Display device with flexible display panel

Abstract

To provide a flexible display panel and a display apparatus including the flexible display panel.SOLUTION: A flexible display panel includes: a flexible substrate including a first region, second regions that extend from the first region and that have a curved surface, and a third region folded towards the second regions; a first display region in the first region; a second display region in the second regions; non-display regions outside the first display region or the second display regions, in which at least one of non-display regions is in the third region; and an encapsulation member for encapsulating the first display region and the second display regions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to flexible display panes and display devices including such flexible display panels. [Background technology]

[0002] A display device refers to a device that displays a video signal. The display device is a concept that includes any device that displays a video signal input from the outside, including televisions, computer monitors, PDAs, and smart devices that have seen a significant increase in demand recently.

[0003] The display devices include high-quality flat panel display modules such as organic light-emitting display panels, liquid crystal display panels, and plasma display panels.

[0004] The flat panel display module has a display area for displaying images and a non-display area including various circuits and wiring for supplying image signals to the display area, which are arranged on the same plane as the non-display area around the periphery of the display area.

[0005] Recently, as demands for high image quality and various applications for display devices have increased, the number of circuits and wirings arranged in the non-display area of ​​a flat panel display module has increased, which has the problem that the area of ​​the non-display area increases and the ratio of the display area recognized by a user decreases.

[0006] Meanwhile, in the case of smart devices, whose display screens are smaller than those of televisions and computer monitors, various methods for expanding the display screens are being explored. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems, and aims to provide a flexible display panel and a display device including the same, which adds curved design elements to a wide field of view to give the user an aesthetic feeling and significantly reduces the non-display area recognized by the user compared to conventional methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flexible display panel comprising: a flexible substrate having a first region, a second region extending from the first region and having a curved surface, and a third region bent relative to the second region; a first display region located in the first region, a second display region located in the second region, non-display regions located on the periphery of the first display region or the second display region, at least one of which is located in the third region; and a sealing member that seals the first display region and the second display region.

[0009] The first display area and the second display area are located continuously on the flexible substrate without a boundary.

[0010] The first display area and the second display area display a video signal input from the same video signal input section.

[0011] The first display area and the second display area display video signals input from separate video signal input sections.

[0012] The curved surface of the second region has a predetermined radius of curvature, the radius of curvature being greater than or equal to 0.01 mm and less than or equal to 20 mm, the curved surface being formed by a portion of a circumference having a predetermined constant value of curvature.

[0013] The angle formed by the boundary between the first region and the second region and an edge of the second display region on the second region is greater than 0° and less than 90°, or is equal to or greater than 0°. The first region is maintained substantially flat.

[0014] The third region is folded so as not to be visible from a direction in which the first region is displayed The third region is folded parallel to a plane including the first region.

[0015] At least one of the first display area and the second display area includes an organic light emitting element.

[0016] A barrier film is further provided between the flexible substrate and the first and second display areas.

[0017] The sealing member is a flexible sealing membrane.

[0018] The display device further includes a support means for maintaining the shape of the flexible display panel, the support means being a transparent protective window disposed on the sealing member.

[0019] A touch panel may be further provided on at least one side of the flexible substrate and the sealing member, where an image is displayed in the display area, The touch panel may include a flexible film that can be bent to correspond to a shape of the flexible display panel.

[0020] The touch panel includes a touch area located on the flexible film and corresponding to the first display area and the second display area, and a wiring area located on the periphery of the touch area.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flexible display panel comprising a first display area, a second display area extending from the first display area and having a predetermined curved surface, and a non-display area bent toward the first display area relative to the second display area and not visible from in front of the first display area.

[0022] The second display area is located continuously with the first display area without a boundary, and an angle formed by a boundary between the first display area and the second display area and an end of the second display area is greater than 0° and less than 90°, or is equal to or greater than 0°.

[0023] The non-display area is folded parallel to the first display area.

[0024] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device comprising: a flexible display panel having a first display area, a second display area extending from the first display area and having a predetermined curved surface, and a non-display area bent toward the first display area relative to the second display area and not visible from in front of the first display area; and a support member that maintains the shape of the flexible display panel.

[0025] At least one of the first display region and the second display region includes an organic light-emitting element, and the display device further includes an encapsulation thin film that encapsulates the first display region and the second display region, and a flexible touch panel located on the encapsulation thin film and having touch regions corresponding to the first display region and the second display region.

[0026] The display device further includes a transparent protective window disposed on the flexible touch panel and corresponding to the shape of the flexible display panel and the first and second display areas of the flexible touch panel. Effect of the Invention

[0027] The display device according to the embodiment of the present invention provides the following advantages: First, the display screen is enlarged by forming a sub-display area extending from the main display area on the side of the display panel, and second, the grip is improved by forming the sub-display area on a curved surface.

[0028] Third, the secondary display area is formed on a curved surface, which improves aesthetic appeal. Fourth, since the non-display area is not visible in the primary display area, the boundary between the display areas is perceived as almost non-existent. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a flexible display panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a comparative example of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 5 is a diagram comparing a display area of ​​the flexible display panel according to the first embodiment of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 with a display area of ​​a flexible display panel according to a comparative example of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 2 is a plan view illustrating an example of a flexible display panel before a non-display area of ​​FIG. 1 is folded. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the first display region and / or the second display region of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 7 is a plan view showing an example of a non-display area in FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a flexible display panel in which a first display region and a second display region display image signals input from different image signal input units. [Figure 10] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic relationship between a second display region and a non-display region. FIG. [Figure 11] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic relationship between a second display region and a non-display region. FIG. [Figure 12] 14 is a plan view that illustrates a schematic example of a flexible display panel before the non-display area of ​​FIG. 13 is folded. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a flexible display panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a touch panel-integrated flexible display panel according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 16 is a cross-sectional view of the touch panel-integrated flexible display panel of FIG. 15 before a non-display area of ​​the touch panel-integrated flexible display panel is folded. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. [Figure 18] 1 is a diagram showing an example in which a touch panel-integrated flexible display panel is combined with a transparent protective window and a housing of a display device. [Figure 19] 1 is a diagram showing an example in which a touch panel-integrated flexible display panel is combined with a transparent protective window and a housing of a display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a flexible display panel 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of Fig. 1.

[0031] 1 and 2, the flexible display panel 100 according to the present embodiment has a first display area D1 and a left and right display area D2 on the basis of a longitudinal direction of the first display area D1 (on the basis of a viewing direction shown in FIG. 2). The display device includes a second display area D2 disposed in front of or behind the first display area D1, and non-display areas N1, N2, N3, and N4 disposed on the periphery of the first display area D1 or the second display area D2.

[0032] The first display area D1 is substantially flat and can be a main display screen of the flexible display panel 100.

[0033] The second display area D2 is formed of a curved surface having a predetermined radius of curvature R. For example, the radius of curvature R is greater than or equal to 0.01 mm and less than or equal to 20 mm. If the radius of curvature R is smaller than 0.01 mm, the flexible display panel 100 will not be able to maintain the curved state due to warping stress, and if it is greater than 20 mm, the grip feeling and / or aesthetic feeling will be reduced.

[0034] The radius of curvature R has a constant value, so the curved surface is formed as a portion of a circumference.

[0035] The second display area D2 extends from the first display area D1 and is positioned contiguous to the first display area D1 without a boundary with the first display area D1. In this case, the curved surface is formed to be equal to or smaller than a quarter of a circumference having a predetermined constant curvature R. In other words, the angle from the boundary between the first display area D1 and the second area D2 to the end of the second display area D2 is greater than 0° and equal to or smaller than 90°.

[0036] The second display area D2 can be a sub-display screen of the flexible display panel 100. As described above, the second display area D2 forms a curved surface with a certain radius of curvature extending from the first display area D1, so that the user can view the display screen of the flexible display panel 100 not limited to the first display area D1 but expanded to the second display area. That is, the entire display screen is expanded by the second display area D2.

[0037] On the other hand, if the flexible display panel 100 is attached to a small handheld display device such as a mobile phone or PDA, the second display area D2 forms a curved surface, which improves the grip feeling and enhances the aesthetic feel of the curved surface.

[0038] The non-display areas N1, N2, N3, and N4 are arranged on the outer periphery of the first display area D1 or the second display area D2. In this embodiment, the non-display areas N1 and N3 are arranged on the outer periphery of the second display area D2, and the non-display areas N2 and N4 are arranged on the outer periphery of the first display area D1.

[0039] In particular, in this embodiment, the non-display areas N1 and N3 facing the left and right of the first display area D1 in the longitudinal direction (front and back with respect to the viewing direction in FIG. 2) are folded toward the first display area D1 with respect to the second display area D2. That is, the non-display areas N1 and N3 are folded so as to be arranged parallel to the first display area D1. Therefore, the user cannot see the non-display areas N1 and N3 arranged on the left and right of the first display area D1 from the front of the first display area D1. Therefore, the user recognizes that there is almost no boundary of the second display area D2 due to the non-display areas N1 and N3. That is, the flexible display panel 100 according to this embodiment has smaller non-display areas N1 and N3, and can realize a correspondingly enlarged display screen.

[0040] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the non-display areas N2 and N4 facing the first display area D1 above and below in the longitudinal direction are arranged parallel to the surface formed by the first display area D1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the non-display areas N2 and N4 facing the first display area D1 above and below may be further folded in the direction -z opposite to the direction z in which the first display area D1 faces. In this case, the user recognizes that there is almost no boundary of the second display area D2 due to the non-display areas N2 and N4. Therefore, the non-display areas N2 and N4 are smaller, and a display screen that is enlarged by that amount can be realized.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a flat panel display panel 100′, which does not include a second display area and does not have folded non-display areas N1, N2, N3, and N4, as a comparative example of the first embodiment. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG.

[0042] 3 and 4, the flat panel display panel 100' in which the non-display areas N1, N2, N3, and N4 are not folded includes a display area D and a non-display area N N1, N2, N3, and N4.

[0043] Since the second display area D2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is not provided, the display screen cannot be enlarged by the second display area, and since the curved surface is not formed by the second display area, the grip feeling and aesthetic feeling cannot be improved.

[0044] In addition, since the non-display areas N1 and N3 are not folded, when a user views the flat display panel 100 from the front z of the display area D, the user recognizes the original width of the non-display areas N1 and N3 as boundaries surrounding the left and right sides in the longitudinal direction of the display area D (front and back with respect to the viewing direction shown in FIG. 4). Therefore, it is not possible to realize a display screen that is so enlarged that the non-display areas N1 and N3 are not visible.

[0045] FIG. 5 compares the display area of ​​the flexible display panel 100 according to the first embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the display area of ​​a flexible display panel 100' according to a comparative example in FIGS.

[0046] 5, the flexible display panel 100 according to the first embodiment includes a first display area D1 and a second display area D2 disposed on the left and right sides of the first display area D1. The flexible display panel 100' according to the comparative example includes only one display area D.

[0047] Therefore, the flexible display panel 100 according to the first embodiment can realize a wider display screen due to the second display area D2. In addition, if the front sizes of the flexible display panels 100, 100' of the first embodiment and the comparative example are the same, the screen of the first display area D1 of the first embodiment is larger than the display area D of the comparative example by about the non-display areas N1, N3 because the non-display areas N1, N3 of the comparative example are not visible in the first embodiment.

[0048] In the case of the flat display panel 100' according to the comparative example, in order to reduce the area of ​​the non-display areas N1 and N3, the number of various circuits and wiring parts arranged in the non-display areas N1 and N3 must be reduced or the line width must be reduced. However, as demands for high image quality and various applications for display devices are increasing, there is a limit to reducing the number of circuits and wiring parts. In addition, there are process difficulties in reducing the line width. However, the flexible display panel 100 according to the present embodiment can reduce the area of ​​the non-display areas recognized by a user by reducing the number of circuits and wiring parts arranged in the non-display areas N1 and N3 or without reducing the line width.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a schematic example of a flexible display panel 100-B before the non-display areas N1 and N3 of FIG. 1 are folded, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the first display area D1 and / or the second display area D2 of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example of the non-display areas N1, N2, N3, and N4 of FIG. 6.

[0050] 6 to 8, the flexible display panel 100-B before the non-display areas N1 and N3 are folded includes a flexible substrate 111, a barrier film 112 arranged on the flexible substrate 111, a first display area D1, a second display area D2 and non-display areas N1, N2, N3, and N4 arranged on the barrier film 112, and a sealing member 113.

[0051] The flexible substrate 111 may be made of a plastic material having excellent heat resistance and durability, such as polyethylene ether phthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyarylate, polyetherimide, polyethersulfone, polyimide, etc. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various flexible materials may be used.

[0052] The barrier film 112 is provided on the flexible substrate 111. The barrier film 112 is made of at least one of an inorganic film and an organic film. The barrier film 112 prevents unnecessary components from penetrating the flexible substrate 111 and penetrating into the display area D.

[0053] On the barrier film 112, a first display area D1, a second display area D2, and non-display areas N1, N2, N3, and N4 located on the outer periphery of the first display area D1 and the second display area D2 are provided.

[0054] The first display area D is an area where an image signal is displayed, and the first display area D1 can be a main display screen. Various display elements (not shown) such as an organic light emitting element, a liquid crystal display element, an electrophoretic element, etc. are arranged in the first display area D1. In the present embodiment, an organic light emitting element 120 is taken as an example. In addition, the first display area D1 further includes various elements such as a thin film transistor (not shown) and a capacitor (not shown) for driving the display elements.

[0055] The second display area D2 is disposed to the left and right of the first display area D1, and is an area in which video signals are displayed, serving as a sub-display screen. Similar to the first display area D1, the second display area D2 is provided with various display elements (not shown) such as organic light emitting elements, liquid crystal display elements, and electrophoretic elements. In this embodiment, the organic light emitting element 120 is taken as an example. The second display area D2 is further provided with various elements such as thin film transistors (not shown) and capacitors (not shown) for driving the display elements.

[0056] 7, at least one organic light emitting element 120 is provided in the first display area D1 or the second display area D2. The organic light emitting element 120 includes a pixel electrode 121, a counter electrode 123 as a common layer, and an organic light emitting layer 122 provided therebetween. The pixel electrode 121 is electrically connected to a driving thin film transistor TFT1 formed on a flexible substrate 111. Although not shown in FIG. 7, the organic light emitting element 120 is electrically connected to at least one switching thin film transistor and a storage capacitor to emit light from the first display area D1 or the second display area D2.

[0057] Light emitted from the organic light emitting layer 122 located in the first display region D1 is emitted toward the flexible substrate 111 or toward the sealing member 113. In this embodiment, a top emission type display element in which an image is displayed on the sealing member 113 side will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and can also be applied to a bottom emission type display element in which an image is displayed on the flexible substrate 111 side.

[0058] Light emitted from the organic light-emitting layer 122 located in the second display area D2 is recognized by a viewer by a front-emitting display element that emits light to the outside of the second display area D2 from a curved surface formed between the first display area D1 and the non-display areas N1 and N3.

[0059] In the non-display areas N1, N2, N3, and N4, various circuits (not shown) and wiring (not shown) for supplying video signals to display elements positioned in the display area D are arranged.

[0060] 8, in the non-display areas N1, N2, N3, and N4, an electrode power supply line 131 and its terminal portion 132 for supplying power to the counter electrode 123 of the organic light emitting element 120 shown in FIG. In non-display areas N2 and N3, there are arranged a circuit section 133 and its terminal section 134. In non-display areas N2 and N3, there are arranged a data circuit section 135 and its terminal section 136 which transmit data signals to display area D. In non-display area N2, there are arranged a drive power supply wiring section 137 and its terminal section 138 which supply drive power to display area D. In non-display area N2, there is arranged a pad section P on which the terminal sections 132, 134, 136, and 138 are arranged.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first display area D1 and the second display area D2 are supplied with video signals input from the same electrode power supply line 131, scanning circuit unit 133, data circuit unit 135, and driving power wiring unit 137. That is, the first display area D1 and the second display area D2 display video signals input from the same video signal input unit. Therefore, the first display area D1 and the second display area D2 as a whole function as one display screen.

[0062] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first display area D1 and the second display area D2 can display image signals inputted from different image signal input units.

[0063] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a flexible display panel 100-1 in which a first display region D1 and a second display region D2 display image signals input from different image signal input units.

[0064] 9, the first display area D1 displays a main screen, and the second display area D2 displays a sub-screen such as various icons I. In this case, the first display area D1 and the second display area D2 are connected to separate electrode power supply lines 131, scanning circuit unit 133, data circuit unit 135, and driving power wiring unit 137, respectively, unlike in FIG.

[0065] On the other hand, the various circuits, wiring, and terminal parts shown in Fig. 8 are merely examples constituting the non-display areas N1, N2, N3, and N4. In other words, it goes without saying that the various circuits, wiring, and terminal parts constituting the non-display areas N1, N2, N3, and N4 can be configured differently from those shown in Fig. 8.

[0066] 6, a sealing member 113 is provided on the first display area D1, the second display area D2, and the non-display areas N1, N2, N3, and N4 to seal at least the first display area D1 and the second display area D2. The sealing member 113 may be a sealing thin film. The sealing thin film is formed of a structure in which a plurality of inorganic films or an inorganic film and an organic film are mixed.

[0067] 6, the flexible display panel 100-B has a predetermined thickness T. The thickness T may be a total thickness of the flexible substrate 111, the barrier film 112, the layer in which the first display region D1, the second display region D2, and the non-display regions N1, N2, N3, and N4 are formed, and the sealing member 113. Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 6, a protective film (not shown) may be further provided on the flexible substrate 111 and / or the sealing member 113, in which case the thickness T of the flexible display panel 100-B is thicker than that shown in FIG. 6.

[0068] By folding the second display area D2 arranged on the left and right sides of the first display area D1 of the flexible display panel 100-B shown in Figure 8 so that it has a predetermined radius of curvature R, and folding the non-display areas N1 and N3 connected to the second display area D2 so that they are arranged parallel to the first display area D1 with respect to the second display area D2, the flexible display panel 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 1 and 2 is formed.

[0069] The second display area D2 forms a curved surface in the flexible display panel 100. The second display area D2 may be the entire curved surface or a part of the curved surface.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 10, the first display area D1 is the first area I of the flexible display panel. The second display area D2 is the entire second area II formed by a quarter of a circumference having a radius of curvature R. The non-display area N3 is the entire third area III folded parallel to the first area I.

[0071] In other words, the second region II forms a curved surface with a predetermined radius of curvature R, and forms a 90° angle θ1 from the boundary between the first region I and the second region II to the end of the second display region D2 on the second region II.

[0072] 11, the first display area D1 is a first area I of the flexible display panel, and the second display area D2 is a part of a second area II formed by a quarter of a circumference having a radius of curvature R. The non-display area N3' spans the second area II and the third area III.

[0073] In other words, the second region II forms a curved surface with a predetermined radius of curvature R, and forms an angle θ2 smaller than 90° from the boundary between the first region I and the second region II to the end of the second display region D2 on the second region II.

[0074] In the flexible display panel 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the second display area D2 is located on both the left and right sides of the first display area D1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, it goes without saying that the concept of the present invention can be applied even if the second display area D1 is located on either side of the first display area D1.

[0075] In addition, in the flexible display panel 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the non-display areas N1 and N3 located on the left and right sides of the second display area D2 are both folded, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it goes without saying that the concept of the present invention can be applied even if only one of the non-display areas is folded.

[0076] FIG. 13 is a perspective view that illustrates a flexible display panel 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG.

[0077] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0078] 13 and 14, the flexible display panel 200 includes a first display area D1, a second display area D2 connected to one side of the first display area D1, and non-display areas N1, N2, N3, and N4 arranged on the outer periphery of the first display area D1 and the second display area D2.

[0079] The first display area D1 becomes the main display screen of the flexible display panel 200. The second display area D2 becomes the sub-display screen of the flexible display panel 200. Since the second display area D2 forms a curved surface with a certain radius of curvature extending from the first display area D1, the user can see the display screen of the flexible display panel 200 not limited to the first display area D1 but expanded to the second display area D2. That is, the display screen can be enlarged by the second display area. In addition, since the display area D2 forms a curved surface, the grip feeling can be improved, and the aesthetic feeling due to the curved surface can be improved.

[0080] The non-display area N2 is formed extending from the second display area D2, and the non-display areas N1, N3, and N4 are disposed on the periphery of the first display area D1.

[0081] The non-display area N2 is bent toward the first display area D1 with respect to the second display area D2. In other words, the non-display area N2 is bent toward the second display area D2 so as to be arranged parallel to the first display area D1. Therefore, the user cannot view the non-display area N2 from the front of the first display area D1. Therefore, the user cannot see the first display area D1 due to the non-display area N2. It can be seen that there is almost no boundary between the two display areas D2. That is, the flexible display panel 200 according to the present embodiment can realize a larger display screen as the non-display area N2 becomes smaller.

[0082] In the flexible display panel 200 according to the second embodiment, various circuits and wirings for supplying video signals to display elements located in the display area D (D1 and D2) are arranged in the non-display areas N1, N2, N3, and N4 as shown in FIG. 12.

[0083] 12, an electrode power supply line 231 and its terminal portion 232 for supplying power to the counter electrode 123 of the organic light emitting element 120 shown in FIG. 7 are arranged in the non-display areas N1, N2, N3, and N4. A scanning circuit portion 233 and its terminal portion 234 for transmitting a driving signal to the display area D are arranged in the non-display areas N1 and N2. A data circuit portion 235 and its terminal portion 236 for transmitting a data signal to the display area D are arranged in the non-display areas N2 and N3. A driving power wiring portion 237 and its terminal portion 238 for supplying driving power to the display area D are arranged in the non-display area N2. A pad portion P on which the terminal portions 232, 234, 236, and 238 are arranged is arranged in the non-display area N2.

[0084] An external driver is attached to the pad unit P provided in the non-display area N2, or a capacitor C is further connected to the pad unit P. Since the external driver and the capacitor C are connected inside the flexible display panel 200, there are no bent portions of the external driver and the capacitor C, and the area occupied by the non-display area N2 can be further reduced.

[0085] In the flexible display panel 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the second display area D2 is located only on one side of the first display area D1, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it goes without saying that the concept of the present invention can be applied even if the second display area D1 is located on both the top and bottom of the first display area D1. It goes without saying that the concept of the present invention can be applied even if the second display area D1 is located on the entire top, bottom, left, and right of the first display area D1.

[0086] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a touch panel-integrated flexible display panel 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a touch panel-integrated flexible display panel 300-B before the non-display areas N1 and N3 of the touch panel-integrated flexible display panel 300 of FIG. 15 are folded, and FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 16.

[0087] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first and second embodiments described above.

[0088] 15, the touch panel integrated flexible display panel 300 according to the present embodiment is configured by further attaching a touch panel 140 to the flexible display panel 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0089] 16 and 17, the touch panel 140 includes a first touch area T1, a second touch area T2, and wiring areas W1, W2, W3, and W4 disposed on the periphery of the first touch area T1 and the second touch area T2. The touch panel 140 according to the present embodiment may be applied to various touch methods such as a capacitive type or a resistive type.

[0090] The flexible display panel 100-B before the non-display areas N1 and N3 are folded includes a first display area D1 and a second display area D2, and non-display areas N1, N2, N3, and N4 arranged on the outer periphery of the first display area D1 and the second display area D2.

[0091] The first touch area T1 of the touch panel 140 and the first display area T2 of the flexible display panel 100-B After the first touch area T1 of the touch panel 140 and the second display area D2 of the flexible display panel 100-B are aligned to correspond to each other, and the second touch area T2 of the touch panel 140 and the second display area D2 of the flexible display panel 100-B are aligned to correspond to each other, the touch panel 140 and the flexible display panel 100-B are combined.

[0092] The flexible display panel 100-B to which the touch panel 140 is combined provides a wide display screen to the user through the second display areas D2 disposed on the left and right sides of the first display area D1.

[0093] In addition, in the flexible display panel 100-B to which the touch panel 140 is connected, the non-display areas N1 and N3 connected to the second display area D2 are bent toward the first display area D1 relative to the second display area D2, so that the non-display areas N1 and N3 are not visible, and the user perceives that there is almost no boundary of the second display area D2 caused by the non-display areas N1 and N3.

[0094] In the above drawings, the flexible display panel 100-B according to the first embodiment described above is illustrated as the flexible display panel 100-B, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that various flexible display panels according to the first and second embodiments described above can be applied to this embodiment.

[0095] 18 and 19 show an example in which the touch panel integrated flexible display panel 100 is combined with a transparent protective window 150 and a housing of a display device. For convenience, the flexible display panel 100 according to the first embodiment is taken as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, the present invention can be equally applied to the touch panel integrated flexible display panel 300 described above.

[0096] 18 and 19, after the flexible display panel 100 is attached to the flexible touch panel 140, the non-display area of ​​the flexible display panel 100 is folded and the second display area is bent to form a curved surface.

[0097] The flexible display panel 100 to which the touch panel 140 is attached is protected and supported by a transparent protective window 150 .

[0098] The transparent protective window 150 is coupled to the upper surface of the flexible display panel 100 on the side where an image is displayed, so as to correspond to the folded shape of the flexible display panel 100. That is, the transparent protective window 150 is coupled to correspond to the shapes of the first display area D1, T1 and the second display area D2, T2 of the flexible display panel 100 and the flexible touch panel 140. The transparent protective window 150 is sufficient as long as it has a transmittance that allows the display screen of the flexible display panel 100 to be well transmitted and a strength that allows the curved shape of the flexible display panel 100 to be well maintained. Therefore, the transparent protective window 150 not only serves to protect the flexible display panel 100 and / or the flexible touch panel 140 from external impacts and scratches, but also functions as a support means that maintains the curved shape of the flexible display panel 100 and / or the flexible touch panel 140.

[0099] Of course, in the present invention, the supporting means for holding the curved shape of the flexible display panel 100 and / or the flexible touch panel 140 is not limited to the transparent protective window 150. It goes without saying that the curved shape of the flexible display panel 100 and / or the flexible touch panel 140 can be held by a frame or a housing 160 of a display device, which will be described later, and various other supporting means can be applied.

[0100] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, an adhesive or the like may be further provided between the flexible display panel 100 and the transparent protective window 150 .

[0101] The flexible display panel 100 to which the transparent protective window 150 and the touch panel 140 are attached is coupled to a display device (not shown). The display device includes a frame or housing 160 that protects and supports the display device, and in this embodiment, the flexible display panel 10 is attached to an upper surface of a front case 161 of the housing 160, and the non-display areas N1 and N3 are folded and placed in an opening 163 formed between the front case 161 and a lower case 162 of the housing 160, thereby preventing the non-display areas N1 and N3 from being viewed from the outside of the display device.

[0102] The example shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 is merely one example of combining the flexible display panel 100 with a display device, and it goes without saying that various applications are possible according to ordinary technical knowledge.

[0103] As described above, the flexible display panel, which can maintain its curved shape by various support means, is integrated into various display devices such as televisions, computer monitors, PDAs, smart devices, etc. Therefore, the non-display area recognized by the user of the display device is significantly reduced, and a larger image screen can be provided than other display devices. In addition, the curved sides provide the user with an improved grip and aesthetic feel.

[0104] The components shown in the drawings are enlarged or reduced for the convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not limited to the size and shape of the components shown in the drawings, and a person skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true technical scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical ideas of the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0105] The present invention can be suitably used in technical fields related to display devices such as televisions, computer monitors, PDAs, and smart devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 100 Flexible display panel 111 Flexible substrate 112 Barrier membrane 113 Sealing member 120 Organic light-emitting device 131 Electrode power supply line 133 Scanning circuit section 135 Data Circuit Section 137 Drive power supply wiring section 132, 134, 136, 138 terminal section 140 Touch Panel 150 Transparent protective window D1 First display area D2 Second display area N1, N2, N3, N4 Non-display areas P Pad portion I First area II Second area III Third area

Claims

1. A display device including a flexible display panel, The flexible display panel includes: A first display area; A second display area extending from the first display area and facing a different direction from the first display area; A support member for maintaining the shape of the flexible display panel; a case having an opaque region that couples with the support member; a sealing thin film provided on the flexible display panel and sealing the first display area and the second display area; a touch layer provided on the encapsulation thin film and including a touch area, the touch layer overlapping the first display area and the second display area; At least one organic light-emitting element disposed in the first display area or the second display area; a wiring area disposed on the outer periphery of the touch area; the first display area displays an image in a first direction, and the second display area displays an image in a second direction different from the first direction; the second display area comprises a curved surface; A display device, wherein a wiring region arranged on the outer periphery is bent toward the first display region with respect to the second display region and is covered by an opaque region of the case.

2. a transparent protective window disposed on the touch layer, the transparent protective window overlaps the first display area and the second display area; The display device according to claim 1 .

3. A display device including a flexible display panel, The flexible display panel includes: A first display area; A second display area extending from the first display area and facing a different direction from the first display area; A support member for maintaining the shape of the flexible display panel; a case having an opaque region that couples with the support member; a sealing thin film provided on the flexible display panel and sealing the first display area and the second display area; a touch layer provided on the encapsulation thin film and including a touch area, the touch layer overlapping the first display area and the second display area; at least one organic light-emitting element disposed in the first display area or the second display area; the second display area comprises a curved surface; the curved surface of the second display region is configured to display an image while maintaining the curved surface in a curved state; A display device, wherein a wiring area arranged on the periphery of the touch area is bent toward the first display area with respect to the second display area and is covered by an opaque area of ​​the case.

4. The sealing thin film comprises at least one of an inorganic film or an organic film. The display device according to claim 1 .

5. the touch layer further comprises touch wiring outside the touch area; The display device according to claim 1 .

6. The second display area is made up of a plurality of second display areas extending from opposing sides of the first display area. The display device according to claim 1 .

7. the sealing thin film covers a display surface of the first display region and the second display region; The display device according to claim 1 .

8. the touch layer bends to correspond to a curved surface of the second display area; The display device according to claim 1 .

Images