Display device

Abstract

A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a display panel including a folding area and non-folding areas on both sides of the folding area, a back plate disposed below the display panel, and a support substrate made of a metal or alloy including a plurality of pores disposed below the back plate, wherein the support substrate has a plurality of groove patterns recessed from the lower surface of the support substrate toward the upper surface corresponding to the folding area. Accordingly, folding performance can be improved while minimizing the phenomenon in which a pattern is visible in the folding area of ​​the display panel.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, and more specifically, to a display device that provides tactile feedback including a pressing sensation. Background Technology

[0002] A touch panel is a device that detects user touch input, such as screen touches or gestures on a display device, and is widely used in portable display devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs, as well as in display devices in public facilities and large display devices such as smart TVs. The operating methods of such touch panels include resistive, capacitive, optical, and electromagnetic (EM) methods.

[0003] However, recently, research is being conducted on actuators that not only detect user touch input but also provide haptic effects that allow the user's finger or stylus pen to feel various tactile sensations as feedback to the user's touch input. The problem to be solved

[0004] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a display device having a pressing structure in a non-folding area.

[0005] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a display device that transmits tactile feedback to each tactile cell to which touch pressure is applied.

[0006] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a display device that transmits tactile feedback through pressing sensation.

[0007] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0008] A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel comprising a folding area and non-folding areas on both sides of the folding area, and a support substrate disposed below the display panel, wherein the support substrate includes a plurality of openings disposed in the folding area and a plurality of pressing structures disposed in the non-folding area. Accordingly, a display device that provides tactile feedback for each touch input area can be implemented.

[0009] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. Effects of the invention

[0010] The present invention can provide a display device having a pressing structure in a non-folding area.

[0011] In addition, the present invention can implement a display device that provides tactile feedback for each tactile cell to which touch pressure is applied.

[0012] In addition, the present invention can implement a display device that provides a press tactile sensation for each tactile cell to which touch pressure is applied.

[0013] In addition, the present invention enables the use of a flexible display panel in a non-folding area.

[0014] The effects according to the present invention are not limited to those exemplified above, and a wider variety of effects are included within the present invention. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a non-folding area of ​​a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a support substrate of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view along IV-IV' of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a support substrate of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the non-folding area of ​​a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view according to VII-VII' of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the non-folding area of ​​a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view according to IX-IX' of FIG. 8. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0016] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0017] Shapes, areas, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining embodiments of the present invention are exemplary, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the depicted details. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted. Where terms such as "includes," "has," or "is made up" are used in the present invention, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. When a component is expressed in the singular, it includes cases where it is included in the plural unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0018] In interpreting the components, they are interpreted to include a margin of error even in the absence of a separate explicit statement.

[0019] In the case of describing a positional relationship, for example, when the positional relationship between two parts is described using expressions such as 'on,' 'upper,' 'lower,' or 'next to,' one or more other parts may be located between the two parts unless 'immediately' or 'directly' is used.

[0020] When an element or layer is referred to as "on" another element or layer, it includes cases where another layer or element is placed directly on top of or in between.

[0021] Additionally, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Accordingly, the first component mentioned below may be the second component within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0022] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0023] The area and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are illustrated for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the area and thickness of the illustrated components.

[0024] The features of each of the various embodiments of the present invention may be combined or combined with one another, either partially or wholly, and may technically enable various interlocking and operation. Each embodiment may be implemented independently of one another or may be implemented together in an associated relationship.

[0025] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows only the non-folding area of ​​the display device for convenience of explanation.

[0027] A display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel (110) and a support substrate (120).

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, a display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is foldable and convertible into a laptop form or a tablet form, and includes a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA). The display area (DA) is an area where a plurality of pixels are arranged and an image is substantially displayed. The non-display area (NDA) surrounds the display area (DA). The non-display area (NDA) is an area where an image is substantially not displayed, and various wiring, driving ICs, printed circuit boards, etc., for driving pixels and driving circuits arranged in the display area (DA) are arranged therein. For example, various ICs such as gate driver ICs and data driver ICs, VSS wiring, etc., may be arranged in the non-display area (NDA).

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, a display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes at least one folding area (FA) and two or more non-folding areas (NFA). The folding area (FA) is an area that folds when the display device (100) is folded, and can be folded according to a specific radius of curvature with respect to a folding axis. The non-folding area (NFA) is an area that is not folded when the display device (100) is folded. That is, the non-folding area (NFA) maintains a flat state when the display device (100) is folded. The non-folding area (NFA) may be located on one side or both sides of the folding area (FA). For example, if the folding axis of the folding area (FA) is formed in the Y-axis direction, the non-folding area (NFA) is defined as an area extending from the folding area (FA) in the X-axis direction perpendicular to the folding axis.

[0030] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the display device is shown as having a folding area (FA) and two non-folding areas (NFA) arranged on both sides of the folding area, but the number and location of the folding area (FA) and non-folding areas (NFA) can be varied and are not limited thereto.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 2, the display panel (110) is a panel on which an image is displayed, and may have a display element for displaying the image and a circuit unit for driving the display element. For example, if the display device (100) is an organic light-emitting display device, the display element may include an organic light-emitting element.

[0032] For convenience of explanation, the display device (100) according to various embodiments of the present invention is assumed to be a foldable organic light-emitting display device including an organic light-emitting element, but is not limited thereto.

[0033] The circuit section may include various thin-film transistors, capacitors, wiring, and driving ICs for driving an organic light-emitting diode. For example, the circuit section may include various configurations such as driving thin-film transistors, switching thin-film transistors, storage capacitors, gate wiring, data wiring, gate driver ICs, and data driver ICs, but is not limited thereto.

[0034] The support substrate (120) is placed below the display panel (110) and may be made of a metallic material such as stainless steel (SUS), stainless steel (SUS) containing other metals such as nickel (Ni), Invar, iron (Fe), aluminum (Al) series, or magnesium (Mg). For example, the support substrate (120) may be made of stainless steel (SUS), and since stainless steel (SUS) has high restoring force and rigidity, it can maintain a certain level of rigidity even if the thickness of the support substrate (120) (110) is reduced.

[0035] A support substrate (120) has a plurality of openings (not shown) arranged in a folding area (FA). Folding performance can be controlled by adjusting the number and size of the plurality of openings (not shown). Through the plurality of openings (not shown), external stress generated during folding can be reduced while maintaining the durability of the support substrate (120), and folding performance can be improved by adjusting the radius of curvature. The shape of the openings (not shown) may be elliptical or square, but is not limited thereto and can be selectively changed as needed.

[0036] A plurality of pressing structures (PS) are disposed in the non-folding area (NFA) of the support substrate (120). Generally, tactile feedback is generated by the vibration of the entire or a part of the electrically active layer regardless of the touch input area. However, the support substrate (120) of the display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can provide pressing tactile feedback for each touch input area as well as vibration by disposing of pressing structures (PS). For example, by disposing of pressing structures (PS) on the support substrate (120) to correspond to each key area, such as a keyboard layout, tactile feedback such as pressing a keyboard on the display area (DA) of the display device (100) can be conveyed to the user. A more detailed form of the pressing structures (PS) is described in detail in FIG. 3.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing the upper surface of a support substrate constituting a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view along IV-IV' of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 only show the display device (100) or the support substrate (120) of the non-folding area (NFA) for convenience of explanation.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, the support substrate (120) includes a plurality of pressing structures (PS), and each of the plurality of pressing structures (PS) includes a flat portion (121) that can move downward when touch pressure is applied and a hole (122) that surrounds a part of the flat portion (121). The shape of the hole (122) may be a spiral that surrounds the flat portion (121) when viewed from the upper surface of the support substrate (120). As shown in FIG. 3, the spiral hole (122) is a right-angle spiral hole (122), and the center of the flat portion (121) may resemble a square shape according to the right-angle spiral hole (122), but the center of the spiral hole (122) and the flat portion (121) may be circular and is not limited thereto.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 4, when touch pressure is applied to a display panel (110) that overlaps with a pressing structure (PS), a spiral planar portion (121) moves downward to form a depression. Subsequently, when the touch pressure is removed, the pattern is restored to its original state due to the elasticity of the pattern. Thus, tactile feedback can be delivered to the user through the pressing sensation.

[0040] Accordingly, in a display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a support substrate (120) including a pressing structure (PS) is placed below a display panel (110) so that tactile feedback can be transmitted through the pressing sensation when a user touches the pressing structure (PS). This enables the flexible display panel (110), which previously utilized only the folding area, to also be utilized in the display area (DA) of the non-folding area (NFA). Furthermore, while conventional display devices transmitted tactile feedback to the entire or part of the display area regardless of the touch input area, the present invention enables tactile feedback to be transmitted for each area where touch pressure is applied.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing the upper surface of a support substrate constituting a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Since the display device (200) of FIG. 5 is substantially identical to the display device (200) of FIG. 3 except for the pressing structure (PS) of the support substrate (220), a redundant description is omitted.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 5, each of the plurality of planar portions (221) and the plurality of holes (222) is arranged to correspond to each of the plurality of pressing structures (PS), and the holes (222) may include a zigzag shape surrounding the planar portions (221) when viewed from the upper surface of the support substrate (220). The planar portions (221) formed by the zigzag shape serve as connecting parts to the outer planar portions (221) while allowing the planar portion (221) placed in the center to move downward. As shown in FIG. 5, the planar portions (221) in a single pressing structure (PS) may resemble a hexagon, and the zigzag-shaped holes (222) may be arranged at each corner of the planar portions (221), but the shape of the planar portions (221) and the number of holes (222) can be selectively changed as needed.

[0043] Accordingly, in a display device (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention, a support substrate (220) including a pressing structure (PS) is placed below a display panel (110) so that tactile feedback can be transmitted through the pressing sensation when a user touches the pressing structure (PS). This enables the flexible display panel (110), which previously utilized only the folding area, to also be utilized in the display area (DA) of the non-folding area (NFA). Furthermore, while conventional display devices transmitted tactile feedback to the entire or part of the display area regardless of the touch input area, the present invention enables tactile feedback to be transmitted for each area where touch pressure is applied.

[0044] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a non-folding area of ​​a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The display device (300) of FIG. 6 is different from the display device (100) of FIG. 2 only in the touch panel (TP) and actuator (A1), and since the other structures are substantially the same, a redundant description is omitted.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 6, in a display device (300) according to another embodiment of the present invention, a touch panel (TP) is disposed on top of a display panel (110), a support substrate (120) is disposed on the bottom of the display panel (110), an adhesive layer (AD) is disposed on the bottom of the support substrate (120), and an actuator (A1) is disposed on the bottom of the adhesive layer (AD).

[0046] A touch panel (TP) is placed on a display panel (110). A touch panel (TP) refers to a panel that receives touch input from a user on a display device. As a touch panel (TP), for example, a capacitive type, a resistive type, an ultrasonic type, an infrared type, etc., may be used, but preferably, a capacitive type touch panel (TP) may be used as a touch panel (TP). Although FIG. 6 is illustrated as having the touch panel (TP) placed on the upper part of the display panel (110), it is also possible to place the touch panel (TP) on the lower part of the display panel (110). Additionally, the touch panel (TP) may be formed integrally with the display panel (110).

[0047] The actuator (A1) includes an electric active layer (340), a first electrode (350), and a second electrode (330). The electric active layer (340) is a plate-shaped film made of an electric active polymer, which is a polymer material that is deformed by electrical stimulation. For example, the electric active layer (340) may be composed of a dielectric elastomer such as a silicon (Si) series, a polyurethane (PU) series, or an acrylic series, or may be composed of a relaxor ferroelectric polymer such as PVDF-TrFE-CFE or PVDF-TrFE-CTFE. When the electric active layer (340) is made of a dielectric elastomer, the dielectric elastomer contracts and expands due to the electrostatic attraction (Coulombic Force) acting on the electric active layer (340) as voltage is applied to the first electrode (350) and the second electrode (330), thereby allowing the actuator (A1) to vibrate. Additionally, when the electric active layer (340) is made of a relaxation-type ferroelectric polymer, the alignment direction of the dipoles inside the electric active layer (340) changes as voltage is applied to the electric active layer (340), and the actuator (A1) can vibrate as the electric active layer (340) contracts and expands.

[0048] A plurality of electrodes are disposed on both sides of the electroactive layer (340). The plurality of electrodes includes a first electrode (350) and a second electrode (330). The first electrode (350) and the second electrode (330) are electrodes for applying voltage to the electroactive layer (340) and are made of a conductive material. In addition, to ensure the transmittance of the actuator (A1), the first electrode (350) and the second electrode (330) may be made of a transparent conductive material. For example, the first electrode (350) and the second electrode (330) may be made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), AZO (Aluminum Doped Zinc Oxide), FTO (Fluorine Tin Oxide), silver nanowires (AgNW), etc. Additionally, the first electrode (350) and the second electrode (330) may be composed of a metal mesh. That is, the first electrode (350) and the second electrode (330) are composed of a metal mesh in which a metal material is arranged in a mesh form, so that the first electrode (350) and the second electrode (330) may function as substantially transparent electrodes. However, the constituent materials of the first electrode (350) and the second electrode (330) are not limited to the examples described above, and various transparent conductive materials may be used as constituent materials of the first electrode (350) and the second electrode (330). The first electrode (350) and the second electrode (330) may be made of the same material or may be made of different materials.

[0049] The first electrode (350) is disposed on one side of the electric active layer (340), and the second electrode (330) is disposed on the other side of the electric active layer (340). For example, the first electrode (350) may be disposed on the lower surface of the electric active layer (340), and the second electrode (330) may be disposed on the upper surface of the electric active layer (340). As shown in FIG. 6, the second electrode may be patterned in a plurality of cell units.

[0050] The area of ​​the second electrode (330) corresponds to the area of ​​the tactile cells, and the area of ​​each tactile cell can be determined by considering the size of a typical human finger. Since the actuator (A1) provides tactile feedback for the user's touch input, the tactile cell, which is the minimum unit area capable of providing tactile feedback to the user, can be determined by considering the area where the user's touch input occurs. In this case, since the area where the user's touch input occurs is determined according to the size of a typical human finger, the area of ​​the tactile cell can also be determined based on the size of a typical human finger.

[0051] In some embodiments, the area of ​​the tactile cell may be determined by considering the area of ​​the touch cell of the touch panel (TP) that can be used with the actuator (A1). Here, the touch cell of the touch panel (TP) refers to the smallest unit capable of detecting a user's touch input. When the area of ​​the tactile cell is determined by considering the area of ​​the touch cell of the touch element, the tactile cell may correspond 1:1 with the touch cell of the touch panel (TP). In this case, the actuator (A1) can provide tactile feedback at the exact point where the user's touch input is applied.

[0052] The first electrode (350) consists of a single electrode. In this case, a reference voltage may be applied to the first electrode (350). For example, the second electrode (330) may be grounded. In this case, an electric field is applied to the electroactive layer (340) based on the potential difference between the pattern electrodes of the first electrode (350) and the second electrode (330). However, it is not limited thereto, and the first electrode (350) may include a plurality of second pattern electrodes corresponding to the pattern electrodes of the second electrode (330). In this case, the tactile cells of the actuator (A1) may generate vibrations of various frequencies. Specifically, voltages of different frequencies may be applied between the second pattern electrodes and the corresponding pattern electrodes. In this case, the tactile cells corresponding to the second pattern electrodes and the corresponding pattern electrodes may each generate vibrations of different frequencies.

[0053] The adhesive layer (AD) covers one side of the electric active layer (340), and vibrations generated in the electric active layer (340) can be transmitted through the adhesive layer (AD). That is, the adhesive layer (AD) is used as a vibration transmission layer that transmits vibrations generated in the electric active layer (340). Specifically, the adhesive layer (AD) is configured to transmit vibration components in a direction perpendicular to one side of the electric active layer (340) among the vibrations generated in the electric active layer (340), and to absorb vibration components in a horizontal direction parallel to one side of the electric active layer (340). A detailed explanation of this will be provided later with reference to FIG. 7.

[0054] In the following, we refer to FIG. 7 to explain in detail the process of tactile feedback responding to touch input being transmitted from a tactile cell in which touch input is received.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view according to VII-VII' of FIG. 6.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 7, when a user's touch input occurs, the touch panel (TP) can detect the location where the user's touch input occurred. Accordingly, a driving voltage can be applied to the first electrode (350) and the second electrode (330) at the location corresponding to the location of the touch input detected by the touch panel (TP). Accordingly, vibration is generated in a specific tactile cell where the first electrode (350) and the second electrode (330) to which voltage is applied overlap. The vibration of the electroactive layer (340) is transmitted upward through the second electrode (330).

[0057] Accordingly, in a display device (300) according to another embodiment of the present invention, tactile feedback can be transmitted through a pressing sensation by a support substrate (120) including a plurality of pressing structures (PS) disposed in a non-folding area and vibration by an actuator (A1). In particular, tactile feedback can be transmitted only to a touch panel (TP) corresponding to a specific tactile cell that has been touched. Furthermore, the flexible display panel (110), which previously utilized only the folding area, can also be utilized in the display area (DA) of the non-folding area (NFA).

[0058] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the non-folding area of ​​a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The display device (400) of FIG. 8 is substantially identical to the display device (300) of FIG. 6, except for the spacer (460) and actuator (A2), so a redundant description is omitted.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 8, in a display device (400) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the actuator (A2) may include a first electrode (350), an electroactive layer (340), and a support substrate (120) that functions as a second electrode. That is, the support substrate (120) can function as a second electrode without the use of an additional second electrode. Accordingly, a spacer (460) is placed so that the electroactive layer (340) and the support substrate (120) are spaced apart.

[0060] The first electrode (350) is disposed on one side of the electric active layer (340), and the support substrate (120) is disposed on the other side of the electric active layer (340). For example, the first electrode (350) may be disposed on the lower surface of the electric active layer (340), and the second electrode may be disposed on the upper surface of the electric active layer (340). As shown in FIG. 8, the support substrate (120) has a pressing structure (PS) disposed in a plurality of cell units.

[0061] The area of ​​each of the plurality of pressing structures (PS) of the support substrate (120) corresponds to the area of ​​the tactile cells, and the area of ​​each of the tactile cells can be determined by considering the size of a normal human finger.

[0062] When a reference voltage is applied to the first electrode (350), the support substrate (120) can be grounded. In this case, an electric field is applied to the electroactive layer (340) based on the potential difference between the pattern electrode of the first electrode (350) and the pressing structures (PS) of the support substrate (120).

[0063] The spacer (460) is made of an insulating material so that the support substrate (120) and the electroactive layer (340) are not grounded when there is no touch input. The spacer (460) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the circumference of a plurality of pressing structures (PS) of the support substrate (120), but is not limited thereto.

[0064] In the following, we refer to FIG. 9 to explain in detail the process of tactile feedback responding to the touch input being transmitted from a tactile cell in which the touch input is received.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view according to IX-IX' of FIG. 8.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 9, when a user's touch input occurs, the touch panel (TP) can detect the location where the user's touch input occurred. Accordingly, a driving voltage can be applied to the first electrode (350) and the support substrate (120) at the location corresponding to the location of the touch input detected by the touch panel (TP). Accordingly, vibration is generated in a specific tactile cell where the first electrode (350) to which the voltage is applied and the support substrate (120) overlap. The vibration of the electroactive layer (340) is transmitted upward through the support substrate (120).

[0067] Accordingly, in a display device (400) according to another embodiment of the present invention, tactile feedback can be transmitted through a pressing sensation by a support substrate (120) including a plurality of pressing structures disposed in a non-folding area and vibration by an actuator (A2). In particular, tactile feedback can be transmitted only to a touch panel (TP) corresponding to a specific tactile cell that has been touched. Furthermore, the flexible display panel (110), which previously utilized only the folding area, can also be utilized in the display area (DA) of the non-folding area (NFA).

[0068] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be described as follows.

[0069] A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a display panel including a folding area and non-folding areas on both sides of the folding area, and a support substrate disposed below the display panel, wherein the support substrate comprises a plurality of openings disposed in the folding area and a plurality of pressing structures disposed in the non-folding area.

[0070] According to another feature of the present invention, a plurality of pressing structures may include a flat portion and a hole surrounding a part of the flat portion.

[0071] According to another feature of the present invention, the hole may be in a spiral shape surrounding the planar portion.

[0072] According to another feature of the present invention, the hole may include a zigzag shape.

[0073] According to another feature of the present invention, the device further includes a touch panel that receives user touch input and an actuator disposed on the lower part of a support substrate, wherein the actuator can deliver tactile feedback in response to user touch input.

[0074] According to another feature of the present invention, the actuator may include an electric active layer, a first electrode disposed below the electric active layer, and a plurality of second electrodes disposed below a plurality of pressing structures above the electric active layer.

[0075] According to another feature of the present invention, it may include a spacer disposed below a support substrate, an electroactive layer disposed below the spacer, and a first electrode disposed below the electroactive layer.

[0076] According to another feature of the present invention, a plurality of pressing structures, an electrically active layer, and a first electrode can constitute an actuator.

[0077] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments and may be modified in various ways within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to explain, not to limit, the technical spirit of the present invention, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical spirits within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0078] 100, 200, 300, 400: Display device 110: Display panel 120, 220: Support substrate PS: Press structure 121, 222: Planar section 122, 222: Hall A1, A2: Actuator 330: Second electrode 340: Electroactive layer 350: First electrode 460: Spacer AD: Adhesive layer TP: Touch panel DA: Display area NDA: Non-display area FA: Folding area NFA: Non-folding area

Claims

Claim 1 A display device comprising: a display panel including a folding area and non-folding areas on both sides of the folding area; a support substrate disposed below the display panel, wherein the support substrate includes a plurality of openings disposed in the folding area; and a plurality of pressing structures disposed in the non-folding area, each of the plurality of pressing structures including a flat portion that moves downward when touch pressure is applied; and a hole that surrounds a part of the flat portion and forms elasticity to restore the flat portion to its original state when the touch pressure is removed. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the hole is in a spiral shape surrounding the planar portion. Claim 4 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the hole includes a zigzag shape. Claim 5 A display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a touch panel receiving user touch input; and an actuator disposed below the support substrate, wherein the actuator transmits tactile feedback in response to the user touch input. Claim 6 In claim 5, the actuator comprises: an electric active layer; a first electrode disposed below the electric active layer; and a plurality of second electrodes disposed below the plurality of pressing structures above the electric active layer, a display device. Claim 7 A display device according to claim 1, comprising: a spacer disposed below the support substrate; an electrically active layer disposed below the spacer; and a first electrode disposed below the electrically active layer. Claim 8 In claim 7, the plurality of pressing structures, the electrically active layer, and the first electrode constitute an actuator, a display device.

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