Patent Description:
Display devices allow various images to be displayed on a display screen and provide a user with the images. Generally, information is displayed within an assigned region of the screen by the display devices. Flexible display devices including a foldable flexible display panel have been developed. The flexible display devices may be bent, rolled, or curved unlike rigid display devices. The flexible display devices having a diversely changeable shape are not limited to existing screen sizes and thus may be transportable. Therefore, the user convenience may be improved.

<CIT> discloses a display device with the features summarized in the preamble of the independent claims. Further foldable display devices are disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

The present invention provides a display device having improved product reliability.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a display device according to independent claim <NUM>.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a display device according to independent claim <NUM>.

Optional features are defined in the appended dependent claims.

The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain principles of the invention. In the drawings:.

In this specification, when a component (or a region, a layer, a portion, or the like) is referred to as being related to another component such as being "on," "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, it may be directly disposed/connected/coupled to another component, or an intervening third component may also be disposed therebetween. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being related to another component such as being "directly on," "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another component, no intervening third component is disposed therebetween.

Like numbers refer to like components throughout. Also, in the drawings, the thicknesses, ratios, and dimensions of the components are exaggerated for effectively describing the technical features.

" "And/or" includes one or more combinations which may be defined by the associated components.

Although the terms such as first and second are used to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component without departing from the scope of the invention concept. The expression of a singular form includes plural forms unless definitely indicating a particular case in terms of the context.

Also, terms of "below," "on a lower side," "above," "on an upper side" or the like may be used to describe the relationships of the components illustrated in the drawings. These terms have a relative concept, and are described on the basis of the directions illustrated in the drawings.

It should be understood that the term of "comprise," "have" or the like intends to specify the presence of a feature, a fixed number, a step, an operation, an element, a component, or a combination thereof described in the specification, but does not exclude the possibility of presence or addition of one or more other features, fixed numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of a display device <NUM>. <FIG> is a view illustrating an embodiment of the display device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, which is folded.

Referring to <FIG>, a display device <NUM> is a foldable display device. The display device <NUM> may be used in large scale electronic apparatuses such as televisions and display monitors, as well as, in small-to-medium scale electronic apparatuses such as mobile phones, tablets, vehicular navigation devices, game consoles and smart watches.

A top surface of the display device <NUM> may be defined as a display surface DS. The display device <NUM> which is unfolded may dispose the display surface DS in a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2 which cross each other. Various components of the display device <NUM> which is unfolded may be disposed in a plane parallel to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

A thickness of the display device <NUM> and various components thereof is defined along a third direction DR3 (e.g., thickness direction) which crosses each of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

The display surface DS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA which is adjacent to the display area DA. The display area DA is a planar area at which an image IM is displayed, and the non-display area NDA is a planar area at which the image IM is not displayed. In <FIG>, application icons are illustrated as one example of the image IM. Various components of the display device <NUM> may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA corresponding to those described above for the display device <NUM>.

The display area DA may have a tetragonal planar shape. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the planar shape of the display area DA and the planar shape of the non-display area NDA may be relatively designed.

In the display device <NUM>, a first non-folding area NFA1, a folding area FA and a second non-folding area NFA2 are defined in order along the second direction DR2. That is, the folding area FA is defined between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. A single one of each of the folding area FA, the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 are illustrated in <FIG>, but the number of these areas is not limited thereto. The display device <NUM> may include more than two, for example, a plurality of non-folding areas and a plurality of folding areas which are disposed between the non-folding areas.

The display device <NUM> and various component thereof are bendable or foldable at the folding area FA. The display device <NUM> and various component thereof are non-bendable or non-foldable at the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2, or may remain unbent, unfolded or flat even within the display device <NUM> which is bent or folded at the folding area FA.

The display device <NUM> is foldable with respect to a folding axis FX. That is, the folding area FA is bendable with respect to the folding axis FX. The folding axis FX extends along the first direction DR1. The folding axis FX may be defined as a short axis parallel to short sides of the display device <NUM> along long sides and short sides thereof.

Thus, the display device <NUM> which is folded, disposes a portion of a display surface DS at the first non-folding area NFA1 and a portion of the display surface DS at the second non-folding area NFA2 facing each other. Thus, the display surface DS may not be exposed to the outside in the display device <NUM> which is folded. However, this is merely an example, and the invention is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the display device <NUM> which is folded, disposes a portion of the display surface DS at the first non-folding area NFA1 and a portion of the display surface DS at the second non-folding area NFA2 facing in directions opposite to each other. Thus, the display surface DS may be exposed to or face outside the display device <NUM> in the display device <NUM> which is folded.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of a display device <NUM>-<NUM>. <FIG> is a view illustrating an embodiment of the display device <NUM>-<NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, which is folded.

Referring to <FIG>, in a display device <NUM>-<NUM>, a first non-folding area NFA1-<NUM>, a folding area FA-<NUM> and a second non-folding area NFA2-<NUM> are defined in order along a first direction DR1. The folding area FA-<NUM> is defined between the first non-folding area NFA1-<NUM> and the second non-folding area NFA2-<NUM>.

The display device <NUM>-<NUM> is foldable with respect to a folding axis FX-<NUM>. That is, the folding area FA-<NUM> is bendable with respect to the folding axis FX-<NUM>. The folding axis FX-<NUM> extends along a second direction DR2. The folding axis FX-<NUM> may be defined as a long axis parallel to long sides of the display device <NUM>-<NUM>.

Hereinafter, a structure of the display device <NUM> which is folded with respect to the short axis will be described. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and structures described hereinafter may be also applied to the display device <NUM>-<NUM> which is folded with respect to the long axis.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a display device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a display device <NUM> may include a first module <NUM>, a second module <NUM> and a third module <NUM>. The first module <NUM>, the second module <NUM> and the third module <NUM> may be coupled to each other by an adhesive or bonding agent (not shown), in order along the third direction DR3 as shown in <FIG>. In an embodiment, the first module <NUM> may be disposed directly on the second module <NUM>, and the second module <NUM> may be disposed directly on the third module <NUM>, without being limited thereto.

The first module <NUM> includes a display module and a plurality of functional layers. The first module <NUM> may include a display module <NUM>. The first module <NUM> includes a folding area FA, a first non-folding area NFA1 and a second non-folding area NFA2. The first module <NUM> will be described in more detail in <FIG>.

The second module <NUM> includes a first layer <NUM> and a second layer <NUM>. The first layer <NUM> includes a first support member SM1. In an embodiment, the second layer <NUM> includes a second support member SM2, a first support plate SP1 and a second support plate SP2 which together define a support layer or a plate layer. In an embodiment, the second layer <NUM> may include only the second support member SM2. The second layer <NUM> may include a first adhesive layer AL1 and a second adhesive layer AL2. The second module <NUM> may collectively define a supporter.

The second module <NUM> includes a bending area BA, a first non-bending area NBA1 and a second non-bending area NBA2. The second module <NUM> and various component thereof are bendable or foldable at the bending area BA. The second module <NUM> and various components thereof are non-bendable or non-foldable at the first non-bending area NBA1 and the second non-bending area NBA2, or may remain unbent, unfolded or flat even within the second module <NUM> which is bent or folded at the bending area BA. The second module <NUM> may be bendable or foldable together with the first module <NUM> and/or the third module <NUM>.

An opening portion OP or opening provided in plurality (e.g., a plurality of opening portions OP) are arranged to be spaced at a predetermined distance from each other. The plurality of opening portions OP may correspond to and/or define the bending area BA. The bending area BA overlaps or corresponds to the folding area FA. The first non-bending area NBA1 may overlap or correspond to the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second non-bending area NBA2 may overlap or correspond to the second non-folding area NFA2.

The third module <NUM> includes functional components which provide a function and/or operation of the first module <NUM> or structural components related to the first module <NUM> and/or the second module <NUM> within the display device <NUM> as a whole. The third module <NUM> may include one or more of a camera module, a main board, a battery and a housing. The third module <NUM> may include a third layer <NUM>. In an embodiment, a first cover member CM1 and a second cover member CM2 may be provided in the third layer <NUM> of the third module <NUM>. The first cover member CM1 together with the second cover member CM2 may define a cover layer. The third module <NUM> may be bendable or foldable together with the first module <NUM> and/or the second module <NUM>.

The display device <NUM> which is unfolded disposes the first cover member CM1 and the second cover member CM2 spaced apart from each other. The first to third layers <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may be respectively coupled to each other by an adhesive or bonding agent (not shown), along the third direction DR3. In an embodiment, the first layer <NUM> may be disposed directly on the second layer <NUM>, and the second layer <NUM> may be disposed directly on the third layer <NUM>, without being limited thereto.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a first module <NUM> of a display device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a first module <NUM> may include a display module <NUM>, an anti-reflection layer <NUM>, a window <NUM>, an upper protective film <NUM>, a lower protective film <NUM> and a cushion layer <NUM>.

The display module <NUM> may generate and/or display the image IM (see <FIG>). The display module <NUM> may sense an external input TC (see <FIG>). The external input TC may include various types of external inputs such as a portion of a user's body, light, heat, a pen or pressure. In <FIG>, the external input TC is illustrated as the user's hand applied to the display surface DS. However, this is merely illustrated as an example, and as described above, the external input TC may be provided as various forms. Also, the external input TC applied to the side surface or the bottom surface of the display module <NUM> according to the structure of the display device <NUM> may be sensed, and is not limited to any one embodiment.

The display module <NUM> may include a display panel which generates and/or displays an image IM and an input sensing layer which acquires coordinate information about an external input TC.

The display panel may be a light emitting-type display panel, but is not particularly limited thereto. In an embodiment, for example, the display panel may be an organic light emitting display panel or a quantum-dot light emitting display panel. A light emitting layer of the organic light emitting display panel may include an organic light emitting material. A light emitting layer of the quantum-dot light emitting display panel may include quantum dots, quantum rods or the like.

The input sensing layer may be disposed directly on the display panel. In an embodiment, for example, the input sensing layer may be provided or formed directly on the display panel through a continuous process in a method of manufacturing the display device <NUM>. The input sensing layer may include a plurality of insulating layers and a plurality of conductive layers. The plurality of conductive layers may constitute a sensing electrode for sensing an external input TC, a sensing wire connected to the sensing electrode, and a sensing pad connected to the sensing wire. The input sensing layer may sense the external input TC by using a mutual capacitance method and/or a self-capacitance method. However, the method for sensing the external input TC is not limited to the above-described examples.

The display module <NUM> includes a first area <NUM>-<NUM>, a second area <NUM>-<NUM> and a third area <NUM>-<NUM> in order. The first area <NUM>-<NUM> may correspond to the first non-folding area NFA1 of <FIG>, the second area <NUM>-<NUM> may correspond to the folding area FA of <FIG>, and the third area <NUM>-<NUM> may correspond to the second non-folding area NFA2 of <FIG>. That is, each of the first area <NUM>-<NUM> and the third area <NUM>-<NUM> may be a planar area at which the display module <NUM> is non-foldable, and the second area <NUM>-<NUM> may be a planar area at which the display module <NUM> is foldable.

The anti-reflection layer <NUM> may be disposed above the display module <NUM>. The reflectivity of external light incident from outside of the anti-reflection layer <NUM> may be reduced by the anti-reflection layer <NUM>. The anti-reflection layer <NUM> may include a phase retarder and a polarizer. The phase retarder may be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type and may include a λ/<NUM> phase retarder and/or a λ/<NUM> phase retarder. The polarizer may also be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type. The film type may include an elongated synthetic resin film, and the liquid crystal coating type may include liquid crystals arranged in a predetermined arrangement. The phase retarder and the polarizer may further include protective films.

Also, the anti-reflection layer <NUM> may include color filters. The color filters have a predetermined arrangement. By considering light emission colors of pixels provided in the display panel, the arrangement of the color filters may be determined. The anti-reflection layer <NUM> may further include a black matrix adjacent to the color filters.

Also, the anti-reflection layer <NUM> may include a destructive interference structure. In an embodiment, for example, the destructive interference structure may include a first reflection layer and a second reflection layer which are disposed in different layers from each other. First reflection light and second reflection light, which are reflected respectively from the first reflection layer and the second reflection layer, may be destructively interfered, and thus the reflectivity of external light is reduced.

An adhesive layer <NUM> (e.g., third adhesive layer) may be disposed between the display module <NUM> and the anti-reflection layer <NUM>. The display module <NUM> and the anti-reflection layer <NUM> may be coupled to each other by the adhesive layer <NUM>. In an embodiment, the adhesive layer <NUM> may be omitted. The various adhesive layers described in the present specification may include a general bonding agent or adhesive material. In an embodiment, for example, each of the various adhesive layers may be a pressure sensitive adhesive ("PSA"), an optical clear adhesive ("OCA") or an optical clear resin ("OCR").

The window <NUM> may be disposed above the anti-reflection layer <NUM>. The window <NUM> may include a base layer <NUM> and a functional coating layer <NUM>. The base layer <NUM> may include a glass substrate and/or a synthetic resin film. In an embodiment, for example, the base layer <NUM> may include a polyimide film. The base layer <NUM> is not limited to a single layer. The base layer <NUM> may include two or more films coupled to each other by an adhesive member. The functional coating layer <NUM> may include at least one of an anti-fingerprint layer, an anti-reflection layer and a hard coating layer.

An adhesive layer <NUM> (e.g., fourth adhesive layer) may be disposed between the window <NUM> and the anti-reflection layer <NUM>. In an embodiment, the adhesive layer <NUM> may be omitted.

The upper protective film <NUM> may be disposed above the window <NUM>. The impact resistance characteristics of the display device <NUM> may be enhanced by adding the upper protective film <NUM>. The upper protective film <NUM> may be a polymer film or a tempered glass film. The upper protective film <NUM> may form an upper surface or outer surface of the first module <NUM>. An adhesive layer <NUM> (e.g., fifth adhesive layer) may be disposed between the upper protective film <NUM> and the window <NUM>. In an embodiment, the adhesive layer <NUM> may be omitted. Also, in an embodiment, the upper protective film <NUM> may be omitted.

The lower protective film <NUM> may be disposed below the display module <NUM>. The lower protective film <NUM> may be a layer for protecting the bottom surface of the display module <NUM>. The lower protective film <NUM> may include a synthetic resin film, for example, which may be a polyimide film or a polyethylene terephthalate film. However, this is merely an example, and the lower protective film <NUM> is not limited to the above-described example. An adhesive layer <NUM> (e.g., sixth adhesive layer) may be disposed between the lower protective film <NUM> and the display module <NUM>.

The cushion layer <NUM> may be disposed below the lower protective film <NUM>. The cushion layer <NUM> may include sponge, foam, a urethane resin, or the like. The cushion layer <NUM> may form a lower surface or outer surface of the first module <NUM>. An adhesive layer <NUM> (e.g., seventh adhesive layer) may be disposed between the lower protective film <NUM> and the cushion layer <NUM>.

<FIG> are cross-sectional views of embodiments of a display device <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are cross-sectional views illustrating a display device <NUM> which is unfolded or flat. <FIG> are cross-sectional views respectively illustrating an end portion of the display device <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG> which is folded.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the display device <NUM> includes a first module <NUM>, a first support member SM1, a second support member SM2, a first support plate SP1, and a second support plate SP2. In an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may further include a first adhesive member AM1, a second adhesive member AM2, and a third adhesive member AM3. In an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may further include a first cover member CM1 and a second cover member CM2. In an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may further include a first adhesive layer AL1 and a second adhesive layer AL2.

The first module <NUM> includes a display module <NUM>. In <FIG>, functional layers other than the display module <NUM> are omitted. Thus, the first module <NUM> in <FIG> may represent the display module <NUM>. A first non-folding area NFA1, a second non-folding area NFA2 and a folding area FA are defined in the display module <NUM>. The folding area FA is positioned between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2.

The first support member SM1 is disposed below the display module <NUM>. The first support member SM1 is bendable or foldable together with the display module <NUM>. The first support member SM1 may be a metal plate. The first support member SM1 may include stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy thereof. The strength (e.g., mechanical strength) of the first support member SM1 may be greater than the strength of the display module <NUM>.

A bending area BA and first and second non-bending areas NBA1 and NBA2 which are adjacent to the bending area BA are defined in the first support member SM1. The bending area BA overlaps the folding area FA. Also, the first and second non-bending areas NBA1 and NBA2 overlap or correspond to the first and second non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2, respectively. The first support member SM1 which is unbent has a flat shape, and the first support member SM1 which is bent at the bending area BA disposes the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 facing each other.

The first support member SM1 may be provided with a plurality of opening portions OP at the bending area BA. The plurality of opening portions OP may be defined between solid portions of the first support member SM1. Solid portions of the first support member SM1 define inner sidewalls of the first support member SM1 at the plurality of opening portions OP. The plurality of opening portions OP may extend through an entirety of a thickness of the first support member SM1 or may extend partially through the thickness of the first support member SM1. Each one of the plurality of opening portions OP may be open to outside the first support member SM1, at an upper surface of the first support member SM1 which faces the first module <NUM> and/or at a lower surface of the first support member SM1 which faces the third module <NUM>.

The plurality of opening portions OP are spaced a predetermined distance from each other along the first support member SM1. The opening portions OP which are furthest apart from each other within the first support member SM1 may define the bending area BA. Referring to <FIG>, for example, two inner sidewalls of the first support member SM1 which are furthest apart from each other and define an opening portion OP may define a boundary of the bending area BA with a respective non-bending area. The bending area BA includes the plurality of opening portions OP and thus the first support member SM1 may have greater flexibility at the bending area BA than at the first non-bending area NBA1 and the second non-bending area NBA2.

The first support member SM1 is provided in each of the bending area BA, the first non-bending area NBA1 and the second non-bending area NBA2, to be commonly provided at each of the folding area FA, the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. The first support member SM1 is provided with the bending area BA overlapping the folding area FA, and supports the display module <NUM> at each of the folding area FA, the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. Accordingly, the first support member SM1 may facilitate the folding of the display device <NUM> and prevent foreign substances from being introduced into the display module <NUM>.

The second support member SM2 is disposed below the first support member SM1. The second support member SM2 has a bar shape and may include a film or a cushion. A bar shape is defined by a dimension of the second support member SM2 which is smaller than a dimension of the first support member SM1, along a same direction. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, for example, since a maximum dimension of the second support member SM2 along the second direction DR2 is smaller than a maximum dimension of the first support member SM1, the first support member SM1 extends further than ends of the second support member SM2 along the second direction DR2. For a same distance along the first direction DR1, since the second support member SM2 is smaller than the first support member SM1 along the second direction DR2, the second support member defines a bar shape. Referring to <FIG>, which shows an embodiment different from the present invention, each of the first portion PM1 and the second portion PM2 may have an individual bar shape.

The second support member SM2 supports the bending area BA, a portion of the first non-bending area NBA1, and a portion of the second non-bending area NBA2. That is, the second support member SM2 overlaps the bending area BA, the portion of the first non-bending area NBA1, and the portion of the second non-bending area NBA2. The portion of the first non-bending area NBA1 and the portion of the second non-bending area NBA2 are portions adjacent to the bending area BA extending directly therefrom. The second support member SM2 is bendable together with the first support member SM1 and the display module <NUM>.

The second support member SM2 may include a sponge, foam, a urethane resin, or the like. The second support member SM2 is provided or formed as a single body which is common to each of the bending area BA, the portion of the first non-bending area NBA1, and the portion of the second non-bending area NBA2, and support the bending area BA of the first support member SM1. Thus, pressing and plastic deformation of the display module <NUM> and the first support member SM1 along the thickness direction may be reduced or effectively prevented owing to the second support member SM2 corresponding to the bending area BA. The deformation of the display module <NUM> and the first support member SM1 may occur due to pressure applied thereto along the thickness direction, such as from an external force and/or by the repetition of folding and unfolding operations.

The first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 may be disposed below the second support member SM2. The first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 may be spaced apart from each other. The display device <NUM> which is unfolded disposes the first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 disconnected from each other at the bending area BA. The first support plate SP1 may overlap portions of the bending area BA and the first non-bending area NBA1. The second support plate SP2 may overlap portions of the bending area BA and the second non-bending area NBA2. More particularly, the first support plate SP1 may support the first non-bending area NBA1 and a portion corresponding to about a first half of the bending area BA which is adjacent to the first non-bending area NBA1. Also, the second support plate SP2 may support the second non-bending area NBA2 and a portion corresponding to about a second half of the bending area BA which is adjacent to the second non-bending area NBA2.

Each of the first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 may be a metal plate. Each of the first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 may include stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy thereof. Each of the first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 may include or be made of the same material as the first support member SM1. Each of the first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 may have the same thickness as the first support member SM1. In an embodiment, for example, each of the first support plate SP1, the second support plate SP2, and the first support member SM1 may have the thickness of about <NUM> millimeter (mm) to about <NUM>. In conjunction with the second support member SM2, the first and second support plates SP1 and SP2 may reduce or effectively prevent pressing of the display module <NUM> and the first support member SM1 which are unfolded. Also, deformation of the display module <NUM> and/or the first support member SM1 caused by such pressing may be reduced or effectively prevented.

In an embodiment, the first adhesive member AM1 may be disposed between the second support member SM2 and the first support plate SP1, and may overlap the first non-bending area NBA1. The second adhesive member AM2 may be disposed between the second support member SM2 and the second support plate SP2, and may overlap the second non-bending area NBA2. The third adhesive member AM3 may be disposed between the first support member SM1 and the second support member SM2. A single one of the third adhesive member AM3 may be disposed between the first support member SM1 and the second support member SM2, such as to be commonly disposed in each of the bending area BA, the first non-bending area NBA1, and the second non-bending area NBA2. Each of the first to third adhesive members AM1, AM2, and AM3 may include a pressure sensitive adhesive ("PSA"), an optical clear adhesive ("OCA"), or an optical clear resin ("OCR").

Each of the first to third adhesive members AM1, AM2, and AM3 defines an upper surface facing the first module <NUM> and a lower surface facing the third module <NUM>. Both the upper and lower surfaces of each of the first to third adhesive members AM1, AM2, and AM3 may be adhesive to define an adhesive force relative to a component or layer adjacent thereto. An adhesive force may be defined at an interface of a respective surface of the first to third adhesive members AM1, AM2, and AM3, and a component or layer adjacent thereto. In an embodiment, for example, each of the first to third adhesive members AM1, AM2, and AM3 may be a double sided adhesive tape. In an embodiment, the first to third adhesive members AM1, AM2, and AM3 may be omitted.

In an embodiment, the first cover member CM1 may be disposed below the first support plate SP1, and the second cover member CM2 may be disposed below the second support plate SP2. The first cover member CM1 and the second cover member CM2 may be spaced apart from each other. The display device <NUM> which is unfolded disposes the first cover member CM1 and the second cover member CM2 disconnected from each other at the bending area BA. In the display device <NUM> which is unfolded, the distance between the first cover member CM1 and the second cover member CM2 may be equal to the distance between the first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2. That is, the first support member SM1 which is unbent disposes the first cover member CM1 and the second cover member CM2 spaced apart from each other by a first distance, and the first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 spaced apart from each other by a second distance, where the first distance is equal to the second distance.

The first adhesive layer AL1 may be disposed between the first cover member CM1 and the first support member SM1. The second adhesive layer AL2 may be disposed between the second cover member CM2 and the first support member SM1. In an embodiment, the first adhesive layer AL1 may overlap a portion of the first non-bending area NBA1 other than the portion of the first non-bending area NBA1 overlapped by other components or layers within the second layer <NUM>. Also, the second adhesive layer AL2 may overlap a portion of the second non-bending area NBA2 other than the portion of the second non-bending area NBA2 overlapped by other components or layers within the second layer <NUM>. The first adhesive layer AL1 and the second adhesive layer AL2 may respectively extend from ends of the second support member SM2, the first to third adhesive members AM1, AM2 and AM3, the first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2.

The first adhesive layer AL1 and the second adhesive layer AL2 may be disposed between a same one of the first support member SM1, and the first and second cover members CM1 and CM2, respectively. Within the second layer <NUM>, the second support member SM2, and the first and second support plates SP1 and SP2, may be stacked along the thickness direction, and be respectively disposed between the first adhesive layer AL1 and the second adhesive layer AL2 in a same plane. The thickness of each of the first adhesive layer AL1 and the second adhesive layer AL2 may be equal to a sum of the thickness of the second support member SM2 and the thickness of the first support plate SP1 and/or the thickness of the second support member SM2 and the thickness of the second support plate SP2. In another embodiment, the thickness of each of a first adhesive layer AL1 and a second adhesive layer AL2 may be equal to a sum of the thickness of the second support member SM2, and respective ones among the thickness of the first support plate SP1 or the second support plate SP2, the thickness of the first adhesive member AM1 or the second adhesive member AM2, and the thickness of the third adhesive member AM3.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, which show embodiments different from the present invention, a second support member SM2 may include a first portion PM1 (e.g., first portion) and a second portion PM2 (e.g., second portion). The first portion PM1 may overlap or correspond to the first support plate SP1, and the second portion PM2 may overlap or correspond to the second support plate SP2. The display device <NUM> which is unfolded disposes the first portion PM1 and the second portion PM2 disconnected from each other at the bending area BA. In the display device <NUM> which is unfolded, the distance between the first portion PM1 and the second portion PM2 may be equal to the distance between the first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2.

Each of the first portion PM1 and the second portion PM2 may include metal. In an embodiment, for example, the first portion PM1 and the second portion PM2 may include stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy thereof. In the present embodiment, a third adhesive member AM3 may be disposed in plurality respectively corresponding to a portion of the first non-bending area NBA1 and a portion of the second non-bending area NBA2, except for a region corresponding to the bending area BA, between the first support member SM1 and the second support member SM2. Also, in the present embodiment, the first adhesive member AM1 may be disposed to overlap or correspond to the first portion PM1, and be between the first portion PM1 of the second support member SM2 and the first support plate SP1. The second adhesive member AM2 may be disposed to overlap or correspond to the second portion PM2, and be between the second portion PM2 of the second support member SM2 and the second support plate SP2.

In <FIG>, the first support member SM1 may be unfolded (<FIG> and <FIG>) to have a flat shape or may be folded (<FIG>) to have a bent shape in which the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 face each other along a thickness direction of the display device <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> may represent the display module <NUM> which is unfolded or unbent, and <FIG> may represent the display module <NUM> which is folded or bent. The folding area FA and the bending area BA are disposed at the end portion of the display module <NUM> which is folded or bent, to correspond to the end portion of the display device <NUM> which is folded or bent.

<FIG> are cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a display device <NUM>.

When describing <FIG>, the description duplicated with <FIG> will be omitted.

<FIG> are cross-sectional views illustrating an embodiment of a display device <NUM>. The display device <NUM> is unfolded in <FIG>, and the display device <NUM> is folded in <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, a display device <NUM> includes a display module <NUM>, a first support member SM1, and a second support member SM2. In an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may further include a first cover member CM1 and a second cover member CM2. In an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may further include a first adhesive layer AL1 and a second adhesive layer AL2.

In <FIG>, the second support member SM2 is disposed below the first support member SM1 and supports a bending area BA, a portion of a first non-bending area NBA1, and a portion of a second non-bending area NBA2. The second support member SM2 may be attached to a bottom surface of the first support member SM1. In detail, an upper surface of the second support member SM2 which faces the first module <NUM> may form an interface with the bottom surface of the first support member SM1 which faces the third module <NUM>. As forming an interface, an intervening component or layer may be absent or omitted from between the first support member SM1 and the second support member SM2. The second support member SM2 may be disposed in the same plane as the first adhesive layer AL1 and the second adhesive layer AL2. That is, the second support member SM2, the first adhesive layer AL1 and the second adhesive layer AL2 may be coplanar with each other.

In <FIG>, which shows embodiments different from the present invention, a second support member SM2 may include a first portion PM1 and a second portion PM2 which are spaced apart from each other (e.g., disconnected) at the bending area BA. The first portion PM1 may support a first portion of the bending area BA and a portion of the first non-bending area NBA1. The second portion PM2 may support a second portion of the bending area BA and a portion of the second non-bending area NBA2. In an embodiment, the first portion PM1 and the second portion PM2 may be attached to the top surfaces of a first cover member CM1 and a second cover member CM2, respectively. The first portion PM1 and the second portion PM2 may be attached to the top surfaces of the first cover member CM1 and the second cover member CM2 through an adhesive or a bonding agent, respectively, or attached directly thereto (e.g., forming an interface therewith). That is, the first portion PM2 of the second support member SM2 forms an interface with the top surface of the first cover member CM1, and the second portion PM2 of the second support member SM2 forms an interface with the top surface of the second cover member CM2. The first support member SM1 includes a bottom surface facing the second support member SM2, and the first portion PM1 and the second portion PM2 of the second support member SM2 respectively form an interface with the bottom surface of the first support member SM1.

The first adhesive layer AL1 and the second adhesive layer AL2 may form a step difference with the lower surface of the first support member SM1. A thickness of the first portion PM1 and the second portion PM2 may be equal to a height of the step difference formed by the first adhesive layer AL1 and the first support member SM1 and by the second adhesive layer AL2 and the first support member SM1. Each of the first portion PM1 and the second portion PM2 may be a stepped portion compensation member for compensating a stepped portion due to the first adhesive layer AL1 and the second adhesive layer AL2, relative to the first support member SM1. Here, the stepped portion compensation member is not particularly limited, and may include various types of applicable compensation tapes and/or adhesive tape.

In <FIG>, which show embodiments different from the present invention, each of a first portion PM1 and a second portion PM2 may include metal. In an embodiment, the first portion PM1 and the second portion PM2 may include stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy thereof. The first portion PM1 and the second portion PM2 may be attached to the bottom surface of the first support member SM1. In an embodiment, for example, the first portion PM1 and the second portion PM2 may be attached to the bottom surface of the first support member SM1 through a direct-bond such as by welding or thermal welding. In detail, upper surfaces of the first portion PM1 and the second portion PM2 which face the first module <NUM> may form interfaces with the bottom surface of the first support member SM1 which faces the third module <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first portion PM1 and the second portion PM2 may have the same material as the first support member SM1.

In a direction along the first support member SM1, the first portion PM1 and the second portion PM2 may be spaced apart from a first adhesive layer AL1 and a second adhesive layer AL2, respectively. The first portion PM1, the second portion PM2, the first adhesive layer AL1 and the second adhesive layer AL2 may be disposed in a same plane as each other (e.g., coplanar with each other).

<FIG>, are cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a display device <NUM> different from the present invention.

<FIG> represents the display device <NUM> which is unfolded, and <FIG> represents the display device <NUM> which is folded. Referring to <FIG>, a display device <NUM> includes a display module <NUM>, a first support member SM1, a first cover member CM1, a second cover member CM2, a first adhesive layer AL1, and a second adhesive layer AL2. The first cover member CM1 includes a first protruding part PP1 (e.g., first protrusion) for supporting portions of a bending area BA and a first non-bending area NBA1 of the first support member SM1, and the second cover member CM2 includes a second protruding part PP2 (e.g., second protrusion) for supporting portions of the bending area BA and a second non-bending area NBA2. More particularly, the first cover member CM1 supports a region of the bending area BA which is adjacent to the first non-bending area NBA1, and the second cover member CM2 supports a region of the bending area BA which is adjacent to the second non-bending area NBA2.

In an embodiment, the first protruding part PP1 may be coplanar with the first adhesive layer AL1 and the second protruding part PP2 may be coplanar with the second adhesive layer AL2. The first protruding part PP1 has the same thickness as the second protruding part PP2, and the thickness may be equal to the thickness of each of the first adhesive layer AL1 and the second adhesive layer AL2. The first cover member CM1 and the second cover member CM2 may include metal or plastic. A portion of the first cover member CM1 which is coplanar with the first adhesive layer AL1 and/or the second adhesive layer AL2 defines the first protruding part PP1. Similarly, a portion of the second cover member CM2 which is coplanar with the first adhesive layer AL1 and/or the second adhesive layer AL2 defines the second protruding part PP2.

Claim 1:
A display device (<NUM>) comprising:
a display module (<NUM>) including:
a folding area (FA-<NUM>) at which the display module (<NUM>) is foldable with respect to a folding axis (FX) extending along a first direction (DR1), and
a first non-folding area (NFA1) and a second non-folding area (NFA2) respectively extended from the folding area (FA-<NUM>) in opposite directions along a second direction (DR2) perpendicular to the first direction (DR1);
a first support member (SM1) configured to bend together with the display module (<NUM>), the first support member (SM1) including:
a bending area (BA) at which the first support member (SM1) is bendable, the bending area (BA) corresponding to the folding area (FA-<NUM>),
a first non-bending area (NBA1) corresponding to the first non-folding area (NFA1), and
a second non-bending area (NBA2) corresponding to the second non-folding area (NFA2); and
a support layer (<NUM>) facing the display module (<NUM>) with the first support member (SM1) therebetween, the support layer (<NUM>) including:
a second support member (SM2) in the bending area (BA), the first non-bending area (NBA1) and the second non-bending area (NBA2);
a first support plate (SP1) facing the first support member (SM1) with the second support member (SM2) therebetween, the first support plate (SP1) in the bending area (BA) and the first non-bending area (NBA1); and
a second support plate (SP2) facing the first support member (SM1) with the second support member (SM2) therebetween, the second support plate (SP2) in the bending area (BA) and the second non-bending area (NBA2),
wherein the second support plate (SP2) is disconnected from the first support plate (SP1) at the bending area (BA), and
the second support member (SM2) is configured to bend together with the first support member (SM1) and the display module (<NUM>);
characterized by
the second support member (SM2) being provided as a single body overlapping each of the bending area (BA), a portion of the first non-bending area (NBA1), and a portion of the second non-bending area (NBA2), wherein said portion of the first non-bending area (NBA1) and said portion of the second non-bending area (NBA2) are portions adjacent to and extending directly from the bending area (BA);
the first support member (SM1) extends further than ends of the second support member (SM2) along the second direction (DR2).