Display device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a display device. The display device includes: a display panel including a flat portion and a bent portion bent from the flat portion; and a protective film disposed under the display panel to overlap the flat portion and the curved portion. The curved portion includes: a first curved portion extending from a first side of the flat portion and curved at a first curvature around a first bending axis; and a second curved portion extending from a second side of the flat portion and curved at a second curvature around a second bending axis. The protective film includes: a first pattern extending in a direction parallel to the first bending axis to overlap the first bending portion; and a second pattern extending in a direction parallel to the second bending axis to overlap the second bending portion. The number of the first patterns and the number of the second patterns are different from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure described herein relate to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device having improved reliability. Background Art

[0002] Multimedia devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, car navigation units, game consoles, etc. may include display devices for displaying images. With the development of display device technology, various types of display devices are being developed. For example, a display device may display an image through a display surface including a curved surface.

[0003] A display device may be manufactured by laminating a window and a display module including a display panel. A display device including a curved surface may be formed by attaching a display module to a window having a curved surface. Utility Model Content

[0004] In a lamination process for attaching a display module to a window having a curved surface, the display module may wrinkle when the display module is attached to the curved portion of the window.

[0005] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a display device for preventing a display panel from being wrinkled or damaged in a process of attaching the display panel to a window including a bent area.

[0006] According to an embodiment, a display device includes: a display panel including a flat portion and a curved portion bent from the flat portion; and a protective film disposed under the display panel to overlap the flat portion and the curved portion. In such an embodiment, the curved portion includes: a first curved portion extending from a first side of the flat portion and curved around a first bending axis with a first curvature; and a second curved portion extending from a second side of the flat portion and curved around a second bending axis with a second curvature different from the first curvature. In such an embodiment, the protective film includes: a plurality of first patterns extending in a direction parallel to the first bending axis in a first region to overlap the first curved portion; and a plurality of second patterns extending in a direction parallel to the second bending axis in a second region to overlap the second curved portion. In such an embodiment, the number of first patterns and the number of second patterns are different from each other.

[0007] In an embodiment, the first curvature may be greater than the second curvature.

[0008] In an embodiment, the first bending axis and the second bending axis may cross each other at a right angle, the first pattern may be arranged in a direction parallel to the second bending axis, and the second pattern may be arranged in a direction parallel to the first bending axis.

[0009] In an implementation, the number of the first patterns may be greater than the number of the second patterns.

[0010] In an embodiment, the protection film may include: a curved region defined to overlap the first curved portion and the second curved portion; and a flat region defined to overlap the flat portion.

[0011] In an embodiment, the bending region may include: a patterned region in which the first pattern and the second pattern are defined; and a non-patterned region in which the first pattern and the second pattern are not defined.

[0012] In an embodiment, the non-patterned region may include a first non-patterned region disposed at one side of the patterned region and between the patterned region and the flat region, and a second non-patterned region disposed at an opposite side of the patterned region opposite to the one side of the patterned region.

[0013] In an implementation, the width of the second non-patterned region may be in the range of about 20% to about 30% of the width of the bent region.

[0014] In an embodiment, the curved portion may further include a corner portion connected between the first curved portion and the second curved portion.

[0015] In an implementation, the first pattern and the second pattern may not overlap the corner portion.

[0016] In an embodiment, the display device may further include: a window disposed on the display panel to overlap the flat portion and the curved portion, and the window may include a side surface overlapping the curved portion and curved with a predetermined curvature.

[0017] In an embodiment, the curved portion may further include: a third curved portion extending from a third side of the flat portion and curved with a third curvature around a third curved axis parallel to the first curved axis; and a fourth curved portion extending from a fourth side of the flat portion and curved with a fourth curvature around a fourth curved axis parallel to the second curved axis. In such an embodiment, the third curvature may be greater than the fourth curvature.

[0018] In an embodiment, the protective film may further include: a plurality of third patterns extending in a direction parallel to the third bending axis in the third region to overlap the third bending portion; and a plurality of fourth patterns extending in a direction parallel to the fourth bending axis in the fourth region to overlap the fourth bending portion. In such an embodiment, the number of the third patterns may be greater than the number of the fourth patterns.

[0019] According to an embodiment, a display device includes: a display panel including a flat portion and a curved portion bent from the flat portion; and a protective film disposed under the display panel to overlap the flat portion and the curved portion. In such an embodiment, the curved portion includes: a first curved portion extending from a first side of the flat portion and curved around a first bending axis with a first curvature; and a second curved portion extending from a second side of the flat portion and curved around a second bending axis perpendicular to the first bending axis with a second curvature less than the first curvature. In such an embodiment, the protective film includes: a first pattern portion extending in a direction parallel to the first bending axis in a first region to overlap the first curved portion; and a second pattern portion extending in a direction parallel to the second bending axis in a second region to overlap the second curved portion. In such an embodiment, the width of the first pattern portion in a direction parallel to the second bending axis is greater than the width of the second pattern portion in a direction parallel to the first bending axis.

[0020] In an embodiment, the protection film may include: a curved region defined to overlap the first curved portion and the second curved portion; and a flat region defined to overlap the flat portion.

[0021] In an embodiment, the bending area may include: a first patterned area in which the first pattern portion is disposed; a second patterned area in which the second pattern portion is disposed; and a non-patterned area in which the first pattern portion and the second pattern portion are not disposed.

[0022] In an implementation, the width of the first patterned region may be in the range of about 60% to about 70% of the width of the bent region.

[0023] In an embodiment, the non-patterned area may include: a first non-patterned area disposed at one side of the first patterned area and located between the first patterned area and the flat area; and a second non-patterned area disposed at an opposite side of the first patterned area opposite to the one side of the first patterned area.

[0024] In an implementation, the width of the first non-patterned region may be in the range of about 20% to about 30% of the width of the bent region.

[0025] In an embodiment, the first pattern portion may include a plurality of first patterns extending in a direction parallel to the first bending axis, and the second pattern portion may include a plurality of second patterns extending in a direction parallel to the second bending axis. In such an embodiment, the number of first patterns may be greater than the number of second patterns. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The above and other 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 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the display device shown in FIG.

[0029] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 5 is a plan view of a protective film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 6A is shown corresponding to Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the display panel and the protective film taken along line II'.

[0033] Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of a display device showing a shape in which a portion of the display device is bent around a bending axis.

[0034] Fig. 7A is shown corresponding to Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the display panel and the protective film taken along line II-II'.

[0035] Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of a display device showing a shape in which a portion of the display device is bent around a bending axis.

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of area AA.

[0037] Fig. 9 is a plan view of a protective film according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig. 10A is shown corresponding to Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the display panel and the protective film taken along line III-III'.

[0039] Fig. 10B is a cross-sectional view of a display device showing a shape in which a portion of the display device is bent around a bending axis.

[0040] Fig.11A is shown corresponding to Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the display panel and the protective film taken along line IV-IV'.

[0041] Fig. 11B is a cross-sectional view of a display device showing a shape in which a portion of the display device is bent around a bending axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are shown. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0043] In this specification, when a component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is referred to as being "on," "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, this means that the component may be directly on, directly connected to or directly coupled to another component, or a third component may be present between them.

[0044] The same reference numerals denote the same components. In addition, in the drawings, the thickness, ratio, and size of components are exaggerated for efficient description.

[0045] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limited. As used herein, "one", "the", "at least one" do not represent the limitation of quantity, and are intended to include both the singular and the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, "an element" has the same meaning as "at least one element", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. "At least one" should not be interpreted as limiting "one" or "one". "Or" means "and / or". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes all of one or more combinations defined by the relevant components. It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the term "comprises" and / or "comprising" or "includes" and / or "including" specifies the existence of stated features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0046] Terms such as first, second, etc. can be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. Terms can only be used to distinguish one component from other components. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first component can be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component can also be referred to as a first component.

[0047] In addition, terms such as "below", "under", "above", and "over" are used to describe the relationship of components shown in the drawings. The terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions shown in the drawings.

[0048] 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). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5% of the stated value.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical or scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Such terms (such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having the same meaning as the contextual meaning in the relevant technical field, and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless clearly defined as having such meaning in this application.

[0050] Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views as schematic diagrams of idealized embodiments. As such, variations in the shapes illustrated, such as due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, should be expected. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific regional shapes as shown herein, but should include deviations in shapes such as those caused by manufacturing. For example, a region shown or described as flat may typically have rough and / or nonlinear features. In addition, the sharp corners shown may be rounded. Therefore, the regions shown in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of the regions, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0051] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the display device shown in FIG.

[0053] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, an embodiment of the display device DD may be a device that is activated according to an electrical signal and displays an image. For example, the display device DD may include a device such as a monitor, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a car navigation unit, or a game console. However, the embodiment of the display device DD is illustrative, and the display device DD is not limited to any one device as long as it does not deviate from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. , the display device DD may be a mobile phone.

[0054] The display area may be defined on the display device DD. The display device DD may display an image through the display area and may receive an external input through the display area. The display area of ​​the display device DD may include a main display area DA-M and first, second, third, and fourth sub-display areas DA-S1, DA-S2, DA-S3, and DA-S4.

[0055] The main display area DA-M may be substantially parallel to a plane defined by the first and second directions DR1 and DR2. However, not limited thereto, the main display area DA-M may have a concavely or convexly curved shape with respect to the plane defined by the first and second directions DR1 and DR2.

[0056] The main display area DA-M may display an image in a third direction DR3 intersecting the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The third direction DR3 may be defined as a thickness direction of the display device DD. The front surface (or upper surface) and the rear surface (or lower surface) of the member constituting the display device DD may be opposite to each other in the third direction DR3.

[0057] The expression "from above a plane" or "in a plan view" used herein may mean that it is observed in the thickness direction of the display device DD or in the third direction DR3. The expression "in a cross section" or "in a cross-sectional view" used herein may mean that it is observed in the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2. In the present disclosure, the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 may be relative concepts and may be changed to different directions.

[0058] The main display area DA-M may have a rectangular shape having short sides extending in the first direction DR1 and long sides extending in the second direction DR2. However, not limited thereto, the main display area DA-M may have one of various shapes such as a circular shape, a polygonal shape, etc. on a plane.

[0059] The first sub display area DA-S1, the second sub display area DA-S2, the third sub display area DA-S3 and the fourth sub display area DA-S4 may be bent from the main display area DA-M. Each of the first sub display area DA-S1, the second sub display area DA-S2, the third sub display area DA-S3 and the fourth sub display area DA-S4 may be bent to have a curvature and may include a curved surface. The first sub display area DA-S1, the second sub display area DA-S2, the third sub display area DA-S3 and the fourth sub display area DA-S4 may have the same curvature (or the same radius of curvature). However, not limited thereto, at least some of the first sub display area DA-S1, the second sub display area DA-S2, the third sub display area DA-S3 and the fourth sub display area DA-S4 may have curvatures different from each other.

[0060] The main display area DA-M and the first sub display area DA-S1, the second sub display area DA-S2, the third sub display area DA-S3 and the fourth sub display area DA-S4 may be adjacent to each other and may implement (or jointly define) a continuous display area. The first sub display area DA-S1 and the third sub display area DA-S3 may extend from the long side of the main display area DA-M parallel to the second direction DR2, and the second sub display area DA-S2 and the fourth sub display area DA-S4 may extend from the short side of the main display area DA-M parallel to the first direction DR1.

[0061] The first sub display area DA-S1 and the third sub display area DA-S3 may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1 with the main display area DA-M therebetween. The second sub display area DA-S2 and the fourth sub display area DA-S4 may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2 with the main display area DA-M therebetween.

[0062] Figure 1 An embodiment including four sub-display areas DA-S1, DA-S2, DA-S3, and DA-S4 extending from four sides of the main display area DA-M is shown. However, not limited thereto, the display area of ​​the display device DD may include a sub-display area that is curved while extending from at least one of the four sides of the main display area DA-M. For example, the display device DD according to the embodiment may include only some of the four sub-display areas DA-S1, DA-S2, DA-S3, and DA-S4.

[0063] The display device DD may include a first display corner portion C1, a second display corner portion C2, a third display corner portion C3, and a fourth display corner portion C4 disposed between the first sub-display area DA-S1, the second sub-display area DA-S2, the third sub-display area DA-S3, and the fourth sub-display area DA-S4. The first sub-display area DA-S1, the second sub-display area DA-S2, the third sub-display area DA-S3, and the fourth sub-display area DA-S4 and the first display corner portion C1, the second display corner portion C2, the third display corner portion C3, and the fourth display corner portion C4 may be connected together to surround the main display area DA-M.

[0064] The first display corner portion C1 may be a portion disposed between the first sub-display area DA-S1 and the second sub-display area DA-S2 and connecting the first sub-display area DA-S1 and the second sub-display area DA-S2 extending in directions crossing each other and having a curvature. The second display corner portion C2 may be a portion disposed between the second sub-display area DA-S2 and the third sub-display area DA-S3 and connecting the second sub-display area DA-S2 and the third sub-display area DA-S3 extending in directions crossing each other and having a curvature. The third display corner portion C3 may be a portion disposed between the third sub-display area DA-S3 and the fourth sub-display area DA-S4 and connecting the third sub-display area DA-S3 and the fourth sub-display area DA-S4 extending in directions crossing each other and having a curvature. The fourth display corner portion C4 may be a portion disposed between the fourth sub-display area DA-S4 and the first sub-display area DA-S1 and connecting the fourth sub-display area DA-S4 and the first sub-display area DA-S1 extending in directions crossing each other and having a curvature.

[0065] The first display corner portion C1, the second display corner portion C2, the third display corner portion C3, and the fourth display corner portion C4 may respectively correspond to the corners of the display device DD. In such an embodiment, since the first display corner portion C1, the second display corner portion C2, the third display corner portion C3, and the fourth display corner portion C4 respectively have curvatures, the corners of the display device DD may have a rounded shape instead of an angled shape.

[0066] refer to Figure 2 , an embodiment of the display device DD may include a window WM, a display panel DP, a driver DDV, a circuit board MB, a protection film PF, an anti-reflection layer POL, and an adhesive member AM.

[0067] The window WM may be disposed on the display panel DP. The window WM may be coupled to the display panel DP through a lamination process. The window WM may cover the anti-reflection layer POL and the display panel DP, and may protect the anti-reflection layer POL and the display panel DP from external impacts and scratches.

[0068] The window WM may include an optically transparent insulating material. In an embodiment, for example, the window WM may include a base film containing glass or a synthetic resin. The window WM may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. In an embodiment, for example, the window WM having a multi-layer structure may include a synthetic resin film coupled by an adhesive, or may include a glass film and a synthetic resin film coupled by an adhesive. The window WM may also include a functional layer on the base film, such as an anti-fingerprint layer, a phase control layer, and a hard coating layer.

[0069] The window WM may include a transmissive area, and the transmissive area of ​​the window WM may correspond to Figure 1 The window WM may include a display area of ​​the display device DD shown in FIG. The transmission area of ​​the window WM may transmit an image output from the display panel DP, and a user may visually recognize the image from the outside of the display device DD. The window WM may include a main transmission surface TA-M and a first side transmission surface TA-S1, a second side transmission surface TA-S2, a third side transmission surface TA-S3, and a fourth side transmission surface TA-S4.

[0070] The main transmission surface TA-M may correspond to Figure 1 The main display area DA-M is shown in FIG. The main transmissive surface TA-M may include a plane substantially parallel to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0071] Each of the first side transmissive surface TA-S1, the second side transmissive surface TA-S2, the third side transmissive surface TA-S3, and the fourth side transmissive surface TA-S4 may be bent from the main transmissive surface TA-M to have a curvature. Therefore, each of the first side transmissive surface TA-S1, the second side transmissive surface TA-S2, the third side transmissive surface TA-S3, and the fourth side transmissive surface TA-S4 may include a curved surface extending from the main transmissive surface TA-M. The first side transmissive surface TA-S1, the second side transmissive surface TA-S2, the third side transmissive surface TA-S3, and the fourth side transmissive surface TA-S4 may correspond to Figure 1 4. The first sub display area DA-S1, the second sub display area DA-S2, the third sub display area DA-S3 and the fourth sub display area DA-S4 shown in FIG.

[0072] The main transmission surface TA-M and the first side transmission surface TA-S1, the second side transmission surface TA-S2, the third side transmission surface TA-S3, and the fourth side transmission surface TA-S4 may be adjacent to each other and may implement a continuous transmission area. The first side transmission surface TA-S1 and the third side transmission surface TA-S3 may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1 with the main transmission surface TA-M therebetween. The second side transmission surface TA-S2 and the fourth side transmission surface TA-S4 may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2 with the main transmission surface TA-M therebetween.

[0073] The window WM may include a first window corner portion W-C1, a second window corner portion W-C2, a third window corner portion W-C3, and a fourth window corner portion W-C4 disposed between the first side transmission surface TA-S1, the second side transmission surface TA-S2, the third side transmission surface TA-S3, and the fourth side transmission surface TA-S4. The first window corner portion W-C1, the second window corner portion W-C2, the third window corner portion W-C3, and the fourth window corner portion W-C4 may substantially correspond to Figure 1 The first display corner portion C1, the second display corner portion C2, the third display corner portion C3 and the fourth display corner portion C4 of the display device DD shown in FIG. The first side transmission surface TA-S1, the second side transmission surface TA-S2, the third side transmission surface TA-S3 and the fourth side transmission surface TA-S4 and the first window corner portion W-C1, the second window corner portion W-C2, the third window corner portion W-C3 and the fourth window corner portion W-C4 may be connected together to surround the main transmission surface TA-M.

[0074] The first window corner portion W-C1 may connect the first side transmission surface TA-S1 and the second side transmission surface TA-S2 extending in directions intersecting each other. The second window corner portion W-C2 may connect the second side transmission surface TA-S2 and the third side transmission surface TA-S3 extending in directions intersecting each other. The third window corner portion W-C3 may connect the third side transmission surface TA-S3 and the fourth side transmission surface TA-S4 extending in directions intersecting each other. The fourth window corner portion W-C4 may connect the fourth side transmission surface TA-S4 and the first side transmission surface TA-S1 extending in directions intersecting each other. The first window corner portion W-C1, the second window corner portion W-C2, the third window corner portion W-C3, and the fourth window corner portion W-C4 may be portions having curvatures, respectively.

[0075] The first side transmission surface TA-S1 and the third side transmission surface TA-S3 may be curved with the same curvature as each other. The second side transmission surface TA-S2 and the fourth side transmission surface TA-S4 may be curved with the same curvature as each other. The first side transmission surface TA-S1 and the third side transmission surface TA-S3 may have a curvature different from that of the second side transmission surface TA-S2 and the fourth side transmission surface TA-S4. Therefore, the window corner portions W-C1, W-C2, W-C3 and W-C4 may connect the first side transmission surface TA-S1 and the third side transmission surface TA-S3 extending in the second direction DR2 and defining the long side of the window WM and the second side transmission surface TA-S2 and the fourth side transmission surface TA-S4 extending in the first direction DR1 and defining the short side of the window WM, and may be formed as double curvature points with different curvatures.

[0076] The display panel DP may be disposed under the window WM. The display panel DP may display an image according to an electrical signal. In some embodiments, the display panel DP may transmit and receive information about an external input. The display panel DP according to an embodiment may be an emissive display panel, but is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel, an inorganic light-emitting display panel, or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The emission layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material, and the emission layer of the inorganic light-emitting display panel may include an inorganic light-emitting material. The emission layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots and quantum rods. Hereinafter, for ease of description, an embodiment in which the display panel DP is an organic light-emitting display panel will be described in detail.

[0077] The display panel DP may include a first portion P1 and a second portion P2. The first portion P1 and the second portion P2 may be adjacent to each other in the second direction DR2. The second portion P2 may be a portion protruding and extending from the first portion P1 in the second direction DR2, and the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 may have a continuous shape (or an integral shape).

[0078] The first portion P1 of the display panel DP may include a flat portion FS and a bent portion BS. The bent portion BS may include first, second, third, and fourth bent portions BS1, BS2, BS3, and BS4, and first, second, third, and fourth corner portions D-C1, D-C2, D-C3, and D-C4 disposed therebetween.

[0079] The first portion P1 of the display panel DP may overlap the transmission area of ​​the window WM. The pixel may be arranged in the first portion P1 of the display panel DP. The pixel may be arranged in the flat portion FS and the curved portion BS. In such an embodiment, the pixel may be arranged in the flat portion FS, the first curved portion BS1, the second curved portion BS2, the third curved portion BS3, and the fourth curved portion BS4, and the first corner portion D-C1, the second corner portion D-C2, the third corner portion D-C3, and the fourth corner portion D-C4. The flat portion FS, the first curved portion BS1, the second curved portion BS2, the third curved portion BS3, and the fourth curved portion BS4, and the first corner portion D-C1, the second corner portion D-C2, the third corner portion D-C3, and the fourth corner portion D-C4 may be adjacent to each other and may be implemented as an integral continuous display area.

[0080] The arrangement of the pixels in the first part P1 of the display panel DP may be designed in various ways. Each of the pixels may be composed of a light emitting element, a transistor (e.g., a switching transistor and a driving transistor) and at least one capacitor, and may include a pixel driving circuit connected to the light emitting element. The image output by the pixels arranged in the first part P1 of the display panel DP may be output through the transmission area of ​​the window WM and may be visible from the outside.

[0081] The flat portion FS may include a plane substantially parallel to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The flat portion FS may overlap the main transmissive surface TA-M. The entire surface of the flat portion FS may be defined as a display area. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and a portion of the flat portion FS may be a non-display area.

[0082] The first curved portion BS1, the second curved portion BS2, the third curved portion BS3, and the fourth curved portion BS4 may extend from one side surface of the flat portion FS, respectively. The first curved portion BS1, the second curved portion BS2, the third curved portion BS3, and the fourth curved portion BS4 may correspond to the edges of the display panel DP, respectively. The first curved portion BS1, the second curved portion BS2, the third curved portion BS3, and the fourth curved portion BS4 may overlap with the first side transmissive surface TA-S1, the second side transmissive surface TA-S2, the third side transmissive surface TA-S3, and the fourth side transmissive surface TA-S4 of the window WM, respectively. The first curved portion BS1, the second curved portion BS2, the third curved portion BS3, and the fourth curved portion BS4 may be defined as a display area. In some embodiments, the first curved portion BS1, the second curved portion BS2, the third curved portion BS3, and the fourth curved portion BS4 may also include a non-display area adjacent to the display area.

[0083] When the display panel DP is coupled to the window WM, the curved portion BS may be bent by extending from the flat portion FS, and may include a curved surface having a curvature. The first curved portion BS1 may be a portion corresponding to the first side transmissive surface TA-S1 and bent around a first bending axis BX1 parallel to the second direction DR2. The second curved portion BS2 may be bent around a second bending axis BX2 parallel to the first direction DR1 to correspond to the second side transmissive surface TA-S2. The third curved portion BS3 may be bent around a third bending axis BX3 parallel to the second direction DR2 to correspond to the third side transmissive surface TA-S3. The fourth curved portion BS4 may be bent around a fourth bending axis BX4 parallel to the first direction DR1 to correspond to the fourth side transmissive surface TA-S4. The first curved portion BS1 and the third curved portion BS3 may be bent at the same curvature as each other. The second curved portion BS2 and the fourth curved portion BS4 may be bent at the same curvature as each other. The first curved portion BS1 and the third curved portion BS3 may have a curvature different from that of the second curved portion BS2 and the fourth curved portion BS4.

[0084] The first and third bent portions BS1 and BS3 may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1 with the flat portion FS therebetween. The first and third bent portions BS1 and BS3 may define long sides of the display panel DP parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0085] The second and fourth bent portions BS2 and BS4 may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2 with the flat portion FS therebetween. The second and fourth bent portions BS2 and BS4 may define short sides of the display panel DP parallel to the first direction DR1.

[0086] The first corner portion D-C1, the second corner portion D-C2, the third corner portion D-C3, and the fourth corner portion D-C4 may be disposed between the first curved portion BS1, the second curved portion BS2, the third curved portion BS3, and the fourth curved portion BS4. The first corner portion D-C1, the second curved portion BS2, the third curved portion BS3, and the fourth corner portion D-C4 may correspond to corners of the display panel DP, respectively. The first curved portion BS1, the second curved portion BS2, the third curved portion BS3, and the fourth curved portion BS4 and the first corner portion D-C1, the second corner portion D-C2, the third corner portion D-C3, and the fourth corner portion D-C4 may be connected together to surround the flat portion FS. The first corner portion D-C1, the second corner portion D-C2, the third corner portion D-C3, and the fourth corner portion D-C4 may overlap the first window corner portion W-C1, the second window corner portion W-C2, the third window corner portion W-C3, and the fourth window corner portion W-C4, respectively. When the display panel DP is coupled to the window WM, each of the first corner portion D-C1, the second corner portion D-C2, the third corner portion D-C3, and the fourth corner portion D-C4 may be bent with a curvature.

[0087] The first corner portion D-C1 may connect the first curved portion BS1 and the second curved portion BS2 extending in directions intersecting each other. The second corner portion D-C2 may connect the second curved portion BS2 and the third curved portion BS3 extending in directions intersecting each other. The third corner portion D-C3 may connect the third curved portion BS3 and the fourth curved portion BS4 extending in directions intersecting each other. The fourth corner portion D-C4 may connect the fourth curved portion BS4 and the first curved portion BS1 extending in directions intersecting each other. The first corner portion D-C1, the second corner portion D-C2, the third corner portion D-C3, and the fourth corner portion D-C4 may be portions having curvatures, respectively.

[0088] The outer surfaces of the first corner portion D-C1, the second corner portion D-C2, the third corner portion D-C3, and the fourth corner portion D-C4 may connect the short side of the display panel DP extending in the first direction DR1 and the long side of the display panel DP extending in the second direction DR2, and may include a curved surface having at least one curvature. According to an embodiment, the first corner portion D-C1, the second corner portion D-C2, the third corner portion D-C3, and the fourth corner portion D-C4 may be formed as double curvature points having different curvatures.

[0089] The second portion P2 may extend from the fourth bent portion BS4. The second portion P2 may extend from a side surface of the fourth bent portion BS4 parallel to the first direction DR1 in parallel to the second direction DR2. The second portion P2 may be bent toward a rear surface of the display panel DP corresponding to the first portion P1 around a bending axis parallel to the first direction DR1. When the second portion P2 is bent, the second portion P2 may overlap the first portion P1 on a plane or in the third direction DR3.

[0090] The width WT1 of the first portion P1 in the first direction DR1 may be greater than the width WT2 of the second portion P2 in the first direction DR1. Since the second portion P2 has a small width in a direction parallel to the bending axis, the second portion P2 may be easily bent. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and alternatively, the second portion P2 of the display panel DP may be omitted. In such an embodiment, a side surface of the fourth bent portion BS4 may correspond to one end of the display panel DP.

[0091] The protective film PF may be disposed under the display panel DP, that is, disposed on the rear surface of the display panel DP. The protective film PF may be disposed to overlap with the first portion P1 of the display panel DP. In an embodiment, the protective film PF may be disposed to overlap with the flat portion FS and the curved portion BS. The protective film PF may be attached to the rear surface of the display panel DP through an adhesive layer. The protective film PF may prevent the rear surface of the display panel DP from being damaged during the process.

[0092] In an embodiment, the protection film PF may include a plurality of patterns PT1, PT2, PT3, and PT4 (refer to Figure 5 In such an embodiment, since the plurality of patterns PT1, PT2, PT3, and PT4 are formed in the protective film PF, when the display panel DP is attached to the window WM, a buckling phenomenon in which the corner portions D-C1, D-C2, D-C3, and D-C4 of the display panel DP are attached while warping or cracks occur can be effectively prevented. A detailed description of this will be given below.

[0093] The driver DDV may be disposed on the second portion P2. The driver DDV may include a timing control circuit, a data driving circuit, etc. The driver DDV may be provided as an integrated circuit chip (driver chip) mounted on the second portion P2. However, not limited thereto, the driver DDV may be provided separately from the display panel DP and may be mounted on a flexible circuit board electrically connected to the display panel DP.

[0094] The circuit board MB may be coupled to the second portion P2. The circuit board MB may be coupled closer to the lower end of the second portion P2 than the driver DDV. The circuit board MB may be electrically connected to the second portion P2, and may provide the driver DDV with a signal for driving the display panel DP. When the second portion P2 is bent, the circuit board MB may be arranged to overlap with the first portion P1 of the display panel DP on a plane. Alternatively, without limitation thereto, the second portion P2 may be omitted, and the circuit board MB may be directly connected to the first portion P1, or may be connected to the display panel DP via a separate flexible circuit board.

[0095] The anti-reflection layer POL may be disposed on the display panel DP. In an embodiment, the anti-reflection layer POL may be directly disposed on the display panel DP without a separate adhesive member. In such an embodiment, the anti-reflection layer POL may be formed on a base surface provided by the display panel DP through a continuous process. Alternatively, without limitation thereto, the anti-reflection layer POL may be coupled to the display panel DP through a separate adhesive member.

[0096] The anti-reflection layer POL may reduce reflectivity of external light incident from above the display device DD. The anti-reflection layer POL may include various embodiments that reduce reflectivity of external light.

[0097] The anti-reflection layer POL according to the embodiment may include a phase retarder and a polarizer. The phase retarder may include a λ / 2 phase retarder and / or a λ / 4 phase retarder. The phase retarder and the polarizer may be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type. The film type polarizer may include a stretchable synthetic resin film, and the liquid crystal coating type polarizer may include liquid crystals arranged in a predetermined arrangement. Alternatively, without limitation thereto, the phase retarder and the polarizer may be implemented with one polarizer film.

[0098] The anti-reflection layer POL according to an embodiment may include a destructive interference structure. In an embodiment, for example, the destructive interference structure may include a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer disposed on different layers. The first reflected light reflected by the first reflective layer and the second reflected light reflected by the second reflective layer may destructively interfere with each other, and thus the anti-reflection layer POL may reduce the reflectivity of external light.

[0099] The anti-reflection layer POL according to an embodiment may include a color filter. The color filter may be arranged to correspond to the arrangement and luminous color of the pixels included in the display panel DP. The anti-reflection layer POL may filter external light incident from above the display device DD into a color corresponding to the luminous color of the pixel. The anti-reflection layer POL may also include a black matrix adjacent to the color filter.

[0100] The adhesive member AM may be disposed between the anti-reflection layer POL and the window WM. The display panel DP and the anti-reflection layer POL may be coupled to the window WM by the adhesive member AM. The adhesive member AM may be a transparent adhesive member such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) film, an optically clear adhesive (OCA) film, or an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0101] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] refer to Figure 3 , an embodiment of the display panel DP may include a base layer BL, a circuit layer DP-CL, a display element layer DP-ED and an encapsulation layer TFE.

[0103] The base layer BL may provide a base surface on which the circuit layer DP-CL is disposed. The base layer BL may be a rigid substrate, or may be a flexible substrate that may be bent, folded, or rolled. In an embodiment, for example, the base layer BL may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, a polymer substrate, etc.

[0104] The base layer BL may have a multi-layer structure. In an embodiment, for example, the base layer BL may include a synthetic resin layer and at least one inorganic layer disposed between the synthetic resin layers. The synthetic resin layer of the base layer BL may include at least one selected from acrylic-based resins, methacrylate-based resins, polyisoprene-based resins, vinyl-based resins, epoxy-based resins, urethane-based resins, cellulose-based resins, siloxane-based resins, polyamide-based resins, perylene-based resins, and polyimide-based resins. However, the material of the base layer BL is not limited thereto.

[0105] The circuit layer DP-CL may be disposed on the base layer BL. The circuit layer DP-CL may include an insulating pattern, a semiconductor pattern, and a conductive pattern forming a pixel driving circuit, a driving line, and a pad of a pixel. In the manufacturing step of the display panel DP, the circuit layer DP-CL may be formed by forming an insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, and a conductive layer on the base layer BL by coating or deposition and then manufacturing the insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer subjected to patterning by performing photolithography multiple times.

[0106] The display element layer DP-ED may be disposed on the circuit layer DP-CL. The display element layer DP-ED may include a light emitting element constituting a pixel. The light emitting element may be electrically connected to a pixel driving circuit of the circuit layer DP-CL. The light emitting element may include an organic light emitting element, an inorganic light emitting element, a micro light emitting diode (LED), or a nano LED, and is not limited to any one, as long as the amount of light can be controlled according to an electrical signal.

[0107] The encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the display element layer DP-ED and may seal the display element layer DP-ED. The encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one thin film for improving the optical efficiency of the display element layer DP-ED or protecting the display element layer DP-ED. In an embodiment, for example, the encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one of an inorganic film and an organic film. The inorganic film of the encapsulation layer TFE may protect the display element layer DP-ED from moisture / oxygen. The organic film of the encapsulation layer TFE may protect the display element layer DP-ED from foreign matter such as dust particles.

[0108] The inorganic film of the encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one selected from aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. The organic film of the encapsulation layer TFE may include an acrylic-based resin. However, the material of the encapsulation layer TFE is not limited thereto.

[0109] In an embodiment, the display panel DP may further include an input sensing layer disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE and sensing an external input. In an embodiment, the input sensing layer may be directly disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE. In such an embodiment, the input sensing layer may be formed on the upper surface of the encapsulation layer TFE by a continuous process. Alternatively, without limitation thereto, the input sensing layer may be coupled to the encapsulation layer TFE by a separate adhesive member.

[0110] The input sensing layer can obtain the input from the display device DD (reference Figure 1 ) coordinate information of external input applied externally. The external input may include various types of inputs, such as force, pressure, temperature, light, etc. For example, the external input may be a coordinate information of an external input applied externally by the display device DD (reference Figure 1 ) a user's hand or an electronic pen in contact, or may include a display device such as a display device DD (reference Figure 1 ) applied near the hover input.

[0111] The input sensing layer can be driven in various ways to sense the input signal from the display device DD (refer to Figure 1 ) External input applied from outside. For example, the input sensing layer may be operated by a capacitive sensing method, a resistive sensing method, an infrared sensing method, an acoustic wave sensing method, or a pressure sensing method, and is not limited to any one method as long as it can sense the external input.

[0112] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 4 Shown in more detail Figure 3 The configuration of the display panel DP shown in FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 1 . Hereinafter, the configuration of the display panel DP shown in FIG. 1 will be omitted or simplified. Figure 3 Any repetition of the same or similar elements described is described in detail.

[0113] The display panel DP may include a plurality of pixels. Each of the pixels may include at least one transistor T1 and a light emitting element OL. Figure 4 1 shows a region in which a transistor T1 and a light emitting element OL of one of the pixels of the display panel DP are disposed. Figure 4 , the display panel DP may include a base layer BL, a circuit layer DP-CL, a display element layer DP-ED and an encapsulation layer TFE.

[0114] The base layer BL may provide a base surface on which the circuit layer DP-CL is disposed. In an embodiment, the base layer BL may include a synthetic resin layer. The synthetic resin layer may be formed on a support substrate used in manufacturing the display panel DP, and a conductive layer and an insulating layer may be formed on the synthetic resin layer. Thereafter, the support substrate may be removed, and the synthetic resin layer from which the support substrate is removed may correspond to the base layer BL.

[0115] At least one inorganic layer may be disposed on an upper surface of the base layer BL. The inorganic layer may constitute a barrier layer and / or a buffer layer. Figure 4 An embodiment is shown in which the buffer layer BFL is disposed on the base layer BL. The buffer layer BFL may improve coupling force between the base layer BL and the semiconductor pattern of the circuit layer DP-CL.

[0116] The circuit layer DP-CL may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The circuit layer DP-CL may include at least one insulating layer and a circuit element. The circuit element may include a signal line and a pixel driving circuit. The circuit layer DP-CL may be formed by a process of forming an insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, and a conductive layer by coating, deposition, etc., and by a process of manufacturing a patterned insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, and a conductive layer by photolithography.

[0117] In an embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the circuit layer DP-CL may include a transistor T1, a connection signal line SCL, connection electrodes CNE1 and CNE2, and a plurality of insulating layers 10 to 60. The plurality of insulating layers 10 to 60 may include first to sixth insulating layers 10 to 60 sequentially stacked on the buffer layer BFL. Each of the first to sixth insulating layers 10 to 60 may include one of an inorganic layer and an organic layer.

[0118] The transistor T1 may include a semiconductor pattern including a source region Sa, an active region Aa, and a drain region Da, and a gate electrode Ga. In an embodiment, the semiconductor pattern of the transistor T1 may include polysilicon. Alternatively, without limitation thereto, the semiconductor pattern may include amorphous silicon or metal oxide.

[0119] The semiconductor pattern may be divided into a plurality of regions according to conductivity. In an embodiment, for example, the semiconductor pattern may have different electrical properties according to whether doping is performed or whether metal oxide is reduced. The high conductivity region of the semiconductor pattern may be used as an electrode or a signal line and may correspond to the source region Sa and the drain region Da of the transistor T1. The non-doped region or the non-reduced region having relatively low conductivity may correspond to the active region Aa (or channel region) of the transistor T1.

[0120] The connection signal line SCL may be formed of a semiconductor pattern (or defined by a portion of a semiconductor pattern), and may be disposed in the same layer as (or directly on) the source region Sa, the active region Aa, and the drain region Da of the transistor T1. According to an embodiment, the connection signal line SCL may be electrically connected to the drain region Da of the transistor T1 on a plane.

[0121] The first insulating layer 10 may cover the semiconductor pattern of the circuit layer DP-CL. The gate electrode Ga may be disposed on the first insulating layer 10. The gate electrode Ga may overlap the active area Aa in a plane. In the process of doping the semiconductor pattern, the gate electrode Ga may be used as a mask. The upper electrode UE may be disposed on the second insulating layer 20. The upper electrode UE may overlap the gate electrode Ga in a plane.

[0122] The first connection electrode CNE1 and the second connection electrode CNE2 may be disposed between the transistor T1 and the light emitting element OL, and may electrically connect the transistor T1 and the light emitting element OL to each other. The first connection electrode CNE1 may be disposed on the third insulating layer 30, and may be connected to the connection signal line SCL through a contact hole CNT-1 defined through the first insulating layer 10 to the third insulating layer 30. The second connection electrode CNE2 may be disposed on the fifth insulating layer 50, and may be connected to the first connection electrode CNE1 through a contact hole CNT-2 defined through the fourth insulating layer 40 and the fifth insulating layer 50.

[0123] The display element layer DP-ED may be disposed on the circuit layer DP-CL. The display element layer DP-ED may include a light emitting element OL and a pixel defining layer PDL. The light emitting element OL may include a first electrode AE, a second electrode CE, and an intermediate layer disposed between the first electrode AE ​​and the second electrode CE. The first electrode AE ​​and the second electrode CE may include a conductive material or be formed of a conductive material. In an embodiment, the intermediate layer may include at least one organic layer, and in such an embodiment, as Figure 4As shown in , the intermediate layer may include a hole control layer HCL, an emission layer EML, and an electron control layer ECL. However, this is merely illustrative, and in addition to the hole control layer HCL, the emission layer EML, and the electron control layer ECL, the intermediate layer may also include an additional layer. Alternatively, at least one selected from the hole control layer HCL, the emission layer EML, and the electron control layer ECL may be omitted, and the present disclosure is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0124] The first electrode AE ​​and the pixel defining layer PDL may be disposed on the sixth insulating layer 60. The first electrode AE ​​may be connected to the second connection electrode CNE2 by defining a contact hole CNT-3 passing through the sixth insulating layer 60. The pixel defining layer PDL may be provided with a light emitting opening OP-PX defined therein, and at least a portion of the first electrode AE ​​is exposed through the light emitting opening OP-PX. The portion of the first electrode AE ​​exposed by the light emitting opening OP-PX may correspond to the emission region PXA. The non-emission region NPXA may surround the emission region PXA.

[0125] The hole control layer HCL and the electron control layer ECL may be commonly disposed in the emission region PXA and the non-emission region NPXA. The emission layer EML may have a pattern form corresponding to the light emitting opening OP-PX (or be formed in a pattern form corresponding to the light emitting opening OP-PX). The patterned emission layer EML may be formed by using a deposition device.

[0126] When compared with the hole control layer HCL and the electron control layer ECL in the form of a film, the emission layer EML can be deposited in a different manner. In an embodiment, for example, the hole control layer HCL and the electron control layer ECL can be formed in common for pixels by using a mask called an opening mask. By using a mask called a fine metal mask (FMM), the emission layer EML can be formed differently according to pixels.

[0127] The encapsulation layer TFE may include a plurality of thin films. The encapsulation layer TFE according to the embodiment may include a first thin film EN1, a second thin film EN2, and a third thin film EN3 stacked sequentially on each other. Each of the first thin film EN1, the second thin film EN2, and the third thin film EN3 may include one of an inorganic film and an organic film. The inorganic film may protect the light-emitting element OL from moisture and / or oxygen. The organic film may protect the light-emitting element OL from foreign matter such as dust particles. However, the configuration of the encapsulation layer TFE is not limited to the configuration shown in the drawings, as long as the encapsulation layer TFE can protect the light-emitting element OL or improve the light-emitting efficiency.

[0128] Figure 5 is a plan view of a protective film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] refer to Figure 5 , an embodiment of the protection film PF may include a curved area BA and a flat area FA. The flat area FA may correspond to Figure 2 That is, the flat area FA may overlap the flat portion FS on a plane.

[0130] The bending area BA may include a first bending area BA1, a second bending area BA2, a third bending area BA3, and a fourth bending area BA4 and a first corner area CA1, a second corner area CA2, a third corner area CA3, and a fourth corner area CA4. In an embodiment, the first bending area BA1, the second bending area BA2, the third bending area BA3, and the fourth bending area BA4 may correspond to Figure 2 1 , 2, 3, and 4 bending portions BS1, BS2, BS3, and BS4 of the display panel DP are shown in FIG. That is, the first bending area BA1, the second bending area BA2, the third bending area BA3, and the fourth bending area BA4 may overlap the first bending portion BS1, the second bending portion BS2, the third bending portion BS3, and the fourth bending portion BS4, respectively.

[0131] The first bending area BA1 may correspond to the first bending portion BS1 and may be bent together with the first bending portion BS1 around a fifth bending axis BX5 parallel to the second direction DR2. The second bending area BA2 may correspond to the second bending portion BS2 and may be bent together with the second bending portion BS2 around a sixth bending axis BX6 parallel to the first direction DR1. The third bending area BA3 may correspond to the third bending portion BS3 and may be bent together with the third bending portion BS3 around a seventh bending axis BX7 parallel to the second direction DR2. The fourth bending area BA4 may correspond to the fourth bending portion BS4 and may be bent together with the fourth bending portion BS4 around an eighth bending axis BX8 parallel to the first direction DR1.

[0132] The first corner area CA1, the second corner area CA2, the third corner area CA3, and the fourth corner area CA4 may correspond to Figure 2 That is, the first corner area CA1, the second corner area CA2, the third corner area CA3, and the fourth corner area CA4 may overlap with the first corner area D-C1, the second corner area D-C2, the third corner area D-C3, and the fourth corner area D-C4, respectively.

[0133] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the protection film PF may include a pattern PT. The pattern PT may include a first pattern PT1 defined or formed in the first bending area BA1, a second pattern PT2 defined or formed in the second bending area BA2, a third pattern PT3 defined or formed in the third bending area BA3, and a fourth pattern PT4 defined or formed in the fourth bending area BA4.

[0134] A plurality of first patterns PT1, a plurality of second patterns PT2, a plurality of third patterns PT3, and a plurality of fourth patterns PT4 may be provided. The first pattern PT1 and the third pattern PT3 may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be arranged in the first direction DR1. The first pattern PT1 and the third pattern PT3 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1, with a flat area FA therebetween. The second pattern PT2 and the fourth pattern PT4 may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be arranged in the second direction DR2. The second pattern PT2 and the fourth pattern PT4 may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2, with a flat area FA therebetween.

[0135] The number of the first patterns PT1 may be determined according to the first bent portion BS1 (see Figure 2 ) varies according to the curvature of the first curved portion BS1. In an embodiment, the number of the first patterns PT1 may be adjusted according to the first curvature at which the first curved portion BS1 is bent. In such an embodiment, for example, as the first curvature decreases, the number of the first patterns PT1 may decrease, and as the first curvature increases, the number of the first patterns PT1 may increase. This may be similarly applied to the second pattern PT2, the third pattern PT3, and the fourth pattern PT4.

[0136] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of the first pattern PT1 may be different from the number of the second pattern PT2. In an embodiment, the number of the first pattern PT1 may be greater than the number of the second pattern PT2. In such an embodiment, when the first curvature is formed to be greater than the second curvature, the number of the first pattern PT1 may be greater than the number of the second pattern PT2. In an embodiment, for example, the number of the first pattern PT1 may be eight, and the number of the second pattern PT2 may be three. The number of the third pattern PT3 may be different from the number of the fourth pattern PT4. In an embodiment, the number of the third pattern PT3 may be greater than the number of the fourth pattern PT4. In such an embodiment, when the third curvature is formed to be greater than the fourth curvature, the number of the third pattern PT3 may be greater than the number of the fourth pattern PT4. In an embodiment, for example, the number of the third pattern PT3 may be eight, and the number of the fourth pattern PT4 may be three. The number of the first pattern PT1 may be equal to the number of the third pattern PT3, and the number of the second pattern PT2 may be equal to the number of the fourth pattern PT4.

[0137] Fig. 6A is shown corresponding to Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the display panel and the protective film taken along line II'. Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of a display device showing a shape in which a portion of the display device is bent around a bending axis.

[0138] refer to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B , an embodiment of the display device DD may include a display panel DP, an adhesive layer AL, a protective film PF, an adhesive member AM, and a window WM, which are substantially the same as those described above.

[0139] The protection film PF may be coupled to the display panel DP through an adhesive layer AL disposed on the rear surface of the display panel DP. The adhesive layer AL may include a transparent adhesive such as a PSA film, an OCA film, or an OCR.

[0140] The protection film PF may include an upper surface contacting the adhesive layer AL and a lower surface facing away from the upper surface. The upper surface of the protection film PF may be closer to the rear surface of the display panel DP than the lower surface of the protection film PF.

[0141] The first pattern PT1 may be defined or formed on the lower surface of the protective film PF. In an embodiment, the first pattern PT1 may be formed to overlap with the first curved area BA1 of the protective film PF. The first pattern PT1 may be recessed or concave from the lower surface of the protective film PF toward the upper surface of the protective film PF. In an embodiment, for example, the first pattern PT1 may be a concave pattern formed by removing a portion of the protective film PF using a laser. However, the method of forming the first pattern PT1 is not limited thereto, and alternatively, the first pattern PT1 may be formed by a sputtering process or an energy beam process. A plurality of first patterns PT1 may be provided. In an embodiment, for example, eight first patterns PT1 may be provided.

[0142] In an embodiment, the width WD of each of the first patterns PT1 may be constant in the third direction DR3. Alternatively, without limitation thereto, the width WD of each of the first patterns PT1 may vary in the third direction DR3. In an embodiment, for example, the width WD of each of the first patterns PT1 may decrease as it moves away from the lower surface of the protective film PF toward its upper surface. That is, the shape of the first pattern PT1 in cross section may vary according to the process conditions and method for forming the first pattern PT1. In an embodiment, the widths WD of the first patterns PT1 in the first direction DR1 may be equal to each other. Alternatively, without limitation thereto, the widths WD of the first patterns PT1 may be different from each other. In an embodiment, for example, the width WD of the first pattern PT1 may vary according to the number of first patterns PT1 and their shapes and positions. The width WD of the first pattern PT1 may be approximately 10 micrometers (μm).

[0143] The depth DT of the first pattern PT1 may be less than or equal to the thickness TT of the protective film PF. In an embodiment, the depth DT of the first pattern PT1 may be in a range of about 35% to about 50% of the thickness TT of the protective film PF. In an embodiment, for example, the thickness TT of the protective film PF may be about 75 μm, and the depth DT of the first pattern PT1 may be about 35 μm. Therefore, in the process of forming the first pattern PT1, the first pattern PT1 may not affect the adhesion of the adhesive layer AL or damage the adhesive layer AL, and may overlap with the adhesive layer AL on a plane.

[0144] The first bending area BA1 may include a first patterned area (or patterned area) PA1 in which the first pattern PT1 is defined and a non-patterned (or flat) area NPA in which the first pattern PT1 is not defined. Here, the first patterned area PA1 may be defined as an area defined by an area occupied by the first pattern PT1 and an area therebetween, and the non-patterned area NPA is defined as a remaining area except the first patterned area PA1. The non-patterned area NPA may include a first non-patterned area NPA1 and a second non-patterned area NPA2, the first non-patterned area NPA1 being disposed at one side of the first patterned area PA1 and being located between the first patterned area PA1 and the flat area FA, and the second non-patterned area NPA2 being disposed at the other side of the first patterned area PA1 opposite to the one side. One side is an area disposed in the first direction DR1 relative to the first patterned area PA1, and the opposite side is an area disposed in a direction opposite to the first direction DR1 relative to the first patterned area PA1. Therefore, the first non-patterned area NPA1 is an area disposed in the first direction DR1 with respect to the first patterned area PA1, and the second non-patterned area NPA2 is an area disposed in a direction opposite to the first direction DR1 with respect to the first patterned area PA1.

[0145] Reference together Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Fig. 6A and Figure 6B, when the display panel DP is attached to the window WM, the display panel DP and the protective film PF may be bent at a predetermined curvature. When the display panel DP is attached to the window WM including the first side transmissive surface TA-S1, the second side transmissive surface TA-S2, the third side transmissive surface TA-S3, and the fourth side transmissive surface TA-S4 as a curved portion, creases, cracks, and compressive strains may be generated in the regions corresponding to the corner portions D-C1, D-C2, D-C3, and D-C4 of the display panel DP through the window WM. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first patterned area PA1 may have a width in the range of about 60% to about 70% of the width of the first curved area BA1. In such an embodiment, the protective film PF may include a plurality of first patterns PT1 in the first curved area BA1, and the width of the first patterned area PA1 in which the first pattern PT1 is defined or formed may be in the range of about 60% to about 70% of the width of the first curved area BA1. In an embodiment, for example, the first patterned area PA1 may have a width of about 2385 μm. Although not shown, the above description is also applicable to the third bending area BA3. Therefore, when the display panel DP is attached to the window WM, the external compressive force applied to the corner portions D-C1, D-C2, D-C3 and D-C4 of the display panel DP can be reduced, and thus the corner portions D-C1, D-C2, D-C3 and D-C4 of the display panel DP can be effectively prevented from being wrinkled due to space limitations in the window WM while being attached, or the corner portions D-C1, D-C2, D-C3 and D-C4 of the display panel DP can be effectively prevented from being cracked due to stress applied thereto.

[0146] The width of the first patterned area PA1 may be determined according to the first bent portion BS1 (refer to Figure 2 ), and is not limited to a range of about 60% to about 70% of the width of the first curved area BA1. In an embodiment, the width of the first patterned area PA1 may be adjusted according to the first curvature of the first curved portion BS1. In an embodiment, for example, as the first curvature decreases, the width of the first patterned area PA1 may decrease, and as the first curvature increases, the width of the first patterned area PA1 may increase.

[0147] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second non-patterned area NPA2 may have a width in the range of about 20% to about 30% of the width of the first curved area BA1. When the second non-patterned area NPA2 is formed, the first pattern PT1 may not be formed from one end of the protective film PF corresponding to the outermost portion of the protective film PF. In an embodiment, for example, the second non-patterned area NPA2 may have a width of about 833 μm. Since the width of the second non-patterned area NPA2 is in the range of about 20% to about 30% of the width of the first curved area BA1, the external compressive force applied to the corner portions D-C1, D-C2, D-C3 and D-C4 of the display panel DP may be reduced when compared to those in the comparative example in which the second non-patterned area NPA2 is not formed.

[0148] Fig. 7A is shown corresponding to Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the display panel and the protective film taken along line II-II'. Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of a display device showing a shape in which a portion of the display device is bent around a bending axis. Hereinafter, any repeated detailed description of elements that are the same as or similar to those described above will be omitted.

[0149] refer to Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , the second pattern PT2 may be formed on the lower surface of the protective film PF. Specifically, the second pattern PT2 may be formed to overlap with the second curved area BA2 of the protective film PF. The second pattern PT2 may be recessed or concave from the lower surface of the protective film PF toward the upper surface of the protective film PF. In an embodiment, for example, the second pattern PT1 (reference Fig. 6A ) Similarly, the second pattern PT2 may be a concave pattern formed by removing a portion of the protective film PF using a laser. However, the method of forming the second pattern PT2 is not limited thereto, and alternatively, the second pattern PT2 may be formed by a sputtering process or an energy beam process. A plurality of second patterns PT2 may be provided. In an embodiment, for example, three second patterns PT2 may be provided.

[0150] In an embodiment, the width WDa of each of the second patterns PT2 may be constant in the third direction DR3. Alternatively, without limitation thereto, the width WDa of each of the second patterns PT2 may vary in the third direction DR3. In an embodiment, for example, the width WDa of each of the second patterns PT2 may decrease as it moves away from the lower surface of the protective film PF toward the upper surface thereof. That is, the shape of the second pattern PT2 in cross section may vary according to the process conditions and method for forming the second pattern PT2. In an embodiment, the widths WDa of the second patterns PT2 in the second direction DR2 may be equal to each other. Alternatively, without limitation thereto, the widths WDa of the second patterns PT2 may be different from each other. In an embodiment, for example, the width WDa of the second pattern PT2 may vary according to the number of second patterns PT2 and their shapes and positions. The width WDa of the second pattern PT2 may be equal to the width WD of the first pattern PT1 (reference Fig. 6A In an implementation, for example, the width WDa of the second pattern PT2 may be about 10 μm.

[0151] The depth DTa of the second pattern PT2 may be less than or equal to the thickness TT of the protective film PF. In an embodiment, the depth DTa of the second pattern PT2 may be in the range of about 35% to about 50% of the thickness TT of the protective film PF. The depth DTa of the second pattern PT2 may be equal to the depth DT of the first pattern PT1 (refer to Fig. 6A ). In an embodiment, for example, the thickness TT of the protective film PF may be about 75 μm, and the depth DTa of the second pattern PT2 may be about 35 μm. Therefore, in the process of forming the second pattern PT2, the second pattern PT2 may not affect the adhesion of the adhesive layer AL or damage the adhesive layer AL, and may overlap with the adhesive layer AL on a plane.

[0152] The second curved area BA2 may include a second patterned area PA2 in which the second pattern PT2 is defined and a non-patterned area NPA in which the second pattern PT2 is not defined. The non-patterned area NPA may include a first non-patterned area NPA1a and a second non-patterned area NPA2, the first non-patterned area NPA1a being disposed at one side of the second patterned area PA2 and being located between the second patterned area PA2 and the flat area FA, and the second non-patterned area NPA2 being disposed at an opposite side of the second patterned area PA2 opposite to the one side. One side is an area disposed in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2 relative to the second patterned area PA2, and the opposite side is an area disposed in the second direction DR2 relative to the second patterned area PA2. Therefore, the first non-patterned area NPA1a is an area disposed in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2 relative to the second patterned area PA2, and the second non-patterned area NPA2 is an area disposed in the second direction DR2 relative to the second patterned area PA2.

[0153] The width of the first non-patterned area NPA1a may be different from Fig. 6A In an embodiment, for example, the width of the first non-patterned area NPA1a may be greater than Fig. 6A The width of the first non-patterned area NPA1 shown in FIG. The width of the second non-patterned area NPA2 may be equal to Fig. 6A The width of the second non-patterned area NPA2 is shown in FIG. In an embodiment, for example, the second non-patterned area NPA2 may have a width of about 833 μm.

[0154] refer to Figure 7B , when the display panel DP is attached to the window WM, the display panel DP and the protection film PF may be bent with the second curvature. Figure 6B The display panel DP, the protection film PF and the window WM shown in FIG. 1 are bent with a first curvature, and Figure 7B The display panel DP, the protective film PF, and the window WM shown in FIG. are bent at a second curvature smaller than the first curvature. The number of the second patterns PT2 and the width of the second patterned area PA2 may vary according to the second curvature. In such an embodiment, the number of the second patterns PT2 and the width of the second patterned area PA2 may vary according to the second curved portion BS2 (refer to FIG. Figure 2 ) is adjusted by the second curvature of the bend. In an embodiment, for example, as the second curvature decreases, the number of second patterns PT2 and the width of the second patterned area PA2 may decrease, and as the second curvature increases, the number of second patterns PT2 and the width of the second patterned area PA2 may increase. Figure 6B and Figure 7BWhen the embodiments are compared with each other, the second curvature is smaller than the first curvature, so the number of the second patterns PT2 is smaller than the number of the first patterns PT1, and the width of the second patterned area PA2 is smaller than the width of the first patterned area PA1.

[0155] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of area AA.

[0156] refer to Figure 8 In an embodiment, the first corner area CA1 may be disposed between the first bending area BA1 and the second bending area BA2. In such an embodiment, the first corner area CA1 may be connected between the first bending area BA1 and the second bending area BA2 relative to the fifth bending axis BX5 and the sixth bending axis BX6. The first corner area CA1 may correspond to a corner portion of the protective film PF. The first corner area CA1, the first bending area BA1, and the second bending area BA2 may be connected together to surround the flat area FA.

[0157] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first pattern PT1 and the second pattern PT2 may not be defined or formed in the first corner area CA1. Therefore, the first pattern PT1 and the second pattern PT2 may not be aligned with the first corner portion D-C1 (see Figure 2 Since the first and second patterns PT1 and PT2 are not formed in the first corner area CA1, the first and second patterns PT1 and PT2 applied to the display panel DP (reference Figure 2 ) can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the corner portions D-C1, D-C2, D-C3 and D-C4 of the display panel DP from being attached while the corner portions D-C1, D-C2, D-C3 and D-C4 of the display panel DP are attached due to the window WM (reference Figure 2 ) can be effectively prevented from being wrinkled due to space limitations in the display panel DP, or from being cracked due to stress applied thereto at the corner portions D-C1, D-C2, D-C3 and D-C4 of the display panel DP.

[0158] The description of the first corner area CA1 can be applied to Figure 5 1 and 2. The second corner area CA2, the third corner area CA3 and the fourth corner area CA4 are shown in FIG.

[0159] Fig. 9 is a plan view of a protective film according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 Any repetition of the same or similar elements described is described in detail.

[0160] refer to Fig. 9, an embodiment of the protection film PFa may include a bent area BAa and a flat area FA.

[0161] In an embodiment, the bending area BAa may include a first bending area BA1a, a second bending area BA2a, a third bending area BA3a, and a fourth bending area BA4a and a first corner area CA1, a second corner area CA2, a third corner area CA3, and a fourth corner area CA4. In such an embodiment, the first bending area BA1a, the second bending area BA2a, the third bending area BA3a, and the fourth bending area BA4a may correspond to Figure 2 That is, the first bending area BA1a, the second bending area BA2a, the third bending area BA3a and the fourth bending area BA4a may overlap with the first bending area BS1, the second bending area BS2, the third bending area BS3 and the fourth bending area BS4, respectively.

[0162] The first corner area CA1, the second corner area CA2, the third corner area CA3, and the fourth corner area CA4 may correspond to Figure 2 That is, the first corner area CA1, the second corner area CA2, the third corner area CA3, and the fourth corner area CA4 may overlap with the first corner area D-C1, the second corner area D-C2, the third corner area D-C3, and the fourth corner area D-C4, respectively.

[0163] The protective film PFa may include a pattern portion PTD. The pattern portion PTD may include a first pattern portion PTD1 defined or formed in a first bending area BA1a, a second pattern portion PTD2 defined or formed in a second bending area BA2a, a third pattern portion PTD3 defined or formed in a third bending area BA3a, and a fourth pattern portion PTD4 defined or formed in a fourth bending area BA4a.

[0164] The first pattern portion PTD1 and the third pattern portion PTD3 may extend in the second direction DR2. The first pattern portion PTD1 and the third pattern portion PTD3 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1, with a flat area FA therebetween. The second pattern portion PTD2 and the fourth pattern portion PTD4 may extend in the first direction DR1. The second pattern portion PTD2 and the fourth pattern portion PTD4 may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2, with a flat area FA therebetween.

[0165] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the width of the first pattern portion PTD1 may be different from the width of the second pattern portion PTD2. In such an embodiment, the width of the first pattern portion PTD1 in the first direction DR1 may be different from the width of the second pattern portion PTD2 in the second direction DR2. In an embodiment, for example, the width of the first pattern portion PTD1 may be greater than the width of the second pattern portion PTD2. The width of the third pattern portion PTD3 may be different from the width of the fourth pattern portion PTD4. In such an embodiment, the width of the third pattern portion PTD3 in the first direction DR1 may be different from the width of the fourth pattern portion PTD4 in the second direction DR2. In an embodiment, for example, the width of the third pattern portion PTD3 may be greater than the width of the fourth pattern portion PTD4.

[0166] The first corner area CA1 may be disposed between the first bending area BA1a and the second bending area BA2a. In such an embodiment, the first corner area CA1 may be connected to the first bending area BA1a and the second bending area BA2a. The second corner area CA2 may be disposed between the second bending area BA2a and the third bending area BA3a. In such an embodiment, the second corner area CA2 may be connected to the second bending area BA2a and the third bending area BA3a. The third corner area CA3 may be disposed between the third bending area BA3a and the fourth bending area BA4a. In such an embodiment, the third corner area CA3 may be connected to the third bending area BA3a and the fourth bending area BA4a. The fourth corner area CA4 may be disposed between the fourth bending area BA4a and the first bending area BA1a. In such an embodiment, the fourth corner area CA4 may be connected to the fourth bending area BA4a and the first bending area BA1a.

[0167] The first corner area CA1, the second corner area CA2, the third corner area CA3, and the fourth corner area CA4 may correspond to the corner portion of the protection film PFa. The first corner area CA1, the second corner area CA2, the third corner area CA3, and the fourth corner area CA4 and the first curved area BA1a, the second curved area BA2a, the third curved area BA3a, and the fourth curved area BA4a may be connected together to surround the flat area FA.

[0168] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first pattern portion PTD1, the second pattern portion PTD2, the third pattern portion PTD3, and the fourth pattern portion PTD4 may not be defined or formed in the first corner area CA1, the second corner area CA2, the third corner area CA3, and the fourth corner area CA4. Therefore, the first pattern portion PTD1, the second pattern portion PTD2, the third pattern portion PTD3, and the fourth pattern portion PTD4 may not be respectively aligned with the first corner portion D-C1, the second corner portion D-C2, the third corner portion D-C3, and the fourth corner portion D-C4 (see Figure 2 )overlapping.

[0169] Fig. 10A is shown corresponding to Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the display panel and the protective film taken along line III-III'. Fig. 10B is a cross-sectional view of a display device showing a shape in which a portion of the display device is bent around a bending axis.

[0170] refer to Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B As described above, an embodiment of the display device DDa may include the display panel DP, the adhesive layer AL, the protection film PFa coupled by the adhesive layer AL disposed at the rear surface of the display panel DP, the adhesive member AM, and the window WM.

[0171] The first pattern portion PTD1 may be defined or formed on the lower surface of the protective film PFa. In an embodiment, the first pattern portion PTD1 may be formed to overlap with the first curved area BA1a of the protective film PFa. The first pattern portion PTD1 may be recessed or concave from the lower surface of the protective film PFa toward the upper surface of the protective film PFa. In an embodiment, for example, the first pattern portion PTD1 may be a concave pattern formed by removing a portion of the protective film PFa using a laser. However, the method of forming the first pattern portion PTD1 is not limited thereto, and alternatively, the first pattern portion PTD1 may be formed by a sputtering process or an energy beam process. According to an embodiment, as Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B As shown in , the first pattern portion PTD1 is formed by or defined by a single pattern recessed from the lower surface of the protective film PFa toward the upper surface of the protective film PFa. However, not limited thereto, the first pattern portion PTD1 may include a plurality of patterns. In an embodiment, for example, the first pattern portion PTD1 may include eight patterns.

[0172] In an embodiment, the width WDb of the first pattern portion PTD1 may be constant in the third direction DR3. Alternatively, without limitation thereto, the width WDb of the first pattern portion PTD1 may vary in the third direction DR3. In an embodiment, for example, the width WDb of the first pattern portion PTD1 may decrease as it moves away from the lower surface of the protective film PFa toward its upper surface. That is, the shape of the first pattern portion PTD1 in cross section may vary according to the process conditions and methods for forming the first pattern portion PTD1. In an embodiment, for example, the width WDb of the first pattern portion PTD1 may be approximately 2385 μm.

[0173] The first bending area BA1a may include a first patterned area (or patterned area) PA1a in which the first pattern portion PTD1 is defined and a non-patterned area NPA in which the first pattern portion PTD1 is not defined. The non-patterned area NPA may include a first non-patterned area NPA1 disposed at one side of the first patterned area PA1a and located between the first patterned area PA1a and the flat area FA, and a second non-patterned area NPA2 disposed at an opposite side of the first patterned area PA1a opposite to the one side. One side is an area disposed in the first direction DR1 relative to the first patterned area PA1a, and the opposite side is an area disposed in a direction opposite to the first direction DR1 relative to the first patterned area PA1a. Therefore, the first non-patterned area NPA1 is an area disposed in the first direction DR1 relative to the first patterned area PA1a, and the second non-patterned area NPA2 is an area disposed in a direction opposite to the first direction DR1 relative to the first patterned area PA1a. The width of the first patterned area (or patterned area) PA1a may be substantially the same as the width WDb of the first pattern portion PTD1.

[0174] Reference together Figure 2 , Fig. 9 , Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B, when the display panel DP is attached to the window WM, the display panel DP and the protective film PFa may be bent at a predetermined curvature. When the display panel DP is attached to the window WM including the first side transmissive surface TA-S1, the second side transmissive surface TA-S2, the third side transmissive surface TA-S3, and the fourth side transmissive surface TA-S4 as a curved portion, creases, cracks, and compressive strains may be generated in the regions corresponding to the corner portions D-C1, D-C2, D-C3, and D-C4 of the display panel DP. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first patterned area PA1a may have a width in the range of about 60% to about 70% of the width of the first curved area BA1a. Specifically, the protective film PFa may include a first pattern portion PTD1 in the first curved area BA1a, and a width WDb of the first pattern portion PTD1 (i.e., a width of the first patterned area PA1a) may be in the range of about 60% to about 70% of the width of the first curved area BA1a. In an embodiment, for example, the first patterned area PA1a may have a width of about 2385 μm. Although not shown, the above description also applies to the third curved area BA3a. Therefore, when the display panel DP is attached to the window WM, the external compressive force applied to the corner portions D-C1, D-C2, D-C3 and D-C4 of the display panel DP can be reduced, and thus the corner portions D-C1, D-C2, D-C3 and D-C4 of the display panel DP can be effectively prevented from being wrinkled due to space limitations in the window WM while being attached, or the corner portions D-C1, D-C2, D-C3 and D-C4 of the display panel DP can be effectively prevented from being cracked due to the stress applied thereto.

[0175] In an embodiment, the width WDb of the first pattern portion PTD1 or the width of the first patterned area PA1a may vary according to the curvature of the first bent portion BS1. Specifically, the width WDb of the first pattern portion PTD1 or the width of the first patterned area PA1a may be adjusted according to the first curvature of the first bent portion BS1. In an embodiment, for example, as the first curvature decreases, the width WDb of the first pattern portion PTD1 or the width of the first patterned area PA1a may decrease, and as the first curvature increases, the width WDb of the first pattern portion PTD1 or the width of the first patterned area PA1a may increase.

[0176] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second non-patterned area NPA2 may have a width in the range of about 20% to about 30% of the width of the first curved area BA1a. When the second non-patterned area NPA2 is formed, the first pattern portion PTD1 may not be formed from one end of the protective film PFa corresponding to the outermost portion of the protective film PFa. In an embodiment, the second non-patterned area NPA2 may have a width of about 833 μm. Since the width of the second non-patterned area NPA2 is in the range of about 20% to about 30% of the width of the first curved area BA1a, the external compressive force applied to the corner portions D-C1, D-C2, D-C3 and D-C4 of the display panel DP may be reduced compared to those in the comparative example in which the second non-patterned area NPA2 is not formed.

[0177] Fig.11A is shown corresponding to Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the display panel and the protective film taken along line IV-IV'. Fig. 11B is a cross-sectional view of a display device showing a shape in which a portion of the display device is bent around a bending axis. Hereinafter, any repeated detailed description of elements that are the same as or similar to those described above will be omitted.

[0178] refer to Fig.11A and Fig. 11B , the second pattern portion PTD2 may be formed on the lower surface of the protective film PFa. Specifically, the second pattern portion PTD2 may be defined to overlap with the second curved area BA2a of the protective film PFa. The second pattern portion PTD2 may be recessed or concave from the lower surface of the protective film PFa toward the upper surface of the protective film PFa. In an embodiment, for example, the second pattern portion PTD1 (reference Fig. 10A ), the second pattern portion PTD2 may be a concave pattern formed by removing a portion of the protective film PFa using a laser. However, the method of forming the second pattern portion PTD2 is not limited thereto, and alternatively, the second pattern portion PTD2 may be formed by a sputtering process or an energy beam process. According to an embodiment, as Fig.11A and Fig. 11B As shown in , the second pattern portion PTD2 is formed by or defined by a single pattern recessed from the lower surface of the protective film PFa toward the upper surface of the protective film PFa. Alternatively, without limitation thereto, the second pattern portion PTD2 may include a plurality of patterns. In an embodiment, for example, the second pattern portion PTD2 may include three patterns.

[0179] In an embodiment, the width WDc of the second pattern portion PTD2 may be constant in the third direction DR3. Alternatively, without limitation thereto, the width WDc of the second pattern portion PTD2 may vary in the third direction DR3. In an embodiment, for example, the width WDc of the second pattern portion PTD2 may decrease as it moves away from the lower surface of the protective film PFa toward its upper surface. That is, the shape of the second pattern portion PTD2 on the cross section may vary according to the process conditions and methods for forming the second pattern portion PTD2. In an embodiment, for example, the width WDc of the second pattern portion PTD2 may be approximately 505 μm.

[0180] The second curved area BA2a may include a second patterned area PA2a in which the second pattern portion PTD2 is defined and a non-patterned area NPA in which the second pattern portion PTD2 is not defined. The non-patterned area NPA may include a first non-patterned area NPA1a and a second non-patterned area NPA2, the first non-patterned area NPA1a being disposed at one side of the second patterned area PA2a and being located between the second patterned area PA2a and the flat area FA, and the second non-patterned area NPA2 being disposed at an opposite side of the second patterned area PA2a opposite to one side. One side is an area disposed in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2 relative to the second patterned area PA2a, and the opposite side is an area disposed in the second direction DR2 relative to the second patterned area PA2a. Therefore, the first non-patterned area NPA1a is an area disposed in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2 relative to the second patterned area PA2a, and the second non-patterned area NPA2 is an area disposed in the second direction DR2 relative to the second patterned area PA2a. The width of the second patterned area PA2a may be substantially the same as the width WDc of the second pattern portion PTD2.

[0181] The width of the first non-patterned area NPA1a may be different from Fig. 10A In an embodiment, for example, the width of the first non-patterned area NPA1a may be less than Fig. 10A The width of the first non-patterned area NPA1 shown in FIG. The width of the second non-patterned area NPA2 may be equal to Fig. 10A The width of the second non-patterned area NPA2 is shown in FIG. In an embodiment, for example, the second non-patterned area NPA2 may have a width of about 833 μm.

[0182] refer to Fig. 11B , when the display panel DP is attached to the window WM, the display panel DP and the protection film PFa may be bent with the second curvature. Fig. 10BThe display panel DP and the protection film PFa shown in FIG. 1 are bent with a first curvature, and Fig. 11B The display panel DP and the protective film PFa shown in FIG. are bent at a second curvature smaller than the first curvature. The width WDc of the second pattern portion PTD2 or the width of the second patterned area PA2a may vary according to the second curvature. Specifically, the width WDc of the second pattern portion PTD2 or the width of the second patterned area PA2a may vary according to the second curved portion BS2 (refer to FIG. Figure 2 ) is adjusted by the second curvature of the curve. In an embodiment, for example, as the second curvature decreases, the width WDc of the second pattern portion PTD2 or the width of the second patterned area PA2a may decrease, and as the second curvature increases, the width WDc of the second pattern portion PTD2 or the width of the second patterned area PA2a may increase. Therefore, since when Fig. 10B and Fig. 11B When the embodiments are compared with each other, the second curvature is smaller than the first curvature, so the width WDc of the second pattern portion PTD2 or the width of the second patterned area PA2a is smaller than the width WDb of the first pattern portion PTD1 or the width of the first patterned area PA1a.

[0183] The display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a protective film coupled to the rear surface of the display panel, and the protective film may include a plurality of patterns corresponding to the curved area of ​​the display panel. The protective film may include different numbers of patterns according to the curvature of the curved area, and thus when the display panel is attached to a window including the curved area, the display panel may be effectively prevented from being wrinkled due to the limited space corresponding to the curved corner portion of the window, or the display panel may be effectively prevented from being damaged due to the concentration of stress on the display panel. Therefore, a reliable display device may be provided.

[0184] The present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0185] While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that The display device comprises: A display panel including a flat portion and a curved portion curved from the flat portion; and a protective film disposed under the display panel to overlap the flat portion and the curved portion, Wherein, the curved portion comprises: a first curved portion extending from a first side of the flat portion and curved with a first curvature about a first bending axis; and a second curved portion extending from a second side of the flat portion and curved about a second bending axis with a second curvature different from the first curvature, Wherein, the protective film comprises: a plurality of first patterns extending in a direction parallel to the first bending axis in a first region to overlap with the first bending portion; and a plurality of second patterns extending in a direction parallel to the second bending axis in the second region to overlap the second bending portion, and The number of the first patterns and the number of the second patterns are different from each other.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first curvature is greater than the second curvature.

3. The display device according to claim 2, characterized in that The first bending axis and the second bending axis intersect each other at a right angle, wherein the first pattern is arranged in the direction parallel to the second bending axis, and Wherein, the second pattern is arranged in the direction parallel to the first bending axis.

4. The display device according to claim 3, characterized in that The number of the first patterns is greater than the number of the second patterns.

5. The display device according to claim 2, characterized in that The protective film comprises: a curved region defined as overlapping the first curved portion and the second curved portion; and A flat area is defined as overlapping with the flat portion.

6. The display device according to claim 5, characterized in that The bending area includes: a patterned area in which the first pattern and the second pattern are defined; and A non-patterned area in which the first pattern and the second pattern are not defined.

7. The display device according to claim 6, characterized in that The non-patterned area includes: a first non-patterned area disposed at one side of the patterned area and between the patterned area and the flat area; and A second non-patterned region is disposed at an opposite side of the patterned region opposite to the one side of the patterned region.

8. The display device according to claim 7, characterized in that The width of the second non-patterned area is in the range of 20% to 30% of the width of the bent area.

9. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The curved portion further includes a corner portion connected between the first curved portion and the second curved portion.

10. The display device according to claim 9, characterized in that The first pattern and the second pattern do not overlap the corner portion.

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