Display device

Abstract

Provided is a display device including: a display panel including a first non-folding area, a folding area, and a second non-folding area sequentially arranged in a first direction; a first metal plate including a plurality of holes overlapping the folding area on a plane, and disposed below the display panel; the second metal plate is arranged below the first metal plate; and an adhesive layer disposed between the first metal plate and the second metal plate, in which at least one of a lower surface of the first metal plate and an upper surface of the second metal plate includes a groove overlapping the first non-folded region and the second non-folded region in a plane, in which the adhesive layer is disposed, the surface quality and the folding reliability of the display device can be ensured.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0067044, filed on May 24, 2023, and all rights arising therefrom, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device including a first metal plate and a second metal plate. Background Art

[0004] Electronic devices that provide images to users, such as smart phones, digital cameras, laptop computers, navigation systems, and smart TVs, include a display device for displaying images. The display device generates images and provides the images to the outside of the display device, such as to the user, through a display screen of the display device.

[0005] As the technology of display devices develops, display devices of various shapes are being developed. For example, various display devices that can be deformed into a shape with a curved surface, can be folded, or can be rolled are being developed. The deformable display device is easy to carry and can improve the convenience of users using the display device.

[0006] The flexible display device may include a flexible display panel and a support plate disposed below the display panel. A plurality of holes for facilitating folding of the flexible display device may be defined in the support plate. Utility Model Content

[0007] The present disclosure provides a display device having improved surface quality and folding reliability.

[0008] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a display device, comprising: a display panel, comprising a first non-folding area, a folding area, and a second non-folding area arranged sequentially along a first direction; a first metal plate, comprising (or defining) a hole overlapping with the folding area on a plane, and arranged below the display panel; a second metal plate, arranged below the first metal plate; and an adhesive layer, arranged between the first metal plate and the second metal plate, wherein: the first metal plate comprises a lower surface adjacent to the second metal plate; and the second metal plate comprises an upper surface adjacent to the first metal plate, wherein at least one of the lower surface of the first metal plate and the upper surface of the second metal plate comprises a groove overlapping with the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area on a plane, wherein the adhesive layer is arranged in the groove.

[0009] In an embodiment, a second metal plate that overlaps the folding region in plane may be disposed directly below the first metal plate.

[0010] In an embodiment, the second metal plate may include a 2-1 metal plate overlapping the first unfolded region in plane, and a 2-2 metal plate overlapping the second unfolded region in plane, wherein the 2-1 metal plate and the 2-2 metal plate may be spaced apart by a first width in the first direction.

[0011] In an embodiment, the adhesive layer may not overlap with the folding area in a plane; and the adhesive layer may include a first adhesive layer overlapping with the first non-folding area in a plane and a second adhesive layer overlapping with the second non-folding area in a plane, wherein the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer may be separated by a second width in a first direction, and the second width is greater than the first width.

[0012] In an embodiment, the adhesive layer may include spacer particles and a thermosetting resin.

[0013] In an embodiment, the lower surface of the first metal plate may include a groove and a flat surface on which the groove is not provided.

[0014] In an embodiment, a portion of the second metal plate that overlaps with the groove of the first metal plate in plane can be disposed below the first metal plate with an adhesive layer interposed therebetween; and another portion of the second metal plate that overlaps with the flat surface of the first metal plate in plane can be disposed directly below the first metal plate.

[0015] In an embodiment, the upper surface of the second metal plate may include a groove and a flat surface on which the groove is not provided.

[0016] In an embodiment, a portion of the first metal plate that overlaps with the groove of the second metal plate in plane can be disposed above the second metal plate with an adhesive layer interposed therebetween; and another portion of the first metal plate that overlaps with the flat surface of the second metal plate in plane can be disposed directly above the second metal plate.

[0017] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a window disposed above the display panel.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display panel includes a first non-folding area, a folding area, and a second non-folding area arranged sequentially along a first direction; a first metal plate including a plurality of holes overlapping with the folding area in a plane and disposed below the display panel; a second metal plate disposed below the first metal plate; and an adhesive layer disposed between the first metal plate and the second metal plate, wherein the first metal plate includes an adhesive portion overlapping with the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area in a plane, and a non-adhesive portion overlapping with the folding area in a plane; and the non-adhesive portion of the first metal plate is directly disposed above the second metal plate, and the adhesive portion of the first metal plate is disposed above the second metal plate with the adhesive layer interposed therebetween.

[0019] In an embodiment, the second metal plate may include a 2-1 metal plate overlapping the first unfolded region in plane, and a 2-2 metal plate overlapping the second unfolded region in plane, wherein the 2-1 metal plate and the 2-2 metal plate may be spaced apart by a first width in the first direction.

[0020] In an embodiment, the adhesive layer may not overlap with the folding area in a plane; and the adhesive layer may include a first adhesive layer overlapping with the first non-folding area in a plane and a second adhesive layer overlapping with the second non-folding area in a plane, wherein the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer may be separated by a second width in a first direction, and the second width is greater than the first width.

[0021] In an embodiment, the adhesive layer may include spacer particles and a thermosetting resin.

[0022] In an embodiment, the first metal plate may include a lower surface adjacent to the second metal plate, and a groove may be defined on the lower surface corresponding to the adhesive portion of the first metal plate, wherein the adhesive layer may be disposed in the groove of the first metal plate.

[0023] In an embodiment, a flat surface may be defined on a lower surface corresponding to a non-adhesive portion of the first metal plate.

[0024] In an embodiment, a lower surface contacting the second metal plate may be defined on the adhesive layer, wherein the flat surface of the first metal plate and the lower surface of the adhesive layer may be disposed on the same plane.

[0025] In an embodiment, the second metal plate may include an upper surface adjacent to the first metal plate, wherein a groove may be defined on the upper surface of the second metal plate corresponding in plane to the adhesive portion of the first metal plate, wherein the adhesive layer may be disposed in the groove of the second metal plate.

[0026] In an embodiment, a flat surface may be defined on an upper surface of the second metal plate corresponding in plane to a non-adhesive portion of the first metal plate.

[0027] In an embodiment, an upper surface contacting the first metal plate may be defined on the adhesive layer, wherein the flat surface of the second metal plate and the upper surface of the adhesive layer may be disposed on the same plane. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 6 is a plan view of a display module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 7B is a perspective view of a display module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 7C is an enlarged plan view of a display module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Fig. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 8B is a perspective view of a display module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0041] Fig.10 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 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 can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, 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. The same reference numerals represent the same elements. In the drawings and text of the present disclosure, the reference numerals indicating the elements in the singular form may also be used to represent multiple singular elements. In addition, in the drawings, in order to effectively describe the technical content, the thickness, proportion and size of the elements are exaggerated.

[0043] In the present disclosure, when an element (or region, layer, part, etc.) is referred to as being associated with another element, such as "on" another element, "connected to" another element, or "coupled to" another element, this means that the element may be directly disposed on / directly connected to / directly coupled to another element, or a third element may be disposed between them. Conversely, when an element (or region, layer, part, etc.) is referred to as being associated with another element, such as "directly on" another element, "directly connected to" another element, or "directly coupled to" another element, this means that a third element is not disposed between them.

[0044] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing a particular embodiment, and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, "one", "said", and "at least one" do not represent a limit to quantity, and are intended to include both the singular and the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Therefore, in the claims, mentioning "one" element followed by "said" element includes one element and multiple elements. 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". The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations that can limit one or more related elements.

[0045] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and a second element may also be referred to as a first element in a similar manner. Terms in the singular may include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0046] In addition, terms such as "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. are used to describe the relationship of elements shown in the drawings. These terms are used as relative concepts and are described with reference to directions indicated in the drawings.

[0047] It should be understood that the terms “including” or “having” in the present disclosure are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof.

[0048] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation of the particular value 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 and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0050] Embodiments are described herein with reference to schematically illustrated cross-sectional views as idealized embodiments. Thus, deviations from the illustrated shapes due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are expected. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific shapes of the regions as shown herein, but will include shape deviations, for example, 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 represent 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 an electronic device EDE in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device EDE in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] refer to Figure 1and Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device EDE may include a display surface DS in a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. The electronic device EDE may provide an image IM to the outside of the electronic display device (eg, the electronic device EDE), such as to a user, through the display surface DS.

[0054] The display surface DS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA adjacent to the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may extend around the display area DA in a plan view. The display area DA may display an image IM, and the non-display area NDA may not display the image IM. In a plan view, the non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the shape of the display area DA and the shape of the non-display area NDA may be changed.

[0055] Hereinafter, a direction intersecting a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 intersecting each other is defined as a third direction DR3. The first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 may be respectively and substantially perpendicular to each other, but are not limited thereto. In addition, in the present disclosure, "on a plane" may be defined as a state observed in the third direction DR3. The electronic display device and its various components or layers may have a thickness defined along the third direction DR3 to define a thickness direction.

[0056] In the display area DA of the electronic device EDE, a sensor area ED-SA may be defined as a sensing area. Figure 1 One sensor area ED-SA is exemplarily shown, but the number of sensor areas ED-SA is not limited thereto. The sensor area ED-SA may be a part of the display area DA. That is, the plane area of ​​the sensor area ED-SA may be a part of the entire plane area of ​​the display area DA. Therefore, the electronic device EDE may display the image IM through the sensor area ED-SA. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the display panel DP (see Figure 3 )'s components, layers, etc. corresponding to the sensor area ED-SA, so that the sensor area ED-SA may not display the image IM.

[0057] In the area overlapping with the sensor area ED-SA, an electronic module that provides functions to the electronic display device may be provided. The electronic module may receive external input from outside the electronic display device and transmit it through the sensor area ED-SA, or may provide output to the outside of the electronic display device through the sensor area ED-SA. For example, the electronic module may be a camera module CMM for capturing external images (see Figure 3), a sensor for measuring a distance (such as a proximity sensor for sensing an external object and a distance from the electronic display device), a sensor for recognizing a body part (for example, a body part of a user such as a fingerprint, an iris, or a face) for use as a biometric function, or a small lamp for outputting light, but is not particularly limited thereto. Hereinafter, an example in which the electronic module overlapping the sensor area ED-SA is a camera module CMM will be described.

[0058] The electronic device EDE may include a folding area FA, and a plurality of non-folding areas (including a plurality of non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2). The non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 may include a first non-folding area NFA1 and a second non-folding area NFA2. The folding area FA may be arranged between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. The folding area FA may be referred to as a foldable area, at which the electronic display device and its various components or layers are foldable, and the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be referred to as a first non-foldable area and a second non-foldable area, at which the electronic display device and its various components or layers are non-foldable, or remain substantially flat even when the electronic display device is folded at the folding area FA. One or more components or layers of the electronic display device may be foldable together, bendable together, curlable together, etc.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the folding area FA may be foldable relative to a folding axis FX parallel to the second direction DR2. In a state where the electronic device EDE is folded, the folding area FA may have a predetermined curvature and a predetermined radius of curvature. The first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may face each other in the folded electronic display device. Here, the electronic device EDE may be folded inwardly (or folded inwardly) so that portions of the display surface DS face each other and are not exposed to the outside.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device EDE may be folded outward (or folded outward) so that portions of the display surface DS face in directions away from each other to be exposed to the outside (e.g., the outside of the electronic display device). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device EDE may be folded inward or outward from an unfolded or flat initial state, but is not limited thereto. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device EDE may be configured to perform one or more operations among an unfolding operation, an inward folding operation, and an outward folding operation. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of folding axes are defined in the electronic device EDE, and the electronic device EDE may be folded inward or outward from an unfolding operation relative to each of the plurality of folding axes.

[0061] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device EDE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a block diagram of an electronic device EDE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The electronic device EDE may include a display device DD, a first electronic module EM1, a second electronic module EM2, a power module PM, and housings EDC1 and EDC2. The electronic device EDE may further include a device structure or a folding controller for controlling a folding operation of the display device DD.

[0063] The display device DD may include a window module WM and a display module DM. The window module WM may provide a front surface of the electronic device EDE. The display module DM may include at least one display panel DP. The display module DM may generate an image and / or may sense an external input.

[0064] Figure 3 The display module DM is shown to be essentially the same element as the display panel DP, but basically, the display module DM may be a stacked structure in which a plurality of components including the display panel DP are stacked to form the display module DM. The stacked structure of the display module DM will be described in detail later.

[0065] The display panel DP may include display areas DA (see Figure 1 ) and non-display area NDA (see Figure 1 ) corresponds to a display area DP-DA (e.g., a display area having a plane area) and a non-display area DP-NDA (e.g., a non-display area having a plane area). In the present disclosure, when "a region / portion corresponds to another region / portion", this means that the region / portion overlaps with the other region / portion, and these regions / portions are not limited to having the same area (e.g., plane area). For example, when "corresponding" is used, a portion of one element may be aligned with a portion of another element along the thickness direction, but is not limited thereto.

[0066] The display area DP-DA may include a first area A1 and a second area A2. The first area A1 may be aligned with the sensor area ED-SA (see FIG. Figure 1) overlap or correspond. In the present embodiment, the first area A1 is shown as a circular shape, but may have various planar shapes, such as a polygon, an ellipse, a figure with at least one curved side, or an irregular shape, and is not limited to any one embodiment. The first area A1 may be referred to as a component area, and the second area A2 may be referred to as a main display area or a normal display area. The planar area of ​​the first area A1 may form a portion of the entire planar area of ​​the second area A2.

[0067] The first area A1 may have a higher transmittance (e.g., high light transmittance) than the second area A2. Optionally, the resolution of the first area A1 may be lower than that of the second area A2, but is not limited thereto. For example, the first area A1 has a higher transmittance than the second area A2, but the resolution of the first area A1 may be substantially the same as that of the second area A2. The first area A1 may overlap with the camera module CMM to be described later. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a portion of one or more components, layers, etc. within the display panel DP and overlapping with the first area A1 may be removed. Therefore, the image IM may not be displayed in the first area A1, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] The display panel DP may include a display layer 100 (eg, an image display layer) and a sensor layer 200 .

[0069] The display layer 100 may be a component or a collection thereof that substantially generates the image IM. The display layer 100 may be a light-emitting display layer. Here, for example, the display layer 100 may be an organic light-emitting display layer (e.g., an organic LED layer), an inorganic light-emitting display layer, an organic-inorganic light-emitting display layer, a quantum dot display layer, a micron LED display layer, or a nano LED display layer.

[0070] The sensor layer 200 may be disposed on the display layer 100. The sensor layer 200 may sense an external input applied from the outside. The external input may be a user input from a user. The user input may include various forms of external input such as light, heat, pressure, proximity, etc. The external input may be applied from an input tool such as a part of the user's body, a pen, an external object, etc.

[0071] The display module DM may further include an anti-reflection layer (not shown) disposed on the sensor layer 200. During the manufacture (or provision) of the display module DM, the anti-reflection layer may be directly formed on the sensor layer 200. The anti-reflection layer may be defined as an external light anti-reflection film. The anti-reflection layer may reduce the reflectivity of external light incident from above (e.g., a portion of the outside) of the display device DD toward the display panel DP.

[0072] Exemplarily, the sensor layer 200 may be directly formed on the display layer 100, and the anti-reflection layer may be directly formed on the sensor layer 200, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the sensor layer 200 may be manufactured or provided separately and then attached to the display layer 100 through a separate element such as an adhesive layer, and the anti-reflection layer may be manufactured or provided separately and then attached to the sensor layer 200 through an adhesive layer.

[0073] The display module DM may include a data driver DDV disposed in the non-display area NDA, such as being connected to the display panel DP at its non-display area. The display module DM may also include a flexible circuit film FCB coupled to the non-display area DP-NDA, such as being coupled to the display panel DP at its non-display area.

[0074] The data driver DDV may include a pixel PX for driving the display panel DP (see Figure 6 ) driving elements, such as data driving circuits. Figure 3 A structure in which the data driver DDV is mounted on the display panel DP is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the data driver DDV may be mounted on a flexible circuit film FCB.

[0075] The power module PM may provide power required for the entire operation of the electronic device EDE. The power module PM may include a typical battery module.

[0076] The first electronic module EM1 and the second electronic module EM2 may include various functional modules for operating the electronic device EDE. Each of the first electronic module EM1 and the second electronic module EM2 may be directly mounted on a motherboard electrically connected to the display panel DP, or may be mounted on a separate substrate and electrically connected to the motherboard through a connector (not shown) or the like.

[0077] The first electronic module EM1 may include a control module CM, a wireless communication module TM, an image input module IIM, a sound input module AIM, a memory MM, and an external interface IF.

[0078] The control module CM may control the overall operation of the electronic device EDE (e.g., a controller). The control module CM may be a microprocessor. For example, the control module CM activates or deactivates the display panel DP. The control module CM may control other modules such as the image input module IIM or the sound input module AIM based on external inputs such as touch signals received from the display panel DP.

[0079] The wireless communication module TM can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN))). The communication module included in the wireless communication module TM may be integrated into one component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips) separated from each other. The wireless communication module TM may transmit / receive voice signals using a general communication line. The wireless communication module TM may include: a transmission unit TM1 for modulating and transmitting a signal to be transmitted; and a receiving unit TM2 for demodulating a received signal.

[0080] The image input module IIM can process image signals and convert the processed image signals into image data that can be displayed on the display panel DP. The sound input module AIM can receive external sound signals through a microphone in a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, etc., and convert the received external sound signals into electrical voice data.

[0081] The external interface IF may include a connector capable of physically connecting the electronic device EDE and an external electronic device to each other. For example, the external interface IF may be used as an interface connected to an external charger, a wired / wireless data port, a card (e.g., a memory card, a SIM / UIM card) slot, etc.

[0082] The second electronic module EM2 may include an audio output module AOM, a light transmitting module LTM, a light receiving module LRM and a camera module CMM. The audio output module AOM may convert audio data received from the wireless communication module TM or audio data stored in the memory MM and output the converted audio data to the outside.

[0083] The light transmitting module LTM can generate and output light. The light transmitting module LTM can output infrared rays. The light transmitting module LTM may include an LED element. The light receiving module LRM can sense infrared rays. When infrared rays of a predetermined level or higher are sensed, the light receiving module LRM may be activated. The light receiving module LRM may include a CMOS sensor. After the infrared light generated in the light transmitting module LTM is output, the infrared light is reflected by an external object (e.g., a body part, an external object, etc.), and the reflected infrared light may be incident on the light receiving module LRM.

[0084] The camera module CMM can capture still images and moving images. The camera module CMM can be set in multiple. Some of the camera modules CMM can overlap with the first area A1. External input (e.g., light) can be provided to the camera module CMM through the first area A1. For example, the camera module CMM can capture external images by receiving natural light from outside the electronic display device via the first area A1.

[0085] The housings EDC1 and EDC2 may provide a storage space in which the display module DM, the first and second electronic modules EM1 and EM2, and the power module PM are accommodated. The housings EDC1 and EDC2 may protect the components accommodated in the housings EDC1 and EDC2 (such as the display module DM, the first and second electronic modules EM1 and EM2, the power module PM, etc.) from impacts from the external environment, etc. Figure 3 The two shells EDC1 and EDC2 separated (or disconnected) from each other are exemplarily shown, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Although not shown, the electronic device EDE may further include a hinge structure for connecting the two shells EDC1 and EDC2. The shells EDC1 and EDC2 may be connected to the window module WM.

[0086] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] Figure 5 It is shown as an example Figure 3 and Figure 4 The display panel DP is shown, and the sensor layer 200 is omitted, and the display layer 100 is shown.

[0088] refer to Figure 5 The display panel DP may include a display area DP-DA and a non-display area DP-NDA around the display area DP-DA. The display panel DP may include a base layer BS, a circuit layer CL, a light emitting element layer OLED, and an encapsulation layer TFE.

[0089] The base layer BS may provide a base surface on which the circuit layer CL is disposed. The base layer BS may be a flexible substrate that can be bent, folded, curled, etc. The base layer BS may include a plastic substrate, a glass substrate, a metal substrate, an organic / inorganic composite material substrate, etc. The base layer BS may have a multilayer structure. For example, the base layer BS may include an inorganic layer, a synthetic resin layer, or a composite material layer.

[0090] The circuit layer CL may be disposed on the base layer BS. The circuit layer CL may include at least one insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, and a conductive pattern. The insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer are formed (or provided) by coating, deposition, etc., and then the insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer are patterned by multiple photolithography to form the insulating layer, the semiconductor pattern, and the conductive pattern of the circuit layer CL. The insulating layer, the semiconductor pattern, and the conductive pattern included in the circuit layer CL may form driving elements such as transistors, signal lines, and pads PD in the circuit layer CL (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0091] The light emitting element layer OLED may be disposed on the circuit layer CL. The light emitting element layer OLED may include a light emitting element. The light emitting element of the light emitting element layer OLED may be electrically connected to the driving element of the circuit layer CL and may generate light according to a signal provided by the driving element.

[0092] The encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the light emitting element layer OLED and may encapsulate the light emitting element. The encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one thin film for improving the optical efficiency of the light emitting element layer OLED or for protecting the light emitting element layer OLED. The encapsulation layer TFE may protect the light emitting element layer OLED from moisture, oxygen, and external foreign matter.

[0093] Figure 6 is a plan view of a display module DM according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] refer to Figure 6 , the display module DM may include a display panel DP, a scan driver SDV, a data driver DDV, and an emission driver EDV.

[0095] The display panel DP may include a first area AA1, a second area AA2, and a bending area BA therebetween. The bending area BA may have a major dimension extending in the second direction DR2 and may be sequentially arranged along the first direction DR1.

[0096] The first area AA1 may include a display area DP-DA and a non-display area DP-NDA around the display area DP-DA. The non-display area DP-NDA may surround the display area DP-DA. The display area DP-DA may be an area (or a plane area) where an image IM is displayed, and the non-display area DP-NDA may be an area where the image IM is not displayed. The second area AA2 and the bending area BA may be areas where the image IM is not displayed, such as to form a part of the non-display area of ​​the display panel DP.

[0097] The first area AA1 may include a first non-folding area NFA1, a second non-folding area NFA2, and a folding area FA between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0098] The display panel DP may include: a pixel PX, which is arranged in a plurality, including a plurality of pixels PX; a scan line, which is arranged in a plurality, including a plurality of scan lines SL1 to SLm; a data line, which is arranged in a plurality, including a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLn; an emission line, which is arranged in a plurality, including a plurality of emission lines EL1 to ELm; a first control line CSL1 and a second control line CSL2; a power line PL; a connection line CNL, which is arranged in a plurality, including a plurality of connection lines CNL; and a pad PD, which is arranged in a plurality, including a plurality of pads PD. Here, "m" and "n" are natural numbers greater than 0. The pixel PX is arranged in the display area DP-DA and may be connected to corresponding signal lines among the scan lines SL1 to SLm, the data lines DL1 to DLn, and the emission lines EL1 to ELm, respectively.

[0099] The scan driver SDV and the emission driver EDV may be disposed in the non-display area DP-NDA. The scan driver SDV and the emission driver EDV may be disposed in portions of the non-display area DP-NDA adjacent to opposite sides of the first area AA1, respectively, which are opposite to each other along the second direction DR2. The data driver DDV may be disposed in the second area AA2. The data driver DDV may be manufactured in the form of an integrated circuit chip and mounted on the display panel DP at the second area AA2.

[0100] The scan lines SL1 to SLm may extend in the second direction DR2 and be connected to the scan driver SDV. The data lines DL1 to DLn extend in the first direction DR1 and may be connected to the data driver DDV via the signal lines or conductive lines in the bending area BA. The emission lines EL1 to ELm may extend in the second direction DR2 and be connected to the emission driver EDV.

[0101] The power line PL may extend in the first direction DR1 and be disposed in the non-display area DP-NDA. The power line PL may be disposed between the display area DP-DA and the emission driver EDV, but is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the power line PL may be disposed between the display area DP-DA and the scan driver SDV.

[0102] The power line PL may extend to the second area AA2 via the bending area BA. When viewed on a plane, the power line PL may extend from the first area AA1 toward a lower end of the second area AA2. The power line PL may receive a driving voltage.

[0103] The connection line CNL may extend along the second direction DR2 and be arranged along the first direction DR1. The connection line CNL may be connected to the power line PL and the pixel PX. A driving voltage may be applied to the pixel PX through the power line PL and the connection line CNL connected to each other.

[0104] The first control line CSL1 is connected to the scan driver SDV and may extend toward the lower end of the second area AA2 via the bending area BA. The second control line CSL2 is connected to the emission driver EDV and may extend toward the lower end of the second area AA2 via the bending area BA. The data driver DDV may be disposed between the first control line CSL1 and the second control line CSL2.

[0105] The pad PD may be disposed adjacent to a lower end of the second area AA2 when viewed on a plane. The data driver DDV, the power line PL, the first control line CSL1, and the second control line CSL2 may be variously connected to the pad PD.

[0106] The data lines DL1 to DLn may be connected to corresponding pads PD through a data driver DDV. For example, the data lines DL1 to DLn are connected to the data driver DDV, and the data driver DDV may be connected to pads PD respectively corresponding to the data lines DL1 to DLn.

[0107] Although not shown, a printed circuit board as an external component is connected to the display panel DP via a pad PD, and a timing controller and a voltage generator may be provided on the printed circuit board. The timing controller may be manufactured as an integrated circuit chip and mounted on the printed circuit board. The timing controller and the voltage generator may be connected to the display panel DP at the pad PD of the display panel DP through the printed circuit board.

[0108] The timing controller may control the operation of the scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the emission driver EDV. The timing controller may generate electronic signals such as a scan control signal, a data control signal, and an emission control signal in response to other electronic signals such as a control signal received from the outside. The voltage generator may generate a driving voltage.

[0109] The scan control signal may be provided to the scan driver SDV through the first control line CSL1. The emission control signal may be provided to the emission driver EDV through the second control line CSL2. The data control signal may be provided to the data driver DDV. The timing controller receives an image signal from the outside, and may convert the data format of the image signal to match the interface specification of the data driver DDV, and provide the image signal having the converted data format to the data driver DDV.

[0110] The scan driver SDV may generate a plurality of scan signals in response to the scan control signal. The scan signals may be applied to the pixels PX through the scan lines SL1 to SLm. The scan signals may be sequentially applied to the pixels PX.

[0111] The data driver DDV may generate a plurality of data voltages corresponding to the image signal in response to the data control signal. The data voltages may be applied to the pixels PX through the data lines DL1 to DLn. The emission driver EDV may generate a plurality of emission signals in response to the emission control signal. The emission signals may be applied to the pixels PX through the emission lines EL1 to ELm.

[0112] The data voltage may be provided to the pixel PX in response to the scan signal. The pixel PX may display an image by emitting light of brightness corresponding to the data voltage in response to the emission signal. The emission duration of the pixel PX may be controlled by the emission signal.

[0113] Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a display device DD-a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7B is a perspective view of some components of a display module DM-a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7C is an enlarged plan view of a display module DM-a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] Fig. 7A is with Figure 3 An embodiment of a cross section corresponding to line II' of a display device DD. Figure 7B It is shown exemplarily Fig. 7A A three-dimensional view of some components of the display module DM-a. Figure 7C It is shown exemplarily Figure 7B Plan view of section AA.

[0115] refer to Fig. 7A , the display device DD-a may include a window module WM and a display module DM-a facing each other. The display device DD-a may include a second adhesive layer AL2 disposed between the window module WM and the display module DM-a to couple these elements to each other. The display device DD-a may include adhesive layers AL1, AL3, AL4, AL5, and AL6, which are variously disposed between a plurality of layers included in the window module WM or the display module DM-a. In an embodiment, one or more of the adhesive layers AL1, AL3, AL4, AL5, and AL6 may be omitted.

[0116] The adhesive layers AL1 , AL2 , AL3 , AL4 , AL5 , and AL6 may include any one of an optically clear adhesive (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), and a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0117] The window module WM may be disposed on the display module DM-a, such as to face each other in the thickness direction. The window module WM may transmit the image IM provided from the display module DM-a, and at the same time may mitigate external influences on other layers within the display device DD-a. Therefore, the window module WM may prevent the display module DM-a from being damaged or malfunctioning due to external impact.

[0118] The window module WM may include a window WIN, a window protection layer WPL disposed on the window module WM, and a first adhesive layer AL1 disposed between the window WIN and the window protection layer WPL. In an embodiment, one or more of the window protection layer WPL and the first adhesive layer AL1 may be omitted.

[0119] The window WIN may be disposed on the display module DM-a. The window WIN may protect the display module DM-a from external scratches. The window WIN may have an optically transparent property. The window WIN may include glass. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the window WIN may include a synthetic resin film. The window WIN may have a multilayer structure or a single-layer structure. For example, the window WIN may include a plurality of synthetic resin films bonded with an adhesive, or a glass substrate and a synthetic resin film bonded with an adhesive.

[0120] The window protection layer WPL may be disposed on the window WIN. The window protection layer WPL may include a flexible plastic material such as polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate. A hard coating layer (not shown) may be disposed on the window protection layer WPL. The window protection layer WPL may provide an outer surface (e.g., a front surface) of the display device DD-a. The window protection layer WPL may include a thickness portion as a hard coating layer, which provides an outer surface of the display device DD-a at the outermost layer of the window protection layer WPL.

[0121] The display module DM-a may include a display panel DP. The display module DM-a may include a shock absorbing layer DL disposed above the display panel DP. The display module DM-a may include a panel protection layer PF, a barrier layer BL, a first metal plate MP1a, and a second metal plate MP2a disposed below the display panel DP. The display module DM-a may include an adhesive layer ADL disposed between the first metal plate MP1a and the second metal plate MP2a.

[0122] With the above reference Figures 1 to 6 The same contents as described may be applied to the display panel DP.

[0123] The impact absorbing layer DL may be provided on the display panel DP. The impact absorbing layer DL may protect the display panel DP by absorbing external impact applied from above the display device DD-a toward the display panel DP. The impact absorbing layer DL may be in the form of a stretch film. The impact absorbing layer DL may include a flexible plastic material. The flexible plastic material may be defined as a synthetic resin film. For example, the impact absorbing layer DL may include a flexible plastic material such as polyimide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The impact absorbing layer DL may be coupled to the display panel DP via a third adhesive layer AL3.

[0124] The panel protection layer PF may be disposed under the display panel DP. The panel protection layer PF may be disposed under the display panel DP and may protect the lower portion of the display panel DP. The panel protection layer PF may include a flexible plastic material. For example, the panel protection layer PF may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The panel protection layer PF may be coupled to the display panel DP through a fourth adhesive layer AL4.

[0125] The barrier layer BL may be disposed below the panel protection layer PF. The barrier layer BL may increase resistance to the compressive force caused by external pressure. Therefore, the barrier layer BL may be used to prevent deformation of the display panel DP. The barrier layer BL may include a flexible plastic material such as polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate. The barrier layer BL may have a color that absorbs light. For example, the barrier layer BL may be black. In this case, when the display module DM-a is observed from above the display module DM-a, the components disposed below the barrier layer BL may not be visually recognized. The barrier layer BL may be connected to the panel protection layer PF by a fifth adhesive layer AL5.

[0126] The first metal plate MP1a may be disposed below the display panel DP. For example, the first metal plate MP1a may be disposed below the barrier layer BL. The first metal plate MP1a may be coupled to the barrier layer BL through a sixth adhesive layer AL6. The sixth adhesive layer AL6 may include a 6-1 adhesive layer AL6-1 (e.g., a first adhesive pattern) and a 6-2 adhesive layer AL6-2 (e.g., a second adhesive pattern) spaced apart from the 6-1 adhesive layer AL6-1 in the first direction DR1. The 6-1 adhesive layer AL6-1 may couple a portion of the barrier layer BL overlapping the first non-folding area NFA1 and a portion of the first metal plate MP1a to each other, and the 6-2 adhesive layer AL6-2 may couple a portion of the barrier layer BL overlapping the second non-folding area NFA2 and a portion of the first metal plate MP1a to each other.

[0127] The first metal plate MP1a may be disposed under the display panel DP and support the display panel DP. The first metal plate MP1a may be defined as a first supporting plate.

[0128] The first metal plate MP1a includes a metal material. The first metal plate MP1a may include a metal material having a high modulus (e.g., a high elastic modulus). For example, the first metal plate MP1a may include stainless steel. Therefore, the supporting force of the first metal plate MP1a supporting the display panel DP can be improved. The first supporting plate may include a plurality of holes OP defined therein (including a plurality of holes OP). In addition, deformation of a portion of the hole OP corresponding to the folding area FA of the first supporting plate in which the first metal plate MP1a is defined can also be prevented.

[0129] The first metal plate MP1a may include a lower surface MP1-LSa, which is adjacent to (e.g., facing the second metal plate MP2a to be described later or closest to the second metal plate MP2a to be described later). Along the lower surface MP1-LSa of the first metal plate MP1a, a groove MP1-GV and a flat surface MP1-FL may be defined. The groove MP1-GV may be recessed from a plane of the flat surface MP1-FL. Specifically, in order to define the lower surface MP1-LSa of the first metal plate MP1a, a groove MP1-GV overlapping the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be defined. The lower surface of the solid portion of the first support plate defining the hole OP therebetween may form the entire lower surface of the first support plate together with the lower surfaces at both the groove MP1-GV and the flat surface MP1-FL.

[0130] The groove MP1-GV may be formed by an etching process. In addition, at the lower surface MP1-LSa of the first metal plate MP1a, a flat surface MP1-FL overlapping the folding area FA may be defined. The flat surface MP1-FL may be closer to the folding area FA than the groove MP1-GV. The groove MP1-GV may be open in a direction toward the second metal plate MP2a.

[0131] In the groove MP1-GV defined at the lower surface MP1-LSa of the first metal plate MP1a, an adhesive layer ADL described later may be disposed. The adhesive layer ADL may include a first adhesive layer ADL1 (e.g., a first adhesive portion) and a second adhesive layer ADL2 (e.g., a second adhesive portion). The first adhesive layer ADL1 may be disposed in the groove MP1-GV (e.g., a first groove) of the first metal plate MP1a overlapping the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second adhesive layer ADL2 may be disposed in the groove MP1-GV (e.g., a second groove) of the first metal plate MP1a overlapping the second non-folding area NFA2. Since the first metal plate MP1a includes the groove MP1-GV, and the adhesive layers ADL are respectively disposed in the grooves MP1-GV, there may be no partition or step between the first metal plate MP1a and the second metal plate MP2a corresponding to the folding area FA. In an embodiment, the adhesive lower surface of the adhesive layer ADL may be coplanar with the flat surface MP1-FL to effectively fill the step between the lower plate surface at the groove MP1-GV and the lower plate surface at the flat surface MP1-FL with the adhesive layer ADL, but is not limited thereto.

[0132] The second metal plate MP2a may be disposed below the first metal plate MP1a. The second metal plate MP2a includes a metal material. The second metal plate MP2a may include a metal material having a high modulus. For example, the second metal plate MP2a may include stainless steel. Therefore, the supporting force of the second metal plate MP2a supporting the first metal plate MP1a may be improved.

[0133] The second metal plate MP2a may include a 2-1 metal plate MP2-1a and a 2-2 metal plate MP2-2a. The 2-1 metal plate MP2-1a may overlap the first non-folding area NFA1, and the 2-2 metal plate MP2-2a may overlap the second non-folding area NFA2. The 2-1 metal plate MP2-1a and the 2-2 metal plate MP2-2a may be disposed to be spaced apart by a first gap having a first width W1 in the first direction DR1. The second metal plate MP2a may be disconnected by the first gap over the entire length of the second metal plate MP2a defined along the second direction DR2.

[0134] A portion of the second metal plate MP2a corresponding to the groove MP1-GV of the first metal plate MP1a on a plane (e.g., in a plan view) may be disposed below the first metal plate MP1a with the adhesive layer ADL interposed therebetween. The first metal plate MP1a and the adhesive layer ADL may be coplanar with each other. The 2-1 metal plate MP2-1a and the 2-2 metal plate MP2-2a may be coplanar with each other.

[0135] The portion of the second metal plate MP2a corresponding to the groove MP1-GV of the first metal plate MP1a may be coupled to the first metal plate MP1a via an adhesive layer ADL. Specifically, the 2-1 metal plate MP2-1a may be coupled to the first metal plate MP1a via a first adhesive layer ADL1 disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1, and the 2-2 metal plate MP2-2a may be coupled to the first metal plate MP1a via a second adhesive layer ADL2 disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0136] The portion of the second metal plate MP2a that overlaps the folding area FA in plane may be disposed directly below the portion of the first metal plate MP1a that overlaps the folding area FA. Specifically, another portion of the second metal plate MP2a that corresponds in plane to the flat surface MP1-FL of the first metal plate MP1a may be disposed directly below the first metal plate MP1a at the flat surface MP1-FL of the first metal plate MP1a. Since another portion of the second metal plate MP2a is disposed directly below the flat surface MP1-FL of the first metal plate MP1a, the flat surface MP1-FL of the first metal plate MP1a may be directly supported without deformation such as sagging.

[0137] Furthermore, since the first metal plate MP1a is prevented from being deformed in the folding area FA, the display panel DP or the window WIN disposed above the first metal plate MP1a may also be prevented from being deformed in the folding area FA. That is, the folding reliability of the display device DD-a may be improved.

[0138] In the area of ​​the first metal plate MP1a corresponding to the folding area FA, a hole OP may be defined. Unlike the embodiment according to the present disclosure, when there is no supporting member below the area in which the hole OP of the first metal plate MP1a is provided, or when a supporting member composed of a material with low restoring force is provided, the area in which the hole OP of the first metal plate MP1a is provided may sag due to weight.

[0139] Here, the adhesive layer ADL may not be provided between a portion of the first metal plate MP1a adjacent to the groove MP1-GV and another portion of the second metal plate MP2a corresponding to the flat surface MP1-FL of the first metal plate MP1a. Therefore, the first metal plate MP1a and the second metal plate MP2a may not be coupled to each other to be separable from each other in the thickness direction. Figure 2 The electronic device EDE shown (see Figure 2), during the folding operation of the first metal plate MP1a, the flat surface MP1-FL of the first metal plate MP1a and an upper surface portion of the second metal plate MP2a corresponding to the flat surface MP1-FL of the first metal plate MP1a may be spaced apart from each other.

[0140] The second metal plate MP2a may include an upper surface MP2-USa adjacent to (or closest to) the first metal plate MP1a. The upper surface MP2-USa of the second metal plate MP2a and the flat surface MP1-FL of the first metal plate MP1a may be arranged on the same plane, i.e., effectively coplanar with each other. The upper surface MP2-USa of the second metal plate MP2a may be in direct contact with the adhesive layer ADL. The upper surface MP2-USa of the second metal plate MP2a and the lower surface of the adhesive layer ADL may be arranged on the same plane.

[0141] Along the thickness direction of the display device DD-a, the thickness of the second metal plate MP2a can be, for example, about 50 micrometers (μm) to about 200 μm. Within the above range, the display device DD-a can have an appropriate weight and an appropriate thickness, and the second metal plate MP2a can firmly support the portion of the first metal plate MP1a in which the hole OP is provided.

[0142] The adhesive layer ADL may be disposed between the non-folding area of ​​the first metal plate MP1a and the second metal plate MP2a. The adhesive layer ADL may be disposed in the groove MP1-GV of the first metal plate MP1a. In the non-folding area, the adhesive layer ADL may be disposed in the groove MP1-GV of the first metal plate MP1a and may couple the first metal plate MP1a and the second metal plate MP2a to each other.

[0143] The adhesive layer ADL may not overlap with the folding area FA in a plane. Due to the non-overlap, the elements may be adjacent to each other or spaced apart from each other in a direction along the plane. The adhesive layer ADL may include a first adhesive layer ADL1 overlapping with the first non-folding area NFA1 in a plane, and a second adhesive layer ADL2 overlapping with the second non-folding area NFA2 in a plane. The first adhesive layer ADL1 and the second adhesive layer ADL2 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1 by a second width W2 greater than the first width W1. For the entire length of the display module DM-a defined along the second direction DR2, the first adhesive layer ADL1 and the second adhesive layer ADL2 may be disconnected from each other by a second gap (e.g., a second width W2), but are not limited thereto.

[0144] The recessed portion of the first metal plate MP1a in which the adhesive layer ADL is disposed may be defined as an adhesive portion ADA of the first metal plate MP1a. The boundary of the adhesive portion ADA may be defined by the outer edge of the adhesive layer ADL. In addition, another portion of the first metal plate MP1a in which the adhesive layer ADL is not disposed may be defined as a non-adhesive portion NADA of the first metal plate MP1a. The non-adhesive portion NADA may include the remaining portion of the first support plate except for the plane area corresponding to the adhesive layer ADL, but is not limited thereto.

[0145] The adhesive portion ADA of the first metal plate MP1a may include a first adhesive portion ADA1 overlapping the first non-folding area NFA1 and defining a lower surface portion of the first metal plate MP1a, and a second adhesive portion ADA2 overlapping the second non-folding area NFA2 and defining a lower surface portion of the first metal plate MP1a. In the adhesive portion ADA, the first metal plate MP1a and the second metal plate MP2a may be coupled to each other even when the display device DD-a is folded at the folding area FA. In the non-adhesive portion NADA, the first metal plate MP1a and the second metal plate MP2a may not be coupled to each other even when the display device DD-a is folded at the folding area FA. Here, the first metal plate MP1a and the second metal plate MP2a may be separated and spaced apart from each other at their respective opposing surfaces at the non-adhesive portion NADA.

[0146] The adhesive layer ADL may include spacer particles SP and a thermosetting resin RS as a base material. In the adhesive layer ADL, the spacer particles SP may be used to maintain a uniform separation distance or gap between the lower surface portion of the first metal plate MP1a and the upper surface portion of the second metal plate MP2a at the groove MP1-GV of the first metal plate MP1a. The spacer particles SP may be applied without restriction as long as the particles can keep the separation distance basically unchanged. For example, the separation distance may be about 3 μm to about 12 μm. For example, the diameter of the spacer particles SP may be about 3 μm to about 12 μm. The thickness of the adhesive layer ADL measured in the third direction DR3 may be, for example, about 3 μm to about 12 μm.

[0147] In the method of providing the display device DD-a, the adhesive layer ADL can be formed by applying a resin including spacer particles SP and a thermosetting resin RS, and then thermally curing the applied resin. For example, the material for providing the adhesive layer ADL can be applied by an inkjet process. Alternatively, the material for providing the adhesive layer ADL can also be applied by a dispensing process. The adhesive layer ADL can be cured by bonding the second metal plate MP2a to the first metal plate MP1a and then heating.

[0148] Hereinafter, in the present disclosure, “thickness” may mean a value measured in a third direction DR3 (eg, a thickness direction).

[0149] The thickness of the panel protection layer PF may be less than the thickness of the window protection layer WPL, and the thickness of the barrier layer BL may be less than the thickness of the panel protection layer PF. The thickness of the display panel DP may be less than the thickness of the barrier layer BL and may be the same as the thickness of the window WIN. The thickness of the impact absorbing layer DL may be less than the thickness of the display panel DP.

[0150] The thickness of the first adhesive layer AL1 may be the same as the thickness of the barrier layer BL, and the thickness of each of the second adhesive layer AL2 and the third adhesive layer AL3 may be the same as the thickness of the panel protection layer PF. The thickness of the fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be the same as the thickness of the fifth adhesive layer AL5. The thickness of each of the fourth adhesive layer AL4 and the fifth adhesive layer AL5 may be less than the thickness of the display panel DP, and may be greater than the thickness of the impact absorbing layer DL. The thickness of the sixth adhesive layer AL6 may be less than the thickness of the impact absorbing layer DL. The thickness of the hard coating layer may be less than the thickness of the sixth adhesive layer AL6.

[0151] refer to Figure 7B The first metal plate MP1a may include a plurality of holes OP in the folding area FA. The holes OP may be defined as openings or hole patterns. The holes OP may be provided in the form of penetrating the first metal plate MP1a in the third direction DR3. The holes OP may be formed by a laser process or a microblasting process.

[0152] The holes OP may be arranged in one or more directions along a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 intersecting each other according to a predetermined rule. The holes OP may be arranged in a grid form and may form a grid pattern in the folding area FA. The grid may be defined by the holes OP together with the solid portions of the first metal plate MP1a spaced apart from each other by the holes OP. The first metal plate MP1a at the non-folding area may have only a material (solid) portion and may not include the holes OP.

[0153] Since the hole OP is defined in the folding area portion of the first metal plate MP1a, the plane area of ​​the material portion of the first metal plate MP1a corresponding to the folding area FA can be reduced, so that the rigidity of the first metal plate MP1a at the folding area FA can be reduced. Therefore, when the hole OP is defined in the first metal plate MP1a, the flexibility of the first metal plate MP1a at the folding area FA can be increased compared to the case where the hole OP is not defined on the first metal plate MP1a. As a result, the first metal plate MP1a can be easily folded at the folding area FA.

[0154] refer to Figure 7C, the hole OP may include a plurality of first holes OP1 and a plurality of second holes OP2. The plurality of first holes OP1 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the second direction DR2 (such as along a first virtual line). The plurality of second holes OP2 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the second direction DR2 (such as along a second virtual line adjacent to the first virtual line). The first holes OP1 and the second holes OP2 may be arranged alternately along the first direction DR1. The first holes OP1 and the second holes OP2 may be arranged to be shifted from each other in the second direction DR2, such as staggered.

[0155] The first metal plate MP1a corresponding to the folding area FA may include a first branch portion BR1 as a material (solid) portion disposed between the first holes OP1 or between the second holes OP2. The first branch portion BR1 may be disposed between the first holes OP1 adjacent to each other in the second direction DR2, or between the second holes OP2 adjacent to each other in the second direction DR2. The first metal plate MP1a corresponding to the folding area FA may include a second branch portion BR2 disposed between the first hole OP1 and the second hole OP2. The second branch portion BR2 may be disposed between the first hole OP1 and the second hole OP2 adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1. The first branch portion BR1 and the second branch portion BR2 may intersect each other.

[0156] Fig. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a display device DD-b according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8B is a perspective view of some components of a display module DM-b according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0157] Fig. 8A is with Figure 3 An embodiment of a cross section corresponding to line II' of a display device DD. Figure 8B It is shown exemplarily Fig. 8A A three-dimensional view of some components of the display module DM-b.

[0158] Except for the arrangement relationship between the first metal plate MP1a and the second metal plate MP2a and the adhesive layer ADL, the 7A to 7C The same description given can be applied to Fig. 8A and Figure 8B .

[0159] The first metal plate MP1b may be disposed under the display panel DP. For example, the first metal plate MP1b may be disposed under the barrier layer BL. The first metal plate MP1b may be coupled to the barrier layer BL through a sixth adhesive layer AL6. The sixth adhesive layer AL6 may include a 6-1 adhesive layer AL6-1 and a 6-2 adhesive layer AL6-2 spaced apart from the 6-1 adhesive layer AL6-1 in the first direction DR1. The 6-1 adhesive layer AL6-1 may couple the barrier layer BL overlapping the first non-folding area NFA1 and the first metal plate MP1b, and the 6-2 adhesive layer AL6-2 may couple the barrier layer BL overlapping the second non-folding area NFA2 and the first metal plate MP1b.

[0160] The first metal plate MP1b may be disposed under the display panel DP and support the display panel DP. The first metal plate MP1b may be defined as a first supporting plate.

[0161] The first metal plate MP1b includes a metal material. The first metal plate MP1b may include a metal material having a high modulus. For example, the first metal plate MP1b may include stainless steel. Therefore, the supporting force of the first metal plate MP1b supporting the display panel DP may be improved. In addition, deformation of a portion of the hole OP corresponding to the folding area FA in which the first metal plate MP1b is defined may also be prevented.

[0162] The first metal plate MP1b may include a lower surface MP1-LSb adjacent to the second metal plate MP2b to be described later. The lower surface MP1-LSb of the first metal plate MP1b may be a flat surface. The first metal plate MP1b may include an adhesive portion ADA overlapping an adhesive layer ADL to be described later, and a non-adhesive portion NADA not overlapping the adhesive layer ADL.

[0163] The second metal plate MP2b may be disposed below the first metal plate MP1b. The second metal plate MP2b may include a 2-1 metal plate MP2-1b and a 2-2 metal plate MP2-2b. The 2-1 metal plate MP2-1b may overlap the first non-folding area NFA1, and the 2-2 metal plate MP2-2b may overlap the second non-folding area NFA2. The 2-1 metal plate MP2-1b and the 2-2 metal plate MP2-2b may be disposed to be spaced apart by a first width W1 in the first direction DR1.

[0164] The second metal plate MP2b may include an upper surface MP2-USb adjacent to the first metal plate MP1b. On the upper surface MP2-USb of the second metal plate MP2b, a groove MP2-GV and a flat surface MP2-FL may be defined. Specifically, along the upper surface MP2-USb of the second metal plate MP2b, the groove MP2-GV overlapping the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be defined as opening to the first support plate. In addition, along the upper surface MP2-USb of the second metal plate MP2b, the flat surface MP2-FL overlapping the folding area FA may be defined as adjacent to the groove MP2-GV. The groove MP2-GV may be formed by an etching process.

[0165] In the groove MP2-GV defined as being recessed from the plane of the upper surface MP2-USb of the second metal plate MP2b, an adhesive layer ADL to be described later may be disposed. The adhesive layer ADL may include a first adhesive layer ADL1 and a second adhesive layer ADL2. The first adhesive layer ADL1 may be disposed in the groove MP2-GV of the second metal plate MP2b overlapping with the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second adhesive layer ADL2 may be disposed in the groove MP2-GV of the second metal plate MP2b overlapping with the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0166] Since the second metal plate MP2b includes the groove MP2-GV and the adhesive layer ADL is disposed in the groove MP2-GV, there may be no spacer or step between the first metal plate MP1b and the second metal plate MP2b corresponding to the folding area FA.

[0167] A portion of the first metal plate MP1b corresponding to the groove MP2-GV of the second metal plate MP2b on a plane may be disposed above the second metal plate MP2b with an adhesive layer ADL interposed therebetween. A portion of the first metal plate MP1b corresponding to the groove MP2-GV of the second metal plate MP2b may be coupled to the second metal plate MP2b via an adhesive layer ADL. Specifically, the 2-1 metal plate MP2-1b may be coupled to the first metal plate MP1b via a first adhesive layer ADL1 disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1, and the 2-2 metal plate MP2-2b may be coupled to the first metal plate MP1b via a second adhesive layer ADL2 disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0168] The second metal plate MP2b overlapping the folding area FA in plane may be disposed directly below the first metal plate MP1b. Specifically, another portion of the first metal plate MP1b corresponding to the flat surface MP2-FL of the second metal plate MP2b in plane may be disposed directly on the second metal plate MP2b. Since another portion of the first metal plate MP1b is disposed directly on the flat surface MP2-FL of the second metal plate MP2b, the first metal plate MP1b of the folding area FA may be supported without deformation such as sagging.

[0169] Furthermore, since the first metal plate MP1b is prevented from being deformed in the folding area FA, the display panel DP or the window WIN disposed in the upper portion of the first metal plate MP1b may also be prevented from being deformed in the folding area FA. That is, the folding reliability of the display device DD-b may be improved.

[0170] In the area of ​​the first metal plate MP1b corresponding to the folding area FA, a hole OP may be provided. Unlike the embodiment according to the present disclosure, when there is no supporting member below the area in which the hole OP of the first metal plate MP1b is provided, or when a supporting member made of a material with low restoring force is provided, the area in which the hole OP of the first metal plate MP1b is provided may sag due to weight.

[0171] Here, the adhesive layer ADL may not be disposed between the flat surfaces MP2-FL of the first metal plate MP1b and the second metal plate MP2b. Therefore, the flat surfaces MP2-FL of the first metal plate MP1b and the second metal plate MP2b may not be coupled to each other (eg, may be separable from each other). Figure 2 The electronic device EDE shown (see Figure 2 ), the flat surfaces MP2-FL of the first metal plate MP1b and the second metal plate MP2b may be spaced apart from each other.

[0172] A first portion of the lower surface MP1-LSb of the first metal plate MP1b and the flat surface MP2-FL of the second metal plate MP2b may be disposed on the same plane. A second portion of the lower surface MP1-LSb of the first metal plate MP1b may be in direct contact with the adhesive layer ADL.

[0173] The adhesive layer ADL may be disposed between the first metal plate MP1b and the second metal plate MP2b. The adhesive layer ADL may be disposed in the groove MP2-GV of the second metal plate MP2b. The adhesive layer ADL may be disposed in the groove MP2-GV of the second metal plate MP2b and may couple the first metal plate MP1b and the second metal plate MP2b.

[0174] The adhesive layer ADL may include spacer particles SP and a thermosetting resin RS. The spacer particles SP may be used to maintain a uniform separation distance between the first metal plate MP1b and the second metal plate MP2b at the groove MP2-GV of the second metal plate MP2b.

[0175] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an electronic device EDE-1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0176] Reference above Figures 1 to 8B The same description can be applied to Fig. 9 The electronic device EDE-1 is shown.

[0177] refer to Fig. 9 , the electronic device EDE-1 may include folding areas FA1 and FA2, and a plurality of non-folding areas NFA1a, NFA2a, and NFA3a. The folding areas FA1 and FA2 may include a first folding area FA1 and a second folding area FA2 corresponding to different folding axes. The non-folding areas NFA1a, NFA2a, and NFA3a may include a first non-folding area NFA1a, a second non-folding area NFA2a, and a third non-folding area NFA3a.

[0178] The first folding area FA1 can be folded relative to the first folding axis FX1 so that the first non-folding area NFA1a and the second non-folding area NFA2a can face each other. The second folding area FA2 can be folded relative to the second folding axis FX2 so that the second non-folding area NFA2a and the third non-folding area NFA3a can face away from each other. Therefore, in a state where the electronic device EDE-1 is completely folded, the first non-folding area NFA1a and the second non-folding area NFA2a can face each other, which can be referred to as folding inward, and the second non-folding area NFA2a and the third non-folding area NFA3a face away from each other.

[0179] When the electronic device EDE-1 is fully folded, the third non-folding area NFA3a may be exposed to the outside, which may be referred to as folding outward. Since the first folding area FA1 is folded inward and the second folding area FA2 is folded outward, the radius of curvature of the electronic device EDE-1 at the first folding area FA1 may be smaller than the radius of curvature of the electronic device EDE-1 at the second folding area FA2. The radius of curvature of the electronic device EDE-1 may be defined relative to the same plane.

[0180] Fig.10 is a perspective view of an electronic device EDE-2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0181] Reference above Figures 1 to 8B The same description can be applied to Fig.10 The electronic device EDE-2 shown in.

[0182] refer to Fig.10 , the electronic device EDE-2 may include folding areas FA1a and FA2a, and a plurality of non-folding areas NFA1b, NFA2b, and NFA3b. The folding areas FA1a and FA2a may include a first folding area FA1a and a second folding area FA2a. The non-folding areas NFA1b, NFA2b, and NFA3b may include a first non-folding area NFA1b, a second non-folding area NFA2b, and a third non-folding area NFA3b.

[0183] The first folding area FA1a can be folded relative to the first folding axis FX1a. The second folding area FA2a can be folded relative to the second folding axis FX2a. For example, both the first folding area FA1a and the second folding area FA2a can be folded inward. Therefore, in a state where the electronic device EDE-2 is fully folded, the first non-folding area NFA1b and the third non-folding area NFA3b can overlap with the second non-folding area NFA2b. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, both the first folding area FA1a and the second folding area FA2a can be folded outward, wherein the first non-folding area NFA1b and the third non-folding area NFA3b can overlap with the second non-folding area NFA2b.

[0184] According to the above description, because the second metal plate MP2a (e.g., the second supporting plate) is directly disposed at the lower portion of the folding area of ​​the first metal plate MP1a (e.g., the first supporting plate), the display device DD according to the present disclosure has improved folding reliability, and because the adhesive layer ADL between the first metal plate MP1a and the second metal plate MP2a includes a spacer within the adhesive pattern of the adhesive layer ADL, thereby maintaining the spacing between the first supporting plate and the second supporting plate even in the display device DD folded at the folding area, the display device DD according to the present disclosure has improved surface quality.

[0185] In an embodiment, a display device includes: a display panel including a non-folding area and a folding area adjacent to each other along a first direction; a first metal plate overlapping the folding area and defining a hole overlapping the folding area therein; a second metal plate overlapping the folding area and facing the display panel, with the hole of the first metal plate between them, the first metal plate including a lower surface adjacent to the second metal plate, the second metal plate including an upper surface adjacent to the first metal plate; and an adhesive layer between the first metal plate and the second metal plate. The groove is defined to be recessed in the lower surface of the first metal plate and open to the second metal plate, or recessed in the upper surface of the second metal plate and open to the first metal plate. The adhesive layer is in the groove.

[0186] At the fold region, the second metal sheet may be directly below the first metal sheet.

[0187] The second metal plate may include a 2-1 metal plate overlapping the first unfolded region, and a 2-2 metal plate overlapping the second unfolded region and spaced apart from the 2-1 metal plate by a first width defined along the first direction.

[0188] The groove may be defined as a plurality, including a first groove at the first non-folding area and a second groove at the second non-folding area. The adhesive layer may include a first adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer, the first adhesive layer overlapping the first non-folding area and spaced apart from the folding area along the first direction, the second adhesive layer overlapping the second non-folding area, spaced apart from the folding area along the first direction and spaced apart from the first adhesive layer by a second width defined along the first direction, the second width being greater than the first width that spaces the 2-2 metal plate from the 2-1 metal plate.

[0189] The adhesive layer may include spacer particles and a thermosetting resin.

[0190] refer to Fig. 7A and Figure 7B For example, the lower surface MP1-LSa of the first metal plate MP1a may define a groove MP1-GV and a flat surface MP1-FL, the groove MP1-GV overlaps the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 and is recessed from the lower surface MP1-LSa of the first metal plate MP1a, and the flat surface MP1-FL is adjacent to the groove MP1-GV along the first direction DR1 and overlaps the folding area FA. Here, a portion of the second metal plate MP2a overlapping the groove MP1-GV defined in the first metal plate MP1a faces the first metal plate MP1a with the adhesive layer ADL interposed therebetween, and a portion of the second metal plate MP2a overlapping the flat surface MP1-FL of the first metal plate MP1a is directly below the flat surface MP1-FL of the first metal plate MP1a.

[0191] refer to Fig. 8A and Figure 8BFor example, the upper surface MP2-USb of the second metal plate MP2b may define a groove MP2-GV that overlaps the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 and is recessed from the upper surface MP2-USb of the second metal plate MP2b, and a flat surface MP2-FL that is adjacent to the groove MP2-GV along the first direction DR1 and overlaps the folding area FA. Here, a portion of the first metal plate MP1b that overlaps the groove MP2-GV defined in the second metal plate MP2b faces the second metal plate MP2b with the adhesive layer ADL interposed therebetween, and a portion of the first metal plate MP1b that overlaps the flat surface MP2-FL of the second metal plate MP2b is directly above the flat surface MP2-FL of the second metal plate MP2b.

[0192] In an embodiment, a display device includes: a display panel including a non-folding area and a folding area adjacent to each other along a first direction; a first metal plate overlapping the folding area and defining a hole therein overlapping the folding area; a second metal plate overlapping the folding area and facing the display panel with the hole of the first metal plate therebetween, the first metal plate including a lower surface adjacent to the second metal plate, the second metal plate including an upper surface adjacent to the first metal plate; and an adhesive layer between the first metal plate and the second metal plate. The first metal plate includes an adhesive area at the non-folding area and a non-adhesive area at the folding area, at which the first metal plate is bonded to the second metal plate by the adhesive layer, the non-adhesive area being adjacent to the adhesive area along the first direction, and at which the first metal plate is not bonded to the second metal plate, and the non-adhesive area is directly above the second metal plate.

[0193] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made therein in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the contents set forth in the detailed description of this specification, but is intended to be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that include: The display panel comprises a first non-folding area, a folding area, and a second non-folding area sequentially arranged along a first direction; a first metal plate including a plurality of holes overlapping the folding area in a plane and disposed below the display panel; a second metal plate, disposed below the first metal plate; as well as an adhesive layer disposed between the first metal plate and the second metal plate, in: The first metal plate includes a lower surface adjacent to the second metal plate; and The second metal plate includes an upper surface adjacent to the first metal plate, wherein at least one of the lower surface of the first metal plate and the upper surface of the second metal plate includes a groove that overlaps the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area in a plane, Wherein, the adhesive layer is arranged in the groove.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that The second metal plate, which overlaps the folding region in plane, is disposed directly below the first metal plate.

3. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that The second metal plate includes a 2-1 metal plate overlapping the first unfolded region in plane, and a 2-2 metal plate overlapping the second unfolded region in plane, wherein the 2-1 metal plate and the 2-2 metal plate are spaced apart by a first width in the first direction.

4. The display device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The adhesive layer does not overlap with the folding area in a plane; as well as The adhesive layer includes a first adhesive layer overlapping the first non-folding area in a plane and a second adhesive layer overlapping the second non-folding area in a plane, wherein the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are separated by a second width in the first direction, and the second width is greater than the first width.

5. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that The adhesive layer includes spacer particles and a thermosetting resin.

6. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower surface of the first metal plate includes the groove and a flat surface on which the groove is not provided.

7. The display device according to claim 6, characterized in that: A portion of the second metal plate that overlaps the groove of the first metal plate in plane is disposed below the first metal plate with the adhesive layer interposed therebetween; and Another portion of the second metal plate that overlaps the flat surface of the first metal plate in plane is disposed directly below the first metal plate.

8. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surface of the second metal plate includes the groove and a flat surface on which the groove is not provided.

9. The display device according to claim 8, characterized in that: A portion of the first metal plate that overlaps the groove of the second metal plate in plane is disposed above the second metal plate with the adhesive layer interposed therebetween; and Another portion of the first metal plate that overlaps the flat surface of the second metal plate in plane is disposed directly above the second metal plate.

10. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a window disposed above the display panel.

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