DISPLAY DEVICE

A display device having a display panel including first and second folding areas, a first non-folding area between the first and second folding areas, and a second non-folding area. A panel support is disposed on a lower side of the display panel and includes a first lattice pattern overlapping the first folding area, a second lattice pattern overlapping the second folding area, a first flat plate overlapping the first non-folding area, and a second flat plate overlapping the second non-folding area. An adhesive member is interposed between the display panel and the panel support and includes a first adhesive member disposed directly on the first flat plate and a second adhesive member disposed directly on the second flat plate. An adhesive force between the first adhesive member and the first flat plate is greater than an adhesive force between the second adhesive member and the second flat plate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0169912, filed on Dec. 1, 2021 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a display device.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

Display devices have become increasingly important with the development of multimedia technology and information. Various types of display devices have been developed, including an organic light emitting display device and a liquid crystal display device.

In recent years, research and development of a display device having a flexible display has been actively conducted. A flexible display may extend or reduce a display screen, such as by being folded, bent, or slid to decrease a volume of the display device or provide a change in design of the display device.

SUMMARY

Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display device capable of preventing a display panel from being deformed when folded.

The display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may prevent the display panel from being deformed when folded. However, the effects of embodiments of the present inventive disclosure are not restricted to the one set forth herein. The above and other effects of embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent to one of daily skill in the art to which embodiments pertain by referencing the claims.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device includes a display panel including a first folding area that is foldable and a second folding area that is foldable. The second folding area is spaced apart from a first side of the first folding area in a first direction. A first non-folding area is disposed between the first folding area and the second folding area in the first direction. A second non-folding area is disposed on second side of the first non-folding area that is opposite to the first side. The first folding area is interposed between the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area in the first direction. A panel support is disposed on a lower side of the display panel. An adhesive member is interposed between the display panel and the panel support. The panel support includes a first lattice pattern overlapping the first folding area, a second lattice pattern overlapping the second folding area, a first flat plate overlapping the first non-folding area, and a second flat plate overlapping the second non-folding area. The adhesive member includes a first adhesive member disposed on the first flat plate and directly contacting the first flat plate. A second adhesive member is disposed on the second flat plate and directly contacts the second flat plate. An adhesive force between the first adhesive member and the first flat plate is greater than an adhesive force between the second adhesive member and the second flat plate.

In an embodiment, the panel support further includes a third flat plate disposed on a first side of the second lattice pattern in the first direction, the adhesive member further includes a third adhesive member disposed on the third flat plate and directly contacting the third flat plate, and the adhesive force between the first adhesive member and the first flat plate is greater than an adhesive force between the third adhesive member and the third flat plate.

In an embodiment, a modulus of the first adhesive member is greater than a modulus of the second adhesive member and a modulus of the third adhesive member.

In an embodiment, the first folding area of the display panel is folded with a first radius of curvature, and the second folding area of the display panel is folded with a second radius of curvature that is greater than the first radius of curvature, and the adhesive force between the second adhesive member and the second flat plate is greater than the adhesive force between the third adhesive member and the third flat plate.

In an embodiment, a width of a separation space that separates the first adhesive member and the second adhesive member is less than a width of a separation space that separates the first adhesive member and the third adhesive member.

In an embodiment, the first adhesive member, the second adhesive member, and the third adhesive member are spaced apart from each other, the first folding area overlaps a first separation space between the first adhesive member and the second adhesive member, and the second folding area overlaps a second separation space between the first adhesive member and the third adhesive member.

In an embodiment, the first lattice pattern overlaps the first separation space, and the second lattice pattern overlaps the second separation space.

In an embodiment, the display device further comprises a digitizer member disposed on a lower side of the panel support that includes: a first digitizer member overlapping the first adhesive member, a second digitizer member overlapping the second adhesive member, and a third digitizer member overlapping the third adhesive member, a third separation space between the first digitizer member and the second digitizer member overlaps the first separation space, and a fourth separation space between the first digitizer member and the third digitizer member overlaps the second separation space.

In an embodiment, the display device further comprises a metal support disposed between the panel support and the digitizer member, the metal support includes: a first metal support member overlapping the first adhesive member, a second metal support member overlapping the second adhesive member, and a third metal support member overlapping the third adhesive member, a fifth separation space between the first metal support member and the second metal support member overlaps the first separation space, and a sixth separation space between the first metal support member and the third metal support member overlaps the second separation space.

In an embodiment, the display device further comprises a panel lower member disposed between the display panel and the adhesive member, the panel lower member includes at least one of a light blocking portion for absorbing external light and a buffer portion for absorbing an external shock.

In an embodiment, a bottom surface of the panel lower member directly contacts the first adhesive member and the second adhesive member, and the first adhesive member and the second adhesive member are spaced apart from each other.

In an embodiment, an adhesive force between the first adhesive member and the panel lower member is greater than an adhesive force between the second adhesive member and the panel lower member.

In an embodiment, the first adhesive member and the second adhesive member each includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive, the pressure-sensitive adhesive included in the first adhesive member is different from the pressure-sensitive adhesive included in the second adhesive member.

In an embodiment, the first adhesive member and the second adhesive member include the same UV curable material.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device includes a display panel including a first folding area that is foldable, a first non-folding area disposed on a first side of the first folding area in a first direction, and a second non-folding area disposed on a second side of the first non-folding area that is opposite to the first side, the first folding area is interposed between the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area in the first direction. A panel support is disposed on a lower side of the display panel. An adhesive member is interposed between the display panel and the panel support. The panel support includes a first lattice pattern overlapping the first folding area, a first flat plate overlapping the first non-folding area, and a second flat plate overlapping the second non-folding area. The adhesive member includes a first adhesive member disposed on the first flat plate and directly contacting the first flat plate, and a second adhesive member disposed on the second flat plate and directly contacting the second flat plate. A width of the first non-folding area is less than a width of the second non-folding area. A width of the first flat plate is less than a width of the second flat plate. An adhesive force between the first adhesive member and the first flat plate is greater than an adhesive force between the second adhesive member and the second flat plate.

In an embodiment, an area of the first non-folding area is less than an area of the second non-folding area.

In an embodiment, the display device further comprises a panel lower member disposed between the display panel and the adhesive member, the panel lower member includes at least one of a light blocking portion for absorbing external light and a buffer portion for absorbing an external shock.

In an embodiment, a bottom surface of the panel lower member directly contacts the first adhesive member and the second adhesive member, the first adhesive member and the second adhesive member are spaced apart from each other, and an adhesive force between the first adhesive member and the panel lower member is greater than an adhesive force between the second adhesive member and the panel lower member.

In an embodiment, a width of the first adhesive member in the first direction is less than a width of the second adhesive member in the first direction.

In an embodiment, the display device further comprises a digitizer member disposed on a lower side of the panel support, the digitizer member includes a first digitizer member overlapping the first adhesive member and a second digitizer member overlapping the second adhesive member, and a width of the first digitizer member in the first direction is less than a width of the second digitizer member in the first direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Features of each of various embodiments of the present disclosure may be partially or entirely combined with each other and may technically variously interwork with each other, and respective embodiments may be implemented independently of each other or may be implemented together in association with each other.

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

FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment.FIGS.2and3are perspective views illustrating a state in which the display device ofFIG.1is folded.

Referring toFIGS.1to3, a display device1according to an embodiment is a device that displays at least one moving image and/or still image, and may be used as a display screen of each of various products such as televisions, laptops, monitors, billboards, and Internet of Things, as well as portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart phones, tablet PCs, smart watches, watch phones, mobile communication terminals, electronic organizers, e-books, PMPs, navigation, UMPC, etc.

The display device1has a three-dimensional shape. In the drawings, a first direction DR1refers to a direction parallel to a first side (e.g., a horizontal side) of the display device1, a second direction DR2refers to a direction parallel to a second side (e.g., a vertical side) of a display panel PNL, and a third direction DR3refers to a thickness direction of the display device1. In the following specification, unless otherwise specified, the term “direction”may refer to both directions toward both sides extending along the direction. In addition, when both “directions”extending to both sides need to be distinguished from each other, one side will be referred to as “one side in the direction”and the other side will be referred to as “the other side in the direction”. InFIG.1, an arrow direction will be referred to as one side, and an opposite direction to the arrow direction will be referred to as the other side. In an embodiment, a first direction DR1and a second direction DR2may be perpendicular to each other, the second direction DR2and a third direction DR3may be perpendicular to each other, and the first direction DR1and the third direction DR3may be perpendicular to each other. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

In some embodiments, a shape of the display device1in a plan view may have a rectangular shape such as a rectangle in which the horizontal side is shorter than the vertical side, as illustrated inFIG.1, and each of the corners of the display device1may have a right-angled shape in a plan view or a rounded shape in a plan view. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the shape of the display device1in a plan view may have a rectangular shape such as a rectangle in which the horizontal side is shorter than the vertical side.

The display device1according to an embodiment may be a multi-foldable display device in which a portion of the display device1may be folded based on a plurality of folding axes as illustrated in embodiments ofFIGS.2and3. In some embodiments, the number of folding axes may be two. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the number of folding axes may be three or more. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a description will be made based on a multi-foldable display device having two folding axes.

The display device1may include a first non-folding area NFA1, a second non-folding area NFA2, a third non-folding area NFA3, a first folding area FA1, and a second folding area FA2.

The first non-folding area NFA1, the second non-folding area NFA2, and the third non-folding area NFA3may be normally flat portions that are not folded. The first non-folding area NFA1may be disposed between the second non-folding area NFA2and the third non-folding area NFA3(e.g., in the second direction DR2) as a portion of the display device1. For example, based on the first non-folding area NFA1, the second non-folding area NFA2may be disposed on one side (e.g., a first side) of the first non-folding area NFA1in a second direction DR2, and the third non-folding area NFA3may be disposed on the other side (e.g., a second side that is opposite to the first side) of the first non-folding area NFA1in the second direction DR2. The second non-folding area NFA2may be a portion disposed outside one side of the display device1in the second direction DR2, the third non-folding area NFA3may be a portion disposed outside the other side of the display device1in the second direction DR2.

In some embodiments, an area of a top surface of the display device1in the first non-folding area NFA1may be larger than an area of a top surface of the display device1in the second non-folding area NFA2and an area of a top surface of the display device1in the third non-folding area NFA3. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment, the area of the top surface of the display device1in the first non-folding area NFA1may be substantially the same as the area of the top surface of the display device1in the second non-folding area NFA2and the area of the top surface of the display device1in the third non-folding area NFA3.

The first folding area FA1and the second folding area FA2may be foldable areas. The first folding area FA1may be disposed between the first non-folding area NFA1and the second non-folding area NFA2(e.g., in the second direction DR2). For example, the second non-folding area NFA2may be disposed on one side (e.g., a first side) of the first folding area FA1in the second direction DR2, and the first non-folding area NFA1may be disposed on the other side (e.g., a second side that is opposite to the first side) of the first folding area FA1in the second direction DR2. The second folding area FA2may be disposed between the first non-folding area NFA1and the third non-folding area NFA3(e.g., in the second direction DR2). For example, the first non-folding area NFA1may be disposed on one side (e.g., a first side) of the second folding area FA2in the second direction DR2, and the third non-folding area NFA3may be disposed on the other side (e.g., a second side that is opposite to the first side) of the second folding area FA2in the second direction DR2.

The first non-folding area NFA1and the second non-folding area NFA2may be spaced apart from each other based on the first folding area FA1. The first non-folding area NFA1and the third non-folding area NFA3may be spaced apart from each other based on the second folding area FA2. The first folding area FA1and the second folding area FA2may be spaced apart from each other based on the first non-folding area NFA1. For example, the first folding area FA1may be disposed on one side of the first non-folding area NFA1in the second direction DR2, and the second folding area FA2may be disposed on the other side of the first non-folding area NFA1in the second direction DR2.

The first folding area FA1may be folded based on a first folding axis BX1. The first folding area FA1may overlap the first folding axis BX1in the third direction DR3. In some embodiments, the first folding axis BX1may be defined as a virtual axis parallel to the first direction DR1on the first folding area FA1. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. In some embodiments, the first folding axis BX1may be positioned in the center of the first folding area FA1in the second direction DR2. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. The first folding area FA1may be folded with a first radius of curvature R1based on the first folding axis BX1as illustrated in embodiments ofFIGS.2and3.

The second folding area FA2may be folded based on a second folding axis BX2. In an embodiment, the second folding area FA2may overlap the second folding axis BX2in the third direction DR3. In some embodiments, the second folding axis BX2may be defined as a virtual axis parallel to the first direction DR1on the second folding area FA2. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. In some embodiments, the second folding axis BX2may be positioned in the center of the second folding area FA2in the second direction DR2. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. The second folding area FA2may be folded with a second radius of curvature R2based on the second folding axis BX2as illustrated inFIGS.2and3.

In some embodiments, widths of the first folding area FA1and the second folding area FA2in the second direction DR2may be substantially the same. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the widths of the first folding area FA1and the second folding area FA2in the second direction DR2may be different from each other. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, an embodiment in which the widths of the first folding area FA1and the second folding area FA2in the second direction DR2are substantially the same will be mainly described. In this embodiment, the first radius of curvature R1and the second radius of curvature R2may be substantially the same.

When the first folding area FA1and the second folding area FA2are not folded, the display device1may maintain an unfolded state (hereinafter referred to as a “first state”) as illustrated in an embodiment ofFIG.1, and when the first folding area FA1and the second folding area FA2are folded, the display device1may maintain a folded state (hereinafter referred to as a “second state”) as illustrated in embodiments ofFIGS.2and3. The display device1may be switched from the first state to the second state as the first folding area FA1and the second folding area FA2are folded. Accordingly, since a length of the display device1in the second direction DR2may be reduced, it may be convenient for the user to carry the display device1. A detailed description of the second state of the display device1will be described later.

In an embodiment, the first folding axis BX1and the second folding axis BX2may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. For example, the second folding axis BX2may be disposed on the other side of the first folding axis BX1in the second direction DR2. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

The display device1may include a display area and a non-display area.

The display area may be an area in which pixels are arranged to display a screen. The display area may include a first display area DA1and a second display area DA2. The non-display area may be an area that does not display a screen. The non-display area may include a first non-display area NDA1and a second non-display area NDA2. Referring to an embodiment ofFIG.1, in the first state of the display device1, one side surface of the display device1in the third direction DR3may be a top surface on which the first display area DA1and the first non-display area NDA1are disposed, and the other surface of the display device1in the third direction DR3may be a bottom surface on which the second display area DA2and the second non-display area NDA2are disposed.

The first display area DA1may be disposed on the top surface of the display device1as illustrated in an embodiment ofFIG.1in the first state of the display device1. In this embodiment, each of the first non-folding area NFA1, the second non-folding area NFA2, the third non-folding area NFA3, the first folding area FA1, and the second folding area FA2may include at least a portion of the first display area DA1. A shape of the first display area DA1in a plan view may follow a shape of the display device1in the first state in a plan view. For example, in an embodiment in which the shape of the display device1in the first state in a plan view is a rectangle, the shape of the first display area DA1in a plan view may also be a rectangle.

The first non-display area NDA1may be disposed around the first display area DA1(e.g., in the first and second directions DR1, DR2). In this embodiment, each of the first non-folding area NFA1, the second non-folding area NFA2, the third non-folding area NFA3, the first folding area FA1, and the second folding area FA2may include at least a portion of the first non-display area NDA1. In some embodiments, the first non-display area NDA1may be disposed to completely surround the first display area DA1. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the first display area DA1may be partially surrounded by the first non-display area NDA1.

In an embodiment, the second display area DA2may be disposed on the bottom surface of the display device1in the first state of the display device1. In some embodiments, the second display area DA2may be disposed only in the second non-folding area NFA2and the third non-folding area NFA3. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. The second display area DA2may display a screen to the user when the display device1is in the second state.

The second non-display area NDA2may be disposed around the second display area DA2in the display device1in the first state. In this embodiment, each of the first non-folding area NFA1, the second non-folding area NFA2, the third non-folding area NFA3, the first folding area FA1, and the second folding area FA2may include at least a portion of the second non-display area NDA2. In an embodiment, the second non-display area NDA2may be disposed to surround the second display area DA2(e.g., in the first and/or second directions DR1, DR2). However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the second display area DA2may be partially surrounded by the second non-display area NDA2.

In some embodiments, the display device1may be folded in an out-folding manner in which a portion of the second display area DA2on the second non-folding area NFA2and a portion of the second display area DA2on the first non-folding area NFA1are folded to face each other, and a portion of the first display area DA1on the third non-folding area NFA3and a portion of the first display area DA1on the first non-folding area NFA1are folded to face each other in the second state as illustrated in an embodiment ofFIG.2. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the display device1may he folded in an in-folding manner in which a portion of the first display area DA1on the third non-folding area NFA3and a portion of the first display area DA1on the second non-folding area NFA2are folded to face a portion of the first display area DA1on the first non-folding area NFA1in the second state as illustrated inFIG.3.

As described above, the first folding area FA1may be folded with a first radius of curvature R1based on the first folding axis BX1, and the second folding area FA2may be folded with a second radius of curvature R2based on the second folding axis BX2. In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature R1and the second radius of curvature R2may be substantially the same. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. In some embodiments, when the display device1is folded in the in-folding manner, an end of the third non-folding area NFA3and an end of the second non-folding area NFA2of the display device1may be in direct contact with each other. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

Hereinafter, a structure of the display device1will be described in detail.

FIG.4is a side view schematically illustrating a structure of the display device ofFIG.1.

Referring toFIG.4, the display device1according to an embodiment may include an upper protective film PL, a window CW, a first adhesive layer AD1, a polarizing member POL, a display panel PNL, a support film PF, a panel lower member CP, an adhesive member100, a panel support200, a second adhesive layer AD2, a digitizer DZ, a metal support MP, a buffer member CS, and a third adhesive layer AD3. In the present specification, based on one component, one side in the third direction DR3may also be expressed as an upper portion and the other side in the third direction DR3may also be expressed as a lower portion.

In an embodiment, the first non-folding area NFA1, the second non-folding area NFA2, the third non-folding area NFA3, the first folding area FA1, and the second folding area FA2of the display device1may be equally applied to each component of the display device1described above, that is, the upper protective film PL, the window CW, the first adhesive layer AD1, the polarizing member POL, the display panel PNL, the support film PF, the panel lower member CP, the adhesive member100, the panel support200, the second adhesive layer AD2, the digitizer DZ, the metal support MP, and the buffer member CS.

In an embodiment, the upper protective film PL may perform at least one of scattering prevention, shock absorption, engraving, prevention, fingerprint prevention, and glare prevention of the window CW, which will be described later. The upper protective film PL may be disposed on one side surface (hereinafter, referred to as “top surface”) of the window CW in the third direction DR3. The upper protective film PL may be adhered to a front surface of the window CW through an adhesive member such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

The window CW may protect the display panel PNL, which will be described later, from the outside, such as from external impacts and environmental contaminants. The window CW may be disposed on one side surface of the polarizing member POL in the third direction DR3. The window CW is made of a transparent material, and may be, for example, glass or plastic. In an embodiment, the window CW may be an ultra-thin glass or a transparent polyimide film having a width (hereinafter referred to as a “thickness”) in a range of about 0.3 mm or less in the third direction DR3.

The window CW may be adhered to a front surface of the polarizing member POL by a first adhesive member. The first adhesive member may be a transparent adhesive film or a transparent adhesive resin.

The polarizing member POL may polarize light emitted from the display panel PNL or to polarize light incident to the display panel PNL. The polarizing member POL may be disposed on one side surface (hereinafter, referred to as a “top surface”) of the display panel PNL in the third direction DR3. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

For example, the polarizing member POL may be omitted in some embodiments. In an embodiment in which the polarizing member POL is omitted, the window CW may be adhered to the front surface of the display panel PNL by the first adhesive member.

The display panel PNL is a panel that displays a screen. The display panel PNL may be any type of display panel such as an organic light emitting display panel including an organic emission layer, a micro light emitting diode (LED) display panel using a micro light emitting diode, a quantum dot light emitting display panel using a quantum dot light emitting diode including a quantum dot emission layer, and an inorganic light emitting display panel using an inorganic light emitting element including an inorganic semiconductor.

Referring to an embodiment ofFIG.4, the display panel PNL may display a screen on one side thereof in the third direction DR3.

In an embodiment, one area of the display panel PNL disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1of the display device1may be the first non-folding area NFA1of the display panel PNL, one area of the display panel PNL disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2of the display device1may be the second non-folding area NFA2of the display panel PNL, one area of the display panel PNL disposed in the third non-folding area NFA3of the display device1may be the third non-folding area NFA3of the display panel PNL, one area of the display panel PNL disposed in the first folding area FA1of the display device1may be the first folding area FA1of the display panel PNL, and one area of the display panel PNL disposed in the second folding area FA2of the display device1may be the second folding area FA2of the display panel PNL.

For example, the first folding area FA1of the display panel PNL may overlap (e.g., in the third direction DR3) a first separation space V1, a first lattice pattern220, a space between a first digitizer member DZ_1and a second digitizer member DZ_2and a space between a first metal support member MP_1and a second metal support member MP_2to be described later in a third direction DR3, and the second folding area FA2of the display panel PNL may overlap (e.g., in the third direction DR3) a second separation space V2, a second lattice pattern240, a space between the first digitizer member DZ_1and a third digitizer member DZ_3and a space between the first metal support member MP_1and a third metal support member MP_3to be described later in a third direction DR3.

The support film PF may support the display panel PNL and protect a rear surface of the display panel PNL. The support film PF may be disposed on the other side surface (hereinafter, referred to as a “bottom surface”) of the display panel PNL in the third direction DR3. In an embodiment, the support film PF may be a plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate or polyimide.FIG.4illustrates that the support film PF is also disposed on a first folding portion of the display device1. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the support film PF may be removed from (e.g., not disposed in) the first folding area FA1and the second folding area FA2of the display device1so that the display device1is smoothly folded.

The panel lower member CP may be disposed on the other side surface (hereinafter, referred to as a “rear surface”) of the support film PF in the third direction DR3. In an embodiment, the panel lower member CP may include at least one of a light blocking portion for absorbing light incident from the outside, a buffer portion for absorbing a shock from the outside, and a heat dissipation portion for efficiently dissipating heat of the display panel PNL.

The light blocking portion blocks transmission of light to prevent components disposed on the lower side of the panel lower member CP, for example, the digitizer DZ and the like which will be described later, from being viewed from the front of the display panel PNL. In an embodiment, the light blocking portion may include a light absorbing material such as a black pigment or a black dye.

The buffer portion absorbs the external shock to prevent damage to the display panel PNL. The buffer portion may be formed as a single layer or a plurality of layers. For example, in an embodiment, the buffer portion may be formed of a polymer resin such as polyurethane, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or polyethylene or may include a material having elasticity, such as a sponge formed by foaming rubber, a urethane based material, or an acrylic-based material.

The heat dissipation portion may include a first heat dissipation layer including graphite or carbon nanotubes, and a second heat dissipation layer formed of a thin metal film such as copper, nickel, ferrite, or silver that may shield electromagnetic waves and has excellent thermal conductivity.

The panel support200may support the rear surface of the display panel PNL. The panel support200may be disposed on the other side surface (hereinafter, referred to as a “bottom surface”) of the panel lower member CP in the third direction DR3. The panel support200may be a rigid member having a shape or volume that is not easily changed by external pressure. In some embodiments, the panel support200may include a metal. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

The panel support200may include a first flat plate210disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1of the display device1so that the display device1is not deformed by an external force in the first non-folding area NFA1, include a second flat plate230disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2of the display device1so that the display device1is not deformed by an external force in the second non-folding area NFA2, and include a third flat plate250disposed in the third non-folding area NFA3of the display device1so that the display device1is not deformed by an external force in the third non-folding area NFA3.

The first flat plate210may be disposed between the second flat plate230and the third flat plate250(e.g., in the second direction DR2). For example, the second flat plate230may be disposed on one side of the first flat plate210in the second direction DR2, and the third flat plate250may be disposed on the other side of the first flat plate210in the second direction DR2.

The first flat plate210, the second flat plate230, and the third flat plate250may have a flat plate shape in which a shape of a top surface in a plan view is a rectangle. In some embodiments, an area of the top surface of the first flat plate210may be greater than an area of the top surface of the second flat plate230and an area of the top surface of the third flat plate250. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment, the area of the top surface of the first flat plate210may be substantially the same as the area of the top surface of the second flat plate230and the area of the top surface of the third flat plate250.

The panel support200may include a first lattice pattern220disposed in the first folding area FA1of the display device1so that the display device1is easily bent in the first folding area FA1, and include a second lattice pattern240disposed in the second folding area FA2of the display device1so that the display device1is easily bent in the second folding area FA2.

The first lattice pattern220may be disposed between the first flat plate210and the second flat plate230(e.g., in the second direction DR2), and the second lattice pattern240may be disposed between the first flat plate210and the third flat plate250(e.g., in the second direction DR2). The first lattice pattern220may overlap the first folding axis BX1in the third direction DR3. The second lattice pattern240may overlap the second folding axis BX2in the third direction DR3. In some embodiments, the first folding axis BX1may be positioned in the center of the first lattice pattern220and the second folding axis BX2may be positioned in the center of the second lattice pattern240. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

As illustrated in an embodiment ofFIG.5, the first lattice pattern220and the second lattice pattern240may include a plurality of slits SL penetrating through the panel support200in the third direction DR3. Each of the plurality of slits SL may be spaced apart from each other to form a lattice pattern. The first lattice pattern220and the second lattice pattern240may be easily folded by the plurality of slits SL. For example, when the display device1is moved from the first state to the second state, the plurality of slits SL extend in the second direction DR2, such that the first lattice pattern220and the second lattice pattern240may be extended in the second direction DR2to be easily folded.

In an embodiment, a width of the first lattice pattern220in the second direction DR2may be substantially the same as a width of the first folding area FA1of the display device1in the second direction DR2. A width of the second lattice pattern240in the second direction DR2may be substantially the same as a width of the second folding area FA2of the display device1in the second direction DR2. Accordingly, in an embodiment in which the width of the first folding area FA1in the second direction DR2is substantially the same as the width of the second folding area FA2in the second direction DR2, the width of the first lattice pattern220in the second direction DR2, and the width of the second lattice pattern240in the second direction DR2may be substantially the same.

The adhesive member100may adhere the panel lower member CP and the panel support200to each other. The adhesive member100may be interposed between the panel lower member CP and the panel support200(e.g., in the third direction DR3). For example, the adhesive member100may be in direct contact with the bottom surface of the panel lower member CP and may be in direct contact with the top surface of the panel support200. Accordingly, the adhesive member100may adhere the bottom surface of the panel lower member CP to the top surface of the panel support200.

The adhesive member100may include a first adhesive member110disposed on the first flat plate210(e.g., disposed directly thereon in the third direction DR3), a second adhesive member130disposed on the second flat plate230(e.g., disposed directly thereon in the third direction DR3), and a third adhesive member150disposed on the third flat plate250(e.g., disposed directly thereon in the third direction DR3). The first adhesive member110may be disposed between the second adhesive member130and the third adhesive member150(e.g., in the second direction DR2). For example, the second adhesive member130may be disposed on one side of the first adhesive member110in the second direction DR2, and the third adhesive member150may be disposed on the other side of the first adhesive member110in the second direction DR2.

The first adhesive member110, the second adhesive member130, and the third adhesive member150may be disposed to be discrete and spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. For example, in an embodiment, the first adhesive member110, the second adhesive member130, and the third adhesive member150may not overlap the first lattice pattern220and the second lattice pattern240in the third direction DR3. For example, a first separation space V1overlapping with the first lattice pattern220in the third direction DR3may be disposed between the first adhesive member110and the second adhesive member130(e.g., in the second direction DR2), and a second separation space V2overlapping the second lattice pattern240in the third direction DR3may be disposed between the first adhesive member110and the third adhesive member150(e.g., in the second direction DR2). The first separation space V1may be disposed in the first folding area FA1of the display device1, and the second separation space V2may be disposed in the second folding area FA2of the display device1.

In some embodiments, a width of the first adhesive member110in the second direction DR2may be substantially the same as a width of the first flat plate210in the second direction DR2, a width of the second adhesive member130in the second direction DR2may be substantially the same as a width of the second flat plate230in the second direction DR2, and a width of the third adhesive member150in the second direction DR2may be substantially the same as a width of the third flat plate250in the second direction DR2. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment, the width of the first adhesive member110in the second direction DR2may be less than the width of the first flat plate210in the second direction DR2, the width of the second adhesive member130in the second direction DR2may be less than the width of the second flat plate230in the second direction DR2, and the width of the third adhesive member150in the second direction DR2may be less than the width of the third flat plate250in the second direction DR2.

In an embodiment, the adhesive member100may include a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or a UV curable material. An adhesive force or modulus of the adhesive member100may be different in the first adhesive member110, the second adhesive member130, and the third adhesive member150. A detailed description thereof will be provided below.

The digitizer DZ may determine a touch coordinate by detecting a magnetic field or electromagnetic signal emitted from an electronic pen or the like. The digitizer DZ may be disposed on a lower side of the panel support200(e.g., in the third direction DR3). For example, the digitizer DZ may be adhered to the bottom surface of the panel support200by the second adhesive layer AD2interposed between the panel support200and the digitizer DZ (e.g., in the third direction DR3).

In an embodiment, the digitizer DZ may include a first digitizer member DZ_1, a second digitizer member DZ_2, and a third digitizer member DZ_3. The first digitizer member DZ_1, the second digitizer member DZ_2, and the third digitizer member DZ_3may be disposed on the bottom surface of the panel support200. The first digitizer member DZ_1, the second digitizer member DZ_2, and the third digitizer member DZ_3may be adhered to the bottom surface of the panel support200by the second adhesive layer AD2as described above. In some embodiments, the second adhesive member may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

The first digitizer member DZ_1may be disposed between the second digitizer member DZ_2and the third digitizer member DZ_3(e.g., in the second direction DR2). For example, the second digitizer member DZ_2may be disposed on one side of the first digitizer member DZ_1in the second direction DR2, and the third digitizer member DZ_3may be disposed on the other side of the first digitizer member DZ_1in the second direction DR2. The first digitizer member DZ_1may be disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1of the display device1, the second digitizer member DZ_2may be disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2of the display device1, the third digitizer member DZ_3may be disposed in the third non-folding area NFA3of the display device1. Accordingly, the first digitizer member DZ_1may overlap the first adhesive member110in the third direction DR3, the second digitizer member DZ_2may overlap the second adhesive member130in the third direction DR3, and the third digitizer member DZ_3may overlap the third adhesive member150in the third direction DR3.

The first digitizer member DZ_1, the second digitizer member DZ_2, and the third digitizer member DZ_3may be spaced apart from each other. For example, in an embodiment the first digitizer member DZ_1, the second digitizer member DZ_2, and the third digitizer member DZ_3may not be disposed in at least a portion of the first folding area FA1and the second folding area FA2to reduce a folding stress of the display device1. A separation space between the first digitizer member DZ_1and the second digitizer member DZ_2may overlap the first separation space V1disposed between the first adhesive member110and the second adhesive member130in the third direction DR3, and a separation space between the first digitizer member DZ_1and the third digitizer member DZ_3may overlap the second separation space V2disposed between the first adhesive member110and the third adhesive member150in the third direction DR3.

In an embodiment, the separation space between the first digitizer member DZ_1and the second digitizer member DZ_2may be disposed in the first folding area FA1and may be less than a width of the first separation space V1in the second direction DR2. The separation space between the first digitizer member DZ_1and the third digitizer member DZ_3may be disposed in the second folding area FA2and may be less than a width of the second separation space V2in the second direction DR2. Therefore, a portion of the first digitizer member DZ_1and the second digitizer member DZ_2may overlap the first folding area FA1and a portion of the first digitizer member DZ_1and the third digitizer member DZ_3may overlap the second folding area FA2.

The first digitizer member DZ_1, the second digitizer member DZ_2, and the third digitizer member DZ_3may include electrode patterns for detecting an approach or contact of an electronic pen such as a stylus pen supporting an electromagnetic induction method. The first digitizer member DZ_1, the second digitizer member DZ_2, and the third digitizer member DZ_3may detect a magnetic field or electromagnetic signal emitted from the electronic pen based on the electrode patterns, and may determine a point where the detected magnetic field or electromagnetic signal is greatest as the touch coordinate.

Magnetic metal powder may be disposed on a bottom surface of the first digitizer member DZ_1, a bottom surface of the second digitizer member DZ_2, and a bottom surface of the third digitizer member DZ_3. In this embodiment, the magnetic field or electromagnetic signal passing through the bottom surface of the first digitizer member DZ_1, the bottom surface of the second digitizer member DZ_2, and the bottom surface of the third digitizer member DZ_3may flow into the magnetic metal powder. Therefore, due to the magnetic metal powder, emission of the magnetic field or electromagnetic signal of the bottom surface of the first digitizer member DZ_1, the bottom surface of the second digitizer member DZ_2, and the bottom surface of the third digitizer member DZ_3to the bottom surface of the display device1

may be reduced.

The metal support MP may support the digitizer DZ. The metal support MP may be disposed on a lower side of the digitizer DZ. The metal support MP may include a material having high rigidity. For example, in an embodiment the metal support MP may include stainless steel such as SUS316.

The metal support MP may include a first metal support member MP_1, a second metal support member MP_2, and a third metal support member MP_3.

The first metal support member MP_1may be disposed between the second metal support member MP_2and the third metal support member MP_3(e.g., in the second direction DR2). For example, the second metal support member MP_2may be disposed on one side of the first metal support member MP_1in the second direction DR2, and the third metal support member MP_3may be disposed on the other side of the first metal support member MP_1in the second direction DR2. The first metal support member MP_1may be disposed on the bottom surface of the first digitizer member DZ_1, the second metal support member MP_2may be disposed on the bottom surface of the second digitizer member DZ_2, and the third metal support member MP_3may be disposed on the bottom surface of the third digitizer member DZ_3. Accordingly, the first metal support member MP_1may overlap the first adhesive member110in the third direction DR3, the second metal support member MP_2may overlap the second adhesive member130in the third direction DR3, and the third metal support member MP_3may overlap the third adhesive member150in the third direction DR3.

The first metal support member MP_1, the second metal support member MP_2, and the third metal support member MP_3may be spaced apart from each other. For example, in an embodiment, the first metal support member MP_1, the second metal support member MP_2, and the third metal support member MP_3may not be disposed in at least a portion of the first folding area FA1and the second folding area FA2to reduce a folding stress of the display device1. A separation space between the first metal support member MP_1and the second metal support member MP_2may overlap the first separation space V1disposed between the first adhesive member110and the second adhesive member130in the third direction DR3, and a separation space between the first metal support member MP_1and the third metal support member MP_3may overlap the second separation space V2disposed between the first adhesive member110and the third adhesive member150in the third direction DR3.

The separation space between the first metal support member MP_1and the second metal support member MP_2may be disposed in the first folding area FA1and may be less than a width of the first separation space V1in the second direction DR2. The separation space between the first metal support member MP_1and the third metal support member MP_3may be disposed in the second folding area FA2and may be less than a width of the second separation space V2in the second direction DR2. Therefore, a portion of the first metal support member MP_1and the second metal support member MP_2may overlap the first folding area FA1and a portion of the first metal support member MP_1and the third metal support member MP_3may overlap the second folding area FA2.

The buffer member CS may prevent the panel support200and the digitizer DZ from being damaged by absorbing an external shock. The buffer member CS may be disposed on a lower side of the metal support MP. In an embodiment, the buffer member CS may include a material having elasticity, such as a sponge formed by foaming rubber, a urethane-based material, or an acrylic-based material.

The buffer member CS may include a first buffer member CS_1, a second buffer member CS_2, and a third buffer member CS_3.

The first buffer member CS_1may be disposed between the second buffer member CS_2and the third buffer member CS_3(e.g., in the second direction DR2). For example, the second buffer member CS_2may be disposed on one side of the first buffer member CS_1in the second direction DR2, and the third buffer member CS_3may be disposed on the other side of the first buffer member CS_1in the second direction DR2. The first buffer member CS_1may be disposed on a bottom surface of the first metal support member MP_1, the second buffer member CS_2may be disposed on a bottom surface of the second metal support member MP_2, and the third buffer member CS_3may be disposed on a bottom surface of the third metal support member MP_3. Accordingly, the first buffer member CS_1may overlap the first adhesive member110in the third direction DR3, the second buffer member CS_2may overlap the second adhesive member130in the third direction DR3, and the third buffer member CS_3may overlap the third adhesive member150in the third direction DR3.

The first buffer member CS_1, the second buffer member CS_2, and the third buffer member CS_3may be spaced apart from each other. For example, at least a portion of the first buffer member CS_1, the second buffer member CS_2, and the third buffer member CS_3may not be disposed in the first folding area FA1and the second folding area FA2to reduce a folding stress of the display device1. A separation space between the first buffer member CS_1and the second buffer member CS_2may overlap the first separation space V1disposed between the first adhesive member110and the second adhesive member130in the third direction DR3, and a separation space between the first buffer member CS_1and the third buffer member CS_3may overlap the second separation space V2disposed between the first adhesive member110and the third adhesive member150in the third direction DR3.

The separation space between the first buffer member CS_1and the second buffer member CS_2may be disposed in the first folding area FA1and may be less than a width of the first separation space V1in the second direction DR2. The separation space between the first buffer member CS_1and the third buffer member CS_3may be disposed in the second folding area FA2and may be less than a width of the second separation space V2in the second direction DR2. Therefore, a portion of the first butler member CS_1and the second buffer member CS_2may overlap the first folding area FA1and a portion of the first buffer member CS_1and the third buffer member CS_3may overlap the second folding area FA2.

The third adhesive layer AD3may prevent moisture or dust from penetrating into the display device1. The third adhesive layer AD3may be adhered to the bottom surface of the panel support200. In an embodiment, the third adhesive layer AD3may be adhered to both ends, e.g., edges, in the second direction DR2on the bottom surface of the panel support200to cover the digitizer DZ, the metal support MP, and the buffer member CS.

Hereinafter, the panel support200and the adhesive member100adhered onto the panel support200will be described in detail.

FIG.5is a plan view illustrating a top surface of a panel support of a display device according to an embodiment.FIG.6is a plan view illustrating an adhesive member disposed on the top surface of the panel support ofFIG.5.FIG.7is a side view illustrating a stress applied to an adhesive member disposed on a top surface of a panel support in a state in which the display device ofFIG.1is folded.

Referring toFIGS.5and6, the adhesive member100may be disposed on the top surface of the panel support200to be in direct contact with the panel support200. For example, the first adhesive member110is disposed on the top surface of the first flat plate210of the panel support200so that the first flat plate210and the first adhesive member110may be in direct contact with each other, the second adhesive member130is disposed on the top surface of the second flat plate230so that the second flat plate230and the second adhesive member130may be in direct contact with each other, and the third adhesive member150is disposed on the top surface of the third flat plate250so that the third flat plate250and the third adhesive member150may be in direct contact with each other.

In some embodiments, a width of the first flat plate210in the second direction DR2may be greater than a width of the second flat plate230in the second direction DR2and a width of the third flat plate250in the second direction DR2. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the width of the first flat plate210in the second direction DR2may be substantially the same as the width of the second flat plate230in the second direction DR2and the width of the third flat plate250in the second direction DR2.

In some embodiments, the first adhesive member110may be formed to cover the entirety of the first flat plate210, the second adhesive member130may be formed to cover the entirety of the second flat plate230, and the third adhesive member150may be formed to cover the entirety of the third flat plate250. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment the first adhesive member110may also be formed to cover only a portion of the first flat plate210, the second adhesive member130may also be formed to cover only a portion of the second flat plate230, and the third adhesive member150may also be formed to cover only a portion of the third flat plate250.

In an embodiment, the first adhesive member110, the second adhesive member130, and the third adhesive member150may not overlap the first lattice pattern220and the second lattice pattern240(e.g., in the third direction DR3). For example, when viewed in the third direction DR3, the first adhesive member110and the second adhesive member130may be spaced apart from each other with the first lattice pattern220interposed therebetween, and the first adhesive member110and the third adhesive member150may be spaced apart from each other with the third lattice pattern interposed therebetween. Accordingly, the panel support200may be easily folded without being disturbed by the adhesive member100in the first lattice pattern220and the second lattice pattern240.

In an embodiment, the adhesive member100may have an adhesive force or modulus within a predetermined range. The modulus described herein may mean a ratio between a shear modulus, such as a shearing stress that deforms an object in a transverse direction (e.g., the second direction DR2) and a shearing strain generated due to the shearing stress. A stress described herein may be a shearing stress.

In addition, the adhesive force described herein may mean a force required to separate the adhesive member100and an object to which the adhesive member100is attached. For example, the adhesive force described herein means an adhesive force between the adhesive member100and the panel support200or an adhesive force between the adhesive member100and the panel lower member. For example, an adhesive force of the first adhesive member110may mean an adhesive force between the first adhesive member110and the first flat plate210or an adhesive force between the first adhesive member110and the panel lower member CP, an adhesive force of the second adhesive member130may mean an adhesive force between the second adhesive member130and the second flat plate230or an adhesive force between the second adhesive member130and the panel lower member CP, and an adhesive force of the third adhesive member150may mean an adhesive force between the third adhesive member150and the third flat plate250or an adhesive force between the third adhesive member150and the panel lower member CP.

Accordingly, a high adhesive force of the adhesive member100may mean that it is difficult to separate the adhesive member100and the panel support200or the adhesive member100and the panel lower member, and a high modulus of the adhesive member100may mean that an external shape of the adhesive member100is not easily changed. The adhesive force and the modulus may generally have a proportional relationship with each other. For example, when the adhesive force is increased, the modulus may also be increased.

As the adhesive force of the adhesive member100is lowered, the display device1may be easily folded, but the adhesive member100may have an adhesive force greater than or equal to a predetermined value to adhere the panel support200and the panel lower member CP on the panel support200. For example, in an embodiment, the adhesive member100may have an adhesive force greater than or equal to about 1400 gf/inch based on room temperature (25° C.). If the adhesive member100has an adhesive force of less than about 1400 gf/inch, the panel support200and the panel lower member CP may not be properly adhered.

In an embodiment in which the adhesive member100has an adhesive force in the range as described above to adhere the panel support200and the panel lower member CP on the panel support200, the adhesive member100may have a modulus within a predetermined range. In some embodiments, a modulus value of the adhesive member100may be greater than or equal to about 50 kPa or based on 25° C. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

The adhesive force of the adhesive member100according to an embodiment may be different in the first adhesive member110, the second adhesive member130, and the third adhesive member150. Hereinafter, this will be described in detail.

Referring to an embodiment ofFIG.7, as the panel support200is folded from the first state to the second state of the display device1, the adhesive member100disposed on the panel support200may receive a stress. For example, the first adhesive member110may receive a stress applied from each of the ends of both sides thereof in the second direction DR2to the second direction DR2, the second adhesive member130may receive a stress applied from one end thereof in the second direction DR2to one side in the second direction DR2, and the third adhesive member150may receive a stress applied from the other end thereof in the second direction DR2to the other side in the second direction DR2. AlthoughFIG.7illustrates the state in which the display device1according to an embodiment is out-folded, the display device1according to an embodiment may also have the in-folded state as described above. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the state in which the display device1is out-folded will be mainly described, and a description of the state in which the display device1is in-folded will be omitted.

As the first lattice pattern220and the second lattice pattern240disposed at both ends of the first flat plate210in the second direction DR2are folded, a stress may be applied to the first flat plate210and the stress applied to the first flat plate210may be transferred to the first adhesive member110. For example, the first adhesive member110may receive a first_first stress F1aapplied from an end of the other side thereof in the second direction DR2to the other side in the second direction DR2, and may receive a first_second stress F1bapplied from an end of one side thereof in the second direction DR2to one side in the second direction DR2.

The second flat plate230may receive a stress as the first lattice pattern220is folded, and the stress applied to the second flat plate230may be transferred to the second adhesive member130. For example, the second adhesive member130may receive a second stress F2applied from an end of one side thereof in the second direction DR2to one side in the second direction DR2.

The third flat plate250may receive a stress as the second lattice pattern240is folded, and the stress applied to the third flat plate250may be transferred to the third adhesive member150. For example, the third adhesive member150may receive a third stress F3applied from an end of the other side thereof in the second direction DR2to the other side in the second direction DR2.

As described above, the number of stresses applied to the first adhesive member110may be greater than the number of stresses applied to the second adhesive member130or the number of stresses applied to the third adhesive member150. Accordingly, since the external deformation of the first adhesive member110is relatively large, a delamination phenomenon may occur between the first adhesive member110and the panel lower member CP disposed on the first adhesive member110. Accordingly, a buckling phenomenon in which bubbles are generated between the first adhesive member110and the panel lower member CP and a mark formed by the bubbles appears on the display device1may occur. Since the buckling phenomenon severely damages an appearance of the display device1and changes the appearance of the display panel PNL, which also affects device reliability, it is necessary to prevent the buckling phenomenon.

The adhesive force or modulus of the first adhesive member110having a relatively large number of applied stresses may be relatively high to prevent the buckling phenomenon of the display device1. For example, the first adhesive member110of the display device1according to an embodiment may have an adhesive force greater than or equal to about 1800 gf/inch or a modulus in a range of about 80 kPa to about 100 kPa based on 25° C., and the second adhesive member130and the third adhesive member150may each have an adhesive force in a range of about 1400 gf/inch to about 1500 gf/inch or a modulus in a range of about 50 kPa to about 70 kPa based on 25° C. Accordingly, by reducing the adhesive force and modulus of the second adhesive member130and the third adhesive member150, folding characteristic of the display device1may be increased, and by forming the adhesive force and modulus of the first adhesive member110to be relatively high, the buckling phenomenon in which the bubbles are generated between the first adhesive member110and the panel lower member CP and the mark formed by the bubbles appears on the display device1may be prevented.

The adhesive member100may include the pressure-sensitive adhesive or the UV curable material as described above. In an embodiment in which the adhesive member100includes the pressure-sensitive adhesive, the adhesive force of the adhesive member100may be adjusted using different pressure-sensitive adhesives respectively for at least one of the first to third adhesive members110,130,150, and when the adhesive member100includes the UV curable material, the adhesive force of the adhesive member100may be adjusted by changing the conditions of a UV curing process.

In an embodiment in which the adhesive member100includes the pressure-sensitive adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive having a high adhesive force may be used to increase the adhesive force of the adhesive member100, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive having a low adhesive force may be used to lower the adhesive force of the adhesive member100.

In an embodiment in which the adhesive member100includes the UV curable material, the adhesive force of the adhesive member100may be increased by curing a molecular weight to be large. For example, the adhesive force of the adhesive member100may be increased by reducing the amount of additives or initiators required for UV curing, or the adhesive force of the adhesive member100may be increased by lengthening the curing time of the UV curable material. Therefore, at least one of the first to third adhesive members110,130,150may have a different adhesive force from other adhesive members even if the first to third adhesive members110,130,150are comprised of the same UV curable material.

As described above, since the first adhesive member110, the second adhesive member130, and the third adhesive member150are spaced apart from each other, the above-described method for adjusting the adhesive force of the adhesive member100may be easily applied. Accordingly, it is possible to easily increase the adhesive force of the first adhesive member110to be relatively higher than that of the second adhesive member130and the third adhesive member150and a manufacture of the device may be easily implemented.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the display device1will be described. In the following embodiments, the same components as those of the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and an overlapping description thereof will be omitted or simplified and differences will be mainly described.

FIG.8is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a display device according to an embodiment is folded.FIG.9is a plan view illustrating a top surface of a panel support of the display device according to an embodiment ofFIG.8.FIG.10is a plan view illustrating an adhesive member disposed on the top surface of the panel support ofFIG.9.FIG.11is a side view illustrating a stress applied to an adhesive member disposed on a top surface of a panel support in a state in which the display device ofFIG.8is folded.

Referring to8and9, it is illustrated that a display device1_1according to an embodiment has a first radius of curvature R1_1greater than the second radius of curvature R2. For example, a first folding area FA1_1of the display device1_1according to an embodiment may have a greater width than the second folding area FA2. Accordingly, a width of a first lattice pattern221of a panel support201in the second direction DR2according to an embodiment may be greater than a width of a second lattice pattern240in the second direction DR2. In this embodiment, a width of the first separation space V1between the first adhesive member110and the second adhesive member130may be greater than a width of the second separation space V2between the first adhesive member110and the third adhesive member150.

As the first radius of curvature R1_1of the display device1_1according to an embodiment is greater than the second radius of curvature R2, the second non-folding area NFA2may be disposed on the third non-folding area NFA3in the second state of the display device1_1(e.g., disposed directly thereon in the third direction DR3). In some embodiments, when the display device1is in the second state, the second non-folding area NFA2may partially cover the third non-folding area NFA3or entirely cover the third non-folding area NFA3. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, when the display device1_1is in the second state, the second non-folding area NFA2may not cover the third non-folding area NFA3. Although an embodiment ofFIG.8illustrates that the display device1_1is folded in an in-folding manner, the display device1_1may also be folded in an out-folding manner.

Referring toFIGS.10and11, the adhesive force of the first adhesive member110according to an embodiment may be higher than those of a second adhesive member131and the third adhesive member150, and the adhesive force of the second adhesive member131may be lower than that of the third adhesive member150.

As the first radius of curvature R1_1according to the present embodiment becomes larger than the second radius of curvature R2, the magnitude of a first_second stress F1b′ applied to an end of one side of the first adhesive member110in the second direction DR2and a second stress F2′ applied to an end of one side of the second adhesive member131in the second direction DR2may be relatively reduced. Accordingly, a relatively lower adhesive force or modulus than that of the third adhesive member150may be applied to the second adhesive member131, and as the adhesive force or modulus of the second adhesive member131is lower than that of the third adhesive member150, the adhesive force or modulus of the adhesive member101may be reduced to further increase the folding performance of the display device1_1. In some embodiments, the first adhesive member110has an adhesive force greater than equal to about 1800 gf/inch or a modulus in a range of about 80 kPa to about 100 kPa based on 25° C., the second adhesive member130and the third adhesive member150each have an adhesive force in a range of about 1400 gf/inch to about 1500 gf/inch or less, or a modulus in a range of about 50 kPa to about 70 kPa based on 25° C., and the adhesive force or modulus of the second adhesive member130may be lower than that of the third adhesive member150. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

FIG.12is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an embodimentFIG.13is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the display device ofFIG.12is folded.FIG.14is a side view schematically illustrating a structure of the display device ofFIG.12.FIG.15is a plan view illustrating a top surface of a panel support of the display device according to an embodiment ofFIG.12.FIG.16is a plan view illustrating an adhesive member disposed on the top surface of the panel support ofFIG.15.FIG.17is a side view illustrating a stress applied to an adhesive member disposed on a top surface of a panel support in a state in which the display device ofFIG.12is folded.

Compared to the display device1according to the embodiment ofFIG.1, a display device1_2according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration except that the third non-folding area NFA3and the second folding area FA2are omitted, and a width of a first non-folding area NFA1_2in the second direction DR2is greater than a width of a second non-folding area NFA2_2in the second direction DR2. For example, in an embodiment, the area of the first non-folding area NFA1_2may be greater than a width of the area of the second non-folding area FA2_2.

Referring toFIGS.12and13, it is illustrated that the display device1_2according to embodiments has different widths of the first non-folding area NFA1_2and the second non-folding area NFA2_2in the second direction DR2. For example, the width of the first non-folding area NFA1_2in the second direction DR2may be greater than the width of the second non-folding area NFA2_2in the second direction DR2. In some embodiments, the display device1_2may have one folding axis BX1_2. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the display device1_2may have a plurality of folding axes.

When the display device1_2is in the second state, the second non-folding area NFA2_2may cover only a portion of the first non-folding area NFA1_2. Accordingly, a portion of the first non-folding area NFA1_2may be exposed.

Referring toFIGS.14and15, the display device1_2according to embodiments is substantially the same as that in which the third adhesive member150, the second separation space V2, the third flat plate250, the second lattice pattern240, the third digitizer member DZ_3, the third metal support member MP_3, and the third buffer member CS_3are omitted from the display device1according to an embodiment ofFIG.4, and is different from the display device1according to an embodiment ofFIG.4in that widths of a first flat plate212and a second flat plate232in the second direction DR2, widths of a first metal support member MP2_1and a second metal support member MP2_2in the second direction DR2, widths of a first digitizer member DZ2_1and a second digitizer member DZ2_2in the second direction DR2, and widths of a first buffer member CS2_1and a second buffer member CS2_2in the second direction DR2are different, respectively.

For example, the width of the first flat plate212of the display device1_2according to an embodiment in the second direction DR2may be greater than the width of the second flat plate232in the second direction DR2, the width of the first metal support member MP2_1in the second direction DR2may be greater than the width of the second metal support member MP2_2in the second direction DR2, the width of the first digitizer member DZ2_1in the second direction DR2may be greater than the width of the second digitizer member DZ2_2in the second direction DR2, and the width of the first buffer member CS2_1in the second direction DR2may be greater than the width of the second buffer member CS2_2in the second direction DR2.

The first flat plate212of the panel support202may include a first fixed end212ain direct contact with the first lattice pattern222as one side surface thereof in the second direction DR2, and may include a first free end212bopposing the first fixed end212ain the second direction DR2as the other side surface thereof in the second direction DR2. The first fixed end212amay be a boundary between the first lattice pattern222and the first flat plate212. A width of the first flat plate212in the second direction DR2may be a distance212W between the first fixed end212aand the first free end212b.

The second flat plate232may include a second fixed end232ain direct contact with the first lattice pattern220as the other side surface thereof in the second direction DR2, and may include a second free end232bopposing the second fixed end232ain the second direction DR2as one side surface thereof in the second direction DR2. The second fixed end232amay be a boundary between the first lattice pattern222and the second flat plate232. A width of the second flat plate232in the second direction DR2may be a distance232W between the second fixed end232aand the second free end232b.

In some embodiments, the widths of the first flat plate212and the second flat plate232in the first direction DR1are substantially the same, and an area of the top surface of the first flat plate212in a plan view may be larger than an area of the top surface of the second flat plate232in a plan view. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

Referring toFIGS.16and17, the adhesive force of the first adhesive member112disposed on the first flat plate212according to an embodiment may be lower than that of the second adhesive member132disposed on the second flat plate232.

When the display device1_2according to an embodiment is in the second state, the adhesive member102disposed on the panel support202may receive a stress as the panel support202is folded. For example, the first adhesive member112may receive a stress applied from an end of one side thereof in the second direction DR2to one side in the second direction DR2, and the second adhesive member132may receive a stress applied from an end of one side thereof in the second direction DR2to one side in the second direction DR2.

As the first lattice pattern222disposed on one side of the first flat plate212in the second direction DR2is folded, a stress may be applied to the first flat plate212and the stress applied to the first flat plate212may be transferred to the first adhesive member112. For example, the first adhesive member112may receive a first second stress F1b″ applied from an end of one side thereof in the second direction DR2to one side in the second direction DR2.

The second flat plate232may receive a stress as the first lattice pattern222is folded, and the stress applied to the second flat plate232may be transferred to the second adhesive member132. For example, the second adhesive member132may receive a second stress F2″ applied from an end of one side thereof in the second direction DR2to one side in the second direction DR2.

The width of the first flat plate212in the first direction DR1is greater than the width of the second flat plate232in the first direction DR1, and therefore, when the first lattice pattern222is folded, the stress applied to the second flat plate232may be greater than the stress applied to the first flat plate212. Accordingly, the first_second stress F1b″ applied to the first flat plate212may be less than the second Stress F2″ applied to the second flat plate232.

For example, since the stress applied to the second adhesive member132disposed on the second flat plate232is relatively large, an external deformation of the second adhesive member132may be relatively greater than that of the first adhesive member1112. Therefore, since the above-described buckling phenomenon may occur due to the delamination phenomenon occurring between the second adhesive member132and the panel lower member CP, the adhesive force or modulus of the second adhesive member132may be higher than that of the first adhesive member112to prevent the buckling phenomenon. For example, in an embodiment, the first adhesive member112may have an adhesive force in a range of about 1400 gf/inch to about 1500 gf/inch or a modulus in a range of about 50 kPa to about 70 kPa based on 25° C., and the second adhesive member132may have an adhesive force greater than or equal to about 1800 gf/inch or a modulus in a range of about 80 kPa to about 100 kPa based on 25° C.

With the configuration as described above, the manufacture of the display device1_2according to an embodiment may be easily implemented and the buckling phenomenon may be prevented.