[0166] In an embodiment, the shock absorbing member ASB may be provided to continuously extend from one end of the display module DM connected to the holder HD to the other end of the display module DM connected to the roller ROL. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in a state where the display module DM is unfolded, the shock absorbing member ASB may be provided only in a portion of the rear surface of the display module DM that overlaps with the lower support bar LSB.

[0167] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B is a plan view of an embodiment of a partial component of an electronic device ED according to the present disclosure. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The planar shapes of the lower support rods LSB1 and LSB2 in the state where the display module DM is curled and the state where the display module DM is unfolded are shown, and for the sake of convenience of description, the display module DM, the roller ROL connected to one side of the display module DM extending in the first direction DR1, and the retaining member HD connected to the other side of the display module DM extending in the first direction DR1 are shown together.

[0168] refer to Fig.13A and Fig. 13B , the lower support bars LSB1 and LSB2 may include a first lower support bar LSB1 and a second lower support bar LSB2, and the above Fig.11 and Fig.12 The lower support bar LSB described in the figure may correspond to the first lower support bar LSB1. The first lower support bar LSB1 and the second lower support bar LSB2 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1, the first lower support bar LSB1 may be disposed closer to one side of the display module DM extending in the second direction DR2, and the second lower support bar LSB2 may be disposed closer to the other side of the display module DM extending in the second direction DR2.

[0169] The first lower support bar LSB1 may include a first support portion SPP1 and a first hinge portion HGP1 connecting the first support portions SPP1. Two adjacent first support portions SPP1 may be connected by one first hinge portion HGP1. When the holder HD moves, the two adjacent first support portions SPP1 may be unfolded or folded.

[0170] like Fig.13A As shown, in a state in which the display module DM is rolled, the first support portions SPP1 are disposed in a folded state, and thus each of the first support portions SPP1 may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be arranged in the second direction DR2.

[0171] like Fig. 13B As shown, in the state where the display module DM is unfolded, the first support parts SPP1 are arranged in the unfolded state, and thus each of the first support parts SPP1 may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be arranged in the second direction DR2. In an embodiment, in the state where the display module DM is unfolded, the first lower support bar LSB1 may be arranged to overlap with one side of the display module DM extending in the second direction DR2.

[0172] The second lower support bar LSB2 may include a second support portion SPP2 and a second hinge portion HGP2 connecting the second support portions SPP2. Two adjacent second support portions SPP2 may be connected by one second hinge portion HGP2. When the holder HD moves, the two adjacent second support portions SPP2 may be unfolded or folded.

[0173] like Fig.13A As shown, in a state in which the display module DM is rolled, the second support parts SPP2 are disposed in a folded state, and thus each of the second support parts SPP2 may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be arranged in the second direction DR2.

[0174] like Fig. 13B As shown, in the state where the display module DM is unfolded, the second support parts SPP2 are arranged in the unfolded state, and thus each of the second support parts SPP2 may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be arranged in the second direction DR2. In an embodiment, in the state where the display module DM is unfolded, the second lower support bar LSB2 may be arranged to overlap with the other side of the display module DM extending in the second direction DR2.

[0175] Fig.14A and Fig. 14B is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electronic device EDa according to the present disclosure. Fig.15 is an exploded perspective view of some components of the display device DDa according to the present disclosure. The same or similar reference numerals are used for Figures 1A to 12For the same or similar components described in , repeated description thereof will be omitted, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0176] refer to Fig.14A and Fig. 14B , the electronic device EDa in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display device DDa and a housing CSa in which the display device DDa is accommodated. At least a portion of the display device DDa may be exposed to the outside through an opening C-OPa defined in an upper portion of the housing CSa.

[0177] The housing CSa may include a first housing CS1 and a second housing CS2. The first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 may be coupled to each other to accommodate the display device DDa. The first housing CS1 may be coupled to the second housing CS2 to move in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2. The first housing CS1 may be coupled to the second housing CS2 to move closer to or further away from the second housing CS2.

[0178] refer to Fig.14A and Fig. 14B , display surface DS (reference Figure 1A ) of the housing CSa exposed by the opening C-OPa may be adjusted as the first housing CS1 moves. When the first housing CS1 moves, the opening area of ​​the opening C-OPa may increase in the second direction DR2.

[0179] Fig.14A The electronic device EDa is shown in a state (hereinafter also referred to as a basic mode) where the first casing CS1 is closest to the second casing CS2 in the second direction DR2 when the display device DDa is operating. Fig. 14B The electronic device EDa is shown in a state where the first shell CS1 is spaced the largest from the second shell CS2 in the second direction DR2 (hereinafter also referred to as the extended mode) when the display device DDa is in operation. The user can adjust the display surface DS (refer to FIG. 1 ) of the display device DDa by selecting either the basic mode or the extended mode of the display device DDa. Figure 1A )The area exposed from the shell CSa is adjusted differently.

[0180] The display device DDa may be a flexible display device. The display device DDa may be accommodated in the housing CSa when folded. When the first housing CS1 moves, the display surface DS (refer to Figure 1A ) is exposed to the outside. One end of the display device DDa can move in the second direction DR2 together with the first housing CS1, and the portion of the display device DDa accommodated in the second housing CS2 can be exposed to the outside. Therefore, the display surface DS (reference numeral 20) of the display device DDa exposed through the opening C-OPa Figure 1A ) can be expanded.

[0181] refer to Fig.15 , the display device DDa in the embodiment may include a display unit DUa and an upper supporting member USMa.

[0182] In an embodiment, the display unit DUa may include a first area AA1 and a second area AA2 extending from the first area AA1 in a second direction DR2. When the basic mode is switched to the extended mode, the first area AA1 of the display unit DUa may be moved along the roll ROLa (reference Fig.16A and Fig. 16B ), which will be described below. That is, a portion of the first area AA1 of the display unit DUa may be disposed on the curved surface of the roller ROLa and bent to have a predetermined curvature.

[0183] In an embodiment, the upper support member USMa may include a cover member CVM, a first support layer SPL1, a second support layer SPL2, and an upper support rod USBa.

[0184] The cover member CVM may be disposed under the display unit DUa. The cover member CVM may overlap the first area AA1. The cover member CVM may not overlap the second area AA2. The cover member CVM may protect the rear surface of the display unit DUa corresponding to the first area AA1.

[0185] The cover member CVM may include a material having flexibility. In an embodiment, for example, the cover member CVM may include a polymer material. The cover member CVM may support the first area AA1 of the display unit DUa that is bent at a predetermined curvature, thereby alleviating stress caused by the bending. In addition, the cover member CVM may prevent impurities from entering the display unit DUa through the opening P-OP defined in the first support layer SPL1, which will be described below.

[0186] Even during operation in the basic mode and the extended mode, the unbent second area AA2 of the display unit DUa does not want to release stress due to bending, and no opening is defined in the second supporting layer SPL2 disposed under the second area AA2 of the display unit DUa, and thus the cover member CVM is not disposed. Therefore, the stacked structure corresponding to the second area AA2 of the display device DDa can be simplified.

[0187] The first supporting layer SPL1 may be disposed under the cover member CVM. The first supporting layer SPL1 may overlap the first area AA1. The first supporting layer SPL1 may not overlap the second area AA2.

[0188] The first support layer SPL1 may include a material having a predetermined rigidity. In an embodiment, for example, the first support layer SPL1 may include stainless steel, aluminum, or any alloy of aluminum. However, the material of the first support layer SPL1 is not limited to the above embodiment. The first support layer SPL1 may improve impact resistance with respect to the first area AA1 of the display unit DUa.

[0189] A plurality of openings P-OP passing through the first supporting layer SPL1 may be defined in the first supporting layer SPL1. The first supporting layer SPL1 may be relatively easily bent through the openings P-OP. That is, the first supporting layer SPL1 may have rigidity while being easily bent with a predetermined curvature through the openings P-OP.

[0190] Each of the openings P-OP may extend in the first direction DR1. That is, the width of the openings P-OP in the first direction DR1 may be greater than the width of the openings P-OP in the second direction DR2. The openings P-OP may be arranged in a grid shape. Therefore, a grid pattern may be formed on the first supporting layer SPL1 through the openings P-OP.

[0191] The opening P-OP may include a first opening OP1 and a second opening OP2, and the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 are arranged to deviate from each other in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2. The first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 may be arranged in a row in the first direction DR1, respectively. However, this is shown exemplarily, and the plurality of openings P-OP in the embodiment of the present disclosure may all be arranged side by side in the second direction DR2, and the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment.

[0192] Fig.15 It is shown that the openings P-OP are arranged in a plurality of groups arranged in the second direction DR2, and one group includes a first opening OP1 arranged in one row and a second opening OP2 arranged on the opposite side of the first opening OP1 and arranged in two rows. However, this is shown exemplarily, and the arrangement form and intervals of the openings P-OP may be variously designed according to the design of the display device DDa, and are not limited to any one design.

[0193] The second supporting layer SPL2 may be disposed below the display unit DUa. The second supporting layer SPL2 may overlap the second area AA2. The second supporting layer SPL2 may not overlap the first area AA1. The second supporting layer SPL2 may be spaced apart from the first supporting layer SPL1. The second supporting layer SPL2 may have a plate shape parallel to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The second supporting layer SPL2 may protect the rear surface of the display unit DUa corresponding to the second area AA2.

[0194] The second supporting layer SPL2 may include a material having a predetermined rigidity. In an embodiment, the second supporting layer SPL2 may include, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, or any alloy of aluminum. However, the material of the second supporting layer SPL2 is not limited to the above embodiment. The second supporting layer SPL2 may include a material that is the same as or different from that of the first supporting layer SPL1. The second supporting layer SPL2 may support the second area AA2 of the display unit DUa so that the second area AA2 of the display unit DUa maintains a flat state in the basic mode and the extended mode. In addition, the second supporting layer SPL2 may improve the impact resistance for the second area AA2 of the display unit DUa.

[0195] The second supporting layer SPL2 may include a material different from that of the covering member CVM. The second supporting layer SPL2 may have a modulus greater than that of the covering member CVM. The covering member CVM and the second supporting layer SPL2 are not limited to the embodiments as long as the covering member CVM can support the first area AA1 to relieve stress caused by bending and the second supporting layer SPL2 can uniformly support the second area AA2.

[0196] The upper support bar USBa may be arranged on the rear surface of the first support layer SPL1. The upper support bar USBa may extend in the first direction DR1. The upper support bar USBa may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. The upper support bar USBa may be provided as a plurality of divided bodies and allow the first area AA1 to be easily moved along the roller ROLa (reference Fig.16A and Fig. 16B )'s curved surface is curved, which will be described below.

[0197] The upper support bars USBa may not overlap the openings P-OP of the first support layer SPL1. Therefore, the upper support bars USBa may not deteriorate the bending characteristics of the first support layer SPL1. However, the embodiment is not necessarily limited thereto, and some of the upper support bars USBa may overlap the openings P-OP.

[0198] The upper support bar USBa may include a metal having a predetermined rigidity. In an embodiment, the upper support bar USBa may include a metal such as aluminum, stainless steel, or Invar, or may include carbon fiber. However, the upper support bar USBa is provided as a plurality of split bodies, and the material of the upper support bar USBa is not limited to the above embodiment, as long as the upper support bar USBa can support the first area AA1.

[0199] Fig.16A The electronic device EDa in the embodiment corresponds to Fig.14A Cross-sectional view along line II'. Fig. 16B The electronic device EDa in the embodiment corresponds to Fig. 14BThat is, Fig.16A corresponds to a cross section of the electronic device EDa in basic mode, and Fig. 16B Corresponds to the cross section of the electronic device EDa in the extended mode.

[0200] refer to Fig.16A and Fig. 16B , the electronic device EDa in the embodiment may include a housing CSa, a display device DDa accommodated in the housing CSa, and a roller ROLa.

[0201] In an embodiment, the display device DDa may include a display module DMa, a first middle member MM1a, a first lower support member LSM1a, a second middle member MM2a, and a second lower support member LSM2a. The display module DMa may include a display unit DUa and an upper support member USMa, and the upper support member USMa may include a cover member CVM, a first support layer SPL1, a second support layer SPL2, and an upper support rod USBa. Fig.15 The description made can be equally applied to the description of the display unit DUa and the upper supporting member USMa.

[0202] In the basic mode, the display surface DS corresponding to the second area AA2 (refer to Figure 1A ) may be exposed to the outside. A portion of the first area AA1 may be bent so that one end thereof spaced apart from the second area AA2 overlaps the second area AA2 in the third direction DR3. In the basic mode, the display surface DS (reference Figure 1A ) may be exposed to the outside together. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in a basic mode, the display surface DS (reference Figure 1A ) may not be exposed to the outside.

[0203] The roller ROLa may be accommodated in the second housing CS2. The roller ROLa may rotate about a rotation axis parallel to one direction. Fig.16A and Fig. 16B A roller ROLa rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the first direction DR1 is shown. The roller ROLa may be coupled to the second housing CS2 and rotate about the rotation axis according to a sliding operation of the first housing CS1 moving away from or approaching the second housing CS2.

[0204] Fig.16A The first housing CS1 can move away from the second housing CS2 in the second direction DR2, and thus the current mode can be Fig. 16BWhen the electronic device EDa is switched from the basic mode to the extended mode, one end of the display module DMa that is spaced apart from the first area AA1 and corresponds to the second area AA2 is fixedly connected to the first shell CS1, and can therefore move together when the first shell CS1 moves. In this case, one end of the display module DMa that is spaced apart from the second area AA2 and corresponds to the first area AA1 can move in a direction opposite to the end of the second area AA2 that is connected to the first shell CS1.

[0205] A portion of the first area AA1 of the display unit DUa, a cover member CVM supporting the portion of the first area AA1 of the display unit DUa, a first support layer SPL1, and some upper support rods USBa may be arranged on the curved surface of the roller ROLa and bent to have a predetermined curvature. When the basic mode is switched to the extended mode, when the display unit DUa moves, the first area AA1 of the display unit DUa, the cover member CVM, the first support layer SPL1, and the upper support rods USBa may move along the curved surface of the roller ROLa. In an embodiment, in the basic mode, the display surface DS (reference Figure 1A ) may be exposed to the outside, and when the basic mode is switched to the extended mode, the area of ​​the first area AA1 exposed to the outside through the opening C-OPa may increase.

[0206] As mentioned above Fig.15 As described, the components supporting the first area AA1 that bends along the curved surface of the roller ROLa in the basic mode and the extended mode and the components supporting the second area AA2 that remains flat in the basic mode and the extended mode have different desired mechanical properties, and therefore the components supporting the first area AA1 and the components supporting the second area AA2 can be different from each other.

[0207] The first lower support member LSM1a may be connected to the second case CS2. The first middle member MM1a may be disposed on the first lower support member LSM1a.

[0208] When the basic mode is switched to the extended mode, the first lower supporting member LSM1a may be disposed below a portion of the first area AA1 exposed to the outside and a portion of the cover member CVM in the display module DMa, a portion of the first supporting layer SPL1, and a portion of the upper supporting rod USBa supporting the portion of the first supporting layer SPL1. That is, the first lower supporting member LSM1a may support the portion of the display module DMa corresponding to the first area AA1 that provides the display surface DS in the extended mode (refer to FIG. Figure 1A ) part.

[0209] The second lower support member LSM2a may be connected to the first case CS1. The second intermediate member MM2a may be disposed on the second lower support member LSM2a. The second lower support member LSM2a and the second intermediate member MM2a may move together as the first case CS1 slides.

[0210] The second lower supporting member LSM2a may be disposed below the second area AA2 of the display unit DUa and the second supporting layer SPL2 supporting the second area AA2. That is, the second lower supporting member LSM2a may support the display module DMa corresponding to the second area AA2. Since the display module DMa corresponding to the second area AA2 provides a display surface DS (reference Figure 1A ), so the second lower supporting member LSM2a may be disposed to support the display module DMa corresponding to the second area AA2 in both the basic mode and the extended mode.

[0211] Each of the first lower support member LSM1a and the second lower support member LSM2a may have a predetermined rigidity. In an embodiment, each of the first lower support member LSM1a and the second lower support member LSM2a may include at least one of metal, plastic, carbon fiber, and glass fiber. For example, each of the first lower support member LSM1a and the second lower support member LSM2a may include aluminum, stainless steel, Invar, CFRP, GFRP, etc. However, the material of the first lower support member LSM1a and the second lower support member LSM2a is not limited thereto, and may include various materials as long as the first lower support member LSM1a and the second lower support member LSM2a can support the display module DM.

[0212] The first intermediate member MM1a and the second intermediate member MM2a may have a modulus value lower than the modulus value of the first lower support member LSM1a and the second lower support member LSM2a. In addition, the first intermediate member MM1a and the second intermediate member MM2a may have a modulus value lower than the modulus value of the first supporting layer SPL1 and the second supporting layer SPL2. In an embodiment, each of the first intermediate member MM1a and the second intermediate member MM2a may include a porous material such as a sponge and a foam. In an embodiment, for example, the sponge may include polyether, polyvinyl alcohol and polyester, and the foam may include polyurethane. In an optional embodiment, each of the first intermediate member MM1a and the second intermediate member MM2a may include rubber.

[0213] Fig.17A and Fig. 17B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display device DDa according to the present disclosure. Fig.17AThe display module DMa, the first lower supporting member LSM1a, and the first middle member MM1a corresponding to the first area AA1 are shown, and a portion of the display module DMa corresponding to the first area AA1 supported by the first lower supporting member LSM1a and the first middle member MM1a in an extended mode is shown. Fig. 17B The display module DMa, the second lower support member LSM2a, and the second middle member MM2a corresponding to the second area AA2 are shown.

[0214] refer to Fig.17A , the first lower support member LSM1a may include a first lower support bar LSB1a and a second lower support bar LSB2a. The first lower support bar LSB1a and the second lower support bar LSB2a may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0215] The first lower supporting bar LSB1a may be disposed adjacent to one side of the display module DMa corresponding to the first area AA1 extending in the second direction DR2, and the second lower supporting bar LSB2a may be disposed adjacent to the other side of the display module DMa corresponding to the first area AA1 extending in the second direction DR2. In a cross section in which one upper supporting bar USBa supported by the first lower supporting member LSM1a is cut in the first direction DR1, the first lower supporting bar LSB1a may be adjacent to one end of the one upper supporting bar USBa, and the second lower supporting bar LSB2a may be adjacent to the other end of the one upper supporting bar USBa.

[0216] In an embodiment, the first lower support bar LSB1a may overlap a portion of one side of the display module DMa corresponding to the first area AA1 extending in the second direction DR2, and the second lower support bar LSB2a may overlap a portion of the other side of the display module DMa corresponding to the first area AA1 extending in the second direction DR2. The first lower support bar LSB1a may overlap some of one ends of the plurality of upper support bars USBa, and the second lower support bar LSB2a may overlap some of the other ends of the plurality of upper support bars USBa.

[0217] The first middle member MM1a may include a first shock absorbing member ASB1a disposed between the upper support bar USBa and the first lower support bar LSB1a and a second shock absorbing member ASB2a disposed between the upper support bar USBa and the second lower support bar LSB2a. The first shock absorbing member ASB1a and the second shock absorbing member ASB2a may be attached to the first and second lower support bars LSB1a and LSB2a, respectively.

[0218] In an embodiment, the entirety of the first shock absorbing member ASB1a may overlap with the first lower support bar LSB1a, and the entirety of the second shock absorbing member ASB2a may overlap with the second lower support bar LSB2a. Fig.17A As shown, for example, the width of the first shock absorbing member ASB1a in the first direction DR1 can be substantially equal to or smaller than the width of the first lower support rod LSB1a in the first direction DR1, and the width of the second shock absorbing member ASB2a in the first direction DR1 can be substantially equal to or smaller than the width of the second lower support rod LSB2a in the first direction DR1.

[0219] In an embodiment, the first lower support member LSM1a and the first middle member MM1a can absorb external impact regardless of the point to which the external impact is applied, and thus the impact resistance in the entire area of ​​the display module DMa can be improved. Damage to the display unit DUa due to external impact can be prevented, and thus the display surface DS (reference Figure 1A ) appears on the display device DDa. Therefore, a display device DDa with improved reliability can be provided.

[0220] refer to Fig. 17B , the second lower support member LSM2a may include third and fourth lower support bars LSB3a and LSB4a. The third and fourth lower support bars LSB3a and LSB4a may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0221] The third lower supporting rod LSB3a may be disposed adjacent to one side of the display module DMa corresponding to the second area AA2 extending in the second direction DR2, and the fourth lower supporting rod LSB4a may be disposed adjacent to the other side of the display module DMa corresponding to the second area AA2 extending in the second direction DR2. In a cross section where the second supporting layer SPL2 is cut in the first direction DR1, the third lower supporting rod LSB3a may be disposed adjacent to one end of the second supporting layer SPL2, and the fourth lower supporting rod LSB4a may be disposed adjacent to the other end of the second supporting layer SPL2.

[0222] In an embodiment, the third lower supporting bar LSB3a may overlap a portion of one side of the display module DMa corresponding to the second area AA2 extending in the second direction DR2, and the fourth lower supporting bar LSB4a may overlap a portion of the other side of the display module DMa corresponding to the second area AA2 extending in the second direction DR2.

[0223] The second middle member MM2a may include a third shock absorbing member ASB3a disposed between the second supporting layer SPL2 and the third lower supporting bar LSB3a and a fourth shock absorbing member ASB4a disposed between the second supporting layer SPL2 and the fourth lower supporting bar LSB4a. The third shock absorbing member ASB3a and the fourth shock absorbing member ASB4a may be attached to the third lower supporting bar LSB3a and the fourth lower supporting bar LSB4a, respectively.

[0224] In an embodiment, the entirety of the third shock absorbing member ASB3a may overlap with the third lower support bar LSB3a, and the entirety of the fourth shock absorbing member ASB4a may overlap with the fourth lower support bar LSB4a. Fig. 17B As shown, for example, the width of the third shock absorbing member ASB3a in the first direction DR1 can be substantially equal to or smaller than the width of the third lower support rod LSB3a in the first direction DR1, and the width of the fourth shock absorbing member ASB4a in the first direction DR1 can be substantially equal to or smaller than the width of the fourth lower support rod LSB4a in the first direction DR1.

[0225] According to the present disclosure, in a display device including a display module that can be curled or bent relative to a virtual axis extending in one direction, the impact force can be reduced regardless of the position (e.g., near the center or near the outside) to which the external impact is applied. That is, the impact resistance in the entire area of ​​the display module can be improved. Therefore, a display device that can prevent damage to the display module by an external impact, can prevent bright spots or dark spots from appearing on the display surface, and thus has improved reliability, and an electronic device including the display device can be provided.

[0226] Although the above description is made with reference to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is to be understood that, without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure described in the appended claims, a person skilled in the art or a person with ordinary knowledge in the art may make various modifications and changes to the present disclosure. Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the detailed description of the specification, but should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: The display module is curled or bent relative to a virtual axis extending in a first direction; a first lower support bar and a second lower support bar, each of the first lower support bar and the second lower support bar being disposed below the display module; a first impact absorbing member disposed between the display module and the first lower supporting rod; as well as a second impact absorbing member disposed between the display module and the second lower supporting rod, Wherein, when the display module is unfolded, each of the first lower support rod and the second lower support rod extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first lower support rod overlaps with a first side of the display module extending in the second direction, and the second lower support rod overlaps with a second side of the display module, and the second side is opposite to the first side of the display module and extends in the second direction.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first and second impact absorbing members have modulus values ​​less than modulus values ​​of the first and second lower support bars.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the first impact absorbing member and the second impact absorbing member includes any one of a porous material, rubber, and a spring.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the first lower support bar and the second lower support bar provides an inner space, and At least a portion of the first impact absorbing member is disposed in the inner space of the first lower support bar, and at least a portion of the second impact absorbing member is disposed in the inner space of the second lower support bar.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the display module is rolled up, the display module includes: display panel; and an upper supporting member, disposed below the display panel, The upper support member includes a base portion and an upper support rod that contacts the base portion, extends in the first direction, and is arranged in the second direction.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first shock absorbing member and the second shock absorbing member have a modulus value smaller than a modulus value of the base portion.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the display module is rolled up, the first lower support bar includes a support portion and at least one hinge portion connecting the support portion. In a state in which the display module is rolled, each of the support portions extends in the first direction, and the support portions are arranged in the second direction, and In the state in which the display module is unfolded, each of the support portions extends in the second direction, and the support portions are arranged in the second direction.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the display module is rolled, each of the first impact absorbing member and the second impact absorbing member is attached to the display module and rolled together with the display module.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the display module is bent, the display module includes a first area bent relative to the virtual axis extending in the first direction and a second area extending from the first area and being flat, and includes a display panel and an upper supporting member disposed below the display panel, The upper support member comprises: a first support layer defining an opening therein and overlapping the first region; a second supporting layer overlapping the second region; and an upper support rod extending in the first direction, arranged in the second direction, overlapping the first area, and arranged below the first support layer, and In the state in which the display module is unfolded, the first and second lower supporting bars and the first and second impact absorbing members overlap the first region.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: The display panel is curled or bent relative to a virtual axis extending in a first direction; an upper supporting member disposed below the display panel and comprising a plurality of upper supporting bars extending in the first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a first lower support rod and a second lower support rod, each of the first lower support rod and the second lower support rod being disposed below the upper support member; a first impact absorbing member disposed between the upper support member and the first lower support rod; as well as a second shock absorbing member disposed between the upper support member and the second lower support rod, Wherein, when the display panel is unfolded, each of the first lower support rod and the second lower support rod extends in the second direction, the first lower support rod overlaps with at least some of one ends of the plurality of upper support rods, and the second lower support rod overlaps with at least some of the other ends of the plurality of upper support rods.

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