Patent ID: 12207540

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the invention. As used herein “embodiments” and “implementations” are interchangeable words that are non-limiting examples of devices or methods employing one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. It is apparent, however, that various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various exemplary embodiments. Further, various exemplary embodiments may be different, but do not have to be exclusive. For example, specific shapes, configurations, and characteristics of an exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment without departing from the inventive concepts.

Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated exemplary embodiments are to be understood as providing exemplary features of varying detail of some ways in which the inventive concepts may be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions, and/or aspects, etc. (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as “elements”), of the various embodiments may be otherwise combined, separated, interchanged, and/or rearranged without departing from the inventive concepts.

The use of cross-hatching and/or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally provided to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements. As such, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between illustrated elements, and/or any other characteristic, attribute, property, etc., of the elements, unless specified. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the size and relative sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clarity and/or descriptive purposes. When an exemplary embodiment may be implemented differently, a specific process order may be performed differently from the described order. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to the described order. Also, like reference numerals denote like elements.

When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. When, however, an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. To this end, the term “connected” may refer to physical, electrical, and/or fluid connection, with or without intervening elements. Further, the D1-axis, the D2-axis, and the D3-axis are not limited to three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, such as the x, y, and z-axes, and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the D1-axis, the D2-axis, and the D3-axis may be perpendicular to one another, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to one another. For the purposes of this disclosure, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” may be construed as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for instance, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “over,” “higher,” “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”), and the like, may be used herein for descriptive purposes, and, thereby, to describe one elements relationship to another element(s) as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of an apparatus in use, operation, and/or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the apparatus in the drawings is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. Furthermore, the apparatus may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and, as such, the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms, “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Moreover, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms, are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and, as such, are utilized to account for inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and/or provided values that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to sectional and/or exploded illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized exemplary embodiments and/or intermediate structures. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be construed as limited to the particular illustrated shapes of regions, but are to include deviations in shapes that result from, for instance, manufacturing. In this manner, regions illustrated in the drawings may be schematic in nature and the shapes of these regions may not reflect actual shapes of regions of a device and, as such, are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

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 is a part. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

FIG.1is a plan view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment,FIG.2is a perspective view showing a folded shape of a display panel included in the display device ofFIG.1,FIG.3is a block diagram showing an external device electrically connected to the display device ofFIG.1according to an exemplary embodiment,FIG.4is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of the display device ofFIG.1, andFIG.5is an enlarged planar view showing ‘A’ region of the display device ofFIG.1. For example,FIGS.1and4show a state in which the display device is unfolded, andFIG.1shows a state in which a bending area of the display panel is bent.

Referring toFIGS.1,2,4, and5, a display device100may include a display panel200, a shock absorbing member410, a support member500, an elastic member430, and a first adhesive member425, a second adhesive member435, a third adhesive member415, a fourth adhesive member205, a metal member705, and the like.

The display panel200may include a display area10, a folding area20, a pad area30, and a bending area50. A plurality of pixels may be disposed in the display area10, and an image may be displayed in the display area10through the pixels. For example, the display panel200may have a first surface S1, on which an image is displayed, and a second surface S2opposing the first surface S1. In addition, the display panel200may have a first side surface SS1and a second side surface SS2opposing the first side surface SS1. The folding area20may be an area in which the display panel200is folded or unfolded. A portion of the display area10may be defined as the folding area20.

When the display panel200located in the folding area20is folded, the first side surface SS1and the second side surface SS2may be placed adjacent to each other. In addition, the display panel200located in the folding area20may form a curved shape when the display panel200is folded. In this case, the first surface S1may be located on an inner side, and the second surface S2may be located on an outer side, as shown inFIG.2. Alternatively, the display panel200may be folded such that the first surface S1is located on the outer side and the second surface S2is located on the inner side.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIGS.1and2, a portion of a side surface of the display panel200may be recessed inward. In particular, a groove may be formed in the portion of the side surface disposed between the first side surface SS1and the second side surface SS2of the display panel200. For example, a functional module may be disposed at the portion where the groove is formed. The functional module may include a camera module, a face recognition sensor module, a pupil recognition sensor module, an acceleration sensor module, a proximity sensor module, an infrared sensor module, an illuminance sensor module, and the like.

Pad electrodes electrically connected to an external device101(seeFIG.3) may be disposed in the pad area30, and connection electrodes electrically connecting the pad electrodes to the pixels may be disposed in the bending area50. A portion of the pad area30may be defined as the bending area50. When the bending area50is bent, the pad area30may be located on a bottom surface of the display panel200, and a portion of the display area10and a portion of the pad area30may overlap each other. In an exemplary embodiment, a width of the pad area30may be smaller than a width of the display area10, which is adjacent to the pad area30. In particular, the pad area30may protrude from one side of the display area10.

Although the display panel200has been described as having a polygonal shape when viewed in a plan view, the shape of the display panel200is not limited thereto. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the display panel200may have a triangular shape, a rhombic shape, a rectangular shape, a circular shape, a track shape, or an elliptical shape, when viewed in a plan view.

In addition, as shown inFIG.4, the metal member705may include a first metal member710and a second metal member720. Furthermore, as shown inFIG.5, a plurality of openings535, a plurality of protrusions530, and a plurality of trenches520may be formed in the support member500.

Referring back toFIGS.1,2,4, and5, the display panel200may be provided. As the folding area20of the display panel200is folded or unfolded, the display device100may be folded or unfolded in the folding area20.

The shock absorbing member410may be disposed on the second surface S2of the display panel200. In particular, the shock absorbing member410may be disposed between the support member500and the display panel200. The shock absorbing member410may protect the display panel200from an external impact. In addition, the shock absorbing member410may include a flexible material so that the display panel200may be easily folded. For example, the shock absorbing member410may include a material having the form of a foam, such as a polyurethane foam, a polystyrene foam, or the like.

The support member500may be disposed on a bottom surface of the shock absorbing member410. In particular, the support member500may be disposed on the second surface S2of the display panel200, and may include a plurality of openings535formed in the folding area20. In an exemplary embodiment, the openings535may include openings531arranged in a first direction D1parallel to a top surface of the display device100, and openings532shifted in a second direction D2, which is perpendicular to the first direction D1, and arranged in the first direction D1. In addition, the support member500may further include a plurality of protrusions530protruding in a third direction D3opposite to the second direction D2. Furthermore, a space between two adjacent protrusions among the protrusions530may be defined as a trench520. In an exemplary embodiment, a width of the folding area20, in which the openings535are formed in the first direction D1, may be approximately 7.95 millimeters, and a width of each of the openings535in the first direction D1may be approximately 0.2 millimeters. In addition, an interval between two openings535, which are adjacent to each other in the first direction D1(e.g., a spaced distance between the two adjacent openings535) among the openings535, may be approximately 0.1 millimeter, and a pitch of the openings535in the first direction D1may be approximately 0.3 millimeters. Furthermore, a length of each of the openings535in the second direction D2(or the third direction D3) may be approximately 4 millimeters. When the openings535have the above dimensions, even when the display device100is repeatedly folded or unfolded, the folding area20of the display device100may not be damaged.

For example, the openings535may include first to nthopenings (where n is an integer of 1 or more) arranged in the first direction D1, and a kthopening (where k is an even number between 1 and n) among the first to n th openings may be located at a position shifted in the second direction D2perpendicular to the first direction D1. In addition, the support member500may further include protrusions located in the third direction D3with respect to each of (k−1)thand (k+1)thopenings among the first to nthopenings, and the trench520may be defined by the protrusions.

The support member500may support the display panel200, and may also assist the display panel200to be folded. For example, the support member500may be disposed over the second surface S2of the display panel200to support the display panel200, and the openings535formed in the folding area20may assist the display panel200to be folded. In addition, the openings535formed in the folding area20may prevent creases from being generated on the first surface S1located in the folding area20of the display panel200from repeatedly folding and unfolding of the display panel200.

In an exemplary embodiment, the openings535may be an empty space. In addition, when the display device100is folded and unfolded, a shape of each of the openings535may be deformed. For example, as each of the openings535has a geometric shape, the support member500located in the folding area20may be deformed in a longitudinal direction (e.g., the first direction D1) without being deformed in a depth direction (e.g., a direction from the support member500toward the display panel200).

The support member500may include a metal or plastic having a relatively large elastic force or a relatively large restoring force. In an exemplary embodiment, the support member500may include steel use stainless (SUS). In some exemplary embodiments, the support member500may include alloys (e.g., super-elastic metals), such as nickel-titanium (Ni—Ti), nickel-aluminum (Ni—Al), copper-zinc-nickel (Cu—Zn—Ni), copper-aluminum-nickel (Cu—Al—Ni), copper-aluminum-manganese (Cu—Al—Mn), titanium-nickel-copper-molybdenum (Ti—Ni—Cu—Mo), cobalt-nickel-gallium:iron (Co—Ni—Ga:Fe), silver-nickel (Ag—Ni), gold-cadmium (Au—Cd), iron-platinum (Fe—Pt), iron-nickel (Fe—Ni), and indium-cadmium (In—Cd).

Although each of the openings535has been described as having a rectangular shape when viewed in a plan view, the shape of each of the openings535is not limited thereto. For example, each of the openings535may have a triangular shape, a rhombic shape, a polygonal shape, a circular shape, a track shape, or an elliptical shape when viewed in a plan view.

The elastic member430may be disposed on a bottom surface of the support member500. In particular, the elastic member430may overlap the openings535in the folding area20on the bottom surface of the support member500. The elastic member430may prevent the openings535from being exposed in a fourth direction D4perpendicular to the first to third directions D1, D2, and D3. In some exemplary embodiments, the elastic member430may not be disposed inside each of the openings535so that the openings535may be configured as empty spaces. While the display device100is repeatedly folded and unfolded, the elastic member430may prevent foreign substances from penetrating into the openings535and the trench520in the fourth direction D4. In addition, while the display device100is repeatedly folded and unfolded, the elastic member430may be extended and contracted to prevent the openings535from being exposed. The elastic member430may include an elastomer having a relatively large elastic force or a relatively large restoring force. For example, the elastic member430may include an elastic material, such as silicone, urethane, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or nylon.

When a conventional display device is repeatedly folded and unfolded, foreign substances may penetrate into the openings535and the trench520in the fourth direction D4. The penetrated foreign substances may not escape out of the openings535and the trench520. In this case, due to the foreign substances, the support member500located in the folding area20may be damaged, or the shapes of the openings535may be deformed, so that defects may be formed in the folding area20of the conventional display device.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the elastic member430is disposed on the openings535to prevent the openings535from being exposed in the fourth direction D4, so that the foreign substances may not penetrate into the openings535and the trench520.

The first adhesive member425may be disposed between the support member500and the elastic member430. A top surface of the first adhesive member425may make direct contact with the support member500, and a bottom surface of the first adhesive member425may make direct contact with the elastic member430. In an exemplary embodiment, the first adhesive member425may have a first opening427, which overlaps the openings535. In particular, the first opening427may overlap the folding area20. That is, the first adhesive member425may adhere the elastic member430onto the bottom surface of the support member500except for the folding area20. The first adhesive member425may not be disposed inside each of the openings535so that the openings535may be configured as empty spaces. In addition, when the display device100is folded and unfolded, the shape of each of the openings535may be deformed, and the shape of each of the openings535may be easily deformed because the first adhesive member425includes the first opening427. Accordingly, the display device100may be easily folded and unfolded.

The first adhesive member425may include an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a photocurable resin, a thermosetting resin, or the like. For example, the adhesive may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalene (PEN), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), polysulfone (PSul), polyethylene (PE), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyether sulfone (PES), polyarylate (PAR), polycarbonate oxide (PCO), modified polyphenylene oxide (MPPO), and the like, and the resin may include an epoxy resin, an amino resin, a phenol resin, a urea resin, a melamine resin, an unsaturated polyester resin, a polyurethane resin, a polyimide resin, and the like.

The metal member705may be disposed on a bottom surface of the elastic member430. For example, the first metal member710may be disposed at a first portion on the bottom surface of the elastic member430, and the second metal member720may be disposed at a second portion of the bottom surface of the elastic member430. In this case, each of the first and second portions of the elastic member430may partially overlap the folding area20. In an exemplary embodiment, the first metal member710and the second metal member720may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1. The spaced distance may be determined according to a radius of curvature of the folding area20. In addition, the metal member705may prevent the display panel200from sagging in the folding area20, and may block static electricity, electromagnetic waves, electric fields, magnetic fields, and the like, which may be generated from an outside. The metal member705may include SUS. In some exemplary embodiments, the metal member705may include a metal, an alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, etc. For example, the metal member705may include gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), copper (Cu), platinum (Pt), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), palladium (Pd), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), lithium (Li), chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), molybdenum (Mo), scandium (Sc), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), an aluminum-containing alloy, aluminum nitride (AlNx), a silver-containing alloy, tungsten nitride (WNx), a copper-containing alloy, a molybdenum-containing alloy, titanium nitride (TiNx), chromium nitride (CrNx), tantalum nitride (TaNx), strontium ruthenium oxide (SrRuxOy), zinc oxide (ZnOx), indium tin oxide (ITO), tin oxide (SnOx), indium oxide (InOx), gallium oxide (GaOx), indium zinc oxide (IZO), etc. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. In other exemplary embodiments, a step difference compensation member and an adhesive member may be additionally disposed on a bottom surface of the metal member705. The adhesive member may make contact with a set member surrounding the display device100, and the step difference compensation member may prevent the display panel200from sagging in the folding area20together with the metal member705.

The second adhesive member435may be disposed between the elastic member430and the metal member705. A top surface of the second adhesive member435may make direct contact with the elastic member430, and a bottom surface of the second adhesive member435may make direct contact with the metal member705. In an exemplary embodiment, the second adhesive member435may have a second opening437, which overlaps the openings535and the first opening427. In particular, the second opening437may overlap the folding area20. As such, the second adhesive member435may adhere the metal member705onto the bottom surface of the elastic member430except for the folding area20. In addition, when the display device100is folded and unfolded, the elastic member430located in the folding area20may be extended and contracted, and the elastic member430may be easily extended and contracted in the folding area20because the second adhesive member435includes the second opening437. Accordingly, the display device100may be easily folded and unfolded. The second adhesive member435may include an OCA, a PSA, a photocurable resin, a thermosetting resin, or the like.

The third adhesive member415may be disposed between the shock absorbing member410and the support member500. A top surface of the third adhesive member415may make direct contact with the shock absorbing member410, and a bottom surface of the third adhesive member415may make direct contact with the support member500. In addition, the third adhesive member415may cover the openings535. The third adhesive member415may adhere the shock absorbing member410onto a top surface of the support member500. In an exemplary embodiment, the third adhesive member415may not be disposed inside each of the openings535, so that the openings535may be configured as empty spaces. The third adhesive member415may include an OCA, a PSA, a photocurable resin, a thermosetting resin, or the like.

The fourth adhesive member205may be disposed between the display panel200and the shock absorbing member410. A top surface of the fourth adhesive member205may make direct contact with the display panel200, and a bottom surface of the fourth adhesive member205may make direct contact with the shock absorbing member410. In addition, the fourth adhesive member205may adhere the display panel200to the shock absorbing member410. The fourth adhesive member205may include an OCA, a PSA, a photocurable resin, a thermosetting resin, or the like.

The display device100according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment includes the elastic member430, which overlaps the openings535, to prevent the openings535from being exposed in the fourth direction D4, so that the foreign substances may not penetrate into the openings535and the trench520. Accordingly, defects may not occur in the folding area20of the display device100.

In addition, the first adhesive member425includes the first opening427, so that the shape of each of the openings535may be easily deformed. The second adhesive member435includes the second opening437, so that the elastic member430may be easily extended and contracted in the folding area20. Accordingly, the display device100may be easily folded and unfolded.

FIG.6is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing ‘B’ region of the display device ofFIG.4.

Referring toFIG.6, the display panel200may include a substrate110, a semiconductor element250, a planarization layer270, a lower electrode290, a pixel defining layer310, a light emitting layer330, an upper electrode340, a first thin film encapsulation layer451, a second thin film encapsulation layer452, a third thin film encapsulation layer453, and the like. The semiconductor element250may include an active layer130, a gate insulating layer150, a gate electrode170, an insulating interlayer190, a source electrode210, and a drain electrode230.

The substrate110may include a transparent or opaque material. In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel200has a polygonal shape when viewed in a plan view, and thus, the substrate110may also have a polygonal shape when viewed in a plan view.

The substrate110may be disposed on the fourth adhesive member205(seeFIG.4), which is disposed on the shock absorbing member410. The substrate110may be formed of a transparent resin substrate, such as a polyimide substrate. In this case, the polyimide substrate may include a first polyimide layer, a barrier film layer, a second polyimide layer, and the like. In other exemplary embodiments, the substrate110may include a quartz substrate, a synthetic quartz substrate, a calcium fluoride substrate, a fluorine-doped quartz substrate (F-doped quartz substrate), a soda lime glass substrate, a non-alkali glass substrate, etc.

A buffer layer may be disposed on the substrate110. The buffer layer may prevent metal atoms or impurities from diffusing from the substrate110to the semiconductor element250, and may control a heat transfer rate during a crystallization process for forming the active layer130to obtain a substantially uniform active layer130. In addition, when a surface of the substrate110is not uniform, the buffer layer may serve to improve flatness of the surface of the substrate110. Depending on a type of substrate110, at least two buffer layers may be provided on the substrate110, or the buffer layer may not be provided in some exemplary embodiments. The buffer layer may include an organic material or an inorganic material.

The active layer130may be disposed on the substrate110. The active layer130may include a metal oxide semiconductor, an inorganic semiconductor (e.g., amorphous silicon or poly silicon semiconductor), an organic semiconductor, etc. The active layer130may have source and drain regions.

The gate insulating layer150may be disposed on the active layer130. For example, the gate insulating layer150may sufficiently cover the active layer130on the substrate110, and may have a substantially flat top surface without creating a step around the active layer130. In some exemplary embodiments, the gate insulating layer150may be disposed along a profile of the active layer130with a uniform thickness to cover the active layer130on the substrate110. The gate insulating layer150may include a silicon compound, metal oxide, etc. For example, the gate insulating layer150may include silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy), silicon oxycarbide (SiOxCy), silicon carbonitride (SiCxNy), aluminum oxide (AlOx), aluminum nitride (AlNx), tantalum oxide (TaOx), hafnium oxide (HfOx), zirconium oxide (ZrOx), titanium oxide (TiOx), etc. In other exemplary embodiments, the gate insulating layer150may have a multilayer structure including a plurality of insulating layers. For example, the insulating layers may have mutually different thicknesses or may include mutually different materials.

The gate electrode170may be disposed on the gate insulating layer150. The gate electrode170may be disposed at a portion of the gate insulating layer150, under which the active layer130is located. The gate electrode170may include metal, an alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, etc. For example, the gate electrode170may include Au, Ag, Al, W, Cu, Pt, Ni, Ti, Pd, Mg, Ca, Li, Cr, Ta, Mo, Sc, Nd, Ir, an aluminum-containing alloy, AlNx, a silver-containing alloy, WNx, a copper-containing alloy, a molybdenum-containing alloy, TiNx, CrNx, TaNx, SrRuxOy, ZnOx, ITO, SnOx, InOx, GaOx, IZO, etc. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. In other exemplary embodiments, the gate electrode170may have a multilayer structure including a plurality of metal layers. For example, the metal layers may have mutually different thicknesses or may include mutually different materials.

The insulating interlayer190may be disposed on the gate electrode170. The insulating interlayer190may sufficiently cover the gate electrode170on the gate insulating layer150, and may have a substantially flat top surface without creating a step around the gate electrode170. In some exemplary embodiments, the insulating interlayer190may be disposed along a profile of the gate electrode170with a uniform thickness to cover the gate electrode170on the gate insulating layer150. The insulating interlayer190may include a silicon compound, metal oxide, etc. In some exemplary embodiments, the insulating interlayer190may have a multilayer structure including a plurality of insulating layers. For example, the insulating layers may have mutually different thicknesses or may include mutually different materials.

The source electrode210and the drain electrode230may be disposed on the insulating interlayer190. The source electrode210may be connected to the source region of the active layer130through a contact hole formed by removing first parts of the gate insulating layer150and the insulating interlayer190, and the drain electrode230may be connected to the drain region of the active layer130through a contact hole formed by removing second parts of the gate insulating layer150and the insulating interlayer190. Each of the source electrode210and the drain electrode230may include metal, an alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, etc. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. In other exemplary embodiments, each of the source electrode210and the drain electrode230may have a multilayer structure including a plurality of metal layers. For example, the metal layers may have mutually different thicknesses or may include mutually different materials.

Accordingly, the semiconductor element250including the active layer130, the gate insulating layer150, the gate electrode170, the insulating interlayer190, the source electrode210, and the drain electrode230may be provided.

Although the semiconductor element250has been described as having a top gate structure, the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the semiconductor element250may have a bottom gate structure, a double gate structure, etc.

In addition, although the display device100has been described as including one semiconductor element, the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. For example, the display device100may include at least one semiconductor element and at least one storage capacitor.

The planarization layer270may be disposed on the insulating interlayer190, the source electrode210, and the drain electrode230. For example, the planarization layer270may have a relatively thick thickness. In this case, the planarization layer270may have a substantially flat top surface. In order to implement such a flat top surface of the planarization layer270, a planarization process may be additionally performed on the planarization layer270. In some exemplary embodiments, the planarization layer270may be disposed along a profile of the source electrode210and the drain electrode230with a uniform thickness on the insulating interlayer190. The planarization layer270may be formed of an organic material or an inorganic material. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the planarization layer270may include an organic material. For example, the planarization layer270may include a photoresist, a polyacryl-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, an acryl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, etc.

The lower electrode290may be disposed on the planarization layer270. The lower electrode290may be connected to the drain electrode230through a contact hole formed by removing a portion of the planarization layer270, and the lower electrode290may be electrically connected to the semiconductor element250. The lower electrode290may include metal, an alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, etc. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. In other exemplary embodiments, the lower electrode290may have a multilayer structure including a plurality of metal layers. For example, the metal layers may have mutually different thicknesses or may include mutually different materials.

The pixel defining layer310may be disposed on the planarization layer270. For example, the pixel defining layer310may expose a portion of a top surface of the lower electrode290while covering both sides of the lower electrode290. The pixel defining layer310may be formed of an organic material or an inorganic material. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the pixel defining layer310may include an organic material.

The light emitting layer330may be disposed on the pixel defining layer310and the lower electrode290. The light emitting layer330may be formed by using at least one of light emitting materials for emitting different color lights (e.g., red light, green light, blue light, etc.) according to sub-pixels. Alternatively, the light emitting layer330may be formed by laminating a plurality of light emitting materials for emitting different color lights, such as red light, green light, and blue light to emit white light as a whole. In this case, a color filter may be disposed on the light emitting layer330, which is disposed on the lower electrode290. The color filter may include at least one of a red color filter, a green color filter, and a blue color filter. In some exemplary embodiments, the color filter may include a yellow color filter, a cyan color filter, and a magenta color filter. The color filter may include a photosensitive resin or a color photoresist.

The upper electrode340may be disposed on the light emitting layer330and the pixel defining layer310. The upper electrode340may include metal, an alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, etc. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. In other exemplary embodiments, the upper electrode340may have a multilayer structure including a plurality of metal layers. For example, the metal layers may have mutually different thicknesses or may include mutually different materials.

The first thin film encapsulation layer451may be disposed on the upper electrode340. The first thin film encapsulation layer451may be disposed along a profile of the upper electrode340with a uniform thickness to cover the upper electrode340. The first thin film encapsulation layer451may prevent the light emitting layer330from being deteriorated due to penetration of moisture, oxygen, or the like. In addition, the first thin film encapsulation layer451may protect the display panel200from an external impact. The first thin film encapsulation layer451may include inorganic materials having flexibility.

The second thin film encapsulation layer452may be disposed on the first thin film encapsulation layer451. The second thin film encapsulation layer452may improve flatness of the display panel200and protect the display panel200. The second thin film encapsulation layer452may include organic materials having flexibility.

The third thin film encapsulation layer453may be disposed on the second thin film encapsulation layer452. The third thin film encapsulation layer453may be disposed along a profile of the second thin film encapsulation layer452with a uniform thickness to cover the second thin film encapsulation layer452. The third thin film encapsulation layer453may prevent the light emitting layer330from being deteriorated due to the penetration of moisture, oxygen, or the like together with the first thin film encapsulation layer451. In addition, the third thin film encapsulation layer453may protect the display panel200from an external impact together with the first thin film encapsulation layer451and the second thin film encapsulation layer452. The third thin film encapsulation layer453may include inorganic materials having flexibility.

Accordingly, the display panel200including the substrate110, the semiconductor element250, the planarization layer270, the lower electrode290, the pixel defining layer310, the light emitting layer330, the upper electrode340, the first thin film encapsulation layer451, the second thin film encapsulation layer452, and the third thin film encapsulation layer453may be provided.

Although the display device100has been described as being an organic light emitting diode display device, the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. In other exemplary embodiments, the display device100may include a liquid crystal display device (LCD), a field emission display device (FED), a plasma display device (PDP), or an electrophoretic image display device (EPD).

FIG.7is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to another exemplary embodiment. A display device700illustrated inFIG.7may have a configuration substantially identical or similar to the configuration of the display device100described with reference toFIGS.1to6, except for a step difference compensation member460. As such, redundant descriptions of components substantially identical or similar to the components described with reference toFIGS.1to6will be omitted.FIG.7exemplarily shows a state when the display device700is unfolded.

Referring toFIG.7, the display device700may include a display panel200, a shock absorbing member410, a support member500, an elastic member430, a first adhesive member425, a second adhesive member435, a third adhesive member415, a fourth adhesive member205, a metal member705, a step difference compensation member460, and the like. The display panel200may include a display area10, a folding area20, a pad area30, and a bending area50. The first adhesive member425may have a first opening427, and the second adhesive member435may have a second opening437. In addition, the metal member705may include a first metal member710and a second metal member720, and the step difference compensation member460may include a first step difference compensation member461and a second step difference compensation member462. Furthermore, a plurality of openings535, a plurality of protrusions530, and a plurality of trenches520may be formed in the support member500, as shown inFIG.5.

The first step difference compensation member461may be disposed on the first metal member710in the second opening437. The second step difference compensation member462may be disposed on the second metal member720in the second opening437. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a top surface of the step difference compensation member460may be spaced apart from the elastic member430, so that the elastic member430may be easily extended and contracted in the folding area20. The step difference compensation member460may prevent the display panel200from sagging in the folding area20. For example, the step difference compensation member460may include metal, an alloy, metal nitride, conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, etc. Alternatively, the step difference compensation member460may include PET, PEN, PP, PC, PS, PSul, PE, PPA, PES, PAR, PCO, MPPO, and the like.

For example, when the display device700is repeatedly folded and unfolded, elastic forces of the shock absorbing member410and the elastic member430may be distorted (e.g., elastic hysteresis). In this case, a sagging phenomenon may occur even when the display device700is in an unfolded state. Accordingly, in order to prevent the sagging phenomenon from occurring by a predetermined level or more, the display device700may include the step difference compensation member460. In some exemplary embodiments, in order to further prevent the sagging phenomenon from occurring, an additional step difference compensation member460may be disposed on the elastic member430in the first opening427.

The display device700according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment includes the step difference compensation member460, so that in the display device700, the sagging phenomenon of the display panel200may be prevented from occurring by a predetermined level or more.

FIG.8is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to another exemplary embodiment. A display device800illustrated inFIG.8may have a configuration substantially identical or similar to the configuration of the display device700described with reference toFIG.7, except for a first adhesive member425that has no opening. As such, redundant descriptions of components substantially identical or similar to the components described with reference toFIG.7will be omitted.FIG.8exemplarily shows a state when the display device800is unfolded.

Referring toFIG.8, the display device800may include a display panel200, a shock absorbing member410, a support member500, an elastic member430, a first adhesive member425, a second adhesive member435, a third adhesive member415, a fourth adhesive member205, a metal member705, a step difference compensation member460, and the like. The display panel200may include a display area10, a folding area20, a pad area30, and a bending area50. The second adhesive member435may have a second opening437. In addition, the metal member705may include a first metal member710and a second metal member720, and the step difference compensation member460may include a first step difference compensation member461and a second step difference compensation member462. Furthermore, a plurality of openings535, a plurality of protrusions530, and a plurality of trenches520may be formed in the support member500, as shown inFIG.5.

The first adhesive member425may be disposed between the support member500and the elastic member430. A top surface of the first adhesive member425may make direct contact with the support member500, and a bottom surface of the first adhesive member425may make direct contact with the elastic member430. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the first adhesive member425may cover the openings535. The first adhesive member425may adhere the elastic member430onto the bottom surface of the support member500. The first adhesive member425may not be disposed inside each of the openings535, so that the openings535may be configured as empty spaces. In this manner, while the display device800is repeatedly folded and unfolded, the first adhesive member425may prevent foreign substances from penetrating into the openings535and the trench520in the fourth direction D4together with the elastic member430. In addition, while the display device800is repeatedly folded and unfolded, the first adhesive member425may be extended and contracted to prevent the openings535from being exposed. The first adhesive member425may include an OCA, a PSA, a photocurable resin, a thermosetting resin, or the like.

The display device800according to the illustrated exemplary embodiments include the first adhesive member425, which covers the openings535, so that the foreign substances may be further prevented from penetrating into the openings535and the trench520in the fourth direction D4.

FIG.9is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to another exemplary embodiment. A display device900illustrated inFIG.9may have a configuration substantially identical or similar to the configuration of the display device100described with reference toFIGS.1to6, except for a first adhesive member425having no opening and a second adhesive member435having no opening. As such, redundant descriptions of components substantially identical or similar to the components described with reference toFIGS.1to6will be omitted.FIG.9exemplarily shows a state when the display device900is unfolded.

Referring toFIG.9, the display device900may include a display panel200, a shock absorbing member410, a support member500, an elastic member430, a first adhesive member425, a second adhesive member435, a third adhesive member415, a fourth adhesive member205, a metal member705, and the like. The display panel200may include a display area10, a folding area20, a pad area30, and a bending area50. In addition, the metal member705may include a first metal member710and a second metal member720. Furthermore, a plurality of openings535, a plurality of protrusions530, and a plurality of trenches520may be formed in the support member500, as shown inFIG.5.

The first adhesive member425may be disposed between the support member500and the elastic member430. A top surface of the first adhesive member425may make direct contact with the support member500, and a bottom surface of the first adhesive member425may make direct contact with the elastic member430. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the first adhesive member425may cover the openings535. The first adhesive member425may adhere the elastic member430onto the bottom surface of the support member500. The first adhesive member425may not be disposed inside each of the openings535, so that the openings535may be configured as empty spaces. While the display device900is repeatedly folded and unfolded, the first adhesive member425may prevent foreign substances from penetrating into the openings535and the trench520in the fourth direction D4together with the elastic member430. In addition, while the display device900is repeatedly folded and unfolded, the first adhesive member425may be extended and contracted to prevent the openings535from being exposed. The first adhesive member425may include an OCA, a PSA, a photocurable resin, a thermosetting resin, or the like.

The second adhesive member435may be disposed between the elastic member430and the metal member705. In particular, the second adhesive member435may also be disposed in the folding area20. A top surface of the second adhesive member435may make direct contact with the elastic member430, and a bottom surface of the second adhesive member435may make direct contact with the metal member705. The second adhesive member435may adhere the metal member705onto the bottom surface of the elastic member430. When the display device900is folded and unfolded, as the elastic member430located in the folding area20is extended and contracted, the second adhesive member435may also be extended and contracted. The second adhesive member435may include an OCA, a PSA, a photocurable resin, a thermosetting resin, or the like.

The display device900according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment includes the first adhesive member425, which covers the openings535, so that the foreign substances may be further prevented from penetrating into the openings535and the trench520in the fourth direction D4. In addition, the display device900includes the second adhesive member435disposed in the folding area20, so that a sagging phenomenon of the display panel200may be prevented from occurring by a predetermined level or more.

FIG.10is a plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment,FIG.11is an enlarged planar view showing ‘C’ region of the display device ofFIG.10, andFIG.12is a side view showing a side surface of the display device ofFIG.10. A display device1000illustrated inFIGS.10,11, and12may have a configuration substantially identical or similar to the configuration of the display device100described with reference toFIGS.1to6, except for an elastic member830. As such, redundant descriptions of components substantially identical or similar to the components described with reference toFIGS.1to6will be omitted.FIGS.10,11, and12exemplarily show a state when the display device1000is unfolded.

Referring toFIGS.10,11, and12, the display device1000may include a display panel200, a shock absorbing member410, a support member500, an elastic member830, a first adhesive member425, a second adhesive member435, a third adhesive member415, a fourth adhesive member205, a metal member705, and the like. The display panel200may include a display area10, a folding area20, a pad area30, and a bending area50. The first adhesive member425may have a first opening427, and the second adhesive member435may have a second opening437. In addition, the metal member705may include a first metal member710and a second metal member720. Furthermore, as shown inFIG.11, a plurality of openings535, a plurality of protrusions530, and a plurality of trenches520may be formed in the support member500. InFIG.11, although the elastic member830disposed under the support member500is shown as being visible through the openings535and the trench520, the elastic member830is not disposed in the openings535and the trench520.

The elastic member830may be disposed on a portion of a bottom surface and a portion of a side surface of the support member500. In particular, the elastic member830may overlap the openings535in the folding area20on the bottom surface of the support member500while extending to the side surface of the support member500to cover the trenches520in the folding area20. In this manner, the elastic member830may prevent the openings535and the trenches520from being exposed. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the elastic member830may not be disposed inside each of the openings535and the trenches520, so that the openings535and the trenches520may be configured as empty spaces. While the display device1000is repeatedly folded and unfolded, the elastic member830may prevent foreign substances from penetrating into the openings535and the trenches520in the second direction D2and the fourth direction D4. In addition, while the display device1000is repeatedly folded and unfolded, the elastic member830may be extended and contracted to prevent the openings535and the trenches520from being exposed. The elastic member830may include an elastomer having a relatively large elastic force or a relatively large restoring force. For example, the elastic member830may include an elastic material, such as silicone, urethane, or TPU.

The display device1000according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment includes the elastic member830, so that the openings535and the trenches520of the support member500may be completely covered, and the foreign substances may not be located in the openings535and the trench520. Accordingly, defects in the display device1000may not occur due to penetration of the foreign substances.

FIG.13is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to another exemplary embodiment. A display device1100illustrated inFIG.13may have a configuration substantially identical or similar to the configuration of the display device900described with reference toFIG.9, except for a first adhesive member425having no opening and a second adhesive member435having a second opening437. As such, redundant descriptions of components substantially identical or similar to the components described with reference toFIG.9will be omitted.FIG.13exemplarily shows a state when the display device1100is unfolded.

Referring toFIG.13, the display device1100may include a display panel200, a shock absorbing member410, a support member500, an elastic member430, a first adhesive member425, a second adhesive member435, a third adhesive member415, a fourth adhesive member205, a metal member705, and the like. The display panel200may include a display area10, a folding area20, a pad area30, and a bending area50, and the second adhesive member435may have a second opening437. In addition, the metal member705may include a first metal member710and a second metal member720. Furthermore, a plurality of openings535, a plurality of protrusions530, and a plurality of trenches520may be formed in the support member500, as shown inFIG.5.

The exemplarily embodiments may be applied to various electronic devices including a display device. For example, the display device according to the exemplary embodiments may be applied to vehicle-display device, a ship-display device, an aircraft-display device, portable communication devices, display devices for display or for information transfer, a medical-display device, etc.

As the display device according to the exemplary embodiments includes the step difference compensation member, the sagging phenomenon of the display panel may be prevented from occurring by a predetermined level or more.

As the display device according to the exemplary embodiments includes the elastic member, the openings and the trenches of the support member may be completely covered, and the foreign substances may not be located in the openings and the trench. Accordingly, defects in the display device may not occur due to penetration of the foreign substances.

As the display device according to the exemplary embodiments includes the elastic member, which overlaps the openings to prevent the openings from being exposed in the fourth direction, the foreign substances may not penetrate into the openings and the trench. Accordingly, defects may not occur in the folding area of the display device due to the penetration of the foreign substances. In addition, the first adhesive member includes the first opening, so that the shape of each of the openings may be easily deformed. The second adhesive member includes the second opening, so that the elastic member may be easily extended and contracted in the folding area. Accordingly, the display device may be easily folded and unfolded.

Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Accordingly, the inventive concepts are not limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the appended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.