Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes: a display panel including a folding area; and a lower protection member disposed on a first surface of the display panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a display device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of the information society, the demand for display devices for displaying images is increasing in various forms. Display devices can be flat panel display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), field emission displays (FEDs), and light emitting displays (LEDs). Light emitting displays can include organic light emitting displays (OLEDs) with organic light emitting elements as light emitting elements, or inorganic light emitting elements (LEDs) with inorganic light emitting elements (LEDs).

[0003] In recent years, in order to improve the portability of display devices while providing a wide display screen, bendable display devices having a bendable display area or foldable display devices having a foldable display area have been developed. Utility Model Content

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a display device that improves wrinkling and buckling.

[0005] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a display device with improved impact resistance.

[0006] The subject of the present invention is not limited to the subject mentioned above, and those skilled in the art should be able to clearly understand other technical subjects not mentioned through the following description.

[0007] A display device according to an embodiment for solving the aforementioned problem includes: a display panel including a folding region; and a lower protective member disposed on a first surface of the display panel.

[0008] The lower protection member may have an elastic deformation rate of 2.0% or more.

[0009] The lower protection member may have an elastic deformation rate of 4.0% or more.

[0010] The lower protective member may have a Young's modulus of 20 GPa to 80 GPa.

[0011] The lower protective member may have a Young's modulus of 20 GPa to 50 GPa.

[0012] The lower protection member may have a thickness of 10 μm to 50 μm.

[0013] The lower protection member may have a thickness of 10 μm to 30 μm.

[0014] The display device may further include a panel support member disposed on one surface of the lower protection member and including a folded portion overlapping the folded area, wherein the panel support member is directly attached to the lower protection member via an adhesive member.

[0015] The folding portion may include: a plurality of horizontal rods; a plurality of vertical rods crossing the plurality of horizontal rods; and a plurality of gaps arranged between the plurality of vertical rods, wherein the plurality of horizontal rods connect the plurality of vertical rods.

[0016] The folding portion may include: a plurality of vertical rods; and a plurality of slits disposed between the plurality of vertical rods, wherein the plurality of vertical rods are spaced apart from each other.

[0017] It may be that the panel supporting part includes a first non-folding part and a second non-folding part respectively arranged on both sides of the folding part, and the folding part includes a resin arranged between the first non-folding part and the second non-folding part, and the resin completely fills the space between the first non-folding part and the second non-folding part.

[0018] The display panel may include a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface, and the display device may further include an accordion portion arranged in the folding region and recessed toward the first surface in the second surface.

[0019] The vertical height of the corrugated portion may be less than 5 μm.

[0020] Alternatively, the display device may further include a lower protective film disposed between the display panel and the lower protective component, wherein the lower protective film includes polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0021] Another embodiment for solving the above-mentioned problem relates to a display device including: a display panel; and a lower protective member disposed on one surface of the display panel, wherein the lower protective member has an elastic deformation rate of 2.0% or more and a Young's modulus of 20 GPa to 80 GPa.

[0022] The lower protection member may include a titanium (Ti)-niobium (Nb)-tantalum (Ta)-zirconium (Zr)-oxygen (O) alloy or a copper (Cu)-aluminum (Al)-manganese (Mn) crystalline alloy.

[0023] The lower protection member may have a thickness of 10 μm to 50 μm.

[0024] Another embodiment for solving the above-mentioned problem involves a display device including: a display panel including a first surface and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface; a first upper protective component arranged on the first surface of the display panel; a window component arranged on the first upper protective component; a second upper protective component arranged on the window component; a lower protective component arranged on the second surface of the display panel; and a panel supporting component arranged on the lower protective component.

[0025] The lower protection member may have an elastic deformation rate of 2.0% or more.

[0026] The lower protective member may have a Young's modulus of 20 GPa to 80 GPa.

[0027] (Utility Model Effect)

[0028] According to the display device of the present invention, wrinkling and buckling phenomena can be improved.

[0029] According to the display device of the present invention, impact resistance can be improved.

[0030] The effects of the embodiment are not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and more effects are included in this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a state where a display device according to an embodiment is unfolded.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a state where the display device according to one embodiment is folded.

[0033] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing a state where a display device according to another embodiment is unfolded.

[0034] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing a display device according to another embodiment in a folded state.

[0035] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a display panel according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 7 It is a plan view showing a panel support member according to one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line X1-X1′.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a graph showing a stress-strain rate curve of a lower protective member according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a graph showing stress-strain rate curves of lower protective members according to other embodiments.

[0041] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing a corrugated portion of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 12 This is a side view showing a corrugated portion of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 13 FIG. 1 is a side view showing a process of a ball drop test of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0044] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to another embodiment.

[0045] Figure 15 It is a plan view showing a panel support member according to still another embodiment.

[0046] Figure 16 It is along Figure 15 A cross-sectional view taken along line X2-X2′.

[0047] Figure 17 It is a plan view showing a panel support member according to still another embodiment.

[0048] Figure 18 It is along Figure 17 A cross-sectional view taken along line X3-X3′.

[0049] Explanation of symbols:

[0050] 10: Display device; FDA: Folding area; NFA1: First unfolding area; NFA2: Second unfolding area; FL1: First folding line; FL2: Second folding line; 100: First upper protective member; 200: Window member; 300: Second upper protective member; 400: Display panel; 500: Lower protective film; 600: Lower protective member; 700: Panel support member; ADH1 to ADH6: First to sixth adhesive members; LTA: Light-transmitting area; OPD: Optical device; STH: Through hole; 710 : Folding part; 720: First unfolding part; 730: Second unfolding part; BAR: Rod; VBAR: Vertical rod; HBAR: Horizontal rod; SLT: Slit; ELP1: First elastic limit point; ELP2: Second elastic limit point; STA1: First tensile strain rate; STA2: Second tensile strain rate; STE1: First tensile stress; STE2: Second tensile stress; M1: First Young's modulus; M2: Second Young's modulus; CRS: Corrugated part; H1: First height; H2: Second height; BAL: Ball; RSN: Resin. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] References and Attachments Figure 1 The advantages, features, and methods for achieving these advantages and features of the present invention will become clear from the detailed examples below. However, the present invention is not limited to the examples disclosed below and can be implemented in various forms. The examples are provided solely to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present invention. The present invention should be defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0052] When an element or layer is located on another element or layer, it includes all cases where it is directly located on the other element or where other layers or other elements are present. Similarly, components referred to as "lower," "left," and "right" include both cases where they are directly adjacent to other elements and where other layers or other elements are present. Throughout the specification, the same symbol refers to the same component.

[0053] Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a state where a display device according to an embodiment is unfolded. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a state where the display device according to one embodiment is folded.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 ,exist Figure 1FIG shows a first state of the display device 10 that is not folded at the folding lines FL1 and FL2 but unfolded. Figure 2 , a second state of the display device 10 folded at folding lines FL1 and FL2 is shown.

[0056] The display device 10 according to one embodiment is a device for displaying moving or still images. It can be used not only as a display screen for mobile electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart phones, tablet personal computers, smart watches, watch phones, mobile communication terminals, electronic manuals, electronic books, portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation systems, and ultra mobile personal computers (UMPCs), but can also be used as a display screen for various products such as televisions, notebooks, monitors, billboards, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

[0057] In the drawings, the first direction DR1 is a direction parallel to one side of the display device 10 when viewed in a planar manner, and may be, for example, the horizontal direction of the display device 10. The second direction DR2 is a direction parallel to another side of the display device 10 that is adjacent to one side of the display device 10 when viewed in a planar manner, and may be, for example, the longitudinal direction of the display device 10. The third direction DR3 may be the thickness direction of the display device 10.

[0058] The display device 10 may have a planar shape such as a quadrilateral such as a rectangle. Each corner of the display device 10 may have a planar shape with a right angle or a chamfered angle. The front surface of the display device 10 may include two short sides arranged in the first direction DR1 and two long sides arranged in the second direction DR2.

[0059] The display device 10 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The planar shape of the display area DA may depend on the shape of the display device 10. For example, if the planar shape of the display device 10 is rectangular, the planar shape of the display area DA may also be rectangular.

[0060] The display area DA may be an area that includes a plurality of pixels and displays an image. The non-display area NDA may be an area that does not include pixels and does not display an image. The non-display area NDA may be disposed around the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may be configured to surround the display area DA, but embodiments of the present specification are not limited thereto. The display area DA may be partially surrounded by the non-display area NDA.

[0061] The display device 10 can maintain both the first state as the unfolded state and the second state as the folded state. Figure 2 In one embodiment, the display devices 10 are folded in an in-folding manner with the display areas DA facing each other as shown. In this case, the front surfaces of the display devices 10 may face each other when folded. In other embodiments, the display devices 10 may be folded in an out-folding manner with the back surfaces facing each other.

[0062] The display device 10 may include a folding area FDA, a first unfolding area NFA1, and a second unfolding area NFA2. The folding area FDA may be a region of the display device 10 that is bent or folded, while the first unfolding area NFA1 and the second unfolding area NFA2 may be regions of the display device 10 that are not bent or folded. In one embodiment, the first unfolding area NFA1 and the second unfolding area NFA2 may be flat regions of the display device 10.

[0063] The first non-folding area NFA1 can be located on one side (e.g., the left side) of the folding area FDA. The second non-folding area NFA2 can be located on the other side (e.g., the right side) of the folding area FDA. The folding area FDA is defined by a first folding line FL1 and a second folding line FL2, and can be a region where the display device 10 is curved with a predetermined curvature. The first folding line FL1 can be the boundary between the folding area FDA and the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second folding line FL2 can be the boundary between the folding area FDA and the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0064] The first folding line FL1 and the second folding line FL2 may be as follows Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this case, the display device 10 can be folded based on the second direction DR2 , thereby reducing the length of the display device 10 in the first direction DR1 to about half, so that the user can carry the display device 10 conveniently.

[0065] The first non-folding area NFA1 can be arranged on one side (e.g., the left side) of the folding area FDA. The second non-folding area NFA2 can be arranged on the other side (e.g., the right side) of the folding area FDA. Here, the left side can refer to one side in the first direction DR1, and the right side can refer to the other side in the first direction DR1.

[0066] The first folding line FL1 and the second folding line FL2 are as follows Figure 1 and Figure 2When extending in the second direction DR2 as shown, the fold area FDA may be longer in the second direction DR2 than in the first direction DR1. Furthermore, the first non-folding area NFA1 may be longer in the second direction DR2 than in the first direction DR1. The second non-folding area NFA2 may be longer in the second direction DR2 than in the first direction DR1.

[0067] The display area DA and the non-display area NDA may overlap with at least one of the folding area FDA, the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second non-folding area NFA2. Figure 1 and Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a case where the display area DA and the non-display area NDA overlap with the folding area FDA, the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second non-folding area NFA2, respectively.

[0068] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing a state where a display device according to another embodiment is unfolded. Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing a display device according to another embodiment in a folded state.

[0069] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 ,exist Figure 3 FIG shows a first state of the display device 10 in which the display device 10 is unfolded rather than folded at the folding lines FL1 and FL2. Figure 4 , a second state of the display device 10 is shown in FIG. 1 , where the display device 10 is folded at the folding lines FL1 and FL2 .

[0070] In the first state where the display device 10 is unfolded, the long sides of the display device 10 may extend along the second direction DR2 , and the short sides of the display device 10 may extend along the first direction DR1 .

[0071] The first folding line FL1 and the second folding line FL2 may be as follows Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this case, the display device 10 can be folded based on the first direction DR1.

[0072] The first non-folding area NFA1 can be arranged on one side (e.g., the lower side) of the folding area FDA. The second non-folding area NFA2 can be arranged on the other side (e.g., the upper side) of the folding area FDA. Here, the upper side can refer to one side in the second direction DR2, and the lower side can refer to the other side in the second direction DR2.

[0073] The first folding line FL1 and the second folding line FL2 are as follows Figure 3 and Figure 4In this manner, when extending in the first direction DR1, the fold area FDA can be longer in the first direction DR1 than in the second direction DR2. Furthermore, the first unfolded area NFA1 can be longer in the second direction DR2 than in the first direction DR1. The second unfolded area NFA2 can be longer in the second direction DR2 than in the first direction DR1.

[0074] In the following, for the sake of convenience, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The embodiment is described as an example, but is not limited to this. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The following contents can also be applied in the embodiment of FIG.

[0075] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0076] Reference Figure 5 The display device 10 involved in one embodiment may include a first upper protective component 100, a first adhesive component ADH1, a window component 200, a second adhesive component ADH2, a second upper protective component 300, a third adhesive component ADH3, a display panel 400, a fourth adhesive component ADH4, a lower protective component 600, a fifth protective component ADH5 and a panel supporting component 700.

[0077] The display panel 400 may be a panel that displays an image. The display panel 400 may be an organic light-emitting display panel including an organic light-emitting layer, a quantum dot light-emitting display panel including a quantum dot light-emitting layer, an inorganic light-emitting display panel using inorganic semiconductor elements as light-emitting elements, or an ultra-small light-emitting display panel using ultra-small light-emitting diodes (micro light-emitting diodes) as light-emitting elements. The following description focuses on the case where the display panel 400 is an organic light-emitting display panel, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0078] The display panel 400 may include a light-transmitting area LTA overlapping the optical device OPD in the third direction DR3. The optical device OPD is an optical sensor that senses light, such as a camera sensor, a proximity sensor, and an illumination sensor. The light-transmitting area LTA may be part of the display area DA.

[0079] The light-transmitting area LTA may include a transmissive area that allows light to pass through. Alternatively, the light-transmitting area LTA may be an area including a through hole that passes through the display panel 400. The transmittance of the light-transmitting area LTA may be higher than the transmittance of the display area DA excluding the light-transmitting area LTA. In addition, due to the transmissive area of ​​the light-transmitting area LTA, the density or integration of pixels in the light-transmitting area LTA may be lower than the density or integration of pixels in the display area DA excluding the light-transmitting area LTA. For example, the number of pixels per unit area in the light-transmitting area LTA may be less than the number of pixels per unit area in the display area DA excluding the light-transmitting area LTA. Alternatively, the PPI (Pixels Per Inch) in the light-transmitting area LTA may be less than the PPI in the display area DA excluding the light-transmitting area LTA.

[0080] The second upper protective member 300 may be disposed over the entire surface of the display panel 400. The second upper protective member 300 may perform an impact mitigation function for protecting the display panel 400 from external impacts. The second upper protective member 300 may be made of a material having high flexibility and high rigidity. For example, the second upper protective member 300 may be made of a flexible plastic material such as polyimide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0081] In other embodiments, the second upper protective member 300 may perform an anti-reflection function. The second upper protective member 300 may reduce the reflectivity of external light incident from the upper side of the window member 200. In one embodiment, the second upper protective member 300 may include a phase retarder, a polarizer, and a destructive interference structure. For example, the phase retarder and the polarizer may be film-type or liquid crystal coating-type. The destructive interference structure may include a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer configured on different layers. The first reflected light and the second reflected light, respectively reflected by the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer, may destructively interfere, thereby reducing the reflectivity of the external light.

[0082] The third adhesive component ADH3 may be disposed on the back surface of the second upper protective component 300. For example, the third adhesive component ADH3 may be disposed between the second upper protective component 300 and the display panel 400. The second upper protective component 300 and the display panel 400 may be bonded to each other via the third adhesive component ADH3. The third adhesive component ADH3 may include a transparent adhesive such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an optically clear adhesive (OCA). The third adhesive component ADH3 may include an acrylic adhesive.

[0083] The window member 200 may be attached to the entire surface of the second upper protective member 300. The window member 200 may be formed of a transparent material, such as glass or plastic. For example, the window member 200 may be ultra-thin glass (UTG) with a thickness of less than 0.1 mm or a transparent polyimide film.

[0084] The second adhesive component ADH2 can be disposed on the back surface of the window member 200. For example, the second adhesive component ADH2 can be disposed between the window member 200 and the second upper protective member 300. The window member 200 and the second upper protective member 300 can be bonded to each other via the second adhesive component ADH2. The second adhesive component ADH2 can include a transparent adhesive such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an optically clear adhesive (OCA). The second adhesive component ADH2 can include an acrylic adhesive.

[0085] The first upper protective member 100 can be disposed over the entire surface of the window member 200. The first upper protective member 100 can perform at least one of the following functions: impact absorption, puncture protection, fingerprint protection, glare prevention, and scatter prevention for the window member 200. The first upper protective member 100 can be made of a highly flexible and scratch-resistant material. For example, the first upper protective member 100 can be a polymer film or a tempered glass film.

[0086] The first adhesive member ADH1 may be disposed on the back surface of the first upper protective member 100. For example, the first adhesive member ADH1 may be disposed between the first upper protective member 100 and the window member 200. The first upper protective member 100 and the window member 200 may be bonded to each other via the first adhesive member ADH1. The first adhesive member ADH1 may include a transparent adhesive such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an optically clear adhesive (OCA). The first adhesive member ADH1 may include an acrylic adhesive.

[0087] The lower protective member 600 can be disposed on the back surface of the display panel 400. The lower protective member 600 can have high elasticity and flexibility. The display device 10 of this embodiment can include a lower protective member 600 having high elasticity and flexibility on the back surface of the display panel 400. This can reduce the degree of bending deformation of the display device 10 even when the display device 10 is repeatedly folded and unfolded, thereby facilitating deformation recovery. Furthermore, wrinkling and buckling of the display device 10 of this embodiment can be minimized, thereby improving impact resistance.

[0088] Regarding the lower protection member 600, reference will be made to Figures 9 to 13 Let’s talk about it in detail later.

[0089] The fourth adhesive component ADH4 may be disposed on the entire surface of the lower protective component 600. For example, the fourth adhesive component ADH4 may be disposed between the display panel 400 and the lower protective component 600. The display panel 400 and the lower protective component 600 may be bonded to each other via the fourth adhesive component ADH4. The fourth adhesive component ADH4 may include a transparent adhesive such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an optically clear adhesive (OCA). The fourth adhesive component ADH4 may include an acrylic adhesive.

[0090] The panel support member 700 can be disposed on the back surface of the lower protective member 600. The panel support member 700 can be a rigid member whose shape or volume is not easily changed by external pressure. The panel support member 700 is disposed on the back surface of the display panel 400 and is a rigid member whose shape or volume is not easily changed by external pressure, thereby being able to support the display panel 400.

[0091] In one embodiment, the panel support member 700 may be a metal plate. For example, the panel support member 700 may be formed of a metal or a metal alloy as a metal plate. The panel support member 700 may include copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), stainless steel (SUS), and / or alloys thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0092] In other embodiments, the panel support member 700 may be a polymer containing carbon fibers or glass fibers. In this case, the panel support member 700 is formed of a polymer containing carbon fibers or glass fibers. Therefore, if the display device 10 includes a digitizer component, electromagnetic signals from the digitizer component can pass through. Therefore, a panel support member 700 capable of supporting the display panel 400 without reducing the touch sensitivity of the digitizer component can be provided.

[0093] The panel support member 700 may include a through hole STH that overlaps with the optical device OPD in the third direction DR3. The through hole STH may overlap with the light-transmitting area LTA of the display panel 400 in the third direction DR3. The area of ​​the through hole STH may be greater than or equal to the area of ​​the light-transmitting area LTA. The optical device OPD may sense light incident from the front surface of the display device 10 through the light-transmitting area LTA and the through hole STH.

[0094] The panel support member 700 may include a lattice pattern disposed in the folding area FDA so as to facilitate bending in the folding area FDA. The panel support member 700 includes a lattice pattern disposed in the folding area FDA so that the panel support member 700 may be easily bent when the display device 10 is folded.

[0095] Regarding the panel support member 700, reference will be made to Figure 7 and Figure 8 More details will be given later.

[0096] The fifth adhesive component ADH5 can be arranged on the entire surface of the panel support component 700. For example, the fifth adhesive component ADH5 can be arranged between the lower protective component 600 and the panel support component 700. The lower protective component 600 and the panel support component 700 can be combined with each other by the fifth adhesive component ADH5. The fifth adhesive component ADH5 can include a transparent adhesive such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an optically clear adhesive (OCA). The fifth adhesive component ADH5 can include an acrylic adhesive.

[0097] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a display panel according to an embodiment.

[0098] Reference Figure 6 The display panel 400 may include a substrate SUB, a display layer DISL disposed on the substrate SUB, and a touch sensing layer TDL disposed on the display layer DISL. The display layer DISL may include a thin film transistor layer TFTL, a light emitting element layer EML, and an encapsulation layer TFEL.

[0099] A thin film transistor layer TFTL may be disposed on the substrate SUB. The thin film transistor layer TFTL may include a barrier film BR, a thin film transistor TFT1, a first capacitor electrode CAE1, a second capacitor electrode CAE2, a first anode connection electrode ANDE1, a second anode connection electrode ANDE2, a gate insulating film 130, a first interlayer insulating film 141, a second interlayer insulating film 142, a first planarizing film 160, and a second planarizing film 180.

[0100] The substrate SUB may be formed of an insulating material such as a polymer resin. For example, the substrate SUB may be formed of polyimide. The substrate SUB may be a flexible substrate that can be bent, folded, or rolled.

[0101] A barrier film BR may be disposed on the substrate SUB. The barrier film BR is a film used to protect the thin film transistors of the thin film transistor layer TFTL and the light-emitting layer 172 of the light-emitting element layer EML from moisture that penetrates through the substrate SUB, which is susceptible to moisture permeation. The barrier film BR may be formed of a plurality of alternately stacked inorganic films. For example, the barrier film BR may be formed of a multi-layer film comprising alternately stacked inorganic films of one or more of silicon nitride layers, silicon oxynitride layers, silicon oxide layers, titanium oxide layers, and aluminum oxide layers.

[0102] A thin film transistor TFT1 may be disposed on the barrier film BR. An active layer ACT1 of the thin film transistor TFT1 may be disposed on the barrier film BR. The active layer ACT1 of the thin film transistor TFT1 may include polycrystalline silicon, single crystal silicon, low temperature polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, or an oxide semiconductor.

[0103] The active layer ACT1 may include a channel region CHA1, a source region TS1, and a drain region TD1. The channel region CHA1 may be a region that overlaps with the gate electrode TG1 in a third direction DR3, which is the thickness direction of the substrate SUB. The source region TS1 may be located on one side of the channel region CHA1, and the drain region TD1 may be located on the other side of the channel region CHA1. The source region TS1 and the drain region TD1 may be regions that do not overlap with the gate electrode TG1 in the third direction DR3. The source region TS1 and the drain region TD1 may be regions that are made conductive by doping ions or impurities in a silicon semiconductor or an oxide semiconductor.

[0104] A gate insulating film 130 may be disposed on the active layer ACT1 of the thin film transistor TFT1. The gate insulating film 130 may be formed of an inorganic film (eg, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer).

[0105] The gate electrode TG1 of the thin film transistor TFT1 and the first capacitor electrode CAE1 may be disposed on the gate insulating film 130. The gate electrode TG1 may overlap with the channel region CHA1 in the third direction DR3. Figure 6 , the gate electrode TG1 and the first capacitor electrode CAE1 are spaced apart from each other. However, the gate electrode TG1 and the first capacitor electrode CAE1 may be connected to each other and formed as a single unit. The gate electrode TG1 and the first capacitor electrode CAE1 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers made of any one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu), or alloys thereof.

[0106] A first interlayer insulating film 141 may be disposed on the gate electrode TG1 of the thin film transistor TFT1 and the first capacitor electrode CAE1. The first interlayer insulating film 141 may be formed of an inorganic film (e.g., a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer). The first interlayer insulating film 141 may be formed of a plurality of inorganic films.

[0107] A second capacitor electrode CAE2 may be disposed on the first interlayer insulating film 141. The second capacitor electrode CAE2 may overlap with the first capacitor electrode CAE1 of the thin-film transistor TFT1 in the third direction DR3. Furthermore, when the gate electrode TG1 and the first capacitor electrode CAE1 are integrally formed, the second capacitor electrode CAE2 may overlap with the gate electrode TG1 in the third direction DR3. Because the first interlayer insulating film 141 has a predetermined dielectric constant, a capacitor may be formed by the first capacitor electrode CAE1, the second capacitor electrode CAE2, and the first interlayer insulating film 141 disposed therebetween. The second capacitor electrode CAE2 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers, each of which may be formed of any one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu), or an alloy thereof.

[0108] A second interlayer insulating film 142 may be disposed on the second capacitor electrode CAE2. The second interlayer insulating film 142 may be formed of an inorganic film (e.g., a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer). The second interlayer insulating film 142 may be formed of a plurality of inorganic films.

[0109] A first anode connection electrode ANDE1 may be disposed on the second interlayer insulating film 142. The first anode connection electrode ANDE1 may be connected to the drain region TD1 of the thin film transistor TFT1 via a first connection contact hole ANCT1 that penetrates the gate insulating film 130, the first interlayer insulating film 141, and the second interlayer insulating film 142. The first anode connection electrode ANDE1 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers, each of which may be formed of any one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu), or an alloy thereof.

[0110] A first planarization film 160 may be disposed on the first anode connection electrode ANDE1 to planarize the height difference caused by the thin film transistor TFT1. The first planarization film 160 may be formed of an organic film such as acryl resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, or polyimide resin.

[0111] A second anode connection electrode ANDE2 may be disposed on the first planarization film 160. The second anode connection electrode ANDE2 may be connected to the first anode connection electrode ANDE1 via a second connection contact hole ANCT2 penetrating the first planarization film 160. The second anode connection electrode ANDE2 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers, wherein the single layer or multiple layers are formed of any one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu), or alloys thereof.

[0112] A second planarization film 180 may be disposed on the second anode connection electrode ANDE2 and may be formed of an organic film such as acryl resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, or polyimide resin.

[0113] A light emitting element layer EML including a light emitting element LEL and a bank 190 may be disposed on the second planarization film 180. Each light emitting element LEL includes a pixel electrode 171, a light emitting layer 172, and a common electrode 173.

[0114] The pixel electrode 171 may be disposed on the second planarization film 180 . The pixel electrode 171 may be connected to the second anode connection electrode ANDE2 via a third connection contact hole ANCT3 penetrating the second planarization film 180 .

[0115] In a top emission structure that emits light toward the common electrode 173 with respect to the light-emitting layer 172, the pixel electrode 171 can be formed of a metal material with high reflectivity, such as a stacked structure of aluminum (Al) and titanium (Ti) (Ti / Al / Ti), a stacked structure of aluminum (Al) and indium tin oxide (ITO / Al / ITO), a stacked structure of silver (Ag) and indium tin oxide (ITO / Ag / ITO), an APC alloy, and a stacked structure of an APC alloy and ITO (ITO / APC / ITO). The APC alloy is an alloy of silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), and copper (Cu).

[0116] The bank 190 may be formed on the second planarization film 180 to define the light-emitting portions EA1 and EA2 and to partition the pixel electrodes 171. The bank 190 may be configured to cover the edge of the pixel electrode 171. The bank 190 may be formed of an organic film such as an acryl resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimide resin.

[0117] The first and second light-emitting portions EA1 and EA2 are respectively stacked with pixel electrodes 171, light-emitting layers 172, and common electrodes 173 in sequence, indicating regions where holes from the pixel electrodes 171 and electrons from the common electrodes 173 recombine in the light-emitting layer 172 to emit light.

[0118] A light emitting layer 172 may be disposed on the pixel electrode 171. The light emitting layer 172 may include an organic material to emit light of a predetermined color. For example, the light emitting layer 172 may include a hole transporting layer, an organic material layer, and an electron transporting layer.

[0119] The common electrode 173 may be disposed on the light emitting layer 172. The common electrode 173 may be configured to cover the light emitting layer 172. The common electrode 173 may be a common layer commonly formed in the first light emitting portion EA1 and the second light emitting portion EA2.

[0120] In the upper light-emitting structure, the common electrode 173 can be formed of a transparent metal material (TCO) that allows light to pass through, such as ITO or IZO, or a semi-transmissive metal material (Semi-transmissive Conductive Material) such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), or an alloy of magnesium (Mg) and silver (Ag). When the common electrode 173 is formed of a semi-transmissive metal material, light extraction efficiency can be improved through a microcavity.

[0121] A spacer 191 may be disposed on the bank 190. The spacer 191 may serve as a support mask during the manufacturing process of the light-emitting layer 172. The spacer 191 may be formed of an organic film such as an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimide resin.

[0122] In some embodiments, the light emitting element layer EML may further include a capping layer CPL disposed on the common electrode 173. The capping layer CPL may include an inorganic material. For example, the capping layer CPL may include at least one of silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, zirconium nitride, titanium nitride, hafnium nitride, tantalum nitride, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, and silicon oxynitride.

[0123] An encapsulation layer (TFEL) may be disposed on the common electrode 173. The encapsulation layer (TFEL) may include at least one inorganic film to prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating the light-emitting element layer (EML). Furthermore, the encapsulation layer (TFEL) may include at least one organic film to protect the light-emitting element layer (EML) from foreign matter such as dust. For example, the encapsulation layer (TFEL) may include a first encapsulation inorganic film (TFE1), an encapsulation organic film (TFE2), and a second encapsulation inorganic film (TFE3).

[0124] The first encapsulating inorganic film TFE1 can be disposed on the common electrode 173, the encapsulating organic film TFE2 can be disposed on the first encapsulating inorganic film TFE1, and the second encapsulating inorganic film TFE3 can be disposed on the encapsulating organic film TFE2. The first encapsulating inorganic film TFE1 and the second encapsulating inorganic film TFE3 can be formed by a multi-layer structure in which one or more inorganic films selected from silicon nitride layers, silicon oxynitride layers, silicon oxide layers, titanium oxide layers, and aluminum oxide layers are alternately stacked. The encapsulating organic film TFE2 can be an organic film such as an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimide resin.

[0125] A touch sensing layer TDL may be disposed on the encapsulation layer TFEL, and includes a first touch insulating film TINS1, connecting electrodes BE, a second touch insulating film TINS2, driving electrodes TE, sensing electrodes RE, and a third touch insulating film TINS3.

[0126] The first touch insulating film TINS1 may be disposed on the encapsulation layer TFEL and may be formed of an inorganic film (eg, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer).

[0127] A connection electrode BE may be disposed on the first touch insulating film TINS1. The connection electrode BE may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers, and the single layer or multiple layers may be formed of any one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu), or an alloy thereof.

[0128] A second touch insulating film TINS2 may be disposed on the connection electrode BE. The second touch insulating film TINS2 may be formed of an inorganic film (e.g., a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer). Alternatively, the second touch insulating film TINS2 may be formed of an organic film such as an acryl resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimide resin.

[0129] The driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE may be disposed on the second touch insulating film TINS2. The driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers, and the single layer or multiple layers may be formed of any one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu), or alloys thereof.

[0130] The driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE may overlap with the connecting electrode BE in the third direction DR3 . The driving electrode TE may be connected to the connecting electrode BE through a touch contact hole TCNT1 penetrating the second touch insulating film TINS2 .

[0131] A third touch insulating film TINS3 may be formed on the drive electrodes TE and sensing electrodes RE. The third touch insulating film TINS3 can flatten the height differences formed by the drive electrodes TE, sensing electrodes RE, and connection electrodes BE. The third touch insulating film TINS3 can be formed of an organic film such as acryl resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, or polyimide resin.

[0132] Figure 7It is a plan view showing a panel support member according to one embodiment. Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line X1-X1′.

[0133] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The panel support member 700 may include a folding portion 710, a first unfolding portion 720, and a second unfolding portion 730. The folding portion 710 may be disposed in the folding area FDA, the first unfolding portion 720 may be disposed in the first unfolding area NFA1, and the second unfolding portion 730 may be disposed in the second unfolding area NFA2.

[0134] The first non-folding portion 720 and the second non-folding portion 730 may be portions that are not folded when the display device 10 is folded. The first non-folding portion 720 may be disposed on one side of the folding portion 710 in the first direction DR1, and the second non-folding portion 730 may be disposed on the other side of the folding portion 710 in the first direction DR1. A through hole STH penetrating the panel support member 700 may be disposed in the first non-folding portion 720. The through hole STH may be disposed adjacent to one side of the first non-folding portion 720 in the second direction DR2.

[0135] The folding portion 710 may be a portion that is folded when the display device 10 is folded. The folding portion 710 may be disposed between the first non-folding portion 720 and the second non-folding portion 730 in the first direction DR1.

[0136] The folding portion 710 may include a lattice pattern. For example, the folding portion 710 may include a plurality of bars BAR and a plurality of slits SLT disposed between the plurality of bars BAR.

[0137] The plurality of bars BAR may include a plurality of horizontal bars HBAR respectively extending in the first direction DR1 and a plurality of vertical bars VBAR respectively extending in the second direction DR2 .

[0138] The plurality of vertical bars VBAR may be disposed between the plurality of slits SLT in the first direction DR1. The plurality of vertical bars VBAR may be disposed between the plurality of horizontal bars HBAR in the first direction DR1. The plurality of vertical bars VBAR may be connected to the plurality of horizontal bars HBAR on one side and the other side. The plurality of vertical bars VBAR may extend through the entire folding portion 710 in the second direction DR2.

[0139] The plurality of horizontal rods HBAR may be respectively disposed between the plurality of slits SLT in the second direction DR2 , and the plurality of horizontal rods HBAR may be respectively disposed between the plurality of vertical rods VBAR in the first direction DR1 .

[0140] A plurality of horizontal rods HBAR adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 may not overlap with each other in the first direction DR1. For example, the horizontal rods HBAR arranged in odd-numbered columns may overlap with each other in the first direction DR1, the horizontal rods HBAR arranged in even-numbered columns may overlap with each other in the first direction DR1, and the horizontal rods HBAR arranged in odd-numbered columns and the horizontal rods HBAR arranged in even-numbered columns may not overlap with each other in the first direction DR1.

[0141] The plurality of slits SLT may be holes that penetrate the panel support member 700 in the third direction DR3. The plurality of slits SLT may extend in the second direction DR2. For example, the length of each of the plurality of slits SLT in the second direction DR2 may be longer than the length in the first direction DR1.

[0142] The plurality of slits SLT adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 may be staggered in the second direction DR2. For example, the second-direction ends of the plurality of slits SLT arranged in odd-numbered columns may overlap with each other in the first direction DR1, the second-direction ends of the plurality of slits SLT arranged in even-numbered columns may overlap with each other in the first direction DR1, and the ends of the plurality of slits SLT arranged in odd-numbered columns and the ends of the plurality of slits SLT arranged in even-numbered columns may not overlap with each other in the first direction DR1.

[0143] In the display device 10 according to this embodiment, the folding portion 710 includes a plurality of slits SLT, thereby providing flexibility, that is, the folding portion 710 can extend along the first direction DR1 when the display device 10 is folded.

[0144] Figure 9 This is a graph showing a stress-strain rate curve of a lower protective member according to an embodiment. Figure 10 This is a graph showing stress-strain rate curves of lower protective members according to other embodiments.

[0145] exist Figure 5 Further reference to Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the display device 10 of this embodiment, the lower protective member 600 can have high elasticity and flexibility. The display device 10 of this embodiment can include a highly elastic and flexible lower protective member 600 on the back surface of the display panel 400. This can reduce the degree of bending deformation of the display device 10 even when the display device 10 is repeatedly folded and unfolded, facilitating deformation recovery. Furthermore, wrinkling and buckling of the display device 10 of this embodiment can be minimized, improving impact resistance.

[0146] For example, the display device 10 of this embodiment can withstand folding and unfolding for approximately 100,000 or more times without cracking or buckling. Furthermore, the highly elastic and flexible lower protective member 600 provides a restorative force that reduces wrinkling.

[0147] In some embodiments, the thickness of the lower protective member 600 (ie, the length in the third direction DR3 ) may be approximately 10 μm to 50 μm. Preferably, the thickness of the lower protective member 600 may be approximately 10 μm to 30 μm.

[0148] In some embodiments, the elastic strain of the lower protective member 600 can be approximately 2.0% or greater. Preferably, the elastic strain of the lower protective member 600 can be approximately 4.0% or greater. In the display device 10 of this embodiment, the lower protective member 600 has an elastic strain of 2.0% or greater, thereby minimizing wrinkling and warping of the display device 10.

[0149] In some embodiments, the Young's modulus of the lower protective member 600 may be approximately 20 GPa to 80 GPa. Preferably, the Young's modulus of the lower protective member 600 may be approximately 20 GPa to 50 GPa. In the display device 10 of this embodiment, the lower protective member 600 has a Young's modulus of 20 GPa to 80 GPa, which can improve the impact resistance of the display device 10.

[0150] In the above, the elastic deformation rate and the Young's modulus may be values ​​measured according to the standard tensile test ISO 527-1 or JIS K 7161-1.

[0151] In order to achieve the elastic deformation rate and Young's modulus as described above, the lower protective member 600 may include a titanium (Ti)-niobium (Nb)-tantalum (Ta)-zirconium (Zr)-oxygen (O) alloy or a copper (Cu)-aluminum (Al)-manganese (Mn) crystalline alloy as a highly elastic and highly flexible material.

[0152] exist Figure 9 In FIG. 1 , a first graph G1 shows a stress-strain curve (SS curve) caused by tension when the lower protective member 600 includes an alloy of titanium (Ti)-niobium (Nb)-tantalum (Ta)-zirconium (Zr)-oxygen (O). Figure 10In FIG. 1 , a second graph G2 shows a stress-strain rate curve caused by tension in the case where the lower protective member 600 includes a crystalline alloy of copper (Cu)-aluminum (Al)-manganese (Mn).

[0153] like Figure 9 As shown, when the lower protective part 600 includes an alloy of titanium (Ti)-niobium (Nb)-tantalum (Ta)-zirconium (Zr)-oxygen (O), the lower protective part 600 can maintain a maximum elastic deformation state at a first elastic limited point ELP1 where a first tensile strain STA1 and a first tensile stress STE1 meet.

[0154] The tensile strain rate, a ratio that indicates the degree to which a material deforms in response to tensile stress, can be used as an indicator similar to the elastic strain rate described above. The elastic limit point indicates the point where the maximum stress at which a material can maintain elastic deformation meets the maximum deformation rate. The elastic deformation state indicates the degree to which a material can return to its original state upon removal of the applied stress. When stress increases and exceeds the elastic limit point, the material can no longer maintain its elastic deformation and undergoes plastic deformation.

[0155] When the lower protective member 600 includes a titanium (Ti)-niobium (Nb)-tantalum (Ta)-zirconium (Zr)-oxygen (O) alloy, the first tensile strain rate STA1 at the first elastic limit point ELP1 can be approximately 2.5% or greater. Furthermore, when the lower protective member 600 includes a titanium (Ti)-niobium (Nb)-tantalum (Ta)-zirconium (Zr)-oxygen (O) alloy, the first Young's modulus M1 can be approximately 40 GPa or greater.

[0156] Young's modulus represents the slope of the elastic region, which represents the interval from the origin to the tensile strain rate at the elastic limit. For example, the first Young's modulus M1 can represent the slope of the line connecting the origin and the first elastic limit ELP1, and the elastic region of the first graph G1 can represent the interval from the origin to the first tensile strain rate STA1.

[0157] On the other hand, Figure 10 As shown, when the lower protective part 600 includes a crystalline alloy of copper (Cu)-aluminum (Al)-manganese (Mn), the lower protective part 600 can maintain a maximum deformation state at a second elastic limit point ELP2 where the second tensile deformation rate STA2 meets the second tensile stress STE2.

[0158] When the lower protective member 600 includes a crystalline alloy of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), and manganese (Mn), the second tensile strain rate STA2 at the second elastic limit point ELP2 may be approximately 4.0% or greater. Furthermore, when the lower protective member 600 includes a crystalline alloy of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), and manganese (Mn), the second Young's modulus M2 may be approximately 15 GPa or greater.

[0159] As previously described, the Young's modulus represents the slope of the elastic region, and the elastic region represents the interval from the origin to the tensile strain rate at the elastic limit. Therefore, the second Young's modulus M2 can represent the slope of the line connecting the origin and the second elastic limit point ELP2, and the elastic region of the second graph G2 can represent the interval from the origin to the second tensile strain rate STA2.

[0160] In the display device 10 of this embodiment, the lower protective member 600 has a large elastic deformation rate and an appropriate level of Young's modulus, thereby having high elasticity and high bendability. As a result, wrinkles and warping of the display device 10 can be minimized, and impact resistance can be improved. Figures 11 to 13 To explain.

[0161] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing a corrugated portion of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 12 This is a side view showing a corrugated portion of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 13 FIG. 1 is a side view showing a process of a ball drop test of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0162] Reference Figures 11 to 13 In some embodiments, as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the display device 10 may include a wrinkle portion CRS. The wrinkle portion CRS may be located in the folding area FDA. The wrinkle portion CRS may extend along the second direction DR2. The wrinkle portion CRS may have a shape that becomes increasingly concave toward the center in the first direction DR1. The wrinkle portion CRS may be formed by repeatedly folding and unfolding the display device 10. The height of the wrinkle portion CRS may be a first height H1.

[0163] On the other hand, Figure 13 As shown, in order to check the impact resistance of the display device 10, a ball drop test may be performed. The height to which the ball BAL falls may be a second height H2. The second height H2 may be the distance between the lowermost portion of the ball BAL and the uppermost portion of the display device 10.

[0164] Table 1 below shows data from comparative tests conducted in various application examples and comparative examples, showing a first height H1 (the height of the wrinkle portion CRS of the display device 10), a second height H2 (the height at which the ball BAL lands), and a limit number of folding times, based on the material, thickness, Young's modulus, and elastic deformation rate of the lower protective member 600 of the display device 10. The limit number of folding times indicates the maximum number of folding times required to cause cracks or warping in the display device 10.

[0165] The material, thickness, Young's modulus and elastic deformation rate of the lower protective component 600 are not limited to the experimental data values ​​in Table 1 below. The first height H1, the second height H2 and the maximum folding number are measured under normal temperature and pressure conditions and are not limited thereto.

[0166]

Table 1

[0167]

[0168]

[0169] In the display device 10 involved in the first applicable example, the lower protective component 600 may include a crystalline alloy of copper (Cu)-aluminum (Al)-manganese (Mn). In the display device 10 involved in the second applicable example, the lower protective component 600 may include an alloy of titanium (Ti)-niobium (Nb)-tantalum (Ta)-zirconium (Zr)-oxygen (O). The display device 10 involved in the first comparative example may not include the lower protective component 600. In each of the display devices 10 involved in the second comparative example to the display devices 10 involved in the fourth comparative example, the lower protective component 600 may include polyimide (PI), ultra-thin glass (Ultra ThinGlass; UTG), nano stainless steel (Nano SUS) and stainless steel (SUS), respectively.

[0170] In the display devices 10 according to the first application example, the second application example, and the third comparative example, measurements were performed using the case where the thickness of the lower protective member 600 was approximately 30 μm. In the display device 10 according to the second comparative example, the lower protective member 600 was made of polyimide having a relatively low Young's modulus value. Therefore, to achieve the minimum Young's modulus value, measurements were performed using the case where the thickness of the lower protective member 600 was approximately 35 μm. In the display devices 10 according to the fourth and fifth comparative examples, the lower protective member 600 was made of nano-SUS or SUS having a relatively high Young's modulus value. Therefore, to reduce the Young's modulus value, measurements were performed using the case where the thickness of the lower protective member 600 was approximately 22 μm and 10 μm, respectively.

[0171] In the display devices 10 involved in the first application example, the second application example, the second comparative example, the third comparative example, the fourth comparative example, and the fifth comparative example, the Young's modulus values ​​of the lower protective component 600 can be approximately 23 GPa, 70 GPa, 4 GPa, 68 GPa, 170 GPa, and 180 GPa, respectively.

[0172] In the display devices 10 involved in the first and second applicable examples, the lower protective component 600 can have a Young's modulus value of 20 GPa to 80 GPa. As a result, the display devices 10 involved in the first and second applicable examples can improve impact resistance. For example, in the drop ball test, the display devices 10 involved in the first and second applicable examples can be larger than the display devices 10 involved in the other first to fifth comparative examples for the second height H2, which is the height at which the ball BAL falls. In the display devices 10 involved in the first and second applicable examples, the second height H2 can be approximately 20 cm and 25 cm, respectively. In the display devices 10 involved in the first to fifth comparative examples, the second height H2 can be less than 20 cm.

[0173] Furthermore, the display devices 10 according to the first and second application examples exhibited no cracking or warping even after being folded more than 200,000 times and 100,000 times, respectively. In contrast, the display devices 10 according to the third to fifth comparative examples exhibited cracking and warping even after being folded less than 100 times.

[0174] On the other hand, in the display device 10 involved in the first applicable example, the second applicable example, the second comparative example, the third comparative example, the fourth comparative example and the fifth comparative example, the elastic deformation rate of the lower protective component 600 can be approximately 4.3%, 2.5%, 2%, less than 0.2%, less than 0.2% and less than 0.2%, respectively.

[0175] In the display device 10 involved in the first and second applicable examples, the lower protective component 600 can have an elastic deformation rate of more than 2.0%. As a result, the display device 10 involved in the first and second applicable examples can minimize wrinkling and warping. For example, with respect to the first height H1, which is the height of the wrinkle portion CRS, the display device 10 involved in the first and second applicable examples can be smaller than the display devices 10 involved in the other first to fifth comparative examples. In the display devices 10 involved in the first and second applicable examples, the first height H1 can be approximately 2.6μm and 3.1μm, respectively, and in the display devices 10 involved in the first to fifth comparative examples, the first height H1 can be more than 5μm.

[0176] On the other hand, Figure 5As shown, the display device 10 according to this embodiment directly attaches a lower protection member 600 having high elasticity and high flexibility to the panel support member 700, thereby improving the shear property. Figure 11 As shown, when a first shear force F1 acts on one side of the first unfolded area NFA1 in the second direction DR2 and a second shear force F2 acts on the other side of the second unfolded area NFA2 in the second direction DR2, the impact resistance to the first shear force F1 and the second shear force F2 can be improved. This shearing property can be improved by directly attaching the highly rigid panel support member 700 and the highly elastic and flexible lower protective member 600.

[0177] In the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those in the previously described embodiments, and repeated descriptions are omitted or simplified, with the main focus being on the differences.

[0178] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to another embodiment.

[0179] Reference Figure 14 The display device 10 of this embodiment is different from the reference Figure 5 The display device 10 according to the embodiment described above is different in that it further includes a lower protective film 500 .

[0180] More specifically, the display device 10 may further include a lower protective film 500 .

[0181] The lower protective film 500 may be disposed on the back surface of the display panel 400. For example, the lower protective film 500 may be disposed between the display panel 400 and the lower protective member 600. The lower protective film 500 may be a layer that protects the back surface of the display panel 400. The lower protective film 500 may include a synthetic resin film. For example, the lower protective film 500 may be a polyimide film or a polyethylene terephthalate film.

[0182] The sixth adhesive component ADH6 can be configured on the entire surface of the lower protective film 500. For example, the sixth adhesive component ADH6 can be configured between the display panel 400 and the lower protective film 500. The display panel 400 and the lower protective film 500 can be bonded to each other by the sixth adhesive component ADH6. The sixth adhesive component ADH6 may include a transparent adhesive such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an optically clear adhesive (OCA). The sixth adhesive component ADH6 may include an acrylic adhesive.

[0183] The display device 10 of this embodiment includes a lower protective film 500 on the back surface of the display panel 400 , thereby minimizing damage to the display panel 400 when moving the highly flexible display panel 400 or performing a process of bonding the display panel 400 to other components.

[0184] Figure 15 It is a plan view showing a panel support member according to still another embodiment. Figure 16 It is along Figure 15 A cross-sectional view taken along line X2-X2′.

[0185] exist Figure 5 Further reference to Figure 15 and Figure 16 The display device 10 of this embodiment is different from the reference Figure 7 The display device 10 according to the embodiment described above is different in the shape of the lattice pattern of the folded portion 710 of the panel support member 700 .

[0186] More specifically, the folding portion 710 may include a lattice pattern. For example, the folding portion 710 may include a plurality of bars BAR and a plurality of slits SLT disposed between the plurality of bars BAR.

[0187] The plurality of bars BAR may include a plurality of vertical bars VBAR extending in the second direction DR2 .

[0188] The plurality of vertical bars VBAR may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. The plurality of vertical bars VBAR may be physically separated from each other without being connected to each other. The separated vertical bars VBAR may be fixed to the back surface of the lower protective member 600 via the fifth adhesive member ADH5 disposed on the panel support member 700.

[0189] A plurality of slits SLT may be disposed between the plurality of vertical bars VBAR spaced apart from each other. The plurality of vertical bars VBAR may extend through the entire folding portion 710 in the second direction DR2, respectively.

[0190] The plurality of vertical rods VBAR may be disposed between the first non-folding portion 720 and the second non-folding portion 730 in the first direction DR1. The plurality of vertical rods VBAR may be disposed spaced apart from the first non-folding portion 720 and the second non-folding portion 730 in the first direction DR1. The plurality of vertical rods VBAR may be physically separated from the first non-folding portion 720 and the second non-folding portion 730 without being connected thereto.

[0191] In the display device 10 involved in this embodiment, multiple vertical rods VBAR that are not connected to each other but spaced apart are attached to the back of the lower protective component 600, thereby improving the impact resistance of the display device 10 and increasing the elasticity to minimize wrinkling and warping.

[0192] Figure 17 It is a plan view showing a panel support member according to still another embodiment. Figure 18 It is along Figure 17 A cross-sectional view taken along line X3-X3′.

[0193] exist Figure 5 Further reference to Figure 17 and Figure 18 The display device 10 of this embodiment is different from the reference Figure 7 and Figure 15 The display device 10 according to the aforementioned embodiment is different in that the folding portion 710 includes resin RSN.

[0194] More specifically, the folding portion 710 may include a resin RSN. For example, the folding portion 710 may include a resin RSN disposed between the first unfolded portion 720 and the second unfolded portion 730.

[0195] The resin RSN may fill the space of the folding portion 710 between the first non-folding portion 720 and the second non-folding portion 730. In one embodiment, the resin RSN may be disposed throughout the folding area FDA and may be fixed to the back surface of the lower protective member 600 by the fifth adhesive member ADH5.

[0196] The resin RSN may include a substance that absorbs external impact, for example, urethane resin, epoxy resin, acrylic resin, silicone resin, or inorganic sealant, but is not limited thereto.

[0197] The display device 10 of this embodiment includes a resin RSN on the back surface of the lower protective member 600, thereby minimizing the repulsive force applied to the display panel 400 when the display device 10 is folded. This minimizes warping of the display device 10 and improves its impact resistance. Furthermore, the resin RSN fills the space between the first non-folding portion 720 and the second non-folding portion 730 in the folding portion 710, thereby preventing the display panel 400 from sinking into the space between the first non-folding portion 720 and the second non-folding portion 730 and forming wrinkles in the folding portion 710.

[0198] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to be limiting.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that: include: display panel, including a folding area; a lower protection component, disposed on the first surface of the display panel; as well as a panel supporting member, arranged on one surface of the lower protection member, comprising a folding portion overlapping the folding area and a first non-folding portion and a second non-folding portion respectively arranged on both sides of the folding portion; The folded portion includes a resin disposed between the first unfolded portion and the second unfolded portion. The resin completely fills a space between the first and second unfolded portions.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The thickness of the lower protective member is 10 μm to 50 μm.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The panel support member is directly attached to the lower protection member by an adhesive member.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The folding portion includes: multiple horizontal bars; a plurality of vertical rods intersecting the plurality of horizontal rods; and A plurality of gaps are arranged between the plurality of vertical rods, The plurality of horizontal rods connect the plurality of vertical rods.

5. The display device according to claim 3, wherein The folding portion includes: multiple vertical rods; and A plurality of gaps are arranged between the plurality of vertical rods, The plurality of vertical rods are spaced apart from each other.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The display panel includes a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface, The display device further includes an accordion portion disposed in the folding region and recessed toward the first surface on the second surface.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The vertical height of the corrugated portion is less than 5 μm.

8. A display device, characterized in that: include: display panel, including a folding area; a lower protection component, disposed on one surface of the display panel; as well as a panel supporting member, arranged on one surface of the lower protection member, comprising a folding portion overlapping the folding area and a first non-folding portion and a second non-folding portion respectively arranged on both sides of the folding portion; The folded portion includes a resin disposed between the first unfolded portion and the second unfolded portion. The resin completely fills the space between the first unfolded portion and the second unfolded portion, The elastic deformation rate of the lower protection component is above 2.0%, The Young's modulus of the lower protective member is 20 GPa to 80 GPa.

9. A display device, characterized in that: include: The display panel comprises a first surface and a second surface located on an opposite side of the first surface; a first upper protection component, disposed on the first surface of the display panel; a window member, disposed on the first upper protective member; a second upper protection member disposed on the window member; a lower protection component, disposed on the second surface of the display panel; as well as The panel support member is arranged on the lower protection member.

Images