Patent Description:
Examples of a flat panel display include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display device (PDP), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a field effect display device (FED), and an electrophoretic display.

Recently, such a display device has been developed to be flexible so as to be bent or folded. Examples of such displays are provided in <CIT>, in <CIT>, and in <CIT>.

In order to assure reliability of such a flexible display device, a bending area of a display panel should be rigidly supported to thereby prevent the display panel from being damaged in the bending area (or to thereby reduce a likelihood or amount of such damage).

The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and therefore, it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

The subject matter of the present disclosure has been made in an effort to provide a film for display device to support a bending area of the display device by preventing damage to a support film that supports a display panel, a display device including the same, and a method for manufacturing the display device.

A support film that supports a display panel according to exemplary embodiment includes a bending area, and the support film includes a first groove disposed in the bending area and a first crack prevention layer disposed in the first groove.

A display device according to an exemplary embodiment includes: a display panel that includes a substrate and an emission layer; and a support film that overlaps the display panel, wherein the display panel and the support film include a bending area, and wherein the support film includes a first groove disposed in the bending area and a first crack prevention layer disposed in the first groove.

The first groove and the first crack prevention layer may be disposed to be overlapped with edges of the bending area.

The first groove and the first crack prevention layer may be disposed adjacent to edges of the bending area, and may extend in parallel (e.g., substantially in parallel) with the edges of the bending area.

The support film may further include a second groove that is disposed in the bending area and extends in parallel (e.g., substantially in parallel) with the first groove, and a second crack prevention layer that is disposed in the second groove.

The first groove and the first crack prevention layer may be disposed at a central portion of the bending area, and the first groove may be formed to be concave at a surface of the support film.

The support film may further include a second groove that surrounds the first groove, and a second crack prevention layer that is disposed in the second groove.

The support film may further include a third groove that is coupled or connected with the first groove and formed in the shape of a closed curved line (e.g., a closed curve), and a third crack prevention layer that is disposed in the third groove.

According to the exemplary embodiments, the support film that supports the display panel can be prevented from being damaged such that the display device can be supported while preventing the display panel from being damaged in the bending area.

The accompanying drawings, together with the specification, illustrate embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure, and, together with the description, serve to explain principles of embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure.

The subject matter of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. As those skilled in the art would realize, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

The drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

Further, in the drawings, size and thickness of each element may be arbitrarily represented for better understanding and ease of description, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the drawings, the thickness of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity.

It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, 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 word "on" or "above" means positioned on or below the object portion, and does not necessarily mean positioned on the upper side of the object portion based on a gravitational direction.

In addition, in this specification, the phrase "on a plane" means viewing a target portion from the top, and the phrase "on a cross-section" means viewing a cross-section formed by vertically cutting a target portion from a side.

Referring to <FIG>, a display device according to an exemplary embodiment will be described. <FIG> is a perspective view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment, <FIG> is a top plan view of an exemplary support film of the display device according to the exemplary embodiment, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of <FIG>, taken along the line III-III.

Referring to <FIG>, a display device <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment includes a display panel <NUM> and a support film <NUM> that supports the display panel <NUM>.

The display device <NUM> includes a bending area BA. The display panel <NUM> and the support film <NUM> may be bent in the bending area BA. Although it is illustrated in <FIG> that the display device <NUM> includes one bending area BA, this is not restrictive. For example, the display device <NUM> may include a plurality of bending areas BA.

The display panel <NUM> includes a flexible substrate, a transistor, an emission portion, and the like.

The support film <NUM> is disposed below the display panel <NUM> and supports the display panel <NUM>.

An additional layer such as an adhesive layer may be disposed between the support film <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>. An additional layer such as a window and/or the like may be included on the display panel <NUM>.

The support film <NUM> may be provided as a plastic or thin metal film.

The support film <NUM> includes a first crack prevention portion <NUM> that is disposed in the bending area BA. The first crack prevention portion <NUM> includes a resin that can prevent damage due to an external impact (or can reduce a likelihood or amount of damage due to an external impact).

Next, referring to <FIG>, the first crack prevention portion <NUM> of the support film <NUM> will be described in more detail.

Referring to <FIG>, the first crack prevention portion <NUM> of the support film <NUM> includes a plurality of crack prevention layers that are disposed at an end portion of the bending area BA. The plurality of crack prevention layers of the first crack prevention portion <NUM> includes a first crack prevention layer 210a and a second crack prevention layer 210b.

The support film <NUM> includes a first groove 21a and a second groove 21b, and the first crack prevention layer 210a and the second crack prevention layer 210b are disposed in the first groove 21a and the second groove 21b.

The first crack prevention layer 210a of the first crack prevention portion <NUM> is disposed in parallel (e.g., substantially in parallel) with an edge <NUM> of the support film <NUM> along the edge <NUM>.

The second crack prevention layer 210b of the first crack prevention portion <NUM> is disposed in parallel (e.g., substantially in parallel) with the first crack prevention layer 210a at a set or predetermined distance while being adjacent thereto. The first crack prevention layer 210a and the second crack prevention layer 210b are respectively disposed at opposite ends of a bending area BA of the support film <NUM>.

A width of each of the first crack prevention layer 210a and the second crack prevention layer 210b is almost the same as a width of the bending area BA of the support film <NUM> with reference to a length direction in which each of the first crack prevention layer 210a and the second crack prevention layer 210b of the first crack prevention portion <NUM> extends. As described, since the width of each of the first crack prevention layer 210a and the second crack prevention layer 210b of the first crack prevention portion <NUM> is the same (e.g., substantially the same) as the width of the bending area BA, a central portion of the bending area BA may be surrounded by the first crack prevention layer 210a and the second crack prevention layer 210b of the first crack prevention portion <NUM> and an unbent area.

Referring to <FIG>, a first thickness D1, which is the largest or maximum thickness of a first groove 21a and a second groove 21b where the first crack prevention layer 210a and the second crack prevention layer 210b are respectively disposed, may be about <NUM> % of a second thickness D2 of the support film <NUM>. In addition, in the view in a direction that is perpendicular (e.g., substantially perpendicular) to a length direction of the first crack prevention layer 210a and the second crack prevention layer 210b, a cross-section of the first groove 21a and a cross-section of the second groove 21b have a triangular shape, and a first angle θ1 formed by a side surface of the first groove 21a and the second groove 21b and a surface of the support film <NUM> may be about <NUM> degrees.

In addition, a first width W1 of the first crack prevention layer 210a may be narrower than a second width W2 of the second crack prevention layer 210b with reference to a direction that is perpendicular (e.g., substantially perpendicular) to the length direction of the first crack prevention layer 210a and the second crack prevention layer 210b.

When the first thicknesses D1 of the first groove 21a and the second groove 21b where the first crack prevention layer 210a and the second crack prevention layer 210b are disposed are too large, the support film <NUM> may be damaged at locations where the first groove 21a and the second groove 21b are formed, and when the first angles θ1 formed by the side surfaces of the first and second grooves 21a and 21b and the surface of the support film <NUM> is less than <NUM> degrees, the width of the first crack prevention layer 210a and the width of the second crack prevention layer 210b disposed in the first groove 21a and the second groove 21b may be excessively increased. As described, the support film <NUM> can be prevented from being damaged and generation and dispersion of cracks can be prevented by adjusting thicknesses and inclination angles of the first groove 21a and the second groove 21b.

As described, the display device <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment includes the support film <NUM> that supports the display panel <NUM>, and the support film <NUM> includes the first crack prevention layer 210a disposed at an end of the bending area BA and the second crack prevention layer 210b disposed adjacent to the first crack prevention layer 210a.

Since the first crack prevention layer 210a disposed at the end of the bending area BA and the second crack prevention layer 210b disposed adjacent to the end of the bending area BA while being adjacent to the first crack prevention layer 210a are included, cracks which may be generated at edges of the bending area BA of the support film <NUM> when the display device <NUM> is bent can be prevented (or a likelihood or degree of the generation of such cracks may be reduced), and the cracks generated at the edges of the bending area BA can be prevented from spreading to a central portion of the support film <NUM> (or a likelihood or degree of such spreading may be reduced).

As described, the generation and spread of cracks in the support film <NUM> due to bending of the display device <NUM> can be prevented or reduced, and thus damage to the support film <NUM> due to the cracks can be prevented or reduced, thereby stably supporting the display panel <NUM>.

Next, referring to <FIG>, a support film of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment will be described. <FIG> is a top plan view of a support film of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of <FIG>, taken along the line V-V.

Referring to <FIG>, a support film of a display device according to the present exemplary embodiment is similar to the support film of the display device according to the previous exemplary embodiment described with reference to <FIG>. Accordingly, a detailed description of the same components already described will not be repeated here.

Similar to the support film <NUM> of the display device <NUM> of <FIG>, a support film <NUM> of a display device according to the present exemplary embodiment includes first crack prevention portions <NUM> disposed adjacent to edges of a bending area BA, each of the first crack prevention portions <NUM> includes a plurality of crack prevention layers, and the plurality of crack prevention layers include first crack prevention layers 210a and second crack prevention layers 210b.

The support film <NUM> includes a first groove 21a and a second groove 21b, the first crack prevention layer 210a and the second crack prevention layer 210b are respectively disposed in the first groove 21a and the second groove 21b, and the first crack prevention layers 210a and the second crack prevention layers 210b extend in parallel (e.g., substantially in parallel) with edges <NUM> of the support film <NUM>.

Unlike the support film <NUM> of the display device <NUM> of <FIG>, in the support film <NUM> of the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment, not only the second crack prevention layer 210b but also the first crack prevention layer 210a is disposed at a distance from the edge <NUM> of the support film <NUM>.

The first crack prevention layer 210a is disposed closer to the edge <NUM> of the support film <NUM> than the second crack prevention layer 210b.

A width of each of the first and second crack prevention layers 210a and 210b of the first crack prevention portion <NUM> is almost the same as a width of the bending area BA of the support film <NUM> with reference to a length direction in which the first crack prevention layer 210a and the second crack prevention layer 210b extend.

The largest or maximum thicknesses of the first groove 21a and the second groove 21b where the first crack prevention layer 210a and the second crack prevention layer 210b are respectively disposed may be about <NUM> % of a thickness of the support film <NUM>. In addition, in the view in a direction that is perpendicular (e.g., substantially perpendicular) to a length direction of the first crack prevention layer 210a and the second crack prevention layer 210b, a cross-section of the first groove 21a and a cross-section of the second groove 21b may have a triangular shape, and a side surface of each of the first groove 21a and the second groove 21b and a surface of the support film <NUM> may form an angle of about <NUM> degrees.

Since the support film <NUM> that supports the display panel <NUM> includes the first crack prevention layers 210a and the second crack prevention layers 210b that are disposed adjacent to opposite edges <NUM> of the bending area BA, cracks which may be generated at edges of the bending area BA of the support film <NUM> when the display device <NUM> is bent can be prevented (or a likelihood or degree of the generation of such cracks may be reduced), and the cracks generated at the edges of the bending area BA can be prevented from spreading to a central portion of the support film <NUM> (or a likelihood or degree of the spreading of such cracks may be reduced).

Next, referring to <FIG>, a support film of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment, not falling within the scope of the claimed invention, will be described. <FIG> is a top plan view of a support film of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of <FIG>, taken along the line VII-VII.

Referring to <FIG>, a support film <NUM> of a display device according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a second crack prevention portion <NUM> disposed in a bending area BA.

The second crack prevention portion <NUM> includes a plurality of crack prevention layers disposed at a central portion of the bending area BA. The plurality of crack prevention layers of the second crack prevention portion <NUM> include a third crack prevention layer 220a, a fourth crack prevention layer 220b, and a fifth crack prevention layer 220c.

The support film <NUM> of the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a third groove 22a, a fourth groove 22b, and a fifth groove 22c, and the third crack prevention layer 220a, the fourth crack prevention layer 220b, and the fifth crack prevention layer 220c of the second crack prevention portion <NUM> are respectively disposed in the third groove 22a, the fourth groove 22b, and the fifth groove 22c that are formed at the surface of the support film <NUM>.

The third groove 22a, the fourth groove 22b, and the fifth groove 22c formed at the surface of the support film <NUM> are disposed in the central portion of the bending area BA. Referring to <FIG>, the third groove 22a, the fourth groove 22b, and the fifth groove 22c of the support film <NUM> may be different in size and depth. The third groove 22a, the fourth groove 22b, and the fifth groove 22c formed at the surface of the support film <NUM> may be flaws formed at the surface of the support film <NUM> during a manufacturing process of the support film <NUM>.

Since the crack prevention layers 220a, 220b, and 220c are formed in the grooves 22a, 22b, and 22c at the central portion of the bending area BA of the support film <NUM>, cracks which may be generated at areas adjacent to the center of the bending area BA of the support film <NUM> when the display device <NUM> is bent can be prevented (or a likelihood or degree of the generation of such cracks may be reduced), and the cracks generated at the edges of the bending area BA can be prevented from spreading to edges <NUM> of the support film <NUM> (or a likelihood or degree of the spreading of such cracks may be reduced).

Next, a support film of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment, not falling within the scope of the claimed invention, will be described with reference to <FIG> is a top plan view of a support film of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of <FIG>, taken along the line IX-IX.

Similar to the support film <NUM> of the display device of <FIG>, a support film <NUM> of a display device according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a second crack prevention portion <NUM> disposed adjacent to a central portion of a bending area BA, and the second crack prevention portion <NUM> includes a third crack prevention layer 220a, a fourth crack prevention layer 220b, and a fifth crack prevention layer 220c. The support film <NUM> includes a third groove 22a, a fourth groove 22b, and a fifth groove 22c formed at a surface of the support film <NUM>, and the third crack prevention layer 220a, the fourth crack prevention layer 220b, and the fifth crack prevention layer 220c of the second crack prevention portion <NUM> are disposed in the third groove 22a, the fourth groove 22b, and the fifth groove 22c formed at the surface of the support film <NUM>.

The support film <NUM> of the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment, unlike the support film of the display device of <FIG>, further includes a sixth crack prevention layer 230a that surrounds the second crack prevention portion <NUM> that is disposed at the central portion of the bending area BA. The support film <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a sixth groove 23a that surrounds the third groove 22a, the fourth groove 22b, and the fifth groove 22c that are formed at the surface of the central portion of the bending area BA, and the sixth crack prevention layer 230a is disposed in the sixth groove 23a.

The sixth groove 23a of the support film <NUM> may be formed to surround the third groove 22a, the fourth groove 22b, and the fifth groove 22c that are formed at the surface of the central portion of the bending area BA. The sixth groove 23a and the sixth crack prevention layer 230a each has a closed-curved line shape.

Similar to the first groove 21a and the second groove 21b of the above-described exemplary embodiments of <FIG>, <FIG>, the sixth groove 23a may have a triangular-shaped cross-section. In addition, a side surface of the sixth groove 23a and the surface of the support film <NUM> may form an angle of about <NUM> degrees. Further, the largest or maximum depth of the sixth groove 23a may be within <NUM> % of a thickness of the support film <NUM>.

As described, the support film <NUM> of the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment includes the second crack prevention portion <NUM> that is formed at the surface of the central portion of the bending area BA and the sixth crack prevention layer 230a that surrounds the second crack prevention portion <NUM>, and thus cracks which may be generated at areas adjacent to the center of the bending area BA of the support film <NUM> when the display device <NUM> is bent can be prevented (or a likelihood or degree of the generation of such cracks may be reduced), and the cracks generated at the center of the bending area BA can be prevented from spreading to edges of the bending area BA (or a likelihood or degree of the spreading of such cracks may be reduced).

Next, a support film <NUM> of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment, not falling within the scope of the claimed invention, will be described with reference to <FIG> is a top plan view of a support film <NUM> of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a support film <NUM> of a display device according to the present exemplary embodiment is similar to the support film <NUM> of the display device of <FIG>. Accordingly, a detailed description of the same components already described will not be repeated here.

Similar to the support film <NUM> of the display device of <FIG>, the support film <NUM> of the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a second crack prevention portion <NUM> disposed adjacent to a central portion of a bending area BA, and the second crack prevention portion <NUM> includes a third crack prevention layer 220a, a fourth crack prevention layer 220b, and a fifth crack prevention layer 220c. The support film <NUM> includes a third groove 22a, a fourth groove 22b, and a fifth groove 22c formed at a surface thereof, and the third crack prevention layer 220a, the fourth crack prevention layer 220b, and the fifth crack prevention layer 220c of the second crack prevention portion <NUM> are disposed in the third groove 22a, the fourth groove 22b, and the fifth groove 22c formed at the surface of the support film <NUM>. In addition, the support film <NUM> includes a sixth groove 23a that surrounds the second crack prevention portion <NUM> disposed at a central portion of the bending area BA, and a sixth crack prevention layer 230a disposed in the sixth groove 23a. The support film <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment further includes a seventh groove 23b and an eighth groove 23c disposed at the central portion of the bending area BA surrounded by the sixth groove 23a and the sixth crack prevention layer 230a, and a seventh crack prevention layer 230b and an eighth crack prevention layer 230c disposed in the seventh groove 23b and the eighth groove 23c. The seventh groove 23b and the eighth groove 23c are coupled or connected with the third crack prevention layer 220a, the fourth crack prevention layer 220b, and the fifth crack prevention layer 220c respectively disposed in the third groove 22a, the fourth groove 22b, and the fifth groove 22c formed at the surface of the central portion of the bending area BA.

The sixth groove 23a, the sixth crack prevention layer 230a, the seventh groove 23b, the seventh crack prevention layer 230b, the eighth groove 23c, and the eighth crack prevention layer 230c each has a closed curved line shape (e.g., each is a closed curve).

As described above, the support film <NUM> of the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment further includes the seventh groove 23b and the eighth groove 23c that are coupled or connected with the second crack prevention portion <NUM> that is disposed in a center portion of the bending area BA and surround the center portion of the bending area BA, and the seventh crack prevention layer 230b and the eighth crack prevention layer 230c that are respectively disposed in the seventh groove 23b and the eighth groove 23c. Thus, cracks which may be generated in areas adjacent to the center of the bending area BA of the support film <NUM> when a display device <NUM> is bent in the bending area BA of the display device <NUM> can be prevented (or a likelihood or degree of the generation of such cracks may be reduced), and the cracks generated at the center of the bending area BA can be prevented from being additionally spread toward edges of the bending area BA from the central portion of the bending area BA (or a likelihood or degree of the spreading of such cracks may be reduced).

Referring to <FIG>, a support film of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment will be described. <FIG> is a top plan view of a support film of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a support film of a display device according to the present exemplary embodiment is similar to the support film of the display device of <FIG> and the support film of the display device of <FIG>. Accordingly, a detailed description of the same components already described will not be repeated here.

A support film <NUM> of the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment includes first crack prevention portions <NUM> disposed in a bending area BA and a second crack prevention portion <NUM> disposed adjacent to a central portion of the bending area BA.

The first crack prevention portion <NUM> of the support film <NUM> includes a first crack prevention layer 210a and a second crack prevention layer 210b, the support film <NUM> includes a first groove 21a and a second groove 21b, and the first crack prevention layer 210a and the second crack prevention layer 210b are disposed in the first groove 21a and the second groove 21b.

Further the second crack prevention portion <NUM> of the support film <NUM> includes a third crack prevention layer 220a, a fourth crack prevention layer 220b, and a fifth crack prevention layer 220c. The support film <NUM> includes a third groove 22a, a fourth groove 22b, and a fifth groove 22c formed at a surface of the support film <NUM>, and the third crack prevention layer 220a, the fourth crack prevention layer 220b, and the fifth crack prevention layer 220c of the second crack prevention portion <NUM> are disposed in the third groove 22a, the fourth groove 22b, and the fifth groove 22c formed at the surface of the support film <NUM>.

Since the first crack prevention layers 210a disposed at ends of the support film <NUM> that supports the display panel <NUM> and the second crack prevention layers 210b disposed at end portions of the bending area BA while being adjacent to the first crack prevention layers 210a are included, cracks which may be generated at edges of the bending area BA of the display device <NUM> when the display device <NUM> is bent at the bending area BA of the support film <NUM> can be prevented from being generated, and the cracks generated at edges of the bending area BA can be prevented from spreading to a central portion of the support film <NUM>. Further, since the crack prevention layers 220a, 220b, and 220c are formed in the grooves 22a, 22b, and 22c of the central portion of the bending area BA of the support film <NUM>, cracks which may be generated in an area adjacent to the center of the bending area BA of the support film <NUM> when the display device <NUM> is bent at the bending area BA of the support film <NUM> can be prevented from being generated (or a likelihood or degree of the generation of such cracks may be reduced), and the cracks generated at the center of the bending area BA can be prevented from spreading to the edges of the bending area BA (or a likelihood or degree of the spreading of such cracks may be reduced).

Next, referring to <FIG>, a support film of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment will be described. <FIG> is a top plan view of a support film of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment.

A support film <NUM> of the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment includes first crack prevention portions <NUM> disposed in a bending area BA, a second crack prevention portion <NUM> disposed adjacent to a central portion of the bending area BA, and a sixth crack prevention layer 230a that surrounds the second crack prevention portion <NUM>.

In addition, the second crack prevention portion <NUM> of the support film <NUM> includes a third crack prevention layer 220a, a fourth crack prevention layer 220b, and a fifth crack prevention layer 220c. The support film <NUM> includes a third groove 22a, a fourth groove 22b, and a fifth groove 22c formed at a surface thereof, and the third crack prevention layer 220a, the fourth crack prevention layer 220b, and the fifth crack prevention layer 220c of the second crack prevention portion <NUM> are disposed in the third groove 22a, the fourth groove 22b, and the fifth groove 22c formed at the surface of the support film <NUM>.

In addition, the sixth crack prevention layer 230a of the support film <NUM> surrounds the second crack prevention portion <NUM> that is disposed at a central portion of the bending area BA.

Since the first crack prevention layer 210a disposed at the end of the bending area BA and the second crack prevention layer 210b disposed adjacent to the end of the bending area BA while being adjacent to the first crack prevention layer 210a are included, cracks which may be generated at edges of the bending area BA of the support film <NUM> when the display device <NUM> is bent can be prevented (or a likelihood or degree of the generation of such cracks may be reduced), and the cracks generated at the edges of the bending area BA can be prevented from spreading to a central portion of the support film <NUM> (or a likelihood or degree of the spreading of such cracks may be reduced). In addition, the crack prevention layers 220a, 220b, and 220c are formed in the grooves 22a, 22b, and 22c in the central portion of the bending area BA of the support film <NUM> and the sixth crack prevention layer 230a that surrounds the second crack prevention portion <NUM> are included, and thus cracks which may be generated at an area adjacent to the center of the bending area BA of the support film <NUM> when the display device <NUM> is bent can be prevented or reduced, and the cracks generated at the center of the bending area BA can be prevented from spreading to edges of the bending area BA (or a likelihood or degree of such spreading may be reduced).

As described, the generation and spread of cracks in the support film <NUM> due to bending of the display device <NUM> can be prevented, and thus damage to the support film <NUM> due to the cracks can be prevented, thereby stably supporting the display panel <NUM>.

Next, a support film of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> is a top plan view of a support film of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a support film <NUM> of a display device according to the present exemplary embodiment is similar to the support film <NUM> of the display device of <FIG> and the support film <NUM> of the display device of <FIG>. Accordingly, a detailed description of the same components already described will not be repeated here.

The support film <NUM> of the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment includes first crack prevention portions <NUM> disposed in a bending area BA, a second crack prevention portion <NUM> disposed adjacent to a central portion of the bending area BA, a sixth crack prevention layer 230a that surrounds the second crack prevention portion <NUM>, and seventh and eighth crack prevention layers 230b and 230c disposed in the central portion of the bending area BA that is surrounded by the sixth crack prevention layer 230a.

Further, the sixth crack prevention layer 230a of the support film <NUM> surrounds the second crack prevention portion <NUM> that is disposed at the central portion of the bending area BA. The seventh crack prevention layer 230b and the eighth crack prevention layer 230c of the support film <NUM> are coupled or connected with the second crack prevention portion <NUM> disposed at the central portion of the bending area BA and thus surround the center portion of the bending area BA.

Since the first crack prevention layer 210a disposed at the end of the bending area BA and the second crack prevention layer 210b disposed adjacent to the end of the bending area BA while being adjacent to the first crack prevention layer 210a are included, cracks which may be generated at edges of the bending area BA of the support film <NUM> when the display device <NUM> is bent can be prevented (or a likelihood or degree of the generation of such cracks may be reduced), and the cracks generated at the edges of the bending area BA can be prevented from spreading to a central portion of the support film <NUM> (or a likelihood or degree of the spreading of such cracks may be reduced). In addition, the crack prevention layers 220a, 220b, and 220c are formed in the grooves 22a, 22b, and 22c in the central portion of the bending area BA of the support film <NUM>, and the second crack prevention portion <NUM>, the sixth crack prevention layer 230a that surrounds the second crack prevention portion <NUM>, and the seventh and eighth crack prevention layers 230b and 230c that are coupled or connected with the second crack prevention portion <NUM> and disposed in a center area of the bending area BA surrounded by the sixth crack prevention layer 230a are provided, and thus when the display device <NUM> is bent in the bending area BA of the display device <NUM>, cracks which may be generated in an area adjacent to the center of the bending area BA can be prevented from being generated (or a likelihood or degree of the generation of such cracks may be reduced), and spreading of the crack generated in the center of the bending area BA to edges of the bending area BA can be prevented or reduced.

Next, referring to <FIG>, a support film of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment, not falling within the scope of the claimed invention, will be described. <FIG> is a perspective view of a support film of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the support film of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a support film <NUM> of a display device according to the present exemplary embodiment includes ridges and valleys <NUM> that are arranged at regular intervals while having a set or predetermined gap therebetween in a bending area BA. The ridges and valleys <NUM> of the support film <NUM> are formed at opposite surfaces of the support film <NUM>.

Third crack prevention portions <NUM> are formed in the valleys <NUM> of the support film <NUM>. The third crack prevention portions <NUM> fill the valleys <NUM> provided at the opposite surfaces of the support film <NUM>.

As described, the bending area BA of the support film <NUM> includes the valleys <NUM>, which are concave portions arranged at regular intervals, and the third crack prevention portions <NUM> disposed in the valleys <NUM>, and thus when the display device <NUM> is bent, cracks which may be generated in the bending area BA of the support film <NUM> can be prevented from being generated and spreading of the cracks can be prevented (or a likelihood or degree of the generation and spreading of such cracks may be reduced).

In addition, since the bending area BA has a flat surface by the third crack prevention portions <NUM> of the bending area BA, the crack prevention portion of the bending area BA can be prevented from being visible to the outside (or the visibility of the crack prevention portion of the bending area BA can be reduced).

Referring to <FIG>, a support film of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment, not falling within the scope of the claimed invention, will be described. <FIG> is a top plan view of a support film of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the support film of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a support film <NUM> of a display device according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of ninth grooves <NUM> arranged at regular intervals, and fourth crack prevention portions <NUM> disposed in the plurality of ninth grooves <NUM>.

The plurality of ninth grooves <NUM> and the fourth crack prevention portions <NUM> may be uniformly (e.g., substantially uniformly) disposed throughout the bending area BA.

In the present exemplary embodiment, each ninth groove <NUM> has a triangular-shaped cross-section, but this is not restrictive. The largest or maximum thickness of the ninth groove <NUM> may be about <NUM> % of a thickness of the support film <NUM>, and a side surface of the ninth groove <NUM> and a surface of the support film <NUM> may form an angle of about <NUM> degrees.

As described, since the plurality of ninth grooves <NUM> disposed at regular intervals throughout the bending area BA of the support film <NUM> and the fourth crack prevention portions <NUM> disposed in the plurality of ninth grooves <NUM> are provided, when a display device <NUM> is bent, cracks which may be generated in the bending area BA of the support film <NUM> can be prevented from being generated, and spreading of the cracks can be prevented (or a likelihood or degree of the generation and spreading of such cracks may be reduced).

In addition, the fourth crack prevention portion <NUM> of the bending area BA has flat surface together with the surface of the support film <NUM>, and accordingly, the bending area BA as a flat surface, thereby preventing or reducing the crack prevention portion of the bending area BA from being visible to the outside.

Next, a method for manufacturing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> are cross-sectional views illustrating a manufacturing method of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a groove <NUM> is formed in a support film <NUM>. The groove <NUM> may be formed by etching and/or the like. A first thickness D1 of the groove <NUM> may be about <NUM> % of a second thickness D2 of the support film <NUM>. A cross-section of the groove <NUM> may have a triangular shape, and a first angle θ1 formed by a side surface of the groove <NUM> and a surface of the support film <NUM> may be about <NUM> degrees.

Next, as shown in <FIG>, a crack prevention material layer <NUM> such as a resin and/or the like that forms a crack prevention layer is applied to the groove <NUM>.

Then, the crack prevention material layer <NUM> disposed on the surface of the support film <NUM> is removed to planarize the surfaces of the support film <NUM> and a crack prevention layer <NUM> such that, as shown in <FIG>, the crack prevention layers <NUM> are formed in the grooves <NUM> of the support film <NUM>. The support film <NUM> including the grooves <NUM> and the crack prevention layers <NUM> are attached to a display panel <NUM> that includes a substrate, a transistor, and an emission portion such that the display device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is formed.

When the crack prevention layers <NUM> are formed in the grooves <NUM> of the support film <NUM>, the crack prevention portion of the bending area BA can be prevented from being viewed to the outside (or the visibility from the outside may be reduced) since the crack prevention layer <NUM> and the bending area BA have flat surfaces.

Next, a method for manufacturing a support film of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>, together with <FIG>. <FIG> are cross-sectional views of a manufacturing method of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, grooves <NUM> are formed in a support film <NUM> and crack prevention layers <NUM> are formed in the grooves <NUM>, and as shown in <FIG>, the support film <NUM> is cut along a position V that overlaps the first crack prevention layer 210a that is adjacent to a first edge 20a of the support film <NUM> to form an edge <NUM> such that, the first crack prevention portion <NUM> that includes the first crack prevention layer 210a that extends along an edge of the bending area BA of the support film <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, is formed, and the display device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is formed by attaching the support film <NUM> to a display panel <NUM> that includes a substrate, a transistor, and an emission portion.

As described, the grooves are formed in the support film <NUM> that supports the display panel <NUM> of the display device <NUM> and the crack prevention layers disposed in the grooves are formed to prevent or reduce generation and spread of cracks, which may be generated due to bending of the display device <NUM>, in the support film <NUM>, thereby preventing the support film <NUM> from being damaged due to the cracks and stably supporting the display panel <NUM>.

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

" As used herein, the terms "use," "using," and "used" may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize," "utilizing," and "utilized," respectively.

Claim 1:
A support film (<NUM>) for supporting a display panel (<NUM>),
the support film (<NUM>) comprising:
a bending area (BA);
a first unbending area and a second unbending area,
the bending area (BA) being disposed between the first unbending area and the second unbending area, and extending in a first direction between the first unbending area and the second unbending area; the first direction is parallel to boundaries between the bending area (BA) and the first or second unbending areas; and
a first crack prevention portion (<NUM>) for preventing damage of the support film (<NUM>);
wherein the first crack prevention portion (<NUM>) includes first grooves (21a) disposed in the bending area (BA) and a resin for forming first crack prevention layers (210a) disposed in the first groove (21a) of the bending area (BA)
characterized in that
the first crack prevention portion (<NUM>) includes the first crack prevention layers (210a),
each of the first crack prevention layers (210a) and each of the first grooves (21a) are disposed adjacent to edges (<NUM>) of the support film (<NUM>) and extend substantially in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction,
a length of each of the first crack prevention layers (210a) in the second direction is substantially the same as a width of the bending area (BA) in the second direction
the first grooves (21a) are formed to be concave at a surface of the support film (<NUM>), and
each of the first grooves (21a) has a substantially triangular shape in a cross-sectional view.