Foldable display device

Abstract

A foldable display device is provided. The foldable display device includes: a display panel including a non-folding area and a foldable area adjacent to the non-folding area; a support member disposed on the display panel and including: a flat portion overlapping the non-folding area; a plurality of first segment elements, the plurality of first segment elements overlapping the foldable region; and a plurality of second segment elements overlapping the foldable region and coupled to the plurality of first segment elements, respectively; and a base film disposed on one surface of each of the plurality of first segmented elements and the plurality of second segmented elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device, and more particularly, to a foldable display device. Background Art

[0002] Recently, flexible display devices that can be transformed into various shapes are being developed. Unlike flat panel displays, flexible display devices can be folded, bent, or rolled like paper. Flexible display devices can be easily carried and increase user convenience.

[0003] Recently, among flexible display devices, foldable display devices may have high demand. The foldable display device can be repeatedly folded and unfolded. Generally, the foldable display device may include a display panel having a flexible characteristic and a support member arranged on the bottom surface of the display panel. The support member has relatively large rigidity, and thus can prevent deformation of the display panel due to a user's touch, etc. Utility Model Content

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel, which includes a non-folding area and a foldable area adjacent to the non-folding area; a supporting member, which is arranged on the display panel and includes: a flat portion, which overlaps with the non-folding area; a plurality of first segmentation elements, which overlap with the foldable area; and a plurality of second segmentation elements, which overlap with the foldable area and are respectively coupled to the plurality of first segmentation elements; and a base film, which is arranged on a surface of each of the plurality of first segmentation elements and the plurality of second segmentation elements.

[0005] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of first segmenting elements includes: a plurality of first protrusions protruding from a first surface of each of the plurality of first segmenting elements; and a plurality of first recesses recessed from a second surface of each of the plurality of first segmenting elements opposite to the first surface, and wherein each of the plurality of second segmenting elements includes: a plurality of second protrusions protruding from the first surface of each of the plurality of second segmenting elements; and a plurality of second recesses recessed from the second surface of each of the plurality of second segmenting elements opposite to the first surface.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of first segment elements and a plurality of second segment elements are alternately arranged.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of first protrusions of a first segmenting element among the plurality of first segmenting elements are respectively coupled to a plurality of second recesses of an adjacent second segmenting element among the plurality of second segmenting elements, and wherein the plurality of first recesses of the first segmenting element are respectively coupled to a plurality of second protrusions of another adjacent second segmenting element among the plurality of second segmenting elements.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, one end of each of the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions has a circular shape, and a portion of each of the plurality of first recesses and the plurality of second recesses that respectively contacts one end of each of the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions has a rounded shape.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, one end of each of the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions has a rectangular shape, and a portion of each of the plurality of first recesses and the plurality of second recesses that respectively contacts one end of each of the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions has a rectangular shape.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, one end of each of the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions is asymmetric with respect to a center line passing through the center of the corresponding first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base film includes a silicon-based material.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base film is in contact with first surfaces of the plurality of first segment elements facing the display panel and first surfaces of the plurality of second segment elements facing the display panel.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base film contacts a second surface opposite to a first surface of each of the plurality of first segment elements and the plurality of second segment elements, wherein the first surface faces the display panel.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the support member includes metal or fiber reinforced plastic.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel, which includes a non-folding area and a foldable area adjacent to the non-folding area; a supporting member, which is arranged under the display panel and includes: a flat portion, which overlaps with the non-folding area; a plurality of first segmenting elements, which overlap with the foldable area and include a plurality of first protrusions, which protrude from first surfaces of the plurality of first segmenting elements and have lengths different from each other in a first direction; and a plurality of second segmenting elements, which overlap with the foldable area and are alternately arranged with the plurality of first segmenting elements along the first direction, wherein the plurality of second segmenting elements include a plurality of second protrusions protruding from first surfaces of the plurality of second segmenting elements and having lengths different from each other in the first direction, wherein the plurality of second segmenting elements are respectively coupled to the plurality of first segmenting elements; and a base film, which is arranged on each of the plurality of first segmenting elements and the plurality of second segmenting elements.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of first segmenting elements further comprises a plurality of first recesses recessed from a second surface of each of the plurality of first segmenting elements opposite to the first surface, and wherein each of the plurality of second segmenting elements further comprises a plurality of second recesses recessed from a second surface of each of the plurality of second segmenting elements opposite to the first surface.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of first protrusions of a first segmenting element among a plurality of first segmenting elements are respectively positively coupled and negatively coupled to a plurality of second recesses of an adjacent second segmenting element among a plurality of second segmenting elements, and wherein a plurality of first recesses of the first segmenting element are respectively positively coupled and negatively coupled to a plurality of second protrusions of another adjacent second segmenting element among a plurality of second segmenting elements.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the length in the first direction of each of the multiple first protrusions overlapping with the center of the foldable area is shorter than the length in the first direction of each of the multiple first protrusions overlapping with the edge of the foldable area, and wherein the length in the first direction of each of the multiple second protrusions overlapping with the center of the foldable area is shorter than the length in the first direction of each of the multiple second protrusions overlapping with the edge of the foldable area.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of first protrusions includes a first neck end and a first end, wherein the first neck end is spaced apart from the first surface of the corresponding first segmenting element and the first end extends from the first neck end, and wherein each of the plurality of second protrusions includes a second neck end and a second end, wherein the second neck end is spaced apart from the first surface of the corresponding second segmenting element and the second end extends from the second neck end.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first surface of each of the plurality of first segmenting elements is in contact with or spaced apart from a second surface of an adjacent second segmenting element of the plurality of second segmenting elements, and wherein the second surface of each of the plurality of first segmenting elements is in contact with or spaced apart from a first surface of another adjacent second segmenting element of the plurality of second segmenting elements.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first surface of each of the plurality of first segmenting elements contacts a second surface of an adjacent second segmenting element of the plurality of second segmenting elements, and a second surface of each of the plurality of first segmenting elements contacts a first surface of another adjacent second segmenting element, wherein a first neck end of each of the plurality of first segmenting elements is spaced apart from an adjacent second segmenting element and overlaps with the adjacent second segmenting element in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, and wherein a second neck end of each of the plurality of second segmenting elements is spaced apart from an adjacent first segmenting element and overlaps with the adjacent first segmenting element in the second direction intersecting with the first direction.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the length of the first neck end overlapping with the center of the foldable area in the first direction is shorter than the length of the first neck end overlapping with the edge of the foldable area in the first direction, and wherein the length of the second neck end overlapping with the center of the foldable area in the first direction is shorter than the length of the second neck end overlapping with the edge of the foldable area in the first direction.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of first segment elements and the plurality of second segment elements extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The above and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing in detail embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the attached drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 It is a graphic Figure 1 A side view of an example of a folded state of a display device.

[0027] Figure 3 It is a graphic Figure 1 A side view of an example of a folded state of a display device.

[0028] Figure 4 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged cross-sectional view of region A.

[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 An enlarged plan view of multiple segmented elements.

[0031] Figure 7 It is shown in Figure 4 The display device in the unfolded state Figure 4 A plan view of an example of multiple segmenting elements.

[0032] Figure 8 It is shown in Figure 4 The display device in the folded state Figure 4 A plan view of an example of multiple segmenting elements.

[0033] Fig. 9 It is shown in Figure 4 The display device in the folded state Figure 4 A plan view of an example of multiple segmenting elements.

[0034] Fig.10 It is a graphic Figure 4 sectional view of an example of a first segmenting element, a second segmenting element, and a base membrane.

[0035] Fig.11 It is a graphic Figure 4 sectional view of an example of a first segmenting element, a second segmenting element, and a base membrane.

[0036] Fig.12 It is a graphic Figure 4 A plan view of an example of a first segmenting element and a second segmenting element.

[0037] Fig.13 It is a graphic Figure 4 A plan view of an example of a first segmenting element and a second segmenting element.

[0038] Fig.14 It is a graphic Figure 4 A plan view of an example of a first segmenting element and a second segmenting element.

[0039] Fig.15 It is a graphic Figure 4 A plan view of an example of a first segmenting element and a second segmenting element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings and the specification, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and redundant descriptions of the same components may be omitted or briefly discussed.

[0041] For ease of description, spatially relative terms (such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc.) may be used herein to describe the relationship between an element or feature and another (some) element or feature as illustrated in the figure. It will be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation except for the orientation depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, the elements described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented to be "above" other elements or features. Therefore, in the example, the terms "below" and "below" can include both upper and lower orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used in this article can be interpreted accordingly.

[0042] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is a graphic Figure 1 A side view of an example of a folded state of a display device. Figure 3 It is a graphic Figure 1 A side view of an example of a folded state of a display device.

[0043] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display area DA and a peripheral area PA. The display area DA may be an area where an image is generated, and the peripheral area PA may be an area where an image is not generated. The peripheral area PA may be located adjacent to the display area DA. For example, the peripheral area PA may completely surround the display area DA.

[0044] In the present specification, a plane may be defined in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. For example, the second direction DR2 may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction DR1. In addition, the third direction DR3 may be substantially perpendicular to the plane.

[0045] The display device 100 includes a foldable area FA and a first non-folding area NFA1 and a second non-folding area NFA2. The foldable area FA can be bent by an external force so that the display device 100 can be folded, and the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 are not folded and are adjacent to at least one side of the foldable area FA. The foldable area FA and the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may overlap at least the display area DA. For example, the foldable area FA may have a folding axis extending along the first direction DR1.

[0046] The display area DA may be divided into a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2 adjacent to each other in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. For example, the second direction DR2 may intersect the first direction DR1. The first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may be continuously connected to each other to substantially form one display area DA. For example, Figure 2 As shown in , when the display area DA is folded along the folding axis, the display device 100 may have an inner folding structure such that the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 face each other. Figure 3 As shown in , when the display area DA is folded along the folding axis, the display device 100 may have an outer folding structure in which the display area DA is arranged on the outer side. For example, in this case, the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 face away from each other.

[0047] The display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to including one foldable area FA. For example, the display device 100 may be folded multiple times or may have multiple foldable areas FA to implement a rollable display device 100.

[0048] Figure 4 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 For example, Figure 4 Can show the expanded state Figure 1 In addition, Figure 5 yes Figure 4 FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a display panel PN.

[0049] refer to Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device 100 may include a window member WIN, a polarization member POL, a display panel PN, a polymer film layer 410, a first bonding member 510, a blocking member 420, a second bonding member 520, a base film 300, a support member 200 including a first segment element 211, a second segment element 212 and a flat portion 220, a first heat dissipation member 610, and a second heat dissipation member 620.

[0050] refer to Figure 5 The display panel PN may include a substrate SUB, a circuit driving layer DRL disposed on the substrate SUB, an emission layer EML disposed on the circuit driving layer DRL, an encapsulation layer ENL disposed on the emission layer EML, and a touch layer TSL disposed on the encapsulation layer ENL.

[0051] The substrate SUB may be a flexible substrate including a flexible molecular material such as polyimide. Since the substrate SUB is a flexible substrate, the display panel PN may be bent, folded, or rolled.

[0052] The circuit driving layer DRL may be disposed on the substrate SUB. The circuit driving layer DRL may include a circuit driving the light emitting layer EML. The circuit driving layer DRL may include a plurality of thin film transistors.

[0053] The light emitting layer EML may be disposed on the circuit driving layer DRL. The light emitting layer EML may include an organic light emitting layer. The light emitting layer EML can emit light having different levels of brightness according to a driving signal transmitted from the circuit driving layer DRL.

[0054] The encapsulation layer ENL may be disposed on the light emitting layer EML. For example, the encapsulation layer ENL may include an inorganic layer or a stacked layer of an inorganic layer and an organic layer.

[0055] The touch layer TSL may be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENL. The touch layer TSL may be a layer that recognizes touch pressure and is capable of performing the function of a touch member. For example, the touch layer TSL may perform a function in response to a touch input such as a body part or an object. The touch layer TSL may include a plurality of sensing areas and a plurality of sensing electrodes.

[0056] The polarization member POL may be disposed on the display panel PN. Since the display device 100 includes the foldable area FA, the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second non-folding area NFA2, the display panel PN may also include the foldable area FA, the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second non-folding area NFA2. The display panel PN may include a plurality of sub-pixels that generate light. The polarization member POL may block external light incident on the display panel PN from the outside.

[0057] The window member WIN may be arranged on the polarization member POL. The window member WIN may have a transparent portion corresponding to the display area DA. For example, the window member WIN may include a polymer material, a thin glass film, etc. to achieve bending. These materials may be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0058] The polymer film layer 410 may be arranged under the display panel PN. The polymer film layer 410 may include a polymer film. For example, the polymer film layer 410 may include polyimide PI, polyethylene terephthalate PET, polycarbonate PC, polyethylene PE, polypropylene PP, polysulfone PSF, polymethyl methacrylate PMMA, triacetyl cellulose TAC, cycloolefin polymer COP, etc. These materials may be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0059] The blocking member 420 may be disposed on the polymer film layer 410. For example, the blocking member 420 may be disposed under the polymer film layer 410. The first adhesive member 510 may be disposed between the polymer film layer 410 and the blocking member 420. For example, the first adhesive member 510 may attach the polymer film layer 410 and the blocking member 420 to each other.

[0060] The second adhesive member 520, the base film 300, the support member 200, the first heat dissipation member 610, and the second heat dissipation member 620 may be disposed under the blocking member 420. The blocking member 420 may include an elastic material whose length is variable as the display panel PN is folded or unfolded.

[0061] The support member 200 may be disposed on the blocking member 420. For example, the support member 200 may be disposed below the blocking member 420. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the support member 200 may include a flat portion 220 overlapping the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 and a plurality of segmenting elements 210 overlapping the foldable area FA. The flat portion 220 may include a first flat portion 220a overlapping the first non-folding area NFA1 and a second flat portion 220b overlapping the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the support member 200 may include metal or fiber reinforced plastic. Examples of metals may include stainless steel (SUS), invariant steel, aluminum, iron chromium, carbon, nickel, silicon, manganese, and molybdenum, etc. These materials may be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0063] The fiber reinforced plastic may include glass fiber reinforced plastic, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, etc. These materials may be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0064] The plurality of segment elements 210 may be adjacent to the flat portion 220 in the second direction DR2. For example, the plurality of segment elements 210 may be arranged between the first flat portion 220a and the second flat portion 220b. The plurality of segment elements 210 overlapping the foldable area FA may include a first segment element 211 and a second segment element 212.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown in , when the display device 100 is unfolded, each of the plurality of first segment elements 211 may be adjacent to the second segment element 212 in the second direction DR2. For example, each of the plurality of first segment elements 211 may contact the second segment element 212 in the second direction DR2 toward the first flat portion 220a, and may contact another second segment element 212 in the second direction DR2 toward the second flat portion 220b.

[0066] In the following, Figure 6 The first segment element 211 and the second segment element 212 are described in more detail in FIG.

[0067] In addition, according to the comparative example, the conventional support member 200 arranged on the bottom of the display panel PN of the display device 100 and overlapping the foldable area FA includes a lattice portion. In the lattice portion, the flexible metal rods are regularly arranged and there is a boundary area of ​​holes between the flexible metal rods, so the lattice portion can be easily deformed in a folded state and the impact resistance can be reduced. As described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the display device 100 may include the support member 200 including the first segment element 211 and the second segment element 212, the impact resistance can be increased compared to the case of including the conventional support member 200 including the lattice portion arranged on the bottom of the display panel PN and overlapping the foldable area FA according to the comparative example.

[0068] The base film 300 may be disposed on the blocking member 420. For example, the base film 300 may be disposed under the blocking member 420. In addition, the base film 300 may be disposed adjacent to the first segment element 211 and the second segment element 212 in the third direction DR3. For example, the base film 300 may be disposed adjacent to the surfaces of the first segment element 211 and the second segment element 212 in the third direction DR3. For example, the base film 300 may be disposed on the segment element 210. Therefore, fatigue resistance may be improved by preventing creases and / or indentations from occurring in the foldable area FA of the display device 100. In addition, foreign matter or particles may be prevented from entering from the outside.

[0069] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base film 300 may include a silicon-based material.

[0070] The second adhesive member 520 may be arranged between the blocking member 420 and the flat portion 220. The second adhesive member 520 may include a third adhesive member 520a and a fourth adhesive member 520b spaced apart from each other. For example, the third adhesive member 520a and the fourth adhesive member 520b may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. For example, each of the third adhesive member 520a and the fourth adhesive member 520b may not overlap with the foldable area FA. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The third adhesive member 520a may attach the blocking member 420 and the first flat portion 220a to each other, and the fourth adhesive member 520b may attach the blocking member 420 and the second flat portion 220b to each other.

[0071] For example, the second adhesive member 520 may include an optically clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a photocurable resin, a thermosetting resin, etc. These materials may be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0072] The first heat dissipation member 610 and the second heat dissipation member 620 may be arranged on the flat portion 220. For example, the first heat dissipation member 610 and the second heat dissipation member 620 may be arranged below the flat portion 220. The first heat dissipation member 610 and the first flat portion 220a may be positioned adjacent to each other. The second heat dissipation member 620 and the second flat portion 220b may be positioned adjacent to each other.

[0073] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 An enlarged plan view of multiple segmented elements.

[0074] refer to Figure 6 In the embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of first sectional elements 211 may include a plurality of first protrusions 211a protruding from the first surface S1 of each of the plurality of first sectional elements 211 in the second direction DR2 and a plurality of first recesses 211b recessed from the second surface S2 opposite to the first surface S1 of each of the plurality of first sectional elements 211. In addition, each of the plurality of second sectional elements 212 may include a plurality of second protrusions 212a protruding from the first surface S3 of each of the plurality of second sectional elements 212 in the second direction DR2 and a plurality of second recesses 212b recessed from the second surface S4 opposite to the first surface S3 of each of the plurality of second sectional elements 212.

[0075] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first protrusion 211a of the first sectional element 211 may be respectively positively coupled and negatively coupled to the second recess 212b of the adjacent second sectional element 212, and the first recess 211b of the first sectional element 211 may be respectively positively coupled and negatively coupled to the second protrusion 212a of another adjacent second sectional element 212. For example, the first protrusion 211a may be inserted into the second recess 212b, and the second protrusion 212a may be inserted into the first recess 211b. In addition, the second protrusion 212a of the second sectional element 212 may be respectively positively coupled and negatively coupled to the first recess 211b of the adjacent first sectional element 211, and the second recess 212b of the second sectional element 212 may be respectively positively coupled and negatively coupled to the first protrusion 211a of another adjacent first sectional element 211. At this time, the first surface S1 of each of the plurality of first sectional elements 211 may face the second surface S4 of the adjacent second sectional element 212. In addition, the second surface S2 of each of the plurality of first sectional elements 211 may face the first surface S3 of the adjacent second sectional element 212 .

[0076] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first and second sectional elements 211 and 212 may extend in the first direction DR1 intersecting the second direction DR2 .

[0077] Figure 7 It is shown in Figure 4 The display device in the unfolded state Figure 4 A plan view of an example of multiple segmenting elements. Figure 8 It is shown in Figure 4 The display device in the folded state Figure 4 A plan view of an example of multiple segmenting elements.

[0078] refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As described above, each of the plurality of first sectional elements 211 may include a first protrusion 211 a and a first recess 211 b , and each of the plurality of second sectional elements 212 may include a second protrusion 212 a and a second recess 212 b .

[0079] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first protrusion 211a may include a first neck end 214a and a first end 213a. The first neck end 214a may be spaced apart from the first surface S1 of the first sectional element 211, and the first end 213a may extend from the first neck end 214 in the second direction DR2. In addition, the second protrusion 212a may include substantially the same structure and shape as the first protrusion 211a. For example, the second protrusion 212a may include a second neck end and a second end. The second neck end may be spaced apart from the first surface S3 of the second sectional element 212, and the second end may extend from the second neck end in the second direction DR2. For example, the second neck end may have a form, shape, and / or configuration similar to or the same as that of the first neck end 214a, and the second end may have a form, shape, and / or configuration similar to or the same as that of the first end 213a.

[0080] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first surface S1 of each of the plurality of first sectional elements 211 may be in contact with or spaced apart from the second surface S4 of the adjacent second sectional element 212. Figure 7 As shown in , when the display device (for example, Figure 1 When the display device 100 is unfolded, the first surface S1 of each of the plurality of first segment elements 211 may contact the second surface S4 of the adjacent second segment element 212. Figure 8As shown in , when the display device 100 is folded, the first surface S1 of each of the plurality of first segment elements 211 may be separated from the second surface S4 of the adjacent second segment element 212. In addition, the second surface S2 of each of the plurality of first segment elements 211 may be in contact with or spaced apart from the first surface S3 of the adjacent second segment element 212.

[0081] At this time, if Figure 7 As shown in , when the display device 100 is unfolded, the first neck end 214a may be a portion spaced apart from the second sectional element 212, the portion being adjacent to each of the plurality of first protrusions 211a of the first sectional element 211 and overlapping with the adjacent second sectional element 212 in the first direction DR1. In addition, the second neck end may be a portion spaced apart from the first sectional element 211, the portion being adjacent to each of the plurality of second protrusions 212a of the second sectional element 212 and overlapping with the adjacent first sectional element 211 in the first direction DR1.

[0082] On the contrary, Figure 8 As shown in , when the display device 100 is folded, the first neck end 214a may be a portion in contact with the second segment element 212, the portion being adjacent to each of the plurality of first protrusions 211a of the first segment element 211 and overlapping with the adjacent second segment element 212 in the first direction DR1. In addition, the second neck end may be a portion in contact with the first segment element 211, the portion being adjacent to each of the plurality of second protrusions 212a of the second segment element 212 and overlapping with the adjacent first segment element 211 in the first direction DR1.

[0083] The length of the first neck end 214a when the display device 100 is unfolded may be the same as the length of the first neck end 214a when the display device 100 is folded. In addition, the length of the second neck end when the display device 100 is unfolded may be the same as the length of the second neck when the display device 100 is folded.

[0084] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in , the first end 213a of each of the plurality of first protrusions 211a may have a circular shape, and the portion of each of the plurality of second recesses 212b that contacts the first end 213a may have a rounded shape. In addition, the second end of each of the plurality of second protrusions 212a may have a circular shape, and the portion of each of the plurality of first recesses 211b that contacts the second end may have a rounded shape.

[0085] Fig. 9 It is shown in Figure 4 The display device in the folded state Figure 4 A plan view of an example of multiple segmenting elements.

[0086] refer to Fig. 9 , each of the first protrusions 211a and the second protrusions 212a of the plurality of segment elements 210 may have different lengths in the second direction DR2 and in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2. At this time, each of the first protrusions 211a and the second protrusions 212a of the plurality of segment elements 210 may have the same length as each other in the first direction DR1 and in a direction opposite to the first direction DR1.

[0087] A length of the first protrusion 211a of the first segment element 211 overlapping the center of the foldable area FA in the second direction DR2 and a length of the first protrusion 211a of the first segment element 211 overlapping the edge of the foldable area FA in the second direction DR2 may be different from each other.

[0088] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the length of the first protrusion 211a of the first segment element 211 overlapping the center of the foldable area FA in the second direction DR2 may be smaller than the length of the first protrusion 211a of the first segment element 211 overlapping the edge of the foldable area FA in the second direction DR2.

[0089] In addition, a length of the second protrusion 212a of the second segment element 212 overlapping the center of the foldable area FA in the second direction DR2 and a length of the second protrusion 212a of the second segment element 212 overlapping the edge of the foldable area FA in the second direction DR2 may be different from each other.

[0090] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the length of the second protrusion 212a of the second sectional element 212 overlapping the center of the foldable area FA in the second direction DR2 may be smaller than the length of the second protrusion 212a of the second sectional element 212 overlapping the edge of the foldable area FA in the second direction DR2.

[0091] A length of each of the first and second neck ends 214a and 214b overlapping the center of the foldable area FA and a length of each of the first and second neck ends 214a and 214b overlapping the edge of the foldable area FA in the second direction DR2 may be different from each other.

[0092] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first length T1 of each of the first neck end 214a and the second neck end overlapping the center of the foldable area FA in the second direction DR2 may be smaller than a second length T2 of each of the first neck end 214a and the second neck end overlapping the edge of the foldable area FA in the second direction DR2.

[0093] In addition, when one side of the display device 100 in the foldable area FA is folded as shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 When the display device 100 is bent as shown in , the bending degree of the bend may be a strain rate. The total strain rate may refer to the degree to which the display device 100 is deformed in the entire foldable area FA when the display device 100 is folded. When the display device 100 is folded, the strain rates of the center of the foldable area FA and the edge of the foldable area FA may be different from each other. Generally, since the center of the foldable area FA may be more curved than the edge of the foldable area FA, the strain rate of the center of the foldable area FA may be greater than the strain rate of the edge of the foldable area FA.

[0094] If the strain rate at the center of the foldable area FA is large, plastic deformation may increase and folding marks may increase in the foldable area FA of the display device 100. If the strain rate at the center of the foldable area FA is small, plastic deformation may decrease and folding marks may decrease in the foldable area FA of the display device 100.

[0095] As described above, the length of each of the first neck end 214a and the second neck end overlapping the center of the foldable area FA in the second direction DR2 may be less than the length of each of the first neck end 214a and the second neck end overlapping the edge of the foldable area FA in the second direction DR2. Therefore, the impact resistance can be increased by reducing the strain rate of the center of the foldable area FA while maintaining the total strain rate of the display device 100. In addition, the folding mark in the foldable area FA of the display device 100 can be reduced by reducing the plastic deformation of the support member 200 at the center of the foldable area FA.

[0096] Fig.10 It is a graphic Figure 4 sectional view of an example of a first segmenting element, a second segmenting element, and a base membrane. Fig.11 It is a graphic Figure 4 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another example of a first segment element, a second segment element, and a base membrane.

[0097] refer to Fig.10 In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base film 300 may be arranged on the first segment element 211 and the second segment element 212 in the third direction DR3. For example, the base film 300 may be disposed on the first segment element 211 facing the display panel (eg, Figure 4 The first surface S1 of the display panel PN) and the second segment element 212 facing the display panel (eg, Figure 4 For example, the first surface S1 of the first segment element 211 and the first surface S3 of the second segment element 212 may be coplanar or substantially coplanar.

[0098] refer to Fig.11In an embodiment, the base film 300 may be disposed on the second surface S2 of the first sectional element 211 opposite to the first surface S1 in the third direction DR3 and on the second surface S4 of the second sectional element 212 opposite to the first surface S3 in the third direction DR3. For example, the base film 300 may be in contact with the second surface S2 of the first sectional element 211 and the second surface S4 of the second sectional element 212. For example, the second surface S2 of the first sectional element 211 and the second surface S4 of the second sectional element 212 may be coplanar or substantially coplanar.

[0099] Fig.12 It is a graphic Figure 4 A plan view of an example of a first segmenting element and a second segmenting element. Fig.13 It is a graphic Figure 4 A plan view of an example of a first segmenting element and a second segmenting element. Fig.14 It is a graphic Figure 4 A plan view of an example of a first segmenting element and a second segmenting element. Fig.15 It is a graphic Figure 4 A plan view of an example of a first segmenting element and a second segmenting element. For example, Figures 12 to 15 2 is a plan view illustrating the first sectional element 211 and the second sectional element 212 .

[0100] refer to Fig.12 , Fig.13 , Fig.14 and Fig.15 , the first end 213a of the first protrusion 211a may include various shapes. In addition, the portion of the second recess 212b that contacts the first end 213a may include a straight line or a curve on a plane. However, the second end of the second protrusion 212a may have the same or substantially the same shape and structure as the first end 213a of the first protrusion 211a. In addition, the first recess 211b may have the same or substantially the same shape and structure as the second recess 212b.

[0101] like Fig.12 As shown in, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first end 213a of the first protrusion 211a may have a circular planar shape, and the portion of the second recess 212b in contact with the first end 213a may have a rounded planar shape. In addition, the second end of the second protrusion 212a may have a circular planar shape, and the portion of the first recess 211b in contact with the second end may have a rounded planar shape.

[0102] In addition, the first end 213 a of the first protrusion 211 a and the second end of the second protrusion 212 b and the first recess 211 b and the second recess 212 b may have various polygonal planar shapes, respectively.

[0103] like Fig.13 As shown in , the first end 213a of the first protrusion 211a may have a rectangular planar shape, and the portion of the second recess 212b that contacts the first end 213b may have a rectangular planar shape. In addition, the second end of the second protrusion 212a may have a rectangular planar shape, and the portion of the first recess 211b that contacts the second end may have a rectangular planar shape. Therefore, when the display device 100 is repeatedly folded, noise generated due to friction between a plurality of adjacent segment elements 210 may be reduced.

[0104] like Fig.14 As shown in , in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first end 213a of the first protrusion 211a may have an asymmetric rectangular shape relative to an imaginary center line L1 passing through the center of the first neck end 214a in the second direction DR2. For example, the center of the first end 213a may not be aligned with the imaginary center line L1. In addition, the portion of the second recess 212b that contacts the first end 213a may have an asymmetric rectangular shape.

[0105] The second end of the second protrusion 212a may have an asymmetrical rectangular shape with respect to an imaginary center line passing through the center of the second neck end. In addition, a portion of the first recess 211b that contacts the second end may have an asymmetrical rectangular shape. The imaginary center line passing through the center of the second neck end may have an asymmetrical rectangular shape. Fig.14 The virtual center line L1 shown in FIG. 2 is at the same or substantially the same position as that in FIG.

[0106] like Fig.15 As shown in , the first end 213a of the first protrusion 211a may have a trapezoidal plan shape, and the portion of the second recess 212b that contacts the first end 213a may have a trapezoidal plan shape. In addition, the second end of the second protrusion 212a may have a trapezoidal plan shape, and the portion of the first recess 211b that contacts the second end may have a trapezoidal plan shape.

[0107] The display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to a display device included in, for example, a computer, a notebook, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a smart tablet, a PMP, a PDA, an MP3 player, and the like.

[0108] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the 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 and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A foldable display device, characterized in that: include: A display panel, the display panel comprising a non-folding area and a foldable area adjacent to the non-folding area; a supporting member, the supporting member being arranged on the display panel and comprising: a flat portion, the flat portion overlapping the non-folding area; a plurality of first segment elements overlapping the foldable region; and a plurality of second segment elements overlapping the foldable region and respectively coupled to the plurality of first segment elements; and A base film is arranged on one surface of each of the plurality of first sectional elements and the plurality of second sectional elements.

2. The foldable display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of first segment elements comprises: a plurality of first protrusions protruding from a first surface of each of the plurality of first sectional elements; and a plurality of first recesses recessed from a second surface of each of the plurality of first sectional elements opposite to the first surface, and Wherein, each of the plurality of second segment elements comprises: a plurality of second protrusions protruding from the first surface of each of the plurality of second sectional elements; and A plurality of second recesses are recessed from a second surface of each of the plurality of second sectional elements that is opposite to the first surface.

3. The foldable display device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The plurality of first segment elements and the plurality of second segment elements are arranged alternately.

4. The foldable display device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The plurality of first protrusions of a first segment element among the plurality of first segment elements are respectively coupled to the plurality of second recesses of an adjacent second segment element among the plurality of second segment elements, and The plurality of first recesses of the first segment element are respectively coupled to the plurality of second protrusions of another adjacent second segment element among the plurality of second segment elements.

5. The foldable display device according to claim 2, characterized in that: One end of each of the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions is asymmetric with respect to a center line passing through the center of the corresponding first protrusion and the second protrusion.

6. The foldable display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base film is in contact with first surfaces of the plurality of first segment elements facing the display panel and first surfaces of the plurality of second segment elements facing the display panel.

7. The foldable display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base film contacts a second surface opposite to a first surface of each of the plurality of first segment elements and the plurality of second segment elements, wherein the first surface faces the display panel.

8. A foldable display device, characterized in that: include: A display panel, the display panel comprising a non-folding area and a foldable area adjacent to the non-folding area; a supporting member disposed below the display panel and comprising: a flat portion, the flat portion overlapping the non-folding area; a plurality of first segment elements overlapping the foldable region and comprising a plurality of first protrusions protruding from a first surface of the plurality of first segment elements and having lengths different from each other in a first direction; and a plurality of second segment elements overlapping the foldable region and arranged alternately with the plurality of first segment elements along the first direction, wherein the plurality of second segment elements include a plurality of second protrusions protruding from first surfaces of the plurality of second segment elements and having lengths different from each other in the first direction, wherein the plurality of second segment elements are respectively coupled to the plurality of first segment elements; and A base film is disposed on each of the plurality of first segment elements and the plurality of second segment elements.

9. The foldable display device according to claim 8, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of first sectional elements further includes a plurality of first recesses recessed from a second surface of each of the plurality of first sectional elements opposite to the first surface, wherein each of the plurality of second sectional elements further comprises a plurality of second recesses, the plurality of second recesses being recessed from a second surface of each of the plurality of second sectional elements opposite to the first surface, wherein the plurality of first protrusions of a first segmenting element among the plurality of first segmenting elements are respectively positively coupled and negatively coupled to the plurality of second recesses of an adjacent second segmenting element among the plurality of second segmenting elements, and The plurality of first recesses of the first segmenting element are respectively positively coupled and negatively coupled to the plurality of second protrusions of another adjacent second segmenting element among the plurality of second segmenting elements.

10. The foldable display device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The length of each of the plurality of first protrusions overlapping the center of the foldable region in the first direction is smaller than the length of each of the plurality of first protrusions overlapping the edge of the foldable region in the first direction, and Wherein, a length of each of the plurality of second protrusions overlapping the center of the foldable region in the first direction is smaller than a length of each of the plurality of second protrusions overlapping the edge of the foldable region in the first direction.

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