KR20190070740A - Foldable display device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foldable display device including an adhesive extension structure in which a sealing member is attached to an extension unit. According to the present invention, the foldable display device comprises: a display panel including a folding area with a folding axis; a cover unit disposed on the display panel and having a smaller area than the display panel; a polarizing plate disposed between the cover unit and the display panel; a supporting unit positioned under the display panel; a first adhesive layer disposed between the cover unit and the polarizing plate and having a smaller area than the polarizing plate; and a sealing member covering the cover unit parallel to the folding axis and an edge of the first adhesive layer, and attached to the polarizing plate to suppress delamination.

Description

FOLDABLE DISPLAY DEVICE}

The present invention relates to a foldable display device including a sealing extension structure in which a sealing member is attached to an extension.

The image display device which realizes various information on the screen is a core technology of the information communication age and is widely used as a cathode ray tube display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, An organic light emitting display panel, and the like.

In particular, organic light emitting display panels for displaying images by controlling the amount of light emitted from organic light emitting elements are being popularized in order to realize thinner, lighter, portable and high-performance image display devices.

Since the organic light emitting display panel is a self light emitting display panel and is implemented without a separate light source device, it can be manufactured in a light and thin form. Further, since the organic light emitting display panel can be manufactured in a thin shape, it is easy to be realized as a foldable display device.

The inventors of the present invention have made up a plurality of members in a display device for a display capable of being embodied as an organic light emitting display panel. An adhesive layer was disposed between each member constituting the display device of the present invention and a sealing member was disposed on the side surface of the specific members.

When the foldable display device developed by the inventors of the present invention is folded, it has been recognized that the stress increases the adhesive layer between the respective members constituting the display device. At this time, since the respective members can move, defective lapping may occur. In order to suppress the movement of the respective members, an adhesive layer was used as a material having a low elongation. When the adhesive layer was made of a material having a low elongation, movement of the respective members could be reduced, but the folding display device was not easily folded .

Also, the movement of each of the members could cause the sealing member on the sides of the members to be delaminated. It has also been recognized that when the sealing member is peeled off, the sealing member may be broken to generate particles. It has also been recognized that the foreign object may be caught between the organic light emitting display panel constituting the display device and the organic light emitting display panel to be cracked. It has also been recognized that when the sealing member peels off, moisture or oxygen may penetrate into the organic light emitting display panel. It has also been recognized that the penetration of moisture or oxygen can cause the dark points of the organic light emitting layer to reduce the brightness of the display device.

Thus, the inventors of the present invention have recognized the necessity of suppressing peeling of the sealing member while facilitating folding of the display device. Therefore, the inventors of the present invention have devised a new structure in which the separation of the sealing member is suppressed even if the respective members move by folding the foldable display device.

The problems of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

The present invention provides a foldable display device comprising: a display panel including a folding area having a folding axis; a cover part located on the display panel and having a smaller area than the display panel; A first adhesive layer positioned between the cover and the polarizing plate and having a smaller area than the polarizing plate and one edge of the cover and an edge of the first adhesive layer, , And a sealing member attached to the polarizing plate to suppress delamination.

The sealing member is attached to the specific region adjacent to the display panel so that the influence of the movement of the cover portion, the polarizing plate and the support portion is minimized when the display panel is folded with respect to the folding axis.

The specific region is an extension of the polarizing plate extending parallel to the folding axis in the outward direction of the display panel.

The polarizing plate has a larger area than the display panel, and the extended portion of the polarizing plate is folded to cover the side surface of the display panel to seal the display panel.

The folder-type display device further includes a second adhesive layer positioned between the display panel and the polarizing plate, and the extended portion of the polarizing plate covers and seals the side surface of the second adhesive layer having a larger area than the first adhesive layer.

The folder-type display device further includes a third adhesive layer positioned between the display panel and the supporting portion, and the extended portion of the polarizing layer covers and seals the side surface of the third adhesive layer having a larger area than the second adhesive layer.

The specific region is an extension of a support portion extending in parallel with the folding axis in the outward direction of the display panel.

The supporting portion has a larger area than the display panel, and the extended portion of the supporting portion folds and covers the side surface of the display panel.

The display device further includes a second adhesive layer positioned between the display panel and the polarizing plate, and the sealing member covers and covers the side surface of the polarizing plate and the side surface of the second adhesive layer.

The folder-type display device further includes a third adhesive layer positioned between the display panel and the support portion, and the extension portion of the support portion covers and seals the side surface of the third adhesive layer having a larger area than the second adhesive layer.

The sealing member adheres to a part of the upper surface of the display panel, and peeling is suppressed.

In the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the extended portion of one of the plurality of members located on the upper or lower side of the display panel covers the side surface of the display panel, and the sealing member is parallel to the side surface of the display panel And an adhesive extension structure covering the side surface of another member out of the plurality of members to be attached to the extension portion.

The adhesive extension structure is such that the sealing member is attached to the member on the upper portion of the display panel among the plurality of members to suppress the peeling of the sealing member when the folding portion of the display panel is folded.

The member above the display panel includes a cover member and an adhesive layer adhered to the bottom surface of the cover member.

One member having the extension portion is a polarizing member, and the polarizing member is disposed on the upper portion of the display panel so that the extension portion of the polarizing member covers the display panel to suppress external light reflection.

The member above the display panel includes a cover member, a first adhesive layer attached to the bottom surface of the cover member, a polarizing member below the first adhesive layer, and a second adhesive layer attached to the underside of the polarizing member.

One member having the extension portion is a support member, and the support member is located at the lower portion of the display panel, and the extension portion of the support member protects the side surface of the display panel.

According to the present invention, peeling of the sealing member is suppressed, and generation of foreign matter due to breakage of the sealing member can be minimized.

The present invention minimizes the penetration of moisture and oxygen to the organic light emitting display panel, thereby reducing the luminance of the display device.

The effects according to the embodiments of the present invention are not limited by the contents exemplified above, and a more various effects are included in the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view of a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIa-IIa 'of FIG.
2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIb-IIb 'of FIG.
3 is a graph illustrating folding stress experienced by a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
4A is an in-folded cross-sectional view of the foldable display of FIG. 2A.
4B is an out-folded cross-sectional view of the display device of FIG. 2A.
5 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings The advantages and features of the present disclosure, and how to accomplish them, will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Is provided to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers and the like disclosed in the drawings for describing the embodiments of the present invention are illustrative, and thus the present invention is not limited thereto. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention in unnecessary detail. Where the terms "comprises", "having", "done", and the like are used in this specification, other portions may be added unless "only" is used. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, including the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In interpreting the constituent elements, it is construed to include the error range even if there is no separate description.

In the case of a description of the positional relationship, for example, if the positional relationship between two parts is described as 'on', 'on top', 'under', and 'next to' Or " direct " is not used, one or more other portions may be located between the two portions. An element or layer is referred to as being another element or layer "on ", including both intervening layers or other elements directly on or in between. When a component is described as being "connected", "coupled", or "connected" to another component, the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, Quot; intervening "or that each component may be" connected, "" coupled, "or " connected" through other components.

Although the first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component mentioned below may be the second component within the technical spirit of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

The sizes and thicknesses of the individual components shown in the figures are shown for convenience of explanation and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the size and thickness of the components shown.

It is to be understood that each of the features of the various embodiments of the present invention may be combined or combined with each other, partially or wholly, and technically various interlocking and driving are possible, and that the embodiments may be practiced independently of each other, It is possible.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1, only the organic light emitting display panel 130 is shown among various components of the display device 100 for convenience of explanation.

The organic light emitting display panel 130 is a panel in which an image is implemented. An organic light emitting device for implementing an image, a circuit for driving the organic light emitting device, wiring, and components may be disposed.

The OLED display panel 130 includes a display area AA, a non-display area NA, a folding area FA, and a non-folding area NFA.

The display area AA is an area for displaying an image, and a plurality of pixels including organic light emitting elements are arrayed. In the display area AA, an organic light emitting element for displaying an image and a circuit part for driving the organic light emitting element may be disposed. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the present invention is a foldable display device 100 including an organic light emitting display panel 130 having an organic light emitting device, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The circuit portion may include various thin film transistors, capacitors, wirings, and the like for driving the organic light emitting element. For example, the circuitry may include, but is not limited to, a drive thin film transistor, a switching thin film transistor, a storage capacitor, a gate wire, a data wire, and the like.

The non-display area NA is an area in which no image is displayed, and is a region in which a circuit, wiring, and parts for driving the organic light emitting elements in the display area AA are arranged. Various ICs and driving circuits, such as a gate driver IC and a data driver IC, may be disposed in the non-display area NA. For example, various ICs and driving circuits may be mounted on a non-display area (NA) of the organic light emitting display panel 130 using a GIP (Gate In Panel) or a TCP (Tape Carrier Package) or a COF And may be connected to the organic light emitting display panel 130 in a similar manner.

The organic light emitting display panel 130 may be defined as a display area AA and a non-display area NA but may be defined as a folding area FA and a folding area FA.

The folding area (or the folding part or the folding area) FA is an area where the organic light emitting display panel 130 is folded when the display device 100 is folded, And may include a part of the non-display area NA. The present invention is described by way of example in which the folding area FA includes a part of the display area AA and a part of the non-display area NA. However, the present invention is not limited to this, There may be a display area NA. Therefore, the folding area FA may include only a part of the display area AA.

The folding area FA can be folded according to a specific radius of curvature with respect to the folding axis (or the folding axis). Specifically, the folding axis may be the X axis. When the folding area FA is folded with respect to the folding axis, the folding area FA may form a part of a curve, a circle or an ellipse. The curvature radius of the folding area FA means a curved line, a circle or a radius of an ellipse corresponding to a curved line, a circle or a part of an ellipse formed by the folding area FA. In the present invention, the folding axis in the X axis direction is located in the folding area FA and the folding area NFA is extended in the Y axis direction from the folding area FA and perpendicular to the folding axis. But is not limited thereto.

The non-folding area (or the unfolded area or non-folded area) NFA is an area where the organic light emitting display panel 130 is not folded when the display device 100 is folded. That is, the folding area NFA is an area where the organic light emitting display panel 130 maintains a flat state when the display device 100 is folded. The non-folding area NFA may include a part of the display area AA and a part of the non-display area NA.

The non-folding area NFA may be a region located on both sides of the folding area FA. That is, the non-folding area NFA may be a region extending in the Y-axis direction with respect to the folding axis. At this time, the folding area FA may be defined between the non-folding areas NFA. Therefore, when the organic light emitting display panel 130 is folded with respect to the folding axis, the folded regions NFA can face each other.

Hereinafter, the folder-type display device 100 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIa-IIa 'of FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIb-IIb 'of FIG.

2A, the display device 100 includes an organic light emitting display panel 130, a support 140, a rigid member 150, a polarizer 120, a cover 110, and a plurality of adhesive layers (not shown) 160).

The organic light emitting display panel (or image display member) 130 includes a substrate. The substrate included in the organic light emitting display panel 130 is a flexible substrate that can be foldable because it can be made of plastic material having flexibility. At this time, in a situation where a panel manufacturing substrate made of glass is disposed as an example below the substrate, the manufacturing process of the display device 100 is progressed, and the members such as the polarizing plate 120 are formed on the organic light emitting display panel 130 The panel manufacturing substrate may be released after placement.

The support (or back plate or support member) 140 is disposed under the substrate of the OLED display panel 130. After the panel manufacturing substrate is released, members for supporting the substrate of the organic light emitting display panel 130 are required, so that the supporting portion 140 for supporting the substrate can be disposed below the substrate. The support 140 may protect the organic light emitting display panel 130 from external moisture, heat, impact, or the like. At this time, a third adhesive layer 165 may be disposed between the organic light emitting display panel 130 and the support 140. At this time, the third adhesive layer 165 may have the same area as the organic light emitting display panel 130. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the area of the third adhesive layer 165 may be smaller than the area of the organic light emitting display panel 130.

The rigid member 150 is disposed under the support portion 140. The rigid member 150 may be formed of a material having rigidity capable of providing rigidity to the display device 100 having flexible characteristics. Accordingly, the rigid member 150 can protect the support 140, the OLED panel 130, and the like. The rigid member 150 may be disposed corresponding to the folding area FA of the organic light emitting display panel 130 except for the folding area FA. Accordingly, the rigid member 150 may not be folded and may not receive the stress due to folding. At this time, a fourth adhesive layer 167 may be disposed between the support 140 and the rigid member 150. The rigid member 150 may include a first rigid member 151 and a second sensible member 152. The shape and size of the first rigid member 151 and the second rigid member 152 can be changed corresponding to the unfolded area FA. The fourth adhesive layer 167 adheres the rigid member 150 to the support 140 and thus is positioned corresponding to the non-folding area NFA of the organic light emitting display panel 130.

The polarizing plate (or polarizing member) 130 is disposed on the organic light emitting display panel 130. The polarizing plate 120 selectively transmits light and can reduce reflection of external light incident on the organic light emitting display panel 130. Specifically, the organic light emitting display panel 130 includes various metal materials applied to a thin film transistor, a wiring, an organic light emitting device, and the like. The external light incident on the organic light emitting display panel 130 may be reflected by the metallic material inside the organic light emitting display panel 130 and the visual display visibility of the display device 100 may be changed due to reflection of external light. Can be reduced. Accordingly, when the polarizing plate 120 is disposed, the polarizing plate 120 minimizes the reflection of the external light of the organic light emitting display panel 130, thereby enhancing the visual display visibility of the display device 100. At this time, a second adhesive layer 163 may be disposed between the polarizer 120 and the OLED panel 130. In this case, the area of the second adhesive layer 163 may be smaller than the area of the organic light emitting display panel 130. At this time, the size of the area of the third adhesive layer 165 may be equal to or larger than the size of the area of the second adhesive layer 163.

The cover portion (or cover member) 110 is disposed on the polarizing plate 120. The cover 110 can protect the organic light emitting display panel 130 from an external impact and can prevent damage such as scratches. At this time, the cover 110 transmits light emitted from the organic light emitting display panel 130 to transmit the image. Accordingly, the cover 110 may be made of a material having impact resistance and light transmittance. The cover 110 may be made of, for example, at least one of polycarbonate, cycloolefin polymer, polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide (PI), and polyaramid But is not limited thereto.

The cover 110 is disposed on the organic light emitting display panel 130 and may have a smaller area than the organic light emitting display panel 130. At this time, a polarizer 120 may be disposed between the OLED display panel 130 and the cover 110. The cover 110 may be attached to the polarizing plate 120 by a first adhesive layer 161 disposed between the polarizing plate 120 and the cover 110. At this time, the area of the first adhesive layer 161 is smaller than that of the polarizer 120, and the area of the first adhesive layer 161 may be the same as that of the cover 110.

The adhesive layer 160 may include a first adhesive layer 161, a second adhesive layer 163, a third adhesive layer 165, and a fourth adhesive layer 167. At this time, the adhesive layer 160 is disposed between the members to be used to adhere one member to another member. Specifically, the first adhesive layer 161 is disposed between the cover 110 and the polarizer 120, the second adhesive layer 163 is disposed between the polarizer 120 and the OLED panel 130, and the third adhesive layer 165 is disposed between the polarizer 120 and the organic light- The fourth adhesive layer 167 is disposed between the support 140 and the rigid member 150 between the organic light emitting display panel 130 and the support 140. At this time, the adhesive layer 160 is formed of a material having a high elongation, so that the foldable display device 100 can be easily folded. The adhesive layer 160 may be formed of, for example, OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive) or PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive), but is not limited thereto.

The sealing member 170 may be formed on the side surface of the specific member constituting the display device 100 of the present invention. At this time, the sealing member 170 may be a buffering means for buffering an external impact. Accordingly, the sealing member 170 can protect the organic light emitting display panel 130. FIG.

The sealing member 170 may be formed by a side sealing process. The side sealing process may be formed through a soluble process including an ink jet process, a gravure process, and a screen printing process. At this time, the sealing member 170 may be formed of an acrylic-based resin and a Urethane-based resin, but the present invention is not limited to this.

When the adhesive layer 160 is formed of a material having a high elongation such that the foldable display device 100 is easily folded, when the OLED display 130 is folded, The movement of the members can be increased. Therefore, the sealing member 170 attached to the side surfaces of the members attached to the upper and lower portions of the adhesive layer 160 can be delaminated. Accordingly, the sealing member 170 is attached to a part of the plurality of members constituting the display device 100 to minimize the influence of movement of the plurality of members when the OLED display 130 is folded To the extent possible.

Therefore, the sealing member 170 can be positioned on the side surface of the cover portion 110. [ At this time, the sealing member 170 may be formed on the organic light emitting display panel 130. Specifically, the sealing member 170 may be coated (or coated) on one side of the cover portion 110 parallel to the folding axis of the folding region FA to cover the one side. The sealing member 170 may be coated (or coated) on one side of the first adhesive layer 161 parallel to the folding axis of the folding area FA to cover the one side. That is, the sealing member 170 may cover one side of the first adhesive layer 161 and the cover part 110 facing each other.

The sealing member 170 may cover the other side opposite to the one side of the cover portion 110 and the other side opposite to the one side of the first adhesive layer 161. The sealing member 170 has a cover 110 which is parallel to the folding axis of the folding area FA with the cover 110 and the first adhesive layer 161 interposed therebetween and both sides of the first adhesive layer 161 Can be covered.

In this case, when the organic light emitting display device 130 is folded and movement of a plurality of members constituting the display device 100 occurs, the sealing member 170 may be attached to one side surface of the plurality of members Can be attached to a specific area of another structure while minimizing it.

Therefore, the sealing member 170 can be attached to a specific region of one member of the plurality of members provided in the display device 100 of the present invention. The sealing member 170 is disposed on the organic light emitting display panel 130 so that the cover 110, the polarizing plate 120, and the supporting unit 140 can be folded when the organic light emitting display panel 130 is folded with respect to the folding axis. May be attached to a specific area adjacent to the organic light emitting display panel 130 so that the influence of the movement of the organic light emitting display panel 130 may be minimized. At this time, the specific area to which the sealing member 170 is attached may be an extension 121 of one of a plurality of members included in the display device 100. Delamination can be suppressed because the sealing member 170 attached to the extension 121 minimizes the influence of the movement and increases the bonding area.

The extended portion 121 is a portion of at least one of a plurality of members located on the upper or lower portion of the organic light emitting display panel 130 extending outwardly from the organic light emitting display panel 130. At this time, the extension part 121 is a part where at least one member among the plurality of members constituting the display device 100 is extended in the Y-axis direction with respect to the folding axis. Therefore, the member having the extended portion 121 may have a larger area than the organic light emitting display panel 130.

The extended portion 121 may be folded to cover the side surface of the organic light emitting display panel 130. At this time, the extension part 121 may cover one side of the organic light emitting display panel 130 parallel to the folding axis of the folding area FA and the other side opposite to the one side.

The sealing member 170 may cover one side of the plurality of members constituting the display device 100 parallel to the folding axis of the folding area FA of the member not covered by the extension 121. [ The sealing member 170 may cover one side of the member that the extension 121 does not cover and the other side opposite to the side.

One side of the organic light emitting display panel 130 parallel to the folding axis and one side of the member that the extension 121 does not cover are parallel to each other and extend from the other side of the organic light emitting display panel 130 to the extension 121, And the other side surfaces of the members not covered with each other are parallel to each other. Accordingly, the sealing member 170 and the extension portion 121 of the display device 100 are located corresponding to each other. At this time, it can be said that the sealing member 170 includes the adhesive extension structure attached to the extension portion 121 which is a specific region.

The adhesive extension structure means a structure in which the sealing member 170 is attached to one of a plurality of members constituting the extension part of the display device 100 and the display device 100 of the present invention.

In the following, reference will first be made to Figs. 3, 4A and 4B in order to explain delamination inhibition of the sealing extension structure and the sealing member 170 associated therewith. 3 is a graph illustrating folding stress (or stress) received by the display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4A is an in-folding (IF) sectional view of the display device 100 of FIG. 2A. FIG. 4B is a view illustrating an out-folding display device 100 of FIG. OF).

3 is a schematic graph for explaining the compressive force and the tensile force received by the layers arranged above and below the neutral plane NP when the foldable display device 100 is folded. 4A and 4B are views for explaining how the foldable display device 100 is folded when the foldable display device 100 is in-folded or out-folded, Sectional view showing the movement of the members. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the foldable display device 100 when the foldable display device 100 of FIG. 2A is folded along the IF direction. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the display device 100 when the foldable display 100 of FIG. 2A is outfolded along the OF direction.

As shown in Fig. 3, the X-axis of the graph represents the elongation percentage (%) and the Y-axis represents the thickness (占 퐉) of the display device. 3, for convenience of explanation, the substrate L1, the thin film transistor L2, and the sealing portion L3 are stacked in order, and other components between the structures are omitted.

The in-folding graph is a graph showing the folding stress when the folder display device 100 is in-folded and the image display portions face each other. At this time, the image display part may be positioned between the thin film transistor L2 and the sealing part L3. The out-folding graph is a graph showing the folding stress when the folder-type display device 100 is out-folded and the substrate support portion is facing the substrate. At this time, the substrate supporting part may be positioned below the substrate L1.

When the foldable display device 100 is folded, the neutral plane NP cancels the compressive force and the tensile force applied to the display device 100, Means a surface which is not generated. Therefore, the elongation at this time is 0%.

When the display device 100 is in-folded, the neutral plane NP of the in-folding graph may be located in the thin film transistor L2. At this time, the part of the thin film transistor L2 and the substrate L1 located under the thin film transistor L2 are extended, so that tensile force can be received. In addition, since the other constituent elements disposed above the thin film transistor L2 and the sealing portion L3 are pressed, they can be subjected to a compressive force. Accordingly, the plurality of members located on the organic light emitting display panel 130 can receive a compressive force, and the plurality of members located below the organic light emitting display panel 130 can receive a tensile force.

In addition, when the display device 100 is out-folded, the neutral plane NP of the out-folding graph may be located in the thin film transistor L2. At this time, a part of the thin film transistor L2 and the substrate L1 located under the thin film transistor L2 are pressed, so that a compressive force can be received. In addition, the other components disposed on the upper portion of the thin film transistor L2 and the sealing portion L3 are stretched, so that tensile force can be applied. Accordingly, the plurality of members located on the organic light emitting display panel 130 can receive the tensile force, and the plurality of members located below the organic light emitting display panel 130 can receive the compressive force.

As shown in FIG. 4A, when the display device 100 is in-folded, a plurality of members disposed on the organic light emitting display panel 130 can receive a compressive force, The plurality of members located can be subjected to a tensile force. Specifically, the polarizer 120 and the cover 110 on the organic light emitting display panel 130 are pressed, so that the organic light emitting display panel 130 can receive a compressive force and the support 140 disposed under the organic light emitting display panel 130 is stretched Tensile force can be received.

A first adhesive layer 161 is disposed between the cover 110 and the polarizer 120 and a second adhesive layer 163 is disposed between the polarizer 120 and the organic light emitting display panel 130. The first adhesive layer 161 and the second adhesive layer 163 may be pressed to receive a compressive force when the polarizable plate 120 and the cover portion 110 are pressed by the foldable display device 100 being folded. At this time, the cover 110, the polarizer 120, the first adhesive layer 161, and the second adhesive layer 163 may be contracted in a direction approaching the folding axis. Therefore, one side of the cover 110 and the polarizer 120 can move inward of the organic light emitting display panel 130, which is a direction toward the folding axis.

A third adhesive layer 165 is positioned between the organic light emitting display panel 130 and the support 140 and a fourth adhesive layer 167 is positioned between the support 140 and the rigid member 150. The third adhesive layer 165 and the fourth adhesive layer 167 may stretch and receive a tensile force when the folder-type display device 100 is folded and the supporting portion 140 is stretched. At this time, the support 140, the third adhesive layer 165, and the fourth adhesive layer 167 may be stretched in a direction away from the folding axis. Therefore, one side of the support 140 and the rigid member 150 can move toward the outside of the OLED display 130, which is a direction away from the folding axis.

The extended portion 121 of the polarizer 120 may be aligned with one side of the supporting portion 140 or the supporting portion 140 may protrude outward beyond the extended portion 121 of the polarizer 120. [

The features of the embodiments of the present invention may be described as follows.

The display device includes a protective layer 110 disposed on or under the flexible substrate 130 on which the organic light emitting elements are arranged and capable of folding and which protects the organic light emitting elements, A polarizing layer 120 for controlling the optical properties of the flexible substrate and a supporting layer 140 for supporting the flexible substrate and having stacked structures 110 to 150 formed of a plurality of layers bonded together by adhesive layers ) May be provided. And a side seal unit 170 attached to a specific layer 120 of the laminate structure and covering side surfaces of at least some layers (ex: 110 + 161) of the laminate structure, According to the characteristics of the folding (e.g., curvature change, total thickness, etc.) in order to accommodate interlayer deformations (stretching, spacing, The characteristics of the adhesive layers and the characteristics of the side sealing portion 170 can be determined.

The specific layer 120 is the polarizing layer 120 and may have a curved end edge portion to protect at least a part of the side surface of the flexible substrate. Wherein the material and thickness of the adhesive layers of the laminate structure are implemented to support at least one of in-folding and out-folding, the shape and material of the side- And out-folding. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > [0029] < / RTI >

4B, when the display device 100 is out-folded, a plurality of members disposed on the organic light emitting display panel 130 may receive a tensile force, The plurality of members located can be subjected to a compressive force. The polarizer 120 and the cover 110 on the organic light emitting display panel 130 are stretched to receive a tensile force and the support 140 located under the organic light emitting display panel 130 is pressed Compressive force can be received.

The first adhesive layer 161 is positioned between the cover 110 and the polarizer 120 and the second adhesive layer 163 is positioned between the polarizer 1200 and the OLED panel 130. [ The first adhesive layer 161 and the second adhesive layer 163 may stretch to receive a tensile force when the polarizer 100 and the polarizer 120 and the cover 110 are extended by folding the polarizer 100. In this case, 120, the first adhesive layer 161, and the second adhesive layer 163 may be pulled in a direction away from the folding axis. Therefore, one side of the cover 110 and the polarizer 120 can move toward the outside of the organic light emitting display panel 130, which is a direction away from the folding axis.

A third adhesive layer 165 is positioned between the organic light emitting display panel 130 and the support 140 and a fourth adhesive layer 167 is positioned between the support 140 and the rigid member 150. The third adhesive layer 165 and the fourth adhesive layer 167 may be pressed to receive a compressive force when the foldable display device 100 is folded and the support portion 140 is pressed. At this time, the support 140, the third adhesive layer 165, and the fourth adhesive layer 167 may be contracted in a direction approaching the folding axis. Therefore, one side of the supporting part 140 and the rigid member 150 can move inward of the organic light emitting display panel 130, which is a direction toward the folding axis.

The extended portion 121 of the polarizer 120 may coincide with one side of the supporting portion 140 or may protrude outward from one side of the supporting portion 140. [

When the organic light emitting display panel 130 is folded, each member constituting the display device 100 is contracted or tensioned so that one side and / or the other side can be moved. Therefore, the sealing member 170 attached to one side and / or the other side of the plurality of members of the display device 100 can be delaminated. Therefore, it is necessary to design a component that minimizes one side and / or the other side of the members to which the sealing member 170 is attached in order to suppress peeling of the sealing member 170 when the display device 100 is folded have.

2A and 2B, the foldable display device 100 is provided with the extension portion 121, and the sealing member 170 is provided with a predetermined And an adhesive extension structure attached to the extension 121, which is an area. At this time, the sealing member 170 may be attached to a part of the member and the extension 121 of the organic light emitting display panel 130 among the plurality of members of the display device 100.

The upper part of the organic light emitting display panel 130 to which the sealing member 170 is attached may be the first adhesive layer 161 attached to the lower surface of the cover part 110 and the cover part 110. [ Also, the specific area to which the sealing member 170 is attached may be the extension 121 of the polarizer 120.

The extended portion 121 of the polarizer 120 is a portion of the polarizing plate 120 extending in the outward direction of the organic light emitting display panel 130. That is, the extension portion 121 of the polarizer 120 is a portion extending in both directions in the Y-axis direction with respect to the folding axis. At this time, the extension portion 121 of the polarizer 120 may extend in both directions parallel to the folding axis.

The polarizing plate 120 has a larger area than the organic light emitting display panel 130 and the extended portion 121 of the polarizing plate 120 is folded to cover one side of the organic light emitting display panel 130. Also, the extension 121 of the polarizer 120 may be folded to cover the other side opposite to the one side. At this time, a second adhesive layer 163 is positioned between the polarizer 120 and the OLED panel 130. A third adhesive layer 165 is positioned between the organic light emitting display panel 130 and the support 140.

The area of the second adhesive layer 163 is larger than the area of the first adhesive layer 161. The area of the third adhesive layer 165 may be smaller than or equal to the area of the organic light emitting display panel 130. At this time, the area of the second adhesive layer 163 may be smaller than or equal to the area of the third adhesive layer 165. The extended portion 121 of the folded polarizing plate 120 may be adhered to the side surface of the third adhesive layer 165 or may be adhered to the side surfaces of the second adhesive layer 163 and the third adhesive layer 165. [ Accordingly, the extended portion 121 of the polarizing plate 120 can cover and seal the side surface of the organic light emitting display panel 130.

Therefore, the extensions 121 of the polarizer 120 can minimize penetration of moisture and oxygen into the organic light emitting display panel 130. Accordingly, the occurrence of dark points of the organic light emitting layer of the organic light emitting display panel 130 is minimized, so that the decrease in luminance of the display device 100 can be suppressed.

The extension part 121 of the polarizer 120 may cover the side surface of the organic light emitting display panel 130. The second adhesive layer 163 on the organic light emitting display panel 130 and the third adhesive layer 165 under the organic light emitting display panel 130 can be minimized have. Steaming failure refers to a defect caused by the influence of the material forming the adhesive layer 160 on the wiring of the organic light emitting display panel 130. For example, when a material forming the adhesive layer 160 flows out and a defective portion is generated, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) in the non-display area NA of the OLED display panel 130 Circuits, wiring and components may be damaged. Therefore, an electric signal abnormality of the organic light emitting display panel 130 may occur due to damage to circuits, wiring, and wiring in the non-display area NA. That is, the extended portion 121 of the polarizing plate 120 can minimize the defective steam, thereby protecting the wiring of the OLED display panel 130.

The polarizing plate 120 may be positioned between the cover 110 and the organic light emitting display panel 130. The area of the cover 110 may be smaller than the area of the organic light emitting display panel 130. At this time, the cover 110 may not be positioned on a part of the organic light emitting display panel 130. A part of the extension part 121 of the polarizer 120 may be located on one part of the organic light emitting display panel 130 where the cover part 110 is not located and cover the one part.

When the plurality of members constituting the display device 100 move, the extension part 121 of the polarizing plate 120 moves toward the organic light emitting display panel 130 when the display device 100 is folded. You can cover the work part. Accordingly, the extensions 121 provided in the polarizer 120 and the polarizer 120 can suppress the reflection of external light by the metal material applied to the thin film transistor, the wiring, the organic light emitting diode, have. For example, the wirings of the pad portions provided in the non-display area NA of the organic light emitting display panel 130 may not include the cover 110 on the upper portion. At this time, the extension part 121 of the polarizer 120 may cover the wirings of the pad part of the organic light emitting display panel 130 to suppress external light reflection. Therefore, the polarizing plate 120 and the extension 121 of the polarizing plate 120 can increase the visual display visibility of the display device 100.

At this time, the sealing member 170 may be an adhesive extension structure attached to the side surface of the cover portion 110, the side surface of the first adhesive layer 161, and the extension portion 121 of the polarizing plate 120. The sealing member 170 may be attached to one side of the cover portion 110 and may also be attached to the other side opposite to the one side. The sealing member 170 may be attached to one side of the first adhesive layer 161 and may be attached to the other side opposite to the one side. The sealing member 170 may be attached to the upper surface of the extension 121 of the polarizing plate 120.

The sealing extension structure of the sealing member 170 is a structure in which the sealing member 170 can be attached to a large area without being attached to all the side surfaces of the plurality of members constituting the display device 100. [ The adhesive extension structure of the sealing member 170 is configured such that when the organic light emitting display panel 130 is folded with respect to the folding axis, the cover member 110, the polarization unit 120, 140 can be minimized. That is, since the sealing member 170 is only affected by the movement of the cover portion 110, delamination of the sealing member 170 can be suppressed.

Further, peeling of the sealing member 170 is suppressed, and generation of particles due to breakage of the sealing member 170 can be minimized. Therefore, breakage of the organic light emitting display panel 130 due to foreign matter can be minimized, so that penetration of moisture and oxygen into the organic light emitting display panel 130 can be minimized. Accordingly, the occurrence of dark points of the organic light emitting layer of the organic light emitting display panel 130 is minimized, so that the decrease in luminance of the display device 100 can be suppressed.

That is, since the sealing member 170 is not attached to all the side surfaces of the plurality of members constituting the display device 100, the adhesive-expanding structure of the sealing member 170 is not folded The sealing member 170 can only be affected by the movement of the plurality of members at a minimum. Therefore, the folding of the display device 100 can be facilitated.

5 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIa-IIa 'of FIG. 5, the structure of the extension part 121 and the sealing member 270 of the display device 200 of the present embodiment is different from that of FIG. 2A only in that the structure of the sealing member 270 is the same as that of the extension part 121, .

5, the foldable display device 200 is provided with an extension portion 241, and the sealing member 270 is provided with an extension portion 241 Or the like). At this time, the sealing member 270 may be attached to a part of the member on the organic light emitting display panel 130 among the plurality of members of the display device 200 and the extension portion 241.

A member on the organic light emitting display panel upper portion 130 to which the sealing member 270 is attached includes a cover 110, a first adhesive layer 161 attached to the lower surface of the cover 110, a first adhesive layer 161 And the second adhesive layer 163 attached to the lower surface of the polarizer 120. [ The specific area to which the sealing member 270 is attached may also be an extension 241 of the support 240.

The extended portion 241 of the support portion 240 is a portion where the support portion 240 extends in the outward direction of the organic light emitting display panel 130. That is, the extension portion 241 of the support portion 240 is a portion extending in both directions in the Y-axis direction with respect to the folding axis. At this time, the extension portion 241 of the support portion 240 may extend in both directions along the folding axis.

The supporting portion 240 has a larger area than the organic light emitting display panel 130 and the extended portion 241 of the supporting portion 240 may be folded to cover one side of the organic light emitting display panel 130. Further, the extended portion 241 of the support portion 240 may be folded to cover the other side opposite to the one side. At this time, a third adhesive layer 165 is positioned between the support portion 240 and the OLED panel 130.

The area of the third adhesive layer 165 may be larger than the area of the second adhesive layer 163 on the organic light emitting display panel 130. In this case, the area of the third adhesive layer 165 may be smaller than or equal to the area of the organic light emitting display panel 130. Thus, the extended portion 241 of the folded support portion 240 can be adhered to the side surface of the third adhesive layer 165. Therefore, the extended portion 241 of the support portion 240 can cover the side surface of the third adhesive layer 165 and the side surface of the OLED panel 130. Therefore, the extended portion 241 of the support portion 240 can protect the side surface of the organic light emitting display panel 130 from an external impact.

In addition, the extended portion 241 of the support portion 240 can minimize penetration of moisture and oxygen into the OLED display panel 130. Accordingly, the occurrence of dark points of the organic light emitting layer of the organic light emitting display panel 130 is minimized, so that the decrease in brightness of the display device 200 can be suppressed.

The extension part 241 of the support part 240 surrounds the side surface of the organic light emitting display panel 130 so that the third adhesive layer 165 under the organic light emitting display panel 130 flows out of the organic light emitting display panel 130 The resulting steam defects can be minimized. Therefore, the extended portion 241 of the support portion 240 can protect the wiring of the organic light emitting display panel 130.

At this time, the sealing member 270 is attached to the side surface of the cover portion 110, the side surface of the first adhesive layer 161, the side surface of the polarizing plate 220, the side surface of the second adhesive layer 163, ). ≪ / RTI > The sealing member 270 may be attached to one side of the cover 110, the first adhesive layer 161, the polarizing plate 120 and the second adhesive layer 163, have. The sealing member 270 may also be attached to one side of the extension portion 241 of the support portion 240.

The sealing extension structure of the sealing member 270 is a structure in which the sealing member 270 can be attached to a large area without being attached to all the side surfaces of the plurality of members constituting the display device 100. [ The adhesive extension structure of the sealing member 270 is configured such that when the OLED display panel 130 is folded with respect to the folding axis, the cover member 110, the polarizer 220, and the support 140 Can be minimized. That is, the sealing member 270 may be affected only by the movement of the cover 110 and the polarizer 220, so that delamination of the sealing member 270 can be suppressed.

Further, peeling of the sealing member 270 is suppressed, and generation of particles due to breakage of the sealing member 270 can be minimized. Therefore, breakage of the organic light emitting display panel 130 due to foreign matter can be minimized, so that penetration of moisture and oxygen outside can be minimized by the organic light emitting display panel 130. Accordingly, the occurrence of dark points of the organic light emitting layer of the organic light emitting display panel 130 is minimized, so that the decrease in brightness of the display device 200 can be suppressed.

That is, since the sealing member 270 is not attached to all the side surfaces of the plurality of members constituting the display device 200, the adhesive-expanding structure of the sealing member 270 is not folded The movement of the plurality of members may be only minimally affected by the sealing member 270. [ Therefore, folding of the display device 200 of the folder can be facilitated.

6 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIa-IIa 'of FIG. 6 is similar to the foldable display device 300 of FIG. 2A except that the structure of the sealing member 270 is different from that of the sealing member 270, and the remaining structure is the same, and thus a duplicate description will be omitted.

6, the sealing member 370 may be an adhesive extension structure attached to the side of the organic light emitting display panel 130 and the extension 121 of the polarizing plate 120. FIG. At this time, the sealing member 370 may be attached to one side of the organic light emitting display panel 130 and may be attached to the other side opposite to the one side.

The sealing extension structure of the sealing member 370 is a structure in which the sealing member 370 can be attached to a large area without being attached to all the side surfaces of the plurality of members constituting the display device 300. [ The adhesive extension structure of the sealing member 370 is configured such that when the OLED display panel 130 is folded with respect to the folding axis, the cover member 110, the polarization unit 120, 140 can be minimized. Further, since the sealing member 370 is attached to the side surface of the organic light emitting display panel 130 where the neutral plane is located, the sealing member 370 can be positioned closest to the neutral plane. Therefore, when the folder-type display device 300 is folded, the sealing member 370 can minimize the influence of movement of the plurality of members constituting the display device 300. That is, since the sealing member 370 is only affected by the movement of the polarizing plate 120 to which the sealing member 370 is attached, delamination of the sealing member 370 can be suppressed.

Further, peeling of the sealing member 370 is suppressed, and generation of particles due to breakage of the sealing member 370 can be minimized. Therefore, breakage of the organic light emitting display panel 130 due to foreign matter can be minimized, so that penetration of moisture and oxygen outside can be minimized by the organic light emitting display panel 130. Thus, the generation of dark spots in the organic light emitting layer of the organic light emitting display panel 130 is minimized, so that the decrease in luminance of the display device 300 can be suppressed.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to those embodiments and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate rather than limit the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. It is therefore to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of protection of the present invention should be construed according to the claims, and all technical ideas within the scope of equivalents should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

100: Foldable display device
120, 220: polarizer
130: organic light emitting display panel
140, 240:
170, 370: sealing member

Claims (20)

A display panel including a folding area;
A cover positioned on the display panel and having a smaller area than the display panel;
A polarizing plate positioned between the cover and the display panel;
A support positioned below the display panel;
A first adhesive layer positioned between the cover and the polarizer and having a smaller area than the polarizer; And
And a sealing member which covers an edge corresponding to the cover portion and an edge corresponding to the first adhesive layer and is attached to the polarizing plate so that delamination is suppressed, . The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the sealing member is attached to a specific region adjacent to the display panel so that the influence of deformation of the cover portion, the polarizing plate, and the support portion is minimized when the display panel is folded with respect to the folding axis, . 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the specific region is an extension of the polarizing plate extending parallel to the folding axis in an outward direction of the display panel. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the polarizing plate has a larger area than the display panel,
Wherein the extended portion of the polarizing plate folds and covers the side surface of the display panel to seal the display panel. The method of claim 3,
The above-mentioned display device further includes a second adhesive layer positioned between the display panel and the polarizer plate,
Wherein the extended portion of the polarizing plate covers and seals the side surface of the second adhesive layer having an area larger than that of the first adhesive layer. 6. The method of claim 5,
The above-mentioned display device further includes a third adhesive layer positioned between the display panel and the support portion,
Wherein the extended portion of the polarizing plate covers and seals the side surface of the third adhesive layer having an area larger than that of the second adhesive layer. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the specific region is an extension of the support portion extending in parallel with the folding axis in an outward direction of the display panel. 8. The method of claim 7,
The support portion has a larger area than the display panel
And the extended portion of the support portion is folded to cover and seal the side surface of the display panel. 8. The method of claim 7,
The above-mentioned display device further includes a second adhesive layer positioned between the display panel and the polarizer plate,
Wherein the sealing member covers and seals a side surface of the polarizing plate and a side surface of the second adhesive layer. 10. The method of claim 9,
The above-mentioned display device further includes a third adhesive layer positioned between the display panel and the support portion,
And the extended portion of the support portion covers and seals the side surface of the third adhesive layer having an area larger than that of the second adhesive layer. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the sealing member is attached to a part of the upper surface of the display panel so that peeling is suppressed. Display panel;
And a plurality of members located on an upper portion or a lower portion of the display panel, wherein an extension of one member of the plurality of members covers a side surface of the display panel,
And a sealing member having an adhesive extension structure that covers a side surface of another one of the plurality of members parallel to the side surface of the display panel and adheres to the extension. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein the sealing extension structure is such that the sealing member is attached to a member on the upper portion of the display panel among the plurality of members so as to suppress peeling of the sealing member when the folding portion of the display panel is folded. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the member above the display panel includes a cover member and an adhesive layer adhered to the bottom surface of the cover member. 15. The method of claim 14,
One member having the extension is a polarizing member,
Wherein the polarizing member is located on the upper side of the display panel so that an extension of the polarizing member covers the display panel to suppress external light reflection. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the member above the display panel includes a cover member, a first adhesive layer attached to the bottom surface of the cover member, a polarizing member below the first adhesive layer, and a second adhesive layer attached to the bottom surface of the polarizing member. 17. The method of claim 16,
One member with the extension is a support member,
Wherein the support member is positioned at a lower portion of the display panel, and an extension of the support member protects the side surface of the display panel. A flexible substrate on which organic light emitting elements are arranged and which can be folded;
A protective layer for protecting the organic light emitting elements, a polarizing layer for controlling optical characteristics of the organic light emitting elements, and a supporting layer for supporting the flexible substrate, the adhesive layer being located on the upper or lower portion of the flexible substrate, A stacked structure of a plurality of layers bonded together by a plurality of layers; And
A side seal unit attached to a specific layer of the laminate structure and covering side surfaces of at least some of the layers of the laminate structure,
Wherein the characteristics of the adhesive layers and the characteristics of the side sealing portion are determined according to the characteristic of the folding in order to accommodate interlayer deformations of the laminated structure in accordance with the folding of the flexible substrate. 19. The method of claim 18,
Wherein the specific layer is the polarizing layer and has an end edge portion bent to protect at least a part of the side surface of the flexible substrate. 20. The method of claim 19,
The material and thickness of the adhesive layers of the laminate structure are implemented to support at least one of in-folding and out-folding,
Wherein the shape and material of the side seal portion is implemented to support at least one of in-folding and out-folding.

Images