Indication device

Abstract

A display device according to one embodiment includes a display panel, a first digitizer layer disposed on the display panel, a second digitizer layer disposed on the display panel and separated from the first digitizer layer, a first plate member disposed on the first digitizer layer, and a second plate member disposed on the second digitizer layer, each of the first plate member and the second plate member including a plurality of plate portions and at least one hinge portion rotatably connecting the plurality of plate portions to each other.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] Recently, the proportion of mobile electronic devices with larger display screens while maintaining the same or smaller size as conventional devices has increased, and foldable display devices (or bendable display devices) have been developed that have a structure that can be unfolded and folded to provide a larger screen only when in use.

[0004] Several components constituting the above-described foldable display device may be arranged to be separated from each other based on the area where the flexible display panel is folded. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a display device that has a small thickness while minimizing the gap between members that are separated from each other based on a folding region.

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

[0007] A display device according to one embodiment for solving the above problem includes a display panel, a first digitizer layer disposed on the display panel, a second digitizer layer disposed on the display panel and separated from the first digitizer layer, a first plate member disposed on the first digitizer layer, and a second plate member disposed on the second digitizer layer, wherein the first plate member and the second plate member each include a plurality of plate portions and at least one hinge portion rotatably connecting the plurality of plate portions to each other.

[0008] At least one of the plurality of plate units may rotate in a direction different from that of the remaining plate units excluding the at least one plate unit among the plurality of plate units when the display device is folded.

[0009] The first plate member may include a first plate portion, a second plate portion having one end rotatably connected to one end of the first plate portion, and a third plate portion having one end rotatably connected to the other end of the second plate portion, and the second plate member may include a fourth plate portion, a fifth plate portion having one end rotatably connected to one end of the fourth plate portion, and a sixth plate portion having one end rotatably connected to the other end of the fifth plate portion.

[0010] When the display device is folded, a portion of the display panel may bend to have a curvature, and at least a portion of the bent portion of the display panel may be disposed between the second plate portion and the fifth plate portion and between the third plate portion and the sixth plate portion.

[0011] When the display device is folded, a distance between the one end of the first plate portion and the one end of the fourth plate portion may be smaller than a distance between the other end of the third plate portion and the other end of the sixth plate portion.

[0012] When the display device is unfolded, a gap is formed between the first digitizer layer and the second digitizer layer, and when the display device is folded, the third plate portion and the sixth plate portion can rotate in a direction that narrows the gap.

[0013] When the display device is folded, a portion of the first digitizer layer disposed on the third plate portion and a portion of the second digitizer layer disposed on the sixth plate portion may be bent by the third plate portion and the sixth plate portion, respectively.

[0014] The at least one hinge portion may include a first hinge portion rotatably connecting one end of the first plate portion to one end of the second plate portion, a second hinge portion rotatably connecting the other end of the second plate portion to one end of the third plate portion, a third hinge portion rotatably connecting the one end of the fourth plate portion to one end of the fifth plate portion, and a fourth hinge portion rotatably connecting the other end of the fifth plate portion to one end of the sixth plate portion.

[0015] The display device may further include a flattening member disposed on the first digitizer layer and the second digitizer layer and including a pattern portion that reduces the rigidity of the display device, and the second hinge portion and the fourth hinge portion may be disposed so as to be aligned with a boundary of the pattern portion in the thickness direction of the display device.

[0016] The display device may further include a first digitizer layer connecting member interposed between the planarizing member and the first digitizer layer, and a second digitizer layer connecting member interposed between the planarizing member and the second digitizer layer.

[0017] The display device may further include a first plate member connecting member interposed between the first digitizer layer and the first plate member, and a second plate member connecting member interposed between the second digitizer layer and the second plate member.

[0018] When the display device is unfolded, the distance between the first hinge portion and the third hinge portion may be greater than the distance between the second hinge portion and the fourth hinge portion, but when the display device is folded, the distance between the first hinge portion and the third hinge portion may be smaller than the distance between the second hinge portion and the fourth hinge portion.

[0019] The display device may further include a first base member disposed on the first plate member and a second base member disposed on the second plate member, and the first base member and the second base member may each include an inclined surface on which a corresponding plate portion of the plurality of plate portions is seated when the display device is folded.

[0020] The plate assembly may further include a connecting member that connects an end of the first plate member to an end of the second plate member and covers a gap between the first plate member and the second plate member.

[0021] A display device according to another embodiment for solving the above problem includes an integrated member disposed in a folding region, a first non-folding region connected to one side of the folding region, and a second non-folding region connected to the other side of the folding region; a first detachable member disposed on the integrated member and located in the first non-folding region; a second detachable member disposed on the integrated member, located in the second non-folding region, and separated from the first detachable member; a first plate member disposed on the first detachable member; and a second plate member disposed on the second detachable member, wherein the first plate member and the second plate member each include a plurality of plate portions and at least one hinge portion rotatably connecting the plurality of plate portions to each other.

[0022] The first plate member may include a first plate portion, a second plate portion having one end rotatably connected to one end of the first plate portion, and a third plate portion having one end rotatably connected to the other end of the second plate portion, and the second plate member may include a fourth plate portion, a fifth plate portion having one end rotatably connected to one end of the fourth plate portion, and a sixth plate portion having one end rotatably connected to the other end of the fifth plate portion.

[0023] The integral member may include a display panel, the first separate member may include a first digitizer layer, and the second separate member may include a second digitizer layer.

[0024] The first separate member may further include a first plate member connecting member interposed between the first digitizer layer and the first plate member, and the second separate member may further include a second plate member connecting member interposed between the second digitizer layer and the second plate member.

[0025] The integrated member may further include a flattening member disposed between the display panel and the separate member, the first separate member may further include a first digitizer layer bonding member interposed between the flattening member and the first digitizer layer, and the second separate member may further include a second digitizer layer bonding member interposed between the flattening member and the second digitizer layer.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a display device includes a folding region, a first non-folding region disposed on one side of the folding region, and a second non-folding region disposed on the other side of the folding region, and the display panel is disposed within the first non-folding region, the folding region, and the second non-folding region; a first digitizer layer disposed within the first non-folding region and overlapping the display panel in a thickness direction; a second digitizer layer disposed within the second non-folding region and overlapping the display panel in a thickness direction and separated from the first digitizer layer; a first plate member disposed in the first non-folding region and overlapping the first digitizer layer in a thickness direction; and a second plate member disposed in the first non-folding region and overlapping the second digitizer layer in a thickness direction, wherein the first plate member and the second plate member each include a plurality of plate portions and a plurality of hinge portions disposed between the plurality of plate portions.

[0027] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] Display devices according to various embodiments may minimize the distance between members spaced apart from each other based on the folding region, but may have a thin thickness.

[0029] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and a wider variety of effects are included in this specification. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment in a folded state. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' in FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB' in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC' in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another display device according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another display device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be realized in various different forms. The present embodiments are provided merely to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. The present invention is defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0032] When elements or layers are referred to as being "on" another element or layer, this includes all cases where other layers or elements are directly on or between the other elements. The same reference numerals refer to the same components throughout the specification. The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining the embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated details.

[0033] Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment in a folded state. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment.

[0035] Hereinafter, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are different directions that intersect with each other. For example, the first direction X may be the length direction, the second direction Y may be the width direction, and the third direction Z may be the thickness direction. The first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z may include two or more directions. For example, the third direction Z may include an upper direction toward the top of the drawing and a lower direction toward the bottom of the drawing. In this case, one side of a member arranged to face the upper direction is referred to as the upper surface, and the other side of a member arranged to face the lower direction is referred to as the lower surface. However, the above directions should be understood as referring to relative directions and are not limited to the above example.

[0036] The display device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include various devices that display screens or images, such as, but not limited to, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet PC, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), a television, a game console, a wristwatch-type electronic device, a head-mounted display, a personal computer monitor, a notebook computer, an automobile navigation system, an automobile dashboard, a digital camera, a camcorder, an exterior billboard, an electronic display board, various medical devices, various testing devices, various home appliances including a display unit such as a refrigerator or a washing machine, and an Internet of Things device.

[0037] 1, the display device 1 may have a rectangular shape in a plan view. In one embodiment, the display device 1 may have two long sides extending in a first direction X and two short sides extending in a second direction Y intersecting the first direction X in a plan view. However, the display device 1 is not limited thereto, and may have various shapes.

[0038] The display device 1 can include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA.

[0039] The display area DA can display an image or video. A plurality of pixels can be arranged in the display area DA. As shown in FIG. 1, the display area DA can be arranged on the top surface of the display device 1. However, the display area DA is not limited thereto, and can also be arranged on at least one of the bottom surface and side surface of the display device 1.

[0040] The non-display area NDA may not display an image or video. The non-display area NDA may be disposed around the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may be an area where a light-blocking member such as a black matrix is ​​disposed. In one embodiment, the display area DA has a rectangular shape, and the non-display area NDA may be disposed around the four sides of the display unit, but is not limited thereto.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the display device 1 can be a foldable device that can be folded or unfolded.

[0042] The display device 1 is divided into a folding area FA and non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2.

[0043] The folding area FA is an area that is folded or bent when folding the display device 1. The non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 may be areas that are not folded or bent when folding the display device 1 and that maintain flatness.

[0044] The non-folding areas NFA1, NFA2 may include a first non-folding area NFA1 and a second non-folding area NFA2.

[0045] The first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be arranged in the first direction X, and the folding area FA may be disposed between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0046] The display device 1 can be folded so that the first non-folding area NFA1 overlaps the second non-folding area NFA2, bent so that the first non-folding area NFA1 is inclined relative to the second non-folding area NFA2, or unfolded flat.

[0047] For example, the display device 1 can be folded so that the first non-folding area NFA1 forms an angle of approximately greater than 0° and less than 180° with respect to the second non-folding area NFA2, or can be unfolded so that the first non-folding area NFA1 forms an angle of approximately 180°.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, when the display device 1 is unfolded, the first non-folding area NFA1, the folding area FA, and the second non-folding area NFA2 can be spread out flat so as not to overlap each other in the thickness direction (e.g., the Z direction shown in FIG. 2).

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, when the display device 1 is folded, the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 can overlap each other in the thickness direction.

[0050] Although not shown, the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be arranged to be inclined relative to each other when the display device 1 is folded. In this case, at least a portion of the first non-folding area NFA1 and at least a portion of the second non-folding area NFA2 may or may not overlap each other in the thickness direction.

[0051] In one embodiment, one folding area FA and two non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 are illustrated, but the number and arrangement of the folding area FA and non-folding areas are not limited thereto. Although not shown, the components constituting the display device 1 may also be divided into folding area FA and / or non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2.

[0052] 2, the display device 1 can be infolded. The infolding refers to folding the display device 1 so that at least a part of the display area DA is not exposed to the outside.

[0053] For example, the display device 1 is folded in a direction in which a portion of the display area DA faces another portion of the display area DA, and when the display device 1 is completely folded, the display area DA is surrounded by at least one other component that forms the exterior of the display device 1 and is not exposed to the outside.

[0054] The display device 1 can have an unfolded state in which the display device 1 is unfolded and a folded state in which the display device 1 is folded. The display device 1 can be configured to be freely switchable between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 1, the unfolded state may be a state in which the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 are arranged side by side on a single plane, while as shown in Fig. 2, the folded state may be a state in which the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 are arranged parallel to each other and completely overlap each other in the thickness direction.

[0056] Although not shown, the folded state may further include a state in which the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 are folded about halfway. In other words, the first non-folding area NFA1 (second non-folding area NFA2) may be arranged to be inclined relative to the second non-folding area NFA2 (first non-folding area NFA1). In this case, depending on the angle between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2, the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may or may not overlap.

[0057] For example, the unfolded state may be a state in which the angle between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 of the display device 1 is approximately 180°, and the folded state may be a state in which the angle between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 of the display device 1 is greater than approximately 0° and less than 180° and / or greater than approximately 180° and less than 360°.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, the display device 1 may include a display panel DP, an upper laminated structure US laminated on an upper surface of the display panel DP, and a lower laminated structure LS laminated on a lower surface of the display panel DP.

[0059] The upper surface of the display panel DP may be a surface on which an image or video is displayed, and the lower surface of the display panel DP may be the opposite surface to the upper surface.

[0060] The display panel DP, upper laminated structure US, and lower laminated structure LS may be arranged across the first non-folding area NFA1, the folding area FA, and the second non-folding area NFA2. At least one of the components constituting the upper laminated structure US and the lower laminated structure LS may be separated based on the folding area FA. This separation may reduce bending stress and / or torque required when folding the display device 1.

[0061] The display panel DP is a panel that displays images and pictures, and examples thereof include self-emissive display panels such as organic light-emitting display panels (OLEDs), inorganic light-emitting display panels (inorganic ELs), quantum dot light-emitting display panels (QEDs), micro-LED display panels (micro-LEDs), nano-LED display panels (nano-LEDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), field emission display panels (FEDs), and cathode ray tube (CRTs), as well as photoreceptor display panels such as liquid crystal display panels (LCDs) and electrophoretic display panels (EPDs).

[0062] The display panel DP may further include a touch element. The touch element may be provided as a panel or film separate from the display panel DP and attached to the display panel DP, or may be provided in the form of a touch layer inside the display panel DP. The following embodiment illustrates a case in which the touch element is provided inside the display panel DP and included in the display panel DP, but is not limited thereto.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 4, the display panel DP may include a substrate SUB, a circuit driving layer DRL on the substrate SUB, an emitting layer EML on the circuit driving layer DRL, an encapsulating layer ENL on the emitting layer EML, and a touch layer TSL on the encapsulating layer ENL.

[0064] The substrate SUB may be a flexible substrate including a flexible polymer material such as polyimide, etc., so that the display panel DP can be warped, bent, folded, or rolled.

[0065] A circuit driving layer DRL may be disposed on the substrate SUB. The circuit driving layer DRL may include a circuit for driving the light emitting layer EML of the pixel. The circuit driving layer DRL may include a plurality of thin film transistors.

[0066] An emission layer EML may be disposed on the circuit driving layer DRL. The emission layer EML may include an organic emission layer. The emission layer EML may emit light at various luminance levels in response to a driving signal transmitted from the circuit driving layer DRL.

[0067] An encapsulation layer ENL may be disposed on the emission layer EML. The encapsulation layer ENL may include an inorganic film or a laminated film of an inorganic film and an organic film.

[0068] A touch layer TSL may be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENL. The touch layer TSL is a layer that recognizes touch input and can function as a touch element. The touch layer TSL may include a plurality of sensing areas and sensing electrodes.

[0069] Referring again to FIG. 3, the upper laminate structure US may include a cover window CW and a cover window protection layer CWP laminated in sequence upward from the display panel DP.

[0070] The cover window CW may be disposed on the upper surface of the display panel DP. The cover window CW may serve to protect the display panel DP. The cover window CW may be made of a transparent material. For example, the cover window CW may be made of glass or plastic. In one embodiment, the cover window CW may be made of glass, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] The cover window protection layer CWP can be disposed on the upper surface of the cover window CW. The cover window protection layer CWP can be realized as a transparent polymer film layer containing at least one of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), PEN (Polyethylene Naphthalate), PES (Polyether Sulfone), PI (Polyimide), PAR (PolyARylate), PC (Polycarbonate), PMMA (PolyMethyl MethAcrylate), or COC (Cycloolefin Copolymer) resin, for example.

[0072] Although not shown, the upper laminate structure US may further include a polarizing member disposed between the cover window CW and the display panel DP. The polarizing member polarizes light passing through it. The polarizing member may serve to reduce external light reflection. The polarizing member may be a polarizing film. The polarizing member may also be substituted by an anti-reflection member including a plurality of color filters and a black matrix disposed therebetween.

[0073] The upper laminated structure US may include upper connecting members UCM1 and UCM2 that connect adjacent stacked members together. The upper connecting members UCM1 and UCM2 may be arranged across the first non-folding area NFA1, the folding area FA, and the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0074] The upper coupling members UCM1 and UCM2 may be optically transparent, and may include an optically transparent adhesive, an optically transparent resin, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, or the like.

[0075] In one embodiment, a first upper coupling member UCM1 is disposed between the cover window protection layer CWP and the cover window CW to couple them together, and a second upper coupling member UCM2 is disposed between the cover window CW and the display panel DP to couple them together. The first upper coupling member UCM1 is a cover window protection layer coupling member, and the second upper coupling member UCM2 can also be called a cover window coupling member.

[0076] The lower laminated structure LS may include a polymer film layer PF, a planarizing member FLT, a digitizer layer DG, a shielding member MP, a buffer member CH, and a plate member WP, which are sequentially laminated downward from the display panel DP.

[0077] The polymer film layer PF may be disposed on the lower surface of the display panel DP. The polymer film layer PF may support and protect the display panel DP. The polymer film layer PF may include, for example, polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polysulfone (PSF), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), cycloolefin polymer (COP), etc.

[0078] The planarizing member FLT can be disposed on the lower surface of the polymer film layer PF. The planarizing member FLT can function to planarize irregularities caused by steps in the electrode pattern of the digitizer layer DG, which will be described later.

[0079] The planarizing member FLT may include a hard material whose shape or volume does not easily change due to external pressure. For example, the planarizing member FLT may include glass. As another example, the planarizing member FLT may be a polymer containing carbon fiber or glass fiber. When the planarizing member FLT includes carbon fiber, the polymer may be epoxy, polyester, polyamide, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polybutylene, or vinyl ester. When the planarizing member FLT includes glass fiber, the polymer may be epoxy, polyester, polyamide, or vinyl ester.

[0080] The thickness of the planarizing member FLT may be greater than the thickness of the digitizer layer DG and / or the thickness of the shielding member MP. When the planarizing member FLT contains carbon fiber, the Young's modulus of the planarizing member FLT may be approximately 20 GPa to 30 GPa. When the planarizing member FLT contains glass fiber, the Young's modulus of the planarizing member FLT may be approximately 70 GPa to 130 GPa.

[0081] The flattening member FLT may have different stiffnesses in the folding area FA and the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. Specifically, the flattening member FLT may be disposed in the folding area FA and may include a pattern portion FLT_P that reduces the stiffness of a portion of the flattening member FLT disposed in the folding area FA. The pattern portion FLT_P may have various shapes, such as a lattice shape, a slit shape, a mesh shape, or a bar shape. In one embodiment, the width of the pattern portion FLT_P in the first direction X may be smaller than the width of the folding area FA in the first direction X. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the width of the pattern portion FLT_P in the first direction X may be equal to or greater than the width of the folding area FA in the first direction X. Although not shown, the pattern portion FLT_P may be omitted.

[0082] The digitizer layer DG may include a first digitizer layer DG1 and a second digitizer layer DG2.

[0083] The first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2 can be disposed on the lower surface of the flattening member FLT so as to overlap at least a portion of the flattening member FLT in the thickness direction. In this case, the first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2 can overlap at least a portion of the pattern portion FLT_P in the thickness direction in the developed state, but are not limited to this.

[0084] The first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2 may be arranged separated from each other with respect to the folding area FA, with the first digitizer layer DG1 being mainly arranged in the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second digitizer layer DG2 being mainly arranged in the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0085] A portion of the first digitizer layer DG1 and a portion of the second digitizer layer DG2 can be arranged to overlap the folding area FA. As shown in Fig. 3, when the display device 1 is unfolded, a portion of the first digitizer layer DG1 and a portion of the second digitizer layer DG2 arranged in the folding area FA can overlap a portion of the pattern portion FLT_P of the flattening member FLT in the thickness direction.

[0086] A gap may be formed between the first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2. The gap may be formed between one end of the first digitizer layer DG1 and one end of the second digitizer layer DG2 disposed in the folding area FA. The width of the gap refers to the width in the first direction X when the display device 1 is unfolded.

[0087] The gap between the first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2 may overlap at least a portion of the pattern portion FLT_P. The gap between the first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2 may have a width smaller than the folding area FA and / or the pattern portion FLT_P. For example, the width of the gap between the first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2 may be approximately 1.0 mm or less, but is not limited to this.

[0088] The first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2 may include an electrode pattern for detecting the approach or contact of an electronic pen, such as a stylus pen that supports electromagnetic resonance (EMR). The first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2 may detect a magnetic field or an electromagnetic signal emitted from the electronic pen based on the electrode pattern, and may determine the point where the detected magnetic field or electromagnetic signal is strongest as the touch coordinate.

[0089] The shielding member MP may include a first shielding member MP1 and a second shielding member MP2, which may be disposed on the lower surface of the first digitizer layer DG1 and the lower surface of the second digitizer layer DG2, respectively.

[0090] The first shielding member MP1 and the second shielding member MP2 may be arranged separated from each other with respect to the folding area FA. The first shielding member MP1 may be arranged mainly in the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second shielding member MP2 may be arranged mainly in the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0091] The first shielding member MP1 and the second shielding member MP2 may overlap at least a portion of the first digitizer layer DG1 and at least a portion of the second digitizer layer DG2 in the thickness direction, respectively. The first shielding member MP1 and the second shielding member MP2 may overlap at least a portion of the pattern portion FLT_P in the thickness direction in the unfolded state, but are not limited to this.

[0092] The first shielding member MP1 and the second shielding member MP2 may be arranged to have substantially the same width in the first direction X as the first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2, respectively. In this case, a portion of the first shielding member MP1 and a portion of the second shielding member MP2 are arranged across the folding region FA, and the gap formed therebetween is substantially the same as or similar to the gap formed between the first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2.

[0093] The first shielding member MP1 and the second shielding member MP2 can reduce the magnetic field or electromagnetic signal from being emitted to the lower surface of the first shielding member MP1 and the lower surface of the second shielding member MP2. More specifically, the first shielding member MP1 and the second shielding member MP2 can allow the magnetic field or electromagnetic signal that has passed through the digitizer layer DG to flow into the first shielding member MP1 and the second shielding member MP2. The first shielding member MP1 and the second shielding member MP2 may contain magnetic metal powder.

[0094] The cushioning member CH may include a first cushioning member CH1 and a second cushioning member CH2. The first cushioning member CH1 and the second cushioning member CH2 may be disposed on the lower surface of the first shielding member MP1 and the lower surface of the second shielding member MP2, respectively. The first cushioning member CH1 and the second cushioning member CH2 may overlap at least a portion of the first shielding member MP1 and at least a portion of the second shielding member MP2 in the thickness direction, respectively. The first cushioning member CH1 and the second cushioning member CH2 may overlap at least a portion of the pattern portion FLT_P in the unfolded state, but are not limited to this.

[0095] The first and second buffer members CH1 and CH2 may be arranged separately from each other based on the folding area FA. The first buffer member CH1 may be arranged mainly in the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second buffer member CH2 may be arranged mainly in the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0096] The first and second cushioning members CH1 and CH2 may be arranged to have substantially the same width in the first direction X as the first and second digitizer layers DG1 and DG2, respectively. In this case, a portion of the first and second cushioning members CH1 and CH2 are arranged across the folding region FA, and the gap formed therebetween is substantially the same as or similar to the gap formed between the first and second digitizer layers DG1 and DG2.

[0097] The first and second buffer members CH1 and CH2 can absorb external impacts to prevent damage to structures stacked thereon, such as the first and second digitizer layers DG1 and DG2, and may include elastic materials such as rubber, urethane-based materials, or sponges formed by foaming acrylic materials.

[0098] The plate member WP may include a first plate member WP1 and a second plate member WP2, which may be disposed on the lower surface of the first buffer member CH1 and the lower surface of the second buffer member CH2, respectively.

[0099] At least a portion of the first plate member WP1 and at least a portion of the second plate member WP2 may overlap the first buffer member CH1 and the second buffer member CH2 in the thickness direction, respectively. The first plate member WP1 and the second plate member WP2 may overlap at least a portion of the pattern portion FLT_P in the thickness direction in the unfolded state, but are not limited to this.

[0100] The first plate member WP1 and the second plate member WP2 may be arranged separated from each other with respect to the folding area FA. The first plate member WP1 may be arranged mainly in the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second plate member WP2 may be arranged mainly in the second non-folding area NFA2. As shown in FIG. 3, the first plate member WP1 and the second plate member WP2 may be symmetrical to each other with respect to the folding area FA, but are not limited thereto.

[0101] The first plate member WP1 and the second plate member WP2 may be arranged to have substantially the same width in the first direction X as the first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2, respectively. In this case, a portion of the first plate member WP1 and a portion of the second plate member WP2 may be arranged across the folding region FA, and the width of the gap formed therebetween may be substantially the same as the gap formed between the first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2. The gap between the first plate member WP1 and the second plate member WP2 refers to the gap formed between the third plate portion PLT3 and the sixth plate portion PLT6, which will be described later.

[0102] Although not shown, at least one of the buffer member CH and the shielding member MP may be omitted, and the plate member WP and a sixth lower coupling member LCM6 (described later) may be disposed directly on the lower surface of the digitizer layer DG.

[0103] The first plate member WP1 and the second plate member WP2 may include a plurality of plate portions PLT1, PLT2, PLT3, PLT4, PLT5, and PLT6 and a plurality of hinge portions HG1, HG2, HG3, and HG4 connecting these portions together, respectively.

[0104] The plurality of plate members PLT1, PLT2, PLT3, PLT4, PLT5, and PLT6 and the plurality of hinge members HG1, HG2, HG3, and HG4 can control the curvature of members that are separated from one another and disposed based on the folding area FA when folding the display device 1. More specifically, the plurality of plate members PLT1, PLT2, PLT3, PLT4, PLT5, and PLT6 rotate in different directions from one another when folding the display device 1, thereby ensuring the curvature of members that are integrally disposed across the first non-folding area NFA1, the folding area FA, and the second non-folding area NFA2, such as the display panel DP, and preventing damage thereto, and reducing the overall thickness of the display device 1.

[0105] The plurality of plate portions PLT1, PLT2, PLT3, PLT4, PLT5, and PLT6 may include a rigid material that does not easily change shape or volume due to external pressure. The plurality of plate portions PLT1, PLT2, PLT3, PLT4, PLT5, and PLT6 are made of a rigid material that can maintain the shape of the display device 1 when folded and unfolded. For example, the plurality of plate portions PLT1, PLT2, PLT3, PLT4, PLT5, and PLT6 may be made of metal. The metal may include metals with excellent thermal conductivity, such as copper, nickel, ferrite, and silver. In other words, the plurality of plate portions PLT1, PLT2, PLT3, PLT4, PLT5, and PLT6 may also function as heat dissipation members.

[0106] In the following, six plate portions PLT1, PLT2, PLT3, PLT4, PLT5, PLT6 and four hinge portions HG1, HG2, HG3, HG4 are exemplified, but the number of plate portions PLT1, PLT2, PLT3, PLT4, PLT5, PLT6 and hinge portions HG1, HG2, HG3, HG4 is not limited to this.

[0107] The first plate member WP1 may include a first plate portion PLT1, a second plate portion PLT2, a third plate portion PLT3, a first hinge portion HG1 and a second hinge portion HG2.

[0108] The first plate portion PLT1, the second plate portion PLT2, and the third plate portion PLT3 are each made of a plate-shaped member, and can be arranged in the first direction X on the lower surface of the first buffer member CH1.

[0109] The first plate portion PLT1 may be mainly disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second plate portion PLT2 and the third plate portion PLT3 may be mainly disposed in the folding area FA, but without being limited thereto, the first plate portion PLT1 may also be disposed in the folding area FA, and the second plate portion PLT2 may also be disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1.

[0110] The width of the first plate portion PLT1 in the first direction X may be larger than the widths of the second plate portion PLT2 and the third plate portion PLT3 in the first direction X. In this case, the width of the second plate portion PLT2 in the first direction X may be larger than the width of the third plate portion PLT3. However, without being limited to this, the width of the second plate portion PLT2 may be equal to or smaller than the width of the third plate portion PLT3.

[0111] The first hinge portion HG1 rotatably connects one end of the first plate portion PLT1 to one end of the second plate portion PLT2, and the second hinge portion HG2 rotatably connects the other end of the second plate portion PLT2 to one end of the third plate portion PLT3. Although not shown, the first hinge portion HG1 and the second hinge portion HG2 may include a mechanical hinge including a shaft and a rotor, and an elastic hinge including a bendable elastic member.

[0112] The first hinge portion HG1 may be disposed at the boundary between the folding area FA and the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second hinge portion HG2 may be disposed within the folding area FA. The first hinge portion HG1 may be disposed not only at the boundary between the folding area FA and the first non-folding area NFA1, but also in a portion adjacent to the boundary. However, without being limited thereto, the first hinge portion HG1 may be disposed within the first non-folding area NFA1 or the folding area FA, or the second hinge portion HG2 may be disposed at the boundary between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the folding area FA.

[0113] The second plate member WP2 may include a fourth plate portion PLT4, a fifth plate portion PLT5, a sixth plate portion PLT6, a third hinge portion HG3 and a fourth hinge portion HG4.

[0114] The fourth plate portion PLT4, the fifth plate portion PLT5, and the sixth plate portion PLT6 may each be formed of a plate-shaped member and arranged in the first direction X on the lower surface of the second buffer member CH2. The fourth plate portion PLT4 may be mainly disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2, and the fifth plate portion PLT5 and the sixth plate portion PLT6 may be mainly disposed in the folding area FA. However, without being limited thereto, the fourth plate portion PLT4 may also be disposed in the folding area FA, or the fifth plate portion PLT5 may also be disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0115] The width of the fourth plate portion PLT4 in the first direction X may be larger than the widths of the fifth plate portion PLT5 and the sixth plate portion PLT6 in the first direction X. In this case, the width of the fifth plate portion PLT5 in the first direction X may be larger than the width of the sixth plate portion PLT6. However, without being limited to this, the width of the fifth plate portion PLT5 may be smaller than or equal to the width of the sixth plate portion PLT6.

[0116] The third hinge portion HG3 rotatably connects one end of the fourth plate portion PLT4 to one end of the fifth plate portion PLT5, and the fourth hinge portion HG4 rotatably connects the other end of the fifth plate portion PLT5 to one end of the sixth plate portion PLT6. Although not shown, the third hinge portion HG3 and the fourth hinge portion HG4 may include a mechanical hinge including a shaft and a rotor, and an elastic hinge including a bendable elastic member.

[0117] The third hinge portion HG3 may be disposed at the boundary between the folding area FA and the second non-folding area NFA2, and the fourth hinge portion HG4 may be disposed within the folding area FA. The third hinge portion HG3 may be disposed not only at the boundary between the folding area FA and the second non-folding area NFA2, but also in a portion adjacent to the boundary. However, without being limited thereto, the third hinge portion HG3 may be disposed within the second non-folding area NFA2 or the folding area FA, or the fourth hinge portion HG4 may be disposed at the boundary between the second non-folding area NFA2 and the folding area FA.

[0118] The lower laminated structure LS may include lower connecting members LCM1, LCM2, LCM3, LCM4, LCM5, and LCM6 that connect adjacently stacked members. The lower connecting members LCM1, LCM2, LCM3, LCM4, LCM5, and LCM6 may be arranged across the first non-folding area NFA1, the folding area FA, and the second non-folding area NFA2, respectively, or may be arranged to be separated from each other based on the center of the folding area FA.

[0119] The lower joining members LCM1, LCM2, LCM3, LCM4, LCM5, and LCM6 may be optically transparent and may include an optically transparent adhesive, an optically transparent resin, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and the like.

[0120] In one embodiment, a first lower coupling member LCM1 may be disposed between the display panel DP and the polymer film layer PF to couple them together, a second lower coupling member LCM2 may be disposed between the polymer film layer PF and the planarizing member FLT to couple them together, a third lower coupling member LCM3 may be disposed between the planarizing member FLT and the digitizer layer DG to couple them together, a fourth lower coupling member LCM4 may be disposed between the digitizer layer DG and the shielding member MP to couple them together, a fifth lower coupling member LCM5 may be disposed between the shielding member MP and the buffer member CH to couple them together, and a sixth lower coupling member LCM6 may be disposed between the buffer member CH and the plate member WP to couple them together.

[0121] The first lower connecting member LCM1, the second lower connecting member LCM2, the third lower connecting member LCM3, the fourth lower connecting member LCM4, the fifth lower connecting member LCM5 and the sixth lower connecting member LCM6 can also be referred to as a polymer film layer connecting member, a flattening member connecting member, a digitizer layer connecting member, a shielding member connecting member, a buffer member connecting member and a plate member connecting member, respectively.

[0122] The first lower binding member LCM1 may be disposed across the first non-folding area NFA1, the folding area FA, and the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0123] The second lower connecting member LCM2 may include a second-first lower connecting member LCM2-1 that is mainly disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1 and a second-second lower connecting member LCM2-2 that is mainly disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0124] The 2-1 lower connecting member LCM2-1 and the 2-2 lower connecting member LCM2-2 are arranged so that a portion of them overlaps the folding area FA, and a gap may be formed between the 2-1 lower connecting member LCM2-1 and the 2-2 lower connecting member LCM2-2 within the folding area FA.

[0125] The width in the first direction X of the gap between the 2-1 lower coupling member LCM2-1 and the 2-2 lower coupling member LCM2-2 may be smaller than the folding area FA but larger than the pattern portion FLT_P. The width in the first direction X of the gap between the 2-1 lower coupling member LCM2-1 and the 2-2 lower coupling member LCM2-2 may be larger than the width of the gap between the first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2. However, without being limited thereto, each end of the 2-1 lower coupling member LCM2-1 and the 2-2 lower coupling member LCM2-2 arranged toward the folding area FA may be located at the boundary of the folding area FA.

[0126] The third lower connecting member LCM3 may include a third-1 lower connecting member LCM3-1 disposed mainly in the first non-folding area NFA1 and a third-2 lower connecting member LCM3-2 disposed mainly in the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0127] The width in the first direction X of the 3-1 lower connecting member LCM3-1 and the width in the first direction X of the 3-2 lower connecting member LCM3-2 may be equal to or greater than those of the 2-1 lower connecting member LCM2-1 and the 2-2 lower connecting member LCM2-2, respectively, but is not limited to this.

[0128] The 3-1 lower connecting member LCM3-1 and the 3-2 lower connecting member LCM3-2 are arranged so that a portion of them overlaps the folding area FA, and a gap may be formed between the 3-1 lower connecting member LCM3-1 and the 3-2 lower connecting member LCM3-2 within the folding area FA.

[0129] The gap between the third-first lower connecting member LCM3-1 and the third-second lower connecting member LCM3-2 is substantially the same as or similar to the gap between the second-first lower connecting member LCM2-1 and the second-second lower connecting member LCM2-2.

[0130] The fourth lower connecting member LCM4 may include a fourth-first lower connecting member LCM4-1 that is mainly disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1 and a fourth-second lower connecting member LCM4-2 that is mainly disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0131] The widths in the first direction X of the 4-1 lower coupling member LCM4-1 and the 4-2 lower coupling member LCM4-2 may be equal to or greater than those of the 3-1 lower coupling member LCM3-1 and the 3-2 lower coupling member LCM3-2, respectively.

[0132] The 4-1 lower connecting member LCM4-1 and the 4-2 lower connecting member LCM4-2 are arranged so that a portion of them overlaps the folding area FA, and a gap may be formed between the 4-1 lower connecting member LCM4-1 and the 4-2 lower connecting member LCM4-2 within the folding area FA.

[0133] The width in the first direction X of the gap between the 4-1 lower coupling member LCM4-1 and the 4-2 lower coupling member LCM4-2 is equal to or greater than the gap between the first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2, but may be smaller than the width of the pattern portion FLT_P.

[0134] The fifth lower connecting member LCM5 may include a fifth-first lower connecting member LCM5-1 that is mainly disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1 and a fifth-second lower connecting member LCM5-2 that is mainly disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0135] The widths in the first direction X of the 5-1st lower connecting member LCM5-1 and the 5-2nd lower connecting member LCM5-2 are substantially the same as or similar to those of the 4-1st lower connecting member LCM4-1 and the 4-2nd lower connecting member LCM4-2, respectively.

[0136] The 5-1 lower connecting member LCM5-1 and the 5-2 lower connecting member LCM5-2 are arranged so that a portion of them overlaps the folding area FA, and a gap may be formed between the 5-1 lower connecting member LCM5-1 and the 5-2 lower connecting member LCM5-2 within the folding area FA.

[0137] The gap between the 5-1 lower connecting member LCM5-1 and the 5-2 lower connecting member LCM5-2 is substantially the same as or similar to the gap between the 4-1 lower connecting member LCM4-1 and the 4-2 lower connecting member LCM4-2.

[0138] The sixth lower connecting member LCM6 may include a sixth lower connecting member LCM6-1 that is mainly disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1 and a sixth lower connecting member LCM6-2 that is mainly disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0139] The widths in the first direction X of the 6-1 lower connecting member LCM6-1 and the 6-2 lower connecting member LCM6-2 may be equal to or less than those of the 2-1 lower connecting member LCM2-1 and the 2-2 lower connecting member LCM2-2, respectively. Therefore, at least a portion of the second plate member PLT2, at least a portion of the third plate member PLT3, at least a portion of the fifth plate member PLT5, and the sixth plate may not be attached to the buffer member CH.

[0140] A gap may be formed between the 6-1 lower connecting member LCM6-1 and the 6-2 lower connecting member LCM6-2. The gap between the 6-1 lower connecting member LCM6-1 and the 6-2 lower connecting member LCM6-2 may be located mainly in the folding area FA.

[0141] The width of the gap in the first direction X between the 6-1st lower connecting member LCM6-1 and the 6-2nd lower connecting member LCM6-2 may be substantially the same as the folding area FA. Ends of the 6-1st lower connecting member LCM6-1 and the 6-2nd lower connecting member LCM6-2, which are disposed toward the folding area FA, may be aligned with the boundary of the folding area FA. However, without being limited thereto, the width of the gap between the 6-1st lower connecting member LCM6-1 and the 6-2nd lower connecting member LCM6-2 may be smaller or larger than the folding area FA.

[0142] The 6-1 lower connecting member LCM6-1 may be interposed between the first plate portion PLT1 and the first cushioning member CH1, and the 6-2 lower connecting member LCM6-2 may be interposed between the fourth plate portion PLT4 and the second cushioning member CH2. The ends of the 6-1 lower connecting member LCM6-1 and the 6-2 lower connecting member LCM6-2, which are disposed toward the folding area FA, may overlap the first hinge portion HG1 and the third hinge portion HG3 in the thickness direction, respectively. However, without being limited thereto, the ends of the 6-1 lower connecting member LCM6-1 and the 6-2 lower connecting member LCM6-2 may also be disposed between the first hinge portion HG1 and the second hinge portion HG2 and between the third hinge portion HG3 and the fourth hinge portion HG4, respectively.

[0143] Although not shown, the display device 1 may further include at least one connecting member separate from the sixth lower connecting member LCM6 and arranged between the second plate portion PLT2 and the first buffer member CH1, between the third plate portion PLT3 and the first buffer member CH1, between the fifth plate portion PLT5 and the second buffer member CH2, and / or between the sixth plate portion PLT6 and the second buffer member CH2.

[0144] The 2-1 lower connecting member LCM2-1, the 2-2 lower connecting member LCM2-2, the 3-1 lower connecting member LCM3-1, the 3-2 lower connecting member LCM3-2, the 4-1 lower connecting member LCM4-1, the 4-2 lower connecting member LCM4-2, the 5-1 connecting member, the 5-2 lower connecting member LCM5-2, the 6-1 lower connecting member LCM6-1 and the 6-2 lower connecting member LCM6-2 can also be referred to as the first flattening member connecting member, the second flattening member connecting member, the first digitizer layer connecting member, the second digitizer layer connecting member, the first shielding member connecting member, the second shielding member connecting member, the first cushioning member connecting member, the second cushioning member connecting member, the first plate member connecting member and the second plate member connecting member, respectively.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 3, at least one component constituting the display device 1 can be divided into an integral component arranged to be integrally connected across the first non-folding area NFA1, the folding area FA, and the second non-folding area NFA2, and a separate component arranged to be separated based on the folding area FA.

[0146] The integrated member may include, for example, a cover window protective layer CWP, a cover window CW, a display panel DP, a polymer film layer PF, a planarizing member FLT, and upper coupling members UCM1 and UCM2. The separate member may include, for example, a digitizer layer DG, a shielding member MP, a buffer member CH, a plate member WP, a second lower coupling member LCM2, a third lower coupling member LCM3, a fourth lower coupling member LCM4, a fifth lower coupling member LCM5, and a sixth lower coupling member LCM6.

[0147] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC' in Fig. 2.

[0148] For convenience of explanation, members other than the display panel DP, the flattening member FLT, the digitizer layer DG, the plate member WP, the second lower coupling member LCM2, the third lower coupling member LCM3, and the sixth lower coupling member LCM6 are not shown.

[0149] 5, in the unfolded state, the display panel DP, the flattening member FLT, the digitizer layer DG, and the plate member WP may be unfolded in a flat state. In this case, gaps may be formed between the first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2 and between the first plate member WP1 and the second plate member WP2. The width of the gaps may be smaller than the widths of the folding region FA and the pattern portion FLT_P. As described above, the width of the gaps may be approximately 1.0 mm or less, but is not limited thereto.

[0150] The distance in the first direction X between the first hinge portion HG1 and the third hinge portion HG3 may be greater than the width in the first direction X of the pattern portion FLT_P. As shown in FIG. 5, the first hinge portion HG1 and the third hinge portion HG3 may be aligned to overlap the boundary of the folding area FA in the thickness direction. In this case, each end of the 6-1st lower coupling member LCM6-1 and the 6-2nd lower coupling member LCM6-2 may also be aligned to overlap the boundary of the folding area FA in the thickness direction. However, without being limited thereto, the first hinge portion HG1, the third hinge portion HG3, the 6-1st lower coupling member LCM6-1, and / or the 6-2nd lower coupling member LCM6-2 may be positioned away from the boundary of the folding area FA. In this case, the first hinge part HG1, the third hinge part HG3, the 6-1 lower connecting member LCM6-1 and / or the 6-2 lower connecting member LCM6-2 may be located within the non-folding areas NFA1, NFA2, or within the folding area FA, respectively.

[0151] The second hinge portion HG2 and the fourth hinge portion HG4 may be disposed between the first hinge portion HG1 and the third hinge portion HG3. The distance between the second hinge portion HG2 and the fourth hinge portion HG4 may be smaller than the distance between the first hinge portion HG1 and the third hinge portion HG3. The distance in the first direction X between the second hinge portion HG2 and the fourth hinge portion HG4 may be substantially the same as the width of the pattern portion FLT_P in the first direction X. The second hinge portion HG2 and the fourth hinge portion HG4 may be disposed to be aligned with the end of the pattern portion FLT_P and overlap the end of the pattern portion FLT_P in the thickness direction. However, without being limited thereto, the distance between the second hinge portion HG2 and the fourth hinge portion HG4 may be smaller or larger than the width of the pattern portion FLT_P.

[0152] The distance in the first direction X between the second-first lower connecting member LCM2-1 and the second-second lower connecting member LCM2-2 may be greater than the width of the pattern portion FLT_P in the first direction X but less than the width of the folding area FA in the first direction X. The ends of the second-first lower connecting member LCM2-1 and the second-second lower connecting member LCM2-2 may be disposed within the folding area FA. The ends of the third-first lower connecting member LCM3-1 and the third-second lower connecting member LCM3-2 may be aligned to overlap the ends of the second-first lower connecting member LCM2-1 and the second-second lower connecting member LCM2-2, respectively, in the thickness direction. However, without being limited thereto, the ends of the second-first lower connecting member LCM2-1, the second-second lower connecting member LCM2-2, the third-first lower connecting member LCM3-1, and / or the third-second lower connecting member LCM3-2 may be disposed to overlap the boundary of the folding area FA.

[0153] 6, in the folded state, the first plate member WP1, the second plate member WP2, the first digitizer layer DG1, the second digitizer layer DG2, the second-first lower connecting member LCM2-1, the second-second lower connecting member LCM2-2, the third-first lower connecting member LCM3-1, the sixth-first lower connecting member LCM6-1, and the sixth-second lower connecting member LCM6-2 may be stacked on top of each other in the thickness direction. In the folded state, the width of the gap between the first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2 and the width of the gap between the first plate member WP1 and the second plate member WP2 may be increased compared to the unfolded state.

[0154] In the folded state, the most distal end of the curved or bent portion of the display panel DP and / or the flattening member FLT may be disposed so as not to protrude beyond the first plate member WP1 and the second plate member WP2. In the folded state, the second hinge portion HG2 and one end of the pattern portion FLT_P and the fourth hinge portion HG4 and the other end of the pattern may be aligned to overlap in the thickness direction, but are not limited thereto.

[0155] In the folded state, the first plate portion PLT1 and the second plate portion PLT2 are arranged overlapping and parallel to each other, and the second plate portion PLT2 and the fifth plate portion PLT5 can be arranged to be inclined toward the first plate portion PLT1 and the third plate portion PLT3, respectively.

[0156] In detail, the second plate portion PLT2 is inclined in a direction in which the distance to the fifth plate portion PLT5 increases from one end connected to the first plate portion PLT1 to the other end connected to the third plate portion PLT3, and the fifth plate portion PLT5 can be inclined in a direction in which the distance to the second plate portion PLT2 increases from one end connected to the fourth plate portion PLT4 to the other end connected to the sixth plate portion PLT6.

[0157] In the folded state, the third plate member PLT3 and the sixth plate member PLT6 may also be overlapped and parallel to each other in the thickness direction. In this case, the third plate member PLT3 and the sixth plate member PLT6 may be arranged parallel to the first plate member PLT1 and the fourth plate member PLT4, respectively. That is, in the folded state, the first plate member PLT1 and the second plate member WP2 may have a cross-sectional shape that is bent twice based on the multiple hinge portions HG1, HG2, HG3, and HG4, respectively.

[0158] In the folded state, the distance between one end (first hinge portion HG1) of the first plate portion PLT1 and one end (third hinge portion HG3) of the fourth plate portion PLT4 may be smaller than the distance between the other end (second hinge portion HG2) of the second plate portion PLT2 and the other end (fourth hinge portion HG4) of the fifth plate portion PLT5. The distance between the other end (second hinge portion HG2) of the second plate portion PLT2 and the other end (fourth hinge portion HG4) of the fifth plate portion PLT5 may be substantially the same as the distance between the other end of the third plate portion PLT3 opposite the one end of the third plate portion PLT3 connected to the second plate portion PLT2 and the other end of the sixth plate portion PLT6 opposite the one end of the sixth plate portion PLT6 connected to the fifth plate portion PLT5. The distance between the other end of the third plate portion PLT3 and the other end of the sixth plate portion PLT6 may be the width of the gap between the first plate member WP1 and the second plate member WP2.

[0159] 5 and 6, when switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the members located in the first non-folding area NFA1 can rotate in a first rotation direction about a folding axis FX extending in the second direction Y. Although not shown, when switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the members located in the second non-folding area NFA2 can also rotate in a second rotation direction about the folding axis FX.

[0160] The folding axis FX is located outside the display device 1, separated from the center of curvature of the display panel DP and / or the flattening member FLT, but is not limited thereto. Although not shown, the folding axis FX may be located inside the display device 1, may overlap with the center of curvature, or may be provided in plural.

[0161] The display panel DP and the flattening member FLT portions located within the folding region FA can be curved to have a curvature. As shown in Fig. 6, the portion of the display panel DP located within the folding region FA and the flattening member FLT can have rounded ends in cross section, such as a dumbbell or polka dot shape, when fully folded. The radius of curvature R of the display panel DP and / or the flattening member FLT can be approximately 2.5 mm or less, but is not limited thereto.

[0162] In the folded state, the curved (or bent) portions of the display panel DP and the flattening member FLT can be positioned between the first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2. The ends and adjacent portions of the first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2 disposed within the folding region FA can also bend in accordance with the curved shapes of the display panel DP and the flattening member FLT. The second lower binding member LCM2 and the third lower binding member LCM3 disposed across the folding region FA can also bend in accordance with the curves of the display panel DP and the flattening member FLT.

[0163] In detail, a portion of the first digitizer layer DG1 disposed on the second plate portion PLT2 and the third plate portion PLT3 in the unfolded state and a portion of the second digitizer layer DG2 disposed on the fifth plate portion PLT5 and the sixth plate portion PLT6 can bend in accordance with the shapes of the display panel DP and the flattening member FLT in the folded state. For example, the portion of the first digitizer layer DG1 and the portion of the second digitizer layer DG2 can bend to have a generally "S" shape, but are not limited to this.

[0164] When switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first plate member WP1 (first plate portion PLT1) can rotate in a first rotation direction about the folding axis FX. In this case, although not shown, the second plate member WP2 (fourth plate portion PLT4) can rotate in a second rotation direction, which is opposite to the first rotation direction, about the folding axis FX.

[0165] The first rotation direction and the second rotation direction may be, for example, clockwise and counterclockwise with reference to FIGS.

[0166] When switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the second plate member PLT2 can further rotate in the first rotation direction based on the first hinge member HG1, the third plate member PLT3 can further rotate in the second rotation direction based on the second hinge member HG2, the fifth plate member PLT5 can further rotate in the second rotation direction based on the third hinge member HG3, and the sixth plate member PLT6 can further rotate in the first rotation direction based on the fourth hinge member HG4.

[0167] When switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the second plate portion PLT2 and the fifth plate portion PLT5 can rotate so that the distance between the other side (second hinge portion HG2) of the second plate portion PLT2 connected to the third plate and the other side (fourth hinge portion HG4) of the fifth plate portion PLT5 connected to the sixth plate portion PLT6 increases. In this case, the third plate and the sixth plate portion PLT6 can rotate so that the distance between the other side of the third plate portion PLT3 opposite to the one side of the third plate portion PLT3 connected to the second plate portion PLT2 and the other side of the sixth plate portion PLT6 opposite to the one side of the sixth plate portion PLT6 connected to the fifth plate portion PLT5 decreases.

[0168] By rotating the third plate member PLT3 and the sixth plate member PLT6, the end of the first digitizer layer DG1 and the end of the second digitizer layer DG2 may bend in one direction, reducing the gap between the first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2. The one direction may be, for example, a direction in which the center of curvature of the display panel DP (flattening member FLT) and / or the folding axis FX is located. Therefore, when the display device 1 according to the embodiment is folded, the first thickness T1 may be smaller than the second thickness T2 when the first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2 are not bent. For example, the difference between the second thickness T2 and the first thickness T1 may be approximately 2.0 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0169] When switching from the folded state to the unfolded state, the rotation of the first plate member WP1 and the second plate member WP2 is reversed from that when switching from the folded state to the unfolded state. More specifically, when switching from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first plate member WP1 and the second plate member WP2 can rotate in the second rotation direction and the first rotation direction, respectively, based on the folding axis FX. In this case, the second plate member PLT2 can further rotate in the second rotation direction based on the first hinge member HG1, the third plate member PLT3 can further rotate in the first rotation direction based on the second hinge member HG2, the fifth plate member PLT5 can further rotate in the first rotation direction based on the third hinge member HG3, and the sixth plate member PLT6 can further rotate in the second rotation direction based on the fourth hinge member HG4.

[0170] 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of display devices according to other embodiments.

[0171] 7 and 8 show cross sections of the display device 1a in the folded state and the unfolded state, respectively, similar to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 7, the display device 1a may further include a first base member BS1 and a second base member BS2 disposed on the lower surface of the first plate member WP1 and the lower surface of the second plate member WP2, respectively.

[0173] The first base member BS1 may be primarily disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second base member BS2 may be primarily disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2. Portions of the first base member BS1 and the second base member BS2 may be disposed so as to overlap the folding area FA. A gap may be formed between the first base member BS1 and the second base member BS2. In the unfolded state, the gap may be disposed within the folding area FA so as to overlap in the thickness direction with the gap between the first plate member WP1 and the second plate member WP2 (between the first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2).

[0174] The first base member BS1 and the second base member BS2 may include upper surfaces BS1_IS and BS2_IS, respectively, facing the plate member WP. The upper surfaces BS1_IS and BS2_IS of the first base member BS1 and the second base member BS2 may be inner surfaces of the first base member BS1 and the second base member BS2, respectively.

[0175] The upper surface BS1_IS of the first base member BS1 may include a first flat surface BS1_IS1 arranged on the first plate portion PLT1, a first inclined surface BS1_IS2 arranged on the second plate portion PLT2, and a third flat surface BS2_IS3 arranged on the third plate portion PLT3.

[0176] The upper surface BS2_IS of the second base member BS2 may include a fourth flat surface BS2_IS1 arranged on the fourth plate portion PLT4, a second inclined surface BS2_IS2 arranged on the fifth plate portion PLT5, and a fourth flat surface BS2_IS1 arranged on the sixth plate portion PLT6.

[0177] In the unfolded state, the first plate portion PLT1 may be seated on the first flat surface BS1_IS1, and the fourth plate portion PLT4 may be seated on the third flat surface BS2_IS3. In this case, the second plate portion PLT2, the third plate portion PLT3, the fifth plate portion PLT5, and the sixth plate portion PLT6 may be spaced apart from the first base member BS1 and the second base member BS2, but are not limited to this. For example, in the unfolded state, the first plate portion PLT1 and the second plate portion PLT2 may be spaced apart from the first base member BS1 and the second base member BS2.

[0178] One side of the first inclined surface BS1_IS2 may be connected to one side of the first flat surface BS1_IS1, the other side of the first inclined surface BS1_IS2 may be connected to one side of the second flat surface BS1_IS3, one side of the second inclined surface BS2_IS2 may be connected to one side of the third flat surface BS2_IS3, and the other side of the second inclined surface BS2_IS2 may be connected to one side of the fourth flat surface BS2_IS1.

[0179] 7, the first inclined surface BS1_IS2 may be inclined such that the thickness of the first base member BS1 becomes thinner from one side of the first inclined surface BS1_IS2 to the other side thereof. The first inclined surface BS1_IS2 may be inclined such that the thickness of the first base member BS1 becomes thinner as it approaches the gap between the first base member BS1 and the second base member BS2.

[0180] The second inclined surface BS2_IS2 may be inclined such that the thickness of the second base member BS2 becomes thinner from one side of the second inclined surface BS2_IS2 to the other side thereof, and may be inclined such that the thickness of the second base member BS2 becomes thinner as it approaches the gap between the first base member BS1 and the second base member BS2.

[0181] The distance between the first flat surface BS1_IS1 (one side of the first inclined surface BS1_IS2) and the first plate portion PLT1 may be smaller than the distance between the second flat surface BS1_IS3 (the other side of the first inclined surface BS1_IS2) and the third plate portion PLT3.

[0182] The distance between the second flat surface BS1_IS3 (one side of the second inclined surface BS2_IS2) and the fourth plate portion PLT4 may be smaller than the distance between the fourth flat surface BS2_IS1 (the other side of the second inclined surface BS2_IS2) and the sixth plate portion PLT6.

[0183] In the unfolded state, the first inclined surface BS1_IS2, the second flat surface BS1_IS3, the fourth flat surface BS2_IS1 and the second inclined surface BS2_IS2 can form a downwardly recessed portion in cross section, with a gap formed between the second flat surface BS1_IS3 and the fourth flat surface BS2_IS1.

[0184] Although not shown, the display device 1a may further include at least one connecting member arranged between the second plate portion PLT2 and the first digitizer layer DG1, between the third plate portion PLT3 and the first digitizer layer DG1, between the fifth plate portion PLT5 and the second digitizer layer DG2, and / or between the sixth plate portion PLT6 and the second digitizer layer DG2 in the unfolded state. The connecting members may be arranged to be separated based on the first hinge portion HG1, the second hinge portion HG2, the third hinge portion HG3, and / or the fourth hinge portion HG4, or may be arranged to be integrally connected to the 6-1 lower connecting member LCM6-1 and / or the 6-2 lower connecting member LCM6-2.

[0185] Referring further to FIG. 8, in the folded state, the second plate portion PLT2 can be seated on the first inclined surface BS1_IS2, the fifth plate portion PLT5 can be seated on the second inclined surface BS2_IS2, the third plate portion PLT3 can be seated on the second flat surface BS1_IS3, and the sixth plate portion PLT6 can be seated on the fourth flat surface BS2_IS1. In this case, the first inclined surface BS1_IS2, the second flat surface BS1_IS3, the second inclined surface BS2_IS2 and the fourth flat surface BS2_IS1 provide supporting force to bend a portion of the first digitizer layer DG1 and a portion of the second digitizer layer DG2 arranged within the folding area FA, and the first digitizer layer DG1 and the second digitizer layer DG2 can be bent in a shape corresponding to the shapes of the first inclined surface BS1_IS2, the second flat surface BS1_IS3, the second inclined surface BS2_IS2 and the fourth flat surface BS2_IS1.

[0186] 7 and 8, in at least one of the folded state and the unfolded state, one side of the first inclined surface BS1_IS2, the other side of the first inclined surface BS1_IS2, one side of the second inclined surface BS2_IS2, and the other side of the second inclined surface BS2_IS2 may be respectively overlapped in the thickness direction with the first hinge portion HG1, the second hinge portion HG2, the third hinge portion HG3, and the fourth hinge portion HG4. In this case, as shown in Fig. 8, in cross section, the lengths of the second plate portion PLT2 and the third plate portion PLT3 may be substantially the same as the widths of the first inclined surface BS1_IS2 and the second flat surface BS1_IS3, respectively, and the lengths of the fifth plate portion PLT5 and the sixth plate portion PLT6 may be substantially the same as the widths of the second inclined surface BS2_IS2 and the fourth flat surface BS2_IS1, respectively.

[0187] 7 and 8, the first base member BS1 and the second base member BS2 represent cover members that cover the lower laminate structure, but are not limited thereto. For example, the first base member BS1 and the second base member BS2 may include, in addition to the upper laminate structure US, the display panel DP, and the lower laminate structure LS shown in FIG. 3, a cover that forms the exterior of the display device 1a, electronic components such as a flexible circuit board or a battery, and a frame for mounting the electronic components.

[0188] The embodiment of Figures 7 and 8 is substantially the same as or similar to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6 except that it further includes a first base member BS1 and a second base member BS2, so duplicated descriptions will be omitted below.

[0189] 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views of other display devices according to other embodiments.

[0190] 9 and 10 show cross sections of the display device 1 in the folded state and the unfolded state, respectively, similar to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG.

[0191] 9 and 10, the display device 1 may further include a connecting member CM that covers the gap between the first plate member WP1 and the second plate member WP2.

[0192] The connecting member CM may be disposed within the folding area FA. One side of the connecting member CM may be connected to the third plate portion PLT3, and the other side of the connecting member CM may be connected to the sixth plate portion PLT6. One side of the connecting member CM may be attached to the lower surface of the third plate portion PLT3, and the other side of the connecting member CM may be attached to the lower surface of the sixth plate portion PLT6, but is not limited thereto.

[0193] The connecting member CM is made of a material that does not change in length easily, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), when the display device 1 is folded or unfolded. In this case, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the connecting member CM is stored in a manner that at least a portion is folded or curved in the space provided under the third plate portion PLT3 and the sixth plate portion PLT6 in the unfolded state, but can be unfolded flat to cover the gap between the third plate portion PLT3 and the sixth plate portion PLT6, which increases in width in the folded state.

[0194] Although not shown, the connecting member CM may be configured to be stretchable. For example, the connecting member CM may be made of a member including a mesh structure such as nonwoven fabric, and may be made of a stretchable material such as rubber or polyurethane. In this case, unlike the case shown in Fig. 9, the connecting member CM can be stretched and compressed while maintaining a tensioned state in accordance with the width of the gap between the third plate portion PLT3 and the sixth plate portion PLT6, which changes between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0195] The embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 is substantially the same as or similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6 except that it further includes a connecting member CM, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0196] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described embodiment is illustrative in all respects and is not limiting.

Claims

1. A display panel; a first digitizer layer disposed on the display panel; a second digitizer layer disposed on the display panel and separated from the first digitizer layer; a first plate member disposed on the first digitizer layer; a display device including a second plate member disposed on the second digitizer layer, the first plate member and the second plate member each include a plurality of plate portions and at least one hinge portion rotatably connecting the plurality of plate portions to each other; the first plate member includes a first plate portion, a second plate portion having one end rotatably connected to one end of the first plate portion, and a third plate portion having one end rotatably connected to the other end of the second plate portion; the second plate member includes a fourth plate portion, a fifth plate portion having one end rotatably connected to one end of the fourth plate portion, and a sixth plate portion having one end rotatably connected to the other end of the fifth plate portion; The at least one hinge portion a first hinge portion rotatably connecting the one end of the first plate portion and the one end of the second plate portion; a second hinge portion rotatably connecting the other end of the second plate portion and the one end of the third plate portion; a third hinge portion rotatably connecting the one end of the fourth plate portion and the one end of the fifth plate portion; and a fourth hinge portion rotatably connecting the other end of the fifth plate portion and the one end of the sixth plate portion; When the display device is unfolded, a gap is formed between an end of the first digitizer layer and an end of the second digitizer layer, and when the display device is folded, the third plate portion and the sixth plate portion rotate in a direction in which the gap narrows, When the display device is folded, the second plate portion rotates in a first rotation direction based on the first hinge portion, the third plate portion rotates in a second rotation direction based on the second hinge portion, the fifth plate portion rotates in the second rotation direction based on the third hinge portion, and the sixth plate portion rotates in the first rotation direction based on the fourth hinge portion.

2. 2. The display device of claim 1, wherein when the display device is folded, a portion of the display panel bends to have a curvature, and at least a portion of the bent portion of the display panel is disposed between the second plate portion and the fifth plate portion and between the third plate portion and the sixth plate portion.

3. The display device of claim 1 , wherein when the display device is folded, a distance between one end of the first plate portion and one end of the fourth plate portion is smaller than a distance between the other end of the third plate portion and the other end of the sixth plate portion.

4. 2. The display device of claim 1, wherein when the display device is folded, a portion of the first digitizer layer disposed on the third plate portion and a portion of the second digitizer layer disposed on the sixth plate portion are folded by the third plate portion and the sixth plate portion, respectively.

5. 2. The display device of claim 1, further comprising a planarizing member disposed on the first digitizer layer and the second digitizer layer, the planarizing member including a pattern portion that reduces the rigidity of the display device, the second hinge portion and the fourth hinge portion being disposed so as to align with a boundary of the pattern portion in a thickness direction of the display device.

6. The display device of claim 5 , further comprising a first digitizer layer bonding member interposed between the planarizing member and the first digitizer layer, and a second digitizer layer bonding member interposed between the planarizing member and the second digitizer layer.

7. The display device of claim 1 , further comprising a first plate member connecting member interposed between the first digitizer layer and the first plate member, and a second plate member connecting member interposed between the second digitizer layer and the second plate member.

8. 2. The display device of claim 1, wherein when the display device is unfolded, a distance between the first hinge portion and the third hinge portion is greater than a distance between the second hinge portion and the fourth hinge portion, but when the display device is folded, a distance between the first hinge portion and the third hinge portion is smaller than a distance between the second hinge portion and the fourth hinge portion.

9. 2. The display device of claim 1, further comprising a first base member disposed on the first plate member and a second base member disposed on the second plate member, wherein the first base member and the second base member each include an inclined surface with which a corresponding one of the plurality of plate portions contacts when the display device is folded.

10. The display device of claim 1 , further comprising a connecting member connecting an end of the first plate member to an end of the second plate member to cover a gap between the first plate member and the second plate member.

11. a folding region, a first non-folding region connected to one side of the folding region, and a second non-folding region connected to the other side of the folding region; and a unitary member disposed within the folding region. a first separate member disposed on the integral member and located within the first non-folding region; a second separate member disposed on the integral member, located within the second non-folding region, and separated from the first separate member; a first plate member disposed on the first separable member; A display device including a second plate member disposed on the second separable member, the first plate member and the second plate member each include a plurality of plate portions and at least one hinge portion rotatably connecting the plurality of plate portions to each other; the first plate member includes a first plate portion, a second plate portion having one end rotatably connected to one end of the first plate portion, and a third plate portion having one end rotatably connected to the other end of the second plate portion; the second plate member includes a fourth plate portion, a fifth plate portion having one end rotatably connected to one end of the fourth plate portion, and a sixth plate portion having one end rotatably connected to the other end of the fifth plate portion; The at least one hinge portion a first hinge portion rotatably connecting the one end of the first plate portion and the one end of the second plate portion; a second hinge portion rotatably connecting the other end of the second plate portion and the one end of the third plate portion; a third hinge portion rotatably connecting the one end of the fourth plate portion and the one end of the fifth plate portion; and a fourth hinge portion rotatably connecting the other end of the fifth plate portion and the one end of the sixth plate portion; When the display device is folded, the third plate portion and the sixth plate portion rotate in a direction in which the gap therebetween narrows, When the display device is folded, the second plate portion rotates in a first rotation direction based on the first hinge portion, the third plate portion rotates in a second rotation direction based on the second hinge portion, the fifth plate portion rotates in the second rotation direction based on the third hinge portion, and the sixth plate portion rotates in the first rotation direction based on the fourth hinge portion.

12. 12. The display device of claim 11, wherein the first plate member includes a first plate portion, a second plate portion having one end rotatably connected to one end of the first plate portion, and a third plate portion having one end rotatably connected to the other end of the second plate portion, and the second plate member includes a fourth plate portion, a fifth plate portion having one end rotatably connected to one end of the fourth plate portion, and a sixth plate portion having one end rotatably connected to the other end of the fifth plate portion.

13. The display device of claim 11 , wherein the monolithic member includes a display panel, the first separate member includes a first digitizer layer, and the second separate member includes a second digitizer layer.

14. the first separate member further includes a first plate member connecting member interposed between the first digitizer layer and the first plate member; The display device of claim 13 , wherein the second separate member further comprises a second plate member connecting member interposed between the second digitizer layer and the second plate member.

15. the integrated member further includes a flattening member disposed between the display panel and the first and second separate members; the first separate member further includes a first digitizer layer bonding member interposed between the planarizing member and the first digitizer layer; The display device of claim 13 , wherein the second separate member further comprises a second digitizer layer bonding member interposed between the planarizing member and the second digitizer layer.

16. 1. A display device comprising a folding area, a first non-folding area disposed on one side of the folding area, and a second non-folding area disposed on the other side of the folding area, a display panel disposed within the first non-folding area, the folding area, and the second non-folding area; a first digitizer layer disposed in the first non-folding area and overlapping the display panel in a thickness direction; a second digitizer layer disposed in the second non-folding area, overlapping the display panel in a thickness direction, and separated from the first digitizer layer; a first plate member disposed in the first non-folding region and overlapping the first digitizer layer in a thickness direction; a display device including a second plate member disposed in the first non-folding area and overlapping the second digitizer layer in a thickness direction, the first plate member and the second plate member each include a plurality of plate portions and a plurality of hinge portions disposed between the plurality of plate portions; the first plate member includes a first plate portion, a second plate portion having one end rotatably connected to one end of the first plate portion, and a third plate portion having one end rotatably connected to the other end of the second plate portion; the second plate member includes a fourth plate portion, a fifth plate portion having one end rotatably connected to one end of the fourth plate portion, and a sixth plate portion having one end rotatably connected to the other end of the fifth plate portion; The at least one hinge portion a first hinge portion rotatably connecting the one end of the first plate portion and the one end of the second plate portion; a second hinge portion rotatably connecting the other end of the second plate portion and the one end of the third plate portion; a third hinge portion rotatably connecting the one end of the fourth plate portion and the one end of the fifth plate portion; and a fourth hinge portion rotatably connecting the other end of the fifth plate portion and the one end of the sixth plate portion; When the display device is unfolded, a gap is formed between an end of the first digitizer layer and an end of the second digitizer layer, and when the display device is folded, the third plate portion and the sixth plate portion rotate in a direction in which the gap narrows, When the display device is folded, the second plate portion rotates in a first rotation direction based on the first hinge portion, the third plate portion rotates in a second rotation direction based on the second hinge portion, the fifth plate portion rotates in the second rotation direction based on the third hinge portion, and the sixth plate portion rotates in the first rotation direction based on the fourth hinge portion.

17. A display device as described in any one of claims 1, 11, and 16, wherein in a folded state, the first plate portion and the fourth plate portion are parallel to each other.

18. A display device as described in any one of claims 1, 11, and 16, wherein in a folded state, the third plate portion and the sixth plate portion are parallel to each other.

19. A display device as described in claim 18, wherein in the folded state, the third plate portion and the sixth plate portion are parallel to the first plate portion and the fourth plate portion.

20. A display panel; a first digitizer layer disposed on the display panel; a second digitizer layer disposed on the display panel and separated from the first digitizer layer; a first plate member disposed on the first digitizer layer; a display device including a second plate member disposed on the second digitizer layer, the first plate member and the second plate member each include a plurality of plate portions and at least one hinge portion rotatably connecting the plurality of plate portions to each other; the first plate member includes a first plate portion, a second plate portion having one end rotatably connected to one end of the first plate portion, and a third plate portion having one end rotatably connected to the other end of the second plate portion; the second plate member includes a fourth plate portion, a fifth plate portion having one end rotatably connected to one end of the fourth plate portion, and a sixth plate portion having one end rotatably connected to the other end of the fifth plate portion; The at least one hinge portion a first hinge portion rotatably connecting the one end of the first plate portion and the one end of the second plate portion; a second hinge portion rotatably connecting the other end of the second plate portion and the one end of the third plate portion; a third hinge portion rotatably connecting the one end of the fourth plate portion and the one end of the fifth plate portion; and a fourth hinge portion rotatably connecting the other end of the fifth plate portion and the one end of the sixth plate portion; A display device further comprising a planarizing member disposed on the first digitizer layer and the second digitizer layer, the planarizing member including a pattern portion that reduces the rigidity of the display device, wherein the second hinge portion and the fourth hinge portion are each disposed so as to align with a boundary of the pattern portion in the thickness direction of the display device.

21. A folding region, a first non-folding region connected to one side of the folding region, and an integral member disposed within a second non-folding region connected to the other side of the folding region; a first separate member disposed on the integral member and located within the first non-folding region; a second separate member disposed on the integral member, located within the second non-folding region, and separated from the first separate member; a first plate member disposed on the first separable member; a second plate member disposed on the second separable member; the first plate member and the second plate member each include a plurality of plate portions and at least one hinge portion rotatably connecting the plurality of plate portions to each other; the integrated member includes a display panel, the first separate member includes a first digitizer layer, and the second separate member includes a second digitizer layer; the integrated member further includes a flattening member disposed between the display panel and the first and second separate members; the first separate member further includes a first digitizer layer bonding member interposed between the planarizing member and the first digitizer layer; The second separate member further includes a second digitizer layer bonding member interposed between the planarizing member and the second digitizer layer.

Images