Patent Description:
Mobility-based electronic devices are widely used. As examples of such mobile electronic devices, tablet PCs, in addition to compact electronic devices such as mobile phones, are widely used.

These mobile electronic devices may include a display apparatus that supports various functions and provides visual information such as images or pictures to users. Recently, as sizes of components for driving a display apparatus have been reduced, a ratio of a display apparatus in an electronic device has gradually increased, and a display apparatus with a structure that is foldable to a certain angle in a flat state has been developed.

<CIT> discloses a display device that includes a case comprising a bottom portion and a sidewall to define a receiving space in which the display device is accommodated. The display device comprises a display module with a display panel for displaying an image, a folding area, and a plurality of non-folding areas, and a circuit board electrically connected to the display panel. The folding area is capable of being folded about a folding axis and the non-folding areas are disposed adjacent to both sides of the folding area. A receiving groove is defined in the bottom portion of the case corresponding to a part mounting area of the circuit board. The circuit board is disposed on a rear surface of the display module.

One or more embodiments include a display apparatus including a digitizer for inputting an external signal to provide users with various input methods using a pen or the like within the scope of the disclosure. However, these objectives are just examples, and the scope of the disclosure is not limited thereby.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

According to an aspect, there is provided a display apparatus as set out in claim <NUM>. Additional features are set out in claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

Other aspects, features, and advantages other than those described above will become apparent from the accompanying drawings, the appended claims, and the detailed description of the disclosure.

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

In this regard, embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, the embodiments are merely described below, by referring to the figures, to explain aspects of the description. Throughout the disclosure, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

Since the disclosure may have various modifications and several embodiments, embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail. Effects, features, and a method of achieving the same will be described with reference to the embodiments described below in detail together with the attached drawings.

While such terms as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, such components must not be limited to the above terms. The above terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

An expression used in the singular encompasses the expression of the plural unless it has a clearly different meaning in the context.

In the specification, it is to be understood that the terms such as "comprising" or "including" or "having" and their variations are intended to indicate the existence of the features or components disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

It will be understood that when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being "formed on" or "disposed on" or "arranged on" or "located on" or "provided on" another layer, region, or component, it may be directly or indirectly formed or disposed on or arranged on or located on or provided on the other layer, region, or component. That is, for example, intervening layers, regions, or components may be present.

Sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated for convenience of explanation. For example, since sizes and thicknesses of components in the drawings are arbitrarily illustrated for convenience of explanation, the following embodiments are not limited thereto.

In the following embodiments, the expression that a line "extending in a first direction or a second direction" includes not only a line extending in a linear form but also extending in a substantially zigzag or substantially curved shape in the first or second direction.

In the following embodiments, the expression "in a plan view" indicates that an object is viewed from above, and the expression "on a schematic cross-section" indicates that a cross-sectional of the object cut vertically is viewed from a side.

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.

Additionally, 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. When an element is described as `not overlapping' or 'to not overlap' another element, this may include that the elements are spaced apart from each other, offset from each other, or set aside from each other or any other suitable term as would be appreciated and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

The embodiments will be described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those components that are the same or are in correspondence are rendered the same reference numeral regardless of the figure number.

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 this disclosure pertains.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a display apparatus according to an embodiment, and <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display apparatus taken along line I-I' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a display apparatus <NUM> is an apparatus for displaying a moving image or images or a still image or still images, and may be used not only as a display screen of portable electronic devices such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile communication terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an electronic book, a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation device, or a ultra-mobile PC, but also as a display screen of other various products such as TVs, laptop computers, monitors, billboards, internet of things (IoT) or the like within the scope of the disclosure.

The display apparatus <NUM> may be used in a wearable device such as a smartwatch, a watch phone, a glasses-type display, or a head-mounted display (HMD). For example, the display apparatus <NUM> may be used as a display in an instrument panel of a vehicle and a center information display (CID) arranged or disposed on a center fascia or a dashboard of a vehicle, a room mirror display for replacing side-view mirrors of a vehicle, or a display arranged or disposed on a rear surface of a front seat for providing entertainment content to a passenger in a back seat of a vehicle. In <FIG> and <FIG>, for convenience of description, the display apparatus <NUM> used as a smartphone is exemplified.

The display apparatus <NUM> may include a display area DA and a peripheral area DPA outside of, or adjacent to, the display area DA. The display apparatus <NUM> includes a folding area FA, and the display area DA includes a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2 that are spaced apart from each other with the folding area FA therebetween. The peripheral area DPA may be a type of non-display area where no display elements may be arranged or disposed.

In an embodiment, the display area DA and the folding area FA may display an image separately or jointly. In detail, pixels P may be arranged or disposed in the display area DA and the folding area FA. Accordingly, the display apparatus <NUM> may provide an image by using the pixels P arranged or disposed in the display area DA and the folding area FA.

In the specification, "above" or "in a portion above" refers to a +Z direction with respect to a display panel <NUM> and "below" or "in a portion below" refers to a - Z direction with respect to the display panel <NUM>. Hence, "below" may refer to a direction opposite to the light emitting direction of the display panel (i.e. away from the light emitting surface of the display panel), and "above" may refer to a direction in the light emitting direction of the display panel (i.e. towards the light emitting surface of the display panel).

Also, "left," "right," "up," and "down" denote directions for viewing the display panel <NUM> from a plane. For example, "left" denotes - X direction, "right" denotes + X direction, "up" denotes + Y direction, and "down" denotes - Y direction.

The display apparatus <NUM> may be have a substantially planar rectangular shape. For example, the display apparatus <NUM> may have a substantially planar rectangular shape having a short side in a first direction (X-direction) and a long side in a second direction (Y-direction) as shown in <FIG>. Corners where the short side in the first direction (X-direction) and the long side in the second direction (Y-direction) meet may be rounded to have a certain or predetermined curvature or may be at a right angle. The substantially planar shape of the display apparatus <NUM> is not limited to substantially that of a rectangle, and may also be other polygons, an oval, or an amorphous shape.

The display apparatus <NUM> as described above may be in various shapes. In an embodiment, the display apparatus <NUM> may be in a non-variable shape. In an embodiment, the display apparatus <NUM> may have a shape in which at least a portion thereof may be hinged. In this case, the display apparatus <NUM> may be in an in-folding shape in which the display areas DA of the display panel <NUM> may face each other in a case that the display apparatus <NUM> is hinged or in an out-folding shape in which a display area of the display panel <NUM> is exposed to the outside in a case that the display apparatus <NUM> is hinged. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, description will focus on the display apparatus <NUM> in an in-folding shape.

In the above case, the display apparatus <NUM> may be hinged with respect to a folding axis FAX. In a case that the display apparatus <NUM> is hinged with respect to the folding axis FAX, a size of the display area DA may decrease, and in a case that the display apparatus <NUM> is completely unfolded, as the display area DA displays an image while forming a flat surface, a large screen may be realized.

The display panel <NUM> may be a light-emitting display panel including a light-emitting element. For example, the display panel <NUM> may be an organic light-emitting display panel using an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) including an organic emission layer, a micro LED display panel using a micro LED, a quantum dot light-emitting display panel using a quantum dot LED including a quantum dot emission layer, or an inorganic light-emitting display panel using an inorganic light-emitting element including an inorganic semiconductor.

The display panel <NUM> may be a rigid display panel that may be rigid and thus not easily bent or a flexible display panel that may be flexible and easily bent, folded or rolled. For example, the display panel <NUM> may be a foldable display panel, a curved display panel having a substantially curved display surface, a bent display panel having areas substantially curved except for a display surface, a rollable display panel that may be rollable or unrollable, and a stretchable display panel.

The display panel <NUM> may be a transparent display panel that may be transparent such that an object or a background on a lower surface of the display panel <NUM> may be viewed from an upper surface of the display panel <NUM>. Alternatively, the display panel <NUM> may be a reflective display panel capable of reflecting an object or background on the upper surface of the display panel <NUM>.

A lower cover <NUM> may be arranged or disposed below the display panel <NUM>. The lower cover <NUM> may form an outer appearance of the display apparatus <NUM>. The lower cover <NUM> may include a plastic, a metal or both a plastic and a metal.

A panel protection member PB may be arranged or disposed below the display panel <NUM>. The panel protection member PB may be attached below the display panel <NUM> to support and protect the display panel <NUM>. The panel protection member PB may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI).

In an embodiment, the panel protection member PB may be attached below the display panel <NUM> via a first adhesive layer <NUM>. The first adhesive layer <NUM> may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

<FIG> is a plan view schematically illustrating a plate included in a display apparatus according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a plate <NUM> may be arranged or disposed below the panel protection member PB. The plate <NUM> may include a first portion 30a corresponding to the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 and a second portion 30b corresponding to the folding area FA. In an embodiment, the first portion 30a of the plate <NUM> may at least partially overlap the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2, and the second portion 30b of the plate <NUM> may at least partially overlap the folding area FA.

As will be described later, a digitizer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed below the plate <NUM>. The digitizer <NUM> may be attached below the plate <NUM> via a third adhesive layer <NUM>. The third adhesive layer <NUM> may be a PSA. In an embodiment, the third adhesive layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed not only in a portion corresponding to the first portion 30a of the plate <NUM>, to which the digitizer <NUM> may be attached, but also in a portion corresponding to the folding area FA. For example, the third adhesive layer <NUM> may be formed as a single body corresponding to the display area DA and the folding area FA. Accordingly, it may also be seen that the first portion 30a and the second portion 30b of the plate <NUM> may be formed or disposed on the third adhesive layer <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first portion 30a and the second portion 30b of the plate <NUM> may include different materials. The first portion 30a of the plate <NUM> may include a non-metallic material. For example, the first portion 30a of the plate <NUM> may include glass, a polymer resin, or the like within the scope of the disclosure. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. As the first portion 30a of the plate <NUM> may include a non-metallic material, an input signal or the like may be precisely input.

In an embodiment, the second portion 30b of the plate <NUM> may correspond to the folding area FA and include a metallic material.

The second portion 30b of the plate <NUM> may be arranged or disposed to correspond to (overlap) the folding area FA, and thus, the second portion 30b of the plate <NUM> may be a portion that may be folded in a case that the display apparatus <NUM> is folded. As the second portion 30b of the plate <NUM> may include a metallic material, the second portion 30b of the plate <NUM> may be easily folded.

In an embodiment, the second portion 30b of the plate <NUM> may include a folding structure. The folding structure may include portions 30c where a metallic material may be arranged or disposed and openings 30d between the portions 30c. As the folding structure included in the second portion 30b of the plate <NUM> is included as the portions 30c where a metallic material may be arranged or disposed and the opening 30d between the portions 30c where the metallic material may be arranged or disposed, the second portion 30b of the plate <NUM> may be easily folded.

In an embodiment, the folding structure included in the second portion 30b of the plate <NUM> may be in the form of a substantially uneven structure, rotatably connected links, or the like within the scope of the disclosure. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the plate <NUM> may be attached or disposed below the panel protection member PB via a second adhesive layer <NUM>. The second adhesive layer <NUM> may be a PSA.

<FIG> is a plan view schematically illustrating a digitizer included in a display apparatus according to an embodiment, and <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a digitizer included in a display apparatus according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the digitizer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed below the plate <NUM>. The digitizer <NUM> includes a first digitizer 40a corresponding to the first display area DA1, a second digitizer 40b corresponding to the second display area DA2, and a third digitizer 40c corresponding to the folding area FA.

The first digitizer 40a may at least partially overlap the first display area DA1, the second digitizer 40b may at least partially overlap the second display area DA2, and the third digitizer 40c may at least partially overlap the folding area FA.

The first digitizer 40a may be arranged or disposed below the plate <NUM> to correspond to (overlap) the first display area DA1, the second digitizer 40b may be arranged or disposed below the plate <NUM> to correspond to (overlap) the second display area DA2, and the third digitizer 40c may be arranged or disposed below the plate <NUM> to correspond to (overlap) the folding area FA. The first digitizer 40a and the second digitizer 40b may be arranged or disposed below the first portion 30a of the plate <NUM>, and the third digitizer 40c may be arranged or disposed below the second portion 30b of the plate <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first digitizer 40a and the second digitizer 40b may be spaced apart from each other by a certain or predetermined distance, and the third digitizer 40c may be arranged (located or disposed) between the first digitizer 40a and the second digitizer 40b. The third digitizer 40c may be spaced apart from each of the first digitizer 40a and the second digitizer 40b by a certain or predetermined distance.

In an embodiment, the first digitizer 40a and the second digitizer 40b may be formed as a single body, and an opening or a hole may be defined or formed in the first digitizer 40a and the second digitizer 40b that may be formed as a single body. The third digitizer 40c may be arranged or disposed in the opening or hole defined or formed in the first digitizer 40a and the second digitizer 40b.

As will be described later, the third digitizer 40c is arranged or disposed above a sagging prevention member <NUM> included in the folding area FA. As the third digitizer 40c is spaced apart from the first digitizer 40a and the second digitizer 40b and arranged or disposed above the sagging prevention member <NUM> in the folding area FA, a digitizer (for example, the third digitizer 40c) is also arranged or disposed in the folding area FA, and thus, various input methods using a pen or the like may be provided to users. The sagging prevention member <NUM> may also be referred to as a deformation prevention member or a distortion prevention member.

In an embodiment, a thickness of the first digitizer 40a may be different from that of the third digitizer 40c. In an embodiment, a thickness of the first digitizer 40a may be equal to a thickness of the third digitizer 40c.

The digitizer <NUM> may include a first layer <NUM>, a first pattern layer <NUM>, a second layer <NUM>, a second pattern layer <NUM>, and a third layer <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first pattern layer <NUM> and the second pattern layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed on different surfaces of the second layer <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first pattern layer <NUM> and the second pattern layer <NUM> may be stacked on each other. In this case, the first pattern layer <NUM> and the second pattern layer <NUM> may be stacked in different layers from each other. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, description will focus on a case where the first pattern layer <NUM> and the second pattern layer <NUM> of the digitizer <NUM> are arranged or disposed on different surfaces of the second layer <NUM>.

The first pattern layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed on a lower surface of (under or below) the second layer <NUM>, and the second pattern layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed on an upper surface (on) the second layer <NUM>. The first pattern layer <NUM> may directly contact the lower surface of the second layer <NUM>, and the second pattern layer <NUM> may directly contact the upper surface of the second layer <NUM>. The first pattern layer <NUM> and the second pattern layer <NUM> may be formed by respectively forming a pattern layer on each of the lower surface and the upper surface of the second layer <NUM> and leaving a portion of the pattern layer and removing another portion of the pattern layer.

The first pattern layer <NUM> and the second pattern layer <NUM> may be in the form of a loop coil. An induction current may be induced in the first pattern layer <NUM> and the second pattern layer <NUM> as a stylus contacts or hovers over the display apparatus, and thus, the first pattern layer <NUM> and the second pattern layer <NUM> may be used to detect a position of the stylus. Here, the first pattern layer <NUM> and the second pattern layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed in different directions from each other. For example, in a case that the second pattern layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed in one of the first direction (X-direction) or the second direction (Y-direction), the first pattern layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed in the other of the first direction (X-direction) or the second direction (Y-direction). For example, in a case that the second pattern layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed in the first direction (X-direction), the first pattern layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed in the second direction (Y-direction), and in a case that the second pattern layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed in the second direction (Y-direction), the first pattern layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed in the first direction (X-direction). In this case, the first pattern layer <NUM> and the second pattern layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed to cross or intersect each other.

The first layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed below the first pattern layer <NUM>, and the third layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed above the second pattern layer <NUM>. As the first layer <NUM> and the third layer <NUM> respectively shield the first pattern layer <NUM> and the second pattern layer <NUM>, exposure of the first pattern layer <NUM> and the second pattern layer <NUM> to the external moisture or oxygen and oxidization thereof may be prevented.

In an embodiment, the first layer <NUM> and the third layer <NUM> may include a PI resin. In an embodiment, the first layer <NUM> and the third layer <NUM> may include a PIresin and a light-absorbing material such as at least one of a black pigment, a black dye, and a black filler.

A fourth adhesive layer <NUM> may be disposed between the first layer <NUM> and the first pattern layer <NUM>. In an embodiment, the fourth adhesive layer <NUM> may be formed as a single body with the first layer <NUM>. The fourth adhesive layer <NUM> may be a PSA.

A fifth adhesive layer <NUM> may be disposed between the third layer <NUM> and the second pattern layer <NUM>. In an embodiment, the fifth adhesive layer <NUM> may be formed as a single body with the third layer <NUM>. The fifth adhesive layer <NUM> may be a PSA.

In an embodiment, the first layer <NUM> and the third layer <NUM> may include a same or similar material as that of the second layer <NUM>. For example, the second layer <NUM> may include a PI resin.

Referring back to <FIG>, an electromagnetic wave absorbing layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed under or below the digitizer <NUM>. The electromagnetic wave absorbing layer <NUM> may include a first electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50a corresponding to the first display area DA1, a second electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50b corresponding to the second display area DA2, and a third electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50c corresponding to the folding area FA.

The first electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50a may at least partially overlap the first display area DA1, the second electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50b may at least partially overlap the second display area DA2, and the third electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50c may at least partially overlap the folding area FA.

The first electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50a may be arranged or disposed under or below the first digitizer 40a to correspond to (overlap) the first display area DA1, the second electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50b may be arranged or disposed under or below the second digitizer 40b to correspond to (overlap) the second display area DA2, and the third electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50c may be arranged or disposed under or below the third digitizer 40c to correspond to (overlap) the folding area FA.

In an embodiment, the first electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50a and the second electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50b may be spaced apart from each other by a certain or predetermined distance. The third electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50c may be arranged (located or disposed) between the first electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50a and the second electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50b. The third electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50c may be apart from each of the first electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50a and the second electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50b by a certain or predetermined distance.

In an embodiment, the first electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50a and the second electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50b may be formed as a single body, and an opening or a hole may be defined or formed in the first electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50a and the second electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50b that may be formed as a single body. In this case, the third electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50c may be arranged or disposed in the opening or hole defined or formed in the first electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50a and the second electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50b.

The electromagnetic wave absorbing layer <NUM> may include a magnetic metal powder (MMP). As the electromagnetic wave absorbing layer <NUM> may include an MMP, the electromagnetic wave absorbing layer <NUM> may absorb an electromagnetic wave incident to the digitizer <NUM> or an electromagnetic wave emitted from the digitizer <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50a, the second electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50b, and the third electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50c may be respectively arranged or disposed to correspond to (overlap) the first digitizer 40a, the second digitizer 40b, and the third digitizer 40c, and accordingly, the first electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50a, the second electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50b, and the third electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50c may respectively absorb an electromagnetic wave incident to or emitted from the first digitizer 40a, the second digitizer 40b, and the third digitizer 40c.

A cushion layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed under or below the electromagnetic wave absorbing layer <NUM>. The cushion layer <NUM> may include a first cushion layer 60a arranged or disposed to correspond to the first display area DA1 and a second cushion layer 60b arranged or disposed to correspond to the second display area DA2. The first cushion layer 60a and the second cushion layer 60b may be spaced apart from each other by a certain or predetermined distance. The sagging prevention member <NUM> may be disposed between the first cushion layer 60a and the second cushion layer 60b.

In an embodiment, the first cushion layer 60a and the second cushion layer 60b may be formed as a single body, and an opening or a hole may be defined or formed in the first cushion layer 60a and the second cushion layer 60b.

The cushion layer <NUM> may absorb impact from the outside to protect the display panel <NUM>.

A wing plate <NUM> may be arranged or disposed below the cushion layer <NUM>. The wing plate <NUM> may include a first wing plate 70a arranged or disposed to correspond to the first display area DA1 and a second wing plate 70b arranged or disposed to correspond to the second display area DA2. The first wing plate 70a may be arranged or disposed below the first cushion layer 60a, and the second wing plate 70b may be arranged or disposed below the second cushion layer 60b. An adhesive layer <NUM> may be disposed between the first cushion layer 60a and the first wing plate 70a and between the second cushion layer 60b and the second wing plate 70b. The adhesive layer <NUM> may not entirely cover or overlap the first cushion layer 60a and the first wing plate 70a and the second cushion layer 60b and the second wing plate 70b.

In an embodiment, the first wing plate 70a and the second wing plate 70b may be spaced apart from each other by a certain or predetermined distance.

In an embodiment, the sagging prevention member <NUM> may be arranged or disposed between the first digitizer 40a and the second digitizer 40b that may be spaced apart from each other by a certain or predetermined distance, between the first electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50a and the second electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50b that may be spaced apart from each other by a certain or predetermined distance, between the first cushion layer 60a and the second cushion layer 60b that may be apart from each other by a certain or predetermined distance, and disposed between the first wing plate 70a and the second wing plate 70b that may be spaced apart from each other by a certain or predetermined distance.

In an embodiment, the sagging prevention member <NUM> is arranged or disposed to correspond to the folding area FA. As the sagging prevention member <NUM> is arranged or disposed to correspond to the folding area FA, sagging or deforming of components arranged or disposed in the folding area FA (for example, the display panel <NUM>, the plate <NUM>, or the like), in a -Z direction, may be prevented or minimized.

In an embodiment, the third electromagnetic wave absorbing layer 50c and the third digitizer 40c may be arranged or disposed on the sagging prevention member <NUM>. As the third digitizer 40c is be arranged or disposed above the sagging prevention member <NUM> in the folding area FA, a digitizer may be arranged or disposed below a portion of the display panel <NUM> corresponding to (overlapping) the folding area FA, and accordingly, various input methods using a pen or the like may be provided to users.

In an embodiment, the lower cover <NUM> may be arranged or disposed below the sagging prevention member <NUM>. The lower cover <NUM> may form an outer appearance of a lower surface of the display apparatus <NUM>. The lower cover <NUM> may cover or overlap side surfaces of the display apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates positions of a wing plate and a sagging prevention member in a case that a display apparatus according to an embodiment is in-folded. <FIG> schematically illustrates positions of a wing plate and a sagging prevention member in a case that a display apparatus according to an embodiment is unfolded.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in an embodiment, in a case that the display apparatus <NUM> is in-folded in a + Z direction, a portion of the wing plate <NUM> that may be adjacent to the folding area FA and the sagging prevention member <NUM> may be moved in a - Z direction. In detail, in a case that the display apparatus <NUM> is in-folded in a + Z direction, a right portion of the first wing plate 70a and a left portion of the second wing plate 70b that may be adjacent to the folding area FA may be moved in a - Z direction, and the sagging prevention member <NUM> between the first wing plate 70a and the second wing plate 70b may be moved in a - Z direction.

In an embodiment, in a case that the display apparatus <NUM> is in-folded in a + Z direction, instead of the wing plate <NUM> and the sagging prevention member <NUM> moving in a - Z direction, the display panel <NUM> may be moved in a + Z direction.

In an embodiment, in a case that the display apparatus <NUM> is unfolded, a portion of the wing plate <NUM> that may be adjacent to the folding area FA and the sagging prevention member <NUM> may be moved in a + Z direction. In detail, in a case that the display apparatus <NUM> is unfolded, the right portion of the first wing plate 70a and the left portion of the second wing plate 70b that may be adjacent to the folding area FA may be moved in a + Z direction, and the sagging prevention member <NUM> between the first wing plate 70a and the second wing plate 70b may be moved in a + Z direction.

In an embodiment, the third digitizer 40c is arranged or disposed above the sagging prevention member <NUM>. In a case that the display apparatus <NUM> is unfolded, as the sagging prevention member <NUM> above which the third digitizer 40c is arranged or disposed is moved in a + Z direction, the third digitizer 40c is located or disposed adjacent to the display panel <NUM>, and accordingly, various input methods using a pen or the like may be provided to users.

In a case that the display apparatus <NUM> is in-folded in a + Z direction, components may contact each other because the display panel in the folding area sags in the -Z direction. For example, the third digitizer 40c arranged or disposed above the sagging prevention member <NUM> and the third adhesive layer <NUM> may contact each other. Therefore, in a case that the display apparatus <NUM> is in-folded in a + Z direction, the sagging prevention member <NUM> may move in a - Z direction, and accordingly components may be prevented or minimized from contacting each other.

In a case that the display apparatus <NUM> is in-folded in a + Z direction, components may contact each other because the display panel in the folding area sags in the -Z direction. For example, the wing plate <NUM> and the third adhesive layer <NUM> may contact each other. Therefore, in a case that the display apparatus <NUM> is in-folded in a + Z direction, a portion of the wing plate <NUM> may move in a -Z direction, and accordingly components may be prevented or minimized from contacting each other.

In an embodiment, in a case that the display apparatus <NUM> is unfolded, instead of the wing plate <NUM> and the sagging prevention member <NUM> moving in a + Z direction, the display panel <NUM> may be moved in a - Z direction.

Although not illustrated in the drawings, in an embodiment, the sagging prevention member <NUM> may be arranged or disposed in a portion of the lower cover <NUM>. Alternatively, the sagging prevention member <NUM> may be connected to a component additionally provided or disposed below the wing plate <NUM> (for example, a housing).

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a display apparatus according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the display apparatus <NUM> includes the display panel <NUM>, and may include the panel protection member PB may be arranged or disposed below the display panel <NUM>, and a cover window <NUM> may be arranged or disposed above the display panel <NUM>.

The panel protection member PB may be attached o disposed below the display panel <NUM> by using the first adhesive layer <NUM>, and the cover window <NUM> may be adhered to the display panel <NUM> by using a sixth adhesive layer <NUM>. The sixth adhesive layer <NUM> may be a PSA or an optically clear adhesive (OCA).

The cover window <NUM> may be attached or disposed above the display panel <NUM> to protect the display panel <NUM>.

<FIG> is a plan view schematically illustrating a display panel included in a display apparatus according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel taken along line II-II' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the display panel <NUM> includes the display area DA and may include the peripheral area DPA outside of or adjacent to the display area DA. The display panel <NUM> may provide an image by using pixels P arranged or disposed in the display area DA.

The pixels P may be implemented as a display element such as an organic light-emitting diode OLED. Each pixel P may emit, for example, light of a red color, a green color, a blue color or a white color. The display area DA may be covered or overlapped using an encapsulation member to be protected from external air or moisture or the like within the scope of the disclosure. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

A first flexible film <NUM> may be attached to a boundary at one or a side of the display panel <NUM>. One or a side of the first flexible film <NUM> may be attached to the boundary at the one side of the display panel <NUM> by using an anisotropic conductive film. The first flexible film <NUM> may be a bendable flexible film.

A display driver <NUM> may be arranged or disposed on the first flexible film <NUM>. The display driver <NUM> may receive control signals and power voltages, and may generate signals and voltages for driving the display panel <NUM> and output the same. The display driver <NUM> may be formed using an integrated circuit (IC).

A display circuit board <NUM> may be attached or disposed to the other or another side of the first flexible film <NUM>. The other side of the first flexible film <NUM> may be attached to an upper surface of the display circuit board <NUM> by using an anisotropic conductive film. The display circuit board <NUM> may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) that may be bendable, a rigid PCB that may be rigid and not easily bendable, or a complex PCB including both a rigid PCB and a flexible FPCB.

A touch sensor driver <NUM> may be arranged or disposed on the display circuit board <NUM>. The touch sensor driver <NUM> may be formed using an IC. The touch sensor driver <NUM> may be attached to the display circuit board <NUM>. The touch sensor driver <NUM> may be electrically connected to touch electrodes of a touch screen layer <NUM> (<FIG>) of the display panel <NUM> via the display circuit board <NUM>.

The touch screen layer of the display panel <NUM> may detect a touch input by a user by using at least one of various touch methods such as a resistive film type method, a capacitive type method, and the like within the scope of the disclosure. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in a case that the touch screen layer of the display panel <NUM> detects a touch input by a user by using a capacitive method, the touch sensor driver <NUM> may apply driving signals to driving electrodes among the touch electrodes. Then, whether the user has touched or not may be determined by detecting voltages charged in mutual capacitance between the driving electrodes and sensing electrodes, by using the sensing electrodes from among the touch electrodes. A touch by a user may include a contact touch and a proximity touch. A contact touch may refer to a direct contact by a user's finger or an object such as a pen, on the cover window <NUM> arranged or disposed on the touch screen layer. Like hovering, a proximity touch may refer to an approach by the finger of a user or an object such as a pen in proximity to the cover window <NUM>. The touch sensor driver <NUM> may transmit sensor data to a main processor based on the detected voltages, and by analyzing the sensor data, the main processor may calculate touch coordinates where a touch input has occurred.

A power supply unit for supplying driving voltages to drive the pixels P of the display panel <NUM>, a scan driver, and the display driver <NUM> may be further arranged or disposed on the display circuit board <NUM>. Alternatively, the power supply unit may be combined with the display driver <NUM>, and as an example, the display driver <NUM> and the power supply unit may be formed using a single IC.

A substrate <NUM> may include an insulating material such as glass, quartz, a polymer resin, or the like within the scope of the disclosure. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the substrate <NUM> may include a polymer resin such as polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, PI, polycarbonate or cellulose acetate propionate. The substrate <NUM> may have a multi-layer structure including a layer including the above-described polymer resin and an inorganic layer (not shown). For example, the substrate <NUM> may include two layers including the above-described polymer resin and an inorganic barrier layer therebetween. The substrate <NUM> may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate that may be bendable, foldable, or rollable.

A buffer layer <NUM> may be located or disposed on the substrate <NUM> and reduce or prevent penetration of foreign substances, moisture, or external air from below the substrate <NUM> and provide a flat surface on the substrate <NUM>. The buffer layer <NUM> may include an inorganic material such as an oxide or nitride, an organic material, or an organic-inorganic composite material, and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure of an inorganic material and an organic material. A barrier layer (not shown) blocking penetration of outside air may be further included between the substrate <NUM> and the buffer layer <NUM>. In an embodiment, the buffer layer <NUM> may be formed of silicon oxide (SiO<NUM>) or silicon nitride (SiNx). The buffer layer <NUM> may include a first buffer layer 111a and a second buffer layer 111b that may be stacked. In this case, the first buffer layer 111a may include silicon oxide (SiO<NUM>), and the second buffer layer 111b may include silicon nitride (SiNx). Alternatively, the first buffer layer 111a may include silicon nitride (SiNx), and the second buffer layer 111b may include silicon oxide (SiO<NUM>). Alternatively, the first buffer layer 111a and the second buffer layer 111b may include a same or similar material.

A pixel circuit PC may be arranged or disposed on the buffer layer <NUM>. The pixel circuit PC may include a thin film transistor TFT and a storage capacitor Cst. The thin film transistor TFT may be arranged or disposed on the buffer layer <NUM>. The thin film transistor TFT may include a semiconductor layer A, a gate electrode G, a source electrode S, and a drain electrode D. The thin film transistor TFT may be electrically connected to an organic light-emitting diode OLED to drive the organic light-emitting diode OLED.

The semiconductor layer A may be arranged or disposed on the buffer layer <NUM> and may include polysilicon. In an embodiment, the semiconductor layer A may include amorphous silicon. In an embodiment, the semiconductor layer A may include an oxide of at least one material selected from the group including indium (In), gallium (Ga), stannum (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), and zinc (Zn). The semiconductor layer A may include a channel area and a source area and a drain area that may be doped with impurities.

A first insulating layer <NUM> may be included to cover or overlap the semiconductor layer A. The first insulating layer <NUM> may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiOX), silicon nitride (SiNX), silicon oxynitride (SiOXNY), aluminum oxide (Al<NUM>O<NUM>), titanium oxide (TiO<NUM>), tantalum oxide (TazOs), hafnium oxide (HfO<NUM>), zinc oxide (ZnO<NUM>), or the like within the scope of the disclosure. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The first insulating layer <NUM> may be a single layer or multiple layers including the above-described inorganic insulating materials.

The gate electrode G may be arranged or disposed on the first insulating layer <NUM> to overlap the semiconductor layer A. The gate electrode G may include molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), and the like, and may include a single layer or multiple layers. In an embodiment, the gate electrode G may be a single layer of molybdenum (Mo).

The second insulating layer <NUM> may cover or overlap the gate electrode G. The second insulating layer <NUM> may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNX), silicon oxynitride (SiOXNY), aluminum oxide (Al<NUM>O<NUM>), titanium oxide (TiO<NUM>), tantalum oxide (TazOs), hafnium oxide (HfO<NUM>), zinc oxide (ZnO<NUM>), or the like within the scope of the disclosure. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The second insulating layer <NUM> may be a single layer or multiple layers including the above-described inorganic insulating materials.

An upper electrode CE2 of the storage capacitor Cst may be arranged or disposed on the second insulating layer <NUM>. The upper electrode CE2 arranged or disposed on the second insulating layer <NUM> may overlap the gate electrode G arranged or disposed under or below the second insulating layer <NUM>. The gate electrode G and the upper electrode CE2 overlapping each other with the second insulating layer <NUM> therebetween may form the storage capacitor Cst. In an embodiment, the gate electrode G may be a lower electrode CE1 of the storage capacitor Cst. In an embodiment, the lower electrode CE1 of the storage capacitor Cst may be included as an independent component. In this case, the lower electrode CE1 and the gate electrode G may be spaced apart from each other by a certain or predetermined distance.

The upper electrode CE2 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), and/or copper (Cu), and may include a single layer or multiple layers including the above-described materials.

A third insulating layer <NUM> may cover or overlap the upper electrode CE2. The third insulating layer <NUM> may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNX), silicon oxynitride (SiOXNY), aluminum oxide (Al<NUM>O<NUM>), titanium oxide (TiO<NUM>), tantalum oxide (TazOs), hafnium oxide (HfO<NUM>), zinc oxide (ZnO<NUM>), or the like within the scope of the disclosure. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The third insulating layer <NUM> may include a single layer or multiple layers including the above-described inorganic insulating materials. The first insulating layer <NUM>, the second insulating layer <NUM>, and the third insulating layer <NUM> may be collectively be referred to as insulating layers IIL.

A source electrode S and a drain electrode D may be arranged or disposed on the third insulating layer <NUM>. The source electrode S and the drain electrode D may include a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), and the like, and may be formed as a multi-layer or single-layer structure including the above materials. In an embodiment, the source electrode S and the drain electrode D may have a multi-layer structure including titanium (Ti)/aluminum (Al)/titanium (Ti).

A planarization layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed on the source electrode S and the drain electrode D. The planarization layer <NUM> may have a flat upper surface such that a pixel electrode <NUM> arranged or disposed thereon may be flat.

The planarization layer <NUM> may include an organic material or an inorganic material and may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The planarization layer <NUM> may include a general-purpose polymer such as benzocyclobutene (BCB), PI, hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), or polystyrene (PS), a polymer derivative having a phenolic group, acrylic polymer, imide-based polymer, aryl ether-based polymer, amide-based polymer, fluorine-based polymer, p-xylene-based polymer, or vinyl alcohol-based polymer. The planarization layer <NUM> may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiOX), silicon nitride (SiNX), silicon oxynitride (SiOXNY), aluminum oxide (Al<NUM>O<NUM>), titanium oxide (TiO<NUM>), tantalum oxide (TazOs), hafnium oxide (HfO<NUM>), zinc oxide (ZnO<NUM>), or the like within the scope of the disclosure. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. In a case that forming the planarization layer <NUM>, in order to provide a flat upper surface after forming the planarization layer <NUM>, chemical mechanical polishing may be performed on the upper surface thereof.

The planarization layer <NUM> may have a via hole exposing one of the source electrode S and the drain electrode D of the thin film transistor TFT, and the pixel electrode <NUM> may electrically contact the source electrode S or the drain electrode D via the via hole to be electrically connected to the thin film transistor TFT.

While one planarization layer is illustrated in <FIG>, in an embodiment, two planarization layers may also be included. Two planarization layers may be more advantageous in terms of a higher level of integration.

The pixel electrode <NUM> may be arranged or disposed on the planarization layer <NUM>. The pixel electrode <NUM> may include a conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In<NUM>O<NUM>), indium gallium oxide (IGO) or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). The pixel electrode <NUM> may include a reflective layer including silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), or a compound thereof. For example, the pixel electrode <NUM> may have a structure in which layers including ITO, IZO, ZnO or In<NUM>O<NUM> may be above or below the above-described reflective layer. The pixel electrode <NUM> may have a structure in which indium tin oxide (ITO)/ silver (Ag)/indium tin oxide (ITO) may be stacked.

A pixel defining layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed on the planarization layer <NUM>. The pixel defining layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed on the planarization layer <NUM> and cover or overlap edges of the pixel electrode <NUM>. In the pixel defining layer <NUM>, a first opening OP1 exposing at least a portion of the pixel electrode <NUM> may be defined or formed. An emission area EA of the organic light-emitting diode OLED, for example, a size and shape of a pixel P may be defined or formed by the first opening OP1.

The pixel defining layer <NUM> may increase a distance between the edges of the pixel electrode <NUM> and an opposite electrode <NUM> above the pixel electrode <NUM> to thereby prevent an arc or the like at the edges of the pixel electrode <NUM>. The pixel defining layer <NUM> may include, for example, an organic insulating material such as PI, polyamide, an acrylic resin, benzocylcobutene, HMDSO, a phenolic resin, or the like, and may be formed by spin coating or the like within the scope of the disclosure. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

Although not illustrated, a spacer to prevent mask stamping may be further arranged or disposed on the pixel defining layer <NUM>. The spacer may be formed as a single body with the pixel defining layer <NUM>. For example, the spacer and the pixel defining layer <NUM> may be simultaneously formed in a same process by using a halftone mask process.

An emission layer 122b may be arranged or disposed in the first opening OP1 defined or formed in the pixel defining layer <NUM>, to correspond to the pixel electrode <NUM>. The emission layer 122b may include a polymer material or a low-molecular material, and may emit light of red, green, blue or white color.

An organic functional layer 122e may be arranged or disposed on and/or under or below the emission layer 122b. In an embodiment, the organic functional layer 122e may include a first functional layer 122a and/or a second functional layer 122c. In an embodiment, the first functional layer 122a or the second functional layer 122c may be omitted.

The first functional layer 122a may be arranged or disposed under or below the emission layer 122b. The first functional layer 122a may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure including an organic material. The first functional layer 122a may be a hole transport layer (HTL) having a single-layer structure. Alternatively, the first functional layer 122a may include a hole injection layer (HTL) and a HTL. The first functional layer 122a may be formed as a single body to correspond to organic light-emitting diodes OLED included in the display area DA.

The second functional layer 122c may be arranged or disposed on the emission layer 122b. The second functional layer 122c may be a single layer or multiple layers including an organic material. The second functional layer 122c may include an electron transport layer (ETL) and/or an electron injection layer (EIL). The second functional layer 122c may be formed as a single body to correspond to organic light-emitting diodes OLED included in the display area DA.

The opposite electrode <NUM> may be arranged or disposed on the second functional layer 122c. The opposite electrode <NUM> may include a conductive material having a low work function. For example, the opposite electrode <NUM> may include a (semi)transparent layer including silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), or an alloy thereof. Alternatively, the opposite electrode <NUM> may further include a layer such as ITO, IZO, ZnO or In<NUM>O<NUM> on the (semi)transparent layer including the above-described materials. The opposite electrode <NUM> may be formed as a single body to correspond to organic light-emitting diodes OLED included in the display area DA.

The layers from the pixel electrode <NUM> to the opposite electrode <NUM> may constitute an organic light-emitting diode OLED.

An upper layer <NUM> including an organic material may be formed or disposed on the opposite electrode <NUM>. The upper layer <NUM> may be provided to protect the opposite electrode <NUM> and also increase light extraction efficiency. The upper layer <NUM> may include an organic material having a higher refractive index than the opposite electrode <NUM>. Alternatively, the upper layer <NUM> may include layers having different refractive indices and stacked on each other. For example, the upper layer <NUM> may be formed by stacking a high-refractive index layer/low-refractive index layer/high-refractive index layer. A refractive index of the high-refractive index layer may be about <NUM> or higher, and a refractive index of the low-refractive index layer may be about <NUM> or lower.

The upper layer <NUM> may further include LiF. Alternatively, the upper layer <NUM> may further include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO<NUM>) or silicon nitride (SiNx). The upper layer <NUM> may be omitted. However, for convenience of description, description will focus on an embodiment in which the upper layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed on the opposite electrode <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a display apparatus according to an embodiment. In <FIG>, like reference numerals as those in <FIG> denote like elements, and thus repeated description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, a thin-film encapsulation layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed on the organic light-emitting diode OLED. The thin-film encapsulation layer <NUM> may include at least one inorganic film layer and at least one organic film layer. For example, the thin-film encapsulation layer <NUM> may include a first inorganic film layer <NUM>, an organic film layer <NUM>, and a second inorganic film layer <NUM>.

The first inorganic film layer <NUM> and the second inorganic film layer <NUM> may each include one or more inorganic insulating materials. The inorganic insulating material may include silicon oxide (SiOX), silicon nitride (SiNX), silicon oxynitride (SiOXNY), aluminum oxide (Al<NUM>O<NUM>), titanium oxide (TiO<NUM>), tantalum oxide (TazOs), hafnium oxide (HfO<NUM>), zinc oxide (ZnO<NUM>), or the like within the scope of the disclosure. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

The organic film layer <NUM> may include a polymer-based material. Examples of the polymer-based material may include an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, PI, polyethylene, and the like within the scope of the disclosure. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the organic film layer <NUM> may include an acrylic resin, such as polymethylmethacrylate, polyacrylic acid, and the like within the scope of the disclosure. The organic film layer <NUM> may be formed by hardening a monomer or applying a polymer.

The touch screen layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed on the thin-film encapsulation layer <NUM>. The touch screen layer <NUM> may include a first conductive layer MTL1 and a second conductive layer MTL2 including a sensing electrode and/or a trace line or the like within the scope of the disclosure. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. A first touch insulating layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed between the thin-film encapsulation layer <NUM> and the first conductive layer MTL1, and a second touch insulating layer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed between the first conductive layer MTL1 and the second conductive layer MTL2.

The first conductive layer MTL1 and the second conductive layer MTL2 may include a conductive material. The conductive material may include molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), or the like, and may include multiple layers or a single layer including the above material. In an embodiment, the first conductive layer MTL1 and the second conductive layer MTL2 may have a structure in which a titanium layer, an aluminum layer, and a titanium layer may be sequentially stacked (Ti/Al/Ti).

The first touch insulating layer <NUM> and the second touch insulating layer <NUM> may include an inorganic insulating material and/or an organic insulating material. The inorganic insulating material may include silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxynitride (SiOXNY), aluminum oxide (Al<NUM>O<NUM>), titanium oxide (TiO<NUM>), tantalum oxide (TazOs), hafnium oxide (HfO<NUM>), zinc oxide (ZnO<NUM>), or the like within the scope of the disclosure. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The organic insulating material may include an acrylic organic material, an imide organic material, or the like within the scope of the disclosure.

A filter plate <NUM> may be arranged or disposed on the touch screen layer <NUM> as an optical functional layer. The filter plate <NUM> may include a black matrix <NUM>, a color filter <NUM>, and an overcoat layer <NUM>.

The black matrix <NUM> may be located or disposed in a non-emission area around the emission area EA and surround the emission area EA. In an embodiment, the black matrix <NUM> may passivate a touch electrode of the touch screen layer <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the second conductive layer MTL2 of the touch screen layer <NUM> may overlap the black matrix <NUM>, and the second conductive layer MTL2 may be covered or overlapped using the black matrix <NUM>. The black matrix <NUM> may include an insulating material (for example, an organic insulating material) including a pigment or dye having a black color. The black matrix <NUM> may include a material that may be included in the pixel defining layer <NUM>.

The black matrix <NUM> may have a second opening OP2 corresponding to the emission area EA. The second opening OP2 defined or formed in the black matrix <NUM> may be formed to be the same in size as or larger than the first opening OP1 defined or formed in the pixel defining layer <NUM>.

The color filter <NUM> may be arranged or disposed in the emission area EA of the organic light-emitting diode OLED. The color filter <NUM> may have a red, green, or blue pigment or dye according to a color of light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode OLED.

The overcoat layer <NUM> covering or overlapping the black matrix <NUM> and the color filter <NUM> to planarize an upper surface of the filter plate <NUM> may be arranged or disposed on the black matrix <NUM> and the color filter <NUM>.

Although not illustrated, in an embodiment, instead of the filter plate <NUM>, an optical functional layer including a polarization plate may be arranged or disposed on the touch screen layer <NUM>. In this case, the optical functional layer may include an anti-reflection layer. The anti-reflection layer may reduce a reflectance of light (external light) incident from the outside to the display apparatus <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the anti-reflection layer may include a polarization film. The polarization film may include a linear polarization plate and a phase delay film such as a quarter-wave (λ/<NUM>) plate. The phase delay film may be arranged or disposed on the touch screen layer <NUM>, and a linear polarization plate may be arranged or disposed on the phase delay film. In an embodiment, the anti-reflection layer may include a destructive interference structure. The destructive interference structure may include a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer arranged or disposed on different layers from each other. First reflected light and second reflected light respectively reflected by the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer may undergo destructive interference, thereby reducing external light reflectance.

The cover window <NUM> may be arranged or disposed above the filter plate <NUM>. The cover window <NUM> may be attached to the filter plate <NUM> by using the sixth adhesive layer <NUM>. The sixth adhesive layer <NUM> may be a PSA or an OCA.

In an embodiment, in the display apparatus <NUM> including the display area DA and the folding area FA, as the digitizer <NUM> may be arranged or disposed below the display panel <NUM>, various input methods using a pen or the like may be provided to users.

In an embodiment, as the sagging prevention member <NUM> is be arranged or disposed to correspond to the folding area FA, and a digitizer (for example, the third digitizer 40c) is arranged or disposed above the sagging prevention member <NUM>, various input methods using a pen or the like may be provided to users in the folding area FA.

For example, in an embodiment, as a folding structure may be included in the second portion 30b of the plate <NUM> arranged or disposed below the display panel <NUM>, the second portion 30b corresponding to the folding area FA, in-folding may be easily implemented.

According to an embodiment as described above, as a digitizer is included below a foldable display panel that may be folded or unfolded, various input methods using a pen or the like may be provided to users. However, the scope of the disclosure is not limited by the above-described effects.

Claim 1:
A display apparatus comprising:
a display area (DA) and a folding area (FA);
a display panel (<NUM>);
a digitizer (<NUM>) disposed below the display panel;
a sagging prevention member (<NUM>) disposed in a portion below the display panel overlapping the folding area, and
a cushion layer (<NUM>) disposed below the digitizer; wherein
the display area includes a first display area (DA1) and a second display area (DA2) spaced apart from each other,
the folding area is disposed between the first display area and the second display area, and
the digitizer includes:
a first digitizer (40a) overlapping the first display area;
a second digitizer (40b) overlapping the second display area; and
a third digitizer (40c) overlapping the folding area,
wherein the third digitizer is disposed on the sagging prevention layer,
wherein the sagging prevention member and the third digitizer are configured to be movable together.