Indication device

Abstract

The display device includes a display panel and a support plate positioned below the display panel, which includes a first non-folding portion, a folding portion, and a second non-folding portion arranged in a first direction, wherein the folding portion is partitioned (defined) by a plurality of openings, and the folding portion includes branches between the openings, and the ratio of the area of ​​the openings to the area of ​​the branches may be greater in the portion of the folding portion adjacent to the first and second non-folding portions than in the center of the folding portion.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a display device includes a display module for displaying an image and a support portion for supporting the display module. The display module includes a display panel for displaying an image, a window disposed on the display panel to protect the display panel from external scratches and impacts, and a protective layer disposed under the display panel to protect the display panel from external impacts. The support portion has higher rigidity than the display module and supports the display module.

[0003] Recently, with the technological development of display devices, flexible display devices that can be deformed into various forms have been developed. A flexible display device includes a flexible display module that can be folded or rolled up. Among flexible display modules, a support plate disposed under a display module that is folded around a folding axis has a structure that is folded together with the display module.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a display device in which the rigidity at the center of the folding portion of the support plate is increased, and the stress applied to the display module during folding is reduced.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes (1) a display panel, and (2) a support plate disposed below the display panel and including a first non-folding portion, a folding portion, and a second non-folding portion arranged in a first direction, wherein the folding portion is defined to have a plurality of openings, the folding portion includes branches between the openings, and the ratio of the area of ​​the openings to the area of ​​the branches may be greater in the portion of the folding portion adjacent to the first and second non-folding portions than in the center of the folding portion.

[0006] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes (1) a display panel, and (2) a first non-folding portion, a folding portion, and a second non-folding portion disposed below the display panel and arranged in a first direction, wherein the folding portion includes a support plate disposed between the first and second non-folding portions, and the folding portion includes a plurality of first branches disposed between adjacent openings in the first direction among the openings partitioned (defined) in the folding portion, and a plurality of second branches disposed between adjacent openings in a second direction intersecting the first direction among the openings partitioned (defined) in the folding portion, wherein, when viewed in plane, the ratio of the area of ​​the openings to the area of ​​the first and second branches may increase as one moves from the center of the folding portion toward the first and second folding portions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to embodiments of the present invention, a partitioned opening is defined in the folding portion, and branches may be arranged between the openings. The area of ​​the opening relative to the area of ​​the branches increases with distance from the center of the folding portion, and the rigidity of the folding portion may be highest at the center of the folding portion than at the portion adjacent to the non-folding portion. Therefore, when the folding portion is bent, the curvature of the center of the folding portion may decrease, and consequently, the stress applied to the display module and window module located on the center of the folding portion may decrease. Therefore, the possibility of damage to the display module and window module due to stress may be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] Figure (1) shows the folded state of the electronic device illustrated in Figure 1. [Figure 2B] Figure (2) shows the folded state of the electronic device illustrated in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device shown. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the electronic device shown. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display module shown. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a cross-section of the display panel shown in the diagram. [Figure 7] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the display panel shown. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates a cross-section of an electronic panel corresponding to any one of the pixels shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9A] This is a cross-sectional view of the line I-I' shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9B]It is a drawing showing the bent state of the bending region shown in FIG. 9A. [Figure 10A] It is a perspective view of the support plate shown in FIG. 9A. [Figure 10B] It is an enlarged view of the folding part shown in FIG. 10A. [Figure 10C] It is a drawing for explaining the change in rigidity according to the position of the folding part shown in FIG. 10A. [Figure 10D] It is a drawing for explaining the stress received by the window module shown in FIG. 9A during folding. [Figure 11] It is a plan view of the folding part according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a plan view of the folding part according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a plan view of the folding part according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a plan view of the folding part according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15A] It is a drawing (1) for explaining the support plate according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15B] It is a drawing (2) for explaining the support plate according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a plan view of the folding part according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] It is a plan view of the folding part according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] It is a cross-sectional view of the window module, display module, and support plate shown in FIG. 9A. [Figure 19] It is a drawing for explaining the folded state of the window module, display module, and support plate according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] It is a cross-sectional view of the window module, display module, and support plate according to a comparative embodiment. [Figure 21]FIG. 18 is a drawing for explaining another embodiment of a window module, a display module, and a support plate shown in a folded state.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the method of achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail hereinafter together with the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be embodied in various different forms. Merely, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the present invention is complete, and so that those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs can be fully informed of the scope of the invention. The present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. The same reference numerals throughout the specification refer to the same components.

[0010] When an element or layer is referred to as “on” or “above” another element or layer, it includes not only directly above the other element or layer, but also all cases where another layer or another element is interposed therebetween. On the contrary, when an element is referred to as “directly on” or “right above,” it indicates that there is no other element or layer interposed therebetween. “And / or” includes each of the items mentioned and all combinations of one or more of them.

[0011] Spatially relative terms such as “below,” “beneath,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc. can be used to easily describe the correlation between one element or component and a different element or component as shown in the drawings. Spatially relative terms should be understood as terms including different directions of elements when in use or in operation in addition to the directions shown in the drawings. The same reference numerals throughout the specification refer to the same components.

[0012] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe a variety of elements, components, and / or sections, these elements, components, and / or sections are, of course, not limited by these terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one element, component, or section from other elements, components, or sections. Therefore, the first element, first component, or first section referred to below may, of course, be a second element, second component, or second section within the technical concept of the present invention.

[0013] In this specification, the embodiments described are explained with reference to the plan and cross-sectional views, which are ideal schematic representations of the present invention. Therefore, the forms shown in the illustrative drawings may be modified by manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific forms shown, but also include variations in form that arise depending on the manufacturing process. Therefore, the regions illustrated in the drawings have schematic attributes, and the shapes of the regions illustrated in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only to illustrate specific shapes of the region of the element, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0014] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2A and 2B are diagrams showing the electronic device shown in Figure 1 in its folded state.

[0016] Referring to Figure 1, the electronic device ED according to an 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. However, it is not limited to this, and the electronic device ED may have various shapes such as circles and polygons. The electronic device ED may be flexible.

[0017] Hereinafter, the direction that is perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the planes defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 is defined as the third direction DR3. Furthermore, in this specification, “in a plan view” or “when viewed from a plan view” may be defined as the view from the third direction DR3.

[0018] The electronic device ED may include a folding region FA and a plurality of non-folding regions NFA1, NFA2. The non-folding regions NFA1, NFA2 may include a first non-folding region NFA1 and a second non-folding region NFA2. The folding region FA may be positioned between the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2. The folding region FA, the first non-folding region NFA1, and the second non-folding region NFA2 may be arranged along a first direction DR1.

[0019] For illustrative purposes, one folding region FA and two non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2 are shown in Figure 1, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the number of folding region FA and non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2 is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device ED may include two or more non-folding regions and one or more folding regions positioned between these non-folding regions.

[0020] The upper surface of the electronic device ED can be defined as a display surface DS, which may have planes defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. An image IM generated by the electronic device ED can be provided to the user through the display surface DS.

[0021] The display surface DS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding (e.g., adjacent to) the display area DA. The display area DA may display an image, while the non-display area NDA may not display an image. The non-display area NDA may define the periphery of an electronic device ED that surrounds (e.g., surrounds) the display area DA and is printed in an appropriate color (e.g., a predetermined color).

[0022] Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, the electronic device ED may be a foldable electronic device ED that can be folded or unfolded. For example, the electronic device ED may be folded along a folding axis FX by bending the folding region FA with respect to a folding axis FX that is parallel to or substantially parallel to the second direction DR2. The folding axis FX may be defined as a major axis that is parallel to or substantially parallel to the long side of the electronic device ED. When the electronic device ED is folded, the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2 face each other, and the display surface DS of the electronic device ED does not have to be exposed to the outside. That is, the electronic device ED may be folded inward (e.g., in-folding) as shown in Figure 2A. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. As another example, as shown in Figure 2, the electronic device ED may be out-folded such that the display surface DS is exposed to the outside around the folding axis FX. In yet another example, the electronic device ED may be in-folded and out-folded (for example, simultaneously or substantially simultaneously).

[0023] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device shown in Figure 1.

[0024] Referring to Figure 3, the electronic device ED may include a display device DD, an electronic module EM (e.g., an electronic circuit or device), a power module PSM (e.g., a power supply, battery, etc.), and a case EDC. In one embodiment, the electronic device ED may further include a device structure (e.g., a hinge) for controlling the folding operation of the display device DD.

[0025] The display device DD can generate images and sense external inputs. The display device DD may include a window module WM (e.g., a window layer or component) and a display module DM (a display or touch display). The window WM can provide the front of the electronic device ED. The window module WM can be positioned on the display module DM to protect it. The window module WM can transmit light generated by the display module DM and provide it to the user.

[0026] The display module DM may include a display panel DP. While Figure 3 illustrates the display panel DP among various structures of the display module DM, the present invention is not limited thereto. The display module DM may further include a plurality of configurations positioned above and / or below the display panel DP. The detailed stacked structure of the display module DM is described below in detail. The display panel DP may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA, respectively, corresponding to the display area DA and non-display area NDA of the electronic device ED in Figure 1.

[0027] The display module DM may include a data drive unit DDV located on the non-display area NDA of the display panel DP. The data drive unit DDV may be manufactured directly as a circuit chip and mounted on the non-display area NDA. However, it is not limited to this, and the data drive unit DDV may be mounted on a flexible circuit board connected to the display panel DP.

[0028] The electronic module EM and the power supply module PSM may be located beneath the display device DD. 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 can control the operation of the display device DD. The power supply module PSM can supply power to the electronic module EM.

[0029] The case EDC can house a display device DD, an electronic module EM, and a power supply module PSM. For example, the case EDC includes first and second cases EDC1 and EDC2, and accordingly, the display device DD can be folded. The first and second cases EDC1 and EDC2 may extend in a second direction DR2 and be arranged along the first direction DR1.

[0030] In one embodiment, the electronic device ED may further include a hinge structure for connecting the first and second cases EDC1 and EDC2 to each other. The cases EDC may be connected (e.g., attached or coupled) to the window module WM. The cases EDC can protect the display device DD, the electronic module EM, and the power module PSM.

[0031] Figure 4 is a block diagram of the electronic device shown in Figure 3.

[0032] Referring to Figure 4, the electronic device ED may include an electronic module EM, a power supply module PSM, and a display device DD. The electronic module EM may include a control module 10 (e.g., a controller), a wireless communication module 20 (e.g., a wireless communication circuit or device), an image input module 30 (e.g., an image input device), an acoustic input module 40 (e.g., an acoustic input device or microphone), an acoustic output module 50 (e.g., an acoustic output device or speaker), a memory 60, and an external interface module 70 (e.g., an external interface), etc. The modules may be mounted on a circuit board or electrically connected through a flexible circuit board. The electronic module EM may be electrically connected to the power supply module PSM.

[0033] The control module 10 can control the overall operation of the electronic device ED. For example, the control module 10 can activate or deactivate the display device DD in response to user input. The control module 10 can also control the image input module 30, the sound input module 40, and the sound output module 50, etc., in response to user input. The control module 10 may include at least one microprocessor.

[0034] The wireless communication module 20 can send and receive wireless signals with other terminals using Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi. The wireless communication module 20 can send and receive voice signals using a general communication line. The wireless communication module 20 may include a transmitting circuit 22 that modulates and transmits the signal to be transmitted, and a receiving circuit 24 that demodulates the received signal.

[0035] The image input module 30 can process image signals and convert them into image data that can be displayed on the display device DD. The acoustic input module 40 can receive external acoustic signals via a microphone in recording mode or voice recognition mode, etc., and convert them into electrical audio data. The acoustic output module 50 can convert acoustic data received from the wireless communication module 20 or acoustic data stored in the memory 60 and output it externally.

[0036] The external interface module 70 can serve as an interface connecting the control module 10 to external devices such as an external charger, wired / wireless data ports, and card sockets (e.g., memory card, SIM / UIM card).

[0037] The power module (PSM) can supply the power necessary for the overall operation of the electronic device (ED). The power module (PSM) can include a standard battery or a battery device.

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display module shown in Figure 3.

[0039] Referring to Figure 5, the display module DM may include a display panel DP, an input sensing unit ISP placed on the display panel DP, an anti-reflective layer RPL placed on the input sensing unit ISP, and a panel protection layer PPL placed beneath the display panel DP. 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 placed on the flexible substrate.

[0040] The display panel DP according to one embodiment of the present invention is a light-emitting display panel, but the present invention 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 contain an organic light-emitting substance. The light-emitting layer of an inorganic light-emitting display panel may contain quantum dots and quantum rods, etc. For the sake of simplicity, the organic light-emitting display panel will be described in more detail below as a typical example of a display panel.

[0041] The input sensing unit (ISP) may include multiple sensor units (not shown) for sensing external inputs using a capacitive method. The input sensing unit (ISP) may be formed directly on the display panel (DP) during the manufacturing of the display module (DM).

[0042] The anti-reflective layer RPL may be placed on the input sensing unit ISP. The anti-reflective layer RPL may be formed directly on the input sensing unit ISP during the manufacturing of the display module DM. The anti-reflective layer RPL may be defined as an external light anti-reflective film. The anti-reflective layer RPL can reduce the reflectivity of external light incident from the display device DD toward the display panel DP.

[0043] Exemplary, the input sensing unit ISP may be formed directly on the display panel DP, and the anti-reflective layer RPL may be formed directly on the input sensing unit ISP, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, the input sensing unit ISP may be manufactured separately and attached to the display panel DP by an adhesive layer, and the anti-reflective layer RPL may be manufactured separately and attached to the input sensing unit ISP by an adhesive layer.

[0044] The display panel DP, input sensing unit ISP, and anti-reflective layer RPL may be defined as an electronic panel EP.

[0045] A panel protection layer (PPL) may be placed beneath the display panel (DP). The panel protection layer (PPL) can protect the underside (e.g., the back) of the display panel (DP). The panel protection layer (PPL) may contain flexible plastic materials. For example, the panel protection layer (PPL) may contain polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0046] Figure 6 is an illustrative diagram showing a cross-section of the display panel shown in Figure 5.

[0047] As an example, Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the display panel DP as viewed from the second direction DR2.

[0048] Referring to Figure 6, the display panel DP can include a substrate SUB, a circuit element layer DP-CL disposed on the substrate SUB, a display element layer DP-OLED disposed on the circuit element layer DP-CL, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE disposed on the display element layer DP-OLED.

[0049] The substrate SUB may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA (e.g., adjacent areas). The substrate SUB may include glass or a flexible plastic material such as polyimide (PI). The display element layer DP-OLED may be placed on the display area DA.

[0050] Multiple pixels can be arranged in the circuit element layer DP-CL and the display element layer DP-OLED. Each pixel may include a transistor arranged in the circuit element layer DP-CL and a light-emitting element arranged in the display element layer DP-OLED and coupled to the transistor. The pixel configuration is described in more detail below in Figure 8.

[0051] The thin-film encapsulation layer TFE can be placed on the circuit element layer DP-CL so as to cover the display element layer DP-OLED. The thin-film encapsulation layer TFE can protect the pixels from moisture, oxygen, and external foreign substances.

[0052] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the display panel shown in Figure 3.

[0053] Referring to Figure 7, the display module DM can include a display panel DP, a scan driver SDV, a data driver DDV, and an emission driver EDV.

[0054] 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 extends in a second direction DR2, and the first region AA1, the bending region BA, and the second region AA2 may be arranged along the first direction DR1.

[0055] The first region AA1 may include a display region DA and at least a portion of a non-display region NDA surrounding (e.g., adjacent to) the display region DA. At least a portion of the non-display region NDA may surround the display region DA (e.g., its periphery). The display region DA is the region where the image is displayed, and the non-display region NDA may be the region where the image is not displayed. The second region AA2 and the bending region BA may be regions where the image is not displayed.

[0056] When viewed in the third direction DR3, the first region AA1 may include a first non-folding region NFA1, a second non-folding region NFA2, and a folding region FA between the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2.

[0057] The display panel DP may include multiple pixels PX, multiple scan lines SL1 to SLm, multiple data lines DL1 to DLn, multiple light-emitting lines EL1 to Elm, and first and second control lines CSL1 and CSL2, a power line PL, multiple coupling lines CNL, and multiple pads PD. m and n are natural numbers. The pixels PX are arranged in the display area DA and may be coupled to the scan lines SL1 to SLm, data lines DL1 to DLn, and light-emitting lines EL1 to Elm.

[0058] The scanning drive unit SDV and the light emission drive unit EDV may be located in the non-display area NDA. The scanning drive unit SDV and the light emission drive unit EDV may be located in adjacent non-display areas NDA on both sides of the first area AA1, which faces each other in the second direction DR2. The data drive unit DDV may be located in the second area AA2. The data drive unit DDV may be manufactured in the form of an integrated circuit chip and mounted on the second area AA2.

[0059] Scanning lines SL1 to SLm may be extended in the second direction DR2 and connected to the scanning drive unit SDV. Data lines DL1 to DLn may be extended in the first direction DR1 and connected to the data drive unit DDV via the bending region BA. Light emission lines EL1 to ELm may be extended in the second direction DR2 and connected to the light emission drive unit EDV.

[0060] The power line PL may be extended in the first direction DR1 and placed in the non-display area NDA. The power line PL may be placed between the display area DA and the light-emitting drive unit EDV, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the power line PL may be placed between the display area DA and the scanning drive unit SDV.

[0061] The power line PL can be extended to the second region AA2 via the bending region BA. When viewed in a plan view (e.g., in a plan view), the power line PL can be extended towards the lower end of the second region AA2. The power line PL can receive the drive voltage.

[0062] The coupling line CNL may extend in the second direction DR2 and be arranged along the first direction DR1. The coupling line CNL may be connected to the power line PL and the pixel PX. The drive voltage may be applied to the pixel PX through the power line PL and coupling line CNL, which are connected to each other.

[0063] The first control line CSL1 is connected to the scanning drive unit SDV and can extend towards the lower end of the second region AA2 via the bending region BA. The second control line CSL2 is connected to the light emission drive unit EDV and can extend towards the lower end of the second region AA2 via the bending region BA. The data drive unit DDV can be positioned between the first control line CSL1 and the second control line CSL2.

[0064] When viewed on a plane (for example, in a plan view), the pad PD may be positioned adjacent to the lower end of the second region AA2. The data drive unit DDV, power line PL, first control line CSL1, and second control line CSL2 may be connected to the pad PD.

[0065] Data lines DL1 to DLn can be connected to the corresponding pads PD via the data drive unit DDV. For example, data lines DL1 to DLn can be connected to the data drive unit DDV, and the data drive unit DDV can be connected to the pads PD corresponding to each of the data lines DL1 to DLn.

[0066] A printed circuit board may be connected to the pad PD, and a timing controller and voltage generator may be arranged on the printed circuit board. The timing controller may be manufactured as an integrated circuit chip and mounted on the printed circuit board. The timing controller and voltage generator may be connected to the pad PD through the printed circuit board.

[0067] The timing controller can control the operation of the scanning drive unit SDV, the data drive unit DDV, and the light emission drive unit EDV. The timing controller can generate scanning control signals, data control signals, and light emission control signals in response to control signals received from an external source. The voltage generation unit can generate drive voltages.

[0068] Scanning control signals can be provided to the scanning drive unit SDV via the first control line CSL1. Light emission control signals can be provided to the light emission drive unit EDV via the second control line CSL2. Data control signals can be provided to the data drive unit DDV. The timing controller can receive image signals from an external source, convert the data format of the image signals to match the interface specifications with the data drive unit DDV, and provide them to the data drive unit DDV.

[0069] The scanning drive unit (SDV) can generate multiple scanning signals in response to a scanning control signal. These scanning signals can be applied to pixels PX through scanning lines SL1 to SLm. The scanning signals can be applied to pixels PX sequentially.

[0070] The data drive unit DDV can generate multiple data voltages corresponding to the image signal in response to a data control signal. The data voltages can be applied to the pixel PX through data lines DL1 to DLn. The light emission drive unit EDV can generate multiple light emission signals in response to a light emission control signal. The light emission signals can be applied to the pixel PX through light emission lines EL1 to ELm.

[0071] A pixel PX can receive a data voltage in response to a scanning signal. A pixel PX can display an image by emitting light with a brightness corresponding to the data voltage in response to a light emission signal. The light emission time of a pixel PX can be controlled by the light emission signal.

[0072] Figure 8 is an illustrative diagram showing a cross-section of an electronic panel corresponding to any one of the pixels shown in Figure 7.

[0073] Referring to Figure 8, a pixel PX may include a transistor TR and a light-emitting element OLED. The light-emitting element OLED may include a first electrode AE ​​(e.g., anode), a second electrode CE (e.g., cathode), a hole control layer HCL, an electron control layer ECL, and a light-emitting layer EML.

[0074] The transistor TR and the light-emitting element OLED may be arranged on a substrate SUB. Exemplarily, one transistor TR is shown in Figure 8, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and substantially, the pixel PX may include multiple transistors and at least one capacitor for driving the light-emitting element OLED.

[0075] The display area DA may include an emitting area PA corresponding to each pixel PX, and a non-emitting area NPA surrounding (e.g., adjacent to) the emitting area PA. The light-emitting element OLED may be placed in the emitting area PA.

[0076] A buffer layer BFL is placed on a substrate SUB, and the buffer layer BFL may be an inorganic layer. A semiconductor pattern may be placed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor pattern may include polysilicon, amorphous silicon, or metal oxide.

[0077] The semiconductor pattern may be doped with an N-type dopant or a P-type dopant. The semiconductor pattern may contain high-doping and low-doping regions. The conductivity of the high-doping region is greater than that of the low-doping region, and it substantially performs, or can substantially perform, the role of the source and drain electrodes of a transistor TR. The low-doping region corresponds to, or can substantially perform, the active (or channel) of the transistor.

[0078] The source S, active A, and drain D of the transistor TR may be formed from a semiconductor pattern. A first insulating layer INS1 may be placed on the semiconductor pattern. The gate G of the transistor TR may be placed on the first insulating layer INS1. A second insulating layer INS2 may be placed on the gate G. A third insulating layer INS3 may be placed on the second insulating layer INS2.

[0079] The connecting electrode CNE may include a first connecting electrode CNE1 and a second connecting electrode CNE2 for connecting a transistor TR and a light-emitting element OLED. The first connecting electrode CNE1 is placed on a third insulating layer INS3 and may be connected to a drain D through a first contact hole CH1 partitioned (defined) in the first to third insulating layers INS1 to INS3 (for example, through it).

[0080] A fourth insulating layer INS4 may be placed on the first connecting electrode CNE1. A fifth insulating layer INS5 may be placed on the fourth insulating layer INS4. A second connecting electrode CNE2 may be placed on the fifth insulating layer INS5. The second connecting electrode CNE2 may be connected to the first connecting electrode CNE1 through (e.g., through) a second contact hole CH2 defined in the fourth and fifth insulating layers INS4 and INS5.

[0081] A sixth insulating layer INS6 may be placed on the second connecting electrode CNE2. The layers from the buffer layer BFL to the sixth insulating layer INS6 may be partitioned (defined) as circuit element layers DP-CL. The first insulating layer INS1 to the sixth insulating layer INS6 may be inorganic or organic layers.

[0082] A first electrode AE ​​may be placed on a sixth insulating layer INS6. The first electrode AE ​​may be connected to a second connecting electrode CNE2 through a third contact hole CH3 defined in the sixth insulating layer INS6 (for example, by penetrating it). A pixel defining film PDL may be placed on the first electrode AE ​​and the sixth insulating layer INS6, with an opening PX_OP defined to expose a predetermined portion of the first electrode AE.

[0083] The hole control layer (HCL) may be placed on the first electrode (AE) and the pixel definition layer (PDL). The hole control layer (HCL) may include a hole transport layer and a hole injection layer.

[0084] The EML (Emission-Moisture Layer) may be placed on the Hole Control Layer (HCL). The EML may be placed in the region corresponding to the aperture PX_OP. The EML may contain organic and / or inorganic materials. The EML can generate one of the following light colors: red, green, and blue.

[0085] The electron control layer (ECL) may be placed on the light-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 placed in common in the light-emitting region (PA) and the non-light-emitting region (NPA).

[0086] The second electrode CE may be placed on the electronic control layer ECL. The second electrode CE may be placed in common with the pixel PX. The layer on which the light-emitting element OLED is placed may be defined as the display element layer DP-OLED.

[0087] The thin-film encapsulation layer TFE can be placed on the second electrode CE to cover the pixel PX. The thin-film encapsulation layer TFE may include a first encapsulation layer EN1 placed on the second electrode CE, a second encapsulation layer EN2 placed on the first encapsulation layer EN1, and a third encapsulation layer EN3 placed on the second encapsulation layer EN2.

[0088] The first and third sealing layers EN1 and EN3 include an inorganic insulating layer that can protect the pixel PX from moisture / oxygen. The second sealing layer EN2 includes an organic insulating layer that can protect the pixel PX from foreign substances such as dust particles.

[0089] A first voltage is applied to the first electrode AE ​​through the transistor TR, and a second voltage having a lower level than the first voltage may be applied to the second electrode CE. Holes and electrons injected into the light-emitting layer EML combine to form excitons, and as the excitons transition to the bottom state, the light-emitting element OLED can emit light.

[0090] The input sensing unit (ISP) may be positioned on the thin film encapsulation layer (TFE). The input sensing unit (ISP) may be manufactured directly on the upper surface of the thin film encapsulation layer (TFE).

[0091] A base layer BS may be disposed on a thin film encapsulation layer TFE. The base layer BS may include an inorganic insulating layer. At least one inorganic insulating layer may be provided as the base layer BS on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE.

[0092] 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.

[0093] The first and second conductive patterns CTL1 and CTL2 can be superimposed on the non-emitting region NPA. The first and second conductive patterns CTL1 and CTL2 are arranged on the non-emitting region NPA between the emitting regions PA and may have a mesh shape.

[0094] The first and second conductive patterns CTL1 and CTL2 can form the sensors of the input sensing unit ISP described above. For example, the mesh-shaped first and second conductive patterns CTL1 and CTL2 can be separated from each other (e.g., isolated) in a predetermined region to form a sensor. A portion of the second conductive pattern CTL2 may be connected to the first conductive pattern CTL1.

[0095] An anti-reflective layer RPL may be placed on the second conductive pattern CTL2. The anti-reflective layer RPL may include a black matrix BM and multiple color filters CF. The black matrix BM may be superimposed on the non-emitting region NPA, and the color filters CF may be superimposed on the emitting region PA.

[0096] The black matrix BM may be placed on the insulating layer TINS ​​so as to cover the second conductive pattern CTL2. The black matrix BM may have an aperture B_OP that superimposes on the light-emitting region PA and the aperture PX_OP. The black matrix BM can absorb and block light. The width of the aperture B_OP in the black matrix BM may be greater than the width of the aperture PX_OP in the pixel definition film PDL.

[0097] A color filter CF may be placed on an insulating layer TINS ​​and a black matrix BM. A series of color filters CF may be placed in a series of openings B_OP, respectively. A planar insulating layer PINS may be placed on the color filter CF. The planar insulating layer PINS can provide a flat or substantially flat top surface.

[0098] When external light traveling toward the display panel DP is reflected by the display panel DP and provided again to the external user, the user can see the external light as if it were a mirror. The anti-reflective layer RPL may include multiple color filters CF that display the same color as the pixels PX of the display panel DP so that the external light incident on the display panel DP is not visible to the user. The color filters CF can filter the external light with the same color as the pixels PX. In such a case, it is not necessary for the external light to be visible to the user.

[0099] However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the anti-reflective layer RPL may include a polarizing film 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.

[0100] Figure 9A is a cross-sectional view of the line I-I' shown in Figure 7. Figure 9B is a diagram showing the bending state of the bending region shown in Figure 9A.

[0101] As an example, Figure 9A is a diagram showing a part of the display unit DSP, a part of the support plate PLT, and a part of the window module WM.

[0102] Referring to Figure 9A, the display device DD may include a display unit DSP, a window module WM positioned on the display unit DSP, and a support plate PLT positioned below the display unit DSP. The support plate PLT can support the display module DM. The window module WM may include a window WIN, a window protective layer WP, a hard coating layer HC, and first and second adhesive layers AL1 and AL2.

[0103] The display unit DSP may include an electronic panel EP, an impact absorption layer ISL, a panel protection layer PPL, a barrier layer BRL, and third to sixth adhesive layers AL3 to AL6. The impact absorption layer ISL, electronic panel EP, panel protection layer PPL, third adhesive layer AL3, and fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be defined as a display module DM. The configuration of the electronic panel EP and the panel protection layer PPL is the same as, or substantially the same as, the electronic panel EP and panel protection layer PPL described in detail in Figure 5, so repeated explanations are omitted.

[0104] The shock-absorbing layer (ISL) can be placed on the electronic panel (EP). The shock-absorbing layer (ISL) can 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) can be manufactured in the form of a stretched film.

[0105] The impact-absorbing layer (ISL) may contain flexible plastic materials. Flexible plastic materials can be defined as synthetic resin films. For example, the impact-absorbing layer (ISL) may contain flexible plastic materials such as polyimide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0106] WindowWIN can be placed on top of the impact absorption layer ISL. WindowWIN can protect the electronic panel EP from external scratches. WindowWIN can have the property of being optically transparent. WindowWIN may include glass. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and WindowWIN may include a synthetic resin film.

[0107] WindowWIN can have a multilayer or single-layer structure. For example, WindowWIN may include multiple synthetic resin films bonded together with adhesive and / or a glass substrate and synthetic resin film bonded together with adhesive.

[0108] The window protection layer WP may be placed on the window WIN. The window protection layer WP may contain a flexible plastic material such as polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate. The hard coating layer HC may be placed on the upper surface of the window protection layer WP.

[0109] The printed layer PIT may be positioned on the underside of the window protection layer WP. The printed layer PIT may be black, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the color of the printed layer PIT is not limited thereto. The printed layer PIT may be adjacent to the periphery of the window protection layer WP.

[0110] The barrier layer BRL may be placed beneath the panel protective layer PPL. The barrier layer BRL can increase resistance to compressive forces caused by external pressure. Therefore, the barrier layer BRL can prevent or substantially prevent deformation of the electronic panel EP. The barrier layer BRL may contain flexible plastic materials such as polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0111] The barrier layer BRL can have an appropriate color that absorbs light. For example, the barrier layer BRL can be black. In such a case, when the display module DM is viewed on the display module DM, the components placed beneath the barrier layer BRL do not need to be visible.

[0112] The first adhesive layer AL1 may be placed 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 together. The first adhesive layer AL1 may cover the printing layer PIT.

[0113] The second adhesive layer AL2 may be placed between the window WIN and the impact absorption layer ISL. The second adhesive layer AL2 may bond the window WIN and the impact absorption layer ISL together.

[0114] The third adhesive layer AL3 may be placed between the impact absorption layer ISL and the electronic panel EP. The third adhesive layer AL3 may bond the impact absorption layer ISL and the electronic panel EP together.

[0115] A fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be placed between the electronic panel EP and the panel protective layer PPL. The electronic panel EP and the panel protective layer PPL may be bonded to each other by the fourth adhesive layer AL4.

[0116] A fifth adhesive layer AL5 may be placed between the panel protective layer PPL and the barrier layer BRL. The panel protective layer PPL and the barrier layer BRL may be bonded to each other by the fifth adhesive layer AL5.

[0117] A sixth adhesive layer AL6 may be placed between the barrier layer BRL and the support plate PLT. Specifically, the support plate PLT may be placed below the barrier layer BRL, and the sixth adhesive layer AL6 may be placed between the barrier layer BRL and the support plate PLT. The barrier layer BRL and the support plate PLT may be bonded to each other by the sixth adhesive layer AL6.

[0118] The sixth adhesive layer AL6 may be superimposed on the first and second non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2, but not on the folding region FA. In other words, the sixth adhesive layer AL6 does not have to be placed in the folding region FA.

[0119] The first to sixth adhesive layers AL1 to AL6 may include transparent adhesives such as pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) or optically clear adhesives (OCA), but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the type of adhesive is not limited thereto.

[0120] The thickness of the panel protection layer PPL may be less than the thickness of the window protection layer WP, and the thickness of the barrier layer BRL may be less than the thickness of the panel protection layer PPL. The thickness of the electronic panel EP may be less than the thickness of the barrier layer BRL and may be the same as, or substantially the same as, the thickness of the window WIN. The thickness of the impact absorption layer ISL may be less than the thickness of the electronic panel EP.

[0121] The thickness of the first adhesive layer AL1 is the same as, or substantially the same as, the thickness of the barrier layer BRL, and the thicknesses of the second adhesive layer AL2 and the third adhesive layer AL3 are the same as, or substantially the same as, the thickness of the panel protective layer PPL. The thickness of the fourth adhesive layer AL4 is the same as, or substantially the same as, the thickness of the fifth adhesive layer AL5.

[0122] The thicknesses of the fourth adhesive layer AL4 and the fifth adhesive layer AL5 may be less than the thickness of the electronic panel EP and greater than the thickness of the shock absorption layer ISL. The sixth adhesive layer AL6 may be less than the thickness of the shock absorption layer ISL. The thickness of the hard coating layer HC may be less than the thickness of the sixth adhesive layer AL6.

[0123] The electronic panel EP, the impact absorption layer ISL, the panel protection layer PPL, and the third and fourth adhesive layers AL3 and AL4 may have the same or substantially the same width as each other. The window protection layer WP and the first adhesive layer AL1 may have the same or substantially the same width as each other. The barrier layer BRL and the fifth and sixth adhesive layers AL5 and AL6 may have the same or substantially the same width as each other.

[0124] The widths of the electronic panel EP, the impact absorption layer ISL, the panel protection layer PPL, and the third and fourth adhesive layers AL3 and AL4 may be greater than the widths of the window protection layer WP and the first adhesive layer AL1. The periphery of the electronic panel EP, the impact absorption layer ISL, the panel protection layer PPL, and the third and fourth adhesive layers AL3 and AL4 may be positioned outside the periphery of the window protection layer WP and the first adhesive layer AL1.

[0125] The width of window WIN and the second adhesive layer AL2 may be smaller than the width of the window protective layer WP and the first adhesive layer AL1. The width of the second adhesive layer AL2 may be smaller than the width of window WIN. The periphery of window WIN may be positioned inward from the periphery of the window protective layer WP and the first adhesive layer AL1. The periphery of the second adhesive layer AL2 may be positioned inward from the periphery of window WIN.

[0126] The widths of the barrier layer BRL and the fifth and sixth adhesive layers AL5 and AL6 may be smaller than the widths of the window protection layer WP and the first adhesive layer AL1. The periphery of the barrier layer BRL and the fifth and sixth adhesive layers AL5 and AL6 may be positioned inward from the periphery of the window protection layer WP and the first adhesive layer AL1.

[0127] The support plate PLT can be positioned below the display unit DSP to support the display unit DSP. The support plate PLT can be positioned below the electronic panel EP to support the electronic panel EP. The width of the support plate PLT may be the same as, or substantially the same as, the width of the electronic panel EP. The support plate PLT may have higher rigidity than the display unit DSP.

[0128] The support plate PLT may contain non-metallic materials. For example, the support plate PLT may contain a reinforced fiber composite material. The reinforced fiber composite material may be carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP).

[0129] Since the PLT support plate contains a reinforcing fiber composite material, it can be made lighter. For example, by including a reinforcing fiber composite material, the PLT support plate can have a lighter weight compared to a metal support plate made of metal material, while having a similar level of modulus and strength to a metal support plate.

[0130] Furthermore, because the support plate PLT contains a reinforcing fiber composite material, it is easier to shape the support plate PLT compared to a metal support plate. For example, a support plate PLT containing a reinforcing fiber composite material can be more easily processed through laser or microblasting processes.

[0131] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the support plate PLT according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a metallic material.

[0132] The support plate PLT may include a first non-folding portion PLT1, a folding portion PLF, and a second non-folding portion PLT2. The first non-folding portion PLT1 can be superimposed on the first non-folding region NFA1. The folding portion PLF can be superimposed on the folding region FA. The second non-folding portion PLT2 can be superimposed on the second non-folding region NFA2.

[0133] Multiple openings OP may be defined in the folding portion PLF. The openings OP may be formed penetrating the support plate PLT in the third direction DR3. When viewed in the second direction DR2 (e.g., in cross-section), the openings OP may be spaced apart and arranged along the first direction DR1. The openings OP may be formed through the aforementioned laser process or microblasting process. The width of the portion in which the openings OP are formed may be smaller than the width of the opened portion of the sixth adhesive layer AL6.

[0134] By defining the opening OP as the portion of the support plate PLT that overlaps the folding region FA, the flexibility of the portion of the support plate PLT that overlaps the folding region FA can be increased. As a result, the center of the folding region FA can be folded by the support plate PLT.

[0135] The folding section PLF may include branch sections BR. The branch sections BR may be positioned between adjacent openings OP in the first direction DR1. The more detailed shapes of the openings OP and branch sections BR are described in detail in Figures 10A to 10C.

[0136] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display device DD may further include a digitizer, a shielding layer, and a heat dissipation layer disposed beneath a support plate PLT.

[0137] Referring to Figure 9B, the panel protection layer PPL and the fourth adhesive layer AL4 do not necessarily have to be located in the bending region BA. The panel protection layer PPL and the fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be located in the second region AA2 beneath the electronic panel EP. The data drive unit DDV may be located in the second region AA2 beneath the display panel EP.

[0138] The printed circuit board (PCB) may be connected to the second region AA2 of the electronic panel EP. The printed circuit board (PCB) may be connected to one side of the second region AA2. The bending region BA may be bent so that the second region AA2 is positioned below the first region AA1. Therefore, the data drive unit DDV and the printed circuit board (PCB) may be positioned below the first region AA1.

[0139] Figure 10A is a perspective view of the support plate shown in Figure 9A. Figure 10B is an enlarged view of the folding section shown in Figure 10A. Figure 10C is a diagram illustrating the change in rigidity depending on the position of the folding section shown in Figure 10A. Figure 10D is a diagram illustrating the stress experienced by the window module shown in Figure 9A during folding.

[0140] For example, Figure 10B is an enlarged plan view of the first region A1 shown in Figure 10A.

[0141] The folding axis FX shown in Figure 10B is identical or substantially identical to the folding axis FX shown in Figures 2A and 2B, so repeated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0142] Referring to Figure 10A, when viewed in a plan view (for example, a plan view), the support plate PLT can have a rectangular shape with a short side extended in a first direction DR1 and a long side extended in a second direction DR2. The present invention is not limited thereto, and the shape of the support plate PLT can be diverse.

[0143] The support plate PLT may include a first non-folding portion PLT1, a folding portion PLF, and a second non-folding portion PLT2. The folding portion PLF may be positioned between the first non-folding portion PLT1 and the second non-folding portion PLT2. The first non-folding portion PLT1, the folding portion PLF, and the second non-folding portion PLT2 may be arranged in a direction parallel to or substantially parallel to the first direction DR1. The first non-folding portion PLT1 and the second non-folding portion PLT2 may be superimposed on the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2 shown in Figures 7 and 9A, respectively. The folding portion PLF may be superimposed on the folding region FA shown in Figures 7 and 9A.

[0144] Exemplary, each of the first non-folding portion PLT1 and the second non-folding portion PLT2 may have a rectangular shape that is parallel to or substantially parallel to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In one embodiment of the present invention, the shapes of the first and second non-folding portions PLT1 and PLT2 can be diverse.

[0145] A grid pattern may be defined in the folding section PLF. For example, a plurality of openings OP (which can be penetrated) may be defined in the folding section PLF. The openings OP may be arranged according to a predetermined rule. The openings OP can be arranged in a grid shape to form a grid pattern in the folding section PLF.

[0146] Referring to Figure 10B, the openings OP can be arranged in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. When viewed in a plan view (for example, a plan view), openings OP adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 can be arranged alternately.

[0147] The opening OP can be extended further in the second direction DR2 than in the first direction DR1. That is, the opening OP can be extended in a direction parallel to or substantially parallel to the folding axis FX.

[0148] The folding section PLF may include branch sections BR. The folding section PLF may include a first branch section BR1 positioned between adjacent openings OP in a first direction DR1, and a second branch section BR2 positioned between adjacent openings OP in a second direction DR2. The first branch section BR1 may extend in the second direction DR2, and the second branch section BR2 may extend in the first direction DR1. The second branch section BR2 may connect to each of the first branch sections BR1 adjacent to the first direction DR1. The first and second branch sections BR1 and BR2 may define the opening OP.

[0149] The folding axis FX can be superimposed on the center of the folding section PLF. The folding axis FX can be superimposed on one of the first branches BR1 within the first branch BR1. One of the first branches BR1 can be extended in the second direction DR2 along the folding axis FX. The folding axis FX may not be superimposed on the opening OP.

[0150] The first branch BR1 can include the first-first branch BR1-1 to the first-n branch BR1-n, where n is a natural number. Each of the first-first branch BR1-1 to the first-n branch BR1-n extends in the second direction DR2 and may be arranged in a direction parallel to or substantially parallel to the first direction DR1. The first-first branch BR1-1 can overlap with the folding axis FX. The first-n may be adjacent to the first and second non-folding sections PLT1 and PLT2 shown in Figure 10A. Since the folding sections PLF are symmetrical or substantially symmetrical with respect to the first direction DR1 around the folding axis FX, for the sake of simplicity, the following explanation will focus on a portion of the folding section PLF located to the right of the folding axis FX.

[0151] When viewed in a plane (for example, in a plan view), the length of each first branch BR1 adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 can be variable. When viewed in a plane, the further away the first branch BR1 is from the folding axis FX in a direction parallel to or substantially parallel to the first direction DR1, the smaller the length of the first branch BR1 relative to the first direction DR1 can be.

[0152] The length Ws1 to the first direction DR1 in the 1st-1st branch BR1-1, which overlaps with the folding axis FX, may be greater than the length Ws2 to the first direction DR1 in the 1st-2nd branch BR1-2. The length Ws2 to the first direction DR1 in the 1st-2nd branch BR1-2 may be greater than the length Wsn to the first direction DR1 in the 1st-nth branch BR1-n. That is, within the first branch BR1, the length Ws1 to the first direction DR1 in the 1st-1st branch BR1-1, which is closest to the folding axis FX, may be the largest, and the length to the first direction DR1 in the 1st-nth branch BR1-n, which is furthest from the first folding axis FX, may be the smallest.

[0153] With this structure, when viewed in a plan view (for example, a plan view), the area of ​​the first branch BR1 between adjacent openings OP in the first direction DR1 may decrease as it moves further away from the folding axis FX.

[0154] When viewed on a plane (for example, in a plan view), the area of ​​the 1-1 branch BR1-1 that overlaps with the folding axis FX may be larger than the area of ​​the 1-2 branch BR1-2. The area of ​​the 1-2 branch BR1-2 may be larger than the area of ​​the 1-n branch BR1-n. That is, within the 1st branch BR1, the area of ​​the 1-1 branch BR1-1 that is closest to the folding axis FX may be the largest, and the area of ​​the 1-n branch BR1-n that is furthest from the folding axis FX may be the smallest.

[0155] When viewed in a plan view (for example, a plan view), the area ratio of each opening OP to the area of ​​the branch portions BR adjacent to the first and second directions DR1 and DR2 can be varied. The ratio of the area of ​​the opening OP to the areas of the first and second branch portions BR1 and BR2 can increase as you move from the center of the folding portion PLF toward the first and second non-folding portions PLT1 and PLT2. The center of the folding portion PLF can be defined as the portion of the folding portion PLF that overlaps the folding axis FX.

[0156] Referring to Figures 10B, 10C, and 10D, the stiffness of the folding section PLF can be varied depending on the position of the folding section PLF, as the ratio of the area of ​​the opening OP to the area of ​​the branch BR adjacent to the opening OP increases with increasing distance from the center of the folding axis FX or folding section PLF. The stiffness may be inversely proportional to the ratio of the area of ​​the opening OP to the area of ​​the branch BR adjacent to the opening OP. The stiffness of the folding section PLF may decrease with increasing distance from the folding axis FX. That is, among the first branch BR1, the stiffness of the 1-1 branch BR1-1 that overlaps with the folding axis FX may be the greatest, and the stiffness of the 1-n branch BR1-n that is furthest from the folding axis FX may be the smallest.

[0157] Specifically, Graph 1-1 A1-1 shows the change in the stiffness of the folding section PLF according to the distance from the center of the folding section PLF, when the area of ​​the first branch BR1 between adjacent openings OP is constant. Graph 1-2 A1-2 shows the stress acting on the window module WM according to the distance from the center of the folding section PLF, when the area sandwiched between adjacent openings OP is constant.

[0158] Graph B2-1 in Section 2-1 shows the change in the stiffness of the folding section PLF according to the distance from the center of the folding section PLF, when the folding axis FX is superimposed on the first branch BR1, and the area of ​​the first branch BR1 between adjacent openings OP decreases as it moves further away from the folding axis FX. Graph B2-2 in Section 2-2 shows the stress acting on the window module WM according to the distance from the center of the folding section PLF, when the folding axis FX is superimposed on the first branch BR1, and the area between adjacent openings OP decreases as it moves further away from the folding axis FX.

[0159] Graph C3-1 in Section 3-1 shows the change in the stiffness of the folding section PLF according to the distance from the center of the folding section PLF, when the folding axis FX is superimposed on the opening OP, and the area of ​​the first branch BR1 between adjacent openings OP decreases as the distance from the folding axis FX increases. Graph C3-2 in Section 3-2 shows the stress acting on the window module WM according to the distance from the center of the folding section PLF, when the folding axis FX is superimposed on the opening OP, and the area between adjacent openings OP decreases as the distance from the folding axis FX increases.

[0160] When the support plate PLT is folded, the window module WM (see Figure 9A) placed on the support plate PLT may also be folded. When the window module WM (see Figure 9A) is folded, stress may act on the window module WM (see Figure 9A). The greatest stress may act on the center of the support plate PLT and the center of the window module WM, which overlap with the folding axis FX. The smallest stress may act on the part of the window module WM furthest from the folding axis FX.

[0161] Comparing graph A1-1 with Graph 2-1 B2-1 and graphs 1-2 A1-2 with Graph 2-2 B2-2, in the case of Graph 1-1 A1-1, the rigidity of the folding part PLF may remain constant even when moving away from the folding axis FX. However, in the case of Graph 2-1 B2-1, the rigidity is greatest at the point where it overlaps with the folding axis FX, and the rigidity of the folding part PLF may decrease as it moves further away from the folding axis FX. By making the embodiment showing the results of Graph 2-1 B2-1 have higher rigidity than the embodiment showing the results of Graph 1-1 A1-1, the resistance of the folding part PLF to external forces can be increased.

[0162] Therefore, the amount of change in the external force on the folding section PLF is reduced, and the amount of change in the external force on the display module DM and window module WM, which are placed on the support plate PLT and in contact with the upper surface of the folding section PLF, may also be reduced. As the amount of change in the external force on the window module WM decreases, the stress applied to the window module WM may also decrease.

[0163] Specifically, the stress applied to the center of the window module WM in the embodiment shown in Graph B2-2 of 2-2 can be reduced compared to the stress in the embodiment shown in Graph A1-2 of 1-2. Therefore, when folding the electronic device ED (see Figure 1), damage to the window module WM can be prevented, or substantially prevented.

[0164] Furthermore, comparing Graph 2-1 B2-1 with Graph 3-1 C3-1, and Graph 2-2 B2-2 with Graph 3-2 C3-2, the stiffness of the embodiment in Graph 3-1 C3-1 may be greater than the stiffness of the embodiment in Graph 2-1 B2-1 at the center of the folding section PLF adjacent to the folding axis FX. The size of the stress applied to the center of the window module WM in Graph 3-2 C3-2 may be smaller than the size of the stress applied to the center of the window module WM in Graph 2-2 B2-2.

[0165] However, in the embodiment shown in graph C3-2 of section 3-2, a high stress value may be present at a point a predetermined distance from the center of the folding section PLF. At a point a predetermined distance from the center of the folding section PLF, the stress size in the embodiment shown in graph C3-2 of section 3-2 may be larger than the stress size in the embodiment shown in graph B2-2 of section 2-2. Therefore, a strong stress acts on the window module WM located above a point a predetermined distance from the center of the folding section PLF, and the window module WM may be damaged.

[0166] In the case of the support plate PLT according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the folding axis FX can overlap with the first branch BR1. Therefore, the further away from the center of the folding portion PLF, the smaller the size of the stress applied to the window module WM can be gradually reduced. Consequently, the possibility of damage to the window module WM can be reduced.

[0167] For illustrative purposes, Figure 10D illustrates the stress acting on the window module WM, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can be similarly applied to other layers positioned above or below the support plate PLT.

[0168] Referring to Figure 10B, the width Wb of the second branch BR2 in the second direction DR2 is constant or substantially constant. The length Lw of each opening OP in the first direction DR1 is constant or substantially constant. The length Lo of each opening OP in the second direction DR2 is constant or substantially constant.

[0169] As an example, in one embodiment shown in Figure 10B, it was explained that the ratio of the area of ​​the opening OP to the area of ​​the branch BR adjacent to the opening OP is varied by changing the length of the first branch BR1 in the first direction DR1. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the area between adjacent openings OP can be varied by changing the length of the second branch BR2 in the second direction DR2 or by changing the area of ​​the opening OP. This is explained in detail in Figures 11 to 17.

[0170] Figure 11 is a plan view of a folding section according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0171] The first branch BR1, the second branch BR2, and the folding axis FX in Figure 11 are identical or substantially identical to the first branch BR1, the second branch BR2, and the folding axis FX described in Figure 10B, so redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0172] With respect to the folding axis FX, the folding section PLF can be symmetrical or substantially symmetrical with respect to the first direction DR1. For the sake of simplicity, the first branch BR1, the second branch BR2, and the opening OPa located to the right of the folding axis FX will be described below, while the description of the parts on the left side of the folding axis FX that are duplicated will be omitted.

[0173] Referring to Figures 9A, 10A, and 11, the length Ws of the first branch BR1 in the first direction DR1 can decrease as it moves further away from the folding axis FX. The length of the second branch BR2 in the second direction DR2 can be constant or substantially constant. The length of the opening OPa in the second direction DR2 can be constant or substantially constant.

[0174] The length of an opening OPa toward the first direction DR1 can increase as it is further away from the folding axis FX. For example, in the direction parallel to or parallel to the first direction DR1 from the folding axis FX, the length Lwa1 of the opening OPa1 in the first column toward the first direction DR1 may be less than the length Lwa2 of the opening OPa2 in the second column toward the first direction DR1. The length Lwa2 of the opening OPa2 in the second column toward the first direction DR1 may be less than the length of the opening OPan in the nth column toward the first direction DR1, where n is a natural number. The columns may correspond to the second direction DR2.

[0175] That is, within the opening OPa, the length Lwa1 in the first direction DR1 at the opening OPa1 closest to the folding axis FX may be the smallest. Within the opening OPa, the length Lwan in the first direction DR1 at the opening OPan adjacent to one side of the first and second non-folding sections PLT1 and PLT2 may be the largest. One side of the first and second non-folding sections PLT1 and PLT2 may be defined as the side facing the folding section PLF.

[0176] Therefore, when viewed in a plan view (for example, a plan view), the area of ​​the opening OPa can increase as it is further away from the folding axis FX. The area of ​​the opening OPa adjacent to the folding axis FX is smallest in the center of the folding section PLF, and the area of ​​the opening OPa can gradually increase as it moves towards the first and second non-folding sections PLT1 and PLT2.

[0177] The length of the first branch BR1 in the first direction DR1 and the area of ​​the opening OPa can be changed, thereby varying the ratio of the area of ​​the opening OPa to the area of ​​the branch BR adjacent to the opening OPa. The ratio of the area of ​​the opening OPa to the area of ​​the branch BR adjacent to the opening OPa can increase as it moves further away from the folding axis FX. Therefore, the stiffness of the folding section PLF can be changed. The stiffness of the folding section PLF can increase as it moves closer to the folding axis FX.

[0178] As the rigidity of the folding section PLF increases with respect to the folding axis FX, the stress acting on the center of the support plate PLT when the electronic device ED (see Figure 1) is folded may decrease. Consequently, the stress acting on the center of the window module WM, which is superimposed on the center of the support plate PLT, may also decrease. Therefore, the possibility of damage to the window module WM when the electronic device ED (see Figure 1) is folded may decrease.

[0179] While the possibility of failure of a window module WM placed on a support plate PLT has been described exemplarily, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the possibility of failure of other layers may also be reduced, as stresses acting on other layers placed above or below the support plate PLT may also be reduced.

[0180] Figure 12 is a plan view of a folding section according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0181] For illustrative purposes, Figure 12 is an enlarged plan view according to another embodiment of the first region AA1 of Figure 10A.

[0182] Referring to Figures 9A and 12, in a plan view (e.g., a plan view), the length Ws of the first branch BR1a positioned between adjacent openings OPb in the first direction DR1 is constant or substantially constant. The length Lw of the opening OPb in the first direction DR1 may be constant.

[0183] When viewed in a plan view (for example, a plan view), the length of the opening OPb in the second direction DR2 can be variable. The length of the opening OPb in the second direction DR2 can increase as it is moved further away from the folding axis FX.

[0184] For example, in a direction parallel to or substantially parallel to the first direction DR1 from the folding axis FX, the length Lob1 of the opening OPb1 in the first column toward the second direction DR2 may be smaller than the length Lob2 of the opening OPb2 in the second column toward the second direction DR2. The length Lob2 of the opening OPb2 in the second column toward the second direction DR2 may be smaller than the length Lobn of the opening OPbn in the nth column toward the second direction DR2. Hereinafter, n can be a natural number. The columns may correspond to the second direction DR2.

[0185] That is, within the opening OPb, the length Lob1 in the second direction DR2 of the opening OPb1 that is closest to the folding axis FX may be the smallest. Within the opening OPb, the length Lobn in the second direction DR2 of the opening OPbn adjacent to one side of the first and second non-folding parts PLT1 and PLT2 may be the largest.

[0186] Therefore, when viewed in a plan view (for example, a plan view), the area of ​​the opening OPb can increase as it is further away from the folding axis FX. The area of ​​the opening OPb adjacent to the folding axis FX is smallest in the center of the folding section PLF, and the area of ​​the opening OPb can gradually increase as it moves towards the first and second non-folding sections PLT1 and PLT2.

[0187] The length of the second branch BR2a toward the second direction DR2, positioned between adjacent openings OPb in direction DR2, can be varied. When viewed in a plan view (e.g., a plan view), the length of the second branch BR2a toward the second direction DR2 can decrease as it is moved further away from the folding axis FX toward the first direction DR1.

[0188] Specifically, the length Wba1 of the second branch BR2a1 positioned between the openings OPb1 of the first row may be greater than the length Wba2 of the second branch BR2a2 positioned between the openings OPb2 of the second row. The length Wba2 of the second branch BR2a2 positioned between the openings OPb2 of the second row may be greater than the length Wban of the second branch BR2an positioned between the openings OPbn of the nth row.

[0189] Therefore, the area between adjacent openings OPb in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 can be varied. The further away from the folding axis FX, the smaller the area between adjacent openings OPb can be.

[0190] The ratio of the area of ​​the opening OPb to the area of ​​the branch BR adjacent to the opening OPb can be varied by changing the area of ​​the opening OPb and the area between the openings OPb. The ratio of the area of ​​the opening OPb to the area of ​​the branch BR adjacent to the opening OPb can increase as it moves further away from the folding axis FX. Therefore, the stiffness of the folding section PLF can be changed. The stiffness of the folding section PLF can increase as it moves closer to the folding axis FX.

[0191] As the rigidity of the folding section PLF increases with increasing proximity to the folding axis FX, the stress acting on the center of the support plate PLT, which is superimposed on the folding axis FX, may decrease when the electronic device ED (see Figure 1) is folded. Consequently, the stress acting on the center of the window module WM, which is superimposed on the center of the support plate PLT, may also decrease. Therefore, the possibility of damage to the window module WM may decrease when the electronic device ED (see Figure 1) is folded.

[0192] While one embodiment of the present invention has described the possibility of damage to a window module WM placed on a support plate PLT, the present invention is not limited thereto. It can similarly be applied to other layers placed above or below the support plate PLT.

[0193] Figure 13 is a plan view of a folding section according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0194] Exemplary, Figure 13 is a plan view according to another embodiment of the first region AA1 shown in Figure 10A.

[0195] Since the first branch BR1 and opening OP in Figure 13 are identical or substantially identical to the first branch BR1 in Figure 12 and the opening OP in Figure 10B, redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0196] Referring to Figure 13, the length Ws of the first branch BR1 in the first direction DR1 may be constant or substantially constant. The length Lw of the opening OP in the first direction DR1 may be constant or substantially constant. The length Lo of the opening OP in the second direction DR2 may be constant or substantially constant.

[0197] The length Wbb of the branch BR2b toward the second direction DR2 can be varied. The length Wbb of the second branch BR2b toward the second direction DR2 can decrease as it moves further away from the folding axis FX.

[0198] Specifically, the length Wbb1 of a second branch BR2b1 positioned between first row openings OP1 in a direction parallel to or substantially parallel to the first direction DR1 from the folding axis PX may be smaller than the length Wbb2 of a second branch BR2b2 positioned between second row openings OP2. The length Wbb2 of a second branch BR2b2 positioned between second row openings OP2 may be larger than the length Wbbn of a second branch BR2bn positioned between nth row openings OP. The rows may correspond to the second direction DR2.

[0199] By varying the length of the second branch BR2b in the second direction DR2, the area between adjacent openings OP in the first and second directions DR1 and DR2 can be varied. The area between adjacent openings OP can become smaller the further they are from the folding axis FX. The area between openings OP adjacent to the folding axis FX can be the largest, while the area between openings OP adjacent to the first and second non-folding parts PLT1 and PLT2 (see Figure 10A) can be the smallest.

[0200] The area ratio of the opening OP to the area of ​​the branch BR adjacent to the opening OP can be varied. The area ratio of the opening OP to the area of ​​the branch BR adjacent to the opening OP can increase as it moves further away from the folding axis FX. Therefore, the stiffness of the folding section PLF can be changed. The stiffness of the folding section PLF can increase as it moves closer to the folding axis FX.

[0201] As the rigidity of the folding section PLF increases with increasing proximity to the FX on the folding axis, the stress acting on the central portion of the support plate PLT when the electronic device ED (see Figure 1) is folded may decrease. Consequently, the stress acting on the central portion of the window module WM superimposed on the central portion of the support plate PLT may also decrease. Therefore, the possibility of damage to the window module WM when the electronic device ED (see Figure 1) is folded may decrease.

[0202] While the present invention has been illustrated with an example of the potential for damage to a window module WM located on a support plate PLT, it is not limited to this. It can similarly be applied to other layers located above or below the support plate PLT.

[0203] Figure 14 is a plan view of the folding section according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0204] For illustrative purposes, Figure 14 is a plan view of another embodiment of the first region AA1 shown in Figure 10A.

[0205] Since the first branch BR1 and the second branch BR2 in Figure 14 are identical or substantially identical to the first branch BR1 in Figure 13 and the second branch BR2 in Figure 10B, redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0206] Referring to Figure 14, the length Ws of the first branch BR1 in the first direction DR1 is constant or substantially constant. The length of the second branch BR2 in the second direction DR2 is constant or substantially constant. The length Lo of the opening OPc in the second direction DR2 is constant or substantially constant.

[0207] The length of an opening OPc toward the first direction DR1 can increase as it is further away from the folding axis FX. For example, in order from the folding axis FX toward the first direction DR1, the length Lwb1 of the opening OPc1 in the first column toward the first direction DR1 can be smaller than the length Lwb2 of the opening OPc2 in the second column toward the first direction DR1. The length Lwb2 of the opening OPc2 in the second column toward the first direction DR1 can be smaller than the length of the opening OPcn in the nth column toward the first direction DR1, where n is a natural number. Each column can correspond to the second direction DR2.

[0208] That is, within the opening OPc, the length Lwb1 in the first direction DR1 of the opening OPc1 closest to the folding axis FX can be the smallest. The length Lwbn in the first direction DR1 of the opening OPcn furthest from the folding axis FX can be the largest. In other words, within the opening OPc, the length Lwbn in the first direction DR1 of the opening OPcn adjacent to one side of the first and second non-folding sections PLT1 and PLT2 can be the largest. One side of the first and second non-folding sections PLT1 and PLT2 can be defined as the side facing the folding section PLF.

[0209] Therefore, when viewed in a plane (for example, on a plane), the area of ​​the opening OPc can increase as it is further away from the folding axis FX. The area of ​​the opening OPc adjacent to the folding axis FX is smallest in the center of the folding section PLF, and the area of ​​the opening OPc can gradually increase as it moves towards the first and second non-folding sections PLT1 and PLT2. In the folding section PLF adjacent to the folding axis FX, as the area occupied by the opening OPc decreases, the area ratio of the opening OPc to the area of ​​the branch section BR adjacent to the opening OPc can be varied. The area ratio of the opening OPc to the area of ​​the branch section BR adjacent to the opening OPc can increase as it moves further away from the folding axis FX. Therefore, the stiffness of the folding section PLF can be changed. The stiffness of the folding section PLF can increase as it moves closer to the folding axis FX.

[0210] As the rigidity of the folding section PLF increases with increasing proximity to the FX on the folding axis, the stress acting on the center of the support plate PLT when the electronic device ED (see Figure 1) is folded may decrease. Consequently, the stress acting on the center of the window module WM superimposed on the center of the support plate PLT may also decrease. Therefore, the possibility of damage to the window module WM when the electronic device ED (see Figure 1) is folded may decrease.

[0211] While the possibility of damage to a window module WM placed on a support plate PLT has been described in detail in one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto. It may also be applied to other layers placed above or below the support plate PLT.

[0212] Figures 15A and 15B are drawings illustrating a support plate according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0213] For illustrative purposes, Figure 15A is a perspective view, and Figure 15B is an enlarged plan view of the second region AA2 shown in Figure 15A.

[0214] The first non-folding section PLT1, the second non-folding section PLT2, and the folding shaft FX in Figure 15A are identical or substantially identical to the first non-folding section PLT1 and the second non-folding section PLT2 in Figure 10A, and are identical or substantially identical to the folding shaft FX in Figure 10B; therefore, redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0215] Referring to Figure 15A, the folding portion PLFa may be positioned between the first and second non-folding portions PLT1 and PLT2. The first non-folding portion PLT1, the folding portion PLFa, and the second non-folding portion PLT2 may be arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0216] Referring to Figures 15A and 15B, the folding portion PLFa may include a central portion CP and a plurality of sub-folding portions SBF arranged symmetrically or substantially symmetrically with respect to the first direction DR1 with respect to the central portion CP.

[0217] The subfolding section SBF may include a plurality of first sections PT1 and a plurality of second sections PT2. When viewed in plan (for example, in a plan view), the first sections PT1 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a first direction DR1 with respect to the central section CP. The first sections PT1 may be arranged on both sides of the central section CP, facing each other in the first direction DR1.

[0218] When viewed in a plan view (for example, a plan view), the second part PT2 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the first direction DR1 with respect to the central part CP. Each of the second parts PT2 can be positioned on one side of the two sides of the first part PT1 that are opposite each other with respect to the first direction DR1. One side of the two sides of the first part PT1 that are opposite each other with respect to the first direction DR1 can be defined as the side opposite the other side adjacent to the central part CP.

[0219] As an example, Figure 15B shows that the folding section PLFa is arranged with two first parts PT1 and two second parts PT2. However, the number of first parts PT1 and second parts PT2 is not limited to this, and the folding section PLFa may contain one first and second parts PT1, PT2, or three or more first and second parts PT1, PT2.

[0220] For the sake of simplicity, the following explanation will focus on the first part PT1 and the second part PT2 located to the left of the central part CP when viewed in a plan view (for example, in a plan diagram). However, the first part PT1 and the second part PT2 located to the right of the central part CP can also be identical or substantially identical in configuration.

[0221] Multiple openings OP may be defined (e.g., through) in each of the central section CP and the sub-folding section SBF. The openings OP may be arranged in a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The openings OP may include a first opening OP-1, a second opening OP-2, and a third opening OP-3.

[0222] The first opening OP-1 may be defined (e.g., through) the central part CP. The first openings OP-1 may be arranged in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The first openings OP-1 adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 may be arranged alternately.

[0223] The central section CP may include a first-first branch BR1-1a and a second-first branch BR2-1a. The first-first branch BR1-1a may be positioned between adjacent first openings OP-1 in the first direction DR1. The second-first branch BR2-1a may be positioned between adjacent first openings OP-1 in the second direction DR2. The first-first branch BR1-1a may extend in the second direction DR2, and the second-first branch BR2-1a may extend in the first direction DR1. The first opening OP-1 may be defined by the first-first branch BR1-1a and the second-first branch BR2-1a.

[0224] The folding axis FX can be superimposed on the central part CP. The folding axis FX can be superimposed on the first branch part BR1-1a. The folding part PLFa can be folded around the folding axis FX.

[0225] A second opening OP-2 may be defined in the first portion PT1. The second openings OP-2 may be arranged in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The second openings OP-2 adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 may be arranged alternately.

[0226] The first part PT1 may include first-second branches BR1-2a and second-second branches BR2-2a. The first-second branches BR1-2a may be positioned between adjacent second openings OP-2 in the first direction DR1. The second-second branches BR2-2a may be positioned between adjacent second openings OP-2 in the second direction DR2. The first-second branches BR1-2a may extend in the second direction DR2, and the second-second branches BR2-2a may extend in the first direction DR1. The first-second branches BR1-1a and second-second branches BR2-2a may define the second opening OP-2.

[0227] The opening OP-3 may be partitioned (defined) (e.g., through) in the second portion PT2. The third opening OP-3 may be arranged in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The third openings OP-3 adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 may be arranged alternately.

[0228] The second section PT2 may include first-third branches BR1-3a and second-third branches BR2-3a. The first-third branches BR1-3a may be positioned between adjacent third openings OP-3 in the first direction DR1. The second-third branches BR2-3a may be positioned between adjacent third openings OP-3 in the second direction DR2. The first-third branches BR1-3a may extend in the second direction DR2, and the second-third branches BR2-3a may extend in the first direction DR1. The first-third branches BR1-3a and the second-third branches BR2-3a may define the third opening OP-3.

[0229] When viewed in a plane (for example, in a plan view), the first-first branch BR1-1a, positioned between two adjacent first openings OP-1 in the first direction DR1, may have a first-first length Ws1-1 in the first direction DR1. When viewed in a plane (for example, in a plan view), the first-second branch BR1-2a, positioned between two adjacent second openings OP-2 in the first direction DR1, may have a first-second length Ws1-2 in the first direction DR1. When viewed in a plane (for example, in a plan view), the first-third branch BR1-3a, positioned between three adjacent third openings OP-3 in the first direction DR1, may have a first-third length Ws1-3 in the first direction DR1.

[0230] When viewed in a plane (for example, in a plan view), the length of the first branch BR1a toward the first direction DR1 can be variable. The length of the first branch BR1a toward the first direction DR1 can decrease as it moves further away from the folding axis FX. Specifically, the first-first length Ws1-1 of the first-first branch BR1-1a located in the central part CP toward the first direction DR1 can be greater than the first-second length Ws1-2 of the first-second branch BR1-2a located in the first part PT1 toward the first direction DR1. The first-second length Ws1-2 of the first-second branch BR1-2a located in the first part PT1 toward the first direction DR1 can be greater than the first-third length Ws1-3 of the first-third branch BR1-3a located in the second part PT2 toward the first direction DR1. That is, the length Ws1-1 of the 1st-1 branch BR1-1 is the largest, and the length Ws1-3 of the 1st-3 branch BR1-3 is the smallest.

[0231] By varying the length of the first-1st branch BR1-1a to the first-3rd branch BR1-3a from the folding axis FX to the first direction DR1, the area between adjacent openings OP can be varied. The area between the first openings OP-1 adjacent to each other in the first and second directions DR1 and DR2 may be larger than the area between the second openings OP-2 adjacent to each other in the first and second directions DR1 and DR2. The area between the second openings OP-2 adjacent to each other in the first and second directions DR1 and DR2 may be larger than the area between the third openings OP-3 adjacent to each other in the first and second directions DR1 and DR2.

[0232] By varying the area of ​​the branch sections BR1-1a to the first to third branch sections BR1-3a, the ratio of the area of ​​the opening OP to the area of ​​the branch section Bra adjacent to each opening OP can be varied. The ratio of the area of ​​the opening OP to the area of ​​the branch section Bra adjacent to each opening OP can increase as it is further away from the folding axis FX. That is, the ratio of the area of ​​the opening OP to the area of ​​the branch section BRa may be smallest in the central section CP, and the ratio may be largest in the second section PT2.

[0233] The stiffness of the central section CP and the sub-folding section SBF can be varied by changing the ratio of the area of ​​the opening OP to the area of ​​the branch section BRa. The stiffness may be inversely proportional to the ratio of the area of ​​the opening OP to the area of ​​the branch section BRa. The further away from the folding axis FX, the smaller the stiffness of the folding section PLFa may be. That is, the stiffness of the central section CP may be the greatest, and the stiffness of the second section PT2 may be the smallest.

[0234] Therefore, when the folding section PLF is folded, the amount of change in the external force on the central section CP may decrease, and the stress acting on the central section CP may decrease. As the stress acting on the central section CP decreases, the stress applied to the portion of the window module WM (see Figure 9A) that overlaps with the central section CP, which is placed on the support plate PLTa, may decrease. Therefore, when the electronic device ED (see Figure 1) is folded, damage to the window module WM9 (see Figure 9A) can be prevented, or substantially prevented.

[0235] While the possibility of failure of a window module WM placed on a support plate PLT has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. Since stresses acting on other layers located above or below the support plate PLT may also be reduced, the possibility of failure of those other layers may also be reduced.

[0236] Exemplary, when viewed in plan (for example, in a plan view), the lengths of the second branch BR2a located in the central section CP, the first section PT1, and the second section PT2 toward the second direction DR2 may be the same or substantially the same. When viewed in plan, the length of the opening OP toward the first direction DR1 and the length toward the second direction DR2 may be the same or substantially the same. However, at least one of the lengths of the second branch BR2a toward the second direction DR2, the length of the opening OP toward the first direction DR1, or the length of the opening OP toward the second direction DR2 may be variable. This is illustrated in detail in Figures 16 and 17.

[0237] Figure 16 is a plan view of a folding section according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0238] For example, Figure 16 is an enlarged plan view of the second region AA2 shown in Figure 15A.

[0239] The central section CP, folding axis FX, first section PT1, and second section PT2 in Figure 16 are identical or substantially identical to the central section CP, folding axis FX, first section PT1, and second section PT2 in Figure 15B, so redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0240] For the sake of simplicity, Figure 16 will describe the first part PT1 and the second part PT2 located to the left of the central part CP, but the first part PT1 and the second part PT2 located to the right of the central part CP can also have substantially the same configuration.

[0241] Furthermore, the differences between the folding section shown in Figure 16 and the folding section shown in Figure 15B will be explained in detail.

[0242] Referring to Figure 16, when viewed in a plane (for example, in a plan view), the length of opening OP-a in the first direction DR1 can be variable. When viewed in a plane (for example, in a plan view), each of the first to third openings OP-1a to OP-2a can have a different length in the first direction DR1. The length of each opening OP-a in the first direction DR1 can increase as it moves further away from the folding axis FX.

[0243] Specifically, when viewed on a plane (for example, in a plan view), the length Lw1 of the first opening OP-1a in the first direction DR1 may be smaller than the length Lw2 of the second opening OP-2a in the first direction DR1. The length Lw2 of the second opening OP-2a in the first direction DR1 may be smaller than the length of the third opening OP-3a in the first direction DR1. In other words, among the openings OP-a, the length Lw1 of the first opening OP-1a in the first direction DR1 may be the smallest, and the length Lw3 of the third opening OP-3a in the first direction DR1 may be the largest.

[0244] When viewed in a plan view (for example, in a plan view), the area of ​​the opening OP-a can be varied by varying its length in the first direction DR1. The further away from the folding axis FX, the larger the area of ​​the opening OP-a may be. That is, the area of ​​the first opening OP-1a defined in the central part CP may be the smallest, and the area of ​​the third opening OP-3a defined in the second part PT2 may be the largest.

[0245] Therefore, the ratio of the area of ​​opening OP-a to the area of ​​the branch BRb adjacent to each opening OP-a can be varied. The ratio of the area of ​​opening OP-a to the area of ​​the branch Brb adjacent to each opening OP-a can increase as it is further away from the folding axis FX.

[0246] The stiffness of the central section CP and the sub-folding section SBF can be varied by changing the ratio of the opening OP-a to the area of ​​the branch section BRb. The stiffness may be inversely proportional to the ratio of the area of ​​the opening OP-a to the area of ​​the branch section BRb. The further away from the folding axis FX, the smaller the stiffness of the folding section PLF may be. That is, the stiffness of the central section CP may be the greatest, and the stiffness of the second section PT2 may be the smallest.

[0247] Therefore, when the folding section PLF is folded, the amount of change in the central section CP in response to external forces can be reduced, and the stress acting on the central section CP can be reduced. As the stress acting on the central section CP decreases, the stress applied to the portion of the window module WM (see Figure 9A) that overlaps with the central section CP, which is placed on the support plate PLTa, can be reduced. Therefore, when the electronic device ED (see Figure 1) is folded, damage to the window module WM (see Figure 9A) can be prevented, or substantially prevented.

[0248] While the possibility of damage to a window module WM placed on a support plate PLTa has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited thereto. Since stresses acting on other layers placed above or below the support plate PLT may also be reduced, damage to those other layers may be prevented or substantially prevented.

[0249] Figure 17 is a plan view of a folding section according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0250] For example, Figure 17 is an enlarged plan view of the second region AA2 shown in Figure 15A.

[0251] The central section CP, folding axis FX, first section PT1, and second section PT2 in Figure 17 are identical or substantially identical to the central section CP, folding axis FX, first section PT1, and second section PT2 in Figure 15B, so redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0252] For the sake of simplicity, Figure 17 will describe the first part PT1 and the second part PT2 located to the left of the central part CP, but the first part PT1 and the second part PT2 located to the right of the central part CP may also be substantially the same or have substantially the same configuration.

[0253] Furthermore, the differences between the folding section shown in Figure 17 and the folding section shown in Figure 15B will be explained in detail.

[0254] Referring to Figure 17, when viewed in a plane (for example, in a plan view), the length of opening OP-b in the second direction DR2 can be variable. When viewed in a plane (for example, in a plan view), the first to third openings OP-1b to OP-3b can each have different lengths in the second direction DR2. The length of each opening OP-b in the second direction DR2 can increase as it moves further away from the folding axis FX.

[0255] Specifically, when viewed on a plane (for example, in a plan view), the length Lo1 of the first opening OP-1b toward the second direction DR2 can be smaller than the length Lo2 of the second opening OP-2b toward the second direction DR2. The length Lo2 of the second opening OP-2b toward the second direction DR2 can be smaller than the length Lo3 of the third opening OP-3b toward the second direction DR2. In other words, among the openings OP-b, the length Lo1 of the first opening OP-1b toward the second direction DR2 can be the smallest, and the length Lo3 of the third opening OP-3b toward the second direction DR2 can be the largest.

[0256] When viewed in a plan view (for example, in a plan view), the area of ​​the opening OP-b can be varied by varying its length in the second direction DR2. The further it is from the folding axis FX, the larger the area of ​​the opening OP-b can become. That is, the area of ​​the first opening OP-1b defined in the central part CP may be the smallest, and the area of ​​the third opening OP-3b defined in the second part PT2 may be the largest.

[0257] When viewed in a plane (for example, in a plan view), the length of the second branch BR2c in the second direction DR2 can be variable. When viewed in a plane (for example, in a plan view), each of the second-first branch BR2-1c to the second-third branch BR2-3c can have different lengths in the second direction DR2. The length of each of the second branches BR2c in the second direction DR2 can decrease as it moves further away from the folding axis FX.

[0258] Specifically, when viewed on a plane (for example, in a plan view), the length Wb1 of the second-first branch BR2-1c toward the second direction DR2 may be greater than the length Wb2 of the second-second branch BR2-2c toward the second direction DR2. The length Wb2 of the second-second branch BR2-2c toward the second direction DR2 may be greater than the length Wb3 of the second-third branch BR2-3c toward the second direction DR2. That is, within the second branch BR2c, the length of the second-first branch BR2-1c toward the second direction DR2 may be the largest, and the length of the second-third branch BR2-3c toward the second direction DR2 may be the smallest.

[0259] The area between adjacent openings OP-b can be varied by varying the length of the branch BR2c in the second direction DR2. The further away from the folding axis FX, the smaller the area between adjacent openings OPb can become.

[0260] By varying the area of ​​each opening OP-b and the area between adjacent openings OP-b, the area ratio of each opening OP-b to the area of ​​the adjacent branch BRc can be varied. The area ratio of each opening OP-b to the area of ​​the adjacent branch Brc can increase as it is further away from the folding axis FX.

[0261] The stiffness of the central section CP and the sub-folding section SBF can be varied by changing the ratio of the area of ​​the opening OP-b to the area of ​​the branch section BRc. The stiffness can be inversely proportional to the ratio of the area of ​​the opening OP-b to the area of ​​the branch section BRc. The further away from the folding axis FX, the smaller the stiffness of the folding section PLF can be. That is, the stiffness of the central section CP may be the greatest, and the stiffness of the second section PT2 may be the smallest.

[0262] Therefore, when the folding section PLF is folded, the amount of change in the external force on the central section CP may decrease, and the stress acting on the central section CP may decrease. As the stress acting on the central section CP decreases, the stress applied to the portion of the window module WM (see Figure 9A) that overlaps with the central section CP, which is placed on the support plate PLT, may decrease. Therefore, when the electronic device ED (see Figure 1) is folded, damage to the window module WM9 (see Figure 9A) can be prevented, or substantially prevented.

[0263] While the possibility of failure of a window module WM placed on a support plate PLT has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the possibility of failure of other layers may also be reduced, as the stress acting on other layers placed above or below the support plate PLT may also be reduced.

[0264] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the window module, display module, and support plate shown in Figure 9A.

[0265] Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the folded state of a window module, display module, and support plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0266] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of a window module, display module, and support plate according to a comparative embodiment.

[0267] Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating the folding state of the window module, display module, and support plate according to other embodiments shown in Figure 18.

[0268] For illustrative purposes, Figures 18 to 21 are cross-sectional views of a portion of the electronic device ED (see Figure 1) as seen from the second direction DR2.

[0269] For the sake of simplifying the drawing, the window module WM and the display module DM are simplified and shown on a single layer.

[0270] For the sake of simplifying the drawings, the opening OP (see Figure 9A) defined in the support plate PLT has been omitted.

[0271] For the sake of simplifying the drawings, the layer located between the display module DM and the support plate PLT is omitted in Figures 18 to 21.

[0272] Referring to Figure 18, the folding region FA may include the curved portion CSP and extensions EX1 and EX2. The extensions EX1 and EX2 may be positioned between the curved portion CSP and the first non-folding region NFA1, and between the curved portion CSP and the second non-folding region NFA2. The folding axis FX may overlap with the curved portion CSP.

[0273] Referring to Figures 18 and 19, when the folding region FA is folded around the folding axis FX, the support plate PLT, display module DM, and window module WM may also be folded. The folding region FA may bend, causing the support plate PLT, display module DM, and window module WM to fold. The first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2 may rotate around the folding axis FX to face each other. When the folding region FA is folded, it may bend into a curved shape. When the folding region FA bends into a curved shape, portions of the display module DM and window module WM may also bend into a curved shape.

[0274] When the folding region FA is bent into a curved shape, the portion that overlaps with the folding axis FX can have an appropriate curvature (e.g., a predetermined curvature). The curved surface portion CSP can be bent to have an appropriate curvature (e.g., a predetermined curvature) when the electronic device ED is folded. That is, the curved surface portion CSP can be bent to have an appropriate radius of curvature (e.g., a predetermined curvature). The portions of the display module DM and window module WM placed on the curved surface portion CSP can have an appropriate curvature (e.g., a predetermined curvature).

[0275] The portion of the display module DM and window module WM between the first extension EX1 and the first non-folding region NFA1 can be bent. The first extension EX1 can be bent from the first non-folding region NFA1 to extend to the curved surface portion CSP.

[0276] The portion of the display module DM and the window module WM between the extension part EX2 and the second non-folding area NFA2 can be bent. The second extension part EX2 can be bent from the second non-folding area NFA2 and extend to the curved surface part CSP.

[0277] The bent portion of the window module WM between the first extension part EX1 and the first non-folding area NFA1 can be defined as the first inverse curvature part ICV1. The bent portion of the window module WM between the second extension part EX2 and the second non-folding area NFA2 can be defined as the second inverse curvature part ICV2. When the window module WM is folded, the first inverse curvature part ICV1 and the second inverse curvature part ICV2 can be bent in a direction opposite to that of the curved surface part CSP.

[0278] Referring to FIG. 20, the curvature of the curved surface part CSP' can increase as it is closer to the center of the curved surface part CSP'. The radius can decrease as it is closer to the center of the curved surface part CSP'. Therefore, at the center of the curved surface part CSP', the degree of bending along the curve of the curved surface part CSP' can be the largest. Therefore, stress can be generated on the upper surface of the curved surface part CSP'.

[0279] Therefore, at the portion of the window module WM' and the display module DM' that overlaps with the center of the curved surface part CSP', the degree of bending along the curves of the window module WM' and the display module DM' can be the largest. Therefore, the largest stress is generated at the center of the display module DM' and the window module WM', and the display module DM' and the window module WM' can be damaged.

[0280] Referring to Figures 10B, 19, and 20, as in the support plate PLT according to an embodiment of the present invention, the rigidity of the support plate PLT can be varied as it moves further away from the folding axis FX by varying the area of ​​the opening OP and the areas of the first and second branches BR1 and BR2. As shown in Figure 19, the degree of bending of the curved surface CSP can be reduced. The curvature of the curved surface CSP in Figure 19 may be smaller than the curvature of the curved surface CSP' in Figure 20.

[0281] [Table 1]

[0282] Table 1 compares the ellipticity of the window modules WM and WM' and the stress applied to them when the electronic device ED in Figure 19 and the electronic device ED' in Figure 20 are folded. Ellipticity can be defined as the ratio of the second diameter Dc to the first diameter Ds. The first diameters Ds and Ds' can be defined as the length in the first direction DR1 of the surface defined by the portion of the window modules WM and WM' that overlaps the folding region FA when the electronic device ED in Figure 19 and the electronic device ED' in Figure 20 are folded. The second diameters Dc and DC' can be defined as the length in the third direction DR3 of the surface defined by the portion of the window modules WM and WM' that overlaps the folding region FA and FA' when the electronic device ED in Figure 19 and the electronic device ED' in Figure 20 are folded.

[0283] The pleat size of window modules WM and WM' can be defined as the difference in length between peaks and valleys that occurs in the center of the window module WM as it repeats folding or non-folding modes.

[0284] In the case of the window module WM' in Figure 20, the ellipticity can be 1.25. In this case, the stress in the portion of the window module WM' that overlaps with the folding axis FX can be 548 MPa.

[0285] For example, in the case of the window module WM in Figure 19, the ellipticity may be 1.12. However, the ellipticity of the window module WM is not limited to this and can be between 1 and 1.2. The stress in the portion of the window module WM that overlaps with the folding axis FX may be 467 MPa.

[0286] In the case of a support plate PLT according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, as the curvature of the curved portion CSP decreases, the stress acting on the curved portion CSP may decrease. As the stress acting on the curved portion CSP decreases, the curvature of the portion of the display module DM and window module WM superimposed on the curved portion CSP may decrease. The radius of the portion of the display module DM and window module WM superimposed on the curved portion CSP may decrease. Therefore, the stress acting on the portion of the display module DM and window module WM superimposed on the curved portion CSP may decrease. Therefore, damage to the display module DM and window module WM can be prevented or substantially prevented.

[0287] Furthermore, as can be seen in Table 1, the pleat size can be reduced in the portion of the window module WM that overlaps with the folding axis FX. Therefore, even with repeated folding or unfolding operations, the pleat size can be reduced, and the surface quality of the electronic device ED can be improved.

[0288] Referring to Figure 21, when the electronic device ED'' in Figure 21 is folded, the first extension EX1'' and the second extension EX2'' may not be bent.

[0289] The first extension EX1” may be substantially flat. A first inverse curvature ICV1 (see Figure 19) does not necessarily have to be defined between the first extension EX1” and the first non-folding region NFA1.

[0290] The second extension EX2” may be substantially flat. The second inverse curvature ICV2 (see Figure 19) may not be partitioned (defined) between the second extension EX2” and the second non-folding region NFA2.

[0291] Referring to Figures 20 and 21, the curvature of the window module WM" superimposed on the curvature section CSP'' in Figure 21 may be smaller than the curvature of the window module WM' superimposed on the curvature section CSP' in Figure 20. The radius of the window module WM" superimposed on the curvature section CSP'' in Figure 21 may be larger than the radius of the window module WM' superimposed on the curvature section CSP' in Figure 20.

[0292] Therefore, the size of the stress acting on the window module WM" superimposed on the curvature section CSP" in Figure 21 may be smaller than the size of the stress acting on the window module WM' superimposed on the curvature section CSP' in Figure 20. Thus, when folding the electronic device ED", damage to the window module WM" in Figure 21 can be prevented, or substantially prevented.

[0293] As described above with reference to embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be modified and altered in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the claims below. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the invention, and all technical spirit within the claims below and equivalent scopes should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0294] By increasing the rigidity of the center of the folding portion of the support plate, the stress applied to the display module during folding is reduced, and the possibility of damage to the display module and window module due to stress can be reduced. Therefore, the present invention has high industrial applicability.

Claims

1. Display panel and It includes a support plate positioned below the display panel and located along a first direction, which includes a first non-folding portion, a folding portion, and a second non-folding portion, The folding portion is partitioned (defined) by a plurality of openings, and the folding portion includes branches between the openings. The ratio of the area of ​​the opening to the area of ​​the branch portion is larger in the portion of the folding portion adjacent to at least one of the first or second non-folding portions than in the central portion of the folding portion.

2. The aforementioned branch portion is A plurality of first branches are arranged between the openings that are adjacent to each other in the first direction, The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of second branches arranged between adjacent openings in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

3. The folding portion is folded around a folding axis that is parallel to the second direction and superimposed on the center of the folding portion. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the folding axis overlaps with the first branch.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the lengths of the first branch in the first direction, the second branch in the second direction, the opening in the first direction, or the opening in the second direction is variable as it is moved away from the center of the folding portion.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, when viewed on a plane, the length of the first branch in the first direction becomes shorter as it moves further away from the center of the folding portion in the first direction.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, when viewed on the plane, the length of the opening in the first direction increases as it moves further away from the center of the folding portion in the first direction.

7. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, when viewed on a plane, the length of the opening in the second direction increases as it moves further away from the center of the folding portion in the first direction.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, when viewed on the plane, the length in the second direction of the second branch portion, which is arranged between adjacent openings in the second direction, becomes shorter as it moves further away from the center of the folding portion in the first direction.

9. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, when viewed on a plane, the length of the second branch in the second direction becomes shorter as it moves further away from the center of the folding portion, and the length of the opening in the second direction is constant.

10. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the length of the opening in the first direction increases as it moves away from the center of the folding portion, and the length of the first branch in the first direction is constant.

11. The aforementioned folding section is When viewed on a plane, the central part overlaps with the central part of the folding section, The display device according to claim 1, further comprising subfolding portions arranged symmetrically on both sides of the central portion facing each other in the first direction.

12. The central portion and the sub-folding portion are each, A plurality of first branches are arranged between the openings that are adjacent to each other in the first direction, The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of second branches arranged between adjacent openings in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein, when viewed on a plane, the area between the openings partitioned (defined) in the central part and the area between the openings partitioned (defined) in the subfolding part are different from each other.

14. The lengths of the first branches located in the central portion are the same, and the lengths of the first branches of the subfolding portion are the same. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the length of the first branch of the subfolding portion in the first direction is smaller than the length of the first branch of the central portion in the first direction.

15. The lengths in the second direction of the series of openings partitioned (defined) in the central portion are the same, and the lengths in the second direction of the openings partitioned (defined) in the subfolding portion are the same. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the length in the second direction of the series of openings partitioned (defined) in the central portion is shorter than the length in the second direction of the openings partitioned (defined) in the subfolding portion.

16. The lengths of the series of second branches arranged in the central portion in the second direction are the same, and the lengths of the second branches partitioned (defined) in the subfolding portion in the second direction are the same. The display device according to claim 15, wherein the length in the second direction of the series of second branches arranged in the central portion is greater than the length in the second direction of the second branches partitioned (defined) in the subfolding portion.

17. The lengths in the first direction of the series of openings partitioned (defined) in the central portion are the same, and the lengths in the first direction of the openings partitioned (defined) in the subfolding portion are the same. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the length in the first direction of the series of openings partitioned (defined) in the central portion is shorter than the length in the first direction of the openings partitioned (defined) in the subfolding portion.

18. The display device according to claim 1, wherein when the display panel is folded, the portion of the display panel that overlaps with the folding portion is bent to have a first diameter in a direction parallel to the first direction and a second diameter in a third direction that intersects a plane defined by the first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the ratio of the second diameter to the first diameter is 1 to 1.

2.

19. Display panel and It includes a first non-folding portion, a folding portion, and a second non-folding portion, which are located below the display panel and positioned along a first direction, the folding portion including a support plate positioned between the first and second non-folding portions. The aforementioned folding section is Among the openings partitioned (defined) in the folding portion, a plurality of first branches are arranged between adjacent openings in the first direction, The folding portion includes a plurality of second branches, which are arranged between adjacent openings in a second direction intersecting the first direction, among the openings defined in the folding portion, A display device in which, when viewed on a plane, the ratio of the area of ​​the opening to the area of ​​the first and second branches increases as you move from the center of the folding portion toward the first and second folding portions.

20. The folding portion is folded around a folding axis parallel to the second direction, and when viewed in a plane, the folding axis overlaps with any one of the first branch portions. The display device according to claim 19, wherein at least one of the lengths of the first branch in the first direction, the second branch in the second direction, the opening in the first direction, or the opening in the second direction is variable as it moves further away from the center of the folding portion.

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