Display device

Abstract

A display device includes: a display member; a cover window covering an upper portion of the display member and having a central portion and a curved portion; a lower cover covering a lower portion of the display member; a middle frame disposed between the cover window and the lower cover; a first coupling layer provided between the bent portion of the cover window and the middle frame, and made of an adhesive material; and a first filler filled in a space between the bent portion of the cover window and the display member, in which at least a portion of the first coupling layer and the first filler overlap in a thickness direction of the display member.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and all benefits derived from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0074035, filed on Jun. 9, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a display device. Background Art

[0003] The importance of display devices is increasing with the development of multimedia. Examples of such display devices include a liquid crystal display ("LCD"), an organic light emitting display ("OLED"), and the like.

[0004] In order to improve aesthetics, a flexible display device is emerging in which an edge portion of the display device is bent to have a predetermined curvature. To cope with this, research on a cover window including a curved surface is being actively conducted. Utility Model Content

[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a display device capable of ensuring a sufficient attachment area between a cover window and a middle frame while reducing a width of a bending area in a display device employing a cover window having a curved surface.

[0006] However, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the aspects set forth herein. The above and other aspects of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains by referring to the detailed description of the present disclosure given below.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a display device includes: a display member; a cover window covering an upper portion of the display member and having a central portion and a curved portion; a lower cover covering a lower portion of the display member; an intermediate frame disposed between the cover window and the lower cover; a first coupling layer disposed between the curved portion of the cover window and the intermediate frame and made of an adhesive material; and a first filler filled in a space between the curved portion of the cover window and the display member, wherein at least a portion of the first coupling layer and the first filler overlap in a thickness direction of the display member.

[0008] The curved portion may become thinner as the distance from the central portion increases.

[0009] The slope of the outer wall of the curved portion may be steeper than the slope of the inner wall of the curved portion.

[0010] The first coupling layer may include a first_first coupling layer in contact with the bent portion and a first_second coupling layer not in contact with the bent portion.

[0011] The middle frame, the first_second coupling layers, the first filler, and the cover window may overlap in the thickness direction.

[0012] The first filler may contact side surfaces of the first_second coupling layers, the cover window, and the display member.

[0013] The first filler may be made of resin.

[0014] A thickness of the first filler may be smaller than a height of an inner side of the cover window.

[0015] The display member may include a display panel on which an image is displayed, and the display panel may include a bending region in which the display panel is bent.

[0016] A space surrounded by the bending area of ​​the display panel may be filled with a second filler.

[0017] The second filler may be formed of the same material as the first filler.

[0018] The second filler may be made of resin.

[0019] The middle frame may include a middle plate disposed on a rear surface of the display panel and a middle side wall coupled to a side surface of the middle plate to vertically support the bent portion, and the middle frame may be disposed to be spaced apart from the display panel to include a receiving space therebetween.

[0020] The display device may further include a second coupling layer disposed between the middle frame and the lower cover and made of an adhesive material.

[0021] The cover window may have a dome shape convex in the thickness direction.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a display device includes: a display member; a cover window covering an upper portion of the display member and having a central portion and a curved portion; a lower cover covering a lower portion of the display member; an intermediate frame disposed between the cover window and the lower cover; a first coupling layer disposed between the curved portion of the cover window and the intermediate frame and made of an adhesive material; and a first filler filling a space between the curved portion of the cover window and the display member, wherein the curved portion becomes thinner as the distance from the central portion increases.

[0023] The slope of the outer wall of the curved portion may be steeper than the slope of the inner wall of the curved portion.

[0024] The first filler may contact side surfaces of the first coupling layer, the cover window, and the display member.

[0025] The display member may include a display panel on which an image is displayed, the display panel may include a bending region in which the display panel is bent, and a space surrounded by the bending region of the display panel may be filled with a second filler.

[0026] The cover window may have a dome shape that is convex in a thickness direction of the display member.

[0027] According to the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a sufficient attachment area between the cover window and the middle frame can be ensured while reducing the width of the bending area.

[0028] According to the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the impact protection function can be effectively enhanced by the filler.

[0029] However, the effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and various other effects are included in the present specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing in detail embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 2 is a plan view of a main body portion in an unfolded state according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 3 is a plan view of the rear surface of the main body portion;

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a main body portion according to an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a stacking structure of a main body portion according to an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An enlarged view of area A;

[0038] Figures 8 to 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0039] Fig.11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to another embodiment;

[0040] Fig.12 is an example Figure 6 and Fig.11 an enlarged view of a curved portion of a cover window;

[0041] Fig.13 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to still another embodiment;

[0042] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 an enlarged view of region B of FIG. 1 ; and

[0043] Fig.15 and Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to yet another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, embodiments may be provided in different forms and should not be construed as limiting. Throughout this disclosure, the same reference numerals represent the same components. In the accompanying drawings, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0045] In order to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure, some parts that are not related to the description may not be provided.

[0046] It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being “on” another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or intervening layers may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there may be no intervening elements present.

[0047] Further, the phrase "in a plan view" means when observing an object portion from above (i.e., on a third direction DR3), and the phrase "in a schematic cross-sectional view" means when observing a schematic cross-section taken by cutting an object portion vertically from the side. The term "overlap" or "overlapping" means that the first object can be above or below or on the side of the second object, and vice versa. In addition, the term "overlap" may include stacking, stacking, facing, extending thereon, covering or partially covering or any other suitable term as will be appreciated and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The expression "non-overlapping" may include meanings such as "separated from..." or "set aside from..." or "deviation from..." and any other suitable equivalents as will be appreciated and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The term "facing" may mean that the first object may be directly or indirectly opposite to the second object. In the case where the third object is between the first object and the second object, the first object and the second object may be understood to be indirectly opposite to each other, but still facing each other.

[0048] For ease of description, spatially relative terms "below," "under," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or component and another element or component as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings, the spatially relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, in a case where the device illustrated in the accompanying drawings is flipped, a device that is "below" or "below" another device may be placed "above" the other device. Accordingly, the illustrative term "below" may include both a lower position and an upper position. The device may also be oriented in other directions, and thus the spatially relative terms may be interpreted differently depending on the orientation.

[0049] When an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, the element may be "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to the other element, or "electrically connected" or "electrically coupled" to the other element with one or more intervening elements interposed therebetween. It will be further understood that when the terms "includes," "has," and / or "comprising" are used, they may specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or any combination thereof.

[0050] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another element, or for ease of description and explanation. For example, without departing from the teachings herein, when a "first element" is discussed in the description, it may be referred to as a "second element" or a "third element", and the "second element" and "third element" may be referred to in a similar manner.

[0051] As used herein, the term "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and means within an acceptable deviation range of the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (e.g., limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, 5% of the stated value.

[0052] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing a particular embodiment and are not intended to be restrictive. As used herein, "one", "the" and "at least one" do not represent the limitation of quantity, and are intended to include both the singular and the plural, unless the context clearly states otherwise. For example, "an element" has the same meaning as "at least one element", unless the context clearly states otherwise. "At least one" should not be interpreted as limiting "one". "Or" means "and / or". In the specification and claims, for the purpose of its meaning and interpretation, the term "and / or" is intended to include any combination of the terms "and" and "or". For example, "A and / or B" can be understood to mean "A, B or A and B". The terms "and" and "or" can be used in the sense of conjunctions or transition conjunctions, and can be understood to be equivalent to "and / or". In the specification and claims, for the purpose of its meaning and interpretation, the phrase "at least one of ..." is intended to include the meaning of "at least one selected from the group of ...". For example, "at least one of A and B" can be understood to mean "A, B or A and B".

[0053] Unless otherwise defined or implied, 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 be further understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in the specification.

[0054] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0055] refer to Figure 1 According to an embodiment, the display device 1 may include a main body unit BP and a wearable part BD. In this specification, the display device 1 is exemplified as a smart watch, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the display device 1 may be various display devices 1 such as a smart phone, a television, and a computer.

[0056] The main body unit BP may include a display panel 10 on which an image is displayed, a cover window CW disposed on the display panel 10, a lower cover BC disposed under the display panel 10, a middle frame MF disposed between the cover window CW and the lower cover BC, and a coupling layer AD disposed between the cover window CW and the middle frame MF.

[0057] The body unit BP may include a lower cover BC, a middle frame MF, a coupling layer AD, a display panel 10, and a cover window CW, which are sequentially arranged.

[0058] The display panel 10 may be a screen on which various types of information, content, user interfaces, etc. are displayed as images. The display panel 10 may be located at the center of the upper surface of the main body portion BY. The display panel 10 may be an organic light emitting display panel or a liquid crystal display panel, but is not limited thereto. The display panel 10 may include a display area DA that displays an image and a non-display area NDA located around the display area DA. Figure 1 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the planar shape of the display panel 10 may be substantially circular, but is not limited thereto, and may have various shapes such as a polygonal shape (such as a quadrilateral) or an elliptical shape.

[0059] The cover window CW may be disposed above the display panel 10 to protect the display panel 10 and transmit light emitted from the display panel 10. As described above, the cover window CW includes a light blocking portion to block some of the light emitted from the display panel 10. The cover window CW may be made of a transparent plastic material or a glass material (e.g., a tempered glass material). As an example, the cover window CW may be made of any one of sapphire glass and gorilla glass, or have a laminated structure thereof. As another example, the cover window CW may include any one of polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"), polycarbonate ("PC"), polyethersulfone ("PES"), polyethylene naphthalate ("PEN"), and polynorbornene ("PNB"). Considering scratch resistance and transparency, the cover window CW may be made of tempered glass.

[0060] The cover window CW may be arranged to overlap with the display panel 10 in a plan view and cover the entire surface of the display panel 10. The cover window CW generally has a shape similar to that of the display panel 10 in a plan view, but may have a larger size than the display panel 10. For example, the cover window CW may protrude further outward than the display panel 10. The planar shape of the cover window CW may be the same as the planar shape of the main body unit BP. For example, the planar shape of the cover window CW may be substantially circular, but is not limited thereto, and may have various shapes, such as a polygonal shape (such as a quadrilateral) or an elliptical shape.

[0061] The cover window CW may include a central portion CP and a bent portion RP disposed around the central portion CP.

[0062] The central portion CP is located at the center of the cover window CW and may be substantially flat. The central portion CP may be a region corresponding to the display area DA of the display panel 10. In an embodiment, the central portion CP of the cover window CW may cover the entire display area DA of the display panel 10, but is not limited thereto, and may only cover a portion of the display area DA of the display panel 10 in another embodiment.

[0063] The curved portion RP may be arranged to surround the central portion CP. The curved portion RP may be a curved portion bent from the central portion CP. The curved portion RP may be bent from the edge of the central portion CP. In some embodiments, a portion of the curved portion RP may include a curved surface having a predetermined curvature, and the other portion thereof may be flat. The degree (or angle) at which the curved portion RP is bent from the central portion CP may be an obtuse angle, but is not limited thereto, and may be a right angle or an acute angle in another embodiment.

[0064] In another embodiment, the curved portion RP may include a curved surface having a predetermined curvature. The curvature of the curved portion RP may be constant for each zone, but is not limited thereto, and may also be different for each zone in another embodiment. For example, the curved portion RP may be inclined at a first angle (e.g., 120 degrees) from the central portion CP while having a curved shape. The first angle is defined by the angle between the inner surface of the central portion CP and the inner surface of the curved portion RP. Accordingly, since the curved portion RP is bent from the central portion CP in a curved shape, the curved portion RP may be represented as a three-dimensional window or a three-dimensional sidewall window.

[0065] The middle frame MF is a coupling member for coupling the cover window CW and the lower cover BC, and is disposed between the cover window CW and the lower cover BC. For example, the middle frame MF may include a bracket.

[0066] The coupling layer AD is located between the cover window CW and the middle frame MF, and attaches the cover window CW and the middle frame MF to each other. The coupling layer AD is coated with an adhesive material on the opposite side, and may be an adhesive tape having a waterproof or dustproof function. The coupling layer AD has a specific width and is formed along the edge of the middle frame MF. Therefore, preferably, the shape and size of the coupling layer AD correspond to the shape and size of the middle frame MF. That is, if the middle frame MF has a circular shape, the coupling layer AD also has a circular shape, and if the middle frame MF has a quadrilateral shape, the coupling layer AD also has a quadrilateral shape.

[0067] In addition, the coupling layer AD may have an annular shape in which the center portion thereof is hollow. If the specific width is too wide, the coupling layer AD is exposed to the outside of the middle frame MF, which destroys the aesthetics of the display device 1 and obstructs the user's field of view. In addition, if the specific width is too narrow, the adhesion is weakened, so that the cover window CW and the middle frame MF may be easily separated. Accordingly, the specific width may be formed in various ways according to the shape and material of the cover window CW and the middle frame MF. In practice, an optimal width that can fully ensure the user's field of view and sufficient adhesion is selected through experiments. The coupling layer AD may have a first coupling layer and a second coupling layer, and the reference Figure 6 and Figure 7A first coupling layer and a second coupling layer are described.

[0068] The lower cover BC is a housing provided below the display panel 10 .

[0069] The lower cover BC may include a central cover portion BCP and a peripheral portion BS disposed around the central cover portion BCP.

[0070] The central cover portion BCP is located at the center of the lower cover BC and may be substantially flat. The central cover portion BCP may be a region corresponding to the central portion CP of the cover window CW.

[0071] The peripheral part BS may be arranged to surround the central cover part BCP. The peripheral part BS may be a bent part bent from the central cover part BCP. The peripheral part BS may be bent from the edge of the central cover part BCP. In some embodiments, a portion of the peripheral part BS may include a curved surface having a predetermined curvature, and the other portion thereof may be flat. The degree (or angle) at which the peripheral part BS is bent from the central cover part BCP may be an obtuse angle, but is not limited thereto, and may be a right angle or an acute angle in another embodiment.

[0072] The lower cover BC may be disposed on the outermost rear surface of the electronic device, may include at least one of plastic, metal, and glass, and may include a color coating. For example, the lower cover BC according to an example may be a flat glass with a transparent, translucent, or opaque color coating.

[0073] The lower cover BC according to another example has the same shape as the cover window CW and may include a glass material with a color coating. For example, the lower cover BC according to another example may have a symmetrical structure with the cover window CW with the middle frame MF interposed therebetween, and the lower cover BC may include a transparent, translucent or opaque color coating.

[0074] The wearable portion BD is a portion for fixing the main body unit BP to the user's wrist or the like, and may be any of a belt, a chain, and a bracelet, for example.

[0075] Figure 2 is a plan view of a main body portion according to an embodiment. Figure 3 It is a plan view of the rear surface of the main body portion. Figure 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a main body portion according to an embodiment.

[0076] Figure 2 The sub-area SA is illustrated as being unfolded without being bent. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example shown, the sub-area SA is bent.

[0077] refer to Figures 2 to 4, the main body portion BY may include a display panel 10, a driving chip 20, and a driving substrate 30. The main body portion BY may be referred to as a "display member".

[0078] Examples of the display panel 10 may include an organic light emitting display panel, a micro LED display panel, a nano LED display panel, a quantum dot light emitting display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, a plasma display panel, a field emission display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, and an electrowetting display panel. Hereinafter, a case where an organic light emitting display panel is applied as an example of a display panel will be described by way of example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may be applied to other display panels as long as the same technical concept is applicable.

[0079] The display panel 10 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA may refer to a portion where an image is displayed, and the non-display area NDA may refer to a portion where an image is not displayed.

[0080] The display area DA may have a circular shape in a plan view. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display area DA may have a rectangular shape or a rectangular shape with rounded corners in a plan view, or may have various shapes such as a square, other polygons, or an ellipse.

[0081] The non-display area NDA may be disposed around the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may be a frame area. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and for another example, the non-display area NDA may not be disposed in at least a portion of the area around the display area DA.

[0082] A signal line or a driving circuit for applying a signal to the display area DA (display area or touch area) may be provided in the non-display area NDA. In another embodiment, the non-display area NDA may include a portion of the touch area, and a sensor member such as a pressure sensor may be provided in the corresponding area.

[0083] The display panel 10 may include a plurality of pixels. The plurality of pixels may be arranged in a matrix direction. The shape of each pixel may be a rectangle or a square in a plan view, but is not limited thereto, and may also be a rhombus shape in another embodiment, and each side is inclined relative to the second direction DR2 or the first direction DR1. Each pixel may include a light-emitting area. Each light-emitting area may have the same shape as that of the pixel, or may have a shape different from that of the pixel. For example, when a pixel has a rectangular shape, the light-emitting area of ​​the corresponding pixel may have various shapes, such as a rectangle, a rhombus, a hexagon, an octagon, and a circle.

[0084] The body portion BY may further include a touch member for sensing a touch input. The touch member may be formed in the form of a touch layer TSL (see Figure 5) is provided on the display panel 10. In this case, the touch layer TSL (see Figure 5 ) may be provided integrally with the display panel 10. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the touch member may be provided as a panel or film that is separate from the display panel 10 and attached to the display panel 10. In the following embodiments, the touch member is described by way of example in the form of a touch layer TSL (see Figure 5 ) is provided in the form of, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0085] The touch area may be an area for sensing a touch input. The touch area may overlap with the display area DA in a plan view. That is, the display area DA may be an area for performing display and sensing a touch input.

[0086] The display panel 10 may include a flexible substrate including a flexible polymer material such as polyimide. Accordingly, the display panel 10 may be curved, bent, folded, or rolled.

[0087] The display panel 10 may include a bending area BA as an area where the display panel 10 is bent. With the bending area BA as the center of the display panel 10, the display panel 10 may be divided into a main area MA located on one side of the bending area BA in the second direction DR2 and a sub-area SA located on the other side (i.e., the opposite side) of the bending area BA in the second direction DR2.

[0088] The display area DA of the display panel 10 is disposed in the main area MA. In one embodiment, the area outside the peripheral edge portion of the display area DA in the main area MA, the entire bending area BA, and the entire sub-area SA may be a non-display area NDA. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the bending area BA and / or the sub-area SA may further include the display area DA.

[0089] The main area MA may have a shape substantially similar to the outer shape of the main body portion BY in a plan view. The main area MA may be a flat area located on one plane. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, at least one of the remaining edges other than the edge (side) of the main area MA connected to the bending area BA may be bent to form a curved surface, or may be bent in a vertical direction.

[0090] When at least one of the remaining edges except the edge (side portion) of the main area MA connected to the bending area BA forms a curved surface or bends, the display area DA may also be disposed on the corresponding edge. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the curved or bent edge may become a non-display area that does not display an image, or the display area and the non-display area may be mixed at the corresponding portion.

[0091] The bending area BA is connected to the other side (ie, the opposite side) of the main area MA in the second direction DR2. For example, the bending area BA may be connected to the lower side of the main area MA. Figure 2 The width of the bending area BA (the width in the first direction DR1) may be smaller than the width of the main area MA adjacent to the bending area BA (the width in the first direction DR1). The connection portion between the main area MA and the bending area BA may have an L-cut shape.

[0092] In the bending area BA, the display panel 10 may be bent with a curvature in a downward direction in the thickness direction (i.e., in a direction opposite to the display surface). The bending area BA may have a constant radius of curvature, but is not limited thereto, and may also have a different radius of curvature for each section in another embodiment. When the display panel 10 is bent in the bending area BA, the surface of the display panel 10 is reversed. That is, one surface of the display panel 10 facing the upper side may be changed to face the outer side by the bending area BA, and then changed again to face the lower side.

[0093] The sub-area SA extends from the bending area BA. The sub-area SA may start to extend in a direction parallel to the main area MA after the bending is completed. The sub-area SA may overlap the main area MA in the thickness direction (i.e., the third direction DR3) of the display panel 10 (or the main body portion BY). The width of the sub-area SA (the width in the first direction DR1) may increase as the distance from the bending area BA increases, but is not limited thereto.

[0094] The driving chip 20 may be disposed in the sub-area SA. The driving chip 20 may include an integrated circuit that drives the display panel 10. The integrated circuit may include an integrated circuit for a display and / or an integrated circuit for a touch unit. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the integrated circuit for a display and the integrated circuit for a touch unit may be provided as separate chips or integrated into one chip.

[0095] The pad portion may be provided at an end of the sub-area SA of the display panel 10. The pad portion may include a plurality of display signal wiring pads and a plurality of touch signal wiring pads. The drive substrate 30 may be connected to the pad portion at the end of the sub-area SA of the display panel 10. The drive substrate 30 may be a flexible printed circuit board or a film.

[0096] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a stacked structure of a body portion according to an embodiment.

[0097] refer to Figure 5The body portion BY may include a substrate SUB, a circuit driving layer DRL, a light emitting layer EML, an encapsulation layer ENL, a touch layer TSL, and an optical layer OCA stacked in sequence. The display panel 10 may include a substrate SUB, a circuit driving layer DRL, a light emitting layer EML, and an encapsulation layer ENL.

[0098] The substrate SUB may support components disposed thereon.

[0099] The circuit driving layer DRL may be disposed on the substrate SUB. The circuit driving layer DRL may include a circuit for driving the light emitting layer EML of the pixel. The circuit driving layer DRL may include a plurality of thin film transistors.

[0100] The light emitting layer EML may be disposed on the circuit driving layer DRL. The light emitting layer EML may include an organic light emitting layer. The light emitting layer EML may emit light having various types of brightness according to a driving signal transmitted from the circuit driving layer DRL.

[0101] The encapsulation layer ENL may be disposed on the light emitting layer EML. The encapsulation layer ENL may include an inorganic film or a stacked layer of an inorganic film and an organic film. As another example, glass or an encapsulation film may also be applied as the encapsulation layer ENL.

[0102] The touch layer TSL may be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENL. The touch layer TSL, which is a layer for recognizing a touch input, may be used as a touch member. The touch layer TSL may include a plurality of sensing regions and a plurality of sensing electrodes.

[0103] The optical layer OCA may be disposed on the touch layer TSL. The optical layer OCA may be used to reduce reflection of external light. The optical layer OCA may be attached in the form of a polarizing film. In this case, the optical layer OCA polarizes light passing therethrough, and the optical layer OCA may be attached to the upper portion of the touch layer TSL through an adhesive layer. The optical layer OCA in the form of a polarizing film may also be omitted.

[0104] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the optical layer OCA may also be stacked in the form of a color filter layer. In this case, the optical layer OCA may include a color filter that selectively transmits light of a specific wavelength, etc.

[0105] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment, and Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Magnified view of area A.

[0106] The main body unit BP includes a lower cover BC, a middle frame MF, a coupling layer AD, a display panel 10 and a cover window CW, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 In addition, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7, the body unit BP may further include a filler RS ​​and a support layer SP. The cover window CW may include a main area MAC and a bending area BAC. The main area MAC of the cover window CW is an area overlapping with the body part BY in a plan view, and the bending area BAC of the cover window CW is an area surrounding the main area MAC and including the bending portion RP. Figure 1 The lower cover BC, the coupling layer AD, the display panel 10, and the cover window CW are described, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Figure 6 Describe the detailed structure of the middle framework MF.

[0107] The middle frame MF may serve as a bracket for fixing the cover window CW and the lower cover BC.

[0108] The display panel 10 is disposed between the middle frame MF and the cover window CW. The rear surface of the display panel 10 and the upper surface of the middle frame MF face each other, but are disposed to be spaced apart from each other to provide a first receiving space SS1 therebetween. The first receiving space SS1 may receive peripheral circuits of the electronic device, such as a host drive system, a memory, and a battery.

[0109] The middle frame MF may include a middle plate MF-1 and a middle side wall MF-2.

[0110] The middle board MF-1 may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 10. In this case, the middle board MF-1 may include at least one open portion through which a cable for electrical connection between a display driving circuit portion and a host driving system connected to the display panel 10 passes, at least one concave portion in which various electronic circuit components installed in the electronic device are disposed, and the like.

[0111] The middle side wall MF-2 is coupled to the side surface of the middle panel MF-1 to vertically support the curved portion RP of the cover window CW. For example, the middle side wall MF-2 may be coupled to the curved portion RP of the cover window CW through the first coupling layer AD1, and in this case, the waterproof performance of the electronic device may be improved and the penetration of foreign matter may be prevented. Figure 1 Similar to the described coupling layer AD, the first coupling layer AD1 has a certain width and may be formed along the edge of the surface of the middle frame MF. The width of the first coupling layer AD1 may be about 1 millimeter (mm) to 8 mm, but may be wider than the thickness of the bent portion RP.

[0112] In one embodiment, the first coupling layer AD1 may be made of an adhesive material. The first coupling layer AD1 is coated with an adhesive material on opposite sides and may be an adhesive tape having a waterproof or dustproof function.

[0113] refer to Figure 7, the first coupling layer AD1 may include a first-first coupling layer AD1-1 and a first-second coupling layer AD1-2. The first-first coupling layer AD1-1 is disposed between the curved portion RP of the cover window CW and the intermediate side wall MF-2 to couple the curved portion RP of the cover window CW and the intermediate side wall MF-2. Accordingly, in the body unit BP, the intermediate side wall MF-2, the first-first coupling layer AD1-1, and the curved portion RP of the cover window CW are sequentially disposed in the third direction DR3. The width of the first-first coupling layer AD1-1 varies according to the thickness of the curved portion RP of the cover window CW.

[0114] The first-second coupling layer AD1-2 is disposed between the first filler RS-1 and the intermediate side wall MF-2 to couple the first filler RS-1 and the intermediate side wall MF-2. Accordingly, in the main body unit BP, the intermediate side wall MF-2, the first-second coupling layer AD1-2, the first filler RS-1, and the curved portion RP of the cover window CW are sequentially disposed in the third direction DR3. For example, the intermediate frame MF, the first-second coupling layer AD1-2, the first filler RS-1, and the cover window CW may overlap in the thickness direction of the main body portion BY. The first-second coupling layer AD1-2 may be disposed further inward than the first-first coupling layer AD1-1.

[0115] The middle side wall MF-2 is connected to the side surface of the middle plate MF-1 to vertically support the peripheral portion BS of the lower cover BC. For example, the middle side wall MF-2 can be connected to the peripheral portion BS of the lower cover BC through the second connection layer AD2, and in this case, the waterproof performance of the electronic device can be improved, and the penetration of foreign matter can be prevented.

[0116] Similar to the first coupling layer AD1, the second coupling layer AD2 has a certain width and may be formed along the edge of the lower surface of the middle frame MF. The second coupling layer AD2 may be made of the same material as the first coupling layer AD1, but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the second coupling layer AD2 may be made of an adhesive material. The second coupling layer AD2 is coated with an adhesive material on the opposite side, and may be an adhesive tape having a waterproof or dustproof function in another embodiment.

[0117] The distance from one end of the display panel 10 to the bent portion RP may be about 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm, and the thickness of the bent portion RP in the second direction DR2 may be about 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm. For example, the distance from one end of the display panel 10 to the bent portion RP may be about 1.84 mm, and the thickness of the bent portion RP in the second direction DR2 may be about 1.2 mm.

[0118] The lower cover BC is connected to the middle side wall MF-2 to face the rear surface of the middle frame MF, thereby covering the rear surface (or back surface) of the middle frame MF and providing a second accommodation space SS2 on the rear surface of the middle frame MF. The second accommodation space SS2 may be provided between the middle plate MF-1 of the middle frame MF and the lower cover BC, thereby accommodating peripheral circuits of the electronic device that are not provided in the first accommodation space SS1. For example, the lower cover BC may be detachably connected to the middle side wall MF-2 to perform battery replacement according to battery discharge during use of the electronic device, or the lower cover BC may be connected to the middle side wall MF-2 to be detachable only when the electronic device is disassembled for repair. In order to detachably connect the lower cover BC and the middle side wall MF-2, the second coupling layer AD2 may be omitted, and a mechanical connection may be adopted.

[0119] Meanwhile, the filler RS ​​may be made of a resin (eg, a UV curable resin). In some embodiments, the filler RS ​​may be made of an optically transparent resin ("OCR").

[0120] The filler RS ​​may include a first filler RS-1 and a second filler RS-2. The first filler RS-1 and the second filler RS-2 may be formed of or include the same material.

[0121] The first filler RS-1 may be located between the bent portion RP of the cover window CW and the body portion BY to couple the cover window CW and the body portion BY.

[0122] The first filler RS-1 may be formed to fill a space between the bent portion RP and the body portion BY of the cover window CW. The first filler RS-1 contacts the bent portion RP, the body portion BY, and the first coupling layer AD1.

[0123] In the bending area BAC of the cover window CW, the middle frame MF, the first coupling layer AD1, the first filler RS-1 and the cover window CW may be sequentially arranged in the thickness direction. That is, the first filler RS-1 is arranged on the first coupling layer AD1, for example, at least a portion of the first coupling layer AD1 and the first filler RS-1 may overlap in the thickness direction of the main body portion BY (i.e., the display member), and the attachment area may be extended by the first coupling layer AD1 and the first filler RS-1. In addition, the impact protection function may be enhanced by the first filler RS-1.

[0124] The second filler RS-2 may be formed to fill the entire space formed by the bending area BA of the display panel 10. The second filler RS-2 may maintain the bending state of the display panel 10. The second filler RS-2 may be formed of the same material as the first filler RS-1 or include the same material as the first filler RS-1. The second filler RS-2 may be made of a resin (e.g., a UV-curable resin). In some embodiments, the second filler RS-2 may be made of an optically transparent resin ("OCR"). The second filler RS-2 may be initially applied to the rear surface of the display panel 10 in a liquid or paste state, and may be cured by ultraviolet light ("UV") after the display panel 10 is bent.

[0125] The support layer SP may prevent the display panel 10 from being bent due to an external force or reduce the degree of bending of the display panel 10. The support layer SP may maintain the display panel 10 in a relatively flat state even when an external force is applied.

[0126] The support layer SP may include a rigid or semi-rigid material. Specifically, the support layer SP may include a metal material (such as stainless steel ("SUS") or aluminum), a polymer (such as polymethyl methacrylate ("PMMA"), polycarbonate ("PC"), polyvinyl alcohol ("PVA"), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS"), or polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"), etc.

[0127] Figures 8 to 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0128] refer to Figure 8 , prepare a main body portion BY set in the cover window CW.

[0129] In the body portion BY, the display panel 10 is held in a bent state by the second filler material RS-2.

[0130] Afterwards, refer to Fig. 9 , the jig 200 is disposed on the body portion BY disposed in the cover window CW, and the interior of the cover window CW, in which the jig 200 is not disposed, is filled with the first filler RS-1.

[0131] Here, the jig 200 may be used to form the profile of the first filler RS-1.

[0132] The jig 200 is disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 10 .

[0133] The first filler RS-1 is initially applied in a liquid or paste state in the cover window CW in which the jig 200 and the body part BY are disposed.

[0134] Afterwards, refer to Fig.10, after stacking the middle frame MF having the first coupling layer AD1, the first filler RS-1 may be cured by ultraviolet light ("UV").

[0135] In this case, the first filler RS-1 may be applied to be lower than the curved portion RP of the cover window CW. For example, the thickness h2 of the first filler RS-1 may be less than the height h1 (also referred to as the inner height) of the inner side of the cover window CW. Therefore, when the middle frame MF is stacked on the first filler RS-1, the first filler RS-1 may be prevented from leaking or being visually recognized between the curved portion RP of the cover window CW and the middle side wall MF-2 of the middle frame MF. Here, the inner height h1 of the cover window CW refers to the vertical distance from the inner surface of the center portion CP of the cover window CW to the upper surface of the curved portion RP, such as Fig. 9 The thickness h2 of the first filler RS-1 refers to the vertical distance from one surface (ie, the top surface) of the first filler RS-1 to the other surface (ie, the bottom surface) of the first filler RS-1 in contact with the inner surface of the central portion CP of the cover window CW.

[0136] Fig.11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to another embodiment, and Fig.12 is an example Figure 6 and Fig.11 An enlarged view of the curved portion of the cover window.

[0137] Fig.11 The display device according to the above reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The display device of the described embodiment is different in that the width (also referred to as thickness) of the curved portion RP of the cover window CW in the horizontal direction becomes narrower toward the middle side wall MF-2. Fig.11 and Fig.12 Main description and Figure 6 and Figure 7 The difference.

[0138] More specifically, the cover window CW may include a central portion CP and a bent portion RP disposed around the central portion CP.

[0139] The central portion CP is located at the center of the cover window CW and may be substantially flat. The central portion CP may be an area corresponding to the display area DA of the display panel 10. The curved portion RP may be arranged to surround the central portion CP. The curved portion RP may be a curved portion bent from the central portion CP. The curved portion RP may be bent from the edge of the central portion CP. In some embodiments, a portion of the curved portion RP may include a curved surface having a predetermined curvature, and the other portions thereof may be flat. The degree (or angle) at which the curved portion RP is bent from the central portion CP may be an obtuse angle, but is not limited thereto, and may be a right angle or an acute angle in another embodiment.

[0140] The middle side wall MF-2 is coupled to the side surface of the middle panel MF-1 to vertically support the curved portion RP of the cover window CW. For example, the middle side wall MF-2 may be coupled to the curved portion RP of the cover window CW through the first coupling layer AD1, and in this case, the waterproof performance of the electronic device may be improved and the penetration of foreign matter may be prevented. Figure 1 Similar to the described coupling layer AD, the first coupling layer AD1 has a certain width and may be formed along the edge of the surface of the middle frame MF. The width of the first coupling layer AD1 may be about 1 mm to 8 mm, but may be wider than the thickness of the bent portion RP.

[0141] refer to Fig.12 , in order to describe, Fig.11 The curved part RP will be Figure 6 For the convenience of explanation, according to Fig.11 The curved portion RP is called curved portion RP-2 and is Figure 6 The curved portion RP is referred to as a curved portion RP-1.

[0142] The curved portions RP-1 and RP-2 may be inclined at a first angle (e.g., 120 degrees) from the central portion CP (i.e., from the inner surface CP-1 of the central portion CP) while having a curved shape. Accordingly, the curved portions RP-1 and RP-2 may be away from the central portion CP in a direction opposite to the third direction DR3 (in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2). That is, as the curved portions RP-1 and RP-2 are bent and extended more from the central portion CP, the curved portions RP-1 and RP-2 may have a wider bending area BAC in a horizontal direction (e.g., a direction perpendicular to the third direction DR3).

[0143] The inclination angle θ of the inner wall RP-21 of the curved portion RP-2 relative to the inner surface CP-1 of the central portion CP and the inclination angle θ' of the outer wall RP-22 of the curved portion RP-2 relative to the inner surface CP-1 of the central portion CP may be different from each other. For example, the slope of the outer wall RP-22 of the curved portion RP-2 may be steeper than the slope of the inner wall RP-21 of the curved portion RP-2. The inclination angle θ of the inner wall RP-21 of the curved portion RP-2 may be greater than the inclination angle θ' of the outer wall RP-22 of the curved portion RP-2. In other words, the inclination angle θ' of the outer wall RP-22 of the curved portion RP-2 relative to the inner surface CP-1 of the central portion CP is closer to 90° than the inclination angle θ of the inner wall RP-21 of the curved portion RP-2.

[0144] The inclination angle θ of the inner wall RP-21 of the curved portion RP-2 can be defined as the angle between the inner surface CP-1 of the central portion CP and the inner wall RP-21 of the curved portion RP-2, and the inclination angle θ' of the outer wall RP-22 of the curved portion RP-2 can be defined as the angle between the inner surface CP-1 of the central portion CP and the outer wall RP-22 of the curved portion RP-2.

[0145] Accordingly, the width of the bending area BAC in the horizontal direction can be reduced by narrowing the width (also referred to as thickness) of the curved portion RP-2 in the horizontal direction. For example, the curved portion RP-2 can become thinner as the distance from the central portion CP increases.

[0146] For example, comparing the case where the width of the curved portion RP-1 is formed to be constant with the case where the width of the curved portion RP-2 is gradually reduced, the width BA2 of the bending area BAC corresponding to the curved portion RP-2 may be narrower than the width BA1 of the bending area BAC corresponding to the curved portion RP-1 on the same line. The width W1 of the curved portion RP-1 in the horizontal direction may be about 1.0 mm to about 1.5 mm, and the width BA1 of the bending area BAC including the curved portion RP-1 may be about 2.5 mm to about 3.5 mm. For example, the width W1 of the curved portion RP-1 may be 1.2 mm, and the width BA1 of the bending area BAC may be 3.24 mm, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the width W2 of the curved portion RP-2 at the distal end of the curved portion RP-2 may be about 0.2 mm to about 0.8 mm, and the width BA2 of the bending area BAC including the curved portion RP-2 may be about 1.7 mm to about 2.8 mm. For example, the width W2 of the bent portion RP-2 may be 0.3 mm, and the width BA2 of the bending area BAC may be 2.14 mm, but are not limited thereto.

[0147] The distance from one end of the display panel 10 to the bent portion RP may be about 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm, and the thickness of the bent portion RP in the second direction DR2 may be about 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm. For example, the distance from one end of the display panel 10 to the bent portion RP may be about 1.84 mm, and the thickness of the bent portion RP in the second direction DR2 may be about 1.2 mm.

[0148] Fig.13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment, and Fig.14 yes Fig.13 Magnified view of area B.

[0149] according to Fig.13 The display device of the embodiment is the same as that according to the above reference Fig.11 The display device of the described embodiment is different in that the first filler material RS-1 is formed to be narrower than the width of the middle side wall MF-2. Fig.13 and Fig.14 Main description and Fig.11 The difference.

[0150] The first filler RS-1 may be located between the bent portion RP of the cover window CW and the body portion BY to couple the cover window CW and the body portion BY.

[0151] The first filler RS-1 may be formed to fill the space between the curved portion RP and the body portion BY of the cover window CW. In this case, the width of the first filler RS-1 may not deviate from the width of the middle side wall MF-2. The first filler RS-1 may be formed not to overflow the middle side wall MF-2. Accordingly, the first filler RS-1 may not invade the first receiving space SS1, but is not limited thereto.

[0152] The first coupling layer AD1 may include a first-first coupling layer AD1-1 and a first-second coupling layer AD1-2. The first-first coupling layer AD1-1 is coupled between the curved portion RP of the cover window CW and the middle sidewall MF-2. The first-second coupling layer AD1-2 is coupled between the first filler RS-1 and the middle sidewall MF-2. The first-second coupling layer AD1-2 may be disposed more inwardly than the first-first coupling layer AD1-1.

[0153] Therefore, the attachment area of ​​the first coupling layer AD1 includes a contact area with the curved portion RP of the cover window CW and a contact area with the first filler RS-1. Accordingly, even when the width of the curved portion RP of the cover window CW is narrowed, the attachment area of ​​the first coupling layer AD1 can be sufficiently ensured.

[0154] Fig.15 and Fig.16is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to yet another embodiment.

[0155] according to Fig.15 and Fig.16 The display device of the embodiment of the present invention is different from the display device according to the above-described embodiment in that the cover window CW has a dome shape convex in the third direction DR3 in the cross section. Fig.15 and Fig.16 The differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described.

[0156] The cover window CW may have a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape in a plan view. The cover window CW may have a convex shape in a cross section in the third direction DR3.

[0157] The cover window CW may have a dome shape. An outer surface of the dome shape of the cover window CW may be a curved surface convex in the third direction DR3. An outer surface of the dome shape of the cover window CW may be a spherical surface or an aspherical surface.

[0158] The dome-shaped outer surface of the cover window CW may have a circular or elliptical shape on a plane defined by the second direction DR2 and the third direction DR3. The dome-shaped outer surface of the cover window CW may have a curved shape in a cross section defined by the second direction DR2 and the third direction DR3 or in a cross section defined by the first direction DR1 and the third direction DR3. The dome-shaped outer surface of the cover window CW has a convex shape in the third direction DR3 in all cross sections.

[0159] The inner surface of the dome shape of the cover window CW may have the same shape as or a different shape from the outer surface. For example, when the inner surface of the dome shape of the cover window CW has the same shape as the outer surface of the dome shape of the cover window CW, the cover window CW may have a dome shape with a uniform thickness. Alternatively, when the inner surface of the dome shape of the cover window CW has a shape different from that of the outer surface, the cover window CW may have a dome shape with a non-uniform thickness.

[0160] In one embodiment, since the cover window CW has a dome shape, a space may be formed between the cover window CW and the body portion BY. In another embodiment, since the cover window CW has a dome shape, the body portion BY coupled to the cover window CW may be attached along an inner surface of the cover window CW to have a surface corresponding to the inner surface of the cover window CW.

[0161] The display device according to the above-described embodiments can sufficiently ensure the attachment area between the cover window and the middle frame while reducing the width of the bending area of ​​the cover window.

[0162] However, the aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the aspects set forth herein. The above and other aspects of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs by referring to the claims including functional equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that: The display device comprises: Display components; a cover window covering an upper portion of the display member and having a central portion and a curved portion; A lower cover covering the lower portion of the display member; An intermediate frame, disposed between the cover window and the lower cover; a first coupling layer disposed between the bent portion of the cover window and the middle frame and made of an adhesive material; and a first filler filling a space between the bent portion of the cover window and the display member, At least a portion of the first coupling layer and the first filler overlap in a thickness direction of the display member.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that The curved portion becomes thinner as the distance from the central portion increases, The slope of the outer wall of the curved portion is steeper than the slope of the inner wall of the curved portion.

3. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first coupling layer includes a first-first coupling layer in contact with the bent portion and a first-second coupling layer not in contact with the bent portion, wherein the intermediate frame, the first and second coupling layers, the first filler and the cover window overlap in the thickness direction, wherein the first filler is in contact with the first-second coupling layers, the cover window and the side surfaces of the display member, wherein the first filler is made of resin, and The thickness of the first filler is smaller than the height of the inner side of the cover window.

4. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that The display member includes a display panel on which an image is displayed, and the display panel includes a bending region in which the display panel is bent, The space surrounded by the bending area of ​​the display panel is filled with a second filler, and The second filler is made of the same material as the first filler.

5. The display device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The middle frame includes a middle plate provided on a rear surface of the display panel and a middle side wall coupled to a side surface of the middle plate to vertically support the bent portion, and The middle frame is disposed to be spaced apart from the display panel to include a receiving space therebetween.

6. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display device further includes a second coupling layer disposed between the middle frame and the lower cover and made of an adhesive material.

7. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that The cover window has a dome shape that is convex in the thickness direction.

8. A display device, characterized in that: The display device comprises: Display components; a cover window covering an upper portion of the display member and having a central portion and a curved portion; A lower cover covering the lower portion of the display member; An intermediate frame, disposed between the cover window and the lower cover; a first coupling layer disposed between the bent portion of the cover window and the middle frame and made of an adhesive material; and a first filler filling a space between the bent portion of the cover window and the display member, The curved portion becomes thinner as the distance from the central portion increases.

9. The display device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The slope of the outer wall of the curved portion is steeper than the slope of the inner wall of the curved portion, The first filler is in contact with side surfaces of the first coupling layer, the cover window, and the display member.

10. The display device according to claim 8, characterized in that The display member includes a display panel on which an image is displayed, the display panel includes a bending region in which the display panel is bent, and a space surrounded by the bending region of the display panel is filled with a second filler, The cover window has a dome shape that is convex in a thickness direction of the display member.

Images