Patent Description:
Electronic devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, multimedia players, and televisions, include display devices for displaying images. Each of the display devices includes a display panel that implements a screen displaying an image. Flexible display devices capable of deformation such as bending, folding, rolling, and stretching by using flexible substrates for their display panels have been developed.

Among flexible display devices, a display device may be folded and unfolded like a book. The display device has an advantage of being able to be folded and compactly carried, and when used, it may be unfolded to enjoy a wide screen.

Reference is made to <CIT>, which relates to a display panel folded or unfolded with respect to a bending display area; a first housing configured to support a first area of the display panel; a second housing physically coupled to a second area of the display panel; a link assembly connected between the first and second housings, and configured to support a bending display area of the display panel which is folded or unfolded; and a sliding assembly configured to slide the first area or second area of the display panel according to bending of the link assembly.

The above information disclosed in this background of the technology section is, in part, intended to provide useful background for understanding the technology. However, this background of the technology section may also include ideas, concepts, or recognitions that were not part of what was known or appreciated by those skilled in the pertinent art prior to a corresponding effective filing date of the subject matter disclosed herein.

Embodiments have been made in an effort to provide a display device capable of exposing a portion of a screen in a folded state.

The display panel includes screen which is exposed, especially partially exposed, in case that the second part of the second body slides out from the first part of the second body.

The first body may include a first set plate and the second body may include a second set plate. The second set plate may include a first part (which may also be termed as a first set plate part) and a second part (which may also be termed as a second set plate part) respectively corresponding to the first part of the second body and the second part of the second body. The support plate may be connected to the first set plate and the second part of the second set plate, and the support plate may not be connected to the first part of the second set plate. In other words, the support plate may be free of a connection, that is at least a rigid connection in the sliding direction of the second part of the second body, to the first part of the second set plate.

The support plate may include a first flat portion, a second flat portion, and a bendable portion disposed between the first flat portion and the second flat portion. The first flat portion may be connected to the first set plate, the second flat portion may be connected to the second part of the second set plate, and the bendable portion may not be connected to the first set plate and not connected to the second set plate. In other words, the bendable portion may be free of a connection to the first set plate and free of a connection to the second set plate, that is at least a rigid connection in the sliding direction of the second part of the second body.

The bendable portion may be bent with respect to a bending shaft in a folded state where the first body and the second body face each other. The bending shaft may move in a sliding direction in case that the second part of the second body slides out from the first part of the second body.

A bent area of the bendable portion may move toward the first flat portion in case that the second part of the second body slides out from the first part of the second body.

A moving distance of the bending shaft may be half of a distance at which the second part of the second body slides out in case that the second part of the second body slides out from the first part of the second body.

A region of the display panel connected to the second flat portion may be exposed in case that the second part of the second body slides out from the first part of the second body.

A distance between the first part of the second set plate and the second part of the second set plate may increase in case that the second part of the second body slides out from the first part of the second body.

The hinge part may include at least one intermediate piece and hinges. The hinges may include a first hinge connected to the intermediate piece and the first set plate, and a second hinge connected to the intermediate piece and the first part of the second set plate.

In an embodiment, a display device may include a first body, a second body including a first part and a second part that are slidably engaged, a display panel disposed on the first body and the second body, and a support plate having a first surface facing the display panel and a second surface facing an opposite direction to the first surface. The first surface of the support plate may be connected to the display panel, and the second surface of the support plate may be connected to the first body and the second part of the second body, and the second surface of the support plate may not be connected, that is free of a connection (especially a rigid connection in the sliding direction of the second part), to the first part of the second body.

The first body may include a first set plate and the second body may include a second set plate. The second set plate may include a first part and a second part respectively corresponding to the first part of the second body and the second part of the second body. The support plate may be connected to the first set plate and the second part of the second set plate, and the support plate may not be connected, that is free of a connection (especially a rigid connection in the sliding direction of the second part), to the first part of the second set plate.

The support plate may include a first flat portion, a second flat portion, and a bendable portion disposed between the first flat portion and the second flat portion. The first flat portion may be connected to the first set plate, the second flat portion may be connected to the second part of the second set plate, and the bendable portion may not be connected to the first set plate and not connected to the second set plate, that is free of a connection (especially a rigid connection in the sliding direction of the second part).

The display device may further include a hinge part connected to the first body and the second body, and the hinge part may include at least one intermediate piece and hinges. The hinges may include a first hinge connected to the intermediate piece and the first set plate, and a second hinge connected to the intermediate piece and the first part of the second set plate.

The first part of the second body includes a wing and a guide that may be perpendicular to each other, and the second part of the second body includes a wing and a guide that may be perpendicular to each other. An inner surface of the wing of the second part may contact an outer surface of the wing of the first part, and an outer surface of the guide of the second part may contact an inner surface of the guide of the first part.

According to the embodiments, the display device exposes a portion of the screen in a folded state. Other advantageous effects may be recognized throughout the specification.

The above and other aspects and features of the disclosure will become more apparent by describing in detail embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:.

The disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

In the drawings, sizes, thicknesses, ratios, and dimensions of the elements may be exaggerated for ease of description and for clarity.

These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, area, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. The spatially relative terms "below", "beneath", "lower", "above", "upper", or the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relations between one element or component and another element or component as illustrated in the drawings. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, in the case where a device illustrated in the drawing is turned over, the device positioned "below" or "beneath" another device may be placed "above" another device. Accordingly, the illustrative term "below" may include both the lower and upper positions. The device may also be oriented in other directions and thus the spatially relative terms may be interpreted differently depending on the orientations.

In the specification, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements.

In the specification, "connected" means that two or more components are not only directly connected, but two or more components may be connected indirectly through other components, physically connected as well as being electrically connected, or it may be referred to by different names depending on the location or function, but may include connecting each of parts that are substantially integral to each other.

In the drawings, signs "x", "y", and "z" are used to indicate directions, wherein x is used for indicating a first direction, y is used for indicating a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, and z is used for indicating a third direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The first direction x, the second direction y, and the third direction z may correspond to a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, and a thickness direction of the display device, respectively.

Unless otherwise described in the specification, "overlapping" indicates overlapping in a plan view, and indicates overlapping in the third direction z. The terms "overlap" or "overlapped" mean that a first object may be above or below or to a side of a second object, and vice versa. Additionally, the term "overlap" may include layer, stack, face or facing, extending over, covering, or partly covering or any other suitable term as would be appreciated and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

The terms "face" and "facing" mean that a first element may directly or indirectly oppose a second element. In a case in which a third element intervenes between the first and second element, the first and second element may be understood as being indirectly opposed to one another, although still facing each other.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> each illustrate a schematic perspective view and a bottom view of a display device <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates an unfolded state of the display device <NUM>, <FIG> illustrates a folded state of the display device <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates a folded and slid state of the display device <NUM>.

The display device <NUM> may be an electronic device that includes a main function of displaying an image. The display device <NUM> may be implemented as, e.g., an electronic device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet, a multimedia player, or a game console, or may be applied to such an electronic device.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may be generally flatly unfolded. The display device <NUM> may include a first flat area <NUM>, a second flat area <NUM>, and a bendable area <NUM> between the first flat area <NUM> and the second flat area <NUM>. The bendable area <NUM> is an area that is bent when the display device <NUM> is folded, and the first flat area <NUM> and the second flat area <NUM> are areas that are not bent when the display device <NUM> is folded. The bendable area <NUM> may be bent around an axis that is parallel to the second direction y.

Although one bendable area <NUM> is illustrated, the display device <NUM> may include multiple bendable areas <NUM> that are spaced apart from each other, can be bent with different radii of curvature, or can be bent around different bending axes. Although the bendable area <NUM> is illustrated to be positioned approximately at a center of the display device <NUM>, the position and width of the bendable area <NUM> of the display device <NUM> may be changed in the embodiments.

The display device <NUM> includes a body <NUM>. The body <NUM> may be referred to as a set, a set frame, or a housing. The body <NUM> may form overall appearance of the display device <NUM>, and various components constituting the display device <NUM>, such as a processor, a memory, a driving device, a printed circuit board, a battery, a communication module, a speaker, and various sensors, may be accommodated therein. The body <NUM> includes a first body <NUM> corresponding to the first flat area <NUM> and a second body <NUM> corresponding to the second flat area <NUM>. The first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> may form a pair with each other. The second body <NUM> includes a first part <NUM> and a second part <NUM> that are slidably engaged with each other.

The display device <NUM> includes a hinge part <NUM>. The hinge part <NUM> may be connected (or attached) to the body <NUM>. The hinge part <NUM> is connected (or attached) to the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> to allow the display device <NUM> to be folded and unfolded. When the display device <NUM> is folded, the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> faces each other, while when the display device <NUM> is unfolded, the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> may be disposed in parallel. The hinge part <NUM> may serve as a rotation axis of the bendable area <NUM>, and allows the bendable area <NUM> to be bent. Accordingly, the display device <NUM> may be generally deformed between folding and unfolding.

The display device <NUM> includes a display panel <NUM> which includes a screen SR on which an image is displayed. The screen SR corresponds to a display area in which pixels are arranged in the display panel <NUM>. The bendable area <NUM> may be positioned across the screen SR in the second direction y.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may be folded such that portions of the screen face each other, i.e., a screen portion of the first flat area <NUM> and a screen portion of the second flat area <NUM> face each other. In a folded state, a screen area of the bendable area <NUM> may be covered. When the first flat area <NUM> and the second flat area <NUM> are substantially the same (in size and/or form), the entire screen SR may be covered by the body <NUM> of the display device <NUM> in the folded state.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the second flat area <NUM> (or the second body <NUM> may be expanded in the folded state to expose a portion of the screen SR. The exposed screen SR is a part of the screen portion of the second flat area <NUM>. The second body <NUM> includes a first part <NUM> and a second part <NUM> that are slidably engaged with each other to expand the second flat area <NUM>. For example, when the second part <NUM> slides out from the first part <NUM> (hereinafter, referred to as a "slide-out state"), the second flat area <NUM> expands in a first direction x. In case that the second part <NUM> completely slides out, a width of the second flat area <NUM> may increase from about <NUM> times to about <NUM> times, for example, about <NUM> times, than before sliding. As the second part <NUM> slides out, an area of the screen SR to be exposed gradually increases. In case that the second part <NUM> completely slides out to a designed range, about <NUM> % to about <NUM> %, for example, about <NUM> %, of the screen portion of the second flat area <NUM> may be exposed, and about <NUM> % to about <NUM> %, for example, about <NUM> %, of the entire screen SR may be exposed. When the second flat area <NUM> is expanded, the first flat area <NUM> may maintain an original area, that is, the first flat area <NUM> may be not expanded and may maintain its size and form. A mechanism by which the screen SR is exposed when the second part <NUM> slides out will be described later.

The display device <NUM> may include a camera CM. The camera CM may be positioned on the body <NUM>, for example, the first body <NUM>, and may be a rear-facing camera in which a lens is exposed to an opposite side to the screen SR.

In case that the display device <NUM> is unfolded as illustrated in <FIG>, the display panel <NUM> is activated to display an image on the screen SR, that is on the whole screen SR in the first flat area <NUM>, the second flat area <NUM>, and the bendable area <NUM>. In case that the display device <NUM> is folded as illustrated in <FIG>, the display panel <NUM> may be deactivated, especially completely deactivated such that all parts of the screen SR in the first flat area <NUM>, the second flat area <NUM>, and the bendable area <NUM> are deactivated. In case that the display device <NUM> slides out as illustrated in <FIG>, the display panel <NUM> is activated to display an image on the exposed screen SR. Especially, the display panel <NUM> is activated to display an image exclusively on the exposed part of screen SR, that is not on the parts of the screen corresponding to the first flat area <NUM>, the bendable area <NUM>, and the non-exposed part of the second flat area <NUM>. Accordingly, a user may use the rear-facing camera as a self-camera like a normal front-facing camera by pointing a lens of the camera CM and the exposed screen SR toward themselves in the slide-out state, and an image captured by the camera CM may be checked through the exposed screen SR. Thus, according to a preferred embodiment, in a state where the camera CM is activated and the second part <NUM> of the second body <NUM> is slid out from the first part <NUM> of the second body <NUM>, the part of the screen SR overlapping the exposed part of the second part <NUM> and facing at least essentially in the same direction as the camera CM (that is the focus direction or capturing direction of the camera CM) may display a live picture which is captured by the camera CM, that is a picture which is presently captured by the camera CM.

As described above, there are at least the following advantages by providing the screen SR in a slide manner while the display device <NUM> is folded. A front-facing camera may be positioned at a same side as the screen SR (i.e., the front side) by sacrificing a portion of a front area where the screen SR is positioned, or self-photographing or video calling may be possible with the rear-facing camera CM and the front screen SR even when an additional screen is not disposed at an opposite side to the screen SR, for example, in a rear area of the first body <NUM>. Since it is not necessary to place the camera in front of the display device <NUM>, cost may be reduced, and a front surface of the display device <NUM> may be designed to be substantially filled with the screen SR. An image may be displayed by exposing the screen SR even in the folded state without unfolding the display device <NUM>, and a message, a time, and the like displayed through the image may be checked, for example.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic exploded perspective view of the display device <NUM> according to an embodiment, and <FIG> illustrates a schematic exploded perspective view of the body <NUM> and the hinge part <NUM> according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the display device <NUM> includes the body <NUM>, the hinge part <NUM>, the display panel <NUM>, and a support plate <NUM>.

The body <NUM> includes the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM>. The first body <NUM> may include a first set plate <NUM>, and the second body <NUM> may include a second set plate <NUM>. Each of the first set plate <NUM> and the second set plate <NUM> may provide a flat upper surface of the body <NUM>. The second set plate <NUM> may include a first part <NUM> and a second part <NUM> that are separated from each other. Edges of the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> of the second set plate <NUM> may contact each other even in the folded state without unfolding the display device <NUM>. Facing edges of the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> may be separated from each other in a state where the display device <NUM> is folded and slides out. As the second flat area <NUM> expands after the display device <NUM> is folded, a distance between the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> may gradually increase.

The first part <NUM> (of the second body <NUM>) includes a first wing <NUM> and a first guide <NUM>, and the second part <NUM> includes a second wing <NUM> and a second guide <NUM>, in order for the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> of the second body <NUM> to be slidably engaged. The first wing <NUM> and the first guide <NUM> may be arranged substantially perpendicular to each other, and the second wing <NUM> and the second guide <NUM> may be arranged substantially perpendicular to each other. An inner surface of the second wing <NUM> of the second part <NUM> may contact an outer surface of the first wing <NUM> of the first part <NUM>, and an outer surface of the second guide <NUM> of the second part <NUM> contact an inner surface of the first guide <NUM> of the first part <NUM>. When sliding out or sliding back in, the second part <NUM> may accurately slide in a direction due to the contact between components of the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM>.

In another example, the outer surface of the second wing <NUM> of the second part <NUM> may be configured to closely contact the inner surface of the first wing <NUM> of the first part <NUM>, and the inner surface of the second guide <NUM> of the second part <NUM> may be configured closely contact with the outer surface of the first guide <NUM> of the first part <NUM>. The embodiments may include other slidable coupling structures of the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM>.

The hinge part <NUM> may include at least one intermediate piece (or intermediate plate) <NUM> and hinges <NUM>. The intermediate piece <NUM> may be positioned to extend along a second direction y. Each of the hinges <NUM> may have a first side connected (or coupled or attached) to the or a corresponding intermediate piece <NUM> and a second side connected (or coupled or attached) to the first body <NUM> or the second body <NUM>. First hinges <NUM> connected (or coupled or attached) to the first body <NUM> and second hinges <NUM> connected (or coupled or attached) to the second body <NUM> may be alternately positioned along the second direction y. The first hinges <NUM> may be connected (or coupled or attached) to the first set plate <NUM> in the first body <NUM>. The second hinges <NUM> may be connected (or coupled or attached) to the first part <NUM> in the second body <NUM>.

The hinge part <NUM> may have a biaxial hinge structure. For example, rotation axes of the first hinges <NUM> connected (or coupled or attached) to the first body <NUM> and rotation axes of the second hinges <NUM> connected (or coupled or attached) to the second body <NUM> may be different. In other examples hinge part <NUM> may have a single-axis hinge structure.

The display panel <NUM> is a panel in which pixels capable of displaying an image are formed on a substrate. The display panel <NUM> may include light emitting elements corresponding to pixels. The light emitting elements may be light emitting diodes (LED) such as organic light emitting diodes or micro-light-emitting diodes. The display panel <NUM> may be a flexible panel capable of bending at least in a portion. The display panel <NUM> may be disposed in the first flat area <NUM>, the bendable area <NUM>, and the second flat area <NUM>. The display panel <NUM> is disposed on the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM>. For example, in the display panel <NUM>, at least an area corresponding to the bendable area <NUM> of the display device <NUM> may be flexible and bent. In other examples, the entire display panel may be flexible.

The support plate <NUM> is disposed on a rear surface of the display panel <NUM> to support the display panel <NUM>. The support plate <NUM> may include a first flat portion <NUM> and a second flat portion <NUM>, and a bendable portion <NUM> between the first flat portion <NUM> and the second flat portion <NUM>. The first flat portion <NUM> and the second flat portion <NUM> may support flat areas of the display panel <NUM>, and the first flat portion <NUM> and the second flat portion <NUM> may be metal plates. The bendable portion <NUM> may be connected between the first flat portion <NUM> and the second flat portion <NUM>, and may support the bendable area of the display panel <NUM> when the display device <NUM> is unfolded, folded, and folded and slid. The bendable portion <NUM> may have a multi-joint structure including segments that are rotatably connected to each other. The bendable portion <NUM> may be bent around an axis that is parallel to the second direction y. An area of the display panel <NUM> corresponding to the bendable portion <NUM> (i.e., an area attached to or in contact with the bendable portion <NUM>) may be flexible and bent.

In case that the display device <NUM> is unfolded or folded, the entire first flat portion <NUM> and a portion of the bendable portion <NUM> may correspond to the first flat area <NUM>, the entire second flat portion <NUM> may correspond to the second flat area <NUM>, and a portion of the bendable portion <NUM> may correspond to the bendable area <NUM>. The bendable portion <NUM> may extend over the first flat area <NUM> and the bendable area <NUM>. In case that the display device <NUM> is partially slid out after being folded, the bendable portion <NUM> may extend over the first flat area <NUM>, the bendable area <NUM>, and the second flat area <NUM>. In case that the display device <NUM> is completely slid out after being folded, the bendable portion <NUM> may extend over the bendable area <NUM> and the second flat area <NUM>.

The support plate <NUM> may be attached to the display panel <NUM> by an adhesive such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an optically clear adhesive (OCA). All areas of a first surface of the support plate <NUM> facing the display panel <NUM> may be attached to the display panel <NUM>. In case that the display device <NUM> is unfolded, the first flat portion <NUM>, the second flat portion <NUM>, and the bendable portion <NUM> may be generally flatly unfolded. In case that the display device <NUM> is unfolded, the display panel <NUM> may also be generally flatly unfolded. The display panel <NUM> may behave in a same manner as the support plate <NUM> together with the support plate <NUM>.

A second surface of the support plate <NUM> (a surface facing the opposite direction to the first surface) may be attached to the first set plate <NUM> and the second set plate <NUM> by an adhesive such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an optically clear adhesive (OCA). The first flat portion <NUM> may be attached to the first set plate <NUM>, and the second flat portion <NUM> may be attached to the second part <NUM> of the second set plate <NUM>. However, no portion of the support plate <NUM> may be attached to the first part <NUM> of the second set plate <NUM>. The second flat portion <NUM> may be attached only to the second part <NUM>, and may not be attached to the first part <NUM>. The bendable portion <NUM> of the support plate <NUM> may not be attached to either the first set plate <NUM> or to the second set plate <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> each illustrate schematic cross-sectional views showing a folded state in the display device <NUM> according to an embodiment.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a schematic cross-sectional view of a substantially lower end of the display device <NUM> cut in the first direction x, <FIG> illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view showing a further enlarged area adjacent to the hinge part <NUM> in <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view showing a further enlarged view of the support plate <NUM> and components adjacent thereto in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> each illustrate a schematic cross-sectional view in a state in which the components illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> are combined, and a movement limiting part <NUM> is further illustrated. A cross-section of a substantially upper end of the display device <NUM> may be substantially the same as illustrated. A cross-section of a substantially middle portion of the display device <NUM> may be substantially the same except for a protrusion <NUM>.

In case that the display device <NUM> is folded, the display panel <NUM> and the support plate <NUM> are bent in the bendable area <NUM>. A region adjacent to the second flat portion <NUM> in the bendable portion <NUM> of the support plate <NUM> is bent. The bendable portion <NUM> and the display panel <NUM> may be bent around a bending shaft XB that is parallel to the second direction y. An area that is other than the bent area in the bendable portion <NUM> may be in a flat state. Such a flat area may be wider than the area that is bent in the bendable portion <NUM>. The first flat portion <NUM> and the bendable portion <NUM> of the support plate <NUM> may be partially positioned in the first flat area <NUM>, and the second flat portion <NUM> of the support plate <NUM> may be positioned in the second flat area <NUM>.

The first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> of the second set plate <NUM> may contact each other so that a surface of the first part <NUM> and the surface of the second part <NUM> facing the second flat portion <NUM> of the support plate <NUM> may form a continuous smooth plane. The first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> of the second body <NUM> may be engaged over substantially the entire area of the second flat area <NUM>.

The display device <NUM> may include the movement limiting part <NUM>. The movement limiting part <NUM> may include a gear part <NUM> having grooves formed thereon and a protrusion <NUM>. The gear part <NUM> may include an extension <NUM> that is parallel to the first set plate <NUM>. The extension <NUM> may be connected (or coupled or attached) to the first set plate <NUM>, and may constitute a portion of the first set plate <NUM>. The extension <NUM> may be positioned between the first set plate <NUM> and the support plate <NUM>. The extension <NUM> may face the bendable portion <NUM> of the support plate <NUM>. A surface of the extension <NUM> may constitute a plane with a surface of the first set plate <NUM> that does not overlap the extension <NUM> while facing the first flat portion <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> may protrude from the hinge part <NUM>, or may be connected (or coupled or attached) to the hinge part <NUM>.

In case that the display device <NUM> is folded, the protrusion <NUM> may engage with, for example, a groove closest to the hinge part <NUM> among the grooves of the gear part <NUM>. As the display device <NUM> is unfolded, the protrusion <NUM> may engage with the grooves that are gradually distant from the hinge part <NUM> among the grooves of the gear part <NUM>. As such, when the protrusion <NUM> is engaged with the grooves of the gear part <NUM> to unfold or fold the display device <NUM>, it restricts relative movement of the first flat area <NUM> and the second flat area <NUM> to some extent, thereby allowing the display device <NUM> to maintain an unfolded state, a folded state, or an unfolded state at an angle.

In another example, the movement limiting part <NUM> may be provided so that the extension <NUM> is connected (or coupled or attached) with the first part <NUM> of the second set plate <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> each illustrate schematic cross-sectional views showing a partial slide-out state in a display according to an embodiment. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> correspond to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, respectively.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate a state in which the second flat area <NUM> is partially expanded in a state where the display device <NUM> is folded. In case that a user pulls, for example, the second part <NUM> of the second body <NUM> in the first direction x, the second part <NUM> slides out. The second part <NUM> of the second set plate <NUM> connected (or coupled or attached) to the second part <NUM> moves in the first direction x, and the second flat portion <NUM> of the support plate <NUM> attached to the second part <NUM> also moves in the first direction x.

Since the second flat portion <NUM> and the bendable portion <NUM> of the support plate <NUM> are not attached to the first set plate <NUM> or to the first part <NUM> of the second set plate <NUM>, the bent area of the bendable portion <NUM> may gradually move toward the first flat portion <NUM>, the bendable portion <NUM> and the bending shaft XB may move in the first direction x while the bendable portion <NUM> is pulled in the first direction x as the second flat portion <NUM> moves in the first direction x. The distance at which the bendable portion <NUM> and the bending shaft XB of the display panel <NUM> move in the first direction x may be about half of the distance at which the second part <NUM> slides out. Since the display panel <NUM> is attached to the support plate <NUM>, the display panel <NUM> also moves together with the support plate <NUM>, and the screen SR provided by the display panel <NUM> may be partially exposed.

In case that the second part <NUM> slides out, the first flat portion <NUM> attached and fixed to the first set plate <NUM> does not move or slide, and the portion of the display panel <NUM> attached to the first flat portion <NUM> does not move or slide.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> each illustrate schematic cross-sectional views showing a complete slide-out state in a display according to an embodiment. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> correspond to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, respectively.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate a state in which the second flat area <NUM> is fully expanded within a designed range where the display device <NUM> is folded. In the display device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the second part <NUM> slides out more than as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. When the user further pulls the second part <NUM> of the second body <NUM> in the first direction x, for example, the second part <NUM> may completely slide out to a designed range. The second part <NUM> of the second set plate <NUM> connected (or coupled or attached) to the second part <NUM> moves in the first direction x, and the second flat portion <NUM> of the support plate <NUM> attached to the second part <NUM> also moves in the first direction x.

Since the second flat portion <NUM> and the bendable portion <NUM> of the support plate <NUM> are not attached to the first set plate <NUM> or the first part <NUM> of the second set plate <NUM>, the bendable portion <NUM> and the bending shaft XB may move in the first direction x as the bent area of the bendable portion <NUM> gradually moves toward the first flat portion <NUM>. In a complete slide-out state, the area that is adjacent to the first flat portion <NUM> in the bendable portion <NUM> may be bent. An area that is other than the bent area of the bendable portion <NUM> may be positioned in the second flat area <NUM>, and may be adjacent to the first part <NUM> of the second set plate <NUM>. The bendable portion <NUM> and the bending shaft XB of the display panel <NUM> may be positioned between the first set plate <NUM> and the first part <NUM> of the second set plate <NUM>. A distance at which the bending shaft XB moves in the first direction x may be about half of the distance at which the second part <NUM> (of the second body <NUM>) slides out. A distance between the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> (of the second set plate <NUM>) may be substantially the same as the distance at which the second part <NUM> (of the second body <NUM>) slides out. Since the display panel <NUM> is attached to the support plate <NUM>, the display panel <NUM> also moves together with the support plate <NUM>, and the screen SR provided by the display panel <NUM> may be partially exposed.

The second flat area <NUM> may be expanded and the second part <NUM> of the second body <NUM> may slide out because an area of the support plate <NUM> is not attached to the first set plate <NUM> and the second set plate <NUM>, allowing the support plate <NUM> and the bending shaft XB of the bendable portion <NUM> of the support plate <NUM> to move in a sliding direction. Accordingly, the expansion of the second flat area <NUM> and the slide-out of the second part <NUM> of the second body <NUM> may be possible in a state where the display device <NUM> is at least partially folded. The display device <NUM> may operate from a state where the second flat area <NUM> is expanded to a state where it is not expanded, (e.g., sliding from the state illustrated in <FIG> to the state illustrated in <FIG> and to the state illustrated in <FIG>), and the second flat area <NUM> may be repeatedly expanded and restored to an original state.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view showing a stacked structure of the display panel <NUM> according to an embodiment. The cross-section illustrated in <FIG> may correspond to approximately a single pixel area.

The display panel <NUM> basically includes a substrate SB, a transistor TR formed on the substrate SB, and a light emitting diode LED connected to the transistor TR. The light emitting diode LED may correspond to the pixel.

The substrate SB may be a multilayer including a first base layer BL1, an inorganic layer IL, and a second base layer BL2. Each of the first and second base layers BL1 and BL2 may include a polymer resin such as polyimide, polyamide, or polyethylene terephthalate.

A barrier layer BRL that prevents moisture and oxygen from penetrating the substrate SB may be disposed. The barrier layer BRL may include an inorganic insulating material such as a silicon nitride (SiNx), a silicon oxide (SiOx), and a silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy), and may be a single layer or multiple layers.

A buffer layer BFL may be disposed on the barrier layer BRL. The buffer layer BFL may improve the characteristics of the semiconductor layer by blocking impurities from the substrate SB when the semiconductor layer is formed, and may flatten a surface of the substrate SB to relieve a stress of the semiconductor layer. The buffer layer BFL may include an inorganic insulating material such as a silicon nitride, a silicon oxide, and a silicon oxynitride, and may be a single layer or multiple layers. The buffer layer BFL may include amorphous silicon (Si).

A semiconductor layer AL of a transistor TR may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor layer AL may include a first region and a second region, and a channel region therebetween. The semiconductor layer AL may include any one of amorphous silicon, polysilicon, and an oxide semiconductor. For example, the semiconductor layer AL may include low temperature polysilicon (LTPS), and may include an oxide semiconductor material including at least one of zinc (Zn), indium (In), gallium (Ga), and tin (Sn). For example, the semiconductor layer AL may include an indium-gallium-zinc oxide (IGZO).

A first gate insulating layer GI1 may be disposed on the semiconductor layer AL. The first gate insulating layer GI1 may include an inorganic insulating material such as a silicon nitride, a silicon oxide, and a silicon oxynitride, and may be a single layer or multiple layers.

The first gate conductive layer, which may include a gate electrode GE of the transistor TR, a gate line GL, and a first electrode C1 of a capacitor CS, may be disposed on the first gate insulating layer GI1. The first gate conductive layer may include molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), and the like, and may be a single layer or multiple layers.

A second gate insulating layer GI2 may be disposed on the first gate conductive layer. The second gate insulating layer GI2 may include an inorganic insulating material such as a silicon nitride, a silicon oxide, and a silicon oxynitride, and may be a single layer or multiple layers.

A second gate conductive layer that may include a second electrode C2 of the capacitor CS and the like may be disposed on the second gate insulating layer GI2. The second gate conductive layer may include molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), and the like, and may be a single layer or multiple layers.

An interlayer insulating layer ILD may be disposed on the second gate insulating layer GI2 and the second gate conductive layer. The interlayer insulating layer ILD may include an inorganic insulating material such as a silicon nitride, a silicon oxide, and a silicon oxynitride, and may be a single layer or multiple layers.

A first data conductive layer that may include a first electrode SE and a second electrode DE of the transistor TR, a data line DL, and the like may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer ILD. The first electrode SE and the second electrode DE may be respectively electrically connected to a first region and a second region of the semiconductor layer AL through contact holes formed in the insulating layers GI1, GI2, and ILD. One of the first electrode SE and the second electrode DE may serve as a source electrode, and the other may serve as a drain electrode. The first data conductive layer may include aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), copper (Cu), and the like, and may be a single layer or multiple layers.

A first planarization layer VIA1 may be disposed on the first data conductive layer. The first planarization layer VIA1 may be an organic insulating layer. For example, the first planarization layer VIA1 may contain poly(methyl methacrylate), a general purpose polymer such as polystyrene, a polymer derivative having a phenolic group, an acrylic polymer, an imide-based polymer, polyimide, and an organic insulating material such as a siloxane-based polymer.

A second data conductive layer, which may include a voltage line VL, a connection line CL, and the like, may be disposed on the first planarization layer VIA1. The voltage line VL may transfer voltages such as a driving voltage, a common voltage, an initialization voltage, and a reference voltage. The connection line CL may be connected to the second electrode DE of the transistor TR through a contact hole formed in the first planarization layer VIA1. The second data conductive layer may include aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), copper (Cu), and the like, and may be a single layer or multiple layers.

A second planarization layer VIA2 may be disposed on the second data conductive layer. The second planarization layer VIA2 may be an organic insulating layer. For example, the second planarization layer VIA2 may contain poly(methyl methacrylate), a general purpose polymer such as polystyrene, a polymer derivative having a phenolic group, an acrylic polymer, an imide-based polymer, polyimide, and an organic insulating material such as a siloxane-based polymer.

A first electrode E1 of the light emitting diode LED is disposed on the second planarization layer VIA2. The first electrode E1 may be referred to as a pixel electrode. The first electrode E1 may be electrically connected to the connection line CL through a contact hole formed in the second planarization layer VIA2. Accordingly, the first electrode E1 may be electrically connected to the second electrode DE of the transistor TR to receive a data signal for controlling luminance of the light emitting diode LED. The transistor TR to which the first electrode E1 is electrically connected may be a driving transistor or a transistor that is electrically connected to the driving transistor. The first electrode E1 may be formed of a reflective conductive material or a translucent conductive material, or may be formed of a transparent conductive material. The first electrode E1 may include a transparent conductive material such as an indium tin oxide (ITO) or an indium zinc oxide (IZO). The first electrode E1 may include a metal such as lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), or gold (Au), or a metal alloy.

A pixel definition layer PDL, which may be an organic insulating layer, may be disposed on the second planarization layer VIA2. The pixel definition layer PDL may be referred to as a partition wall, and may have an opening overlapping the first electrode E1.

An emission layer EL of the light emitting diode LED may be disposed on the first electrode E1. In addition to the emission layer EL, at least one of a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer may be disposed on the first electrode E1.

A second electrode E2 of the light emitting diode LED is disposed on the emission layer EL. The second electrode E2 may be referred to as a common electrode. The second electrode E2 may be made of a low work function metal such as calcium (Ca), barium (Ba), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), or a metal alloy, as a thin layer to have light transmittance. The second electrode E2 may include a transparent conductive oxide such as an indium tin oxide (ITO) or an indium zinc oxide (IZO).

The first electrode E1, the emission layer EL, and the second electrode E2 of each pixel may constitute a light emitting diode LED, such as an organic light emitting diode. The first electrode E1 may be an anode of the light emitting diode LED, and the second electrode E2 may be a cathode of the light emitting diode LED.

A capping layer CPL may be disposed on the second electrode E2. The capping layer CPL may improve light efficiency by adjusting a refractive index. The capping layer CPL may be disposed to entirely cover the second electrode E2. The capping layer CPL may include an organic insulating material, or may include an inorganic insulating material.

An encapsulation layer EN may be disposed on the capping layer CPL. The encapsulation layer EN may encapsulate a light emitting diode LED to prevent moisture or oxygen from penetrating from the outside. The encapsulation layer EN may be a thin film encapsulation layer including one or more inorganic layers EIL1 and EIL2 and one or more organic layers EOL.

A touch sensor layer TSL including touch electrodes may be disposed on the encapsulation layer EN. The touch electrodes may have a mesh shape having an opening overlapping the light emitting diode LED. An anti-reflection layer AR for reducing external light reflection may be disposed on the touch sensor layer TSL.

A cover window CW for entirely protecting an entire surface of the display panel <NUM> may be positioned on the anti-reflection layer AR. The cover window CW may be optically transparent, and may be a flexible window in which at least a portion thereof may be bent. For example, in the cover window CW, at least an area thereof corresponding to the bendable area <NUM> of the display device <NUM> may be flexible and bent, and may be entirely flexible.

The cover window CW may be, for example, a polymer film made of a polymer such as polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyurethane (PU) for flexible characteristics. The cover window CW may be a glass film in which an area thereof corresponding to at least the bendable area <NUM> of the display device <NUM> is formed to be thin, or a glass film that is formed to be entirely thin (e.g., with a thickness of about <NUM> to about <NUM>). The cover window CW may be attached to the anti-reflection layer AR by using an adhesive such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA) or a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

Claim 1:
A display device (<NUM>) comprising:
a first body (<NUM>) and a second body (<NUM>);
a hinge part (<NUM>) disposed between the first body (<NUM>) and the second body (<NUM>) and connected to the first body (<NUM>) and the second body (<NUM>), the hinge part (<NUM>) being a bendable portion to allow the display device (<NUM>) to form a folded state with the first body (<NUM>) and the second body (<NUM>) facing each other;
a support plate (<NUM>) connected to the first body (<NUM>) and the second body (<NUM>); and
a display panel (<NUM>) connected to the support plate (<NUM>) and including a screen (SR) configured to display an image, the screen (SR) corresponding to an area of the support plate (<NUM>),
whereby
the display device (<NUM>) is foldable such that portions of the screen (SR) face each other,
the second body (<NUM>) includes a first part (<NUM>) and a second part (<NUM>) that are slidably engaged, wherein the first part (<NUM>) includes a first wing (<NUM>) and a first guide (<NUM>), and the second part (<NUM>) includes a second wing (<NUM>) and a second guide (<NUM>), and
the second part (<NUM>) of the second body (<NUM>) is configured to slide out from the first part (<NUM>) of the second body (<NUM>), wherein the screen (SR) is exposed in case that the second part (<NUM>) of the second body (<NUM>) slides out from the first part (<NUM>) of the second body (<NUM>) in the folded state.