Display device

Abstract

A display device is presented that includes a first display area, a second display area, and a folding area between the first display area and the second display area. The display device further includes a display panel having a display surface; a support member disposed under the display panel and including a folded structure and an opening on the folded structure; and a planarization film in the opening of the support member, in which a thickness of the folded structure in a first direction is greater than a thickness of the opening in the first direction, the first direction being orthogonal to the display surface.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0116273 filed on September 1, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Technical Field

[0003] One or more embodiments relate to a display device. Background Art

[0004] Mobile-based electronic devices have become widely used. Recently, in addition to small electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablet personal computers (PCs) have become widely used as mobile electronic devices.

[0005] To support various functions, these mobile electronic devices include display devices that provide users with visual information such as images or videos. Recently, as the size of other components for driving the display devices has decreased, the area of the display devices in the electronic devices has gradually increased, and structures that can be bent at a certain angle from a flat state have been developed. Utility Model Content

[0006] One or more embodiments include a display device.

[0007] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments presented herein.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes a first display area, a second display area, and a folding area between the first and second display areas. The display device further includes: a display panel having a display surface; a support member disposed below the display panel and including a folding structure and an opening in the folding structure; and a planarization film in the opening of the support member, wherein a thickness of the folding structure in a first direction is greater than a thickness of the opening in the first direction. The first direction is orthogonal to the display surface.

[0009] The supporting member may include a first supporting portion in the first display area and a second supporting portion in the second display area.

[0010] The folded structure may include a plurality of holes passing through the support member.

[0011] The folding structure may be between the first support portion and the second support portion.

[0012] The opening may be above the folding structure.

[0013] A length of the opening in a second direction intersecting the first direction may be greater than a length of the folding structure in the second direction.

[0014] A thickness of the opening in the first direction may be equal to a thickness of the planarization film in the first direction.

[0015] The display device may further include a first adhesive layer disposed in the opening and provided under the planarization film.

[0016] The thickness of the planarization film in the first direction may be greater than the thickness of the first adhesive layer in the first direction.

[0017] A thickness of the opening in the first direction may be greater than a thickness of the planarization film in the first direction.

[0018] A sum of thicknesses of the first adhesive layer and the planarization film in the first direction may be equal to a thickness of the opening in the first direction.

[0019] The planarization film may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0020] The planarization film may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0021] The support member may include at least one of stainless steel, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and glass fiber reinforced plastic.

[0022] The support member may include at least one of an aluminum alloy, a titanium alloy, and a magnesium alloy.

[0023] The display device may further include a second adhesive layer between the display panel and the support member.

[0024] The display device may further include a polarizing film disposed above the display panel.

[0025] The display device may further include a window disposed over the polarizing film.

[0026] The display device may further include a third adhesive layer between the polarizing film and the window.

[0027] The display apparatus may further include a window protection member disposed above the window. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a display device according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2A According to one embodiment Figure 1The I-I' line is intercepted Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a display device;

[0031] Figure 2B A cross-sectional view illustrating a cover window of a display device according to an embodiment in more detail;

[0032] Figure 3 According to one embodiment Figure 1 The I-I' line is intercepted Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a display device;

[0033] Figure 4 is a plan view schematically illustrating a display panel of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 5 For the Figure 4 The II-II' line is intercepted Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of a display device; and

[0035] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a display device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, the present embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the description set forth herein. Therefore, the embodiments will be described below solely with reference to the accompanying drawings to explain various aspects of the present description. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated enumerated items. Throughout this disclosure, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" means only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

[0037] Since various modifications and various embodiments are possible, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present disclosure and methods for achieving them will be apparent with reference to the embodiments described in detail below in conjunction with the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but can be implemented in various forms.

[0038] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, the same reference numerals are assigned, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0039] In the following embodiments, ordinal terms such as “first” and “second” are used to distinguish one element from another element, but do not limit the elements to a specific order or sequence.

[0040] In the following embodiments, a singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly differs.

[0041] In the following embodiments, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to indicate the presence of elements and features described in the specification, without excluding the possibility that one or more other features also exist.

[0042] In the following embodiments, when a part such as a layer, a region, an element, etc. is referred to as being “on” another part, this means not only that the part is directly on the other element but also that the other element is interposed therebetween.

[0043] In the drawings, the size of the elements may be enlarged or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, since the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of explanation, the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrations.

[0044] In this specification, when some embodiments are implemented in this specification, a specific process order may be performed in a different order than described. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or in a reverse order to the described order.

[0045] In the present specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B. In addition, in the present specification, "at least one of A and B" means A, B, or A and B.

[0046] In the following embodiments, when layers, regions, components, etc. are connected to each other, the layers, regions, and components are directly connected to each other and / or the layers, regions, and components are indirectly connected to each other via other layers, other regions, and other components interposed between the layers, regions, and components. For example, in this specification, when layers, regions, components, etc. are electrically connected to each other, the layers, regions, and components are directly electrically connected to each other and / or the layers, regions, components, etc. are indirectly electrically connected to each other via other layers, other regions, and other components interposed between the layers, regions, and components.

[0047] The x-direction, y-direction, and z-direction are not limited to directions corresponding to the three axes on a rectangular coordinate system and can be interpreted in a broad sense including the same. For example, the x-direction, y-direction, and z-direction can be perpendicular to each other, or can refer to different directions that are not orthogonal to each other.

[0048] Figure 1 FIG2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a display device 1 according to an embodiment. The display device 1 may have a rectangular shape. For example, Figure 1As shown in FIG, the display device 1 may have a rectangular planar shape having a short side in a first direction (e.g., the x-direction) and a long side in a second direction (e.g., the y-direction). The edges where the short side in the first direction (e.g., the x-direction) and the long side in the second direction (e.g., the y-direction) intersect with each other may be rounded or formed at right angles to have a certain curvature. The planar form of the display device 1 is not limited to a rectangular shape, but may be formed into other polygonal shapes, an elliptical shape, or an unstructured shape.

[0049] In one embodiment, the display device 1 may include a display area DA and a peripheral area DPA. The display area DA may be an area where pixels are arranged and images can be displayed, and the peripheral area DPA may be an area where no pixels are arranged. The peripheral area DPA may surround at least a portion of the display area DA. The display area DA may include a first display area DA1, a second display area DA2, and a folding area FA. The first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may be on either side of the folding area FA. The display device 1 may be foldable around the folding area FA.

[0050] The display device 1 as described above may have various shapes. In one embodiment, the display device 1 may be provided as a non-foldable flat display. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the display device 1 may be foldable. The display device 1 may have a display panel (see FIG. 1 ) that is foldable in a folded state. Figure 2A In the present disclosure, for convenience of explanation, the case where the display device 1 is inwardly folded will be described in detail.

[0051] In one embodiment, the display device 1 may include a display area DA and a peripheral area DPA. The display area DA may be an area in which pixels are arranged and images can be displayed. The surface of the display area DA that presents images is referred to herein as the "display surface." The peripheral area DPA may be an area in which no pixels are arranged. The peripheral area DPA may surround at least a portion of the display area DA. The display area DA may include a first display area DA1, a second display area DA2, and a folding area FA. The first display area DAP1 and the second display area DA2 may be on either side of the folding area FA.

[0052] In one embodiment, the display device 1 is foldable about a folding axis FAX. When the display area DA forms a flat surface, images can be displayed across the entire display area DA, thereby enabling a large screen. In the folded state, the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 function as two screens, each displaying its own set of images rather than a single continuous image spanning the entire display area DA.

[0053] Display panel (see Figure 2A The display panel 100 may be a light-emitting display panel including a light-emitting element. For example, the display panel 100 may be an organic light-emitting display panel using an organic light-emitting diode including an organic light-emitting layer, an ultra-compact light-emitting diode display panel using micro light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a quantum dot light-emitting display panel using a quantum dot light-emitting diode including a quantum dot light-emitting layer, or an inorganic light-emitting display panel using an inorganic light-emitting device including an inorganic semiconductor.

[0054] The display panel 100 may be a rigid display panel that is rigid and not easily bent, or a flexible display panel that is easily bendable, foldable, or rollable. For example, the display panel 100 may be a foldable display panel 100 that can be repeatedly folded and unfolded, a curved display panel 100 having a non-flat display surface, an angled display panel 100 having a bending area other than the display surface, a rollable display panel 100 that can be repeatedly rolled and unfolded, or a stretchable display panel 100.

[0055] The display panel 100 may be a transparent display panel 100 that allows an object or background disposed on the lower surface of the display panel 100 to be seen from the upper surface of the display panel 100. Alternatively, the display panel 100 may be a reflective display panel 100 that can reflect an object or background on the upper surface of the display panel 100.

[0056] The lower cover 90 may be disposed under the display panel 100. The lower cover 90 may constitute the exterior of the lower surface of the display apparatus 1. The lower cover 90 may include plastic, metal, or both plastic and metal.

[0057] Figure 2A According to one embodiment Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of the display device 1 taken along line II'. Figure 2B 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cover window CW of a display device 1 in more detail according to an embodiment.

[0058] refer to Figure 2A , the display device 1 may include a window protection member 113 , a window 111 , a third adhesive layer 121 , a polarizing film 110 , a display panel 100 , a second adhesive layer 102 , a planarizing film or layer 105 , and a support member 140 . Figure 2A The third adhesive layer 121 is illustrated as being between the polarizing film 110 and the window 111, and the embodiment is not limited thereto. Although not shown, the layers may be coupled with an adhesive.

[0059] The polarizing film 110 may be disposed on the display panel 100. The polarizing film 110 may be attached to the display panel 100 to change optical characteristics. The polarizing film 110 may be attached to the display panel 100 so that external light reflection may be reduced, thereby improving the quality of the display device 1.

[0060] The window 111 may be disposed on the polarizing film 110. The window 111 may be adhered to the upper surface of the polarizing film 110 through the third adhesive layer 121. In this case, the third adhesive layer 121 may be a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). However, this is not a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0061] Although not shown, a protective member may be disposed on the display panel 100. For example, the protective member may be disposed between the display panel 100 and the polarizing film 110. The protective member may be located on the display panel 100 to protect the display panel 100 from external impact.

[0062] In one embodiment, the window 111 and the window protection member 113 may be arranged above the display panel 100 and the polarizing film 110. However, this is not a limitation of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the fourth adhesive layer (see Figure 2B 122) and opaque layer (see Figure 2B 112 ) may be additionally arranged between the window 111 and the window protection member 113 . Figure 2B A cover window CW, which is illustrated in more detail as including a window 111 , an opaque layer 112 , a window protection member 113 , and a hard coating layer 117 , is disposed over the display panel 100 and the polarizing film 110 .

[0063] refer to Figure 2B The cover window CW may include a window 111, an opaque layer 112, a window protection member 113, and a hard coating layer 117. The window 111 may be provided with ultra-thin glass (UTG™). However, one or more embodiments are not limited thereto. The window 111 may also be provided with a polymer resin.

[0064] Window protection member 113 may be provided on window 111. Window protection member 113 may be bonded to the upper surface of window 111 via fourth adhesive layer 122. Window protection member 113 may protect window 111 from external impacts and prevent or minimize scratches on the upper surface of window 111. Window protection member 113 may also be provided with a polymer resin. However, one or more embodiments are not limited thereto. Window protection member 113 may also be provided with an inorganic material.

[0065] The opaque layer 112 may be disposed between the window protection member 113 and the fourth adhesive layer 122. However, this is not a limitation of the present disclosure. The opaque layer 112 may also be provided on a portion of the window protection member 113. The opaque layer 112 may be formed of an opaque material so that the wiring or circuits of the display device 1 cannot be recognized from the outside.

[0066] The hard coating layer 117 may be provided on the window protection member 113. The hard coating layer 117 may be provided with an organic material such as a polymer resin, etc. However, one or more embodiments are not limited thereto. The hard coating layer 117 may also include an inorganic material.

[0067] The hard coating layer 117 may be the outermost layer of the cover window CW. In this case, the outermost layer of the cover window CW may refer to the outermost layer of the display device 1. The outermost layer of the cover window CW may be a layer directly touched by the user, and when the outermost layer of the cover window CW is UTG™ or the window protection member 113, the touch may be unpleasant to the user. The outermost layer of the cover window CW is provided as the hard coating layer 117 to provide the user with a smooth and pleasant touch.

[0068] In one embodiment, the second adhesive layer 102 may be disposed under the display panel 100. The second adhesive layer 102 may be between the display panel 100 and the support member 140 disposed under the display panel 100, thereby attaching the display panel 100 to the support member 140. The second adhesive layer 102 may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). However, this is not a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0069] The support member 140 may be disposed below the display panel 100. The support member 140 may include a first support portion 140a, a second support portion 140b, and a folding structure 145. The support member 140 may include a first support portion 140a at least partially in the first display area DA1 and a second support portion 140b at least partially in the second display area DA2. The first support portion 140a and the second support portion 140b may be spaced apart from each other in the y-direction ("second direction"). A folding structure 145 may be provided between the first support portion 140a and the second support portion 140b. The support member 140 may be disposed below the display panel 100 to support the display panel 100.

[0070] In one embodiment, the support member 140 may include a folding structure 145. When the display device 1 is folded, the shape or length of the folding structure 145 may change. The folding structure 145 provided in the support member 140 may also be provided with an uneven shape or a rotatably connected link, etc. However, one or more embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0071] The folding structure 145 may include a metal portion 145a in which a metal material is arranged and holes 145b between the metal portions 145a. In other words, the folding structure 145 may be provided with a plurality of holes 145b passing through the folding structure 145. Since the folding structure 145 includes the metal portion 145a and the holes 145b between the metal portions 145a, the support member 140 may be more easily folded.

[0072] When the display device 1 is folded, the folding structure 145 can be folded along (or around) the folding axis FAX. The folding structure 145 can be provided so that the first support portion 140a and the second support portion 140b are arranged across the folding axis FAX, for example, symmetrically. The support member 140 can have a flat upper surface except for the folding structure 145.

[0073] In one embodiment, the support member 140 may include at least one of glass, plastic, and metal. The support member 140 may include or be formed of stainless steel (e.g., stainless steel, "SUS"), carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), or glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP). In addition, the support member 140 may include aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), magnesium (Mg), or a compound thereof. Alternatively, the support member 140 may include or be formed of one of an Al alloy, a Ti alloy, and a Mg alloy. The folding structure 145 may include the same material as the material used for the support member 140 or a material different from the material used for the support member 140.

[0074] In one embodiment, the support member 140 may include an opening 140OP on the folding structure 145. The opening 140OP of the support member 140 may overlap with the folding structure 145. The planarizing film 105 may be arranged in the opening 140OP of the support member 140. In other words, the planarizing film 105 may fill the opening 140OP of the support member 140. The thickness of the opening 140OP of the support member 140 in the z-direction ("third direction") and the thickness of the planarizing film 105 in the z-direction may be equal. The planarizing film 105 may be arranged in the opening 140OP of the support member 140, so that the thickness of the foldable display device 1 can be reduced and the folding structure 145 disposed below the planarizing film 105 cannot be identified from the outside. Moreover, the planarizing film 105 may be arranged only in the folding area FA and may not be arranged in the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2, thereby enhancing the impact resistance of the display device 1 in the first display area DAP1 and the second display area DA2. In one embodiment, the third direction may be orthogonal to the display surface.

[0075] The planarizing film 105 masks the unevenness of the folding structure 145 disposed below the planarizing film 105, and the planarizing film 105 can be disposed above the folding structure 145 so that the surface on which the display panel 100 is to be disposed (or the upper surface of the planarizing film 105) can be flat. When the planarizing film 105 is disposed and the display device 1 is viewed from above (e.g., in the z-direction), the surface of the display device 1 can be flat. The display panel 100 and the like can be stably disposed on the upper surface of the planarizing film 105. However, this is not a limitation of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the planarizing film 105 can be omitted.

[0076] The planarization film 105 may include at least one of plastic and metal. When the planarization film 105 includes plastic, the planarization film 105 may include or be formed of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyimide (PI), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Furthermore, when the planarization film 105 includes metal, the planarization film 105 may include SUS or a compound of Mg, Al, or Ti. However, this is not an exhaustive list of the composition of the planarization film 105.

[0077] In one embodiment, the thickness h1 of the opening 140OP in the z-direction may be equal to the thickness h1 of the planarizing film 105 in the z-direction. The thickness h2 of the folding structure 145 in the z-direction may be greater than the thickness h1 of the opening 140OP of the supporting member 140 in the z-direction. In other words, the thickness h2 of the folding structure 145 in the z-direction may be greater than the thickness h1 of the planarizing film 105 in the z-direction. The thickness h2 of the folding structure 145 in the z-direction may be greater than the thickness h1 of the opening 140OP of the supporting member 140 in the z-direction. Thus, even when the supporting member 140 includes the opening 140OP in the folding area FA, the folding structure 145 can support the upper structure, for example, the display panel 100, the polarizing film 110, and the window 111.

[0078] The length d1 of the opening 140OP of the support member 140 in the y-direction may be greater than the length d2 of the folded structure 145 in the y-direction. In other words, the length d1 of the planarizing film 105 arranged in the opening 140OP in the y-direction may be greater than the length d2 of the folded structure 145 in the y-direction. The planarizing film 105 is provided with a greater length in the y-direction than the folded structure 145 below the planarizing film 105, so that the planarizing film 105 can cover the unevenness of the folded structure 145.

[0079] Figure 3 According to one embodiment Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of the display device 1 taken along line II'.

[0080] refer to Figure 3 ,and Figure 2A Unlike the above, the planarization film 105 and the first adhesive layer 101 may be disposed in the opening 140OP of the support member 140. The first adhesive layer 101 may be disposed below the planarization layer 105. The first adhesive layer 101 may be between the planarization layer 105 and the folding structure 145 to enhance the adhesive force between the planarization layer 105 and the folding structure 145.

[0081] The first adhesive layer 101 may be provided on the folded structure 145 to prevent or minimize the introduction of foreign matter into the folded structure 145 of the support member 140. The first adhesive layer 101 may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). However, one or more embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0082] Since the planarization layer 105 and the first adhesive layer 101 are within the opening 140OP of the support member 140, the thickness h1 of the opening 140OP in the z-direction may be equal to the sum of the thickness h3 of the first adhesive layer 101 in the z-direction and the thickness h4 of the planarization layer 105 in the z-direction. Furthermore, since the planarization layer 105 and the first adhesive layer 101 are filled within the opening 140OP of the support member 140, the thickness h1 of the opening 140OP in the z-direction may be greater than the thickness h4 of the planarization layer 105 in the z-direction.

[0083] The thickness h4 of the planarization layer 105 in the z direction may be greater than the thickness h3 of the first adhesive layer 101 disposed under the planarization layer 105 in the z direction. When the first adhesive layer 101 connects the planarization film 105 to the folding structure 145, the planarization layer 105 requires a certain thickness to compensate for the uneven form of the folding structure 145 disposed under the planarization layer 105.

[0084] Figure 4 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating a display panel of a display device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 5 For the Figure 4 The line II-II' is intercepted Figure 4 sectional view of the display device 1.

[0085] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the display panel 100 may include a display area DA and a peripheral area DPA outside the display area DA. The display panel 100 may provide an image by using pixels P arranged in the display area DA.

[0086] The pixels P may be implemented as display elements such as organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). For example, each pixel P may emit red, green, blue, or white light. The display area DA may be covered by a sealing member and protected from external air, moisture, and the like.

[0087] The first soft film 14 may be attached to one side edge of the display panel 100. One side of the first soft film 14 may be attached to one side edge of the display panel 100 by using an anisotropic conductive film. The first soft film 14 may be a bendable flexible film.

[0088] The display driving portion 12 may be disposed on the first soft film 14. A control signal and a power supply voltage may be applied to the display driving portion 12, and the display driving portion 12 may generate and output signals and voltages for driving the display panel 100. The display driving portion 12 may be formed of an integrated circuit (IC).

[0089] The display circuit board 11 can be attached to the other side of the first soft film 14. The other side of the first soft film 14 can be attached to the upper surface of the display circuit board 11 using an anisotropic conductive film. The display circuit board 11 can be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) that is bendable, a rigid printed circuit board (PCB) that is hard and not easily bent, or a composite PCB that includes both a rigid PCB and an FPCB.

[0090] The touch sensor driving portion 13 may be provided on the display circuit board 11. The touch sensor driving portion 13 may be formed of an IC. The touch sensor driving portion 13 may be attached to the display circuit board 11. The touch sensor driving portion 13 may be electrically connected to the touch screen layer of the display panel 100 (see FIG. 1 ) through the display circuit board 11. Figure 6 500) touch electrodes.

[0091] The touch screen layer of the display panel 100 (see Figure 6 500) can detect the user's touch input by using at least one of various touch methods such as a resistive method, a capacitive method, etc. For example, when the touch screen layer (see Figure 6 500) When the touch input of the user is detected by using a capacitive method, the touch sensor driving part 13 may apply a driving signal to the driving electrode in the touch electrode, and may detect the voltage charged in the mutual capacitance (hereinafter referred to as "mutual capacitance") between the driving electrode and the sensing electrode through the sensing electrode in the touch electrode, thereby determining whether the user has touched. The user's touch may include contact touch and proximity touch. "Contact touch" refers to direct contact between an object such as a user's finger or a stylus and a cover window CW provided on the touch screen layer. "Proximity touch" refers to an object such as a user's finger or a stylus approaching the cover window CW, such as hovering. The touch sensor driving part 13 may transmit sensor data to the main processor based on the detected voltage, and the main processor may analyze the sensor data to calculate the touch coordinates where the touch input occurred.

[0092] The pixels of the display panel 100, the scan driving section, and the power supply section for supplying a driving voltage for driving the display driving section 12 may be additionally arranged on the display circuit board 11. Alternatively, the power supply section may be integrated with the display driving section 12, and in this case, the display driving section 12 and the power supply section may be formed of one IC.

[0093] The substrate 300 may include an insulating material such as glass, quartz, a polymer resin, etc. In addition, the substrate 300 may include a polymer resin such as polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, or cellulose acetate propionate. The substrate 300 may have a multilayer structure including a layer including the above-mentioned polymer resin and an inorganic layer (not shown). For example, the substrate 300 may include two layers including the above-mentioned polymer resin and an inorganic isolation layer therebetween. The substrate 300 may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate that can be bent, folded, or curled.

[0094] The buffer layer 311 may be located on the substrate 300, may reduce or prevent foreign matter, moisture, or external air from penetrating from the lower portion of the substrate 300, and may provide a flat surface for the substrate 300. The buffer layer 311 may include an inorganic material such as an oxide or a nitride, an organic material, or an organic / inorganic composite material, and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure of an inorganic material and an organic material. An isolation layer (not shown) for preventing external air from penetrating may be further disposed between the substrate 300 and the buffer layer 311. In one embodiment, the buffer layer 311 may include silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN x ). The buffer layer 311 may be provided in a structure in which a first buffer layer 311a and a second buffer layer 311b are stacked. In this case, the first buffer layer 311a may include silicon oxide (SiO2), and the second buffer layer 311b may include silicon nitride (SiN x Alternatively, the first buffer layer 311a may include silicon nitride (SiN x ), and the second buffer layer 311b may include silicon oxide (SiO 2 ). Alternatively, the first buffer layer 311a and the second buffer layer 311b may include the same material.

[0095] The pixel circuit PC may be disposed on the buffer layer 311. The pixel circuit PC may include a thin film transistor TFT and a storage capacitor Cst. The thin film transistor TFT may be disposed on the buffer layer 311. The thin film transistor TFT may include a semiconductor layer A, a gate electrode G, a source electrode S, and a drain electrode D. The thin film transistor TFT may be connected to the organic light emitting diode OLED to drive the organic light emitting diode OLED.

[0096] Semiconductor layer A may be disposed on buffer layer 311 and may include polycrystalline silicon. In one embodiment, semiconductor layer A may include amorphous silicon. In one embodiment, semiconductor layer A may include an oxide of at least one material selected from the group consisting of indium (In), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), and zinc (Zn). Semiconductor layer A may include a channel region and a source region and a drain region doped with impurities.

[0097] A first insulating layer 312 may be provided to cover the semiconductor layer A. The first insulating layer 311 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2) or zinc oxide (ZnO x , which may be ZnO and / or ZnO 2 ). The first insulating layer 312 may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure including the above-mentioned inorganic insulating material.

[0098] The gate electrode G may be disposed on the first insulating layer 312 to overlap the semiconductor layer A. The gate electrode G may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure including molybdenum (Mo), Al, Cu, Ti, etc. In one embodiment, the gate electrode G may have a single-layer structure of Mo.

[0099] A second insulating layer 313 may be provided to cover the gate electrode G. The second insulating layer 313 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2) or zinc oxide (ZnO x , which may be ZnO and / or ZnO 2 ). The second insulating layer 313 may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure including the above-mentioned inorganic insulating material.

[0100] The upper electrode CE2 of the storage capacitor Cst may be disposed on the second insulating layer 313. The upper electrode CE2 disposed on the second insulating layer 313 may overlap with the gate electrode G disposed below the third insulating layer 313. The gate electrode G and the upper electrode CE2, overlapping with each other with the second insulating layer 313 therebetween, may constitute the storage capacitor Cst. In one embodiment, the gate electrode G may be the lower electrode CE1 of the storage capacitor Cst. In one embodiment, the lower electrode CE1 of the storage capacitor Cst may be provided as an additional independent component. In this case, the lower electrode CE1 and the gate electrode G may be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance.

[0101] The upper electrode CE2 may include aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W) and / or copper (Cu), and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure including the above materials.

[0102] A third insulating layer 315 may be provided to cover the upper electrode CE2. The third insulating layer 315 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2) or zinc oxide (ZnO x , which may be ZnO and / or ZnO 2 ). The third insulating layer 315 may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure including the above-mentioned inorganic insulating material.

[0103] The source electrode S and the drain electrode D may be disposed on the third insulating layer 315. The source electrode S and the drain electrode D may include a conductive material such as Mo, Al, Cu, or Ti, and may have a multilayer or single-layer structure including the above materials. In one embodiment, the source electrode S and the drain electrode D may have a multilayer structure of Ti / Al / Ti.

[0104] The planarization layer 317 may be disposed on the source electrode S and the drain electrode D. The planarization layer 317 may have a flat upper surface so that the pixel electrode 321 disposed on the planarization layer 317 may be flatly formed.

[0105] The planarization layer 317 may include an organic material and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The planarization layer 317 may include a general polymer such as benzocyclobutene (BCB), polyimide, hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polystyrene (PS), a polymer derivative having a phenolic group, an acrylic polymer, an imide polymer, an aryl ether polymer, an amide polymer, a fluorine polymer, a paraxylene polymer or a vinyl alcohol polymer. The planarization layer 317 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2) or zinc oxide (ZnO x , which may be ZnO and / or ZnO 2 ). When the planarization layer 317 is formed, chemical mechanical polishing may be performed on the upper surface of the planarization layer 317 to provide a flat upper surface after the planarization layer 317 is formed.

[0106] The planarization layer 317 may have a through hole extending therethrough. The pixel electrode 321 may contact the source electrode S or the drain electrode D through the through hole in the planarization layer 317. The source electrode S and the drain electrode D extend through the first insulating layer 312, the second insulating layer 313, and the third insulating layer 315 to the semiconductor layer A of the thin film transistor TFT.

[0107] Figure 5 In the example, one planarization layer 317 is provided. However, this is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and in another embodiment, two planarization layers 317 may be provided. Two planarization layers 317 may be advantageous in terms of high integration.

[0108] The pixel electrode 321 may be disposed on the planarization layer 317. The pixel electrode 321 may include a transparent conductive oxide, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3), indium gallium oxide (IGO) or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). The pixel electrode 321 may include a reflective layer comprising Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr or a compound thereof. For example, the pixel electrode 321 may have a structure having a layer formed of ITO, IZO, ZnO or In2O3 above / below the reflective layer. In this case, the pixel electrode 321 may have a stacked structure of ITO / Ag / ITO.

[0109] The pixel defining layer 319 may be disposed on the planarization layer 317. The pixel defining layer 319 may be disposed on the planarization layer 317 and may cover an edge of the pixel electrode 321. A first opening OP1 for exposing at least a portion of the pixel electrode 321 may be defined in the pixel defining layer 319. The size and shape of the emission area EA of the organic light emitting diode OLED, that is, the size of the pixel P, may be defined by the first opening OP1.

[0110] The pixel defining layer 319 may be configured to increase the distance between the edge of the pixel electrode 321 and the common electrode 323 on the pixel electrode 321 to prevent arcing, etc., from occurring at the edge of the pixel electrode 321. The pixel defining layer 319 may be formed of an organic insulating material such as polyimide, polyamide, acrylic resin, BCB, HMDSO, phenolic resin, etc., by a method such as spin coating.

[0111] Although not shown, spacers for preventing mask imprinting may be further provided on the pixel defining layer 319. The spacers may be integrally formed with the pixel defining layer 319. For example, the spacers and the pixel defining layer 319 may be simultaneously formed in the same process by using a half-tone mask process.

[0112] The light emitting layer 322b may be disposed in the first opening OP1 defined in the pixel defining layer 319 to correspond to the pixel electrode 321. The light emitting layer 322b may include a polymer material or a low molecular weight material and may emit red, green, blue, or white light.

[0113] The organic functional layer 322e may be disposed on or below the light emitting layer 322b. In one embodiment, the organic functional layer 322e may include a first functional layer 322a and / or a second functional layer 322c. In one embodiment, the first functional layer 322a or the second functional layer 322c may be omitted.

[0114] The first functional layer 322a may be disposed below the light-emitting layer 322b. The first functional layer 322a may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure including an organic material. The first functional layer 322a may be a hole transport layer (HTL) having a single-layer structure. Alternatively, the first functional layer 322a may include a hole injection layer (HIL) and an HTL. The first functional layer 322a may be formed integrally to correspond to the plurality of organic light-emitting diodes OLED included in the display area DA.

[0115] The second functional layer 322c may be disposed on the light-emitting layer 322b. The second functional layer 322c may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure including an organic material. The second functional layer 322c may include an electron transport layer (ETL) and / or an electron injection layer (EIL). The second functional layer 322c may be integrally formed to correspond to the plurality of organic light-emitting diodes OLED included in the display area DA.

[0116] The counter electrode 323 may be disposed on the second functional layer 322c. The counter electrode 323 may include a conductive material having a low work function. For example, the counter electrode 323 may include a (semi-)transparent layer comprising Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, or alloys thereof. Alternatively, the counter electrode 323 may further include a layer such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3 on the (semi-)transparent layer comprising the above materials. The counter electrode 323 may be formed integrally to correspond to the plurality of organic light emitting diodes OLED included in the display area DA.

[0117] The layers from the pixel electrode 321 to the counter electrode 323 may constitute an organic light emitting diode OLED.

[0118] An upper layer 350 including an organic material may be provided on the counter electrode 323. The upper layer 350 may be a layer provided to protect the counter electrode 323 and at the same time increase light extraction efficiency. The upper layer 350 may include an organic material having a refractive index higher than that of the counter electrode 323. Alternatively, the upper layer 350 may be provided by stacking layers having different refractive indices. For example, the upper layer 350 may be provided by stacking a high refractive index layer / a low refractive index layer / a high refractive index layer. In this case, the refractive index of the high refractive index layer may be equal to or greater than 1.7, and the refractive index of the low refractive index layer may be equal to or less than 1.3.

[0119] The upper layer 350 may further include lithium fluoride (LiF). Alternatively, the upper layer 350 may further include silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN x ) of an inorganic insulating material. If necessary, the upper layer 350 may also be omitted. However, hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the case where the upper layer 350 is provided on the counter electrode 323 will be described in detail.

[0120] Figure 6 FIG2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a display device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 6 In the Figure 5 The same reference numerals are used in the drawings, and thus redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0121] refer to Figure 6 The thin film encapsulation layer 400 may be disposed on the organic light emitting diode OLED. The thin film encapsulation layer 400 may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. For example, the thin film encapsulation layer 400 may include a first inorganic layer 410, an organic layer 420, and a second inorganic layer 430.

[0122] The first inorganic layer 410 and the second inorganic layer 430 may include one or more inorganic insulating materials. The inorganic insulating material may include silicon oxide (SiO x), silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2) or zinc oxide (ZnO x , which may be an inorganic insulating material of ZnO and / or ZnO2).

[0123] The organic layer 420 may include a polymer material. The polymer material may include acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyimide, polyethylene, etc. For example, the organic layer 420 may include an acrylic resin such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylic acid, etc. The organic layer 420 may be formed by hardening a monomer or by coating a polymer.

[0124] The touch screen layer 500 may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer 400. The touch screen layer 500 may include a first conductive layer MTL1 and a second conductive layer MTL2 including sensing electrodes and / or traces. A first touch insulating layer 510 may be disposed between the thin film encapsulation layer 400 and the first conductive layer MTL1, and a second touch insulating layer 530 may be disposed between the first conductive layer MTL1 and the second conductive layer MTL2.

[0125] The first conductive layer MTL1 and the second conductive layer MTL2 may include a conductive material. The conductive material may include Mo, Al, Cu, Ti, etc., and may have a multilayer or single-layer structure including the above materials. In one embodiment, the first conductive layer MTL1 and the second conductive layer MTL2 may have a structure in which a Ti layer, an Al layer, and a Ti layer are stacked in sequence (Ti / Al / Ti).

[0126] The first touch insulating layer 510 and the second touch insulating layer 530 may include an inorganic insulating material and / or an organic insulating material. The inorganic insulating material may include, for example, silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2) or zinc oxide (ZnO x , which may be an inorganic insulating material such as ZnO and / or ZnO 2 . The organic insulating material may include an acrylic organic material and an imide organic material.

[0127] The filter plate 700 as an optical functional layer may be disposed on the touch screen layer 500. The filter plate 700 may include a black matrix 710, a color filter 720, and an overcoat layer 730.

[0128] The black matrix 710 may be located in a non-emitting area around the emission area EA and may surround the emission area EA. In one embodiment, the black matrix 710 may passivate the touch electrodes of the touch screen layer 500. For example, Figure 6 As shown in FIG, the second conductive layer MTL2 of the touch screen layer 500 may overlap with the black matrix 710, and the second conductive layer MTL2 may be covered by the black matrix 710. The black matrix 710 may include an insulating material (e.g., an organic insulating material) including a black pigment or dye. The black matrix 710 may include a material that may be included in the pixel defining layer 319.

[0129] The black matrix 710 may include a second opening OP2 to correspond to the emission area EA. The second opening OP2 defined in the black matrix 710 may be the same as or larger than the first opening OP1 defined in the pixel definition layer 119.

[0130] The color filter 720 may be disposed in the emission area EA of the organic light emitting diode OLED and may have red, green, or blue pigment or dye according to the color of light emitted from the organic light emitting diode OLED.

[0131] The overcoat layer 730 may be provided to cover the black matrix 710 and the color filter 720 , thereby planarizing upper surfaces thereof.

[0132] Although not shown, in one embodiment, an optical function layer including a polarizing plate (not the filter plate 700) may be provided on the touch screen layer 500. In this case, the optical function layer may include an anti-reflection layer. The anti-reflection layer may be configured to reduce the reflectivity of light (external light) incident from the outside toward the display device 1.

[0133] In one embodiment, the anti-reflection layer may include a polarizing film (see Figure 2A Polarizing film (see Figure 2A The touch screen layer 500 may include a linear polarizing plate and a phase retarder film, such as a quarter-wave (λ / 4) plate. The phase retarder film may be disposed on the touch screen layer 500, and the linear polarizing plate may be disposed on the phase retarder film. In one embodiment, the anti-reflection layer may include a destructive interference structure. The destructive interference structure may include a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer arranged in different layers. The first reflected light and the second reflected light reflected from the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer, respectively, may destructively interfere with each other, thereby reducing the reflectivity of external light.

[0134] The cover window CW may be provided on the filter plate 700. The cover window CW may be attached to the filter plate 700 through the sixth adhesive layer 27. In this case, the sixth adhesive layer 27 may be a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an optically clear adhesive (OCA).

[0135] Return Reference Figure 2A and Figure 3 In one embodiment, the planarizing film 105 may be disposed within the opening 140OP of the support member 140, such that the planarizing film 105 is provided on the upper portion of the folding structure 145 in the folding area FA. This configuration reduces the thickness of the foldable display device, conceals any unevenness in the folding structure 145, and makes the folding structure 145 invisible from the outside. The planarizing film 105 may not be disposed within the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2, thereby enhancing the impact resistance of the display device 1 in the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2.

[0136] According to one or more embodiments described above, a display device with enhanced convenience, reliability, and quality can be realized. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited by these effects.

[0137] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are considered in a descriptive sense only and are not intended to be limiting. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodiment should generally be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A display device comprising a first display area, a second display area, and a folding area between the first display area and the second display area, characterized in that: The display device further comprises: a display panel having a display surface; a supporting member disposed below the display panel and comprising a folding structure and an opening on the folding structure; and a planarizing film in the opening of the supporting member, The thickness of the folding structure in a first direction is greater than the thickness of the opening in the first direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the display surface.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the supporting member includes a first supporting portion in the first display area and a second supporting portion in the second display area, wherein the folded structure comprises a plurality of holes passing through the folded structure, and The folding structure is between the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The opening is above the folding structure.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein A length of the opening in a second direction intersecting the first direction is greater than a length of the folding structure in the second direction.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The thickness of the opening in the first direction is equal to the thickness of the planarization film in the first direction.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The display device further includes a first adhesive layer disposed in the opening and provided under the planarization film, wherein the thickness of the planarization film in the first direction is greater than the thickness of the first adhesive layer in the first direction, wherein the thickness of the opening in the first direction is greater than the thickness of the planarization film in the first direction, and The sum of the thicknesses of the first adhesive layer and the planarization film in the first direction is equal to the thickness of the opening in the first direction.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The planarization film includes thermoplastic polyurethane or polyethylene terephthalate.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The support member includes at least one of stainless steel, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and glass fiber reinforced plastic, or at least one of aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, and magnesium alloy.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The display device further includes a second adhesive layer between the display panel and the support member.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The display device further comprises: A polarizing film is provided on the display panel, A window disposed above the polarizing film, a third adhesive layer between the polarizing film and the window, and A window protection member is provided on the window.

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