Patent Description:
A display device is a device for displaying an image. A display device generally includes a display panel, such as an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel or a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel.

Often mobile electronic devices include a display device so as to provide an image to a user thereof. Even as mobile electronic devices having gained larger display screens, the mobile electronic devices have tended to have the same or a smaller volume or thickness. Some mobile electronic devices are now being made to be foldable or bendable. These devices may include a displays that are foldable or bendable. By having such a display, these mobile electronic devices can achieve a larger screen when folded open and a smaller form factor when folded closed.

A display device includes a display panel. A mold frame is disposed around the display panel. A bracket is disposed to at least partially overlap the mold frame. Each of the mold frame and the bracket includes an electrically conductive material, and the mold frame and the bracket are electrically connected to each other.

The display device may further include a protective film disposed on the display panel. The display panel may include a cover region at least partially overlapping the protective film and an exposed region exposed by the protective film.

The protective film may include a protective base, and a protective base bonding layer disposed between the protective base and the display panel.

The display device may further include a connection conductor disposed between the bracket and the mold frame. The mold frame and the bracket may be directly connected to the connection conductor.

The connection conductor may include an electrically conductive base, a first conductive bonding layer disposed between the conductive base and the mold frame, and a second conductive bonding layer disposed between the bracket and the conductive base.

The connection conductor may include a clamp.

The mold frame may include a main frame portion and a frame conductive layer disposed directly on a surface of the main frame portion. The conductive layer may be electrically connected to the bracket.

The conductive layer is formed on the main frame portion by coating, deposition, or thermal attachment.

The bracket may be made of an electrically conductive material.

The bracket may include a main bracket portion and a bracket conductive layer disposed inside the main bracket portion. The connection conductor may be connected to the frame conductive layer and the bracket conductive layer.

The main bracket portion may be further disposed on a lower surface of the display panel.

The main frame portion may include a first frame portion disposed on a side surface of the display panel, and a second frame portion connected to the first frame portion and at least partially overlapping one surface of the display panel.

The conductive layer may be disposed directly on the first frame portion.

The conductive layer may further include a plurality of conductive patterns, each of which being spaced apart from each other along the second frame portion.

The mold frame may include an electrically conductive material dispersed therein.

The bracket may be connected to a set ground wire.

The display device may further include a cover window disposed between the protective film and the display panel, and a light blocking pattern disposed directly on an edge of the cover window along the edge of the cover window. The light blocking pattern may include an electrically conductive material.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device includes a display panel in which a folding region, a first non-folding region located on one side of the folding region, and a second non-folding region located on the other side of the folding region are defined. A first mold frame is disposed adjacent to the first non-folding region of the display panel. A second mold frame is disposed adjacent to the second non-folding region of the display panel. A first bracket at least partially overlaps the first mold frame. A second bracket at least partially overlaps the second mold frame. Each of the first mold frame and the second mold frame includes an electrically conductive material. Each of the first bracket and the second bracket includes an electrically conductive material. The first mold frame and the first bracket are electrically connected to each other. The second mold frame and the second bracket are electrically connected to each other.

The display device may further include a first connection conductor disposed between the first bracket and the first mold frame, and a second connection conductor disposed between the second bracket and the second mold frame. The first mold frame and the first bracket may be directly connected to the first connection conductor. The second mold frame and the second bracket may be directly connected to the second connection conductor.

Each of the first bracket and the second bracket may be connected to a set ground wire.

Specific structural and functional descriptions of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are provided for illustrative purposes so as to show exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the invention is not necessarily limited to the embodiments shown herein.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being related to another element such as being "coupled" or "connected" to another element, it can be directly coupled or connected to the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween.

Throughout the specification and drawings, the same reference numerals may refer to the same or like parts.

It will be understood that, although the terms "first," "second," "third" etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not necessarily be limited by these terms.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not necessarily intended to be limiting to the invention as a whole. As used herein, the term "consisting of" does preclude the presence or addition of other elements not recited.

The exemplary term "lower," can therefore, encompasses both an orientation of "lower" and "upper," depending on the particular orientation of the figure. The exemplary terms "below" or "beneath" can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below.

"About" or "approximately" as used herein is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the error associated with measurement of the particular quantity (e.g., the limitations of the measurement system).

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to cross section illustrations that may be schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, may be expected. Thus, embodiments described herein should not necessarily be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions as illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flat may have rough and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles that are illustrated may be at least partially rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes do not necessarily illustrate the precise shape of a region.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, a display device <NUM> may be a foldable display device. The term "foldable" as used herein may refer to an element that may be flexible, which is to say the element may be partially or fully folded and unfolded, repeatedly without sustaining damage. As used herein, "foldable" may specifically include bendable, rollable and the like. Further, the term "foldable" should be interpreted as including "partially foldable," "entirely foldable," "in-foldable" (e.g. able to be folded inwardly) and "out-foldable" (e.g. able to be folded outwardly).

The display device <NUM> may have a folding axis AXIS_F crossing the upper and lower sides of the display device in plan view. The display device <NUM> may be folded about the folding axis AXIS_F.

The display device <NUM> may have a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. The display device may have a rectangular shape with right-angled or rounded corners in plan view. The display device may include four sides LS1, LS2, SS1 and SS2. The display device may include two long sides LS1 and LS2 and two short sides SS1 and SS2. For example, each of the long sides LS1 and LS2 may extend in a first direction DR1, and each of the short sides SS1 and SS2 may extend in a second direction DR2 that may be perpendicular to the first direction.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the folding axis AXIS_F may extend in a direction (e.g., a second direction DR2) crossing the long sides LS1 and LS2. In this case, each of the long sides LS1 and LS2 of the display device <NUM> may be folded substantially in half. Unlike the illustrated example, the folding axis AXIS_F may extend across each of the short sides SS1 and SS2. In this case, each of the short sides SS1 and SS2 of the display device <NUM> may be folded substantially in half. Hereinafter, for simplicity of description, a case where the folding axis AXIS_F extends across each of the long sides LS1 and LS2 will be mainly described. The folding axis AXIS_F may cross a central portion of each of the long sides LS1 and LS2, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto and the folding axis AXIS_F may extend in an upper portion or a lower portion of the long sides LS1 and LS2.

Meanwhile, unless otherwise defined herein, with respect to a thickness direction, the terms "upper" and "upper surface" refer to a display direction (e.g. a direction in which an image projects from the display device <NUM> while in an unfolded state, and "lower" and "lower surface" refer to a direction opposite to the display direction. In addition, "up," "down," "left," and "right" in plan view refer to a direction when viewed from above with the display surface in place.

The display device <NUM> may include a display area DA and a non-display area NA disposed at least partially around the display area DA. The display area DA is an area where an image is displayed (e.g. where pixels are disposed), and the non-display area NA is an area where an image is not displayed (e.g. where no pixels are disposed). The display area DA may be located at the center of the display device <NUM>. In a folded state of the display device <NUM>, regions of the display area DA divided by the folding axis AXIS_F may at least partially overlap each other. Thus, the display device <NUM> may be folded in onto itself in the folded state. In an unfolded state, an image may be displayed in the display area DA with the respective regions unfolded. Although not shown, the non-display area NA may further include a pad area connected to a printed circuit board. A plurality of pads may be disposed in the pad area to be electrically connected to lead wires of the printed circuit board.

Grooves (e.g., notches) recessed downwardly or upwardly in plan view may be formed in regions adjacent to the first long side LS1 and the second long side LS2 of the display device <NUM> that meet the folding axis AXIS_F, respectively. The recessed groove may be coupled to a hinge member for switching between the folded state and the unfolded state, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The display device <NUM> may be divided into a folding region FR and non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2 with respect to the folding axis AXIS_F.

For example, the display device <NUM> may include the folding region FR (see <FIG>) disposed in the central area and including the folding axis AXIS_F, and the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2 (see <FIG>) spaced apart from each other with the folding region FR interposed therebetween. The first non-folding region NFR1 may be located on one side of the folding region FR in the first direction DR1, and the second non-folding region NFR2 may be located on the other side of the folding area FR in the first direction DR1.

The folding region FR may be a region within which the display device <NUM> is folded or bent with a predetermined curvature in a folding direction, and the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2 may be regions that are not folded. The non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2 may be located on flat surfaces, respectively, forming the same plane. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2 may be at least partially bent.

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

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a folded state of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may be folded with a predetermined curvature in the folding region FR, but may remain substantially unfolded in the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2. For example, the display device <NUM> may have flat surfaces forming the same plane in the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2, respectively. The display device <NUM> may be folded by an external force, for example, by the hands of a user.

When an external force is applied to one side (e.g., a right side) of the display device <NUM>, in the folding direction (upper direction in <FIG>, third direction DR3), the folding region FR may be bent or folded, and the second non-folding region NFR2 may overlap or oppose the first non-folding region NFR1 while moving or rotating along the folding direction.

In <FIG>, the display device <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated as being in-folded (e.g. folded inwardly). In-folding of the display device <NUM> may mean that the display device <NUM> is folded such that the top surfaces (or display surfaces) of the display device <NUM> face each other. By in-folding the display device <NUM>, display area DA thereof may be protected while not in use.

In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the display device <NUM> may be out-folded (e.g. folded outwardly). Out-folding of the display device <NUM> may mean that the display device <NUM> is folded such that the top surfaces (or display surfaces) of the display device <NUM> face in opposite directions. By out-folding the display device <NUM>, display area DA thereof may remain at least partially visible while not in use.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' of <FIG>. <FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region A of <FIG>. <FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region B of <FIG>. <FIG> is a plan layout view illustrating a display panel, a first mold frame and a second mold frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a discharge path of static electricity applied to a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the display device <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, includes a display panel <NUM>, may include a buffer member <NUM> disposed below the display panel <NUM>, a metal plate <NUM> disposed below the buffer member <NUM>, double-sided tapes (tape having an adhesive surface on both sides thereof) <NUM> and <NUM> disposed below the metal plate <NUM>, includes a protective layer <NUM> disposed above the display panel <NUM>, mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> disposed around the display panel <NUM>, brackets <NUM> and <NUM> disposed to at least partially overlap the mold frames <NUM> and <NUM>, and connection conductors <NUM> and <NUM> disposed between the mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> and the brackets <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

Further, the display device <NUM>, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, may include a first coupling member AM1 disposed between the buffer member <NUM> and the metal plate <NUM>, a second coupling member AM2 disposed between the buffer member <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>, and a third coupling member AM3 disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the protective layer <NUM>.

The display panel <NUM> may display an image according to an input data signal. The display panel <NUM> may be an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a plasma display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, an electrowetting display panel, a quantum dot light emitting display panel, a micro light emitting diode (LED) display panel, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, an organic light emitting display panel is used as the display panel <NUM>.

The display panel <NUM> may include a flexible substrate including a flexible polymer material such as polyimide (PI). Accordingly, the display panel <NUM> may be bent, folded, or rolled repeatedly without sustaining damage thereto. The display panel <NUM> may have a shape substantially similar to the planar shape of the display device <NUM>.

A plurality of pixels PX may be disposed exclusively within the display area DA of the display panel <NUM>, and signal lines or driving circuits for applying signals to the pixels PX may be disposed in the non-display area NA. In addition, a black matrix having a planar rectangular frame shape may be disposed in the non-display area NA.

The pixel PX may include a light emitting layer and a circuit layer for controlling the amount of light emitted from the light emitting layer. The circuit layer may include a plurality of wirings, a plurality of electrodes and at least one transistor. The light emitting layer may include an organic light emitting material in one embodiment. The light emitting layer may be encapsulated by an encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layer may encapsulate the light emitting layer to prevent moisture, oxygen, and the like from infiltrating from the outside. The encapsulation layer may be a single or multilayer inorganic film, or a laminated film formed by alternately stacking inorganic and organic films.

In the display panel <NUM>, the folding region FR and the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2 may be defined.

The buffer member <NUM> may be disposed below the display panel <NUM>. The buffer member <NUM> may prevent an external impact (e.g., from below the buffer member <NUM>) from being transmitted to the display panel <NUM>. The buffer member <NUM> may be formed of a foam material and may include polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicon (Si), polydimethylacrylamide (PDMA) or the like.

The buffer member <NUM> may be disposed over the folding region FR and the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2.

A support layer may be further disposed between the buffer member <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>. The support layer may be disposed over the folding region FR and the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2 of the display device <NUM>. The support layer may include, for example, a polymer organic insulating material such as polyimide (PI). Coupling members and the support layer respectively disposed on the surface of the support layer facing the display panel <NUM> and the surface of the support layer facing the metal plate <NUM> may constitute a support film.

The support film may be disposed below the display panel <NUM> to support the display panel <NUM>.

The metal plate <NUM> may be disposed below the buffer member <NUM>. The metal plate <NUM> may be disposed over the folding region FR and the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2. The metal plate <NUM> may include a metal. Examples of the metal include copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), and the like, but are not necessarily limited thereto.

In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the metal plate <NUM> may be divided with the folding region FR therebetween. For example, the metal plate <NUM> may include a first portion disposed in the first non-folding region NFR1 and a second portion disposed in the second non-folding region NFR2. The first portion and the second portion may be spaced apart from each other with the folding area FR disposed therebetween. In this case, the inner surface of the first portion may be aligned with the boundary of the folding region FR and the first non-folding region NFR1, and the inner surface of the second portion may be aligned with the boundary of the folding region FR and the second non-folding region NFR2.

However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. The inner surface of the first portion may be located outside the boundary between the folding region FR and the first non-folding region NFR1, and the inner surface of the second portion may be located outside the boundary between the folding region FR and the second non-folding region NFR2.

The first coupling member AM1 may be disposed between the buffer member <NUM> and the metal plate <NUM> to couple the buffer member <NUM> with the metal plate <NUM>. The second coupling member AM2 may be disposed between the buffer member <NUM> and the display panel <NUM> to couple the buffer member <NUM> with the display panel <NUM>. The third coupling member AM3 may be disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the protective layer <NUM> to couple the display panel <NUM> with the protective layer <NUM>.

Each of the coupling members AM1 to AM3 may be a film having adhesive properties on both the upper and lower surfaces thereof, for example, pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), optical clear adhesive (OCA) or optical clear resin (OCR). The adhesive film may include acrylic resin or silicone-based resin. In addition, the adhesive film may have an elongation of <NUM>% to <NUM>,<NUM>%.

The first coupling member AM1 and the second coupling member AM2 disposed below the display panel <NUM> may have different characteristics from those of the third coupling member AM3 disposed above the display panel <NUM>. For example, when the display device <NUM> is a top emission type display device, the light transmittance (for visible light) of the third coupling member AM3 may be greater than the light transmittance (for visible light) of the first and second coupling members AM1 and AM2, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto.

The double-sided tapes <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed on the lower portion of the metal plate <NUM>. A first double-sided tape <NUM> may be disposed in the first non-folding region NFR1, and a second double-sided tape <NUM> may be disposed in the second non-folding region NFR2.

The first double-sided tape <NUM> may include a first base material <NUM>, a first bonding layer <NUM> disposed between the first base material <NUM> and the metal plate <NUM>, and a second bonding layer <NUM> disposed between the first base material <NUM> and a first bracket <NUM>. The second double-sided tape <NUM> may include a first base material <NUM>, a first bonding layer <NUM> disposed between the first base material <NUM> and the metal plate <NUM>, and a second bonding layer <NUM> disposed between the first base material <NUM> and the first bracket <NUM> to be described later.

The first double-sided tape <NUM> and the second double-sided tape <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other with the folding region FR disposed therebetween.

The side surfaces of the display panel <NUM>, the buffer member <NUM> and the metal plate <NUM> may be aligned in the thickness direction. The display panel <NUM>, the buffer member <NUM> and the metal plate <NUM> may have substantially the same planar size.

The protective layer <NUM> may be disposed on the display panel <NUM> to protect components disposed below the protective layer <NUM> from an external impact.

Further, the protective layer <NUM> may perform a short wavelength optical filter function that blocks short wavelength light. As used herein, short wavelength light may include light having a wavelength within a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, inclusive. The protective layer <NUM> may serve to prevent short-wavelength light of the light provided from the display panel <NUM> from being transmitted to the outside. For example, the protective layer <NUM> may further include a material that performs the short wavelength optical filter function. The material that performs the short wavelength optical filter function may absorb the short-wavelength light.

The planar size of the protective layer <NUM> may be smaller than the planar size of the display panel <NUM>. The side surfaces of the protective layer <NUM> may be located more inwardly than the side surfaces of the display panel <NUM>, respectively. The upper surface of the display panel <NUM> may include a cover region CR covered by the protective layer <NUM> and an exposed region ER exposed by the protective layer <NUM>. For example, the cover region CR may be located in a central portion of the display panel <NUM>, and the exposed region ER may be located in a peripheral portion of the central portion of the display panel <NUM>.

The protective layer <NUM> may include an organic insulating material. Examples of the organic insulating material may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), and the like. The protective layer <NUM> and the third coupling member AM3 may constitute a protective film.

The mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed around the display panel <NUM>. The first mold frame <NUM> may be located on one side of the display panel <NUM>, and the second mold frame <NUM> may be located on the other side of the display panel <NUM>. The mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> may cover the side and upper surfaces of the display panel <NUM>.

Each of the mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> may include an electrically conductive material.

The brackets <NUM> and <NUM> may be further disposed around the display panel <NUM>. The first bracket <NUM> may be located on one side of the display panel <NUM>, and a second bracket <NUM> may be located on the other side of the display panel <NUM>. The brackets <NUM> and <NUM> may cover the side and lower surfaces of the display panel <NUM>.

Each of the brackets <NUM> and <NUM> may include an electrically conductive material.

In the display device <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a cover window might not be disposed between the protective layer <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>. The cover window may include a rigid material such as glass or quartz.

Thus, when the display device <NUM> is folded, it is possible to reduce bending stress caused by the rigid material. However, as described above, the protective layer <NUM> includes an organic insulating material, and the organic insulating material may more slowly discharge static electricity than the cover window.

In addition, as described above, since the planar size of the protective layer <NUM> is smaller than the planar size of the display panel <NUM>, the upper surface of the display panel <NUM> may include the cover region CR covered by the protective layer <NUM>, and the exposed region ER exposed by the protective layer <NUM>. The protective layer <NUM> is disposed so as not to overlap the mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> located on one side and the other side of the display panel <NUM> in a thickness direction of the display panel, respectively. Accordingly, the user can easily remove and reattach the protective layer <NUM>. However, since the protective layer <NUM> is not disposed on the entire surface of the display panel <NUM>, in terms of a module structure, when static electricity is applied, the ground area may be insufficient to adequately dissipate static electricity.

For example, in terms of the structure and constituent materials of the display device <NUM>, the applied static electricity may be transferred to the display panel <NUM> where it might not easily be discharged. The static electricity transferred to the display panel <NUM> may move to both sides of the display panel <NUM>. The static electricity may cause thin film transistors of the plurality of pixels of the display panel <NUM> to become defective. For example, the static electricity may cause current leakage of the thin film transistor of the display panel <NUM>, resulting in a display failure. The plurality of pixels of the display panel <NUM> may include a blue pixel which emits blue light, a green pixel which emits green light, and a red pixel which emits red light. A blue organic light emitting layer may be disposed on the blue pixel, a green organic light emitting layer may be disposed on the green pixel, and a red organic light emitting layer may be disposed on the red pixel.

The green organic light emitting layer may have better light emission efficiency than either the blue organic light emitting layer or the red organic light emitting layer. In this case, when current leakage of the thin film transistor occurs, undesired green light is generated in the green organic light emitting layer, and green light non-uniformity may occur on both sides or an edge portion of the display panel <NUM>.

However, the display device <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, may include the mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> and the brackets <NUM> and <NUM>, each of which includes an electrically conductive material. The mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> and the brackets <NUM> and <NUM> are electrically connected to each other so that applied static electricity can be discharged from the mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> through the brackets <NUM> and <NUM>.

As described above, the mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> may include an electrically conductive material. A first mold frame <NUM> may include a main frame portion <NUM> and a frame conductive layer <NUM> disposed on the surface of the main frame portion <NUM>. A second mold frame <NUM> may include a main frame portion <NUM> and a frame conductive layer <NUM> disposed on the surface of the main frame portion <NUM>. Each of the main frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> may include an organic insulating material. Examples of the organic insulating material may include polyethersulphone (PES), polyacrylate (PA), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallylate, polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (CAT), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), or a combination thereof.

For example, the main frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> may include polycarbonate (PC).

The frame conductive layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed on the surfaces of the main frame portions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. Although it is illustrated in the drawing that the frame conductive layers <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed on the surface facing the protective layer <NUM> of the main frame portions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, the present invention is not limited thereto. The main frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed on a surface opposite to the surface facing the protective layer <NUM> of the main frame portions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

The frame conductive layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed by coating, depositing, or thermally attaching a conductive material or conductive powder to the surfaces of the main frame portions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, but the formation method is not limited thereto.

The frame conductive layers <NUM> and <NUM> may serve to induce static electricity applied to the display device <NUM> in the mold frames <NUM> and <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a first main frame portion <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> connected to the first portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> may be a sidewall portion of the main frame portion, and the second portion <NUM> may be a protrusion portion of the main frame portion. The second portion <NUM> may protrude from the first portion <NUM> toward the folding region FR.

The first portion <NUM> may be disposed on the side surface of the display panel <NUM>, and the second portion <NUM> may at least partially overlap one surface of the display panel <NUM> in the thickness direction. The second portion <NUM> may at least partially overlap the first non-folding region NFR1 of the display panel <NUM>.

Similarly to the first main frame portion <NUM>, a second main frame portion <NUM> may include a first portion, which is a sidewall portion of the main frame portion, and a second portion, that is a protrusion portion of the main frame portion. The configuration of the second main frame portion <NUM> may be substantially the same as the configuration of the first main frame portion <NUM>.

The first frame conductive layer <NUM> may be formed on the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> of the first main frame portion <NUM>, respectively. For example, the first frame conductive layer <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM> disposed between the first portion <NUM> of the first main frame portion <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>, and a second portion <NUM> disposed between the second portion <NUM> of the first main frame portion <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>. The second frame conductive layer <NUM> may have substantially the same configuration as that of the first frame conductive layer <NUM>.

The first bracket <NUM> at least partially overlaps the first mold frame <NUM>, and the second bracket <NUM> at least partially overlaps the second mold frame <NUM>.

Each of the brackets <NUM> and <NUM> may include an electrically conductive material. Examples of the conductive material may include aluminum (Al) or magnesium (Mg). The brackets <NUM> and <NUM> may be made of a conductive material, respectively. For example, the brackets <NUM> and <NUM> may be conductors made of the conductive material.

The first bracket <NUM> may be electrically connected to the first mold frame <NUM>, and the second bracket <NUM> may be electrically connected to the second mold frame <NUM>.

A first connection conductor <NUM> may be disposed between the first bracket <NUM> and the first mold frame <NUM>, and a second connection conductor <NUM> may be disposed between the second bracket <NUM> and the second mold frame <NUM>.

The first connection conductor <NUM> may serve to electrically connect the first bracket <NUM> to the first mold frame <NUM>, and the second connection conductor <NUM> may serve to electrically connect the second bracket <NUM> to the second mold frame <NUM>.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the first connection conductor <NUM> may include a first conductive bonding layer <NUM> disposed between a conductive base material <NUM> and the first main frame portion <NUM>, and a second conductive bonding layer <NUM> disposed between the conductive base material <NUM> and the first bracket <NUM>. The first connection conductor <NUM> may be a double-sided tape.

The second connection conductor <NUM> may include substantially the same configuration as that of the first connection conductor <NUM>. The second connection conductor <NUM> may include an electrically conductive base material, a first conductive bonding layer disposed between the conductive base material and the second main frame portion <NUM>, and a second conductive bonding layer disposed between the conductive base material and the second bracket <NUM>. The second connection conductor <NUM> may be a double-sided tape.

In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, each of the connection conductors <NUM> and <NUM> may include a clamp.

The brackets <NUM> and <NUM> may be further extended and disposed on the lower surface of the display panel <NUM>, respectively. The brackets <NUM> and <NUM> may be combined with the double-sided tapes <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The brackets <NUM> and <NUM> may be attached to the second bonding layers <NUM> and <NUM> of the double-sided tapes <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

The inner surfaces of portions of the brackets <NUM> and <NUM> extended further on the lower surface of the display panel <NUM> may be aligned with boundaries between the non-folding regions NFR1 and NFR2 and the folding region FR, respectively.

<FIG> illustrates the display panel <NUM> and the mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> covering the display panel <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The first mold frame <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the first non-folding region NFR1 of the display panel <NUM>, and the second mold frame <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the second non-folding region NFR2 of the display panel <NUM>.

The first mold frame <NUM> and the second mold frame <NUM> may respectively cover short sides and long sides of the display panel <NUM>. However, the first mold frame <NUM> and the second mold frame <NUM> may be omitted from the folding region FR. Accordingly, when the display device <NUM> is folded, bending stress can be prevented from occurring due to the mold frame disposed in the folding region FR.

However, in some embodiments, the mold frame may also be disposed in the folding region FR. For example, the first mold frame <NUM> and the second mold frame <NUM> may be physically connected. The width of the mold frame disposed in the folding region FR in the second direction DR2 may be smaller than the width of the first mold frame <NUM> and the second mold frame <NUM> in the second direction DR2, respectively. In this case, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of large bending stress due to the mold frame disposed in the folding region FR when the display device <NUM> is folded.

The first portion <NUM> of the first frame conductive layer <NUM> may be disposed around the short sides and long sides of the display panel <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> of the first frame conductive layer <NUM> may be disposed so as not to overlap the display panel <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> of the first frame conductive layer <NUM> may be continuously disposed along the short sides and long sides of the display panel <NUM>. The first portion of the second frame conductive layer <NUM> may have substantially the same shape as the first portion <NUM> of the first frame conductive layer <NUM>.

The second portion <NUM> of the first frame conductive layer <NUM> may be connected to the first portion <NUM> of the first frame conductive layer <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> of the first frame conductive layer <NUM> may extend from the first portion <NUM> of the first frame conductive layer <NUM> and may at least partially overlap the display panel <NUM> in the thickness direction. The second portion <NUM> of the first frame conductive layer <NUM> may be continuously disposed along the first portion <NUM> of the first frame conductive layer <NUM> disposed continuously. For example, the first portion <NUM> of the first frame conductive layer <NUM> may be continuously disposed along the first portion <NUM> of the first main frame portion <NUM>, and the second portion <NUM> of the first frame conductive layer <NUM> may be continuously disposed along the second portion <NUM> of the first main frame portion <NUM>.

The second portion of the second frame conductive layer <NUM> may have substantially the same shape as the first portion <NUM> of the first frame conductive layer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, static electricity ESD applied to the display device <NUM> from the outside may be conducted to the mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> including a conductive material. The static electricity ESD provided to the mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> may be moved to the connection conductors <NUM> and <NUM> electrically connected to the mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> and moved to the brackets <NUM> and <NUM> electrically connected to the connection conductors <NUM> and <NUM>. The brackets <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected to a set ground which may serve as a ground such that static electricity ESD conducted to the brackets <NUM> and <NUM> can be discharged to the outside.

As described above, since the planar size of the protective layer <NUM> is smaller than the planar size of the display panel <NUM>, the upper surface of the display panel <NUM> may include the cover region CR covered by the protective layer <NUM>, and the exposed region ER exposed by the protective layer <NUM>. The protective layer <NUM> is disposed so as not to overlap the mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> located on one side and the other side of the display panel <NUM> in a thickness direction of the display panel, respectively. Accordingly, the user can easily remove and reattach the protective layer <NUM>. However, since the protective layer <NUM> is not disposed on the entire surface of the display panel <NUM>, in terms of a module structure, when static electricity is applied, the ground area may be insufficient to adequately discharge the static electricity.

For example, in terms of the structure and constituent materials of the display device <NUM>, the applied static electricity may be transferred to the display panel 100where it might not easily be discharged. Static electricity transferred to the display panel <NUM> may move to both sides of the display panel <NUM>. The static electricity may cause thin film transistors of the plurality of pixels of the display panel <NUM> to become defective. For example, the static electricity may cause current leakage of the thin film transistor of the display panel <NUM>, resulting in a display failure. The plurality of pixels of the display panel <NUM> may include a blue pixel which emits blue light, a green pixel which emits green light, and a red pixel which emits red light. A blue organic light emitting layer may be disposed on the blue pixel, a green organic light emitting layer may be disposed on the green pixel, and a red organic light emitting layer may be disposed on the red pixel.

The green organic light emitting layer may have better light emission efficiency than the blue organic light emitting layer and the red organic light emitting layer. In this case, when current leakage of the thin film transistor occurs, undesired green light is generated in the green organic light emitting layer, and green non-uniformity may occur on both sides or an edge portion of the display panel <NUM>.

However, in the display device <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> and the brackets <NUM> and <NUM> covering the display panel <NUM> include an electrically conductive material, and are electrically connected to each other. Accordingly, an escape path from the mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> of the static electricity ESD applied to the display device <NUM> from the outside to the brackets <NUM> and <NUM> can be established.

Thus, it is possible to prevent a display failure such as green non-uniformity from occurring on both sides or an edge portion of the display panel <NUM> due to defects in the thin film transistors of the plurality of pixels of the display panel <NUM> generated due to static electricity applied to the display device <NUM>.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the following embodiments, the same components as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a plan layout view of a display panel, a first mold frame and a second mold frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a display device <NUM>, according to the present embodiment differs from the display device <NUM> of <FIG> in that the display devices <NUM> includes mold frames 710_1 and 750_1.

For example, the display device <NUM> according to the present embodiment may include the mold frames 710_1 and 750_1.

The mold frames 710_1 and 750_1 may be disposed with electrically conductive metal powder dispersed in the mold frame.

The mold frames 710_1 and 750_1 according to the present embodiment may be formed by alternately mixing the electrically conductive metal powder with the organic insulating material illustrated in <FIG>.

Also in the present embodiment, since the planar size of the protective layer <NUM> is smaller than the planar size of the display panel <NUM>, the upper surface of the display panel <NUM> may include the cover region CR covered by the protective layer <NUM>, and the exposed region ER exposed by the protective layer <NUM>. The protective layer <NUM> is disposed so as not to overlap the mold frames 710_1 and 750_1 located on one side and the other side of the display panel <NUM> in a thickness direction of the display panel, respectively. Accordingly, the user can easily remove and reattach the protective layer <NUM>. However, since the protective layer <NUM> is not disposed on the entire surface of the display panel <NUM>, in terms of a module structure, when static electricity is applied, the ground area may be insufficient to adequately discharge the static electricity.

For example, in terms of the structure and constituent materials of the display device <NUM>, the applied static electricity may be transferred to the display panel <NUM> where it might not easily be discharged. Static electricity transferred to the display panel <NUM> may move to both sides of the display panel <NUM>. The static electricity may cause the thin film transistors of the plurality of pixels of the display panel <NUM> to become defective. For example, the static electricity may cause current leakage of the thin film transistor of the display panel <NUM>, resulting in a display failure. The plurality of pixels of the display panel <NUM> may include a blue pixel which emits blue light, a green pixel which emits green light, and a red pixel which emits red light. A blue organic light emitting layer may be disposed on the blue pixel, a green organic light emitting layer may be disposed on the green pixel, and a red organic light emitting layer may be disposed on the red pixel.

However, in the display device <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the mold frames 710_1 and 750_1 and the brackets <NUM> and <NUM> covering the display panel <NUM> include an electrically conductive material, and are electrically connected to each other. Accordingly, an escape path from the mold frames 710_1 and 750_1 of the static electricity ESD applied to the display device <NUM> from the outside to the brackets <NUM> and <NUM> can be secured.

Thus, it is possible to prevent a display failure such as green non-uniformity from occurring on both sides or an edge portion of the display panel <NUM> due to defects in the thin film transistors of the plurality of pixels of the display panel <NUM> generated due to the remaining of static electricity applied to the display device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region C of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a display device <NUM> according to the present embodiment differs from the display device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> in that frame conductive layers 730_1 and 770_1 are disposed inside the main frame portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

For example, in the display device <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the frame conductive layers 730_1 and 770_1 may be disposed inside the main frame portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The frame conductive layers 730_1 and 770_1 may be formed to be inserted into the main frame portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

The first frame conductive layer 730_1 may pass through the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> of the first main frame portion <NUM>.

Also in the present embodiment, since the planar size of the protective layer <NUM> is smaller than the planar size of the display panel <NUM>, the upper surface of the display panel <NUM> may include the cover region CR covered by the protective layer <NUM>, and the exposed region ER exposed by the protective layer <NUM>. The protective layer <NUM> is disposed so as not to overlap the mold frames 710_2 and 750_2 located on one side and the other side of the display panel <NUM> in a thickness direction of the display panel, respectively. Accordingly, the user can easily remove and reattach the protective layer <NUM>. However, since the protective layer <NUM> is not disposed on the entire surface of the display panel <NUM>, in terms of a module structure, when static electricity is applied, the ground area may be insufficient to adequately discharge the static electricity.

However, in the display device <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the mold frames 710_2 and 750_2 and the brackets <NUM> and <NUM> covering the display panel <NUM> include an electrically conductive material, and are electrically connected to each other. Accordingly, an escape path from the mold frames 710_2 and 750_2 of the static electricity ESD applied to the display device <NUM> from the outside to the brackets <NUM> and <NUM> can be secured.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, a display device <NUM>, according to the present embodiment differs from the display device <NUM> of <FIG> in that brackets 910_1 and 950_1 include the main bracket portions <NUM> and <NUM>, and bracket conductive layers <NUM> and <NUM> disposed inside the main bracket portions 910_1 and 950_1.

For example, in the display device <NUM>, according to the present embodiment, the brackets 910_1 and 950_1 may include the main bracket portions <NUM> and <NUM>, and the bracket conductive layers <NUM> and <NUM> disposed inside the main bracket portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

Unlike the brackets <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>, the main bracket portions <NUM> and <NUM> may include an organic insulating material.

The bracket conductive layers <NUM> and <NUM> and the frame conductive layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be electrically connected through the connection conductors <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

The bracket conductive layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be exposed on the outer surfaces of the main bracket portions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

However, in the display device <NUM>, according to the present embodiment, the mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> and the brackets 910_1 and 950_1 covering the display panel <NUM> include an electrically conductive material, and are electrically connected to each other. Accordingly, an escape path from the mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> of the static electricity ESD applied to the display device <NUM> from the outside to the brackets 910_1 and 950_1 can be secured.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an example, not falling in the scope of the claim, of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a display device <NUM>, according to the present embodiment differs from the display device <NUM> of <FIG> in that a protective layer 600_1 further extends outward to overlap the mold frames <NUM> and <NUM>.

For example, in the display device <NUM>, according to the present embodiment, a protective layer 600_1 may further extend outward to at least partially overlap the mold frames <NUM> and <NUM>. The protective layer 600_1, according to the present example, may further extend outward to overlap the mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> to further increase the ground area by the protective layer 600_1.

Similarly to the protective layer 600_1, a third coupling member AM3_1 may further extend outward.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a plan layout view of a display panel, a cover window, a light blocking pattern, a first mold frame and a second mold frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a display device <NUM>, according to the present embodiment differs from the display device <NUM> of <FIG> in that it further includes a window W disposed between the protective layer <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>.

For example, the display device <NUM> according to the present embodiment may further include a window W disposed between the protective layer <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>. For example, the window W may be disposed between the third coupling member AM3 and the display panel <NUM>. The window W may be attached to the display panel <NUM> through the fourth coupling member AM4. The fourth coupling member AM4 may include the same material as the third coupling member AM3.

The window W covers and protects the members disposed below. The window W may be made of glass, quartz, or the like. When the window W is relatively thin, the stress may become small during folding, and even if the display device <NUM> is repeatedly folded and unfolded, the degree of deformation of the structure may be small. The window W may include ultra thin glass (UTG).

The planar shape of the window W may be substantially the same as the planar shape of the display panel <NUM>. Although <FIG> illustrates that the planar size of the window W is the same as the planar size of the display panel <NUM>, the planar size of the window W is not limited thereto and may be larger than the planar size of the display panel <NUM>.

A light blocking pattern BM may be disposed on the lower surface of the window W. As illustrated in <FIG>, the light blocking pattern BM may be continuously disposed along the edge of the window W.

The light blocking pattern BM, according to the present embodiment, may include an electrically conductive material.

Accordingly, the static electricity applied from the outside to the display device <NUM> is applied to the light blocking pattern BM including the conductive material, and the static electricity applied to the light blocking pattern BM might not be moved to the display panel <NUM> but may be moved to the adjacent mold frames <NUM> and <NUM> including a conductive material.

<FIG> is a plan layout view illustrating a display panel, a first mold frame and a second mold frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, a display device <NUM>, according to the present embodiment differs from the display device <NUM> of <FIG> in that it includes mold frames 710_3 and 750_3.

Claim 1:
A display device (<NUM>), comprising:
a display panel (<NUM>);
a mold frame (<NUM>, <NUM>) at least partially surrounding the display panel (<NUM>);
a bracket (<NUM>, <NUM>) at least partially overlapping the mold frame (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein each of the mold frame (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the bracket (<NUM>, <NUM>) includes an electrically conductive material, and
wherein the mold frame (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the bracket (<NUM>, <NUM>) are electrically connected to each other, and
a protective film is disposed on the display panel (<NUM>),
wherein the display panel (<NUM>) includes a cover region (CR) at least partially overlapping the protective film and an exposed region (ER) exposed by the protective film
characterized in that
the cover region (CR) is covered by a protective layer (<NUM>) and the exposed region (ER) being exposed by the protective layer (<NUM>),
wherein the upper surface of the display panel (<NUM>) includes the cover region (CR),
the planar size of the protective layer (<NUM>) is smaller than the planar size of the display panel (<NUM>),
the protective layer <NUM> is not disposed on the entire surface of the display panel (<NUM>),
wherein the protective layer (<NUM>) is disposed to overlap the mold frame (<NUM>, <NUM>) in a direction parallel to the display panel (<NUM>) and is disposed so as not to overlap the mold frame (<NUM>, <NUM>) located on one side and the other side of the display panel (<NUM>) in a thickness direction of the display panel (<NUM>), respectively, and
the protective layer (<NUM>) is removable and reattachable by a user.