Patent Description:
A display apparatus is implemented in a wide variety of forms as in televisions, monitors, smart phones, tablet PCs, notebook computers, and wearable apparatuses.

In general, the display apparatus includes a display area displaying a screen and a non-display area along an outer periphery of the display area.

The display apparatus requires various additional parts such as a driving integrated circuit or a circuit board in addition to a display panel to display the screen.

In the non-display area, the additional parts can be disposed, or various connection parts such as a flexible circuit board for connecting the additional parts to each other can be disposed.

In the display apparatus, the non-display area is also referred to a bezel area. When the bezel area is wide, a user's gaze is can be distracted. However, when the bezel area is narrow, the user's gaze can focus on the screen of the display area such that user immersion increases.

In other words, when the bezel area becomes narrower, an entire size of the display apparatus can be reduced while increasing the user immersion. Accordingly, demand from the user for the display apparatus that can reduce the bezel area as much as possible is increasing.

<CIT> describes a display device including a protective layer and a display panel disposed on an upper surface of the protective layer. The display panel includes a display area configured to display an image and a non-display area at least partially surrounding the display area. A cover panel is disposed on a back surface of the protective layer. The cover panel includes an opening, that exposes the protective layer. A fingerprint sensor is disposed within the opening of the cover panel. The fingerprint sensor is configured to sense a fingerprint. A first fixing member is disposed on one surface of the fingerprint sensor. A second fixing member at least partially overlaps at least one side of the first fixing member, the second fixing member fixing the fingerprint sensor. The first fixing member and the second fixing member each include at least one different material from each other. <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> constitute prior art useful for understanding the invention.

In the display apparatus, not only a pad of the display panel but also various additional parts such as the driving integrated circuit and the circuit board can be disposed on a lower surface of the display panel in order to secure the display area as large as possible and to ensure the minimum bezel area.

In this case, the various additional components can be mounted on or connected to a connection component such as a flexible circuit board and can be disposed on the lower surface of the display panel.

For example, the flexible circuit board connected to one distal end of the display panel can be bent in a direction from the bezel area to the lower surface of the display panel.

Alternatively, as one distal end of the display panel is bent toward the lower surface of the display panel, the various additional parts can be disposed on the lower surface of the display panel.

In this case, when a bending radius of curvature increases, the flexible circuit board or display panel can be bent more stably and easily. However, as the bending radius of curvature increases, the bezel area increases, and a total width of the display apparatus increases.

A cushion plate for heat-dissipation and shock absorption can be disposed on the lower surface of the display panel.

In related art, the cushion plate has a laminated structure in which a plurality of layers having various functions such as a heat-dissipation layer having a heat-dissipation function, a cushion layer capable of absorbing shock, an adhesive layer for bonding the heat-dissipation layer and the cushion layer to each other, etc. are laminated one on top of another.

In this case, when a thickness of each of the heat-dissipation layer and the cushion layer is increase, the heat-dissipation function and shock absorption function can increase. However, as the thickness thereof increases, a total thickness of the display apparatus increases, resulting in an increase in the bezel area.

Otherwise, when the thickness of each of the heat-dissipation layer and the cushion layer is thin to reduce the total thickness of the display apparatus, the heat-dissipation function and the shock absorbing function can be deteriorated.

Further, the heat-dissipation layer and cushion layer having different functions can be formed of different materials suitable for the functions thereof. In this connection, interlayer separation or adhesion deterioration between the various layers formed of different materials can occur.

In particular, in order to fix each layer, a separate adhesive layer must be added between the layers. This can lead to an increase in a thickness, and a limitation in selection of a type of the adhesive layer depending on a material to be bonded and an increase in a cost of the apparatus.

Further, because the cushion plate is formed in a multi-layered structure, change in a shape of the cushion plate can be limited.

Accordingly, the inventors of the present disclosure have invented a display device and a display apparatus which can improve a heat-dissipation performance and a shock absorption function while reducing the bezel area.

A purpose to be achieved according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a display device and a display apparatus capable of improving a heat-dissipation performance and a shock absorption function while reducing the bezel area.

A purpose to be achieved according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a display device and a display apparatus capable of improving an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding function while reducing the bezel area.

A purpose to be achieved according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a display device and a display apparatus capable of minimizing interlayer separation or adhesion deterioration between layers constituting a cushion plate.

A purpose to be achieved according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a display device and a display apparatus including a cushion plate have a higher freedom in a shape change thereof.

Purposes to be achieved according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are not limited to the purpose as mentioned above. Other purposes that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on following descriptions.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a display device according to claim <NUM>. Further embodiments are described in the dependent claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a display apparatus as defined in claim <NUM>.

The cushion plate according to the present disclosure includes the metal foam having both a heat-dissipation function and a cushion function. Thus, the cushion plate can have an effective heat-dissipation function and an effective cushion function at the same time only using the metal foam without a separate heat-dissipation layer or a separate cushion layer.

In particular, the metal foam has a very good heat-dissipation function and a very good cushioning function even when the metal foam is thin.

Thus, a total thickness of the cushion plate can be greatly reduced, such that the bezel area can be reduced.

Further, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, a thermal conductivity of the metal foam and the EMI shielding performance can be improved while reducing the bezel area.

Further, the cushion plate according to the present disclosure can realize both the heat-dissipation function and the cushion function only using the metal foam.

Thus, it is not necessary to stack separate layers formed of different materials having a heat-dissipation function and a cushion function, respectively, thereby minimizing the interlayer separation or adhesion deterioration.

In addition, because there is no need to add a separate adhesive layer for fixing each of layers, an increase in thickness due to the adhesive layer or an increase in a manufacturing cost of the apparatus due to the addition of various layers may not occur.

Further, because the cushion plate according to the present disclosure includes the metal foam having a higher freedom in the change shape, the shape of the cushion plate can be freely and easily changed in response to a design change of the display device.

Effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects as not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from following descriptions.

Advantages and features of the present disclosure, and a method of achieving the Advantages and features will become apparent with reference to embodiments described later in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments as disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms. Thus, these embodiments are set forth only to make the present disclosure complete, and to completely inform the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs.

A shape, a size, a ratio, an angle, a number, etc. disclosed in the drawings for describing the embodiments of the present disclosure are exemplary, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements herein. Further, descriptions and details of well-known steps and elements are omitted for simplicity of the description. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure.

It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", and "including" when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, elements, components, and/or portions thereof. Expression such as "at least one of" when preceding a list of elements can modify the entire list of elements and may not modify the individual elements of the list. In interpretation of numerical values, an error or tolerance therein can occur even when there is no explicit description thereof.

In addition, it will also be understood that when a first element or layer is referred to as being present "on" a second element or layer, the first element can be disposed directly on the second element or can be disposed indirectly on the second element with a third element or layer being disposed between the first and second elements or layers. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "connected to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers can be present. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers can also be present.

In descriptions of temporal relationships, for example, temporal precedent relationships between two events such as "after", "subsequent to", "before", etc., another event can occur therebetween unless "directly after", "directly subsequent" or "directly before" is indicated.

It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", "third", and so on can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section described below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure can be partially or entirely combined with each other, and can be technically associated with each other or operate with each other. The embodiments can be implemented independently of each other and can be implemented together in an association relationship.

Hereinafter, various configurations of a display device and a display apparatus that can improve a heat-dissipation performance and a shock absorption function while reducing a bezel area will be described in detail.

<FIG> briefly shows a upper surface of a display apparatus <NUM> on which a display area AA is disposed, and <FIG> briefly shows a lower surface of display apparatus <NUM>.

Herein, a direction toward a upper surface and a top refers to a Z-axis direction, while a direction toward a lower surface and a bottom refers to a -Z-axis direction.

The display apparatus <NUM> includes a cover member <NUM>, a display device <NUM> coupled to a lower surface of cover member <NUM>, and a frame <NUM> disposed on a lower surface of display device <NUM> is disposed. Alternatively, the frame <NUM> can be disposed under the display device <NUM>. The frame <NUM> can be coupled to the cover member <NUM>.

The cover member <NUM> can be disposed to cover a upper surface of the display device <NUM>, and thus can protect the display device <NUM> from external shocks.

An edge of the cover member <NUM> can have a round shape in which the edge thereof is curved toward a lower surface thereof on which the display device <NUM> is disposed.

In this case, the cover member <NUM> can cover at least a partial area of a side surface of display device <NUM> disposed on the lower surface thereof, thus protecting not only a upper surface of the display device <NUM>, but also the side surface thereof from an external shock.

The cover member <NUM> includes the display area AA that displays a screen, and thus can be formed of a transparent material such as a cover glass to display the screen. For example, the cover member <NUM> can be formed of a transparent plastic material, a glass material, or a reinforced glass material.

The frame <NUM> can be configured to accommodate the display device <NUM>. The frame <NUM> can be contacted the cover member <NUM> to support the cover member <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> serves as a housing that defines a lower surface of an outermost portion of the display apparatus <NUM>, and can be formed of various materials such as plastic, metal, or glass.

In this case, the frame <NUM> can function as a casing defining an outermost portion of display apparatus <NUM>. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

For example, the frame <NUM> can function as a middle frame that serves as a housing that forms the lower surface of display device <NUM>, and there can be an additional casing on the lower surface of the frame <NUM>.

Further, the upper surface of the cover member <NUM> can be divided into the display area AA and the non-display area NAA as an area other than the display area AA. The non-display area NAA can be formed along an edge of the display area AA, and the non-display area NAA can be defined as a bezel area BZA.

The display device <NUM> coupled to the lower surface of the cover member <NUM> can have a bent portion BNP. The bent portion BNP can be disposed in the bezel area BZA blow the cover member <NUM> in a -Y-axis direction.

In order to reduce the bezel area BZA under the cover member <NUM>, it is necessary to reduce a radius of curvature of the bent portion BNP.

The radius of curvature of the bent portion BNP is proportional to a total thickness of the display device <NUM> and the display apparatus <NUM>. Thus, as the total thickness increases, the radius of curvature of the bent portion BNP increases. When the total thickness decreases, the radius of curvature of the bent portion BNP decreases.

Therefore, in order not to increase the size of the bezel area BZA, it is necessary to prevent the total thickness of display device <NUM> and the display apparatus <NUM> from increasing.

Hereinafter, the display device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

The display device <NUM> is coupled to the lower surface of the cover member <NUM>.

The display device <NUM> includes a display panel <NUM> including a front portion FP, a bent portion BNP, and a pad portion PAD extending from the bent portion BNP and disposed below a lower surface of the front portion FP, a cushion plate <NUM> disposed between the front portion FP and the pad portion PAD, and a first connection member (or a bent panel fixing member) <NUM> that fixes the pad portion PAD to the cushion plate <NUM>.

Specifically, under the front portion FP of the display panel <NUM>, a first backplate (or a first plate) <NUM>, the cushion plate <NUM>, the bent panel fixing member <NUM>, a second backplate (or a second plate) <NUM>, and the pad portion PAD can be sequentially stacked in this order.

First, the display device <NUM>, specifically a second connection member (or a device fixing member) <NUM> that fixes the display panel <NUM> to the cover member <NUM> is disposed on the lower surface of the cover member <NUM>.

Since the device fixing member <NUM> can be disposed to overlap the display area AA, the device fixing member <NUM> can be embodied as a transparent adhesive member. For example, the device fixing member <NUM> can be formed of or include a material such as OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive), OCR (Optical Clear Resin), or PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive).

A functional film <NUM> can be additionally disposed between the device fixing member <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>. The functional film <NUM> can have a structure in which one or more functional layers are stacked one on top of another, but is not particularly limited.

In one example, the functional film <NUM> can include an antireflection layer such as a polarizing film that prevents reflection of external light to improve an outdoor visibility and a contrast ratio for an image displayed on the display panel <NUM>.

In addition, in one example, the functional film <NUM> can further include a barrier layer for preventing moisture or oxygen invasion. The barrier layer can be formed of a material having low moisture permeability, such as a polymer material.

The display panel <NUM> can include a display substrate <NUM>, a pixel array <NUM> disposed on the display substrate <NUM>, and an encapsulation portion <NUM> disposed to cover the pixel array <NUM>.

The display substrate <NUM> can serve as a base substrate of the display panel <NUM>. The display substrate <NUM> can be formed of a flexible plastic material and thus can act as a flexible display substrate.

In one example, the display substrate can be made of polyimide as a plastic material having flexibility, or can be formed of a thin-type glass material having flexibility.

The pixel array <NUM> can correspond to an area for displaying the image toward the upper surface of the cover member <NUM>, and thus can correspond to the display area AA.

Therefore, the area corresponding to the pixel array <NUM> in the cover member <NUM> can be the display area AA, and the area other than the display area AA can be the bezel area BZA.

The pixel array <NUM> can be implemented using various elements that display an image, and may not be particularly limited.

The pixel array <NUM> can include a plurality of pixels that are arranged in a pixel area defined by signal lines on the display substrate <NUM>, and display an image according to signals supplied to the signal lines. The signal lines can include a gate line, a data line, and a pixel driving power line.

Each of the plurality of pixels can include a driving thin film transistor in the pixel area, an anode electrically connected to the driving thin film transistor, a light-emissive element layer formed on the anode, and a cathode electrically connected to the light-emissive element layer.

The driving thin film transistor can include a gate electrode, a semiconductor layer, a source electrode, a drain electrode, and the like. The semiconductor layer of the thin film transistor can include silicon such as a-Si, poly-Si, or low-temperature poly-Si, or an oxide such as IGZO (Indium-Gallium-Zinc-Oxide).

The anode can be disposed in each pixel in a corresponding manner to an opening area defined according to a pattern shape of a pixel, and can be electrically connected to the driving thin film transistor.

In one example, the light-emissive element layer can include an organic light-emissive element formed on the anode. The organic light-emissive element can be implemented to emit light of the same color such as white light across the pixels or can be implemented to emit light beams of different colors such as red, green, and blue light beams across the pixels.

In another example, the light-emissive element layer can include a micro light-emissive diode element electrically connected to each of the anode and the cathode. The micro light-emissive diode element refers to a light-emissive diode implemented in a form of an integrated circuit (IC) or a chip, and can include a first terminal electrically connected to the anode and a second terminal electrically connected to the cathode.

The cathode can be commonly connected to a light-emissive element of a light-emissive element layer disposed in each pixel area.

The encapsulation portion <NUM> is formed on the display substrate <NUM> to cover the pixel array <NUM>, such that oxygen, moisture, or foreign substances can be prevented from invading into the light-emissive element layer of the pixel array <NUM>. In one example, the encapsulation portion <NUM> can be formed in a multilayer structure in which organic material layers and inorganic material layers are alternately stacked one on top of another.

The display panel <NUM> is divided into the front portion FP, the bent portion BNP, and the pad portion PAD.

The front portion FP of the display panel <NUM> constitutes a screen on which an image is displayed. The pad portion PAD extends from the bent portion BNP under a bottom of the front portion FP, and thus is disposed under the front portion FP.

Specifically, when the display panel <NUM> is bent, the pixel array <NUM> and the encapsulation portion <NUM> constitute the front portion FP and thus are not bent, and a partial area of the display substrate <NUM> corresponding to the pad portion PAD is bent from the bent portion BNP toward the lower surface of the front portion FP.

The first backplate <NUM> can be disposed under the front portion FP of the display panel <NUM>.

The first backplate <NUM> is disposed under the display substrate <NUM> to supplement rigidity of the display substrate <NUM>, while maintaining a portion of the display substrate <NUM> constituting the front portion FP in a flat state.

Since the first backplate <NUM> is formed to have a certain strength and a certain thickness to supplement the rigidity of the display substrate <NUM>, the first backplate <NUM> may not be formed in a portion of the display panel <NUM> constituting the bent portion BNP.

In one example, the second backplate <NUM> is disposed on a upper surface of the pad portion PAD of the display panel <NUM> which extends from the bent portion BNP of the display panel <NUM> and is disposed below the lower surface of the front portion FP.

Before the display panel <NUM> is bent, the second backplate <NUM> is disposed under the display substrate <NUM> and is spaced apart from the first backplate <NUM>.

Specifically, the second backplate <NUM> is disposed under the pad portion PAD of the display panel <NUM>.

The second backplate <NUM> is disposed under the display substrate <NUM> to supplement the rigidity of the display substrate <NUM>, while maintaining a portion of the display substrate <NUM> constituting the pad portion PAD in a flat state.

Since the second backplate <NUM> is formed to have a certain strength and a certain thickness to supplement the rigidity of the display substrate <NUM>, the second backplate <NUM> may not be formed in a portion of the display panel <NUM> corresponding to the bent portion BNP.

After the display panel <NUM> is bent, the second backplate <NUM> is disposed on a upper surface of the pad portion PAD of the display panel <NUM>, and is disposed between the front portion FP and the pad portion PAD.

In other words, while the display panel <NUM> is bent, the second backplate <NUM> is disposed under the front portion FP of the display panel <NUM>, and is disposed on a upper surface of the pad portion PAD of the display panel <NUM>.

The cushion plate <NUM> can be disposed under the first backplate <NUM>.

The cushion plate <NUM> includes an adhesive layer which may have an embossed layer <NUM>, and further includes a metal foam <NUM>. The adhesive layer can be the embossed layer <NUM>. Specifically, the metal foam <NUM> with a predefined thickness is laminated on one surface of the embossed layer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, based on an arrangement of the display device <NUM>, the metal foam <NUM> is disposed on a lower surface of the embossed layer <NUM>. In other words, the metal foam <NUM> is disposed under the embossed layer <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the cushion plate <NUM> according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>. This embodiment is not according to the claimed invention.

First, the embossed layer <NUM> can refer to a layer that directly contacts the first backplate <NUM> to fix the cushion plate <NUM> to the first backplate <NUM>, and thus can function as an adhesive layer containing an adhesive component. In this case, a surface of the embossed layer <NUM> can be formed with a plurality of embossed patterns. For example, a surface of the embossed layer <NUM> contacting the first backplate <NUM> can include a plurality of embossed patterns. However, the present disclosure is not limited to it. The adhesive layer can include the embossed layer <NUM>.

The embossed layer <NUM> can be formed of or include a material such as OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive), OCR (Optical Clear Resin), or PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive).

Specifically, the embossed layer <NUM> can include a base substrate <NUM>, and a first adhesive layer 313a and a second adhesive layer 313b disposed on both opposite surfaces of the base substrate <NUM>, respectively.

In this case, the second adhesive layer 313b can contact the metal foam <NUM> to bond and fix the metal foam <NUM> to the embossed layer <NUM>.

The first adhesive layer 313a of the embossed layer <NUM> can have a plurality of embossed patterns 313e such as an uneven structure. That is, an upper surface of the first adhesive layer 311a of the embossed layer <NUM> can include a plurality of embossed patterns 313e.

The upper surface of the first adhesive layer 313a of the embossed layer <NUM> can act as a surface in contact with the first backplate <NUM>. The first adhesive layer 313a has the embossed patterns 313e, thereby preventing production of air bubbles between the first backplate <NUM> and the cushion plate <NUM>, such that a defoaming process for removing air bubbles can be omitted.

The base substrate <NUM> of the embossed layer <NUM> can serve to hold a shape of the embossed layer <NUM>, and can be formed of a material such as PET.

In order to have an effective anti-bubble effect, the embossed layer <NUM> preferably has a thickness of at least <NUM>.

The metal foam <NUM> is disposed on one surface of the embossed layer <NUM>.

The metal foam <NUM> can refer to a porous metal structure containing metal as a main component, and the metal foam <NUM> can have a multiple of pores <NUM> therein.

That is, the metal foam <NUM> can refer to a porous metal structure having a multiple of pores <NUM> therein.

The metal foam <NUM> can be formed using a following manufacturing method by way of example. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The metal foam <NUM> can be formed by sintering a metal foam precursor containing metal powders.

The metal foam precursor refers to a structure before proceeding with a process performed to form the metal foam <NUM> such as the sintering process.

For example, the metal foam precursor can be formed using a slurry containing metal powders, dispersant, and binder.

The metal powder can be embodied as mixture metal powers or alloy powders between at least two selected from a group consisting of copper powder, nickel powder, iron powder, SUS powder, molybdenum powder, silver powder, platinum powder, gold powder, aluminum powder, chromium powder, indium powder, tin powder, magnesium powder, phosphorous powder, zinc powder, and manganese powder. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In one example, alcohol can be used as the dispersant. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In this case, the alcohol can include monohydric alcohol having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, pentanol, octanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, pentanol, <NUM>-methoxyethanol, <NUM>-ethoxyethanol, <NUM>-butoxyethanol, glycerol, texanol or terpineol, or a dihydric alcohol having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, hexanediol, octanediol or pentanediol, or polyhydric alcohols other than dihydric alcohol. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

A type of the binder is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to a type of a metal component or the dispersant used in preparation of the slurry.

For example, the binder can include an alkyl cellulose having an alkyl group having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms such as methyl cellulose or ethyl cellulose, polyalkylene carbonate having an alkylene unit having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms such as polypropylene carbonate or polyethylene carbonate, or a polyvinyl alcohol-based binder such as polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinyl acetate. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

After producing the slurry containing the metal powder, the dispersant, and the binder as described above, the slurry can be injected into a frame having a predefined shape or coating the slurry on the substrate, thereby forming the metal foam precursor.

The metal foam precursor as thus formed can be changed into the metal foam <NUM> via the sintering process.

In this case, a condition of the sintering process is not particularly limited as long as the process proceeds at a temperature and for a time duration to allow solvent contained in the slurry to be removed at a desired amount.

In one example, the sintering temperature can be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM> and the sintering time duration can be predefined. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, after forming the metal foam precursor on the embossed layer <NUM>, the sintering process can be performed to form the metal foam <NUM>, thereby forming the cushion plate <NUM> including the embossed layer <NUM> and the metal foam <NUM>.

Alternatively, after forming the metal foam <NUM> separately from the embossed layer <NUM>, the embossed layer <NUM> and the metal foam <NUM> can be bonded to each other, thereby forming the cushion plate <NUM> including the embossed layer <NUM> and the metal foam <NUM>. Thus, the manufacturing method of the cushion plate <NUM> is not particularly limited.

Using this manufacturing process, the cushion plate <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure can be formed as shown in <FIG>.

In the cushion plate <NUM> including the embossed layer <NUM> and the metal foam <NUM>, the metal foam <NUM> as a metal structure having a multiple of pores <NUM> therein can have a heat-dissipation function and a cushion function at the same time.

The metal foam <NUM> is formed of metal with a high thermal conductivity, such that the metal foam <NUM> itself exhibits excellent heat-dissipation function. Since the metal foam has the metal structure having a multiple of pores <NUM> therein, the metal foam can also realize excellent cushioning function.

In particular, because the metal foam <NUM> has a metal structure having a multiple of pores <NUM> therein, an overall surface area thereof can increase, and thus, the metal foam <NUM> itself can realize the excellent heat-dissipation function.

Therefore, the cushion plate <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has both of an effective heat-dissipation function and an effective cushion functions at the same time using only the metal foam <NUM> without having a heat-dissipation layer for a heat-dissipation function and a cushion layer for a cushion function as separate layers.

In this regard, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> shows Comparative Example of a cushion plate <NUM> having a four-layers laminated structure. <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of a cushion plate <NUM> having a two-layers laminated structure including the metal foam <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, the cushion plate according to Comparative Example has a structure in which four layers are laminated by sequentially stacking a cushion layer, a base layer, and a heat-dissipation layer on an embossed layer.

The embossed layer can include a base substrate formed of PET, and a first adhesive layer PSA and a second adhesive layer PSA on both opposing surfaces of the base substrate, respectively, wherein the second adhesive layer can be embodied as an embossed adhesive layer Embo PSA.

In this case, the base substrate of the embossed layer can have a thickness of about <NUM>, and each of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer can have a thickness of about <NUM>.

A cushion layer as a foam pad portion can be formed on the embossed layer to impart a cushion function to the cushion plate.

In this case, the cushion layer should have a thickness of at least <NUM> in order to provide minimum effective cushioning function using only the foam pad.

The heat-dissipation layer is formed on the cushion layer, and the base layer must be added between the cushion layer and the heat-dissipation layer.

The heat-dissipation layer is directly bonded to the cushion layer. In this case, when the cushion plate is bent in a bent area of the display device and then a time lapses, the cushion layer and the heat-dissipation layer formed of different materials from each other are not completely adhered to each other, and are separated from each other.

Accordingly, the base layer can be added between the cushion layer and the heat-dissipation layer to minimize the separation between the cushion layer and the heat-dissipation layer and to realize flexibility in the bent area.

The base layer can be formed by disposing an adhesive layer PSA on a flexible base made of polyimide (PI).

In this case, in order for the base layer to achieve minimum effective separationsuppressing and support functions, the base made of the polyimide should have a thickness of at least <NUM>, and a thickness of the adhesive layer PSA included in the base layer should be at least <NUM>.

The heat-dissipation layer is disposed on the base layer to impart a heat-dissipation function to the cushion plate <NUM>.

The heat-dissipation layer can be formed by disposing an adhesive layer PSA on a metal layer formed of a material having good thermal conductivity such as copper.

In this case, in order for the heat-dissipation layer to achieve minimum effective heat-dissipation function, the metal layer must have a thickness of at least <NUM>, and a thickness of the adhesive layer PSA included in the heat-dissipation layer should be at least <NUM>.

In other words, the cushion plate according to Comparative Example can have a structure in which the four layers are laminated, that is, the layers having separate functions must be stacked one on top of another in order to provide both of the heat-dissipation function and the cushion function. Thus, the number of process steps can increase, thus leading to an increase in a manufacturing cost of the apparatus.

In particular, the layers having different functions are formed of different materials. Thus, additional adhesive layers must be disposed between the layers in order to bond the layers to each other. Thus, a total thickness of the cushion plate can be further increased.

To the contrary, as shown in <FIG>, the cushion plate <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can achieve both of an effective heat-dissipation function and an effective cushion function only using a double-layer laminated structure in which the metal foam <NUM> and the embossed layer <NUM> are stacked one on top of the other.

That is, because the cushion plate <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can realize both the heat-dissipation function and the cushion function using only the metal foam <NUM>, there is no need to stack separate layers formed of different materials having a heat-dissipation function and a cushion function, respectively, so that separation between the layers, and adhesion deterioration therebetween can be minimized.

In addition, there is no need to add a separate adhesive layer for fixing the layers to each other. Thus, the increase in the manufacturing cost of the apparatus due to the increase in the thickness due to the adhesive layer or the addition of various layers may not occur.

In this case, a thickness of the metal foam <NUM> can be in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, and a thickness of the cushion plate <NUM> can be in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

In particular, even when the metal foam <NUM> of the cushion plate <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a minimum thickness of <NUM>, the metal foam <NUM> can have both a heat-dissipation function and a cushion function. Thus, a total thickness of the cushion plate <NUM> can be reduced.

The minimum and maximum thicknesses of each of the metal foam <NUM> and the cushion plate <NUM> can be appropriately selected according to a shape change of the display device <NUM>.

As described above, the cushion plate <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the metal foam <NUM> having a higher freedom in the shape change. Thus, in response to the design change of the display device <NUM>, the shape of the cushion plate <NUM> can be freely and easily changed.

That is, the metal foam <NUM> has a very excellent heat-dissipation function and a very excellent cushioning function only at a small thickness, such that a total thickness of the cushion plate <NUM> can be greatly reduced, and thus the bezel area can be reduced.

<FIG> shows a cushion plate <NUM> according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure and not according to the claimed invention.

In the cushion plate <NUM> according to the second embodiment, a metal foil <NUM> can be disposed on a lower surface of the metal foam <NUM> according to the first embodiment.

In this case, the metal foil <NUM> can include a metal mixture or an alloy including at least one selected from a group consisting of copper, nickel, iron, zinc, SUS, molybdenum, silver, platinum, gold, aluminum, chromium, indium, tin, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and manganese. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The metal foam <NUM> and the metal foil <NUM> can be formed of the same metal material.

For example, the metal foam <NUM> can include a copper material, and the metal foil <NUM> can include a copper material.

When the metal foam <NUM> and the metal foil <NUM> are formed of the same metal material, the cushion plate can have higher thermal conductivity, and the interlayer separation can be minimized due to high adhesion.

In one example, as described above, the metal foam <NUM> has a porous metal structure having a plurality of pores <NUM> inside the metal foam <NUM>, and thus can have both a heat-dissipation function and a cushion function.

In particular, since the metal foam <NUM> has the porous structure having a large number of pores <NUM>, the metal foam can have an excellent shock absorption function even though a separate cushion layer is not added.

However, when there are many pores <NUM> therein, the shock absorbing function can increase, while thermal conductivity and EMI shielding function can slightly decrease in inverse proportion to the increased shock absorbing function.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, when the metal foil <NUM> is additionally disposed on the lower surface of the metal foam <NUM>, first heat conduction occurs along an entire surface of the metal foil <NUM> and then, second heat conduction occurs along the metal foam <NUM>, such that more efficient and effective thermal conductivity can be obtained.

Further, adding the metal foil <NUM> to the lower surface of the metal foam <NUM>, it can allow increasing an area of a metal layer while covering one surface of the porous metal foam <NUM> with the metal foil <NUM>, further improving the EMI shielding performance.

<FIG> shows a cushion plate <NUM> according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment is according to the claimed invention.

In the cushion plate <NUM> according to the third embodiment, a metal foil <NUM> is additionally disposed on a side surface of the metal foam <NUM> according to the second embodiment.

In other words, in the third embodiment, the metal foil <NUM> covers an entirety of an outer surface of the metal foam <NUM> except for one surface thereof at which the metal foam <NUM> contacts the embossed layer <NUM>.

As described above, the third embodiment has a structure in which the outer surface of the metal foam <NUM> is covered with the metal foil <NUM>, a waterproof effect against external moisture can be secured and, further improved thermal conductivity and EMI shielding performance can be obtained.

<FIG> shows a cushion plate <NUM> according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment is according to the claimed invention.

In the cushion plate <NUM> according to the fourth embodiment, a metal foil <NUM> is additionally disposed on an upper surface of the metal foam <NUM> according to the third embodiment, so that the metal foam <NUM> can be sealed with the metal foil <NUM>.

In other words, in the fourth embodiment, the metal foil <NUM> covers an entirety of the outer surface of the metal foam <NUM>.

Accordingly, the metal foil <NUM> is added between the embossed layer <NUM> and the metal foam <NUM> to further increase the adhesion.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, since the metal foam <NUM> is sealed with the metal foil <NUM>, a waterproof effect against external moisture, and further improved thermal conductivity and EMI shielding performance can be secured.

<FIG> shows a cushion plate <NUM> according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment is not according to the claimed invention.

In the cushion plate <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment, the metal foam <NUM> includes a first metal foam layer 320a, a second metal foam layer 320b, and a metal foil <NUM> disposed between the first metal foam layer 320a and the second metal foam layer 320b.

Specifically, the first metal foam layer 320a can be bonded to the embossed layer <NUM>, and the second metal foam layer 320b can be bonded to the first metal foam layer 320a via the metal foil <NUM> interposed therebetween.

In the fifth embodiment, the metal foam <NUM> can be divided into a plurality of metal foam layers, and each metal foil <NUM> can be additionally disposed between adjacent layers of the plurality of metal foam layers, thereby further improving thermal conductivity and EMI shielding performance.

<FIG> shows a cushion plate <NUM> according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment is according to the claimed invention.

In the cushion plate <NUM> according to the sixth embodiment, a metal foil <NUM> is additionally disposed on each of lower and side surfaces of the metal foam <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment, so that the second metal foam layer 320b can be sealed with the metal foil <NUM>.

Further, covering the side surfaces of the first metal foam layer 320a and the second metal foam layer 320b and the lower surface of the second metal foam layer 320b with metal foil <NUM> can allow the second metal foam layer 320b to be sealed with the metal foil <NUM>.

That is, in the sixth embodiment, the metal foam <NUM> can be divided into a plurality of metal foam layers, and each metal foil <NUM> can be additionally disposed between adjacent layers of the plurality of metal foam layers, and some of the metal foam layers can be sealed with the metal foil <NUM>, thereby securing a waterproof effect against external moisture, and further improved thermal conductivity and EMI shielding performance.

<FIG> shows a cushion plate <NUM> according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment is not according to the claimed invention.

In the cushion plate <NUM> according to the seventh embodiment, a metal foil <NUM> can be additionally disposed on the upper surface and the lower surface of the metal foam <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment.

Specifically, the first metal foam layer 320a can be bonded to the embossed layer <NUM> via a first metal foil <NUM> interposed therebetween, and the second metal foam layer 320b can be bonded to the first metal foam layer 320a via a second metal foil <NUM> interposed therebetween.

Further, an outer surface of the second metal foam layer 320b can be covered with the metal foil <NUM>.

That is, in the seventh embodiment, the metal foam <NUM> can be divided into a plurality of metal foam layers, and each metal foil <NUM> can be additionally disposed between adjacent layers of the plurality of metal foam layers, and each of the metal foils <NUM> can be disposed to each of surfaces of the metal foam layers, thereby securing further improved thermal conductivity and EMI shielding performance.

<FIG> shows a cushion plate <NUM> according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment is according to the claimed invention.

In the cushion plate <NUM> according to the eighth embodiment, a metal foil <NUM> is additionally disposed on a side surface of the metal foam <NUM> according to the seventh embodiment, so that the first metal foam layer 320a and the second metal foam layer 320b can be sealed with the metal foil <NUM>.

Specifically, the first metal foam layer 320a can be bonded to the embossed layer <NUM> via the first metal foil <NUM> interposed therebetween, and the second metal foam layer 320b can be bonded to the first metal foam layer 320a via the second metal foil <NUM> interposed therebetween.

Further, covering the upper surface of the first metal foam layer 320a, the side surfaces of the first metal foam layer 320a and the second metal foam layer 320b, and the lower surface of the second metal foam layer 320b with the metal foil <NUM>, the first metal foam layer 320a and the second metal foam layer 320b can be sealed with the metal foil <NUM>.

That is, in the eighth embodiment, the metal foam <NUM> can be divided into a plurality of metal foam layers, and each metal foil <NUM> can be additionally disposed between adjacent layers of the plurality of metal foam layers, and the metal foam layers can be sealed with the metal foil <NUM>, thereby securing the waterproof effect against moisture, and further improved thermal conductivity and EMI shielding performance.

<FIG> shows a cushion plate <NUM> according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment is not according to the claimed invention.

In the cushion plate <NUM> according to the ninth embodiment, a metal paste <NUM> can be applied to a lower surface of the metal foam <NUM> according to the first embodiment.

In one example, the metal paste <NUM> can contain metal particles, solvent, binder, and surfactant.

In this case, the metal paste <NUM> can include metal particles formed of a metal mixture or an alloy including at least one selected from a group consisting of copper, nickel, iron, zinc, SUS, molybdenum, silver, platinum, gold, aluminum, chromium, indium, tin, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and manganese. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Materials used for the solvent, the binder, and the surfactants are not particularly limited and can be those as commonly used in the art.

The metal paste <NUM> containing these materials can be applied to the lower surface of the metal foam <NUM> to form a metal paste layer on the lower surface of the metal foam <NUM>.

Further, the metal paste <NUM> applied in this way can be additionally heat-treated to remove the solvent therefrom.

As described above, in the ninth embodiment, the metal paste <NUM> can be applied on the lower surface of the metal foam <NUM>, such that further improved thermal conductivity and EMI shielding performance can be obtained.

<FIG> shows a cushion plate <NUM> according to a tenth embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment is not according to the claimed invention.

In the cushion plate <NUM> according to the tenth embodiment, heat-dissipation ink <NUM> can be applied to the lower and side surfaces of the metal foam <NUM> according to the first embodiment.

The heat-dissipation ink <NUM> can contain a highly conductive material, for example, a carbon material or a metal filler.

In this case, the carbon material can include graphite, carbon nanofiber, or carbon nanotube. The metal filler can include metal powders having excellent thermal conductivity which can be formed of a metal mixture or an alloy including at least one selected from a group consisting of copper, nickel, iron, zinc, SUS, molybdenum, silver, platinum, gold, aluminum, chromium, indium, tin, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and manganese. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

However, the heat-dissipation ink <NUM> is not limited thereto. A material in the heat-dissipation ink <NUM> is not particularly limited and can be a material that can be typically used in this technical field.

Applying the heat-dissipation ink <NUM> on the lower and side surfaces of the metal foam <NUM> can allow the lower and side surfaces of the metal foam <NUM> to be covered with a heat-dissipation member in an easier manner.

As described above, in the tenth embodiment, further improved thermal conductivity and EMI shielding performance can be obtained by covering the lower surface and the side surface of the metal foam <NUM> with the heat-dissipation ink.

The bent panel fixing member <NUM> is disposed under the cushion plate <NUM>.

When bending the pad portion PAD of the display panel <NUM> from the bent portion BNP so that the pad portion PAD of the display panel <NUM> is disposed under the lower surface of the front portion FP of the display panel <NUM>, a restoring force to restore the display panel <NUM> to a state before the display panel <NUM> is bent can be applied to the display panel <NUM>.

When the restoring force acts strongly, the pad portion PAD of the bent display panel <NUM> may not be fixedly maintained but can be lifted.

The bent panel fixing member <NUM> is disposed between the front portion FP of the display panel <NUM> and the pad portion PAD thereof to fix the bent display panel <NUM> such that the panel is maintained at the bent state.

The bent panel fixing member <NUM> is formed to have a certain thickness in a thickness direction of the bent portion. The bent panel fixing member <NUM> can be embodied as a double-sided tape with strong adhesive strength that can secure bonding between the front portion FP of the display panel <NUM> and the pad portion PAD thereof.

Further, the bent panel fixing member <NUM> can be embodied as a foam tape, or a foam pad, and can function as a shock absorber.

Further, the bent panel fixing member <NUM> can be embodied as a double-sided conductive tape having conductivity.

For example, the double-sided conductive tape can include a conductive layer between an upper adhesive layer and a lower adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer can include a conductive material.

In one example, a driving integrated circuit <NUM> can be disposed on an opposite surface of the pad portion PAD of the display panel <NUM> to one surface thereof on which the second backplate <NUM> is disposed.

In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, it is assumed that the driving integrated circuit <NUM> is embodied as COP (Chip On Plastic) mounted on the display substrate <NUM>. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The driving integrated circuit <NUM> can be mounted on the display substrate <NUM> using a chip bonding process or a surface mounting process. In the bent state, the driving integrated circuit <NUM> can be disposed on a lower surface of the display substrate <NUM>. That is, the driving integrated circuit <NUM> can be disposed on the lower surface of the pad portion PAD.

The driving integrated circuit <NUM> generates a data signal and a gate control signal based on image data and a timing synchronization signal supplied from an external host driving system. In addition, the driving integrated circuit <NUM> can supply the data signal to a data line of each pixel through the display pad, and can supply the gate control signal to a gate driving circuitry through the display pad.

That is, the driving integrated circuit <NUM> can be mounted on a chip mounting area defined on the display substrate <NUM> and can be electrically connected to the display pad, and can be connected to a signal line of each of the gate driving circuitry and the pixel array <NUM> disposed on the display substrate <NUM>.

Since the driving integrated circuit <NUM> generates a considerable amount of heat, it is necessary to effectively impart a heat-dissipation effect to the driving integrated circuit <NUM>.

Therefore, the driving integrated circuit <NUM> can be effectively heat-dissipated by the cushion plate <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure as described above.

The display pad can define a distal end of the display substrate <NUM> on which the driving integrated circuit <NUM> is mounted.

The display pad can be electrically connected to a flexible circuit board <NUM> on which a circuit board is mounted under the lower surface of the display substrate.

The flexible circuit board <NUM> can be electrically connected to the display pad defining the distal end of the display substrate <NUM> via a conductive adhesive layer <NUM> using a film attaching process, and can be disposed under the lower surface of the display panel <NUM>.

In this case, the conductive adhesive layer <NUM> can be embodied as an ACF (Anisotropic Conductive Film) in one example.

The circuit board can provide the image data and the timing synchronization signal supplied from the host driving system to the driving integrated circuit <NUM>, and can provide voltages necessary for driving the pixel array <NUM>, the gate driving circuitry, and the driving integrated circuit <NUM> thereto, respectively.

In one example, a bent portion reinforcing member <NUM> can be disposed on an outer surface <NUM> of the bent portion BNP of the display panel <NUM>. The bent portion reinforcing member <NUM> can extend to cover the bent portion BNP, and cover at least a partial area of the front portion FP and at least a partial area of the pad portion PAD.

The bent portion reinforcing member <NUM> can include resin which can be embodied as an ultraviolet (UV) curable acrylic resin. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Specifically, the bent portion reinforcing member <NUM> can be formed of a cured product of a resin resulting from a curing process after coating the resin. When the resin includes an ultraviolet curable resin, the curing can be performed using UV.

The bent portion reinforcing member <NUM> can be disposed on the outer surface <NUM> of the display panel <NUM> to cover various signal lines between the encapsulation portion <NUM> of the display panel <NUM> and the display pad. Accordingly, the bent portion reinforcing member <NUM> can prevent moisture invasion into the signal line while protecting the signal line from external impact.

Further, since the bent portion reinforcing member <NUM> is disposed on the outer surface <NUM> of the bent portion BNP, the rigidity of the bent portion BNP of the display panel <NUM> which is not provided with a backplate, can be supplemented.

Claim 1:
A display device (<NUM>) comprising:
a display panel (<NUM>) including a front portion (FP), a bent portion (BNP), and a pad portion (PAD) extending from the bent portion (BNP) and disposed under a lower surface of the front portion (FP); and
a cushion plate (<NUM>) disposed between the front portion (FP) and the pad portion (PAD); and
wherein the cushion plate (<NUM>) includes an adhesive layer;
the display device (<NUM>) further comprising:
a metal foil (<NUM>) and characterized in that the cushion plate (<NUM>) further comprises a metal foam (<NUM>) which has a porous metal structure having a plurality of pores (<NUM>), wherein the metal foam (<NUM>) is disposed under the adhesive layer and the metal foil is disposed on a lower surface of the metal foam (<NUM>);
wherein the metal foil (<NUM>) is additionally disposed on a side surface of the metal foam (<NUM>) such that the metal foil (<NUM>) covers an entirety of an outer surface of the metal foam (<NUM>) except for one surface thereof at which the metal foam (<NUM>) contacts an embossed layer (<NUM>) of the adhesive layer.