Display device and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

To prevent creases in a folding region of a display device.SOLUTION: A display device includes: a display panel in which a first non-folding region, a second non-folding region, and a folding region that is disposed between the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region and is folded based on a folding axis are defined; an adhesive layer that is disposed below the display panel; a first support part that is disposed below the adhesive layer and overlaps with the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region; and a supporting layer that includes a second support part overlapping with the folding region. The first support part and the second support part include different materials.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, and more particularly to a foldable display device. [Background technology]

[0002] Various display devices have been developed for use in multimedia devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation systems, game consoles, etc. Input devices for display devices include keyboards and mice. Recently, display devices have also been equipped with input sensing layers as input devices.

[0003] Recently, various types of display devices have been developed, which are different from flat display devices. For example, various flexible display devices have been developed, such as curved display devices, bending display devices, foldable display devices, rollable display devices, and stretchable display devices. In particular, foldable display devices that can be folded based on a folding axis have been developed.

[0004] Meanwhile, in the case of a foldable display device, there is a risk that some wrinkles may occur at the folded portion of the display device due to multiple folding operations. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a display device that includes a support layer that prevents wrinkles in the folding area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel defining a first non-folding region, a second non-folding region, and a folding region disposed between the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region and folded along a folding axis; an adhesive layer disposed below the display panel; and a support layer disposed below the adhesive layer and including a first support portion overlapping the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region and a second support portion overlapping the folding region, wherein the first support portion and the second support portion comprise different materials.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a module hole is defined that overlaps one of the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region and penetrates the first support, the display panel, and the adhesive layer.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display panel includes a non-bending portion and a bending portion bent from the non-bending portion, and the first non-folding area, the second non-folding area, and the folding area overlap the non-bending portion of the display panel.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the support layer further includes an auxiliary support portion disposed on the bending portion, and the auxiliary support portion has the same material as the first support portion.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary support overlaps one of the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first support part includes a first support portion overlapping the first non-folding area and a second support portion overlapping the second non-folding area, and each of the first support portion and the second support portion has a larger planar area than the second support part.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first supporting portion, the second supporting portion, and the second supporting part have the same thickness in the thickness direction of the display panel.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes an anti-static film including a first coating portion disposed between the upper surface of the first support portion and the adhesive layer, and a second coating portion disposed on the lower surface of the first support portion.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the first supporting part in the thickness direction of the display panel is greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the first coating portion and the second coating portion.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display device further includes a camera module that overlaps the module hole and is disposed below the support layer.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display device further includes a polarizing layer disposed on the display panel, and a window disposed on the polarizing layer, and the module hole passes through the polarizing layer.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first supporting portion includes a polymer film, and the second supporting portion includes a glass material.

[0018] A display device according to another embodiment of the present invention for achieving the object of the present invention includes a display panel defining a module area and a display area surrounding the module area, an adhesive layer disposed under the display panel, and a support layer disposed under the adhesive layer, wherein a module hole is defined that overlaps the module area and penetrates the support layer, the adhesive layer, and the display panel, and the support layer includes a first support portion that surrounds the module hole in a plane, and a second support portion that is adjacent to the first support portion and has a different material from the first support portion.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display area includes a first non-folding area, a second non-folding area, and a folding area disposed between the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area and folded based on a folding axis, and the module hole overlaps one of the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first support portion includes a first support portion overlapping a portion of the first non-folding area and a second support portion overlapping a portion of the second non-folding area, and the second support portion is disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion and overlaps the folding area, another portion of the first non-folding area, and another portion of the second non-folding area.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second support portion has a larger planar area than each of the first support portion and the second support portion.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second support part overlaps the first non-folding region, the second non-folding region, and the folding region, respectively, and surrounds the first support part in a plane.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first supporting portion includes polyethylene terephthalate, the second supporting portion includes glass material, and the thickness of the second supporting portion is 25 μm or more and 75 μm or less.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a display device includes the steps of: providing a display panel defining a first non-folding region, a second non-folding region, and a folding region disposed between the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region and folded based on a folding axis; disposing a first support portion and a second support portion having the same material at a lower portion of the display panel so as to overlap the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region, respectively; disposing a third support portion having a different material from the first support portion at a lower portion of the display panel overlapping the folding region; and forming a module hole through the display panel overlapping the first support portion and the first non-folding region using a laser.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first support portion and the second support portion are disposed at the bottom of the display panel through the same process, and the third support portion is disposed at the bottom of the display panel through a process different from that of the first support portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a main support member that supports a display panel includes a first support member and a second support member made of different materials. The first support member includes a material that is easy to irradiate with laser, and the second support member includes a glass material to prevent the display device from wrinkling. This generally improves the wrinkling phenomenon in the folding region of the display device, and improves the efficiency of the process of forming a module hole. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2a] 1 is a perspective view of a display device folded around a folding axis according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2b] 1 is a perspective view of a display device folded around a folding axis according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a support layer according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along II' shown in FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7a] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a support layer according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7b] 7b is a cross-sectional view taken along II-II' shown in FIG. 7a according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8a] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a support layer according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8b] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a support layer according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9a] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9b] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10a] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10b] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10c] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10d] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] As used herein, when a component (or region, layer, portion, etc.) is referred to as being "on," "connected," or "coupled" to another component, it means that it may be directly positioned, coupled, or connected to the other component, or that a third component may be disposed therebetween.

[0029] The same reference numerals refer to the same components, and in the drawings, thickness, proportions, and dimensions of the components are exaggerated for the purpose of effectively explaining the technical contents.

[0030] "And / or" includes all combinations of one or more of the associated constructs.

[0031] Terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, but the components are not limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one structural element from another. For example, a first component may be called a "second component," and similarly, a second component may be called a "first component," without departing from the scope of the present invention. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0032] Furthermore, terms such as "under," "below," "on," and "above" are used to describe the relationship between components shown in the drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions shown in the drawings.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Furthermore, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant art, and are expressly defined herein unless interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0034] It should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" and the like specify the presence of any feature, numeral, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof set forth above in the specification, but do not preclude the possible presence or addition of one or more other features, numerals, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0035] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0036] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2a is a perspective view of a display device folded on a folding axis according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2b is a perspective view of a display device folded on a folding axis according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Although a foldable display device DD is shown as an example according to the embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be applied to various display devices such as a keyboard display device, a bending display device, a rollable display device, a stretchable display device, etc. Furthermore, the display device DD according to the present invention may be used in large electronic devices such as televisions or external billboards, as well as small and medium-sized electronic devices such as mobile phones, personal computers, notebook computers, personal digital assistants, car navigation units, game consoles, portable electronic devices, wristwatch-type electronic devices, and cameras.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, the display device DD includes a plurality of regions divided on a display surface. The display surface is divided into a display area DA where an image IM is actually displayed and a peripheral area NDA where the image IM is not displayed. The peripheral area NDA is adjacent to the display area DA. For example, the display device DD shown in FIG. 1 may be provided in a smartphone provided in a rectangular shape and may display weather information and icon images IM. The peripheral area NDA is adjacent to the display area DA or surrounds the display area DA, but may be omitted.

[0039] Meanwhile, the display surface is parallel to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The normal direction of the display surface, i.e., the thickness direction of the display device DD, is indicated by the third direction DR3. In this specification, the meaning of "when viewed from above or on a plane" means when viewed from the third direction DR3. The front (or upper surface) and rear (or lower surface) of each layer or unit described below are separated by the third direction DR3. However, the directions indicated by the first to third directions DR1, DR2, and DR3 are relative concepts and may be converted to other directions, for example, opposite directions.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display device DD includes a folding area FA, a first non-folding area NFA1, and a second non-folding area NFA2 that are folded along a folding axis FX. The first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 are spaced apart in a second direction DRA, with the folding area FA sandwiched between them. The folding axis FX is parallel to the first direction DR1.

[0041] The top surface DD-US of the display device DD includes a first display surface overlapping the folding area FA, a second display surface overlapping the first non-folding area NFA1, and a third display surface overlapping the second non-folding area NFA2. The bottom surface DD-DS of the display device DD faces the top surface DD-US. The first to third display surfaces display the same image or different images.

[0042] According to the present invention, the display device DD further includes a module area MA surrounded by the display area DA. The module area MA overlaps at least one of the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. The module area MA overlaps an electronic module included in the display device DD. For example, the electronic module includes at least one of a camera, a speaker, a light sensor, and a heat sensor.

[0043] For example, referring to Figures 2a and 2b, the display device DD according to the present invention may be folded in both directions based on a folding axis FX.

[0044] 2a, the folding area FA is folded along the folding axis FX so that the second and third display surfaces face each other, and in this case, the folding area FA is folded along the first rotation axis RT1, and the underside DD-DS of the display device DD is exposed to the outside.

[0045] 2b, the folding area FA is folded along the folding axis FX so that the second and third display surfaces are exposed to the outside. In this case, the folding area FA is folded along the second rotation axis RT2, and the top surface DD-US of the display device DD is exposed to the outside.

[0046] As described above, the display device DD is folded along the folding axis FX so that the second display surface of the first non-folding area NFA1 and the third display surface of the second non-folding area NFA2 face each other, which is defined as inner folding. The display device DD may also be folded along the folding axis FX so that the second display surface of the first non-folding area NFA1 and the third display surface of the second non-folding area NFA2 face outward, which is defined as outer folding.

[0047] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] 3, the display device DD includes a window WM, a display panel DP, an electronic module CM, and a case BC, which together define the appearance of the display device DD.

[0049] The window WM is disposed on the display panel DP and covers the front surface of the display panel DP. The window WM includes an optically transparent insulating material. For example, the window WM may include glass or plastic. The window WM may have a multi-layer or single-layer structure. For example, the window WM may have a laminated structure of multiple plastic films bonded together with an adhesive, or a laminated structure of a glass substrate and a plastic film bonded together with an adhesive.

[0050] The window WM includes a front surface FS exposed to the outside, and the display surface of the display device DD is substantially defined by the front surface FS of the window.

[0051] Specifically, the transmissive area TA is an optically transparent area. The transmissive area TA has a shape corresponding to the display area DA. For example, the transmissive area TA overlaps with or at least partially overlaps the front surface of the display area DA. An image IM displayed in the display area DA of the display panel DP is visible from the outside through the transmissive area TA.

[0052] The bezel area BZA is an area having a relatively low light transmittance compared to the transmissive area TA. The bezel area BZA defines the shape of the transmissive area TA. The bezel area BZA is adjacent to the transmissive area TA and surrounds the transmissive area TA.

[0053] The bezel area BZA has a predetermined color. If the window WM is provided as a glass or plastic substrate, the bezel area BZA may be a color layer printed or deposited on one surface of the glass or plastic substrate. Alternatively, the bezel area BZA may be formed by coloring a corresponding area of ​​the glass or plastic substrate.

[0054] The bezel area BZA covers the peripheral area NDA of the display panel DP and blocks the peripheral area NDA from being viewed from the outside. However, this is an exemplary illustration, and the bezel area BZA may be omitted in a window WM according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] According to the present invention, the front surface of the display panel DP includes a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region. The first region corresponds to a module region MA and a display region DA surrounding the module region MA, and the second region corresponds to a peripheral region NDA. The display region DA is an area activated by an electrical signal. The module region MA and the second region are defined as non-display areas where no image is displayed.

[0056] In addition, one side of the peripheral area NDA of the display panel DP has a bent shape. As a result, a portion of the peripheral area NDA faces the rear surface of the display panel DP, thereby reducing the bezel area BZA in front of the window WM. However, the display panel DP may be assembled in a flat state with the display area DA and the peripheral area NDA facing the window WM.

[0057] The module area MA has a relatively high transmittance compared to the display area DA for the same area. The module area MA is defined at a position where it overlaps with the electronic module CM (described later) on a plane.

[0058] At least a portion of the module area MA is surrounded by the display area DA. In this embodiment, the module area MA is spaced apart from the peripheral area NDA. The module area MA is shown as being defined within the display area DA such that it is surrounded on all edges by the display area DA.

[0059] The display panel DP includes a module hole MH defined within the module area MA and penetrating the display panel DP. The module hole MH penetrates the display panel DP. The edge of the module area MA extends substantially along the edge of the module hole MH, being spaced a predetermined distance from the edge of the module hole MH. The edge of the module area MA has a shape corresponding to the module hole MH.

[0060] The electronic module CM is disposed below the window WM. The electronic module CM overlaps a module hole MH defined in the module area MA. The electronic module receives external inputs transmitted through the module area MA or provides outputs through the module area MA.

[0061] The electronic module CM, including a receiving section for receiving external input and an output section for providing output, overlaps the module area MA in a plan view. Part or all of the electronic module CM is housed within the module area MA or the module hole MH. According to the present invention, the electronic module CM is arranged to overlap the display area DA, thereby reducing the area of ​​the bezel area BZA.

[0062] Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 3, the display device DD further includes an input sensing layer disposed between the display panel DP and the window WM and configured to sense an external input. Here, the external input includes various types of external input, such as a part of the user's body, a stylus pen, light, heat, or pressure. In addition to input by contact with a part of the user's body, such as a hand, a nearby or adjacent spatial touch (e.g., hovering) can also be a form of input. If the display device DD further includes an input sensing layer, the module hole MH penetrates the display panel DP and the input sensing layer overlapping the module area MA.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 4, the display device DD further includes components not shown in FIG. 3, including a first adhesive layer AM1, an external light reflecting member POL, a second adhesive layer AM2, and a support layer PM.

[0065] The display panel DP includes a non-bending portion NBA and a bending portion BA bent from one side of the non-bending portion NBA. The first non-folding area NFA1, the second non-folding area NFA2, and the folding area FA of the display device DD described with reference to FIG. 1 correspond to the non-bending portion NBA of the display panel DP. The non-bending portion NBA of the display panel DP means a flat portion, and corresponds to the display area DA and peripheral area NDA of the display device DD shown in FIG. 1.

[0066] The bending portion BA corresponds to the peripheral area NDA of the display area DD and has a shape bent from one side of the non-bending portion NBA along the second direction DR2. In particular, a part of the bending portion BA overlaps with the non-bending portion NBA in the third direction DR3. As shown in Figure 4, the bending portion BA of the display panel DP reduces the peripheral area NDA on the front surface of the display device DD.

[0067] Meanwhile, although not shown, an external circuit board is connected to one end of the bending portion BA, and the external circuit board transmits a plurality of driving signals required to drive the display panel DP to the pixels of the display panel DP via the bending portion BA.

[0068] The first adhesive layer AM1 overlaps the non-bending portion NBA of the display panel DP and is disposed between the window WM and the external light reflecting member POL. The first adhesive layer AM1 is any one of an optically clear adhesive film (OCA), an optically clear adhesive resin (OCR), or a pressure-sensitive adhesive film (PSA).

[0069] The external light reflecting member POL overlaps the non-bending portion NBA of the display panel DP and is disposed between the first adhesive layer AM1 and the display panel DP. For example, the external light reflecting member POL may be a polarizing layer, and the polarization of external light incident through the window WM is controlled by the external light reflecting member POL. For another example, the external light reflecting member POL may be a color filter that absorbs external light. Although not shown, an adhesive layer may be further disposed between the external light reflecting member POL and the display panel DP.

[0070] The second adhesive layer AM2 is disposed under the display panel DP. As an example, the second adhesive layer AM2 entirely overlaps the bending portion BA and the non-bending portion NBA of the display panel DP. That is, the second adhesive layer AM2 includes a first adhesive portion overlapping the non-bending portion NBA and a second adhesive portion overlapping the bending portion BA. As another example, the second adhesive layer AM2 includes a first adhesive portion overlapping the non-bending portion NBA and a second adhesive portion overlapping a portion of the bending portion BA. In this case, the first adhesive portion and the second adhesive portion are spaced apart from each other.

[0071] The second adhesive layer AM2 is also any one of an optically clear adhesive film (OCA), an optically clear adhesive resin (OCR), or a pressure-sensitive adhesive film (PSA).

[0072] The support layer PM is disposed below the second adhesive layer AM2. The support layer PM is bonded by the second adhesive layer AM2 and has a structure disposed below the display panel DP. The support layer PM includes a main support portion PM1 overlapping the non-bending portion NBA of the display panel DP and an auxiliary support portion PM2 overlapping the bending portion BA of the display panel DP.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the support layer PM is disposed under the display panel DP to prevent external damage to the display panel DP and to prevent wrinkles from forming in the folding area FA of the display device DD shown in FIG. 1 due to the folding operation.

[0074] In particular, the support layer PM according to the present invention is not provided with a single material but includes different materials. For example, the portion of the support layer PM overlapping the folding area FA of the display device DD may include different materials from the portion overlapping the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 of the display device DD. That is, to prevent the folding area FA of the display device DD from being wrinkled due to repeated folding operations, the main support part PM1 overlapping the folding area FA is made of a different material from the main support part PM1 overlapping the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. This will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 5.

[0075] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a support layer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along II' in Figure 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] 5, the main support part PM1 includes first support parts Pa, Pb and second support part Pc. The first support parts Pa and Pb are divided into a first support portion Pa and a second support portion Pb, and the second support portion Pc is disposed between the first support part Pa and the second support portion Pb.

[0077] The first support portion Pa overlaps the first non-folding area NFA1 and is disposed below the display panel DP, and the second support portion Pb overlaps the second non-folding area NFA2 and is disposed below the display panel DP. The first support portion Pa and the second support portion Pb are spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2.

[0078] The module hole MH (see FIG. 3) is formed in one of the first support portion Pa and the second support portion Pb. In this specification, the module hole MH is described as being formed through the first support portion Pa.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 6, the module hole MH according to one embodiment is a through-hole that penetrates the first support portion Pa as well as the second adhesive layer AM2, the display panel DP, the external light reflecting member POL, and the first adhesive layer AM1. The module hole MH is formed by a laser irradiated from the outside. The module hole MH is formed in the remaining components of the display device DD except for the window WM through which an image is actually viewed from the outside. The electronic module CM is disposed below the first support portion Pa so as to overlap the module hole MH. The electronic module CM is a camera module that outputs and receives light through the module hole MH.

[0080] According to the present invention, the first support portion Pa, the second support portion Pb, and the second support portion Pc have the same thickness in the third direction DR3 and are attached to the second adhesive layer AM2. That is, the first support portions Pa, Pb, and the second support portion Pc are provided with the same thickness although they are made of different materials. In this specification, the term "same" refers to dimensions that include process tolerances.

[0081] 5, the first support portion Pa and the second support portion Pb according to the present invention are formed of the same material. The first support portion Pa and the second support portion Pb include a polymer film, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (hereinafter referred to as "PET"). In particular, the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material is a laser-penetrable material, through which the module hole MH is formed in the first support portion Pa.

[0082] However, the materials of the first and second supporting portions Pa and Pb are not limited thereto and may include various materials, for example, the first and second supporting portions Pa and Pb may include a polymer film such as polyimide.

[0083] The second support member Pc overlaps the folding region FA and is disposed below the display panel DP. The second support member Pc includes a material for preventing wrinkles from forming in the folding region FA of the display device DD. For example, the second support member Pc may include a glass material. The glass second support member Pc prevents wrinkles from forming in the display device DD corresponding to the folding region FA through the first support members Pa and Pb made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Here, wrinkles in the display device DD are visible through the window WM (see FIG. 3) based on the folding axis FX due to repeated folding operations.

[0084] The thickness of the second support portion Pc in the third direction DR3 is in the range of 25 μm to 75 μm, which improves the folding characteristics of the second support portion Pc overlapping the folding area FA.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first support portion Pa and the second support portion Pb each have a larger planar area (i.e., area in a plan view) than the second support portion Pc. In this case, the module hole MH has a structure surrounded by the first support portion Pa on a planar basis.

[0086] On the other hand, if the second support part Pc made of glass constitutes the entire main support part PM1, it is difficult to form the module hole MH in the first support part Pa. This is because the laser beam irradiated from outside to form the module hole MH is reflected by the characteristics of the glass material.

[0087] To this end, the first supporting portion Pa and the second supporting portion Pb according to the present invention include a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material that is easy to irradiate with laser, and the second supporting portion Pc includes a glass material to prevent the display device DD from wrinkling.

[0088] As described above, the main support part PM1 according to the present invention includes a material that easily forms the module hole MH and a material that easily prevents wrinkling during the folding operation, thereby improving the overall wrinkling phenomenon in the folding area FA of the display device DD and improving the efficiency of the process of forming the module hole MH.

[0089] The auxiliary supporting part PM2 includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is the same material as the first supporting parts Pa and Pb. Although the present specification has described the auxiliary supporting part PM2 as including the same material as the first supporting parts Pa and Pb, in reality, the auxiliary supporting part PM2 includes the same material as any one of the first supporting parts Pa and Pb and the second supporting part Pc.

[0090] Figure 7a is a perspective view of a support layer according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7b is a cross-sectional view taken along II-II' shown in Figure 7a according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] The main support part PM-1 shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b is substantially the same in structure as the main support part PM1 shown in FIG. 5 except that anti-static films CN1 and CN2 are added.

[0092] 7a and 7b, the anti-static films CN1 and CN2 include a first coating portion CN1 and a second coating portion CN2. The first coating portion CN1 overlaps the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second coating portion CN2 overlaps the second non-folding area NFA2. The anti-static films CN1 and CN2 do not overlap the folding area FA.

[0093] According to the present invention, the antistatic films CN1 and CN2 can be easily formed on the first supporting parts Pa and Pb having a different material from the second supporting part Pc.

[0094] The first coating portion CN1 includes a first coating portion CN1a disposed on the upper surface of the first support portion Pa, and a second coating portion CN1b disposed on the lower surface of the first support portion Pa. The first coating portion CN1a and the second coating portion CN1b have the same planar area as the first support portion Pa, and have a smaller thickness than the first support portion Pa. For example, the sum of the thicknesses of the first coating portion CN1a and the second coating portion CN1b may be smaller than the thickness of the first support portion Pa.

[0095] The second coating portion CN2 includes a third coating portion CN2a disposed on the upper surface of the second support portion Pb and a fourth coating portion CN2b disposed on the lower surface of the second support portion Pb. The third coating portion CN2a and the fourth coating portion CN2b have the same planar area as the second support portion Pb and a smaller thickness than the second support portion Pb. For example, the sum of the thicknesses of the third coating portion CN2a and the fourth coating portion CN2b may be smaller than the thickness of the second support portion Pb.

[0096] The sum of the thicknesses of the first coating portion CN1 and the first support portion Pa is substantially the same as the thickness of the second support portion Pc. Similarly, the sum of the thicknesses of the second coating portion CN2 and the second support portion Pb is substantially the same as the thickness of the second support portion Pc.

[0097] According to the present invention, the anti-static films CN1 and CN2 include organic or inorganic conductive materials such as conductive polymers, silver nanoparticles, graphene, and carbon nanotubes. The anti-static films CN1 and CN2 are formed by coating and curing a paste that is a mixture of a conductive material and a matrix. The matrix may be an organic or inorganic matrix such as tetraethyl orthosilicate, polysilane, or polysilazane, or various non-conductive cured polymers.

[0098] The method for forming the antistatic films CN1 and CN2 is not particularly limited, but they may be formed by applying and curing a conductive coating liquid composition. The application method is not particularly limited, but known coating methods such as slit coating, knife coating, spin coating, casting, microgravure coating, gravure coating, bar coating, roll coating, wire bar coating, dip coating, spray coating, screen printing, gravure printing, flexographic printing, offset printing, inkjet coating, dispenser printing, nozzle coating, and capillary coating may be used. After application, the coating film is dried at a predetermined temperature and then cured to form the antistatic films CN1 and CN2.

[0099] 8a and 8b are perspective views of a support layer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] 8a and 8b, the main support parts PM-2 and PM-3 are substantially the same in structure as the support layer PM shown in Fig. 5, except that the main support part PM1b and antistatic films CN1z and CN2z are modified. The following description will focus on the structure of the main support part.

[0101] 8a, the main support portion PM1b of the support layer PM-2 includes first support portions Pa-1, Pb-1, and second support portion Pc-1. According to the present invention, the planar areas of the first support portions Pa-1, Pb-1 are smaller than the planar area of ​​the second support portion Pc-1. In other words, the sum of the planar areas of the first support portion Pa-1 and the second support portion Pb-1 is smaller than the planar area of ​​the second support portion Pc-1.

[0102] The first coating portion CN1z includes a first coating portion CN1az disposed on the upper surface of the first support portion Pa-1 and a second coating portion CN1bz disposed on the lower surface of the first support portion Pa-1, and the second coating portion CN2z includes a third coating portion CN2az disposed on the upper surface of the second support portion Pb-1 and a fourth coating portion CN2bz disposed on the lower surface of the second support portion Pb-1.

[0103] The second support portion Pc-1 is disposed between the first support portion Pa-1 and the second support portion Pb-1, and overlaps not only the folding region FA but also the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2. Specifically, the first support portion Pa-1 overlaps a portion of the first non-folding region NFA1, and a portion of the second support portion Pc-1 overlaps the remaining portion of the first non-folding region NFA1. The second support portion Pb-1 overlaps a portion of the second non-folding region NFA2, and another portion of the second support portion Pc-1 overlaps the remaining portion of the second non-folding region NFA2. The remaining portion of the second support portion Pc-1 overlaps the folding region FA.

[0104] 8b, the main support member PM1c of the support layer PM-3 includes a first support member Pz and a second support member Pc-2. The first support member Pz has a shape that surrounds the module hole MH in a plan view and is disposed under the display panel DP overlapping the first non-folding area NFA1. According to the present invention, the second support member Pc-2 surrounds the first support member Pz in a plan view and overlaps the first non-folding area NFA1, the second non-folding area NFA2, and the folding area FA.

[0105] The first support portion Pz includes a material in which a hole is formed by an externally irradiated laser. That is, the first support portion Pz includes a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material to form the module hole MH, and the area of ​​the first support portion Pz is provided as a minimum area for forming the module hole MH.

[0106] 9a and 9b are cross-sectional views of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] The display devices DD-1 and DD-2 shown in Figures 9a and 9b differ from the display device DD shown in Figure 6 in that the module hole MH is formed through an external laser, and the remaining structures are substantially the same. Furthermore, the display devices DD-1 and DD-2 shown in Figures 9a and 9b are shown to further include anti-static films CN1 and CN2 shown in Figure 7a. However, this is not limiting, and unlike the embodiment shown in Figures 9a and 9b, the anti-static films CN1 and CN2 may be omitted.

[0108] 9a, a module hole MH corresponding to the module area MA is defined through an opening formed in the main support part PM1a of the support layer PM-1, the second adhesive layer AM2, and the display panel DP. That is, an external laser penetrates the main support part PM1a, the second adhesive layer AM2, and the display panel DP to form the module hole MH.

[0109] 9b, a module hole MH corresponding to the module area MA is defined through an opening formed in the main support part PM1a of the support layer PM-1 and the second adhesive layer AM2. That is, the external laser penetrates the main support part PM1a and the second adhesive layer AM2 to form the module hole MH.

[0110] In this case, the pixel arrangement structure of the display panel DP overlapping the module region MA is different from the pixel arrangement structure of the display panel DP not overlapping the module region MA. For the same area, the number of pixels overlapping the module region MA is less than the number of pixels not overlapping the module region MA. For example, if the number of pixels overlapping the module region MA is 8, the number of pixels having the same area as the module region MA but not overlapping the module region MA may be 16.

[0111] 10a and 10d are diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] 10a, a support layer PM-1 is disposed under a display panel DP. As an example, the support layer PM-1 shown in FIGS. 10a to 10d may be the support layer corresponding to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7a. However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the antistatic films CN1 and CN2 may be omitted.

[0113] The support layer PM-1 includes a first support portion Pa overlapping the first non-folding area NFA1 and a second support portion Pb overlapping the second non-folding area NFA2. The first support portion Pa and the second support portion Pb each include a first material. The support layer PM-1 also includes a first coating portion CN1 having a first coating portion CN1a and a second coating portion CN1b, and a second coating portion CN2 having a third coating portion CN2a and a fourth coating portion CN2b.

[0114] In this case, the structure is such that a first release paper RP1 is placed between the first support portion Pa and the second support portion Pb, and a second release paper RP2 is placed below the support layer PM-1.

[0115] 10b, the first release paper RP1 and the second release paper RP2 are removed. In this case, the first support portion Pa is adhered to the lower surface of the second adhesive layer AM2 overlapping the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second support portion Pb is adhered to the lower surface of the second adhesive layer AM2 overlapping the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0116] A second support portion Pc is disposed below the display panel DP overlapping the folding area FA. Hereinafter, the second support portion Pc will be referred to as a third support portion. By removing the first release paper RP1, an empty space is formed between the first support portion Pa and the second support portion Pb, and the third support portion Pc is disposed in the empty space. According to the present invention, the third support portion Pc includes a second material different from the first material. As described above, the first material is polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the second material is glass.

[0117] As a result, the first support portion Pa and the second support portion Pb are arranged at the bottom of the display panel DP through the same process, whereas the third support portion Pc is arranged at the bottom of the display panel DP through a process different from that of the first support portion Pa.

[0118] 10c, a laser LAR is disposed below the support layer PM-1. The laser LAR emits light corresponding to the module area MA where the electronic module CM described in FIG. 3 is disposed. The light emitted by the laser LAR has an intensity sufficient to penetrate the first support portion Pa, the second adhesive layer AM2, the display panel DP, and the external light reflecting member POL.

[0119] As a result, as shown in FIG. 10d, a module hole MH is defined by the first support portion Pa, the second adhesive layer AM2, the display panel DP, and the external light reflecting member POL.

[0120] However, the structure of the module hole MH is not limited to this, and the intensity of the laser LAR may be variously adjusted in accordance with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b.

[0121] As mentioned above, the drawings and the specification disclose embodiments. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used merely for the purpose of describing the present invention and are not used to limit the meaning or the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. Therefore, a person skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. a display panel defining a first non-folding region, a second non-folding region, and a folding region disposed between the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region, the folding region being adapted to fold along a folding axis; an adhesive layer disposed under the display panel; a support layer disposed below the adhesive layer, the support layer including a first support portion overlapping the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region, and a second support portion overlapping the folding region; Including, The display device, wherein the first supporting portion includes a polymer film and the second supporting portion includes a glass material.

2. The display device of claim 1 , further comprising: a module hole overlapping at least one of the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region, the module hole penetrating the first support, the display panel, and the adhesive layer.

3. the display panel includes a non-bending portion and a bending portion bent from the non-bending portion; The display device of claim 2 , wherein the first non-folding region, the second non-folding region, and the folding region overlap the non-bending portion of the display panel.

4. the support layer further includes an auxiliary support portion disposed on the bending portion; The display device according to claim 3 , wherein the auxiliary support portion has the same material as the first support portion.

5. The display device of claim 4 , wherein the auxiliary support overlaps one of the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region.

6. the first support portion includes a first support portion overlapping the first non-folding region and a second support portion overlapping the second non-folding region; The display device according to claim 2 , wherein each of the first support portion and the second support portion has a larger planar area than the second support portion.

7. The display device of claim 6 , wherein the first supporting portion, the second supporting portion, and the second supporting portion have the same thickness in a thickness direction of the display panel.

8. The display device of claim 2 , further comprising an anti-static film including a first coating portion disposed between the upper surface of the first support and the adhesive layer, and a second coating portion disposed on the lower surface of the first support.

9. The display device of claim 8 , wherein the thickness of the first support portion in the thickness direction of the display panel is greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the first coating portion and the second coating portion.

10. The display device according to claim 2 , further comprising a camera module disposed below the support layer and overlapping the module hole.

11. a polarizing layer disposed on the display panel; a window disposed above the polarizing layer; The display device according to claim 2 , wherein the module hole penetrates the polarizing layer.

12. a display panel defining a module area and a display area surrounding the module area; an adhesive layer disposed under the display panel; a support layer disposed below the adhesive layer, a module hole is defined that overlaps the module region and penetrates the support layer, the adhesive layer, and the display panel; the support layer includes a first support portion surrounding the module hole on a plane, and a second support portion adjacent to the first support portion and having a different material from the first support portion; the display area includes a first non-folding area, a second non-folding area, and a folding area disposed between the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area and configured to fold along a folding axis; the second support portion overlaps the folding region, The display device, wherein the first supporting portion includes a polymer film and the second supporting portion includes a glass material.

13. A display device as described in Claim 12, wherein the module hole overlaps either the first non-folding area or the second non-folding area.

14. the first support portion includes a first support portion overlapping a portion of the first non-folding region and a second support portion overlapping a portion of the second non-folding region; The display device of claim 12 , wherein the second support portion is disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion and overlaps the folding region, another portion of the first non-folding region, and another portion of the second non-folding region.

15. The display device according to claim 14 , wherein the second support portion has a larger planar area than each of the first support portion and the second support portion.

16. The display device of claim 13 , wherein the second support portion overlaps the first non-folding region, the second non-folding region, and the folding region, respectively, and surrounds the first support portion in a plan view.

17. A display device as described in Claim 12, characterized in that the thickness of the second support portion is not less than 25 μm and not more than 75 μm.

18. providing a display panel defining a first non-folding region, a second non-folding region, and a folding region disposed between the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region, the folding region being adapted to fold along a folding axis; disposing a first supporting portion and a second supporting portion having the same material under the display panel so as to overlap the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area, respectively; disposing a third support portion having a different material from the first support portion under the display panel overlapping the folding region; and forming a module hole through the display panel overlapping the first support portion and the first non-folding area using a laser; The first and second supporting portions include a polymer film, and the third supporting portion includes a glass material.

19. the first support portion and the second support portion are disposed on the lower portion of the display panel by the same process; The method of manufacturing a display device according to claim 18 , wherein the third support portion is disposed on the lower portion of the display panel through a process different from that for the first support portion.

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