Indication device

Abstract

The display device includes a display module, a first support plate disposed below the display module, a first digitizer disposed below the first support plate, a second digitizer disposed below the first support plate and spaced apart from the first digitizer in a first direction, a 2-1 support plate disposed below the first digitizer, and a 2-2 support plate disposed below the second digitizer, wherein the second digitizer extends in the first direction DR1 between the first support plate and the 2-2 support plate and may overlap the 2-1 support plate.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Electronic devices that provide images to users, such as smartphones, digital cameras, laptops, navigation systems, and smart televisions, include display devices for displaying the images. The display devices generate images and provide the images to users through the display screens of the display devices.

[0003] As technologies used in display devices have advanced, various types of display devices have been developed. For example, various flexible display devices that can be deformed into a curved shape, folded, or rolled up have been developed. Flexible display devices are easy to carry and can improve user convenience.

[0004] Among flexible display devices, folding display devices are folded about a folding axis. The folding display device may include a display module that is folded about the folding axis and a support portion disposed below the display module to support the display module. The support portion may be folded together with the display module. The folding display device may further include a digitizer disposed below the display module. The digitizer may be separated and disposed below the non-folding region of the display module so as not to overlap the folding region of the display module or the support portion. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a display device having a digitizer that can be easily folded in the folding region of the display device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display module, a first support plate arranged below the display module, a first digitizer arranged below the first support plate, a second digitizer arranged below the first support plate and spaced apart from the first digitizer in a first direction, a 2-1 support plate arranged below the first digitizer, and a 2-2 support plate arranged below the second digitizer, wherein the second digitizer extends in the first direction DR1 between the first support plate and the 2-2 support plate and may overlap the 2-1 support plate.

[0007] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a display module, a first support plate disposed below the display module and including a first non-folding portion, a folding portion, and a second non-folding portion, a first digitizer disposed below the first non-folding portion, a second digitizer disposed below the second non-folding portion, a 2-1 support plate disposed below the first digitizer, and a 2-2 support plate disposed below the second digitizer, wherein the second digitizer may extend below the folding portion between the second non-folding portion and the 2-2 support plate and be adjacent to one side of the first digitizer.

[0008] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display module, a first support plate disposed below the display module and including a first non-folding portion, a folding portion, and a second non-folding portion, a first digitizer disposed below the first non-folding portion, a second digitizer disposed below the second non-folding portion, a 2-1 support plate disposed below the first digitizer, and a 2-2 support plate disposed below the second digitizer, wherein the second digitizer extends between the second non-folding portion and the 2-2 support plate, and between the 2-1 support plate and the first support plate, and when viewed on a plane, the second digitizer may have a larger area than the first digitizer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second digitizer may be disposed between the first support plate and the second-first support plate, extending below the second non-folding portion of the first support plate and below the folding portion of the first support plate. When the first support plate is folded, the second digitizer is disposed between the first support plate and the second-first support plate, so that the second digitizer can be easily folded along the folding portion without being unfolded. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the display device shown in FIG. 1 in a folded state. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the display device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display module shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the display panel shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view exemplarily showing a cross section of an electronic panel corresponding to one pixel shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II' shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first support plate shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a first region AA shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view simply illustrating the display device shown in FIG. 7 in an unfolded state. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the display device shown in FIG. 10 in a folded state. [Figure 12] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a first sensing coil of the digitizer shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 13] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the second sensing coil of the digitizer shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a stacked configuration of a part of the first sensing coils and a part of the second sensing coils shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the display device shown in FIG. 15 in a folded state. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the display device shown in FIG. 17 in a folded state. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In this specification, when a component (or region, layer, portion, etc.) is referred to as being "on" or "coupled" to another component, it means that it may be directly positioned, coupled, or connected to the other component, or that a third component may be disposed therebetween.

[0012] The same reference numerals refer to the same components, and in the drawings, thickness, proportions, and dimensions of the components are exaggerated for the purpose of effectively explaining the technical contents.

[0013] "And / or" includes all combinations of one or more of the associated constructs.

[0014] Terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used to describe various components, but the components are not limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may be designated as a "second component," and similarly, a second component may be designated as a "first component," without departing from the scope of the present invention. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0015] Furthermore, terms such as "under," "below," "on," and "above" are used to describe the relationship between components shown in the drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions shown in the drawings.

[0016] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Furthermore, terms, such as terms defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0017] It should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" and the like specify the presence of any feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof set forth above in the specification, but do not preclude the possible presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the display device DD shown in Fig. 1 in a folded state.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1 , an unfolded or flat display device DD according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a rectangular shape with a short side extending in a first direction DR1 and a long side extending in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. That is, the unfolded or flat display device DD may be disposed on a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 intersecting each other. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, the display device DD may have various shapes on a plane (e.g., a planar shape), such as a circle and a polygon. The display device DD may be a flexible display device.

[0021] Hereinafter, a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 is defined as a third direction DR3. The third direction DR3 may define the thickness direction of the display device DD and various components or layers of the display device. In addition, in this specification, "when viewed on a plane" is defined as a view from the third direction DR3.

[0022] The display device DD may include a folding area FA and a plurality of non-folding areas NFA1, NFA2 adjacent to the folding area FA, where a plurality of non-folding areas are provided. The non-folding areas NFA1, NFA2 may include a first non-folding area NFA1 and a second non-folding area NFA2. The folding area FA may be disposed between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. The first non-folding area NFA1, the folding area FA, and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be arranged in order in (or along) a first direction DR1.

[0023] Although one folding area FA and two non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 are shown by way of example, the number of folding areas FA and non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 is not limited thereto. For example, the display device DD may include more than two non-folding areas and multiple folding areas respectively disposed between the non-folding areas.

[0024] The top surface of the display device DD furthest in the third direction DR3 may be defined as a display surface DS, which may extend in a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 that intersect with each other. One or more images IM generated by the display device DD via the display surface DS may be provided to the exterior of the display device DD, such as to a user of the display device DD.

[0025] The display surface DS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA adjacent to the display area DA so as to extend around the periphery of the display area DA. An image IM may be displayed on or in the display area DA and not on or in the non-display area NDA. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA and define the periphery of the display device DD, such as the periphery of the outer frame of the display device DD. The non-display area NDA may include a color, such as a print pattern printed in a predetermined color.

[0026] Although not shown, the display device DD may include at least one sensor and at least one camera as examples of functional components that provide functionality to the display device DD using light, heat, pressure, and proximity. The sensor may be a proximity sensor, but the type of sensor is not limited thereto. The camera may capture an external image.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 2 , the display device DD may be a foldable display device DD that can be folded and unfolded. For example, the folding region FA may be folded around the folding axis FX parallel to the second direction DR2, and thus the display device DD may be folded around the folding axis FX. The folding axis FX may be defined as a major axis parallel to the long side of the display device DD. The folding region FA may be folded to have a radius of curvature R. That is, the display device DD that is bent at the folding region FA may have a radius of curvature at the folding region FA. Various components and layers of the display device DD may include a display region DA, a non-display region NDA, a folding region FA, a non-folding region, a folding axis FX, etc., corresponding to those described above.

[0028] When folding the display device DD, the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 face each other, and the display device DD may be folded inward (in-folding) so that the display surface DS is not exposed to the outside. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, the display device DD may be folded outward (out-folding) so that the display surface DS is exposed to the outside around the folding axis FX.

[0029] The distance between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be less than twice the radius of curvature R. In such a case, the folding area FA may be folded to define the dumbbell shape of the display device DD.

[0030] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the display device shown in FIG.

[0031] 3, the display device DD may include a window module WM, a display module DM, an electronic module EM, a power supply module PSM, and a case EDC. Although not separately shown, the display device DD may further include a mechanical structure (e.g., a hinge) for controlling the folding operation of the display module DM.

[0032] The display module DM may generate an image IM and sense external input from the outside. The window module WM may provide or define the front surface of the display device DD. The window module WM may be disposed above the display module DM to protect the display module DM. The window module WM may transmit light generated in the display module DM to the outside of the display device DD and provide it to a user of the display device DD.

[0033] The display module DM may include at least a display panel DP. Although Fig. 3 shows only the display panel DP in the stacked structure of the display module DM, the display module DM may actually further include a plurality of components arranged above and below the display panel DP. The detailed stacked structure of the display module DM will be described in detail below. The display panel DP may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA corresponding to the display area DA (see Fig. 1) and non-display area NDA (see Fig. 1) of the display device DD.

[0034] The display module DM may include a data driver DDV disposed on the non-display area NDA of the display panel DP. The data driver DDV may be manufactured or provided in the form of an integrated circuit chip and mounted on the display panel in the non-display area NDA. However, the data driver DDV may be mounted on a flexible circuit board connected to the display panel DP from outside the display panel DP.

[0035] The electronic module EM and the power supply module PSM may be disposed below the display module DM. Although not shown, the electronic module EM and the power supply module PSM may be connected to each other via a separate flexible circuit board. The electronic module EM may control the operation of the display module DM. The power supply module PSM may supply power, such as electrical power, to the display module DM.

[0036] The case EDC may accommodate the window module WM, the display module DM, the electronic module EM, and the power supply module PSM in a receiving space of the case EDC. The case EDC, such as a housing, may include two first and second cases EDC1 and EDC2 for folding the display module DM. The first and second cases EDC1 and EDC2 may be extended in the second direction DR2 and arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1.

[0037] Although not shown, the display device DD may further include a hinge structure for connecting the first and second cases EDC1 and EDC2. The case EDC may be coupled to the window module WM. The case EDC may protect the window module WM, the display module DM, the electronic module EM, and the power supply module PSM.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display module DM shown in FIG.

[0039] FIG. 4 shows, by way of example, a cross section of the display module DM as viewed from the second direction DR2.

[0040] 4, the display module DM may include an electronic panel EP and a panel protection layer PPL disposed below the electronic panel EP. The electronic panel EP may include a display panel DP, an input sensing unit ISP disposed on the display panel DP, and an anti-reflection layer RPL disposed on the input sensing unit ISP. The display panel DP may be a flexible display panel. For example, the display panel DP may include a flexible substrate and a plurality of elements disposed on the flexible substrate.

[0041] The display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present invention may be an emissive display panel, and is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel or an inorganic light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of an organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of an inorganic light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots, quantum rods, or the like. Hereinafter, the display panel DP will be referred to as an organic light-emitting display panel.

[0042] The input sensing unit ISP, such as an input sensing layer, may include a plurality of sensor units (not shown) for sensing an external input in a capacitive manner. The input sensing unit ISP may be formed directly on the display panel DP when manufacturing the display module DM, but is not limited to this.

[0043] The anti-reflection layer RPL may be disposed on the input sensing unit ISP. The anti-reflection layer RPL may be formed directly on the input sensing unit ISP during manufacturing of the display module DM, but is not limited to this. The anti-reflection layer RPL may be defined as an external light anti-reflection film. The anti-reflection layer RPL may reduce the reflectance of external light incident from above the display device DD and from outside the display device toward the display panel DP.

[0044] For example, the input sensing unit ISP may be formed directly on the display panel DP, and the anti-reflection layer RPL may be formed directly on the input sensing unit ISP, but this embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the input sensing unit ISP may be manufactured separately and attached to the display panel DP by an additional layer such as an adhesive layer, and the anti-reflection layer RPL may be manufactured separately and attached to the input sensing unit ISP by another additional layer such as an adhesive layer.

[0045] The panel protection layer PPL may be disposed below the display panel DP. The panel protection layer PPL may protect the lower part of the display panel DP. The panel protection layer PPL may include a flexible plastic material. For example, the panel protection layer PPL may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0046] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the display panel DP shown in FIG.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 5, the display module DM may include a display panel DP, a scan driver SDV, a data driver DDV, and an emission driver EDV.

[0048] The display panel DP may include a first region AA1, a second region AA2, and a bending region BA between the first region AA1 and the second region AA2. The bending region BA has a major dimension (e.g., length) extending in the second direction DR2, and the first region AA1, the bending region BA, and the second region AA2 may be arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0049] The first area AA1 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA adjacent to the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. The image IM may be displayed on the display area DA but not on the non-display area NDA. The second area AA2 and the folding area BA are areas that do not display the image IM and may be considered to be part of the non-display area NDA.

[0050] Along the second direction DR2, the first area AA1 may include a first non-folding area NFA1, a second non-folding area NFA2, and a folding area FA between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0051] The display panel DP may include a plurality of pixels PX, a plurality of scan lines SL1 to SLm serving as signal lines, a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLn serving as signal lines, a plurality of emission lines EL1 to ELm serving as signal lines, first and second control lines CSL1 and CSL2 serving as signal lines, a power line PL serving as a signal line, a plurality of connection lines CNL, and a plurality of pads PD, where m and n are natural numbers. The pixels PX may be disposed on or within the display area DA and may be variously connected to the respective signal lines of the scan lines SL1 to SLm, the data lines DL1 to DLn, and the emission lines EL1 to ELm.

[0052] The scan driver SDV and the light-emitting driver EDV may be arranged on or within the non-display area NDA. The scan driver SDV and the light-emitting driver EDV may be arranged on or within the non-display area NDA on opposite sides of the first area AA1 in the second direction DR2. The data driver DDV may be arranged in the second area AA2. The data driver DDV may be fabricated in the form of an integrated circuit chip and mounted on the display panel DP in the second area AA2.

[0053] Although not shown, the bending region BA may be bent or folded. The display device DD (or display panel DP) bent at the bending region BA may have a second region AA2 disposed below the first region AA1. Therefore, the data driver DDV mounted in the second region AA2 may be disposed below the first region AA1.

[0054] The scan lines SL1 to SLm may be extended in the second direction DR2 and connected to the scan driver SDV. The data lines DL1 to DLn may be extended in the first direction DR1 and may be connected to the data driver DDV by crossing the bending region BA. The light emitting lines EL1 to ELm may be extended in the second direction DR2 and connected to the light emitting driver EDV.

[0055] The power lines PL may be extended in the first direction DR1 and disposed in the non-display area NDA. The power lines PL may be disposed between the display area DA and the emission driver EDV, but are not limited thereto, and may be disposed between the display area DA and the scan driver SDV.

[0056] The power supply lines PL may extend to the second area AA2, crossing the bending area BA. When viewed from above, the power supply lines PL may extend toward the lower end of the second area AA2. The power supply lines PL may receive a driving voltage.

[0057] The connection lines CNL may be provided in a plurality of lengths, including a plurality of connection lines CNL arranged in the first direction DR1 and extending in the second direction DR2. The connection lines CNL may be connected to the power lines PL and the pixels PX. A driving voltage may be applied to the pixels PX via the power lines PL and the connection lines CNL, which are connected to each other.

[0058] The first control line CSL1 may be connected to the scan driver SDV and may extend through the bending region BA toward the bottom of the second region AA2. The second control line CSL2 may be connected to the emission driver EDV and may extend through the bending region BA toward the bottom of the second region AA2. The data driver DDV may be disposed between the first control line CSL1 and the second control line CSL2.

[0059] When viewed from above, the pad PD may be disposed at the bottom of the second area AA2, i.e., adjacent to the top of the second area AA2. The data driver DDV, the power supply line PL, the first control line CSL1, and the second control line CSL2 may be variously connected to the pad PD.

[0060] The data lines DL1 to DLn may be connected to corresponding pads PD via data drivers DDV. For example, the data lines DL1 to DLn may be connected to data drivers DDV, and the data drivers DDV may be connected to pads PD corresponding to the data lines DL1 to DLn, respectively.

[0061] Although not shown, a printed circuit board may be connected to the pad PD, and a timing controller and a voltage generator may be disposed on the printed circuit board. The timing controller may be manufactured or provided as an integrated circuit chip and mounted on the printed circuit board. The timing controller and the voltage generator may be connected to the pad PD via the printed circuit board.

[0062] The timing controller may control the operations of the scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the light emitting driver EDV. The timing controller may generate scan control signals, data control signals, and light emitting control signals in response to control signals received from the outside. The voltage generator may generate driving voltages.

[0063] The scan control signal may be provided to the scan driver SDV via a first control line CSL1. The light emitting control signal may be provided to the light emitting driver EDV via a second control line CSL2. The data control signal may be provided to the data driver DDV. The timing controller receives a video signal from the outside, converts the data format of the video signal to match the interface specifications with the data driver DDV, and provides the converted signal to the data driver DDV.

[0064] The scan driver SDV may generate a plurality of scan signals, such as electrical signals, in response to scan control signals, such as electrical signals. The scan signals may be applied to the pixels PX via scan lines SL1 to SLm. The scan signals may be applied to the pixels PX sequentially.

[0065] The data driver DDV may generate a plurality of data voltages, such as electrical signals, corresponding to video signals, such as electrical signals, in response to data control signals, such as electrical signals. The data voltages may be applied to the pixels PX via the data lines DL1 to DLn. The light emitting driver EDV may generate a plurality of light emitting signals, such as electrical signals, in response to light emitting control signals, such as electrical signals. The light emitting signals may be applied to the pixels PX via the light emitting lines EL1 to ELm.

[0066] The pixel PX can be provided with a data voltage in response to a scan signal. The pixel PX can display an image by emitting light of a brightness corresponding to the data voltage in response to a light emitting signal. The light emitting time of the pixel PX can be controlled by the light emitting signal.

[0067] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross section of an electronic panel EP corresponding to one of the pixels PX shown in FIG.

[0068] 6, the pixel PX may include a transistor TR and a light-emitting element OLED. The light-emitting element OLED may include a first electrode AE ​​(or anode), a second electrode CE (or cathode), a hole control layer HCL, an electron control layer ECL, and an emitting layer EML.

[0069] The transistor TR and the light-emitting element OLED may be disposed on a substrate SUB and connected to each other. Although one transistor TR is shown as an example, the pixel PX may actually include a plurality of transistors and at least one capacitor for driving the light-emitting element OLED.

[0070] The display area DA may include a light-emitting area LA, such as an area that emits light corresponding to each pixel PX, and a non-light-emitting area NLA adjacent to the light-emitting area LA around the light-emitting area LA. The light-emitting element OLED may be disposed in the non-light-emitting area LA.

[0071] A buffer layer BFL is disposed on the substrate SUB, and the buffer layer BFL may be an inorganic layer. A semiconductor pattern may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor pattern may include polysilicon, amorphous silicon, or metal oxide.

[0072] The semiconductor pattern may be doped with an N-type dopant or a P-type dopant. The semiconductor pattern may include a highly doped region and a lightly doped region. The highly doped region has a higher conductivity than the lightly doped region and may essentially serve as the source and drain electrodes of the transistor TR. The lightly doped region may essentially correspond to the active (or channel) of the transistor.

[0073] The source S, active area A, and drain D of the transistor TR may be formed or defined from a semiconductor pattern. A first insulating layer INS1 may be disposed on the semiconductor pattern. A gate G of the transistor TR may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1. A second insulating layer INS2 may be disposed on the gate G. A third insulating layer INS3 may be disposed on the second insulating layer INS2.

[0074] The connecting electrode CNE may include a first connecting electrode CNE1 and a second connecting electrode CNE2 to connect the transistor TR and the light emitting element OLED. The first connecting electrode CNE1 is disposed on the third insulating layer INS3 and may be connected to the drain D through or at a first contact hole CH1 defined in the first to third insulating layers INS1 to INS3.

[0075] A fourth insulating layer INS4 may be disposed on the first connecting electrode CNE1. A fifth insulating layer INS5 may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer INS4. The second connecting electrode CNE1 may be disposed on the fifth insulating layer INS5. The second connecting electrode CNE2 may be connected to the first connecting electrode CNE1 through a second contact hole CH2 defined in the fourth and fifth insulating layers INS4 and INS5.

[0076] A sixth insulating layer INS6 may be disposed on the second connecting electrode CNE2. Layers from the buffer layer BFL to the sixth insulating layer INS6 may be defined as a circuit element layer DP-CL or a pixel path. The first insulating layer INS1 to the sixth insulating layer INS6 may be inorganic or organic layers.

[0077] A first electrode AE ​​may be disposed on the sixth insulating layer INS6. The first electrode AE ​​may be connected to the second connecting electrode CNE2 through a third contact hole CH3 defined in the sixth insulating layer INS6. A pixel defining layer PDL may be disposed on the first electrode AE ​​and the sixth insulating layer INS6, and defines an opening PX_OP for exposing a predetermined portion of the first electrode AE.

[0078] The hole control layer HCL may be disposed on the first electrode AE ​​and the pixel defining layer PDL, and may include a hole transport layer and a hole injection layer.

[0079] The light-emitting layer EML may be disposed on the hole control layer HCL. The light-emitting layer EML may be disposed in a region corresponding to the opening PX_OP. The light-emitting layer EML may include an organic material and / or an inorganic material. The light-emitting layer EML may generate any one of red, green, and blue light.

[0080] The electron control layer ECL may be disposed on the emitting layer EML and the hole control layer HCL. The electron control layer ECL may include an electron transport layer and an electron injection layer. The hole control layer HCL and the electron control layer ECL may be disposed in common in the emitting region LA and the non-emitting region NLA.

[0081] The second electrode CE may be disposed on the electronic control layer ECL. The second electrode CE may be disposed in common with the pixels PX. The layer in which the light-emitting element OLED is disposed may be defined as a display element layer DP_OLED.

[0082] A thin film encapsulation layer TFE, such as an encapsulation layer, may be disposed on the second electrode CE to cover the pixel PX. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include a first encapsulation layer EN1 disposed on the second electrode CE, a second encapsulation layer EN2 disposed on the first encapsulation layer EN1, and a third encapsulation layer EN3 disposed on the second encapsulation layer EN2.

[0083] The first and third encapsulation layers EN1 and EN3 include inorganic insulating layers and can protect the pixels PX from moisture / oxygen, while the second encapsulation layer EN2 includes an organic insulating layer and can protect the pixels PX from foreign matter such as dust particles.

[0084] A first voltage may be applied to the first electrode AE ​​via the transistor TR, and a second voltage having a level lower than the first voltage may be applied to the second electrode CE. Holes and electrons injected into the emitting layer EML combine to form excitons, and the light-emitting element OLED may emit light as the excitons transition to the ground state.

[0085] The input sensing portion ISP may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. The input sensing portion ISP may be directly fabricated or provided on the top surface of the thin film encapsulation layer TFE.

[0086] A base layer BS may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. The base layer BS may include an inorganic insulating layer. At least one inorganic insulating layer may be provided on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE as the base layer BS.

[0087] The input sensing unit ISP may include a first conductive pattern CTL1 and a second conductive pattern CTL2 disposed on the first conductive pattern CTL1. The first conductive pattern CTL1 may be disposed on a base layer BS. An insulating layer TINS ​​may be disposed on the base layer BS so as to cover the first conductive pattern CTL1. The insulating layer TINS ​​may include an inorganic insulating layer or an organic insulating layer. The second conductive pattern CTL2 may be disposed on the insulating layer TINS.

[0088] The first and second conductive patterns CTL1 and CTL2 may overlap the non-light emitting areas NLA. Although not shown, the first and second conductive patterns CTL1 and CTL2 may be disposed on the non-light emitting areas NLA between the light emitting areas LA and have a mesh shape.

[0089] The first and second conductive patterns CTL1 and CTL2 may form a sensor of the input sensing unit ISP described above. For example, the mesh-shaped first and second conductive patterns CTL1 and CTL2 may be separated from each other in a predetermined region to form the sensor. A portion of the second conductive pattern CTL2 may be connected to the first conductive pattern CTL1.

[0090] An anti-reflection layer RPL may be disposed on the second conductive pattern CTL2. The anti-reflection layer RPL may include a black matrix BM and a plurality of color filters CFT. The black matrix BM may overlap the non-light-emitting areas NLA, and the color filters CFT may overlap the light-emitting areas LA.

[0091] A black matrix BM, which is a light-blocking layer, may be disposed on the insulating layer TINS ​​to cover the second conductive pattern CTL2. An opening B_OP overlapping the light-emitting area LA and the opening PX_OP may be defined in the black matrix BM. The black matrix BM may absorb and block light. The width of the opening B_OP may be greater than the width of the opening PX_OP defined in the pixel defining layer PDL.

[0092] The color filters CFT may be disposed on the insulating layer TINS ​​and the black matrix BS. The color filters CFT may be disposed in the openings B_OP, respectively. A planarizing insulating layer PINS may be disposed on the color filters CFT. The planarizing insulating layer PINS may provide a flat upper surface.

[0093] When external light traveling toward the display panel DP along the third direction DR3 is reflected by the display panel DP and provided again to the outside of the display panel DP, the reflected light may be visible from outside the display panel DP. To prevent this phenomenon, for example, the anti-reflection layer RPL may include a plurality of color filters CFT that display the same color as the pixels PX of the display panel DP. The color filters CFT may filter the external light to the same color as the pixels PX. In this case, the external light may not be visible to the user.

[0094] However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the anti-reflection layer RPL may include a polarizing film (not shown) to reduce the reflectance of external light. The polarizing film may be manufactured separately and attached to the input sensing unit ISP by an adhesive layer. The polarizing film may include a phase retarder and / or a polarizer.

[0095] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II' shown in FIG.

[0096] 7, the display device DD may include a display module DM, a window module WM disposed above the display module DM, and a support unit SUP disposed below the display module DM. The window module WM may protect the display module DM above the display module DM. The support unit SUP may support the display module DM below the display module DM.

[0097] The display module DM may be a flexible display module, which, like the display device DD, may include a first non-folding area NFA1, a folding area FA, and a second non-folding area NFA2.

[0098] The window module WM may include a window WIN, a window protection layer WP, a hard coating layer HC, and first and second adhesive layers AL1 and AL2. The display module DM may include an electronic panel EP (see FIG. 4), an impact absorbing layer ISL, a panel protection layer PPL (see FIG. 4), a barrier layer BRL, and third to sixth adhesive layers AL3 to AL6. The support unit SUP may include a digitizer DGT, a first support plate PLT1, a cover layer COV, a second support plate PLT2, and seventh and eighth adhesive layers AL7 and AL8.

[0099] The configurations of the electronic panel EP and the panel protection layer PPL have been described in detail above with reference to Fig. 4, and therefore will not be described again. The shock absorbing layer ISL may be disposed on the electronic panel EP. The shock absorbing layer ISL may protect the electronic panel EP by absorbing external shocks applied from above the display device DD toward the electronic panel EP. The shock absorbing layer ISL may be manufactured in the form of a stretched film.

[0100] The impact absorbing layer ISL may include a flexible plastic material, which may be defined as a synthetic resin film. For example, the impact absorbing layer ISL may include a flexible plastic material such as polyimide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0101] The window WIN may be disposed on the impact absorbing layer ISL. The window WIN may protect the electronic panel EP from external scratches. The window WIN may have optically transparent properties. The window WIN may include glass. However, the window WIN is not limited thereto, and may include a synthetic resin film.

[0102] The window WIN may have a multi-layer structure or a single-layer structure, for example, it may include multiple synthetic resin films bonded together with an adhesive, or it may include a glass substrate and a synthetic resin film bonded together with an adhesive.

[0103] A window protection layer WP may be disposed on the window WIN. The window protection layer WP may include a flexible plastic material such as polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate. A hard coating layer HC may be disposed on the upper surface of the window protection layer WP. The hard coating layer HC may have a greater hardness than the window protection layer WP, but is not limited to this.

[0104] The printed layer PIT, such as a light-blocking pattern, may be disposed on the lower surface of the window protection layer WP. The printed layer PIT may be black, but the color of the printed layer PIT is not limited thereto. The printed layer PIT may be adjacent to the edge of the window protection layer WP.

[0105] The barrier layer BRL may be disposed under the panel protection layer PPL. The barrier layer BRL may increase resistance to compressive force due to external pressure. Thus, the barrier layer BRL may serve to prevent deformation of the electronic panel EP. The barrier layer BRL may include a flexible plastic material such as polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0106] The barrier layer BRL may have a color that absorbs light. For example, the barrier layer BRL may have a black color. In such a case, when the display module DM is viewed from above, the components disposed below the barrier layer BRL may not be visible.

[0107] The first adhesive layer AL1 may be disposed between the window protection layer WP and the window WIN. The first adhesive layer AL1 may bond the window protection layer WP and the window WIN to each other. The first adhesive layer AL1 may cover the print layer PIT.

[0108] The second adhesive layer AL2 may be disposed between the window WIN and the shock absorbing layer ISL, and the window WIN and the shock absorbing layer ISL may be bonded to each other by the second adhesive layer AL2.

[0109] The third adhesive layer AL3 may be disposed between the impact absorbing layer ISL and the electronic panel EP. The third adhesive layer AL3 may bond the impact absorbing layer ISL and the electronic panel EP to each other.

[0110] A fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be disposed between the electronic panel EP and the panel protection layer PPL, and the electronic panel EP and the panel protection layer PPL may be bonded to each other by the fourth adhesive layer AL4.

[0111] A fifth adhesive layer AL5 may be disposed between the panel protective layer PPL and the barrier layer BRL, and the panel protective layer PPL and the barrier layer BRL may be bonded to each other by the fifth bonding layer AL5.

[0112] A sixth adhesive layer AL6 may be disposed between the barrier layer BRL and the first support plate PLT1. The barrier layer BRL and the first support plate PLT1 may be bonded to each other by the sixth adhesive layer AL6.

[0113] The sixth adhesive layer AL6 may overlap the first and second non-folding areas NFA1, NFA2 but not the folding area FA. To define the portions of the layers separated from each other at the folding area FA, the sixth adhesive layer AL6 may be discontinued at the folding area FA. That is, the sixth adhesive layer AL6 may not be disposed in the folding area FA.

[0114] The first to sixth adhesive layers AL1 to AL6 may include a transparent adhesive such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an optically clear adhesive (OCA), but the type of adhesive is not limited thereto.

[0115] The first support plate PLT1 may be disposed below the display module DM to support the display module DM. The first support plate PLT1 may be disposed below the barrier layer BRL.

[0116] The first support plate PLT1 may have greater rigidity than the display module DM. The first support plate PLT1 may include a non-metallic material. For example, the first support plate PLT1 may include a reinforced fiber composite material. The reinforced fiber composite material may be carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP).

[0117] The first support plate PLT1 may be lightweight by including a reinforced fiber composite material. By including a reinforced fiber composite material, the first support plate PLT1 according to one embodiment may have a weight that is lighter than a metal support plate using a metal material, but may have a modulus and strength at a similar level to that of a metal support plate.

[0118] Furthermore, since the first support plate PLT1 includes a fiber-reinforced composite material, it may be easier to shape the first support plate PLT1 than a metal support plate. For example, the first support plate PLT1 including a fiber-reinforced composite material may be more easily processed by a laser process or a microblasting process.

[0119] A plurality of openings OP may be defined in a portion of the first support plate PLT1 corresponding to or overlapping the folding area FA. The openings OP may be formed through the portion of the first support plate PLT1 in the third direction DR3. The openings OP may be formed by the laser process or the microblasting process described above.

[0120] The first support plate PLT1 may include a first non-folding portion NFP1, a folding portion FP, and a second non-folding portion NFP2. The folding portion FP may be disposed between the first non-folding portion NFP1 and the second non-folding portion NFP2 and may connect the first non-folding portion NFP1 to the second non-folding portion NFP2. The first non-folding portion NFP1, the folding portion FP, and the second non-folding portion NFP2 may be arranged in a first direction DR1. An opening OP may be defined in the folding portion FP.

[0121] When viewed in a plan view, the first non-folding portion NFP1 may overlap the first non-folding area NFA1, the folding portion FP may overlap the folding area FA, and the second non-folding portion NFP2 may overlap the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0122] The folded portion FP may include a curved portion CSP, a first extension portion EX1, a second extension portion EX2, a first reverse curvature portion ICV1, and a second reverse curvature portion ICV2. An opening OP may be defined in the curved portion CSP.

[0123] The curved surface portion CSP may be arranged between the first extension portion EX1 and the second extension portion EX2. The first extension portion EX1 may be arranged between the curved surface portion CSP and the first reverse curvature portion ICV1. The second extension portion EX2 may be arranged between the curved surface portion CSP and the second reverse curvature portion ICV2. The first reverse curvature portion ICV1 may be arranged between the first extension portion EX1 and the first non-bending portion NFP1. The second reverse curvature portion ICV2 may be arranged between the second extension portion EX2 and the second non-bending portion NFP2.

[0124] The curved surface portion CSP can be bent to have a predetermined curvature, and the first and second reverse curvature portions ICV1 and ICV2 can be bent in the opposite direction to the curved surface portion CSP, so that they can have symmetrical shapes. The shape of such a bent portion FP will be illustrated in detail in FIG. 11 below.

[0125] The opening OP defined in the curved portion CSP can increase the flexibility of the curved portion CSP. The increased flexibility of the curved portion CSP can make it easier to bend, and the first support plate PLT1 can be easily folded in the folding region FA. In other words, the first support plate PLT1 can be folded together with the display panel DP (or display module DM) about the folding axis FX.

[0126] The cover layer COV may be disposed below the first support plate PLT1. The cover layer COV may be disposed below the folding portion FP to cover the opening OP. When viewed in a plan view, the cover layer COV may overlap the folding portion FP but not overlap the first and second non-folding portions NFP1, NFP2.

[0127] The cover layer COV may overlap the curved surface portion CSP but not overlap the first and second reverse curvature portions ICV1 and ICV2. The cover layer COV may contact the lower surface of the folded portion FP where the opening OP is formed.

[0128] The cover layer COV may have a lower modulus of elasticity than the first support plate PLT1. For example, the cover layer COV may include, but is not limited to, thermoplastic polyurethane or rubber. The cover layer COV may be manufactured or provided in a sheet form and attached to the first support plate PLT1.

[0129] The digitizer DGT may be disposed below the first support plate PLT1. The cover layer COV may be disposed between the first support plate PLT1 and the digitizer DGT. The cover layer COV may be spaced apart from the upper surface of the digitizer DGT and may not be attached to the digitizer DGT. In other words, the cover layer COV and the digitizer DGT are not attached to each other and may move independently or separately from each other.

[0130] The digitizer DGT is a device that can input position information designated by a user on the display surface DS. The digitizer DGT can be implemented using an electromagnetic method (or an electromagnetic resonance method). For example, the digitizer DGT can include a digitizer sensor board (not shown) including a plurality of coils. However, the digitizer DGT is not limited thereto, and can also be implemented using an active electrostatic method.

[0131] When an input tool such as a pen moves over the display device DD, the pen is driven by an alternating current signal AC to generate an oscillating magnetic field, which can induce a signal in the coil of the digitizer DGT. The position of the pen can be detected through the signal induced in the coil. The digitizer DGT can determine the pen position by sensing the electromagnetic changes caused by the proximity of the pen.

[0132] If the first support plate PLT1 disposed above and adjacent to the digitizer DGT contains metal, the sensitivity of the digitizer DGT may be reduced by the metal. For example, if signals (e.g., electrical signals) transmitted on the display device DD are blocked due to signal interference from the metal support plate, the digitizer DGT may not operate normally. However, in an embodiment of the present invention, the first support plate PLT1 disposed above the digitizer DGT contains a non-metallic reinforced fiber composite material, allowing the digitizer DGT to operate normally.

[0133] The digitizer DGT may be separated into two digitizers disposed below the first support plate PLT1. The digitizer DGT may include a first digitizer DGT1 disposed below the first support plate PLT1 and a second digitizer DGT2 disposed below the first support plate PLT1 and spaced apart from the first digitizer DGT1 in the first direction DR1. The first digitizer DGT1 and the second digitizer DGT2 may be connected to each other by a flexible circuit board FPCB, and this configuration will be described in detail below. The first digitizer DGT1 and the second digitizer DGT2 may be disposed on the same plane.

[0134] The first digitizer DGT1 may be disposed below the first non-folding portion NFP1. The first digitizer DGT1 may be disposed below the first non-folding portion NFP1 and extend to the first reverse curvature portion ICV1. Therefore, when viewed on a plane, the first digitizer DGT1 may overlap the first non-folding portion NFP1 and the first reverse curvature portion ICV1.

[0135] The second digitizer DGT2 may be disposed below the second non-folding portion NFP2 and the folding portion FP. More specifically, the second digitizer DGT2 may be disposed below the second non-folding portion NFP2 and extended below the second reverse curvature portion ICV2, the second extension portion EX2, the curved surface portion CSP, and the first extension portion EX1. Therefore, when viewed on a plane, the second digitizer DGT2 may overlap the second non-folding portion NFP2, the second reverse curvature portion ICV2, the second extension portion EX2, the curved surface portion CSP, and the first extension portion EX1.

[0136] Since the second digitizer DGT2 extends below the second non-folding portion NFP2 to below the first extension portion EX1, the length of the second digitizer DGT2 in the first direction DR1 may be greater than the length of the first digitizer DGT1.

[0137] A seventh adhesive layer AL7 may be disposed between the first digitizer DGT1 and the first non-folding portion NFP1, and between the second digitizer DGT2 and the second non-folding portion NFP2. The seventh adhesive layer AL7 may attach the first digitizer DGT1 to the first non-folding portion NFP1, and attach the second digitizer DGT2 to the second non-folding portion NFP2.

[0138] A seventh adhesive layer AL7 may further be disposed between the first reverse curvature portion ICV1 and the first digitizer DGT1, and between the second reverse curvature portion ICV2 and the second digitizer DGT2, such that the first digitizer DGT1 may be attached to the first reverse curvature portion ICV1 and the second digitizer DGT2 may be attached to the second reverse curvature portion ICV2 by the seventh adhesive layer AL7.

[0139] The seventh adhesive layer AL7 may be discontinued at the folding region FA and may not be disposed between the curved portion CSP and the second digitizer DGT2, and between the first and second extension portions EX1, EX2 and the second digitizer DGT2, so that the second digitizer DGT2 may not be attached to the curved portion CSP and the first and second extension portions EX1, EX2 of the first support plate PLT1.

[0140] A second support plate PLT2 may be disposed below the digitizer DGT. The second support plate PLT2 may include a first plate, a second-first support plate PLT2-1, disposed below the first digitizer DGT1, and a second plate, a second-second support plate PLT2-2, disposed below the second digitizer DGT2. The second-first support plate PLT2-1 and the second-second support plate PLT2-2 may be disposed on the same plane. When viewed on a plane, the curved surface portion CSP may be disposed between the second-first support plate PLT2-1 and the second-second support plate PLT2-2.

[0141] The second-first support plate PLT2-1 may be disposed below the first non-bending portion NFP1 and extend below the first reverse curvature portion ICV1 and the first extension portion EX1. That is, when viewed in a plan view, the second-first support plate PLT2-1 may overlap the first non-bending portion NFP1, the first reverse curvature portion ICV1, and the first extension portion EX1.

[0142] The second-2 support plate PLT2-2 may be disposed below the second non-bending portion NFP2 and extend below the second reverse curvature portion ICV2 and the second extension portion EX2. That is, when viewed in a plan view, the second-2 support plate PLT2-2 may overlap the second non-bending portion NFP2, the second reverse curvature portion ICV2, and the second extension portion EX2. Here, the second digitizer DGT2 may extend further beyond the inner surface of the second-2 support plate at the bending portion FA.

[0143] The first digitizer DGT1 may be disposed between the first support plate PLT1 and the second-first support plate PLT2-1 along the thickness direction. For example, the first digitizer DGT1 may be disposed between the first non-folding portion NFP1 and the second-first support plate PLT2-1.

[0144] The second digitizer DGT2 may be disposed between the first support plate PLT1 and the second-second support plate PLT2-2 and extend between the first support plate PLT1 and the second-first support plate PLT2-1. For example, the second digitizer DGT2 may be disposed between the second non-folding portion NFP2 and the second-second support plate PLT2-2 and extend below the folding portion FP. The second digitizer DGT2 may extend between the first support plate PLT1 and the second-first support plate PLT2-2 and be adjacent to one side of the first digitizer DGT1.

[0145] The eighth adhesive layer AL8 may be disposed between the first digitizer DGT1 and the second-first support plate PLT2-1, and between the second digitizer DGT2 and the second-second support plate PLT2-2. The eighth adhesive layer AL8 may attach the first digitizer DGT1 to the second-first support plate PLT2-1, and attach the second digitizer DGT2 to the second-second support plate PLT2-2.

[0146] The second digitizer DGT2 may not be attached to the 2-1 support plate PLT2-1. For example, when viewed from a plane, the eighth adhesive layer AL8 may not overlap the first extension portion EX1. In the area overlapping the first extension portion EX1, the eighth adhesive layer AL8 may not be disposed between the second digitizer DGT2 and the 2-2 support plate PLT2-2.

[0147] The seventh and eighth adhesive layers AL7, AL8 may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0148] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the first support plate PLT1 shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of an area AA shown in Fig. 8.

[0149] 8 and 9, a grid pattern may be defined in the folding portion FP. For example, a plurality of openings OP may be defined in the folding portion FP. Specifically, the openings OP may be defined in the curved surface portion CSP. The openings OP may not be defined by the first and second extension portions EX1, EX2 and the first and second reverse curvature portions ICV1, ICV2. The openings OP may be arranged according to a predetermined rule. The openings OP may be arranged in a grid pattern in the folding portion FP to provide a grid pattern.

[0150] By defining the opening OP in the curved surface portion CSP, the area of ​​the curved surface portion CSP is reduced, and the rigidity of the curved surface portion CSP may be reduced. When the opening OP is defined in the curved surface portion CSP, the flexibility of the curved surface portion CSP may be increased compared to when the opening OP is not defined in the curved surface portion CSP. Therefore, the curved surface portion CSP can be bent more easily, and the folding portion FP can be folded more easily.

[0151] 9, as described in FIG. 7, the folding portion FP may include a curved surface portion CSP, a first extension portion EX1, a second extension portion EX2, a first reverse curvature portion ICV1, and a second reverse curvature portion ICV2. The curved surface portion CSP, the first extension portion EX1, the second extension portion EX2, the first reverse curvature portion ICV1, and the second reverse curvature portion ICV2 may be arranged in a first direction DR1.

[0152] For example, the curved surface portion CSP may be disposed at the center of the folded portion FP. The first reverse curvature portion ICV1 may be defined as a portion of the folded portion FP adjacent to the first non-folded portion NFP1. The second reverse curvature portion ICV2 may be defined as a portion of the folded portion FP adjacent to the second non-folded portion NFP2. The first extension portion EX1 may extend from the curved surface portion CSP to the first reverse curvature portion ICV1. The second extension portion EX2 may extend from the curved surface portion CSP to the second reverse curvature portion ICV2.

[0153] The openings OP may be defined in the curved surface portion CSP and arranged in a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The openings OP may extend longer in the second direction DR2 than in the first direction DR1. The openings OP may extend in a direction parallel to the folding axis FX.

[0154] The opening OP may include first subopenings SOP1 arranged in an h-th column and second subopenings SOP2 arranged in an h+1-th column, where h is a natural number. The columns may correspond to a second direction DR2. The second subopenings SOP2 may be adjacent to the first subopenings SOP1 in the first direction DR1. The first subopenings SOP1 may be arranged to intersect with the second subopenings SOP2.

[0155] Fig. 10 is a diagram simply illustrating the unfolded state of the display device DD shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating the folded state of the display device DD shown in Fig. 10.

[0156] For convenience of explanation, in FIGS. 10 and 11, the display module DM is shown in a single layer, and the window module WM is omitted.

[0157] 10 and 11, the display device DD can be folded or unfolded. In FIG. 10, the display device DD can be unfolded in a flat, unfolded state or unfolded in a second direction DR2. In FIG. 11, the display device DD can be folded around a folding axis FX. The display area DD can be changed from a flat, first state shown in FIG. 10 to a folded, second state shown in FIG. 11, or from the second state to the first state. Such folding operations can be repeated.

[0158] Because the display module DM is a flexible display module, the folding area FA of the display module DM can be easily folded. Because an opening OP is defined in the first support plate PLT1, the folding portion FP can be easily folded by the opening OP. When the first support plate PLT1 is folded, the display module DM can be folded by the first support plate PLT1. As shown in FIG. 11 , the display device DD can be folded inward so that the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 face each other.

[0159] When the folding portion FP is folded, the curved portion CSP may be folded to have a predetermined curvature. The curved portion CSP may be folded to define a first radius of curvature R1. The first reverse curvature portion ICV1 may be folded in the opposite direction to the curved portion CSP. The second reverse curvature portion ICV2 may be folded in the opposite direction to the curved portion CSP. The second reverse curvature portion ICV2 may have a shape symmetrical to the first reverse curvature portion ICV1 with respect to the curved portion CSP.

[0160] When the folding portion FP is folded, the distance between the first non-folding portion NFP1 and the second non-folding portion NFP2 in the third direction DR3 may be less than twice the first radius of curvature R1 (e.g., the diameter) in the third direction DR3. In this folded state, the first support plate PLT1 may be folded into a dumbbell shape. When the first support plate PLT1 is folded into a dumbbell shape, the display module DM may be folded into a dumbbell shape.

[0161] The first digitizer DGT1 and the second digitizer DGT2 attached to the first reverse curvature portion ICV1 and the second reverse curvature portion ICV2, respectively, can be bent into shapes corresponding to the shapes of the first reverse curvature portion ICV1 and the second reverse curvature portion ICV2. The second-1 support plate PLT2-1 and the second-2 support plate PLT2-2 attached to the first digitizer DGT1 and the second digitizer DGT2 can be bent into shapes corresponding to the shapes of the first digitizer DGT1 and the second digitizer DGT2.

[0162] One side (e.g., the inner side) of the second digitizer DGT2 may be disposed between the first extension portion EX1 of the first support plate PLT1 and the second-first support plate PLT2-1 of the second support plate PLT2. When the first support plate PLT1 is folded and unfolded, the second digitizer DGT2 may not move outside the second-first support plate PLT2-1. In other words, one side of the second digitizer DGT2 may be accommodated in the space between the first extension portion EX2 and the second-first support plate PLT2-1.

[0163] When the first support plate PLT1 is folded at the folding portion FP, one side of the second digitizer DGT2 may be disposed in the space between the first extension portion EX2 and the second-first support plate PLT2-1, and thus the second-first support plate PLT2-1 may serve to support one side of the second digitizer DGT2.

[0164] The second-1st support plate PLT2-1 is disposed to cover one side of the second digitizer DGT2 and may serve to fix the second digitizer DGT2 so that the second digitizer DGT2 does not slip out. With this structure, when the first support plate PLT1 is folded, the second digitizer DGT2 can be folded along the curved surface portion CSP.

[0165] When the first support plate PLT1 is folded or unfolded, one side of the second digitizer DGT2 can move between the first extension EX2 and the second-1st support plate PLT2-1, and one side of the second digitizer DGT2 can face one side of the first digitizer DGT1.

[0166] When the first support plate PLT1 is converted from a folded state to an unfolded state, the second digitizer DGT2 is bent along the curved surface portion CSP, so that one side of the second digitizer DGT2 can move away from one side of the first digitizer DGT1 between the first extension portion EX1 and the second-1 support plate PLT2-1.

[0167] When the first support plate PLT1 is converted from the unfolded state to the folded state, the second digitizer DGT2 is unfolded, so that one side of the second digitizer DGT2 can move closer to one side of the first digitizer DGT1 between the first extension portion EX1 and the second-first support plate PLT2-1. In other words, when the first support plate PLT1 is folded and unfolded, the second digitizer DGT2 can be arranged to slide relative to the first digitizer DGT1 by sliding between the second-first support plate PLT12-1 and the first support plate PLT1.

[0168] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second digitizer DGT2 is disposed between the first support plate PLT1 and the second-1 support plate PLT2-1, so that when the first support plate PLT1 is folded, the second digitizer DGT2 can be easily bent along the bending portion FP so as to have a curved shape corresponding to the curved surface portion CSP, rather than being flat or unfolded.

[0169] Fig. 12 is a plan view of the first sensing coil of the digitizer DGT shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 13 is a plan view of the second sensing coil of the digitizer DGT shown in Fig. 7.

[0170] 12 and 13, the first digitizer DGT1 and the second digitizer DGT2 may be adjacent in a first direction DR1. When viewed on a plane, the second digitizer DGT2 may have an area (e.g., a planar area) larger than the area (e.g., an average area) of the first digitizer DGT1.

[0171] The display device DD may include a flexible circuit board FPCB connecting the first digitizer DGT1 and the second digitizer DGT2, and a connector CNT connected to the flexible circuit board FPCB. The flexible circuit board FPCB is connected to the first digitizer DGT1 and the second digitizer DGT2, and may connect the first digitizer DGT1 and the second digitizer DGT2 to each other. Although not shown, the connector CNT may be connected to a main board. A circuit chip for driving the digitizer DGT may be directly disposed on the main board.

[0172] The digitizer DGT may include a plurality of first sensing coils RF and a plurality of second sensing coils CF. The first sensing coils RF may be disposed on top of the second sensing coils CF, and such a stacked configuration is illustrated in FIG. 14 below. The first sensing coils RF may be defined as X-axis coils extending in a first direction DR1. The second sensing coils CF may be defined as Y-axis coils extending in a second direction DR2.

[0173] 12, the first and second digitizers DGT1 and DGT2 may include a plurality of first sensing coils RF. The first sensing coils RF may extend further in a first direction DR1 from each of the first and second digitizers DGT1 and DGT2 in a loop shape.

[0174] The first sensing coils RF of the first digitizer DGT1 may be coupled to the first sensing coils RF of the second digitizer DGT2 via the flexible circuit board FPCB. Specifically, each of the first sensing coils RF may be extended from the connector CNT and extended to the first digitizer DGT1 via the flexible circuit board FPCB.

[0175] The first sensing coil RF may be extended in a loop from the first digitizer DGT1 and then extended to the second digitizer DGT2 via the flexible circuit board FPCB. The first sensing coil RF extended to the second digitizer DGT2 may be extended in a loop from the second digitizer DGT2 and then connected to the connector CNT via the flexible circuit board FPCB.

[0176] That is, one end (e.g., a first end) of each of the first sensing coils RF may be coupled to the connector CNT. Each of the first sensing coils RF may extend to the flexible circuit board FPCB, the first digitizer DGT1, the flexible circuit board FPCB, the second digitizer DGT2, and the flexible circuit board FPCB, and the other end (e.g., a second end opposite to the first end) of each of the first sensing coils RF may be coupled to the connector CNT.

[0177] The first sensing coil RF of the first digitizer DGT1 and the first sensing coil RF of the second digitizer DGT2 are connected to each other to form a loop, thereby forming the X-axis coil of the digitizer DGT.

[0178] For example, a portion of the first sensing coil RF is illustrated extending in a loop shape, and the remaining first sensing coil RF is illustrated extending in a first direction DR1 from the first and second digitizers DGT1 and DGT2 with left and right portions omitted. In the first and second digitizers DGT1 and DGT2, the first sensing coil RF may be extended in the first direction DR1 and arranged in a second direction DR2.

[0179] 13, the first and second digitizers DGT1 and DGT2 may include second sensing coils CF. The second sensing coils CF may extend further in the second direction DR2 from each of the first and second digitizers DGT1 and DGT2 in a loop shape. The number of second sensing coils CF of the first digitizer DGT1 may be smaller than the number of second sensing coils CF of the second digitizer DGT2.

[0180] One side of the first digitizer DGT1 and one side of the second digitizer DGT2 may face each other. The second sensing coils CF may include a 2-1 sensing coil CF1 adjacent to one side of the first digitizer DGT1, a 2-2 sensing coil CF2 adjacent to one side of the second digitizer DGT2, and a 2-3 sensing coil CF3 defined as the remaining second sensing coils CF excluding the 2-1 and 2-2 sensing coils CF1 and CF2.

[0181] The 2-1 sensing coil CF1 of the first digitizer DGT1 may be connected to the 2-2 sensing coil CF2 of the second digitizer DGT2 via the flexible circuit board FPCB. The 2-1 sensing coil CF1 may extend from the connector CNT to the first digitizer DGT1 via the flexible circuit board FPCB. The 2-2 sensing coil CF2 may extend from the connector CNT to the second digitizer DGT2 via the flexible circuit board FPCB.

[0182] The second-1 sensing coil CF1 may be extended in a loop shape from the first digitizer DGT1 and then extended to the flexible circuit board FPCB, and the second-2 sensing coil CF2 may be extended in a loop shape from the second digitizer DGT2 and then extended to the flexible circuit board FPCB and connected to the second-1 sensing coil CF1.

[0183] The 2-1 sensing coil CF1 and the 2-2 sensing coil CF2 may be substantially integrally formed. That is, some of the second sensing coils CF (e.g., the second sensing coils CF adjacent to one side of the first digitizer DGT1) may have one end connected to the connector CNT, some of the second sensing coils CF may extend to the flexible circuit board FPCB, the first digitizer DGT1, the flexible circuit board FPCB, the second digitizer DGT2, and the flexible circuit board FPCB, and some of the second sensing coils CF may have the other end connected to the connector CNT.

[0184] The second and third sensing coils CF3 of the first digitizer DGT1 are connected to the connector CNT and may be extended to the first digitizer DGT1 via the flexible circuit board FPCB and may be extended in a loop from the first digitizer DGT1. The second and third sensing coils CF3 of the second digitizer DGT2 are connected to the connector CNT and may be extended to the second digitizer DGT2 via the flexible circuit board FPCB and may be extended in a loop from the second digitizer DGT2.

[0185] The 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 sensing coils CF1, CF2, and CF3 may be extended in the second direction DR2 to form a loop, thereby forming a Y-axis coil of the digitizer DGT.

[0186] For example, some of the second sensing coils CF are shown extending in a loop shape, and the remaining second sensing coils CF are shown with their upper and lower portions omitted and extending in the second direction DR2 from the first and second digitizers DGT1 and DGT2. In the first and second digitizers DGT1 and DGT2, the second sensing coils CF may be extended in the second direction DR2 and arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0187] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second sensing coil CF may be defined as a driving coil and the first sensing coil RF as a sensing coil, but this is not limiting and the reverse may also be true. When a current flows through the second sensing coil CF, magnetic field lines may be induced between the second sensing coil CF and the first sensing coil RF. The first sensing coil RF may sense the induced electromagnetic force emitted from the electromagnetic pen and output the sensed signal to one terminal of the first sensing coil RF.

[0188] Since the first digitizer DGT1 and the second digitizer DGT2 are separated from each other, the sensitivity of the digitizers DGT adjacent to the separated portion may be reduced. In an embodiment of the present invention, the 2-1 sensing coil CF1 adjacent to one side of the first digitizer DGT1 and the 2-2 sensing coil CF2 adjacent to one side of the second digitizer DGT2 are connected to each other, so the sensitivity of the digitizers DGT adjacent to the separated portion may be improved.

[0189] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a stacked configuration of some of the first sensing coils RF and some of the second sensing coils CF shown in FIGS.

[0190] For example, FIG. 14 shows a cross section of the digitizer DGT as viewed in a first direction DR1.

[0191] 12, 13, and 14, a first sensing coil RF may be disposed on the base layer BSL, and a second sensing coil CF may be disposed below the base layer BSL. A first adhesive layer ADH1 may be disposed on the base layer BSL. The first adhesive layer ADH1 may be disposed on the base layer BSL to cover the first sensing coil RF. A second adhesive layer ADH2 may be disposed below the base layer BSL. The second adhesive layer ADH2 may be disposed below the base layer BSL to cover the second sensing coil CF.

[0192] A first insulating layer IL1 may be disposed on the first adhesive layer ADH1. A second insulating layer IL2 may be disposed below the second adhesive layer ADH2. The base layer BSL, the first insulating layer IL1, and the second insulating layer IL2 may include the same material, polyimide. The first and second adhesive layers ADH1 and ADH2 may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0193] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of a display device DD-1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the display device DD-1 shown in Fig. 15 in a folded state.

[0194] 15 is illustrated as a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-section shown in FIG. 10, and FIG. 16 is illustrated as a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-section shown in FIG.

[0195] The configuration of the display device DD-1 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 will be described below, focusing on the configuration that differs from the display device DD shown in FIGS.

[0196] 15, the second digitizer DGT2 may be attached to the second-first support plate PLT2-1. A dummy adhesive layer DAL may be disposed between the inner end portion of the second digitizer DGT2 and the inner end portion of the second-first support plate PLT2-1 under the first extension EX1. The second digitizer DGT2 may be attached to the second-first support plate PLT2-1 by the dummy adhesive layer DAL.

[0197] When viewed from a plane, a plurality of dummy openings DOP may be defined in the portion of the second-first support plate PLT2-1 overlapping the first reverse curvature portion ICV1. The eighth adhesive layer AL8 may not be disposed on the portion of the second-first support plate PLT2-1 overlapping the first reverse curvature portion ICV1. The dummy openings DOP may increase the flexibility of the portion of the second-first support plate PLT2-1 overlapping the first reverse curvature portion ICV1.

[0198] 16, when the display device DD-1 is folded, a tensile force may be generated in the second digitizer DGT2 disposed on the outside due to a large radius of curvature of the second digitizer DGT2. However, a dummy opening DOP is disposed in the second-first support plate PLT2-1, and the portion of the second-first support plate PLT2-1 overlapping the first reverse curvature portion ICV1 may expand. Because the portion of the second-first support plate PLT2-1 overlapping the first reverse curvature portion ICV1 expands, the tensile force generated in the second digitizer DGT2 may be alleviated.

[0199] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of a display device DD-2 according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the display device DD-2 shown in Fig. 17 in a folded state.

[0200] 17 is illustrated as a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-section shown in FIG. 10, and FIG. 18 is illustrated as a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-section shown in FIG.

[0201] The configuration of the display device DD-2 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 will be described below, focusing on the configuration different from that of the display device DD shown in FIGS.

[0202] 17, a plurality of grooves GV may be defined by recessing the lower surfaces of the first and second reverse curvature portions ICV1 and ICV2. The grooves GV may increase the flexibility of the first and second reverse curvature portions ICV1 and ICV2. The grooves GV may be open toward the digitizer DGT2.

[0203] A plurality of dummy grooves DGV may be defined in the lower surfaces of the second-1st and second-2nd plates PLT2-1, PLT2-2, respectively, at portions overlapping the first and second reverse curvature portions ICV1, ICV2. The dummy grooves DGV may increase the flexibility of the second-1st and second-2nd support plates PLT2-1, PLT2-2, respectively, at portions overlapping the first and second reverse curvature portions ICV1, ICV2.

[0204] Referring to FIG. 18, when the display device DD-2 is folded, the flexibility of the first and second reverse curvature portions ICV1 and ICV2 is increased by the groove GV, so that the first and second reverse curvature portions ICV1 and ICV2 can be folded more easily.

[0205] When the display device DD-2 is folded, the dummy grooves DGV increase the flexibility of the portions of the second-1st and second-2nd support plates PLT2-1, PLT2-2 that overlap the first and second reverse curvature portions ICV1, ICV2, so that the portions of the second-1st and second-2nd support plates PLT2-1, PLT2-2 that overlap the first and second reverse curvature portions ICV1, ICV2 can be easily bent.

[0206] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Furthermore, the disclosed embodiments of the present invention are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present invention, and all technical spirits within the scope of the following claims and equivalents thereof should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0207] In the folding display device, the separated digitizer can be easily bent along the support plate, preventing damage to the digitizer, and thus providing users with a folding display device with an improved lifespan, making the present invention highly applicable in industry.

Claims

1. A display module; a first support plate disposed below the display module; a first digitizer disposed below the first support plate; a second digitizer disposed below the first support plate and spaced apart from the first digitizer in a first direction; a second support plate disposed below the first digitizer; a second support plate disposed below the second digitizer; The second digitizer is a display device that extends in the first direction DR1 between the first support plate and the second-second support plate and overlaps the first support plate.

2. 2. The display device of claim 1, wherein the second digitizer slides between the first support plate and the second-first support plate when the first support plate is folded and unfolded.

3. 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the second digitizer has a larger area than the first digitizer when viewed in a plane.

4. The first support plate is a first non-bending portion, a bending portion, and a second non-bending portion arranged in the first direction; a plurality of openings defined in the folded portion; The display device of claim 1 , wherein the first digitizer is disposed below the first non-folding portion, and the second digitizer is disposed below the second non-folding portion and below the folding portion.

5. The display device of claim 4, wherein the first digitizer is attached to the first non-bending portion and the 2-1 support plate, and the second digitizer is attached to the second non-bending portion and the 2-2 support plate, but is not attached to the 2-1 support plate.

6. The bending portion is A first extension portion; A second extension portion; a curved surface portion that is disposed between the first extension portion and the second extension portion and is bent at a predetermined curvature to define the opening; and a first reverse curvature portion disposed between the first extension portion and the first non-bending portion and bent in a direction opposite to the curved portion; The display device of claim 4 , further comprising: a second reverse curvature portion disposed between the second extension portion and the second non-bent portion, bent in a direction opposite to the curved portion, and symmetrical to the first reverse curvature portion.

7. The display device according to claim 6 , further comprising a cover portion between the curved surface portion and the second digitizer.

8. the first digitizer is disposed below the first non-folded portion and extends below the first reverse curvature portion; The display device of claim 6 , wherein the second digitizer is disposed below the second non-bending portion and below the second reverse curvature portion, the second extension portion, the curved portion, and the first extension portion.

9. The display device according to claim 8 , wherein the second digitizer is not attached to the first extension, the second extension, or the curved surface portion.

10. The display device of claim 8 , wherein when the bending portion is bent to fold the first support plate, the second digitizer is bent along the curved surface portion.

11. one side of the second digitizer is disposed between the first extension and the second-first support plate; 9. The display device of claim 8, wherein when the first support plate is folded and unfolded, the one side of the second digitizer moves between the first extension and the second support plate.

12. 9. The display device of claim 8, wherein the second digitizer does not move out of the second-first support plate when the first support plate is folded and unfolded.

13. a second support plate extending below the first non-bending portion, below the first reverse curvature portion, and below the first extension portion; 7. The display device of claim 6, wherein a second-second support plate extends below the second non-bent portion, below the second reverse curvature portion, and below the second extension portion.

14. 7. The display device of claim 6, wherein the second digitizer is attached to the second-first support plate.

15. The display device of claim 14, wherein a plurality of dummy openings are defined in a portion of the second-first support plate overlapping the first reverse curvature portion.

16. 7. The display device of claim 6, wherein a plurality of grooves are defined and formed on the lower surfaces of the first and second reverse curvature portions, and a plurality of dummy grooves are defined and formed on the lower surfaces of the 2-1 and 2-2 support plate portions that overlap the first and second reverse curvature portions.

17. a flexible circuit board connecting the first and second digitizers; Each of the first and second digitizers a plurality of first sensing coils extending in the first direction; a plurality of second sensing coils extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, The display device of claim 1 , wherein the first sensing coil of the first digitizer is connected to the first sensing coil of the second digitizer via the flexible circuit board.

18. the number of the second sensing coils of the first digitizer is smaller than the number of the second sensing coils of the second digitizer; a 2-1 sensing coil adjacent to one side of the first digitizer among the second sensing coils and a 2-2 sensing coil adjacent to one side of the second digitizer among the second sensing coils are connected to each other via the flexible circuit board; The display device of claim 17 , wherein the one side of the first digitizer and the one side of the second digitizer face each other.

19. A display module; a first support plate disposed below the display module, the first support plate including a first non-folding portion, a folding portion, and a second non-folding portion; a first digitizer disposed below the first non-folding portion; a second digitizer disposed below the second non-folding portion; a second support plate disposed below the first digitizer; a second support plate disposed below the second digitizer; The second digitizer extends below the bent portion between the second non-bent portion and the second-second support plate and is adjacent to one side of the first digitizer.

20. A display module; a first support plate disposed below the display module, the first support plate including a first non-folding portion, a folding portion, and a second non-folding portion; a first digitizer disposed below the first non-folding portion; a second digitizer disposed below the second non-folding portion; a second support plate disposed below the first digitizer; a second support plate disposed below the second digitizer; The second digitizer extends between the second non-folded portion and the second-2 support plate, between the second-1 support plate and the first support plate, and when viewed on a plane, the second digitizer has a larger area than the first digitizer.

Images