Display device and manufacturing method of the same

Abstract

A display device is provided. A display device according to one embodiment includes a display panel comprising at least a first region and a second region located on one side of a first direction of the first region; and a support module comprising a first support layer disposed on the bottom surface of the display panel and superimposed on the first region and the second region, and a second support layer disposed on the bottom surface of the first support layer, superimposed on the second region and not superimposed on the first region, wherein the first support layer of the support module comprises a plurality of first joints superimposed on the second region and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and a plate superimposed on the first region and formed integrally in the first direction, and the second support layer of the support module comprises a plurality of second joints superimposed on the second region and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, wherein the second joint is disposed on the bottom surface of the first joint, and the width of the second joint in the first direction may be narrower than the width of the first joint in the first direction.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device and a method for manufacturing the same. Background Technology

[0002] The importance of display devices is increasing along with the development of multimedia. In response to this, various types of display devices, such as Organic Light Emitting Displays (OLEDs) and Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs), are being used.

[0003] Recently, with the advancement of display technology, research and development regarding display devices equipped with flexible displays are actively underway. Flexible displays can extend or shorten the screen by folding, bending, or sliding it, thereby making a significant contribution to reducing the volume of display devices or enabling changes in design. The problem to be solved

[0004] To support the lower part of the flexible display of a sliding device, a multi-joint structure made of metal material may exist at the bottom of the module.

[0005] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a display device and a method for manufacturing a display device that prevent joints from being visible on a display panel (PNL) and prevent deformation of the display panel (PNL) that may occur due to joint movement.

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

[0007] A display device according to one embodiment for solving the above problem comprises: a display panel including at least a first region and a second region located on one side of a first direction of the first region; and a support module including a first support layer disposed on the bottom surface of the display panel and overlapped with the first region and the second region, and a second support layer disposed on the bottom surface of the first support layer and overlapped with the second region and not overlapped with the first region, wherein the first support layer of the support module comprises a plurality of first joints that are spaced apart from each other in the first direction and overlapped with the second region, and a plate that is integrally formed in the first direction and overlapped with the second region, and the second support layer of the support module comprises a plurality of second joints that are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, wherein each of the plurality of second joints is disposed on the bottom surface of each of the plurality of first joints, and the width of each of the plurality of second joints in the first direction may be narrower than the width of each of the plurality of first joints in the first direction.

[0008] A display device according to another embodiment for solving the above problem comprises at least: a display panel including a normally flat area and a bendable area configured to be bendable adjacent to the normally flat area in a first direction; a first support member formed on the bottom surface of the display panel and superimposed on the normally flat area; and a second support member formed on the bottom surface of the display panel and superimposed on the bendable area, wherein the first support member is a flat plate extending in the first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and comprises the same material as the second support member, and the second support member includes a plurality of first joints extending in the second direction, spaced apart from each other by a first width in the first direction, and having a thickness equal to the thickness of the first support member, and a plurality of second joints extending in the second direction, spaced apart from each other in the first direction by a second width greater than the first width, and having a thickness greater than the thickness of the first support member, and each of the plurality of second joints may be attached to the bottom surface of each of the plurality of first joints.

[0009] A display device according to another embodiment for solving the above problem comprises at least: a display panel including a normally flat area and a bendable area configured to be bendable adjacent to the normally flat area in a first direction; a first support member formed on the bottom surface of the display panel, superimposed on the normally flat area, and extending in the first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a second support member formed on the bottom surface of the display panel, superimposed on the bendable area, extending in the second direction and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, wherein the first support member and the second support member comprise the same metal, and each of the plurality of first joints may include a first bending portion having a first curvature concave in a direction facing the interior of each of the plurality of first joints and a second bending portion located below the first bending portion and having a second curvature concave in a direction facing the interior of each of the plurality of first joints. Effects of the invention

[0010] The display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can prevent the joint from being visible on the display panel and prevent deformation of the display panel that may occur due to joint movement.

[0011] A method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can provide a display device that prevents a joint from being visible on a display panel and prevents deformation of the display panel that may occur due to joint movement.

[0012] The effects according to the embodiments are not limited to those exemplified above, and a wider variety of effects are included in this specification. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an extended view of the display device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of the display panel and support module of the display device of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the stacked structure of the display panel and support module of the display device of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the behavior of the support module in the bending region of the display device of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the amount of lifting of the display panel that occurs as the display device according to the comparative embodiment slides. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the amount of lifting of the display panel that occurs as the display device of FIG. 1 slides. FIGS. 8 to 22 are cross-sectional and perspective views by process to explain the manufacturing process for manufacturing the display device of FIG. 1. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the stacked structure of a display panel and a support module of a display device according to another embodiment. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing the stacked structure of a display panel and a support module of a display device according to another embodiment. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the behavior of a support module in a curved area of ​​a display device according to the embodiment of FIG. 24. FIG. 26 is a perspective view of some processes to explain the process of manufacturing the display device of FIG. 24. FIGS. 27 and FIGS. 28 are perspective views illustrating the first joint adhesive layer according to FIG. 24. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing the stacked structure of a display panel and a support module of a display device according to another embodiment. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view showing the stacked structure of a display panel and a support module of a display device according to another embodiment. FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view showing the stacked structure of a display panel and a support module of a display device according to another embodiment. Fig. 32 is an enlarged view of area C of Fig. 31. FIGS. 33 to 36 are cross-sectional views by process to explain the manufacturing process for manufacturing a display device according to the embodiment of FIG. 31. FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view showing the stacked structure of a display panel and a support module of a display device according to another embodiment. FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view showing the stacked structure of a display panel and a support module of a display device according to another embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0014] 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.

[0015] When an element or layer is referred to as "above" another element or layer, it includes cases where another layer or element is interposed directly above or in the middle of another element. Likewise, when referred to as "below," "left," and "right," they include cases where they are interposed immediately adjacent to another element or where another layer or material is interposed in the middle. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0016] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, it goes without saying that the first component mentioned below may also be the second component within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0017] 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.

[0018] Specific embodiments will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an expanded view of the display device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the display panel and support module of the display device of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the stacked structure of the display panel and support module of the display device of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the behavior of the support module in the curved region of the display device of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the amount of lifting of the display panel that occurs as the display device of FIG. 1 slides according to a comparative embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the amount of lifting of the display panel that occurs as the display device of FIG. 1 slides.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a display device (1) according to one embodiment may be a sliding display device or a slideable display device. A display device (1) according to one embodiment may be a multi-sliderable display device that slides in both directions, but is not limited thereto. For example, a display device (1) may be a single-sliderable display device that slides in only one direction. The following description will focus on a multi-sliderable display device.

[0021] The display device (1) has a three-dimensional shape. For example, the display device (1) may have a rectangular prism or a similar three-dimensional shape. In the drawings, the direction parallel to the first side (horizontal side) of the display device (1) is indicated as the first direction (DR1), the direction parallel to the second side (vertical side) of the display device (1) is indicated as the second direction (DR2), and the thickness direction of the display device (1) is indicated as the third direction (DR3). In the following specification, unless otherwise specified, "direction" may refer to both directions extending along that direction. Additionally, if it is necessary to distinguish between the two "directions" extending to both sides, one side is designated as "direction one side" and the other side as "direction other side." Based on FIG. 1, the direction in which the arrow points is designated as the first side, and the opposite direction is designated as the other side. The first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2) are perpendicular to each other, the first direction (DR1) and the third direction (DR3) are perpendicular to each other, and the second direction (DR2) and the third direction (DR3) may be perpendicular to each other.

[0022] The display device (1) may include a flat area (PA) and a curved area (RA). The flat area (PA) of the display device (1) generally overlaps with the area exposing the display panel (PNL) of the panel storage container (SD) described later. The curved area (RA) of the display device (1) may be located inside the panel storage container (SD). The curved area (RA) of the display device may be positioned on both sides of the first direction (DR1) of the flat area (PA). That is, a first curved area (RA_1) of the display device may be positioned on the other side of the first direction (DR1) of the flat area (PA), and a second curved area (RA_2) of the display device may be positioned on one side of the first direction (DR1) of the flat area (PA). As the display device (1) expands, the area of ​​the flat area (PA) may increase as shown in FIG. 2.

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the display device (1) may include a display panel (PNL), a support module (SP), an elastic member (EM), and a panel storage container (SD).

[0024] The display panel (PNL) is a panel that displays a screen, and any type of display panel, such as an organic light-emitting display panel including an organic light-emitting layer, a micro light-emitting diode display panel using a micro LED, a quantum dot light-emitting display panel using a quantum dot light-emitting diode including a quantum dot light-emitting layer, or an inorganic light-emitting display panel using an inorganic light-emitting diode including an inorganic semiconductor, can be applied as the display panel (PNL) of this embodiment.

[0025] The display panel (PNL) may be a flexible panel. The display panel (PNL) may have the flexibility to be partially rolled, bent, or curved within the panel storage container (SD) of the sliding module as described below. The display panel (PNL) may slide along a first direction (DR1).

[0026] The display panel (PNL) may include a first region (PNL_1) supported by a first support member (SP_1) described below, a second region (PNL_2) supported by a second support member (SP_2), and a third region (PNL_3) supported by a third support member (SP_3). The first region (PNL_1) of the display panel (PNL) may be a normally flat region capable of maintaining a flat shape regardless of sliding motion. The second region (PNL_2) and the third region (PNL_3) of the display panel (PNL) may be rolled, bent, or curved, or may be a curved region or a bendable region in which the rolled, bent, or curved shape and the flat shape change according to sliding motion.

[0027] One side of the third direction (DR3) of the display panel (PNL) may be an upper surface for displaying a screen, and the other side of the third direction (DR3) may be a lower surface where a support module (SP) is placed.

[0028] The display area (DA) of the display panel (PNL) may be divided into a first display area (DA_1), a second display area (DA_2), and a third display area (DA_3) depending on whether and to what extent the display panel (PNL) slides. The presence and area of ​​the second display area (DA_2) and the third display area (DA_3) may vary depending on whether and to what extent they slide. Specifically, in a non-sliding state (hereinafter referred to as the "first state"), the display panel (PNL) has a first display area (DA_1) of a first area. In a sliding state (hereinafter referred to as the "second state"), the display area further includes an extended second display area (DA_2) and a third display area (DA_3) in addition to the first display area (DA_1).

[0029] The second display area (DA_2) is an area where the second area (PNL_2) of the display panel (PNL) and the flat area (PA) of the display device overlap, and the third display area (DA_3) may be an area where the third area (PNL_3) of the display panel (PNL) and the flat area (PA) of the display device overlap.

[0030] The areas of the second display area (DA_2) and the third display area (DA_3) may vary depending on the degree of sliding. When the display device (1) is slid to the maximum, the second display area (DA_2) has a second area, the third display area (DA_3) has a third area, and the display area (DA) has a fourth area which is the sum of the first area, the second area, and the third area. Here, the fourth area will be the maximum area that the display area (DA) can have.

[0031] The first display area (DA_1) may overlap with the first area (PNL_1) of the display panel (PNL). The second display area (DA_2) may overlap with at least a portion of the second area (PNL_2) of the display panel (PNL). The third display area (DA_3) may overlap with at least a portion of the third area (PNL_3) of the display panel (PNL). In some embodiments, the boundary between the first display area (DA_1) and the second display area (DA_2) may coincide with the boundary between the first area (PNL_1) and the second area (PNL_2), and the boundary between the first display area (DA_1) and the second display area (DA_2) may coincide with the boundary between the first area (PNL_1) and the third area (PNL_3), but is not limited thereto.

[0032] The display panel (PNL) may further include a sub-region. The sub-region (SBA) may be positioned on one side of the second direction (DR2) of the first region (PNL_1) of the display panel (PNL). The sub-region (SBA) may be a curved, bent, or bent area. If the sub-region (SBA) is bent, the sub-region (SBA) may overlap with the first region (PNL_1) in the third direction (DR3). The sub-region (SBA) may have a rectangular planar shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0033] The length of the first direction (DR1) of the sub-region (SBA) may be substantially the same as the length of the first direction (DR1) of the first region (PNL_1). Alternatively, the length of the first direction (DR1) of the sub-region (SBA) may be shorter than the length of the first direction (DR1) of the first region (PNL_1). The length of the second direction (DR2) of the sub-region (SBA) may be shorter than the length of the second direction (DR2) of the first region (PNL_1).

[0034] A driving circuit (DC) and a circuit board (CB) may be disposed on one side of the third direction (DR3) of the sub-region (SBA). The circuit board (CB) may be attached to the sub-region (SBA) using an anisotropic conductive film (ACF). The circuit board (CB) may be electrically connected to a pad portion formed on the sub-region (SBA). The circuit board (CB) may be a flexible printed circuit board, a printed circuit board, or a flexible film such as a chip-on-film. The driving circuit (DC) may be formed as an integrated circuit (IC) and attached to the sub-region (SBA) using a chip-on-glass (COG) method, a chip-on-plastic (COP) method, or an ultrasonic method. Alternatively, the driving circuit (DC) may be attached to the circuit board (CB).

[0035] A support module (SP) may be attached to the bottom surface of a display panel (PNL) and serve to support the display panel (PNL). The support module (SP) may include a first support member (SP_1), a second support member (SP_2), and a third support member (SP_3). The first support member (SP_1), the second support member (SP_2), and the third support member (SP_3) may have a generally identical relative positional relationship with respect to the display panel (PNL). That is, when the display panel (PNL) is flat without bending, at least one plane parallel to the display panel (PNL) may pass through the first support member (SP_1), the second support member (SP_2), and the third support member (SP_3) simultaneously.

[0036] A support module (SP) may be composed of a first support layer (1100) and a second support layer (1300). Specifically, the first support member (SP_1) of the support module (SP) may be composed of the first support layer (1100), and the second support member (SP_2) and the third support member (SP_3) of the support module (SP) may be composed of the first support layer (1100) and the second support layer (1300). The first support layer (1100) may include a plurality of first joints (1110) and plates (1130), and the second support layer (1300) may include a plurality of second joints (1310). The first support layer (1100) and the second support layer (1300) may each comprise a metal material having appropriate rigidity to support the first support member (SP_1), the second support member (SP_2), and the third support member (SP_3). In some embodiments, the first support layer (1100) and the second support layer (1300) may be composed of a metal such as SUS304, but are not limited thereto. For convenience of explanation, the following description focuses on the first support layer (1100) and the second support layer (1300) comprising a metal. The first support layer (1100) and the second support layer (1300) may comprise the same material. In other words, the first support member (SP_1), the second support member (SP_2), and the third support member (SP_3) may comprise the same material. This may be due to the result of the manufacturing process of the display device (1) described later.

[0037] The first support member (SP_1) may serve to support the first region (PNL_1) of the display panel (PNL). The first support member (SP_1) may have a planar shape extending in the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2). The first support member (SP_1) may include a portion of the first support layer (1100). In other words, the first support member (SP_1) may have a generally flat shape in a planar form and may include a plate (1130) that supports the first region (PNL_1) of the display panel (PNL). The plate (1130) may be positioned along the profile of the first region (PNL_1) of the display panel (PNL) with the same width in the third direction (DR3) (hereinafter referred to as 'thickness', 1130t). In some embodiments, the thickness of the plate (1130) may have a range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, but is not limited thereto. The first support member (SP_1) may not include the second support layer (1300).

[0038] The first support member (SP_1) may be positioned on one side of the first direction (DR1) of the second support member (SP_2), and the third support member (SP_3) may be positioned on one side of the first direction (DR1) of the first support member (SP_1). That is, the first support member (SP_1) may be positioned between the second support member (SP_2) and the third support member (SP_3). The first support member (SP_1) and the first area (PNL_1) of the display panel (PNL) may overlap in the third direction (DR3).

[0039] One side of the third direction (DR3) of the first support member (SP_1) may be an upper surface attached to the elastic member (EM) described later, and the other side of the third direction (DR3) may be a lower surface where the air gap described later is disposed.

[0040] The second support member (SP_2) can serve to support the second area (PNL_2) of the display panel (PNL). The second support member (SP_2) can overlap the second area (PNL_2) in the third direction (DR3). The second support member (SP_2) can extend in the second direction (DR2) and be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (DR1).

[0041] The second support member (SP_2) may include a portion of the first support layer (1100) and the second support layer (1300). In other words, the second support member (SP_2) may include a plurality of first joints (1110) and a plurality of second joints (1310). The first joints (1110) of the second support member (SP_2) may be included in the first support layer (1100), and the second joints (1310) may be included in the second support layer (1300).

[0042] A plurality of first joints (1110) may have a shape extending in a second direction (DR2). A plurality of first joints (1110) may be arranged along a first direction (DR1). Adjacent first joints (1110) may be spaced apart at a predetermined interval. In other words, a plurality of first joints (1110) may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (DR1) by a first width (1120). In other words, a spaced-out space having a first width (1120) in the first direction (DR1) may be arranged between the plurality of first joints (1110). The narrower the spacing of the first joints (1110), i.e., the first width (1120), the less the second support member can be seen on the display panel. In some embodiments, the first width (1120) may have a range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the first width (1120) may be 0.9 mm or less.

[0043] The planar shape of the first joint (1110) may be a rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 4. This may be the result of the manufacturing process of the display device (1) described later.

[0044] One side of the third direction (DR3) of the first joint (1110) is an upper surface attached to the elastic member (EM) described later, and the other side of the third direction (DR3) may be a lower surface on which the second joint (1310) is placed.

[0045] The first joint (1110) and the second joint (1310) can be attached to each other. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the bottom surface of the first joint (1110) and the top surface of the second joint (1310) may be welded to each other so as to attach the first joint (1110) and the second joint (1310), but are not limited thereto. The top surface of the second joint (1310) may be attached by directly contacting the center of the bottom surface of the first joint (1110).

[0046] Multiple second joints (1310) may have a shape that extends in a second direction (DR2). The second joints (1310) may be arranged along a first direction (DR1). Adjacent second joints (1310) may be spaced apart at a predetermined interval. In other words, multiple second joints (1310) may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (DR1) by a second width (1320). The second width (1320) may be larger than the first width (1120). The planar shape of the second joints (1310) may be a rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 4. This may be the result of the manufacturing process of the display device (1) described later.

[0047] The third direction (DR3) width (hereinafter referred to as 'thickness', 1310t) of the second joint (1310) may be larger than the third direction (DR3) width (hereinafter referred to as 'thickness', 1110t) of the first joint (1110). Additionally, the first direction (DR1) width (1310w) of the second joint (1310) may be smaller than the first direction (DR1) width (1110w) of the first joint (1110).

[0048] By forming the thickness (1310t) of the second joint (1310) larger than the thickness (1110t) of the first joint (1110), the rigidity that is lacking due to the thickness (1110t) of the first joint (1110) being formed relatively thin by the manufacturing process of the display device (1) described later is compensated for, and at the same time, by forming the width (1310w) of the second joint (1310) narrower than the width (1110w) of the first joint (1110), the second width (1320), which is the distance between adjacent second joints (1310), is widened so that interference does not occur between adjacent second joints (1310) as shown in FIG. 5.

[0049] One side of the third direction (DR3) of the second joint (1310) is an upper surface attached to the bottom surface of the first joint (1110), and the other side of the third direction (DR3) may be a bottom surface facing the upper surface.

[0050] Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the thickness (1310t) of the second joint (1310) may have a range of 0.3mm to 0.8mm, and the thickness (1110t) of the first joint (1110) may have a range of 0.1mm to 0.5mm, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness (1110t) of the first joint (1110) and the thickness (1130t) of the plate (1130) of the first support member (SP_1) may be the same, which may be the result of the manufacturing process of the display device (1) described later.

[0051] The third support member (SP_3) may serve to support the third region (PNL_3) of the display panel (PNL). The third support member (SP_3) may include a portion of the first support layer (1100) and the second support layer (1300). The third support member (SP_3) may include a plurality of first joints (1110) and a plurality of second joints (1310). The first joints (1110) of the third support member (SP_3) may be included in the first support layer (1100), and the second joints (1310) may be included in the second support layer (1300). Since the description regarding the first joints (1110) and the second joints (1310) is the same as that given for the second support member (SP_2), a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0052] Meanwhile, the planar shape of the second support member (SP_2) and the third support member (SP_3) may have a 'T' shape as the planar shape of the first joint (1110) and the second joint (1310) is rectangular. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the comparative embodiment may have the second support member (SP_2') and the third support member (SP_3') including only the first joint and not the second joint. According to the comparative embodiment, the first joint may have a trapezoidal shape that narrows in width toward the other side of the third direction (DR3), or a rectangular shape. As the slide display device transitions between the first state and the second state, the support module (SP) may be deformed, causing a lifting phenomenon in which the display panel (PNL) lifts toward the third direction (DR3). Data regarding the amount of lifting per display panel size and the joint weight of a display device (1) according to a comparative example having a trapezoidal joint shape and an example having a 'T' shaped joint shape are summarized in Table 1 below.

[0054] Display panel (PNL) size (inch) joint shape Lift amount (mm) Joint weight (g) 7.2 trapezoid 0.14 0.5 T-type 0.09 0.3 12.4 trapezoid 0.79 0.9 T-type 0.48 0.5 17.3 trapezoid 2.96 1.3 T-type 1.85 0.8

[0055] According to the data in the table above, the amount of lifting (D) in the third direction (DR3) of the display panel (PNL) due to the lifting phenomenon of the display device (1) according to one embodiment may be smaller than the amount of lifting (D') due to the lifting phenomenon of the comparative embodiment. Specifically, compared to the comparative embodiment in which the joint shape is trapezoidal, the amount of lifting (D) in the third direction (DR3) of the display panel (PNL) that may occur while mutually converting from the first state to the second state of the display device (1) according to one embodiment is reduced to half the level, and the weight of the joint is less compared to the comparative embodiment in which the joint shape is trapezoidal. This may be a result of the planar shape of the second support member (SP_2) and the third support member (SP_3) being formed in a 'T' shape. That is, the display device (1) according to one embodiment has a smaller joint weight compared to the display device (1) according to a comparative embodiment having a trapezoidal joint, and can reduce the amount of lifting (D) in the third direction (DR3) of the display panel (PNL). An air gap defined as an empty space surrounded by the bottom surface of the first support member (SP_1), the second joint (1310) of the second support member (SP_2), and the second joint (1310) of the third support member (SP_3) may be formed at the bottom of the first support member (SP_1). By forming the air gap at the bottom of the first support member (SP_1), the impact applied to the display panel (PNL) can be mitigated. For example, the air gap can absorb the impact when an object such as a user's pen falls from the first area (PNL_1) of the display panel (PNL). The thickness of the third direction (DR3) of the air gap above may be substantially the same as the thickness (1310t) of the second joint (1310).

[0056] The elastic member (EM) can prevent the first support member (SP_1), the second support member (SP_2), and the third support member (SP_3) from being visible on the display panel (PNL), and can absorb stress that may occur depending on the behavior of the first support member (SP_1), the second support member (SP_2), and the third support member (SP_3), thereby preventing said stress from affecting the display panel (PNL). The elastic member (EM) can be placed between the display panel (PNL) and the support module (SP).

[0057] One side of the third direction (DR3) of the elastic member (EM) may be the upper surface on which the display panel (PNL) is placed, and the other side of the third direction (DR3) may be the lower surface on which the support module (SP) is placed. The upper surface of the elastic member (EM) may be attached to the lower surface of the display panel (PNL) by a separate adhesive. Additionally, the upper surface of the elastic member (EM) and the support module (SP) may be attached to each other by an adhesive layer (ADH) interposed between the elastic member (EM) and the support module (SP). In some embodiments, the adhesive layer (ADH) may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), but is not limited thereto.

[0058] The elastic member (EM) may be disposed across the first support member (SP_1), the second support member (SP_2), and the third support member (SP_3) in a planar manner. The elastic member (EM) may be disposed continuously regardless of the multiple first joints (1110) of the second support member (SP_2) and the third support member (SP_3), the spacing between the multiple first joints (1110), and the spacing between the multiple second joints (1310) and the multiple second joints (1310). The elastic member (EM) may have a shape substantially identical to the planar shape of the display panel (PNL). The elastic member (EM) may overlap the entire display panel (PNL) in the third direction (DR3). When the display panel (PNL) is bent, the elastic member (EM) may be bent together with the display panel (PNL). The elastic member (EM) may be composed of a material having an elastic modulus. In some embodiments, the elastic member (EM) may include polyurethane, but is not limited thereto.

[0059] The panel storage container (SD) serves to store at least a portion of the display panel (PNL) and the support module (SP). The panel storage container (SD) may include a first curved portion (SD_1) comprising a first display device curved area (RA_1), a second curved portion (SD_3) comprising a second display device curved area (RA_2), and a side wall portion (SD_2) connecting the first curved portion (SD_1) and the second curved portion (SD_3). A rail may be formed inside the side wall portion (SD_2) to guide the sliding movement of the display panel (PNL).

[0060] Below, a manufacturing process for manufacturing a display device (1) according to one embodiment will be described.

[0061] FIGS. 8 to 22 are cross-sectional and perspective views by process to explain the manufacturing process for manufacturing the display device of FIG. 1.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 14, a first mask (MS1) is formed on both sides of the third direction (DR3) of the first material layer (1100''), and the first material layer (1100'') exposed by the first mask (MS1) is etched to form a first bridge layer (1100'). For example, the process of forming the first mask (MS1) on both sides of the third direction (DR3) of the first material layer (1100'') can be performed by applying a photosensitive organic material on both sides of the third direction (DR3) of the first material layer (1100''), and then exposing and developing the material to form the first mask (MS1) as a photoresist pattern on both sides of the third direction (DR3) of the first material layer (1100''). In addition, the process of etching the first material layer (1100``) exposed by the first mask (MS1) can be performed as a wet etch process.

[0063] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section cut along the line X1-X1' of FIG. 9. Referring to FIG. 10, the first material layer (1100'') may contain substantially the same material as the first bridge layer (1100') and the first support layer (1100) described later. The third direction (DR3) width (hereinafter referred to as 'thickness') of the first material layer (1100'') may be substantially the same as the thickness (1100t, see FIG. 4) of the first support layer (1100''). In other words, the thickness (1110t) of the first joint (1110) of the first support layer (1100), the thickness (1130t) of the plate (1130), and the thickness of the first material layer (1100'') may all be substantially the same.

[0064] When a first mask (MS1) is formed on both sides of the third direction (DR3) of the first material layer (1100``), the first mask (MS1) may include a first_1 mask (MS1_a) formed on one side of the third direction (DR3) of the first material layer (1100``) and a first_2 mask (MS1_b) formed on the other side of the third direction (DR3) of the first material layer (1100``). The first direction (DR1) width of the first_1 mask (MS1_a) and the first_2 mask (MS1_b) may be substantially the same as the first direction (DR1) width (1110w) of the first joint (1110) in the area corresponding to the second support member (SP_2), and may be substantially the same as the first direction (DR1) width of the plate (1130) in the area corresponding to the first support member (SP_1). The width of the first_1 mask (MS1_a) and the first_2 mask (MS1_b) exposing the first material layer (1100``) may be substantially the same as the first width (1120, see FIG. 4) described above. The first_1 mask (MS1_a) and the first_2 mask (MS1_b) may also be placed on an area for forming a bridge placed at the edge of the first bridge layer (1100`) described later.

[0065] The first mask (MS1_a) and the second mask (MS1_b) can be completely overlapped in the third direction (DR3). That is, the first mask (MS1_a) and the second mask (MS1_b) can be formed in substantially the same shape. Accordingly, the process of etching the first material layer (1100`') can be symmetric etching. That is, the degree to which the first material layer (1100`') is etched in both directions of the third direction (DR3) is the same, and accordingly, the etched surface can have a flat profile.

[0066] When the process of etching the first material layer (1100``) is performed by wet etching, isotropic etching may occur on the first material layer (1100``).

[0067] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 10. Referring to FIG. 11, isotropic etching can occur on both sides of the third direction (DR3) of the first material layer (1100'') exposed by the first mask (MS1). Accordingly, as the thickness of the first material layer (1100'') increases, the degree of etching of the first material layer (1100'') intensifies, and the first width (1120, see FIG. 4) can increase. Therefore, in order to form the first width (1120) within the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm or 0.9 mm or less, the thickness of the first material layer (1100'') can have a range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0068] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of region B of FIG. 12. Referring to FIG. 13, when symmetric etching and isotropic etching are performed, the cross-section of the etched first material layer (1100'') may have a flat shape. Accordingly, the first joint (1110) and plate (1130) of the first support layer (1100) may have a planar rectangular shape.

[0069] As described above, by wet etching the first material layer (1100''), the first width (1120), which is the distance between the first joints (1110), can be reduced to 0.9 mm or less, and the processing time is reduced, thereby improving mass production, and the first joint (1110) and the plate (1130) can be formed simultaneously, thereby preventing visibility between the first joint (1110) and the plate (1130).

[0070] A first bridge layer (1100') formed by etching a first material layer (1100'') exposed by a first mask (MS1) may include a first joint bridge layer (1110') and a first plate bridge layer (1130'). The first joint bridge layer (1110') may become the first joint (1110) of the first support layer (1100) through a subsequent process, and the first plate bridge layer (1130') may become the plate (1130) of the first support layer (1100) through a subsequent process.

[0071] Next, referring to FIGS. 15 to 18, a second mask (MS2) is formed on both sides of the third direction (DR3) of the second material layer (1300''), and the second material layer (1300'') exposed by the second mask (MS2) is etched to form a second bridge layer (1300'). For example, the process of forming the second mask (MS2) on both sides of the third direction (DR3) of the second material layer (1300'') can be performed by applying a photosensitive organic material on both sides of the third direction (DR3) of the second material layer (1300''), and then exposing and developing it to form the second mask (MS2) as a photoresist pattern on both sides of the third direction (DR3) of the second material layer (1300''). In addition, the process of etching the second material layer (1300``) exposed by the second mask (MS2) can be performed as a wet etch process.

[0072] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section cut along the line X2-X2' of FIG. 15. Referring to FIG. 16, the second material layer (1300'') may include substantially the same material as the second bridge layer (1300'') and the second support layer (1300) described later. The third direction (DR3) width (hereinafter referred to as 'thickness') of the second material layer (1300'') may be substantially the same as the thickness of the second support layer (1300). Therefore, the thickness of the second material layer (1300'') may be thicker than the thickness of the first material layer (1100'').

[0073] When a second mask (MS2) is formed on both sides of the third direction (DR3) of the second material layer (1300``), the second mask (MS2) may include a second_1 mask (MS2_a) formed on one side of the third direction (DR3) of the second material layer (1300``) and a second_2 mask (MS2_b) formed on the other side of the third direction (DR3) of the second material layer (1300``). The width of the first material layer (1100``) exposed by the second_1 mask (MS2_a) and the second_2 mask (MS2_b) may be substantially the same as the second width (1320, see FIG. 4) described above. The second_1 mask (MS2_a) and the second_2 mask (MS2_b) may completely overlap each other in the third direction (DR3). That is, the 2_1 mask (MS2_a) and the 2_2 mask (MS2_b) can be formed in substantially the same shape. Accordingly, the process of etching the second material layer (1300'') is performed as symmetric etching, and the second joint (1310) of the second support layer (1300) can have a planar rectangular shape. The 2_1 mask (MS2_a) and the 2_2 mask (MS2_b) can also be placed on the area for forming a bridge placed at the edge of the second bridge layer (1300') described later.

[0074] The second bridge layer (1300') formed by etching the second material layer (1300'') exposed by the second mask (MS2) may include a second joint bridge layer (1310') and an air gap bridge layer (1330'). The second joint bridge layer (1310') becomes the second joint (1310) of the second support layer (1300) through a subsequent process, and the air gap bridge layer (1330') may provide a space for forming an air gap through a subsequent process. Meanwhile, as described in the first material layer (1100''), the processing time can be reduced by wet etching the second material layer (1300''), thereby improving mass production capability.

[0075] Next, referring to FIGS. 19 to 22, the first bridge layer (1100') and the second bridge layer (1300') are aligned and joined to each other, and after attaching an elastic member (EM) to the first bridge layer (1100'), the edges of the first bridge layer (1100') and the second bridge layer (1300') are cut to remove the bridge, and the first support layer (1100) and the second support layer (1300) are formed. For example, the process of joining the first bridge layer (1100') and the second bridge layer (1300') can be performed by metal welding.

[0076] When aligning the first bridge layer (1100') and the second bridge layer (1300'), the first joint bridge layer (1110') of the first bridge layer (1100') and the second joint bridge layer (1310') of the second bridge layer (1300') can be aligned to intersect each other. Accordingly, the upper surface of the second joint (1310) can be joined to the center of the lower surface of the first joint (1110).

[0077] When the process of joining the first bridge layer (1100') and the second bridge layer (1300') is performed by metal welding, the first joint (1110) and the second joint (1310) can be formed integrally.

[0078] After attaching an elastic member (EM) to the first bridge layer (1100'), when the edges of the first bridge layer (1100') and the second bridge layer (1300') are cut as shown in FIG. 21, the elastic member (EM) is positioned inside the edges of the first bridge layer (1100') and the second bridge layer (1300') that are cut, so that when the edges of the first bridge layer (1100') and the second bridge layer (1300') are cut, the elastic member (EM) may not be cut along with the edges of the first bridge layer (1100') and the second bridge layer (1300').

[0079] Afterwards, a display device (1) as shown in FIG. 4 is manufactured by going through the process of attaching a display panel (PNL) to an elastic member (EM).

[0080] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the stacked structure of a display panel and a support module of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 23, the second support member (SP1_2) and the third support member (SP1_3) of the display device (1_1) according to the present embodiment may further include a first joint (1110), a second joint (1310), and a first joint adhesive layer (1201) disposed between the first joint (1110) and the second joint (1310). Specifically, the first direction (DR1) width of the first joint adhesive layer (1201) is substantially the same as the second direction (DR2) width (1310w) of the second joint (1310), and can completely overlap with the second joint (1310) in the third direction (DR3).

[0082] The first joint adhesive layer (1201) may serve to bond the first joint (1110) and the second joint (1310). In some embodiments, the first joint adhesive layer (1201) may include an optical clear adhesive (OCA) or a heat-curing tape, but is not limited thereto. The first joint adhesive layer (1201) may have an adhesive strength sufficient to prevent the first joint (1110) and the second joint (1310) from detaching even during the sliding motion of the display device (1). In some embodiments, the adhesive strength of the first joint adhesive layer (1201) may be 1800 gf / 25 mm or more at room temperature, but is not limited thereto.

[0083] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a stacked structure of a display panel and a support module of a display device according to another embodiment. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the behavior of a support module in a curved region of a display device according to the embodiment of FIG. 24. FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a partial process for explaining the process of manufacturing the display device of FIG. 24. FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 are perspective views showing an articulating adhesive film according to FIG. 24.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 24 through 28, the second support member (SP2_2) and the third support member (SP2_3) of the display device (1_2) according to the present embodiment differ from the display device (1_1) according to FIG. 23 in that the first joint adhesive layer (1201) has been replaced with a joint adhesive film (1202). The joint adhesive film (1202) is formed integrally and can penetrate between a plurality of first joints (1110) and a plurality of second joints (1310) and extend in a first direction (DR1). In some embodiments, the joint adhesive film (1202) may have a planar shape substantially identical to the planar shape of the second region (PNL_2) and the third region (PNL_3) of the display panel (PNL), but is not limited thereto. For example, the joint adhesive film (1202) may have a planar shape substantially identical to the planar shape of the entire display panel (PNL).

[0085] The joint adhesive film (1202) can serve to bond a plurality of first joints (1110) and a plurality of second joints (1310), prevent foreign substances from entering between the plurality of first joints (1110), and prevent the deterioration of bending characteristics due to local interference between the plurality of joints in the bending area. Referring to FIG. 25, the joint adhesive film (1202) is formed integrally and is positioned to penetrate between the plurality of first joints (1110) and the plurality of second joints (1310) of the second support member (SP2_2) and the third support member (SP2_3), so that the gap between adjacent first joints (1110) may not be exposed. Accordingly, as the multiple joints (1110, 1310) operate in the bending region, various foreign substances that may occur are not exposed in the gap between the first joints (1110), and since the multiple joints (1110, 1310) are connected to each other by an anti-adhesion layer, the deterioration of bending characteristics, such as the joints twisting due to local interference between joints, can be prevented.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 26, the manufacturing of the display device (1) according to the embodiment of FIG. 24 can be performed by placing an articulating adhesive material layer between the first bridge layer (1100') and the second bridge layer (1300'). In a process where the edges of the subsequent first bridge layer (1100') and the second bridge layer (1300') are cut, a portion of the articulating adhesive material layer may be cut to form an articulating adhesive film (1202).

[0087] As shown in FIG. 27, the joint adhesive film (1202) may have a plate shape including a metal, a polymer film, a thermosetting adhesive layer (ADH), etc. For example, if the joint adhesive film (1202) includes a metal, the joint adhesive film (1202) may be a metal plate having a thickness of 40 μm or less to enable sliding bending. If the joint adhesive film (1202) includes a polymer film, the joint adhesive film (1202) may have an elastic modulus of 4 GPa or more to enable sliding bending.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 28, the joint adhesive film (1202) may include a metal, a polymer film, etc., and may have a mesh-type film form including micro-holes (H). In this case, the diameter (dH) of the micro-holes (H) may be formed to be smaller than the width of the foreign substance. Specifically, since the size of the foreign substance that can enter between the first joints (1110) and cause damage to the display panel (PNL) has a diameter of 300 μm or more, the diameter (dH) of the micro-holes (H) may be 300 μm or less. By forming a plurality of micro-holes (H) on the joint adhesive film (1202) overall, the bending of the joints (1110, 1310) can be made easier.

[0089] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing the stacked structure of a display panel and a support module of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 29, the second support member (SP3_2) and the third support member (SP3_3) of the display device (1_3) according to the present embodiment may include a first joint (1110), a first joint adhesive layer (1201), a second joint (1310), a second joint adhesive layer (1403), and a third joint (1513). Specifically, the support module (SP3) according to the present embodiment may further include a third support layer (1503) in addition to the first support layer (1100) and the second support layer (1300).

[0091] The third support layer (1503) may include a third joint (1513) positioned below the second joint (1310). The third support layer (1503) may be composed of a metal such as SUS304, similar to the first support layer (1100) and the second support layer (1300), but is not limited thereto.

[0092] The second support member (SP_2) and the third support member (SP_3) may further include a third joint (1513). The third joint (1513) may serve to reduce the amount of lifting of the display panel (PNL) described in FIGS. 6 and 7. The first direction (DR1) width (1513w) of the third joint (1513) may be larger than the first direction (DR1) width (1310w) of the second joint (1310) and smaller than the first direction (DR1) width (1110w) of the first joint (1110). The planar shape of the third joint (1513) may be rectangular. Accordingly, the planar shape of the second support member (SP3_2) and the third support member (SP3_3) may have an 'I' shape. The amount of lifting in the third direction (DR3) of the display panel (PNL) of the display device (1_3) according to the present embodiment, which may occur while transitioning from the first state to the second state, may be smaller than the amount of lifting (D') of the comparative embodiment of FIG. 6. Data regarding the amount of lifting per display panel size and the joint weight of the comparative embodiment having a trapezoidal joint shape and the present embodiment having an 'I'-shaped joint shape are summarized in Table 2 below.

[0093] Display panel (PNL) size (inch) joint shape Lift amount (mm) Joint weight (g) 7.2 trapezoid 0.14 0.5 Type I 0.05 0.4 12.4 trapezoid 0.79 0.9 Type I 0.30 0.7 17.3 trapezoid 2.96 1.3 Type I 1.13 1.0

[0094] According to the data in the table above, compared to a comparative embodiment in which the joint shape is trapezoidal, the amount of lifting in the third direction (DR3) of the display panel (PNL) that may occur while transitioning from the first state to the second state is reduced to less than 1 / 2, and the weight of the joint is less compared to a comparative embodiment in which the joint shape is trapezoidal. This may be a result of the planar shape of the second support member (SP3_2) and the third support member (SP3_3) being formed in an 'I' shape. Accordingly, the display device (1_3) according to the present embodiment can reduce the amount of lifting in the third direction (DR3) of the display panel (PNL) while having less weight of the joint compared to a display device according to a comparative embodiment in which the joint is trapezoidal. Meanwhile, an adhesive layer may be interposed between the first joint (1110) and the second joint (1310), and between the second joint (1310) and the third joint (1513), respectively. Specifically, a first joint adhesive layer (1201) may be interposed between the first joint (1110) and the second joint (1310), and a second joint adhesive layer (1403) may be interposed between the second joint (1310) and the third joint (1513), but is not limited thereto. For example, the first joint adhesive layer (1201) may be omitted between the first joint (1110) and the second joint (1310), and the second joint adhesive layer (1403) may be omitted between the second joint (1310) and the third joint (1513). Meanwhile, the first joint adhesive layer (1201) and the second joint adhesive layer (1403) may be substantially the same. Therefore, a detailed description of the second joint adhesive layer (1403) will be omitted.

[0095] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view showing the stacked structure of a display panel and a support module of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 30, the second support member (SP4_2) and the third support member (SP4_3) of the display device (1_4) according to the present embodiment differ from the display device (1_3) according to FIG. 29 in that a joint adhesive film (1202) is disposed between a plurality of first joints (1110) and a plurality of second joints (1310), and other configurations are substantially the same or similar.

[0097] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view showing a stacked structure of a display panel and a support module of a display device according to another embodiment. FIG. 32 is an enlarged view of area C of FIG. 31.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, the second support member (SP5_2) and the third support member (SP5_3) of the display device (1_5) according to the present embodiment may have a tapered shape having curvature, such that the width of the first direction (DR1) decreases as it moves toward the other side of the third direction (DR3). Specifically, the support module (SP5) according to the present embodiment is formed only of the first support layer (1105), and the second support member (SP5_2) and the third support member (SP5_3) may include a first curvature portion (1115a) and a second curvature portion (1115b).

[0099] The support module (SP5) according to the present embodiment is formed only by the first support layer (1105), and accordingly, the first support member (SP5_1), the second support member (SP5_2), and the third support member (SP5_3) may be results formed from the first material layer (1105'') according to the manufacturing process of the display device (1_5) described later.

[0100] The first support member (SP5_1) may include a plate (1135) of the first support layer (1105). Since the plate (1135) is substantially the same as the plate (1130) according to the embodiment of FIG. 4, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] The second support member (SP5_2) and the third support member (SP5_3) may include a first joint (1115). The width of the first joint (1115) in the first direction (DR1) may vary along the third direction (DR3). The first joint (1115) may include a first curvature portion (1115a) having a first curvature (R1) and a second curvature portion (1115b) having a second curvature (R2). The second curvature portion (1115b) may be disposed below the first curvature portion (1115a). At the boundary between the first curvature portion (1115a) and the second curvature portion (1115b), a joint protrusion (1115c) may be formed where the width of the first joint (1110) in the first direction (DR1) is maximum. The thickness (1115t) of the first joint (1115) can be defined as the sum of the thickness (1115a_t) of the first curved portion (1115a) and the thickness (1115b_t) of the second curved portion (1115b). The width of the third direction (DR3) of the plate (1130) (hereinafter referred to as 'thickness', 1130t) may be smaller than the thickness (1115t) of the second curved portion (1115b). Accordingly, an air gap may be formed in the lower part of the plate (1130).

[0102] The first joint (1115) may be spaced apart from the adjacent first joint (1115) by a first width (1125) in the first direction (DR1) based on the surface where the first curvature (1115a) is attached to the adhesive layer (ADH). Additionally, the first joint (1115) may be spaced apart from the adjacent first joint (1115) by a second width (1145) in the first direction (DR1) based on the other end surface of the third direction (DR3) of the second curvature (1115b). The first width (1125) may be smaller than the second width (1145). In some embodiments, the first width (1125) may have a range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the first width (1125) may be 0.9 mm or less. Accordingly, the separation distance, i.e., the first width (1125), of the first joint (1115) adjacent to the display panel (PNL) is reduced to prevent joint visibility, and the thickness of the second bend (1115b) is increased and the separation distance, i.e., the second width (1145), is made relatively wider to prevent bending interference, while increasing the rigidity of the first joint (1115) itself to alleviate the lifting phenomenon of the display panel (PNL).

[0103] The first curvature portion (1115a) may have a first curvature (R1) that is concave into the first joint (1115) on both sides of the first direction (DR1). The width of the first curvature portion (1115a) in the first direction (DR1) may increase as it moves toward the other side of the third direction (DR3). In other words, the first joint (1115) may have an inverse tapered shape in which the width of the first direction (DR1) increases as it moves toward the other side of the third direction (DR3) from the first curvature portion (1115a). Accordingly, a joint protrusion (1115c) in which the width of the first direction (DR1) of the first joint (1115) is maximum may be formed at the boundary between the first curvature portion (1115a) and the second curvature portion (1115b).

[0104] The second curvature portion (1115b) may have a second curvature (R2) that is concave into the first joint (1115) on both sides of the first direction (DR1). The width of the second curvature portion (1115b) in the first direction (DR1) may decrease as it moves toward the other side of the third direction (DR3). In other words, the first joint (1115) may have a tapered shape in which the width of the first direction (DR1) decreases as it moves toward the other side of the third direction (DR3) from the second curvature portion (1115b). Accordingly, the width of the first direction (DR1) (1115b_w) at the other end of the third direction (DR3) of the second curvature portion (1115b) may be the minimum value of the width of the first direction (DR1) of the first joint (1115). The second curvature (R2) may be smaller than the first curvature (R1). That is, the radius of curvature of the second curvature (R2) may be larger than the radius of curvature of the first curvature (R1). This may be the result of asymmetric etching in the manufacturing process of the display device (1_5) described later.

[0105] The joint protrusion (1115c) may be the boundary between the first curvature portion (1115a) and the second curvature portion (1115b). Based on the joint protrusion (1115c), the first curvature portion (1115a) may be positioned on one side of the third direction (DR3) of the joint protrusion (1115c), and the second curvature portion (1115b) may be positioned on the other side of the third direction (DR3). The width of the first direction (DR1) of the joint protrusion (1115c) may be the maximum value of the width of the first direction (DR1) of the first joint (1110).

[0106] The width of the first direction (DR1) (1115a_w) where the first curvature (1115a) and the adhesive layer (ADH) meet may be larger than the width of the first direction (DR1) (1115b_w) at the other end of the third direction (DR3) of the second curvature (1115b). The width of the first direction (DR1) (1115a_w) where the first curvature (1115a) and the adhesive layer (ADH) meet may be smaller than the width of the first direction (DR1) of the joint protrusion (1115c). In some embodiments, the width of the first direction (DR1) of the joint protrusion (1115c) may be approximately 0.1 mm larger than the width of the first direction (DR1) (1115a_w) where the first curvature (1115a) and the adhesive layer (ADH) meet, but is not limited thereto.

[0107] As seen above, the planar shape of the first joint (1115) may have an inverse tapered shape in which the width of the first direction (DR1) of the first joint (1115) increases as it moves toward the other side of the third direction (DR3) at the first curvature portion (1115a), has a maximum width of the first direction (DR1) of the first joint (1115) at the joint protrusion portion (1115c), and may have a tapered shape in which the width of the first direction (DR1) of the first joint (1115) decreases as it moves toward the other side of the third direction (DR3) from the joint protrusion portion (1115c).

[0108] Below, a manufacturing process for manufacturing a display device (1_5) according to the present embodiment is described.

[0109] FIGS. 33 to 36 are cross-sectional views by process to explain the manufacturing process for manufacturing a display device according to the embodiment of FIG. 31.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 33 to 36, the process of manufacturing the first joint (1115) of the display device (1_5) according to the embodiment of FIG. 31 is performed by asymmetric etching, which involves forming a first mask (MS1_5) on both sides of the third direction (DR3) of the first material layer (1105'') and etching a portion of the first material layer (1105'') exposed by the first mask (MS1_5). For example, the process of forming the first mask (MS1_5) on both sides of the third direction (DR3) of the first material layer (1105'') can be performed by applying a photosensitive organic material on both sides of the third direction (DR3) of the first material layer (1105''), exposing and developing it to form the first mask (MS1_5) as a photoresist pattern on both sides of the third direction (DR3) of the first material layer (1105''). Additionally, the process of etching the first material layer (1105``) exposed by the first mask (MS1_5) can be performed as a wet etch process. The first material layer (1105``) may include a first joint material layer (1115``) and a plate material layer (1135``). The first joint material layer (1115``) may form a first joint (1115) through a series of processes, and the plate material layer (1135``) may form a plate (1135) through a series of processes.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 33 and 34, the process of forming a second support member (SP_2) and a third support member (SP_3) from a first material layer (1105``) may be a process using a double mask. Specifically, the first mask (MS1_5) includes a first mask (MS1_5_a) and a second mask (MS1_5_b), wherein the first mask (MS1_5_a) is disposed on one side of the third direction (DR3) of the first joint material layer (1115``) and the second mask (MS1_5_b) is disposed on the other side of the third direction (DR3), and the width of the first mask (MS1_5_a) exposing the first material layer (1105``) may be narrower than the width of the second mask (MS1_5_b) exposing the first material layer (1105``). Accordingly, the other side of the third direction (DR3) of the first material layer (1105'') can be equidistantly angled with a relatively large radius of curvature, and the one side of the third direction (DR3) of the first material layer (1105'') can be equidistantly angled with a relatively small radius of curvature.

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 35 and 36, the process of forming a first support member (SP5_1) from a first material layer (1105``) may be a process using a single mask. Specifically, a first mask (MS1_5_a) may be placed on one side of the third direction (DR3) of the plate material layer (1135``), but a second mask (MS1_5_b) may not be placed on the other side of the third direction (DR3) of the plate material layer (1135``). The first mask (MS1_5_a) placed on one side of the third direction (DR3) of the plate material layer (1135``) may not expose one side of the third direction (DR3) of the plate material layer (1135``). Accordingly, one side of the third direction (DR3) of the plate material layer (1135'') is not etched, but the other side of the third direction (DR3) is etched entirely, so that the width (hereinafter referred to as 'thickness') of the plate material layer (1135'') in the third direction (DR3) can be gradually reduced.

[0113] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view showing the stacked structure of a display panel and a support module of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 37, the second joint (1316) of the display device (1_6) according to the present embodiment differs from the embodiment of FIG. 23 in that it is asymmetrically etched. Specifically, the second joint (1316) according to the present embodiment may include a first curvature portion (1316a) and a second curvature portion (1316b), and may be made by substantially the same manufacturing method as the first joint (1115) according to the embodiment of FIG. 31.

[0115] The planar shape of the second joint (1316) may have an inverse tapered shape in which the width of the second joint (1316) increases as it moves toward the other side of the third direction (DR3) at the first curvature portion (1316a), has the maximum width of the second joint (1316) in the first direction (DR1) at the joint protrusion portion (1316c), and may have a tapered shape in which the width of the second joint (1316) in the first direction (DR1) decreases as it moves toward the other side of the third direction (DR3) from the joint protrusion portion (1316c).

[0116] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view showing the stacked structure of a display panel and a support module of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 38, the display device (1_7) according to the present embodiment differs from the display device (1_6) according to FIG. 37 in that a joint adhesive film (1202) is placed between the first joint (1110) and the second joint (1316), and other configurations are substantially the same or similar.

[0118] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential features thereof. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Explanation of the symbols

[0119] SP: Support Module SP_1: First support member SP_2: Second support member SP_3: Third support member 1100: 1st support layer 1110: 1st joint 1130: Plate 1201: 1st joint adhesive layer 1202: Joint adhesive film 1300: Second support layer 1310: Second joint 1403: Second joint adhesive layer 1503: Third support base 1513: Third joint 1115a: First bend 1115b: Second bend

Claims

Claim 1 A display device comprising: a display panel including a first region and a second region located on one side of a first direction of the first region; and a support module including a first support layer disposed on the bottom surface of the display panel and overlapped with the first region and the second region, and a second support layer disposed on the bottom surface of the first support layer and overlapped with the second region and not overlapped with the first region, wherein the first support layer of the support module includes a plurality of first joints that are spaced apart from each other in the first direction and overlapped with the second region, and a plate that is integrally formed in the first direction and overlapped with the second region, and the second support layer of the support module includes a plurality of second joints that are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, wherein each of the plurality of second joints is disposed on the bottom surface of each of the plurality of first joints, and the first direction width of each of the plurality of second joints is narrower than the first direction width of each of the plurality of first joints. Claim 2 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of each of the plurality of second joints is positioned at the center of the lower surface of each of the plurality of first joints and is in direct contact with the first joint. Claim 3 A display device according to claim 2, wherein the planar shape of each of the plurality of first joints and the planar shape of each of the plurality of second joints are similar in shape to a rectangle. Claim 4 In claim 1, the plurality of first joints, the plurality of second joints, and the plate are a display device comprising the same material. Claim 5 A display device according to claim 4, wherein the thickness of each of the plurality of first joints and the thickness of the plate are the same, and the thickness of each of the plurality of second joints is thicker than the thickness of each of the plurality of first joints. Claim 6 In claim 5, the display panel further comprises a third region located on the other side of the first direction of the first region and a sub-region located on one side of the second direction intersecting the first direction of the first region, and the first support layer of the support module is arranged in an overlapping manner in the first region, the second region, and the third region, the second support layer is arranged in an overlapping manner in the second region and the third region and is not arranged in an overlapping manner in the second region, the plurality of first joints of the first support layer are arranged in an overlapping manner in the second region and the third region and are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, the plurality of second joints of the second support layer are arranged in an overlapping manner in the second region and the third region and are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and an air gap is arranged on the bottom surface of the plate of the first support layer. Claim 7 A display device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of first joints is spaced apart by a first width, and each of the plurality of second joints is spaced apart by a second width greater than the first width. Claim 8 In claim 7, the display device wherein the first width is 0.9 mm or less. Claim 9 A display device comprising: a normally flat area and a bendable area configured to be bendable adjacent to the normally flat area in a first direction; a first support member formed on the bottom surface of the display panel and overlapped with the normally flat area; and a second support member formed on the bottom surface of the display panel and overlapped with the bendable area, wherein the first support member is a flat plate extending in the first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and comprises the same material as the second support member, and the second support member includes a plurality of first joints extending in the second direction, spaced apart from each other by a first width in the first direction, and having a thickness equal to the thickness of the first support member, and a plurality of second joints extending in the second direction, spaced apart from each other in the first direction by a second width greater than the first width, and having a thickness greater than the thickness of the first support member, and each of the plurality of second joints is attached to the bottom surface of each of the plurality of first joints. Claim 10 A display device according to claim 9, further comprising a plurality of first joint adhesive layers interposed between each of the plurality of first joints and each of the plurality of second joints, wherein the width in the first direction of each of the plurality of first joint adhesive layers is the same as the width in the first direction of each of the plurality of second joints. Claim 11 A display device according to claim 10, wherein the adhesive strength of each of the plurality of first joint adhesive layers is 1800gf / 25mm or more. Claim 12 A display device according to claim 9, further comprising a joint adhesive film interposed between the plurality of first joints and the plurality of second joints to bond the plurality of first joints and the plurality of second joints. Claim 13 In claim 12, the planar shape of the joint adhesive film is substantially the same as the planar shape of the bendable area of ​​the display panel. Claim 14 A display device according to claim 13, wherein the joint adhesive film comprises metal and the thickness of the joint adhesive film is 40 μm or less. Claim 15 A display device according to claim 13, wherein the joint adhesive film comprises a polymer film, and the elastic modulus of the joint adhesive film is 4 GPa or more. Claim 16 In claim 13, the joint adhesive film is a mesh-type film comprising a plurality of micro-holes with a diameter of 300 μm or less, in a display device. Claim 17 A display device comprising: a display panel including a normally flat area and a bendable area configured to be bendable adjacent to the normally flat area in a first direction; a first support member formed on the bottom surface of the display panel, overlapped with the normally flat area, and extending in the first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a second support member formed on the bottom surface of the display panel, overlapped with the bendable area, extending in the second direction and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, wherein the first support member and the second support member comprise the same metal, and each of the plurality of first joints comprises a first bending portion having a first curvature concave in a direction facing the interior of each of the plurality of first joints and a second bending portion located below the first bending portion and having a second curvature concave in a direction facing the interior of each of the plurality of first joints. Claim 18 In claim 17, a display device in which the thickness of the first support member is smaller than the thickness of each of the plurality of first joints. Claim 19 In claim 17, a display device in which the first curvature is greater than the second curvature. Claim 20 In claim 19, the first joint includes a joint protrusion that is the boundary of the first bending portion and the second bending portion, and the display device having a maximum width in the first direction at the joint protrusion.

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