Display device

Abstract

A display device includes a display panel, a plurality of support bars, and first and second guide members. The display panel includes a folding area and a non-folding area adjacent to the folding area. And a plurality of support bars arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in a second direction in the folding area, each of the plurality of support bars extending in a first direction intersecting the second direction and including a first surface facing the display panel and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first guide member and the second guide member are disposed at a first end and a second end of each of the plurality of support bars, respectively, and the first guide member and the second guide member are spaced apart in the first direction. Each of the first guide member and the second guide member supports at least one of the first surface and the second surface of each of the plurality of support bars.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0086575, filed on Jul. 4, 2023, 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 capable of preventing a display panel from being damaged. Background Art

[0004] Display devices are applied to various multimedia devices, such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, game units, etc., to provide image information to users. In recent years, foldable or bendable flexible display devices are being developed. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present disclosure may provide a display device capable of preventing a display panel from being damaged when being folded or unfolded.

[0006] The present disclosure may provide a display device capable of preventing force from being concentrated on a specific area of ​​a display panel when folded or unfolded.

[0007] The present disclosure may provide a display device capable of preventing a display panel from being deformed due to a force concentrated on a specific area of ​​the display panel when folded or unfolded.

[0008] The present disclosure may provide a display device capable of preventing a display panel from being deformed in a specific area when folded or unfolded to improve its lifespan.

[0009] The present disclosure may provide a display device including a support rod that supports a display panel with a constant strength when folded or unfolded.

[0010] An embodiment of a display device includes: a display panel including a folding area and a non-folding area adjacent to the folding area; a plurality of support rods arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along one direction in the folding area, each of the plurality of support rods extending in a cross direction intersecting the one direction and including a first surface facing the display panel and a second surface opposite to the first surface; and a first guide member and a second guide member, respectively disposed at a first end and a second end of each of the plurality of support rods, and the first guide member and the second guide member are spaced apart in the cross direction. Each of the first guide member and the second guide member supports at least one of the first surface and the second surface of each of the plurality of support rods.

[0011] Each of the first guide member and the second guide member may include: a first portion not overlapping the support rod when viewed in a plane; and a second portion bent from the first portion and overlapping the plurality of support rods when viewed in the plane.

[0012] The second portion may include: a first supporting portion extending in the intersection direction and facing the first surface; and a second supporting portion facing the second surface.

[0013] In an embodiment, the first supporting portion does not overlap the display panel when viewed in the plane.

[0014] The display device may further include: a first plate disposed below the display panel and overlapping the folding area. The first plate includes: a plurality of first support portions, each having a first width in the one direction, and the plurality of first support portions are arranged in the one direction; and a plurality of second support portions, each having a second width equal to or less than the first width in the one direction, and the plurality of second support portions are disposed between the plurality of first support portions, and when viewed in a plane, the plurality of support rods overlap the plurality of first support portions, respectively.

[0015] The display device may further include: a second plate disposed under the display panel, overlapping the non-folding area and not overlapping the folding area.

[0016] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of second supporting portions is provided with a plurality of openings defined therethrough, and the plurality of openings are arranged in a lattice form when viewed in the plane.

[0017] In an embodiment, a first length of the first plate in the cross direction is smaller than a second length of each of the plurality of support rods in the cross direction.

[0018] The first guide member and the second guide member may extend in the one direction.

[0019] Each of the plurality of support rods may include a plurality of third surfaces, each of which connects the first surface and the second surface and faces each other in the intersection direction, and the first guide member and the second guide member contact the plurality of third surfaces of the plurality of support rods.

[0020] An embodiment of a display device includes: a display panel including a folding area and a non-folding area adjacent to the folding area; a support plate disposed on a rear surface of the display panel and supporting the display panel; a plurality of support rods arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along one direction in the folding area, each of the plurality of support rods extending in a cross direction intersecting the one direction and including a first surface facing the display panel and a second surface opposite to the first surface; and a first guide member and a second guide member, respectively disposed at a first end and a second end of each of the plurality of support rods, and the first guide member and the second guide member are spaced apart in the cross direction. Each of the first guide member and the second guide member supports at least one of the first surface and the second surface of each of the plurality of support rods.

[0021] Each of the first guide member and the second guide member may include: a first portion that does not overlap the plurality of support rods when viewed in a plane; and a second portion that extends from the first portion in the one direction and contacts at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

[0022] The support plate may include a first plate overlapping the folding area. The first plate includes: a plurality of first support portions, each having a first width in the one direction, and the plurality of first support portions are arranged in the one direction; and a plurality of second support portions, each having a second width equal to or less than the first width in the one direction, and the plurality of second support portions are arranged between the plurality of first support portions, and the plurality of support rods overlap the plurality of first support portions respectively when viewed in a plane.

[0023] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of second supporting portions is provided with a plurality of openings defined therethrough, and the plurality of openings are arranged in a lattice form when viewed in the plane.

[0024] The support plate may include a second plate overlapping the non-folding region and not overlapping the folding region.

[0025] An embodiment of a display device includes: a display panel including a folding area and a non-folding area adjacent to the folding area; a first plate disposed on a rear surface of the display panel and supporting the display panel in the folding area; a plurality of support rods arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along one direction in the folding area, each of the plurality of support rods extending in a cross direction intersecting the one direction, and the plurality of support rods supporting the first plate; and a first guide and a second guide, respectively supporting the plurality of support rods. The first plate includes: a plurality of first support portions, each having a first width in the one direction, and the plurality of first support portions are arranged in the one direction; and a plurality of second support portions, each having a second width equal to or less than the first width in the one direction, and the plurality of second support portions are disposed between the plurality of first support portions, and the plurality of support rods overlap the plurality of first support portions respectively when viewed in a plane.

[0026] Each of the plurality of support bars may include: a first surface facing the rear surface of the display panel; a second surface facing away from the first surface; and a plurality of third surfaces each connecting the first surface and the second surface, and the plurality of third surfaces facing each other in the intersection direction, and each of the first guide member and the second guide member supports at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

[0027] Each of the first guide member and the second guide member may include: a first portion that does not overlap the support rod when viewed in the plane; and a second portion that extends from the first portion in the one direction and contacts at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

[0028] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of second supporting portions is provided with a plurality of openings defined therethrough, and the plurality of openings are arranged in a lattice form when viewed in the plane.

[0029] The display device may further include: a second plate disposed on the rear surface of the display panel and supporting the display panel in the non-folding region.

[0030] According to the above, when the display device is folded or unfolded, force is prevented from being concentrated on a specific area of ​​the display panel, and thus, the display panel is prevented from being deformed.

[0031] According to the above, when the display device is folded or unfolded, force is prevented from being concentrated on a specific area of ​​the display panel, and thus, the life span of the display device is improved.

[0032] According to the above, when the display device is folded or unfolded, the support bars support the display panel with a constant strength. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The above and other advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent by referring to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1A is an assembled perspective view of a display device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 1B is an assembled perspective view of a display device folded inwardly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 1C is an assembled perspective view of a display device folded outward according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 2A is an assembled perspective view of a display device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 2B is an assembled perspective view of a display device folded inwardly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 5C is a plan view of a portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 5D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0047] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In the present disclosure, it will be understood that when an element or layer (or region or portion) is referred to as being "on," "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present.

[0049] The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout. In the drawings, the thickness, proportion and size of components are exaggerated in order to effectively describe the technical contents.

[0050] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. can 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. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the first element discussed below can be referred to as the second element. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used herein, the singular forms "one", "one (kind / person)" and "the (the)" are also intended to include plural forms.

[0051] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "under," "beneath," "lower," "over," and "on" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element (or elements) or feature (or features) as shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0052] It will also be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” and “having” (and variations thereof, such as “including”) when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that, unless explicitly defined as such herein, terms (such as those defined in general dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted as an idealized or overly formal meaning.

[0054] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Figure 1Ais an assembled perspective view of a display device DD in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1B is an assembled perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure folded inwardly, and Figure 1C is an assembled perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure being folded outward.

[0056] The display device DD may be a device activated in response to an electrical signal. As an example, the display device DD may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a car navigation unit, a gaming unit, or a wearable unit, however, it should not be limited thereto or thereby. In the present embodiment, a mobile phone is described as the display device DD.

[0057] At the same time, Figure 1A In and subsequent drawings, a first direction DR1, a second direction DR2, and a third direction DR3 are illustrated, and directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 may be related to each other.

[0058] Reference Figures 1A to 1C , the display device DD may include a first display surface FS defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. The display device DD may provide an image IM to a user through the first display surface FS. The display device DD may display the image IM toward a third direction DR3 through the first display surface FS, and the third direction DR3 is substantially parallel to each of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. In the present embodiment, the front (or upper) surface and the rear (or lower) surface of each component of the display device DD may be defined relative to the direction in which the image IM is displayed. The front surface and the rear surface may face away from each other in the third direction DR3, and the normal direction of each of the front surface and the rear surface may be substantially parallel to the third direction DR3.

[0059] The display device DD may include a first display surface FS and a second display surface RS. The first display surface FS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. An electronic module area (not shown) may be included in the display area DA. The second display surface RS may be opposite to at least a portion of the first display surface FS. That is, the second display surface RS may be defined as a portion of the rear surface of the display device DD.

[0060] The display device DD may sense an external input applied thereto from the outside. The external input may include various forms of input provided from outside the display device DD. For example, the external input may include a proximity input (e.g., hovering) applied when approaching or being adjacent to the display device DD at a predetermined distance and a touch input by a part of the user's body (e.g., the user's hand). In addition, the external input may be provided in the form of force (e.g., pressure), temperature, light, etc.

[0061] The display device DD may include a folding area FA1 and non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. The display device DD may include a first non-folding area NFA1 and a second non-folding area NFA2 spaced apart from the first non-folding area NFA1, and the folding area FA1 is between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. Figures 1A to 1C A structure in which the display device DD includes one folding area FA1 is shown as a representative example, however, the display device DD should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the display device DD may include a plurality of folding areas defined therein.

[0062] Reference Figure 1B , the display device DD may be folded about a first folding axis FX1. The first folding axis FX1 may be an imaginary axis extending in a first direction DR1 substantially parallel to a direction in which a long side of the display device DD extends. The first folding axis FX1 may extend in the first direction DR1 on the first display surface FS.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 may be disposed adjacent to each other, with the folding area FA1 interposed between the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. For example, the first non-folding area NFA1 may be disposed adjacent to one side of the folding area FA1 in the second direction DR2, and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be disposed adjacent to the other side of the folding area FA1 in the second direction DR2.

[0064] The display device DD can be folded around the first folding axis FX1 to be in an inward folding (inward folding) state, in which an area of ​​the first display surface FS overlapping with the first non-folding area NFA1 faces another area of ​​the first display surface FS overlapping with the second non-folding area NFA2. At the same time, when the display device DD is in the inward folding state, the second display surface RS can be observed by the user. The second display surface RS may also include an electronic module area in which an electronic module including various components is disposed.

[0065] Reference Figure 1C, the display device DD can be folded about the first folding axis FX1 to be in an outward folded (outer folded) state, in which an area of ​​the second display surface RS overlapping with the first non-folding area NFA1 faces another area of ​​the second display surface RS overlapping with the second non-folding area NFA2. However, the display device DD should not be limited to this or thereby. According to an embodiment, the display device DD can be folded about a plurality of folding axes so that a portion of the first display surface FS and a portion of the second display surface RS face each other, and the number of folding axes and the number of non-folding areas should not be particularly limited.

[0066] The display device DD may include various electronic modules. For example, the electronic module may include at least one of a camera, a speaker, an optical sensor, and a thermal sensor. The electronic module may sense an external object through the first display surface FS or the second display surface RS, or the electronic module may provide a sound signal such as a voice to the outside through the first display surface FS or the second display surface RS. In addition, the electronic module may include a plurality of components, however, it should not be limited to a specific embodiment.

[0067] Figure 2A is an assembled perspective view of a display device DD-a in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2B is an assembled perspective view of a display device DD-a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure being folded inwardly.

[0068] The display device DD-a can be folded about a second folding axis FX2, which extends in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction DR1. Figure 2B In the embodiment, the second folding axis FX2 extends substantially parallel to the direction in which the short sides of the display device DD-a extend, however, the present disclosure should not be limited to or thereby.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the display device DD-a may include at least one folding area FA2 and non-folding areas NFA3 and NFA4 defined adjacent to the folding area FA2. The non-folding areas NFA3 and NFA4 may be spaced apart from each other, with the folding area FA2 interposed between them.

[0070] Reference Figure 2B , the display device DD-a can be folded inward (inward folding) so that the third non-folding area NFA3 and the fourth non-folding area NFA4 face each other and the display surface FS is not exposed to the outside. Figure 2BDifferently, the display device DD-a can be folded outward (outward folding) so that the display surface FS is exposed to the outside. According to an embodiment, the display device DD-a may include a first display surface FS and a second display surface RS, and the first display surface FS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. In addition, the display device DD-a may also include various electronic modules.

[0071] Reference Figures 1A to 1C , Figure 2A and Figure 2B The display devices DD and DD-a described may be configured to repeat the unfolding operation and the inner folding operation or to repeat the unfolding operation and the outer folding operation, however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the display devices ED and ED-a may selectively operate in any one of the unfolding operation, the inner folding operation, and the outer folding operation. Although not shown in the drawings, according to an embodiment, the display device may be a flexible display device including a plurality of folding regions or at least a bendable portion or a rollable portion.

[0072] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In detail, Figure 3 yes Figure 1A An exploded perspective view of a display device DD.

[0073] Reference Figure 3 The display device DD may include a display module DM, a window WM disposed on the display module DM, and a support module SM disposed below the display module DM. The display module DM may be referred to as a display panel DP (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0074] The window WM or the support module SM may be provided on at least one of the upper portion and the lower portion of the display module DM. Figure 3 A structure is shown in which the window WM is disposed on the display module DM and the support module DM is disposed below the display module DM.

[0075] In addition, the display device DD may further include an electronic module (not shown) disposed below the display module DM. As an example, the electronic module (not shown) may include a camera module.

[0076] Although not shown in the drawings, the display device DD may further include an adhesive member or a polarizing film or both disposed between the display module DM and the window WM. In addition, although not shown in the drawings, the display device DD may further include a lower functional layer disposed between the display module DM and the support module SM.

[0077] The display device DD may further include a housing HAU that accommodates the display module DM and the lower functional layer. The window WM and the housing HAU may be coupled to each other to provide the appearance of the display device DD. The housing HAU may include a material having a relatively high rigidity. As an example, the housing HAU may include a plurality of frames or plates formed of glass, plastic, or metal materials. The display module DM may be accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing HAU and may be protected from external impacts. Although not shown in the drawings, the housing HAU may further include a hinge structure to facilitate folding or bending of the display device DD.

[0078] The display module DM may display an image IM in response to the electrical signal (refer to Figure 1A ) and may transmit / receive information about external input. The display module DM may include a display panel DP and a sensor layer disposed on the display panel DP.

[0079] The display module DM may include an active area AA and a peripheral area NAA. The active area AA may provide an image IM (refer to Figure 1A ). The pixels PX may be arranged in the active area AA. The peripheral area NAA may be arranged adjacent to the active area AA. The peripheral area NAA may surround the active area AA. A driving circuit or a driving line may be arranged in the peripheral area NAA to drive the active area AA.

[0080] The display module DM may include pixels PX. The pixels PX may emit light in response to an electrical signal. The light emitted by the pixels PX may be implemented as an image IM. Each of the plurality of pixels PX may include a display element. As an example, the display element may be an organic light emitting element, an inorganic light emitting element, an organic-inorganic light emitting element, a micro light emitting diode (LED), a nano-LED, a quantum dot light emitting element, an electrophoretic element, or an electrowetting element.

[0081] The display module DM may include a display panel DP including a plurality of pixels PX (see Figure 4 ), a panel protection layer, and an impact absorbing layer. In addition, the display module DM may further include a functional layer (such as a barrier layer), and the adhesive layer may be disposed between the functional layers or may be omitted to allow the functional layers to contact each other.

[0082] The display module DM may include a folding area FA1 (refer to Figure 4 ) and from the folding area FA1 (refer to Figure 4 ) The unfolded areas NFA1 and NFA2 extending in the second direction DR2 (see Figure 4 ). Folding area FA1 (refer to Figure 4 ) can be supported by the first plate PL1 of the support module SM described later, and the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 (refer to Figure 4) can be formed by the second plate PL2 (refer to Figure 4 )support.

[0083] Reference Figure 3 , the window WM may completely cover the upper surface of the display module DM. The window WM may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the display module DM. The window WM may have flexibility, and therefore, the shape of the window WM may change according to the folding or bending of the display device DD. The window WM may protect the display module DM from external impact.

[0084] The window WM may include a transmissive area TA and a frame area BZA. The transmissive area TA may overlap at least a portion of the active area AA of the display module DM. The transmissive area TA may be an optically transparent area. For example, the transmissive area TA may have a transmittance of about 90% or more with respect to visible light. Figure 1A ) can be provided to the user through the transmissive area TA, and the user can view the image IM (refer to Figure 1A ) to receive information.

[0085] The border area BZA may have a light transmittance relatively lower than that of the transmission area TA. The border area BZA may define the shape of the transmission area TA. The border area BZA may have a predetermined color. The border area BZA may cover the peripheral area NAA of the display module DM to prevent the peripheral area NAA from being observed from the outside, however, this is only an example. According to an embodiment, the border area BZA may be omitted from the window WM.

[0086] During the repetition of the folding operation and the unfolding operation, stress may be applied to the display module DM. When the stress is repeatedly applied to the display module DM, a curve (e.g., a crease) may appear in a portion adjacent to an area overlapping with the folding axis FX of the folding area of ​​the display module DM. The crease may cause degradation of the display reliability of the display panel.

[0087] The support module SM may be disposed under the display module DM and may support the display module DM. The support module SM may support the display module DM folded at a predetermined curvature. The support module SM may relieve stress applied to the display module DM during a folding operation and an unfolding operation. When the stress applied to the display module DM is relieved, it may be prevented that a component of the display module DM (e.g., a display panel DP (refer to FIG. 2 ) is damaged. Figure 4 )) has creases in it.

[0088] In addition, the support module SM may prevent the display module DM from being excessively folded upward or downward, and may prevent impact from being applied to the display module DM in the housing HAU.

[0089] The support module SM may have the same width as that of the display module DM. The support module SM may have a higher rigidity than that of the display module DM. A portion of the support module SM may be coupled to the housing HAU, and another portion of the support module SM may be coupled to the display module DM.

[0090] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In detail, Figure 4 It is reflected in detail Figure 3 1 is an exploded perspective view of a display device including a support plate PL, a support rod SB and a guide member GM among components of a support module SM.

[0091] Reference Figure 4 , the support plate PL may be disposed under the display panel DP and may support the display panel DP. The support plate PL may be disposed on the rear surface DP-RS of the display panel DP, and the front surface PL-FS of the support plate PL may face the rear surface DP-RS of the display panel DP. The support plate PL may have a width substantially the same as that of the display panel DP. The support plate PL may have a higher rigidity than that of the display panel DP.

[0092] The support plate PL may support the display panel DP folded at a predetermined curvature. The support plate PL may relieve stress applied to the display panel DP during folding and unfolding operations.

[0093] The support plate PL may include a first plate PL1 and a second plate PL2. The first plate PL1 may overlap the folding area FA1, and the second plate PL2 may overlap the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. The second plate PL2 may extend from the first plate PL1 in a second direction DR2.

[0094] Figure 4 A structure is shown in which the first plate PL1 and the second plate PL2 are integrally provided, however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the first plate PL1 and the second plate PL2 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, but they should not be particularly limited.

[0095] The support plate PL may include a non-metal material. As an example, the support plate PL may include a reinforced fiber composite material. The reinforced fiber composite material may be a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or a glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP), however, this is only an example. According to an embodiment, the support plate PL may include a metal material.

[0096] The support plate PL can reduce weight by including the reinforced fiber composite material. Since the support plate PL according to the present embodiment includes the reinforced fiber composite material, the support plate PL including the reinforced fiber composite material can have a modulus and strength level similar to that of the support plate PL including a metal material, while having a lighter weight than the support plate PL including a metal material.

[0097] In addition, since the support plate PL includes a reinforced fiber composite material, the shape of the support plate PL including the reinforced fiber composite material can be easily processed compared to the support plate PL including a metal material. As an example, the support plate PL including the reinforced fiber composite material can be easily processed by a laser process or a micro-sandblasting process.

[0098] The first plate PL1 may be provided with a plurality of openings OP defined therethrough. The openings OP may be formed to penetrate a portion of the support plate PL in the third direction DR3. As an example, the openings OP may be formed by a laser process or a micro-sandblasting process, however, this is only an example, and the openings OP may be formed in various ways.

[0099] Since the opening OP is defined through the portion of the first plate PL1 overlapping the folding area FA1, the flexibility of the portion of the first plate PL1 overlapping the folding area FA1 may be improved. Therefore, the support plate PL may be folded about the folding area FA1.

[0100] The opening OP may include a plurality of first openings OP1 and a plurality of second openings OP2. The first openings OP1 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. The second openings OP2 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. When viewed in a direction substantially parallel to the second direction DR2, the first openings OP1 and the second openings OP2 may partially overlap each other.

[0101] The first openings OP1 and the second openings OP2 may be arranged alternately with each other in the second direction DR2 , and as an example, the first openings OP1 and the second openings OP2 may be arranged in a lattice form.

[0102] The support bar SB may be disposed under the support plate PL and may support the support plate PL. The support bar SB may be disposed on the rear surface PL-RS of the support plate PL. The support bar SB may support the support plate PL to allow the support plate PL to relieve stress applied to the display panel DP during the folding operation and the unfolding operation. That is, the stress applied to the display panel DP with a constant intensity during the folding operation and the unfolding operation may be relieved, and thus, a crease may be prevented from occurring in the display panel DP.

[0103] The support bar SB may be provided in plural. The support bars SB may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance in the second direction DR2. Each of the plurality of support bars SB may extend in the first direction DR1.

[0104] The support bar SB may support the first panel PL1. When viewed in a plane, the support bar SB may overlap the folding area FA1 and may not overlap the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2.

[0105] The support bar SB may include the same material as the support plate PL. According to an embodiment, the support bar SB may include the same material as only the first support plate PL1, however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby.

[0106] The guide member GM may be provided at one side of the support bar SB and at the other side spaced apart from the one side in the first direction DR1. In other words, the guide member GM may be provided at the first end and the second end of the support bar SB, respectively. Herein, the guide members GM provided at the first end and the second end of the support bar SB, respectively, may be referred to as the first guide member GM and the second guide member GM, respectively. The guide member GM may extend in the direction in which the support bar SB is arranged (i.e., the second direction DR2). However, the direction in which the guide member GM extends should not be particularly limited to the second direction DR2.

[0107] The first end and the second end of each of the plurality of support bars SB may be accommodated in the first guide member GM and the second guide member GM, respectively. The guide member GM may prevent the support bar SB from being separated from a predetermined position during the folding operation and the unfolding operation. Therefore, the state in which the support bar SB supports the support plate PL may be maintained during the folding operation and the unfolding operation. The guide member GM may be in contact with at least one surface of each of the plurality of support bars SB, however, it should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the guide member GM may be in contact with two or more surfaces of each of the plurality of support bars SB.

[0108] The display panel DP, the support rods SB and the guide member GM may be accommodated in the housing HAU (refer to Figure 3 ) in. The guide member GM can be connected with the housing HAU (refer to Figure 3 ) coupling, however, the present disclosure should not be limited to or thereby.

[0109] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 5C is a plan view of a portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In detail, Figure 5A It is part of the display device along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' of Figure 5B It is part of the display device along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0110] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the first plate PL1 of the support plate PL may be disposed on the support bar SB, and the display module DM may be disposed on the support plate PL. In addition, the guide member GM may support the support bar SB.

[0111] Each of the plurality of support bars SB may include a first surface S1 facing the display module DM, a second surface S2 opposite to the first surface S1, a third surface S3 connecting the first surface S1 and the second surface S2, and a fourth surface S4 connecting the first surface S1 and the second surface S2, and one of the third surfaces S3 is at the first end of the guide member GM and another of the third surfaces S3 is at the second end of the guide member GM. The third surface S3 and the fourth surface S4 may be provided in plural, the third surface S3 may be opposite to each other in the first direction DR1, and the fourth surface S4 may be opposite to each other in the second direction DR2. In detail, the third surface S3 may be a surface of the support bar SB facing the guide member GM, and the fourth surface may be a surface of the support bar SB facing each other.

[0112] The guide member GM may include a first portion P1 and a second portion P2. An inner surface of the first portion P1 may face a third surface S3 of the support bar SB. An inner surface of the first portion P1 may contact the third surface S3 of the support bar SB. When viewed in a plane, the first portion P1 may not overlap the support bar SB.

[0113] The second portion P2 may be bent from the first portion P1. The second portion P2 may extend from the first portion P1 in the first direction DR1. The second portion P2 may contact the support bar SB. When viewed in a plane, the second portion P2 may overlap the support bar SB.

[0114] The edge P2-E of the second portion P2 may be spaced apart from the edge PL-E of the first plate PL1. When viewed in a plane, the second portion P2 may not overlap with the first plate PL1. Since the second portion P2 does not overlap with the first plate PL1, the support plate PL or the support rod SB may be easily moved during the folding operation and the unfolding operation.

[0115] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5CA structure is shown in which the first supporting portion P2-1 and the second supporting portion P2-2 described later do not overlap with the first plate PL1 when viewed in a plane, however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, when viewed in a plane, only the first supporting portion P2-1 may not overlap with the first plate PL1, and the second supporting portion P2-2 may overlap with the first plate PL1.

[0116] The second portion P2 may include a first support portion P2-1 and a second support portion P2-2. The first support portion P2-1 and the second support portion P2-2 may extend from one side and the other side of the first portion P1 in the first direction DR1, respectively. The first support portion P2-1 may contact the first surface S1 of the support bar SB. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C A structure is shown in which the first support portion P2-1 contacts the first surface S1 of the support bar SB, however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the second surface S2 of the support bar SB may contact the second support portion P2-2 according to movement of the support bar SB.

[0117] like Figure 5A As shown in FIG. 1 , the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 of the guide member GM may have a quadrangular shape, however, this is only an example. According to an embodiment, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 may have an elliptical shape.

[0118] The folding axes may be provided in plural, and the folding axes FX and FX' may correspond to the folding axis FX of the display device folded inwardly and the folding axis FX' of the display device folded outwardly, respectively. In detail, the first folding axis FX defined above the support bar SB may correspond to Figure 1B The folding axis FX1 of the display device in the inner folded state shown in FIG. 1 , and the second folding axis FX′ defined below the support bar SB may correspond to Figure 1C The folding axis FX1 of the display device in the outward folded state is shown in FIG.

[0119] As an example, during the inner folding state and the unfolding state of the display device, when stress is applied downward to the display module DM (e.g., the portion of the display module DM adjacent to the first folding axis FX in the plane), the first plate PL1 can support the display module DM upward and can relieve the stress concentrated on the portion of the display module DM. In addition, the support bar SB disposed below the first plate PL1 can support the first plate PL1 upward, and the guide member GM can support the support bar SB upward. In detail, the second support portion P2-2 of the guide member GM can support the support bar SB upward. Since the guide member GM supports the support bar SB upward, the support bar SB can be prevented from being spaced apart from the first plate PL1, and therefore, the first plate PL1 can be supported by the support bar SB. Therefore, the stress applied to the display module DM with a constant strength during the inner folding state and the unfolding state of the display device can be relieved, and therefore, the appearance of a curve (e.g., a crease) in the display module DM (e.g., in the display panel) can be prevented.

[0120] In addition, as an example, during the external folding operation and the unfolding operation of the display device, when stress is applied upward to the display module DM (for example, the portion of the display module DM adjacent to the second folding axis FX' on the plane), the first plate PL1 can support the display module DM downward and can relieve the stress concentrated on the portion of the display module DM. In addition, the support bar SB provided below the first plate PL1 can support the first plate PL1 downward, and the guide member GM can support the support bar SB downward. In detail, the first support portion P2-1 of the guide member GM can support the support bar SB downward. Since the guide member GM supports the support bar SB downward, the support bar SB can be prevented from being spaced apart from the first plate PL1, and therefore, the first plate PL1 can be supported by the support bar SB. Therefore, the stress applied to the display module DM with a constant strength during the external folding operation and the unfolding operation of the display device can be relieved, and therefore, the appearance of a curve (for example, a crease) in the display module DM (for example, in the display panel) can be prevented.

[0121] For ease of explanation, Figure 5B Components of the guide member GM are omitted.

[0122] Reference Figure 5B , the first plate PL1 may include a first support portion PL1-S1 and a second support portion PL1-S2. Each of the first support portion PL1-S1 and the second support portion PL1-S2 may be provided in plural. The first support portion PL1-S1 and the second support portion PL1-S2 may be arranged in the second direction DR2.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the first supporting portions PL1 - S1 may be alternately arranged with the second supporting portions PL1 - S2 , however, they should not be limited thereto or thereby.

[0124] Reference FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C , the first support portion PL1-S1 of the first plate PL1 is connected to the second plate PL2, however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the second support portion PL1-S2 of the first plate PL1 may be connected to the second plate PL2, but should not be limited thereto or thereby.

[0125] A plurality of support rods SB may be disposed under the plurality of first support portions PL1-S1, respectively. Figure 5B As shown in FIG. 1 , the support bar SB may overlap the first support portion PL1 - S1 in the folding area FA1 .

[0126] For ease of explanation, Figure 5C The components of the guide member GM in FIG. 4 that overlap with the support rod SB are shown in dotted lines.

[0127] Reference Figure 5C , the support bar SB may support the first support portion PL1-S1 as described above. The second support portion PL1-S2 may be provided with a plurality of openings OP defined therethrough, and the openings OP may be arranged in a lattice form.

[0128] The first supporting portion PL1-S1 may have a first width L1 in the second direction DR2, and the second supporting portion PL1-S2 may have a second width L2 in the second direction DR2. The first width L1 of the first supporting portion PL1-S1 in the second direction DR2 may be equal to or greater than the second width L2 of the second supporting portion PL1-S2 in the second direction DR2.

[0129] As an example, the first width L1 of the first supporting portion PL1-S1 may be equal to or greater than the second width L2 of the second supporting portion PL1-S2, and may be equal to or less than four times the second width L2 of the second supporting portion PL1-S2. According to an embodiment, the first width L1 of the first supporting portion PL1-S1 may be equal to or greater than three times the second width L2 of the second supporting portion PL1-S2, and may be equal to or less than four times the second width L2 of the second supporting portion PL1-S2. In the case where the second width L2 of the second supporting portion PL1-S2 is about 0.2 mm, the first width L1 of the first supporting portion PL1-S1 may be equal to or greater than about 0.6 mm and equal to or less than about 0.8 mm.

[0130] The first width L1 of the first supporting portion PL1-S1 in the second direction DR2 may be equal to or greater than the third width L3 of the supporting bar SB in the second direction DR2. When the first width L1 of the first supporting portion PL1-S1 in the second direction DR2 is greater than the second width L2 of the supporting bar SB in the second direction DR2, the reliability of the support of the supporting bar SB relative to the first supporting portion PL1-S1 may be improved. In addition, the supporting bar SB may be prevented from being separated from the first supporting portion PL1-S1 and the supporting bar SB may be prevented from supporting the second supporting portion PL1-S2.

[0131] The length L4 of the first plate PL1 in the first direction DR1 may be equal to or less than the length L5 of the support bar SB in the first direction DR1. That is, when viewed in a plane, a portion of each of the plurality of support bars SB may overlap with the first plate PL1, and when viewed in a plane, another portion of each of the plurality of support bars SB may not overlap with the first plate PL1.

[0132] When viewed in a plane, the first plate PL1 may not overlap with the guide member GM, however, this is only an example. According to an embodiment, the second support portion P2-2 (refer to Figure 5A ) may overlap with the first plate PL1, but the present disclosure should not be particularly limited.

[0133] Figure 5D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In detail, Figure 5D Shown with Figure 5A The display device shown in FIG. is different from the display device shown in FIG. Figure 5D In the same reference numerals, Figure 5A , and therefore, detailed description of the same elements will be omitted.

[0134] Reference Figure 5D , the third surface S3 of the support bar SB may be spaced apart from the inner side surface of the first portion P1 of the guide member GM by a predetermined distance. That is, the guide member GM may contact one surface of each of the plurality of support bars SB. Figure 5D A structure is shown in which the first supporting portion P2-1 of the guide member GM contacts the first surface S1 of the support bar SB, however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the second supporting portion P2-2 of the guide member GM may contact the second surface S2 of the support bar SB.

[0135] The inner side surface of the first portion P1 of the guide member GM may be spaced apart from the third surface S3 of the support bar SB, and thus the support bar SB may be easily moved during folding and unfolding operations of the display device. As a result, the reliability of support of the support plate PL may be improved by the support bar SB.

[0136] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In detail, Fig. 6A and 6B Shown with Figure 5A The display device shown in FIG. is different from the display device shown in FIG. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B In the same reference numerals, Figure 5A , and thus a detailed description of the same elements will be omitted.

[0137] exist Fig. 6A In the embodiment, the folding axis FX of the display device may be defined above the support bar SB. In detail, the folding axis FX may correspond to Figure 1B The folding axis FX1 of the inwardly folded display device shown in FIG.

[0138] The second portion P2 of the guide member GMa may contact the second surface S2 of each of the plurality of support bars SB. When the display device is folded inwardly, the first plate PL1 coupled to the display module DM may support the display module DM upwardly to resist the stress applied to the display module DM. That is, the stress concentrated on the lower portion of the display module DM may be relieved. In addition, the support bar SB disposed below the first plate PL1 and coupled to the first plate PL1 may support the first plate PL1 upwardly. Therefore, the stress concentrated on the lower portion of the display module DM may be relieved. When the support bar SB supports the first plate PL1 upwardly, the guide member GMa may support the support bar SB upwardly, and therefore, the stress applied to the display module DM with a constant strength during the inward folding operation and the unfolding operation may be relieved. As a result, the appearance of creases in the display module DM may be prevented.

[0139] exist Figure 6B In the embodiment, the folding axis FX' of the display device may be defined below the support bar SB. In detail, the folding axis FX' may correspond to Figure 1C The folding axis FX1 of the outwardly folded display device shown in FIG.

[0140] The second portion P2 of the guide member GMb may contact the first surface S1 of each of the plurality of support bars SB. The first plate PL1 coupled to the display module DM may support the display module DM downward to resist the stress applied to the upper portion of the display module DM during the outward folding operation. That is, the stress concentrated on the upper portion of the display module DM may be relieved. In addition, the support bar SB disposed below the first plate PL1 and coupled to the first plate PL1 may support the first plate PL1 downward, and may support the display module DM downward together with the first plate PL1. Therefore, the stress concentrated on the upper portion of the display module DM may be relieved. When the support bar SB supports the first plate PL1 downward, the guide member GMb may support the support bar SB downward, and therefore, the stress applied to the display module DM with a constant strength during the outward folding operation and the unfolding operation may be relieved. As a result, the appearance of creases in the display module DM may be prevented.

[0141] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 8A and Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In detail, Figure 7 is with Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of a display device different from the display device shown in FIG. Fig. 8A It is part of the display device along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' of Figure 8B It is part of the display device along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0142] exist Figure 7 , Fig. 8A and Figure 8B In the same reference numerals, Figure 4 and FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C , and therefore, detailed description of the same elements will be omitted.

[0143] Reference Figure 7 , the support plate PLa may support the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 of the display panel DP. The support plate PLa may overlap with the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 of the display panel DP. In addition, the support plate PLa may not overlap with the folding area FA1.

[0144] The support bar SB may support the folding area FA1 of the display panel DP. The support bar SB may be in contact with the display panel DP. The support plate PLa may be divided into a plurality of parts, and the support bar SB may be disposed between the parts of the support plate PLa.

[0145] The guide member GMc may be provided at one side of the support bar SB in the first direction DR1 and at the other side spaced apart from the one side. Each of the plurality of support bars SB may be accommodated in the guide member GMc. When viewed in the first direction DR1, the guide member GMc may not overlap with the support plate PLa, however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the guide member GMc may partially overlap with the support plate PLa.

[0146] Reference Fig. 8A and Figure 8B , the support bars SB may support the display module DM in the folding area FA1. The first surface S1 of each of the plurality of support bars SB may contact the display module DM. The guide member GMc may support the support bars SB in the folding area FA1. The support plate PLa may support the display module DM in the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2.

[0147] Fig. 8A A structure is shown in which the guide member GMc supports the second surface S2 and the third surface S3 of the support bar SB, however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the guide member GMc may support the first surface S1 and the third surface S3 of the support bar SB, however, it should not be limited thereto or thereby.

[0148] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is understood that the present disclosure should not be limited to these embodiments, but various changes and modifications can be made by those of ordinary skill in the art within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as in the appended claims. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to the embodiments described herein, and the scope of the present utility model concept should be determined according to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that: The display device comprises: A display panel comprising a folding area and a non-folding area adjacent to the folding area; a plurality of support bars arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along one direction in the folding region, each of the plurality of support bars extending in a cross direction intersecting the one direction and including a first surface facing the display panel and a second surface opposite to the first surface; and The first guide member and the second guide member are respectively arranged at the first end and the second end of each of the multiple support rods, and the first guide member and the second guide member are spaced apart in the cross direction, wherein each of the first guide member and the second guide member supports at least one of the first surface and the second surface of each of the multiple support rods.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the first guide member and the second guide member extends in the one direction and includes: a first portion that does not overlap the support rod when viewed in a plane; and The second portion is bent from the first portion and overlaps the plurality of support rods when viewed in the plane.

3. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that The display device further includes: a first plate disposed below the display panel and overlapping the folding area; and a second plate disposed below the display panel and overlapping the non-folding area and not overlapping the folding area, wherein the first plate includes: a plurality of first supporting portions, each having a first width in the one direction, and the plurality of first supporting portions are arranged in the one direction; and A plurality of second support parts each having a second width in the one direction that is equal to or smaller than the first width, and the plurality of second support parts are arranged between the plurality of first support parts, and when viewed in a plane, the plurality of support rods overlap with the plurality of first support parts respectively.

4. The display device according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of second supporting portions is provided with a plurality of openings defined therethrough, and the plurality of openings are arranged in a lattice form when viewed in the plane.

5. The display device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A first length of the first plate in the cross direction is smaller than a second length of each of the plurality of support bars in the cross direction.

6. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of support rods includes a plurality of third surfaces, each of which connects the first surface and the second surface and faces each other in the intersection direction, and the first guide member and the second guide member contact the plurality of third surfaces of the plurality of support rods.

7. A display device, characterized in that: The display device comprises: A display panel comprising a folding area and a non-folding area adjacent to the folding area; a first plate disposed on a rear surface of the display panel and supporting the display panel in the folding area; a plurality of support bars arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along one direction in the folding region, each of the plurality of support bars extending in a crossing direction intersecting the one direction, the plurality of support bars supporting the first plate; and A first guide and a second guide, respectively supporting a first end and a second end of each of the plurality of support rods, wherein the first plate comprises: a plurality of first supporting portions, each having a first width in the one direction, and the plurality of first supporting portions are arranged in the one direction; and A plurality of second support portions each having a second width in the one direction that is equal to or smaller than the first width, and the plurality of second support portions are disposed between the plurality of first support portions, and the plurality of support rods overlap the plurality of first support portions respectively when viewed in a plane.

8. The display device according to claim 7, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of support rods comprises: A first surface facing the rear surface of the display panel; a second surface, opposite to the first surface; and A plurality of third surfaces each connect the first surface and the second surface, and the plurality of third surfaces face away from each other in the crossing direction, and each of the first guide member and the second guide member supports at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

9. The display device according to claim 7, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of second supporting portions is provided with a plurality of openings defined therethrough, and the plurality of openings are arranged in a lattice form when viewed in the plane.

10. The display device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The display device further includes a second plate disposed on the rear surface of the display panel and supporting the display panel in the non-folding region.

Images