Display device

Abstract

A display device according to one embodiment includes at least a display panel that is folded about a folding axis extending in a first direction, and a panel support disposed below the display panel, the panel support including a first layer including a first base resin and first fiber yarns extending in the first direction and dispersed within the first base resin, a second layer disposed on the first layer, the second layer including a second base resin and second fiber yarns extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and dispersed within the second base resin, and a third layer disposed on the second layer, the third layer including a third base resin and third fiber yarns extending in the first direction and dispersed within the third base resin, wherein the number of the second fiber yarns per unit volume of the second layer is greater than the number of the first fiber yarns per unit volume of the first layer and the number of the third fiber yarns per unit volume of the third layer.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device. [Background technology]

[0002] Display devices have become increasingly important with the development of multimedia, and various types of display devices, such as organic light emitting displays (OLEDs) and liquid crystal displays (LCDs), are now being used.

[0003] In recent years, with the advancement of display technology, research and development on display devices with flexible displays has been actively conducted. Flexible displays can expand or shrink the display screen by folding, bending, sliding, etc., which greatly contributes to reducing the volume and changing the design of display devices.

[0004] In this case, the load on the display device itself can be reduced by using fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) as the panel support that supports the flexible display of the display device, and research and development into technology for manufacturing panel supports using fiber reinforced plastics is being actively conducted. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a display device having a panel support with improved surface quality.

[0006] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A display device according to one embodiment for solving the above problem includes at least a display panel that is folded based on a folding axis extending in a first direction, and a panel support disposed below the display panel, wherein the panel support includes a first layer including a first base resin and first fiber yarns extending in the first direction and dispersed within the first base resin, a second layer disposed on the first layer including a second base resin and second fiber yarns extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and dispersed within the second base resin, and a third layer disposed on the second layer including a third base resin and third fiber yarns extending in the first direction and dispersed within the third base resin, and the number of the second fiber yarns per unit volume of the second layer may be greater than the number of the first fiber yarns per unit volume of the first layer and the number of the third fiber yarns per unit volume of the third layer.

[0008] A display device according to another embodiment for solving the above problem includes at least a display panel that is folded based on a folding axis extending in a first direction, and a panel support disposed below the display panel, wherein the panel support includes a first layer including a first base resin and a first fiber yarn extending in the first direction and dispersed within the first base resin, a second layer disposed on the first layer, the second layer including a second base resin and a second fiber yarn extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and dispersed within the second base resin, and a third layer disposed on the second layer, the third layer including a third base resin and a third fiber yarn extending in the first direction and dispersed within the third base resin, and the elastic modulus of the second fiber yarn may be greater than the elastic modulus of the first fiber yarn and the elastic modulus of the third fiber yarn.

[0009] According to another embodiment for solving the above problem, a display device includes at least a display panel that is folded based on a folding axis extending in a first direction, and a panel support disposed below the display panel, wherein the panel support includes a first layer including a first base resin and first fiber yarns extending in the first direction and dispersed within the first base resin, a second layer disposed on the first layer including a second base resin and second fiber yarns extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and dispersed within the second base resin, and a third layer disposed on the second layer including a third base resin and third fiber yarns extending in the first direction and dispersed within the third base resin, and the carbon content of the second fiber yarns may be greater than the carbon content of the first fiber yarns and the carbon content of the third fiber yarns.

[0010] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] A display device according to an embodiment can improve the surface quality of a panel support.

[0012] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the above examples, and a wider variety of effects are included in this specification. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment in a folded state; [Figure 3] 1 is a side view schematically illustrating a structure of a display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating a panel support of a display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section taken along line X1-X1' in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6]5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section taken along line X2-X2' in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 7] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a process for manufacturing a panel support of a display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is an image showing a cross section of a panel support of a display device according to an embodiment, viewed from a first direction; [Figure 9] 10 is an image showing a cross section of a panel support of a display device according to an embodiment, viewed from a second direction; [Figure 10] 10 is a graph illustrating a surface step for each position of a panel support of a display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a panel support of a display device according to a comparative embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a panel support of a display device according to a comparative embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is an image showing a cross section of a panel support of a display device according to a comparative embodiment, viewed from a second direction. [Figure 14] 10 is a graph illustrating a surface step for each position of a panel support of a display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a panel support of a display device according to another embodiment. [Figure 16] 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a panel support of the display device according to the embodiment of FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 17] 16 is a graph showing the surface step for each position of the panel support of the display device according to the embodiment of FIG. 15. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the following detailed embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be realized in various different forms. The present embodiments are provided solely for the purpose of complete disclosure of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. The present invention is defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0015] When an element or layer is referred to as "above" another element or layer, this includes being directly above or between intervening layers or elements. Similarly, when references are made to "below," "left," and "right," this includes being directly adjacent to or between intervening layers or elements. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0016] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, it is understood that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, it is understood that a "first" component referred to below may be a "second" component within the technical concept of the present invention.

[0017] The features of the various embodiments of the present invention may be partially or wholly combined or combined with one another, and may be technically interlocked and driven in various ways, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of the others or in conjunction with one another.

[0018] Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the display device according to the embodiment in a folded state.

[0020] Figure 1 shows a first state of the display device 1 in which it is unfolded and unfolded around the folding axis FX, and Figure 2 shows a second state of the display device 1 in which it is folded around the folding axis FX.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a display device 1 according to an embodiment is a device for displaying moving or still images, and can be used as a display screen for a variety of products, including not only portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablet PCs, smart watches, watch phones, mobile communication terminals, electronic organizers, e-books, PMPs, navigation systems, and UMPCs, but also televisions, notebook computers, monitors, billboards, and Internet of Things.

[0022] 1 defines a first direction DR1, a second direction DR2, and a third direction DR3. The first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 are perpendicular to each other, the first direction DR1 and the third direction DR3 are perpendicular to each other, and the second direction DR2 and the third direction DR3 may be perpendicular to each other. The first direction DR1 can be understood to mean the vertical direction on the drawing, the second direction DR2 can be understood to mean the horizontal direction on the drawing, and the third direction DR3 can be understood to mean the top and bottom directions on the drawing, i.e., the thickness direction.

[0023] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, a "direction" refers to both directions extending along that direction. Furthermore, when it is necessary to distinguish between two "directions" extending along that direction, one side will be referred to as the "one direction side" and the other side as the "other direction side." With reference to FIG. 1, the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the direction will be referred to as one side, and the opposite direction will be referred to as the other side. However, directions in the embodiments should be understood as referring to relative directions, and the embodiments are not limited to the stated directions.

[0024] For ease of explanation, when referring to the surfaces of the display device 1 or each component constituting the display device 1, the surface facing the direction in which an image is displayed, i.e., one side in the third direction DR3, will be referred to as the top surface, and the surface opposite to the top surface will be referred to as the bottom surface. However, without being limited thereto, the one surface and the other surface of the component may also be referred to as the front and back surfaces, or the first surface and the second surface, respectively. Furthermore, when describing the relative positions of each component of the display device 1, one side in the third direction DR3 may be referred to as the top surface, and the other side in the third direction DR3 may be referred to as the bottom surface.

[0025] The planar shape of the display device 1 may be a rectangle with its vertical sides longer than its horizontal sides as shown in Fig. 1, and each corner of the display device 1 may have a right-angled planar shape or a rounded planar shape, but is not limited thereto. For example, the planar shape of the display device 1 may be a rectangle with its vertical sides shorter than its horizontal sides. Fig. 1 shows an example of a rectangle with its vertical sides longer than its horizontal sides.

[0026] The display device 1 includes a first flat portion PP1, a bending portion BP, and a second flat portion PP2. The first flat portion PP1, the bending portion BP, and the second flat portion PP2 defined in the display device 1 can also be applied to corner components that form the display device 1, as shown in FIG.

[0027] The first flat portion PP1 and the second flat portion PP2 are not bent. The first flat portion PP1 is disposed on the other side of the display device 1 in the second direction DR2 as a part of the display device 1. The second flat portion PP2 is disposed on one side of the display device 1 in the second direction DR2 as a part of the display device 1.

[0028] The bending portion BP is disposed between the first flat portion PP1 and the second flat portion PP2. That is, the second flat portion PP2 may be disposed on one side of the bending portion BP in the second direction DR2, and the first flat portion PP1 may be disposed on the other side of the bending portion BP in the second direction DR2. The first bending line BL1 may be a boundary between the bending portion BP and the first flat portion PP1, and the second bending line BL2 may be a boundary between the bending portion BP and the second flat portion PP2.

[0029] The bending portion BP is a bendable region. For example, the bending portion BP is disposed between the first flat portion PP1 and the second flat portion PP2 and can be bent around a folding axis FX extending in a first direction DR1. When the bending portion BP is not bent, the display device 1 can maintain an unfolded state (hereinafter referred to as a "first state") as shown in FIG. 1, and when the bending portion BP is bent, the display device 1 can maintain a folded state (hereinafter referred to as a "second state") as shown in FIG. 2.

[0030] The display device 1 includes a display area and a non-display area.

[0031] The display area may be an area where pixels are arranged to display an image. The display area may include a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2. The non-display area may be an area where no image is displayed. The non-display area may include a first non-display area NDA1 and a second non-display area NDA2.

[0032] In the first state of the display device 1, one side of the display device 1 in the third direction DR3 may be the front side on which the first display area DA1 and the first non-display area NDA1 are arranged, and the other side of the third direction DR3 may be the back side on which the second display area DA2 and the second non-display area NDA2 are arranged.

[0033] The first display area DA1 is disposed on one side of the display device 1 in the third direction DR3 when the display device 1 is in the first state. The planar shape of the first display area DA1 may conform to the planar shape of the display device 1 in the first state. For example, if the planar shape of the display device 1 in the first state is rectangular, the planar shape of the first display area DA1 may also be rectangular.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first display area DA1 is surrounded by the first non-display area NDA1, but is not limited to this. For example, the first display area DA1 may be partially surrounded by the first non-display area NDA1. Figure 1 shows an example in which the first non-display area NDA1 surrounds the first display area DA1.

[0035] The second display area DA2 is disposed on the other side of the display device 1 in the third direction DR3 when the display device 1 is in the first state, and may overlap only the first flat portion PP1, but is not limited to this. The second display area DA2 can display a screen to the user when the display device 1 is in the second state.

[0036] The second display area DA2 may follow the planar shape of the first flat portion PP1 viewed by the user with the display device 1 in the second state as shown in Fig. 2. For example, if the planar shape of the first flat portion PP1 viewed by the user with the display device 1 in the second state is rectangular, the planar shape of the second display area DA2 may also be rectangular.

[0037] In some embodiments, the second display area DA2 is surrounded by the second non-display area NDA2, but is not limited to this. For example, the second display area DA2 may be partially surrounded by the second non-display area NDA2.

[0038] The display device 1 may be folded in an in-folding manner in which a portion of the first display area DA1 disposed on the first flat portion PP1 and a portion of the first display area DA1 disposed on the second flat portion PP2 face each other in the second state as shown in Fig. 2, but is not limited thereto. For example, the display device 1 may also be folded in an out-folding manner in which the rear surfaces face each other. Fig. 2 shows an example in which the display device 1 is folded in an in-folding manner.

[0039] The structure of the display device 1 will be described below.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing the structure of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 3, a display device 1 according to one embodiment may include an upper protection member PL, a window member WM, a first adhesive member PSA1, a polarizing member POL, a display panel PNL, a barrier member BAR, a panel support 100, a lower visibility prevention member TPU, and a metal support MP.

[0042] The upper protection member PL may perform at least one of the following functions for preventing the window member WM from shattering, absorbing impact, preventing scratches, preventing fingerprints, and preventing glare, as described below. The upper protection member PL may be disposed on one side (hereinafter referred to as the "front side") of the window member WM in the third direction DR3. The upper protection member PL may be attached to the front side of the window member WM using an adhesive such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0043] A light-shielding pattern (not shown) is formed on the other side (hereinafter referred to as the "rear side") of the upper protection member PL in the third direction DR3. The light-shielding pattern may be disposed at or adjacent to the edge of the upper protection member PL. The light-shielding pattern may include a light-shielding material that can block light. For example, the light-shielding pattern may be an inorganic black pigment such as carbon black, an organic black pigment, or an opaque metallic material.

[0044] The window member WM serves to protect the display panel PNL (described later) from the outside. The window member WM may be disposed on one side (hereinafter referred to as the "front side") of the display panel PNL in the third direction DR3. The window member WM is made of a transparent material, such as glass or plastic.

[0045] The window member WM may be an ultra-thin glass or transparent polyimide film having a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm or less. The window member WM may be attached to the front surface of the polarizing member POL by a first adhesive member PSA1. The first adhesive member PSA1 may be a transparent adhesive film or a transparent adhesive resin.

[0046] The polarizing member POL prevents external light incident on the display panel PNL from being reflected. The polarizing member POL may be attached to the window member WM via a first adhesive member PSA1. The display panel PNL is disposed on the rear surface of the polarizing member POL.

[0047] The display panel PNL is a panel for displaying a screen, and any type of display panel can be applied as the display panel PNL of the present embodiment, such as an organic light emitting display panel including an organic light emitting layer, a micro light emitting diode display panel using micro light emitting diodes (micro LEDs), a quantum dot light emitting display panel using quantum dot light emitting diodes including a quantum dot light emitting layer, or an inorganic light emitting display panel using inorganic light emitting elements including inorganic semiconductors. Referring to FIG. 1, the display panel PNL can display a screen on one side in a third direction DR3.

[0048] The barrier member BAR is disposed on the other side (hereinafter referred to as the "rear side") of the display panel PNL in the third direction DR3. The portion of the other side of the barrier member BAR in the third direction DR3 that overlaps with the bending portion BP is spaced apart in the third direction DR3 from a lattice pattern disposed in the bending portion BP of the panel support 100 (described later).

[0049] The barrier member BAR may include at least one of a light-shielding layer for absorbing light incident from the outside, a buffer layer for absorbing external impact, and a heat-dissipating layer for efficiently dissipating heat from the display panel PNL.

[0050] The light-shielding layer prevents light from passing through the light-shielding layer to prevent components disposed below the light-shielding layer from being visible from the front of the display panel PNL. The light-shielding layer may include a light-absorbing material such as a black pigment or a black dye.

[0051] The buffer layer absorbs external impacts to prevent damage to the display panel PNL. The buffer layer may be a single layer or multiple layers. For example, the buffer layer may be made of a polymer resin such as polyurethane, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or polyethylene, or may be made of an elastic material such as a foamed sponge made from rubber, a urethane-based material, or an acrylic-based material.

[0052] The heat dissipation layer may include a first heat dissipation layer containing graphite or carbon nanotubes, and a second heat dissipation layer formed of a metal foil film such as copper, nickel, ferrite, or silver, which can shield electromagnetic waves and has excellent thermal conductivity.

[0053] The panel support 100 serves to support the rear surface of the display panel PNL. The panel support 100 is disposed on the other side (hereinafter referred to as the "rear surface") of the barrier member BAR in the third direction DR3. The panel support 100 may be a rigid member whose shape or volume does not easily change due to external pressure. A lattice pattern may be formed on the bending portion BP of the panel support 100 to facilitate bending of the panel support 100.

[0054] In some embodiments, the panel support 100 may be made of, but is not limited to, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) containing carbon fiber. For example, the panel support 100 may be made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) containing glass fiber or aramid fiber reinforced plastic (AFRP). The following description will focus on the case where the panel support 100 is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The structure of the panel support 100 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0055] The lower view blocking member TPU is disposed on the back surface of the lattice pattern formed at the bending portion BP of the panel support body 100. The lower view blocking member TPU can prevent the lattice pattern of the panel support body 100 from being seen from the outside. The lower view blocking member TPU includes a flexible material and can reduce folding stress of the display device 1.

[0056] The metal supports MP are disposed on the rear surfaces of the first flat portion PP1 and the second flat portion PP2 of the panel support 100. The metal supports MP support the rear surfaces of the first flat portion PP1 and the second flat portion PP2 of the panel support 100 and can serve to absorb heat generated from the display panel PNL. In some embodiments, the metal supports MP may include, but are not limited to, copper (Cu). The metal supports MP do not have to be disposed on the bending portion BP to reduce folding stress of the display device 1.

[0057] Hereinafter, the structure of the panel support 100 of the display device 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing a panel support of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 4, a panel support 100 of a display device 1 according to an embodiment includes a first flat portion PP1, a bending portion BP, and a second flat portion PP2.

[0060] The first flat portion PP1 and the second flat portion PP2 of the panel support 100 may be non-bent portions. The first flat portion PP1 is disposed on the other side of the panel support 100 in the second direction DR2 as part of the panel support 100. The second flat portion PP2 is disposed on one side of the panel support 100 in the second direction DR2 as part of the panel support 100.

[0061] The bending portion BP of the panel support 100 is disposed between the first flat portion PP1 and the second flat portion PP2. That is, the second flat portion PP2 is disposed on one side of the bending portion BP in the second direction DR2, and the first flat portion PP1 is disposed on the other side of the bending portion BP in the second direction DR2.

[0062] The bending portion BP of the panel support 100 is a bendable region. The bending portion BP may have a lattice pattern including a plurality of slits SL penetrating the panel support 100 in the third direction DR3. The plurality of slits SL may be arranged in a plurality of rows in the first direction DR1, and each row may have a shape arranged in the second direction DR2. This makes the bending portion BP of the panel support 100 easy to bend.

[0063] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section taken along line X1-X1' in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section taken along line X2-X2' in Fig. 4.

[0064] 4 and 5 and 6, the panel support 100 may be a fiber-reinforced plastic including fiber yarns and a base resin RS. The fiber yarns are dispersed in the base resin RS. The fiber yarns may include graphene as a carbon fiber, and the base resin RS may be an epoxy-based resin, a polyester-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, a polycarbonate-based resin, a polypropylene-based resin, a polybutylene-based resin, a polyacrylate-based resin, or a vinyl ester-based resin.

[0065] The panel support 100 may include a first layer 110, a second layer 130, and a third layer 150 arranged in sequence on the other side of the third direction DR3. For example, the first layer 110 of the panel support 100 may be adjacent to a barrier member (BAR in FIG. 3) arranged on the upper part of the panel support 100, and the third layer 150 may be adjacent to a lower visibility prevention member (TPU in FIG. 3) and a metal support (MP in FIG. 3) arranged on the lower part of the panel support 100.

[0066] The base resin RS can be disposed as a whole on all of the first layer 110, the second layer 130, and the third layer 150 of the panel support material 100. In the claims, the portion of the base resin RS disposed on the first layer 110 will be referred to as the first base resin, the portion of the base resin RS disposed on the second layer 130 will be referred to as the second base resin, and the portion of the base resin RS disposed on the third layer 150 will be referred to as the third base resin.

[0067] The fiber yarns may include a first fiber yarn FT1 and a second fiber yarn FT2 having different diameters, different elastic moduli, or different carbon contents. The first fiber yarn FT1 is arranged in the first layer 110 and the third layer 150 of the panel support 100, and the second fiber yarn FT2 is arranged in the second layer 130 of the panel support 100. In other words, the same type of fiber yarn as the first fiber yarn FT1 may be arranged in the first layer 110 and the third layer 150, and a different type of fiber yarn (e.g., the second fiber yarn FT2) from the fiber yarn arranged in the first layer 110 and the third layer 150 may be arranged in the second layer 130.

[0068] For example, the first layer 110 may be a prepreg made of first fiber yarns FT1 extending generally parallel to the first direction DR1 and a portion of the base resin RS surrounding the first fiber yarns FT1. The second layer 130 may be a prepreg made of second fiber yarns FT2 extending generally parallel to the second direction DR2 and a portion of the base resin RS surrounding the second fiber yarns FT2. For example, the first fiber yarns FT1 and the second fiber yarns FT2 may be different types of fiber yarns. The third layer 150 may be a prepreg made of first fiber yarns FT1 extending generally parallel to the first direction DR1 and a portion of the base resin RS surrounding the first fiber yarns FT1.

[0069] In this specification, "extending generally parallel to the first direction DR1" means extending completely parallel to the first direction DR1 or slightly intersecting with the second direction DR2 at an angle of approximately 15° or less, and "extending generally parallel to the second direction DR2" means extending completely parallel to the first direction DR1 or slightly intersecting with the first direction DR1 at an angle of approximately 15° or less.

[0070] The extension direction of the first fiber yarn FT1 arranged in the first layer 110 and the third layer 150 extends generally parallel to the first direction DR1, which is parallel to the folding axis FX shown in Figures 1 and 2. Therefore, the first layer 110 and the third layer 150 can be easily folded when the display device 1 is converted from the first state to the second state. However, if the panel support 100 includes only the first fiber yarn FT1, the panel support 100 may curve or bend in the first direction DR1. In other words, if the panel support 100 includes only the first fiber yarn FT1, the flatness and rigidity of the panel support 100 will be low.

[0071] Therefore, by further including a second layer 130 having a second fiber yarn FT2 extending generally in the second direction DR2, the panel support 100 can not only prevent bending or curvature of the panel support 100 in the first direction DR1, but also increase the rigidity of the panel support 100.

[0072] However, taking into consideration the rigidity required for the panel support 100, the content of the second fiber yarn FT2 in the panel support 100 may be greater than the content of the first fiber yarn FT1. For example, the width in the third direction DR3 of the second layer 130 of the panel support 100 is greater than the width in the third direction DR3 of the first layer 110 and the width in the third direction DR3 of the third layer 150. The width in the third direction DR3 of the first layer 110 and the width in the third direction DR3 of the third layer 150 may be the same as each other. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first layer 110 and the thickness of the third layer 150 may be approximately 20 μm, and the thickness of the second layer 130 may be approximately 100 μm, but is not limited to these.

[0073] As described above, by disposing fiber yarns extending in one direction in each layer, it is possible to prevent the thickness of each layer from becoming too thick. For example, if both the first fiber yarn FT1 and the second fiber yarn FT2 are disposed in one layer of the panel support body 100, the first fiber yarn FT1 and the second fiber yarn FT2 may cross each other, increasing the thickness of the layer itself. Therefore, by disposing fiber yarns extending in only one direction in each layer, it is possible to minimize the thickness of the layer itself and ensure the rigidity required for the panel support body 100.

[0074] The first fiber yarn FT1 and the second fiber yarn FT2 may be made of carbon fiber and have a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section. The diameter d2 of the first fiber yarn FT1 may be larger than the diameter d1 of the second fiber yarn FT2. For example, the diameter d2 of the first fiber yarn FT1 may be approximately 6.5 μm or more and 7.5 μm or less, and the diameter d1 of the second fiber yarn FT2 may be approximately 4.5 μm or more and 5.5 μm or less. Therefore, the number of first fiber yarns FT1 per unit volume arranged in the first layer 110 and the third layer 150 may be smaller than the number of second fiber yarns FT2 per unit volume arranged in the second layer 130. For example, comparing FIGS. 5 and 6, the number of fiber yarns arranged in the same area is greater in the second layer 130 than in the first layer 110 or the third layer 150. In other words, in the second layer 130, the distance G1 at which the second fiber yarns FT2 are spaced apart from one another is smaller than the distance G2 at which the first fiber yarns FT1 are spaced apart from one another in the first layer 110 or the third layer 150.

[0075] In addition, by including the same type of fiber yarn, the first layer 110 and the third layer 150 can be manufactured so that the layers of the panel support body 100 do not shift during the manufacturing process of the panel support body 100 described below.

[0076] With the above-described configuration, the second layer 130 has greater rigidity than the first layer 110 and the third layer 150, thereby reducing the visibility of the first fiber yarn FT1 arranged in the first layer 110 and the third layer 150 from the outside.

[0077] For example, as will be described later, during the lamination process of the first layer 110, the second layer 130, and the third layer 150, the base resin RS of the first layer 110 and the third layer 150 thermally shrinks, causing the surfaces to assume a curved shape, resulting in the formation of a surface step PV as shown in FIG. 5. The surface step PV refers to the distance between a downwardly depressed point and an upwardly bulging point on the curved surface. The surface step PV is formed between the first fiber yarns FT1 arranged in the first layer 110 or the third layer 150, and therefore may have a shape extending generally in the first direction DR1. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 14.

[0078] Fig. 7 is a view illustrating a process for manufacturing a panel support of a display device according to an embodiment. Fig. 8 is an image of a cross section of the panel support of a display device according to an embodiment, viewed from a first direction. Fig. 9 is an image of a cross section of the panel support of a display device according to an embodiment, viewed from a second direction. Fig. 10 is a graph showing a surface step for each position of the panel support of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0079] 7, the first layer 110, the second layer 130, and the third layer 150 of the panel support 100 may be laminated by a hot press or an autoclave. In this case, during the process of laminating the first layer 110, the second layer 130, and the third layer 150, the base resin RS disposed in the first layer 110, the second layer 130, and the third layer 150 may melt and permeate into the spaces between the fiber yarns of each layer.

[0080] For example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the base resin RS contained in the first layer 110 and the third layer 150 melts during the lamination process and penetrates into the spaces between the second fiber yarns FT2 arranged in the second layer 130, causing the surfaces of the first layer 110 and the third layer 150 to have a curved shape.

[0081] Therefore, by increasing the number of second fiber yarns FT2 per unit volume arranged in the second layer 130 and narrowing the spacing between the second fiber yarns FT2, the amount of base resin RS of the first layer 110 and the third layer 150 that penetrates into the spacing between the second fiber yarns FT2 arranged in the second layer 130 during the lamination process of each layer of the panel support body 100 can be reduced, thereby mitigating the degree of curvature of the surfaces of the first layer 110 and the third layer 150.

[0082] 10, there is shown a graph illustrating the surface step PV for each position on the panel support body 100 as viewed in the second direction DR2. The Y axis of the graph shown in Fig. 10 represents the relative degree (dimensionless) of the surface step PV, and the X axis represents the position in the second direction DR2. Fig. 10 is a graph obtained by repeatedly conducting experiments by the inventors of the present specification, measuring the surface step PV for each position on the panel support body 100 in which the first fiber yarn FT1 is Toray's T700 and the second fiber yarn FT2 is Toray's T800.

[0083] Toray's T700 has a diameter in the range of approximately 6.5 μm to 7.5 μm, an elastic modulus of approximately 240 GPa, and a carbon content of approximately 93% or less. Toray's T800 has a diameter in the range of approximately 4.5 μm to 5.5 μm, an elastic modulus of approximately 290 GPa or more, for example, approximately 294 GPa, and a carbon content of approximately 96% or more. In this case, the surface step PV of the panel support 100 of the display device 1 according to one embodiment can have a relative degree of approximately 148.5 at most to 115 at least.

[0084] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a panel support of a display device according to a comparative embodiment. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a panel support of a display device according to a comparative embodiment. Fig. 13 is an image of a cross section of the panel support of a display device according to a comparative embodiment, taken from a second direction. Fig. 14 is a graph showing surface irregularities at various positions on the panel support of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0085] 11 to 14, the second layer 130' of the panel support 100' of the display device 1' according to the comparative embodiment differs from the panel support 100 of the display device 1 according to the embodiment in that it includes a first fiber yarn FT1 as the fiber yarn, but the other configurations are substantially the same or similar. In other words, the first layer 110, the second layer 130', and the third layer 150 may include the same type of fiber yarn, and the first layer 110, the second layer 130', and the third layer 150 may also include the same number of fiber yarns per unit volume.

[0086] In this case, the step PV formed on the surface of the first layer 110 of the display device 1' according to the comparative embodiment shown in Fig. 11 is larger than the surface step PV formed on the surface of the first layer 110 of the display device 1 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 5. This is because, as shown in Figs. 11 to 13, the diameter of the first fiber yarn FT1, which is the fiber yarn arranged in the second layer 130', is larger than the diameter of the second fiber yarn FT2 arranged in the second layer 130 of the panel support body 100 according to the embodiment. Therefore, the number of fiber yarns arranged per unit volume of the second layer 130' in the comparative embodiment is reduced, and the distance between the fiber yarns in the second layer 130' is increased. As a result, the amount of base resin RS of the first layer 110 and the third layer 150 that penetrates into the second layer 130' increases during the lamination process described with reference to Fig. 7.

[0087] 12 and 14, the surface step PV for each position on the panel support 100' as viewed in the second direction DR2 is shown. The Y axis of the graph shown in Fig. 14 represents the relative degree (dimensionless) of the surface step PV, and the X axis represents the position in the second direction DR2. Fig. 14 is a graph showing measurements of the surface step PV for each position on the panel support 100, in which the first fiber yarn FT1 is Toray T700, conducted through repeated experiments by the inventors of the present specification.

[0088] In this case, the surface step PV of the panel support 100' of the display device 1' according to the comparative embodiment can have a relative degree of approximately 155.4 at maximum to 115 at minimum.

[0089] That is, referring to Figures 6, 10, 12, and 14, the surface step PV of the panel support 100 of the display device 1 according to one embodiment has a relative degree of approximately 148.5 at most to 115 at least, and the surface step PV of the panel support 100' of the display device 1' according to the comparative embodiment has a relative degree of approximately 155.4 at most to 115 at least. Therefore, it can be seen that the surface step PV of the panel support 100 of the display device 1 according to one embodiment is less than the surface step PV of the panel support 100' of the display device 1' according to the comparative embodiment.

[0090] The following describes other embodiments of the display device 1. In the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as in the above-described embodiments, and overlapping descriptions are omitted or simplified, with differences being mainly described.

[0091] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a panel support of a display device according to another embodiment. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a panel support of a display device according to the embodiment of Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is a graph showing the surface step at each position of the panel support of the display device according to the embodiment of Fig. 15.

[0092] Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the panel support 100_1 of the display device 1_1 according to this embodiment differs from the panel support 100 of the display device 1 according to one embodiment in that the elastic modulus of the fiber yarn arranged in the second layer 130_1 is greater, but the other configurations are substantially the same or similar.

[0093] For example, the elastic modulus of the third fiber yarn FT3 arranged in the second layer 130_1 of the display device 1_1 according to this embodiment is greater than the elastic modulus of the second fiber yarn FT2 arranged in the second layer 130 of the display device 1 according to an embodiment. The diameter d1 of the third fiber yarn FT3 in the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16 may be approximately in the range of 4.5 μm to 5.5 μm. The diameter d1 of the third fiber yarn FT3 in the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16 may be substantially the same as the diameter d1 of the second fiber yarn FT2 in the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6. The spacing G1 at which the third fiber yarns FT3 are spaced apart in the second layer 130_1 may be smaller than the spacing (G2, see FIG. 6) at which the first fiber yarns FT1 are spaced apart in the first layer 110 or the third layer 150.

[0094] The elastic modulus of the third fiber yarn FT3 may be greater than that of the first fiber yarn FT1. Generally, when a fiber yarn contains carbon fiber, there is a correlation in which the elastic modulus increases as the carbon content increases. Therefore, the carbon content of the third fiber yarn FT3 is greater than that of the first fiber yarn FT1. In some embodiments, the elastic modulus of the third fiber yarn FT3 may be approximately 377 GPa or greater, and the elastic modulus of the first fiber yarn FT1 may be approximately 240 GPa or less. The carbon content of the third fiber yarn FT3 may be approximately 99% or greater, and the carbon content of the first fiber yarn FT1 may be approximately 93% or less, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] With the above-described configuration, the second layer 130_1 of the panel support 100_1 according to this embodiment includes fiber yarns having a higher elastic modulus than the first layer 110 and the third layer 150, and therefore the second layer 130_1 can have stronger rigidity than the first and third layers 110, 150. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the visibility of the first fiber yarns FT1 arranged in the first layer 110 and the third layer 150 from the outside.

[0096] For example, as described in Figure 7, during the lamination process of the first layer 110, the second layer 130_1, and the third layer 150, the base resin RS of the first layer 110 and the third layer 150 thermally shrinks, resulting in a curved surface shape.However, if the second layer 130_1 has greater rigidity than the first layer 110 and the third layer 150, the base resin RS of the first layer 110 and the third layer 150 can mitigate the degree of thermal shrinkage, thereby reducing the resulting surface step PV.

[0097] For example, the surface step PV formed on the panel support 100_1 of the display device 1_1 according to this embodiment is smaller than the surface step (PV, see FIG. 6) formed on the panel support 100 of the display device 1 according to an embodiment. This is because the third fiber yarn FT3 of the display device 1_1 according to this embodiment has a larger elastic modulus than the second fiber yarn FT2 of the display device 1 according to an embodiment.

[0098] 17 shows a graph illustrating the surface step PV for each position on the panel support body 100_1 as viewed in the second direction DR2. The Y axis of the graph shown in Fig. 17 represents the relative degree (dimensionless) of the surface step PV, and the X axis represents the position in the second direction DR2. Fig. 17 is a graph obtained by repeatedly conducting experiments by the inventors of the present specification, measuring the surface step PV for each position on the panel support body 100_1, in which the first fiber yarn FT1 is Toray's T700 and the third fiber yarn FT3 is Toray's M40.

[0099] Toray's T700 has a diameter ranging from 6.5 μm to 7.5 μm, an elastic modulus of approximately 240 GPa, and a carbon content of 93% or less. Toray's M40 has a diameter ranging from 4.5 μm to 5.5 μm, an elastic modulus of approximately 377 GPa, and a carbon content of 99% or more. In this case, the surface step PV of the panel support 100_1 of the display device 1_1 according to this embodiment can have a relative degree of approximately 140.1 at most to 115 at least.

[0100] That is, referring to Figures 10 and 17, the surface step PV of the panel support 100 of the display device 1 according to one embodiment has a relative degree of approximately 148.5 at most to 115 at least, and the surface step PV of the panel support 100_1 of the display device 1_1 according to this embodiment has a relative degree of approximately 140.1 at most to 115 at least, so it can be seen that the surface step PV of the panel support 100_1 of the display device 1_1 according to this embodiment is less severe than the surface step PV of the panel support 100 of the display device 1 according to one embodiment.

[0101] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting.

Claims

1. A display panel that folds with respect to a folding axis extending in the first direction, Includes a panel support positioned at the bottom of the display panel, The panel support is A first layer comprising a first base resin and a first fiber filament extending in the first direction and dispersed within the first base resin, A second layer disposed on the first layer, comprising a second base resin and a second fiber filament extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and dispersed within the second base resin, A third layer disposed on the second layer, comprising a third base resin and a third fiber filament extending in the first direction and dispersed within the third base resin, A display device wherein the number of second filaments per unit volume of the second layer is greater than the number of first filaments per unit volume of the first layer and the number of third filaments per unit volume of the third layer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the second fiber filament is smaller than the diameter of the first fiber filament and the diameter of the third fiber filament.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the diameter of the first filament and the diameter of the third filament are the same.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the separation interval between the second filaments in the second layer is smaller than the separation interval between the first filaments in the first layer and the separation interval between the third filaments in the third layer.

5. The diameter of the second filament is 4.5 μm or more and 5.5 μm or less. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the diameter of the first filament and the diameter of the third filament are 6.5 μm or more and 7.5 μm or less.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the second layer is greater than the thickness of the first layer and the thickness of the third layer.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein the second layer is disposed between the first layer and the third layer.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the thickness of the first layer and the thickness of the third layer are the same.

9. The first fiber filament, the second fiber filament, and the third fiber filament contain carbon. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the carbon content of the second fiber filament is greater than the carbon content of the first fiber filament and the carbon content of the third fiber filament.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic modulus of the second filament is greater than the elastic modulus of the first filament and the elastic modulus of the third filament.

11. A display panel that folds with respect to a folding axis extending in the first direction, Includes a panel support positioned at the bottom of the display panel, The panel support is A first layer comprising a first base resin and a first fiber filament extending in the first direction and dispersed within the first base resin, A second layer disposed on the first layer, comprising a second base resin and a second fiber filament extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and dispersed within the second base resin, A third layer disposed on the second layer, comprising a third base resin and a third fiber filament extending in the first direction and dispersed within the third base resin, A display device wherein the elastic modulus of the second filament is greater than the elastic modulus of the first filament and the elastic modulus of the third filament.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the elastic modulus of the first filament and the elastic modulus of the third filament are the same.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein the thickness of the second layer is greater than the thickness of the first layer and the thickness of the third layer.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the second layer is disposed between the first layer and the third layer.

15. The elastic modulus of the second fiber filament is 290 GPa or higher. The display device according to claim 14, wherein the elastic modulus of the first fiber filament and the elastic modulus of the third fiber filament are 240 GPa or less.

16. A display panel that folds with respect to a folding axis extending in the first direction, Includes a panel support positioned at the bottom of the display panel, The panel support is A first layer comprising a first base resin and a first fiber filament extending in the first direction and dispersed within the first base resin, A second layer disposed on the first layer, comprising a second base resin and a second fiber filament extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and dispersed within the second base resin, A third layer disposed on the second layer, comprising a third base resin and a third fiber filament extending in the first direction and dispersed within the third base resin, A display device wherein the carbon content of the second fiber filament is greater than the carbon content of the first fiber filament and the carbon content of the third fiber filament.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein the carbon content of the first fiber filament and the carbon content of the third fiber filament are the same.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein the thickness of the second layer is greater than the thickness of the first layer and the thickness of the third layer.

19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein the second layer is disposed between the first layer and the third layer.

20. The carbon content of the second fiber filament is 96% or more. The display device according to claim 19, wherein the carbon content of the first fiber filament and the carbon content of the third fiber filament are 93% or less.

21. A display panel that folds with respect to a folding axis extending in the first direction, Displaced at the lower part of the display panel, the panel support includes a base resin and fiber filaments dispersed in the base resin, The aforementioned fiber filament is A first fiber filament extending in the first direction, A second fiber filament extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, Including a third fiber filament extending in the first direction, The base resin is The first portion in which the first fiber filament is dispersed, A second portion disposed on the first portion, the second portion in which the second fiber filament is dispersed, A third portion disposed on the second portion, comprising a third portion in which the third fiber filament is dispersed, A display device wherein the number of second filaments per unit volume of the second part is greater than the number of first filaments per unit volume of the first part and the number of third filaments per unit volume of the third part.

22. The display device according to claim 21, wherein the diameter of the second fiber filament is smaller than the diameter of the first fiber filament and the diameter of the third fiber filament.

23. The display device according to claim 22, wherein the separation interval between the second filaments is smaller than the separation interval between the first filaments and the separation interval between the third filaments.

Images