KR20210142999A - Elasticity member - Google Patents

Abstract

An elastic member according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first surface; and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and further includes a first area and a second area. The elastic member includes: a first pattern unit in which the first area is defined as an unfolding area, the second area is defined as a folding area, and the first area is arranged by allowing a plurality of first patterns to extend in a first direction; and a second pattern unit in which a plurality of second patterns are arranged extending in the first direction and which is arranged partially overlapping the first pattern unit in a second direction different from the first direction. The first pattern unit and the second pattern unit are arranged on the first area. A third pattern unit and a fourth pattern unit are arranged on the second area. The first area includes a pattern area and a non-pattern area, wherein the first pattern unit and the second pattern unit are formed on the pattern area and the first pattern unit and the second pattern unit are not formed on the non-pattern area, which is arranged on the outside of the pattern area. The present invention can minimize deformation like a crack or bending on the boundary area between the pattern area and the non-pattern area.

Description

Elastic member {ELASTICITY MEMBER}

Embodiments relate to elastic members.

Recently, there is an increasing demand for a flexible or foldable display device capable of easily carrying various applications and displaying an image on a larger screen when carrying it.

Such a flexible or foldable display may be implemented in a folded or partially bent form when carrying or storing, and in an unfolded state when displaying an image. Accordingly, the image display area can be increased and the user can easily carry it.

After folding or bending such a flexible or foldable display device, a process of re-opening the flexible or foldable display device may be repeated.

That is, since folding and unfolding operations of the flexible or foldable display device are repeated, the substrate of the flexible display device requires constant strength and elasticity, and cracks or deformations should not occur in the substrate during folding and restoration.

On the other hand, a display substrate, which is an elastic member constituting a flexible or foldable display device, generally uses a metal substrate.

Accordingly, the display substrate including the metal may be subjected to compressive and tensile stresses in the folding region while folding and unfolding are repeated, and accordingly, cracks may occur in the folding region when the elastic member is folded or unfolded. Folding reliability may be reduced.

In order to prevent deformation of the elastic member due to such compressive and tensile stresses, a pattern portion such as a hole or a groove may be formed in the elastic portion.

The size, position, and arrangement method of the pattern portions may play an important role in preventing the folding reliability and deformation of the display substrate.

Accordingly, there is a need for an elastic member having a new structure capable of securing the folding reliability of the elastic member and resisting deformation of the elastic member.

An embodiment is to provide an elastic member having improved reliability by controlling the size, position, and arrangement of pattern parts disposed in the folding area and the unfolding area.

An elastic member according to an embodiment includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an elastic member including a first area and a second area, wherein the first area is defined as an unfolding area a first pattern portion in which the second region is defined as a folding region, the first region having a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction; and a second pattern part in which a plurality of second patterns extend in the first direction and partially overlap with the first pattern part in a second direction different from the first direction, wherein the first region A pattern region in which a first pattern part and a second pattern part are disposed, a third pattern part and a fourth pattern part are disposed in the second region, and the first pattern part and the second pattern part are formed in the first region and a non-pattern region disposed outside the pattern region and in which the first pattern part and the second pattern part are not formed.

The elastic member according to the embodiment may include a non-patterned region in which a pattern is not formed in the unfolding region.

Accordingly, the elastic member may maintain the strength of the elastic member by the non-patterned region. In detail, a region in which no pattern part, such as a hole or groove, is formed remains in the unfolding region, whereby the area of the elastic member on which the pattern part is not formed can be secured as a predetermined area, whereby the strength of the elastic member It is possible to secure the support force of the elastic member for supporting the panel and the like.

Also, in the elastic member according to the embodiment, by controlling the opening ratio per unit area in the folding area and the unfolding area, a sudden change in strength due to the difference in the opening ratio of the elastic member may be alleviated. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize deformation such as cracks or warpage in the boundary region between the pattern region and the non-pattern region of the elastic member.

Accordingly, the elastic member according to the embodiment may have improved folding reliability.

1 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a flexible display device according to an embodiment.
2 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an elastic member according to an embodiment.
3 is a view showing a side view of the elastic member before folding according to the embodiment.
4 is a view showing a side view of the elastic member after folding according to the embodiment.
5 is a view showing a top view of the first surface of the elastic member according to the embodiment.
6 is a view showing a top view of a second surface of the elastic member according to the embodiment.
7 and 8 are views illustrating a top view of a first surface of an elastic member for explaining an unfolding region of the elastic member according to an embodiment.
9 is a diagram illustrating a top view of a first surface of an elastic member for explaining a folding region of the elastic member according to an embodiment.
10 is a view showing a top view of the first surface of the elastic member for explaining the bridge portion of the elastic member according to the embodiment.
11 is a view illustrating a top view of a first surface of the elastic member for explaining the protrusion of the elastic member according to the embodiment.
12 is a view for explaining an application example of the elastic member according to the embodiments.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited to some embodiments described, but may be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention, one or more of the components may be selected between embodiments. It can be combined and substituted for use. In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, unless specifically defined and described explicitly. It may be interpreted as a meaning, and generally used terms such as terms defined in advance may be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meaning of the related art.

In addition, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular form may also include the plural form unless otherwise specified in the phrase, and when it is described as "at least one (or one or more) of A and (and) B, C", it can be combined with A, B, and C. It may contain one or more of all possible combinations.

In addition, in describing the components of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and are not limited to the essence, order, or order of the component by the term.

And, if a component is described as 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' to another component, the component is not only directly connected, coupled or connected to the other component, but also with the component It may also include a case of 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' due to another element between the other elements.

In addition, when it is described as being formed or disposed on "above (above) or under (below)" of each component, the top (above) or bottom (below) is one as well as when two components are in direct contact with each other. Also includes a case in which another component as described above is formed or disposed between two components.

In addition, when expressed as “up (up) or down (down)”, it may include not only the upward direction but also the meaning of the downward direction based on one component.

Hereinafter, an elastic member according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a display device including an elastic member according to an embodiment. The display device according to the embodiment may be a flexible display device or a foldable display device that can be bent in one direction.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a display apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment includes an elastic member 100 , a display panel 200 disposed on the elastic member 100 , and a touch panel disposed on the display panel 200 . (300) may be included.

The elastic member 100 may support the display panel 200 and the touch panel 300 . That is, the elastic member 100 may be a support substrate supporting the display panel 200 and the touch panel 300 .

The elastic member 100 may include a metal material. For example, the elastic member 100 may include metal, metal alloy, plastic, composite material (eg, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, magnetic or conductive material, glass fiber reinforced material, etc.), ceramic, sapphire, glass, etc. have. The elastic member 100 may be formed as a single layer or as a multilayer including a plurality of layers.

The elastic member 100 may be flexible or foldable. That is, the elastic member 100 may be bent or bent in one direction. That is, the elastic member 100 may be a display substrate applied to a flexible display device or a foldable display device.

The elastic member 100 may be defined in a first direction 1D and a second direction 2D that is different from the first direction 1D. For example, the first direction 1D may be defined as the same direction as the folding axis direction of the elastic member 100 , and the second direction may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Any one of the first direction 1D and the second direction 2D may be defined as a width direction of the elastic member 100 , and the other direction may be a longitudinal direction of the elastic member 100 . can be defined as

The elastic member 100 may be folded using any one of a width direction and a length direction of the elastic member 100 as a folding axis.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the first direction is defined as the same direction as the folding axis. In addition, the first direction is defined as a width direction of the elastic member 100 , and the second direction is defined as a longitudinal direction of the elastic member 100 .

The elastic member 100 may include at least two regions. In detail, the elastic member 100 may include a first region 1A and a second region 2A.

The first region 1A may be defined as a region in which the elastic member 100 is not folded. That is, the first area 1A may be an unfolding area.

Also, the second region 2A may be defined as a region in which the elastic member 100 is folded. That is, the second area 2A may be a folding area.

The first region 1A and the second region 2A will be described in detail below.

The display panel 200 may be disposed on the elastic member 100 .

The display panel 200 may include a plurality of pixels including a switching thin film transistor, a driving thin film transistor, a power storage element, and an organic light emitting diode (OLED). In the case of an organic light emitting diode, deposition is possible at a relatively low temperature, and it can be mainly applied to a flexible display device for reasons of low power and high luminance. Here, a pixel refers to a minimum unit for displaying an image, and the display panel displays an image through a plurality of pixels.

The display panel 200 may include a substrate, a gate line disposed on the substrate, a data line insulated from the gate line, and a common power line. In general, one pixel may be defined by a gate line, a data line, and a common power line as a boundary.

The substrate may include a material having a flexible characteristic, such as a plastic film, and the display panel 200 may be implemented by disposing an organic light emitting diode and a pixel circuit on the flexible film.

The touch panel 300 may be disposed on the display panel 200 . The touch panel 300 may implement a touch function in a foldable display device or a flexible display device, and the touch panel may be omitted in a foldable display device or a flexible display device that simply displays an image without a touch function.

The touch panel 300 may include a substrate and a touch electrode disposed on the substrate. The touch electrode may sense the position of the input device touched by the foldable display device or the flexible display device by a capacitive method or a resistive film method.

The base material of the touch panel 300 may include a material having a flexible characteristic such as a plastic film, and the touch panel 300 may be implemented by disposing a touch electrode on the flexible film.

Meanwhile, the elastic member 100 and the display panel 200 may have different sizes.

For example, the area of the elastic member 100 may be greater than or equal to 90% and less than or equal to 110% of the area of the display panel 200 . In detail, the area of the elastic member 100 may be 95% or more to 105% or less of the area of the display panel 200 . In more detail, the area of the elastic member 100 may be 97% or more to 100% or less of the area of the display panel 200 .

When the area of the elastic member 100 is less than 90% of the area of the display panel 200 , the supporting force of the elastic member 100 supporting the display panel 200 or the touch panel 300 is reduced, and the A curl phenomenon may occur in the unfolding region of the elastic member 100 . Accordingly, when the user recognizes the screen area, visibility may be reduced, and when the touch is driven, the screen of the touch area may be incomplete due to the floating area, and thus a touch malfunction may occur.

In addition, when the area of the elastic member 100 is greater than 110% of the area of the display panel 200 , the elastic member 100 may secure a supporting force for supporting the display panel or the touch panel, but the elasticity A bezel area of the display device including the member, the display panel, and the touch panel may increase. Accordingly, a wide screen area effective for the user may not be brought to the user, which may bring inconvenience to the use of the display device.

Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, a cover window for protecting the foldable display device or the flexible display device is additionally disposed on the upper portion of the touch panel 300 or the upper portion of the display panel 200 (when the touch panel is omitted). can be

Meanwhile, the elastic member 100 , the display panel 200 , and the touch panel 300 may be adhered to each other through an adhesive layer or the like. In this case, when the elastic member 100 and the display panel 200 are attached to each other, the adhesive layer is not disposed on the second area, that is, the folding area of the elastic member 100 , but the first area, that is, the unfolding area. An adhesive layer is disposed only on the surface to be adhered to each other. Alternatively, the adhesive layer may be disposed on both the first region and the second region.

As described above, the display device includes the elastic member 100 .

Referring to FIG. 2 , the elastic member 100 may be bent in one direction.

In detail, the elastic member 100 may include a first surface 1S and a second surface 2S opposite to the first surface 1S. The elastic member 100 may include the first surface 1S. ) or the second surfaces 2S may be bent to face each other. That is, a surface on which the panels are disposed may be bent to face each other, or a surface on which the panels are disposed may be bent to face each other.

In the following description, as shown in FIG. 2 , bending of the second surfaces 2S of the elastic member 100 in a direction facing each other will be mainly described.

As previously explained. The elastic member 100 may have a first region 1A and a second region 2A defined therein. The first region 1A and the second region 2A may be regions defined when the elastic member 100 is bent in a direction in which the second surfaces 2S face each other.

In detail, the elastic member 100 is bent in one direction, and the elastic member 100 has a first area 1A that is a non-folding area (unfolding area) and a second area that is foldable (folding area). It may be divided into an area 2A.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the elastic member 100 may include a second region 2A in which the elastic member 100 is bent. Also, the elastic member 100 may include a first region 1A that is not bent and is disposed adjacent to the second region 2A.

For example, the first region 1A may be formed on the left and right sides of the second region 2A, respectively, based on the bending direction of the elastic member 100 . That is, the first area 1A may be disposed at both ends of the second area 2A. That is, the second area 2A may be disposed between the first area 2A.

The first region 1A and the second region 2A may be formed on the same elastic member 100 . That is, the first region 1A and the second region 2A may be formed integrally with each other without being separated from the same single elastic member 100 .

The sizes of the first area 1A and the second area 2A may be different from each other. In detail, the size of the first area 1A may be larger than the size of the second area 2A.

In addition, the area of the second region 2A of the elastic member 100 may be 1% or more to 30% or less of the total area of the elastic member 100 . In detail, the area of the second region 2A of the elastic member 100 may be 5% or more to 20% or less of the total area of the elastic member 100 . An area of the second region 2A of the elastic member 100 may be 10% or more to 15% or less of the total area of the elastic member 100 .

When the area of the second region 2A of the elastic member 100 is less than 1% of the total area of the substrate 100, repeating folding and restoring the elastic member, Cracks may occur at the boundary surface of the folding region, thereby reducing the folding reliability of the elastic member 100 .

In addition, when the area of the second region 2A of the elastic member 100 exceeds 30% of the total area of the elastic member 100 , when the elastic member is folded, the display panel 200 is A curl may occur in the folding area. Accordingly, when the user recognizes the screen area, visibility may be reduced, and when the touch is driven, the screen of the touch area may be incomplete due to the floating area, and thus a touch malfunction may occur.

Although the drawing shows that the second region 2A is positioned at the central portion of the elastic member 100 , the embodiment is not limited thereto, that is, the second region 2A is a portion of the elastic member 100 . It may be located in one end and an end region. That is, the second region 2A may be positioned at one end and an end region of the elastic member 100 so that the size of the second region 2A is asymmetrical.

4 is a side view of the elastic member after the elastic member is folded.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the elastic member 100 may be folded in one direction about a folding axis. In detail, the second surfaces 2S may be folded in a direction facing each other along the folding axis.

As the elastic member 100 is folded in one direction, a first region 1A and a second region 2A may be formed in the elastic member 100 . That is, the elastic member 100 may include a folding region formed as the elastic member 100 is folded in one direction and an unfolding region positioned at both ends of the folding region.

The folding area may be defined as an area in which the curvature R is formed, and the unfolding area may be defined as an area in which the curvature R is not formed or the curvature is close to zero.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the elastic member 100 may be folded in one direction to be formed in the order of an unfolding area, a folding area, and an unfolding area.

A plurality of pattern portions may be formed in at least one of the first region 1A and the second region 2A to reduce stress generated when the elastic member 100 is folded and to distribute the stress. can The pattern parts will be described in detail below.

Meanwhile, although FIG. 4 shows that the second surfaces 2S of the elastic member 100 are folded to face each other, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first surfaces 1S may be folded to face each other. have.

In detail, the folding surface of the elastic member may vary according to the formation position of the pattern portion formed on the elastic member 100 to be described below.

That is, the elastic member 100 may be folded so that surfaces of the elastic member 100 on which pattern portions are not formed face each other.

Hereinafter, an elastic member according to various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

5 and 6 are views showing top views of the first surface 1S and the second surface 2S of the elastic member according to the embodiment. That is, FIG. 5 is a view showing a top view of the first surface 1S of the elastic member, which is the outer surface of the folding, when the elastic member 100 is folded, and FIG. 6 is the elastic member 100 to be folded. At this time, it is a view showing a top view of the second surface (2S) of the elastic member that is the inner surface of the folding.

5 and 6 , the elastic member 100 may include a plurality of pattern portions. In detail, a first pattern portion PA1 and a second pattern portion PA2 may be disposed in the first area 1A of the elastic member 100 , and the second area 2A of the elastic member 100 may be disposed in the first area 1A. A third pattern part PA3 and a fourth pattern part PA4 may be disposed on the .

In detail, the first region 1A includes the first pattern portion PA1 in which a plurality of first patterns P1 are disposed while being spaced apart from each other and extending in the first direction 1D, and the plurality of second patterns. (P2) are disposed while being spaced apart from each other in the first direction 1D, and in a second direction 2D that is different from the first direction 1D, the first pattern P1, that is, the first The second pattern part PA2 may be included to partially overlap the pattern part PA1 .

In addition, the second area 2A includes the third pattern part PA3 in which a plurality of third patterns P3 are disposed while being spaced apart from each other and extending in the first direction 1D, and the plurality of fourth patterns. (P4) are arranged to extend apart from each other in the first direction 1D, and in the second direction 2D that is different from the first direction 1D, the third pattern P3, that is, the third The fourth pattern part PA4 may be disposed to partially overlap the pattern part PA3 .

For example, at least one of the first pattern part PA1 , the second pattern part PA2 , the third pattern part PA3 , and the fourth pattern part PA4 is the same as the folding axis. or extending in a similar direction. That is, the first pattern portion PA1 is defined as an aggregate of the first patterns P1 , the second pattern portion PA2 is defined as an aggregate of the second patterns P2 , and the third pattern The portion PA3 may be defined as an aggregate of the third patterns P3 , and the fourth pattern portion PA4 may be defined as an aggregate of the fourth patterns P4 .

The first pattern P1 , the second pattern P2 , the third pattern P3 , and the fourth pattern P4 penetrate one surface 1S and the other surface 2S of the elastic member 100 . It may be formed in the shape of a hole. Alternatively, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first pattern P1 , the second pattern P2 , the third pattern P3 , and the fourth pattern P4 are one surface of the elastic member 100 . (1S) or may be formed in a groove shape formed on the other surface (2S).

That is, the first pattern P1, the second pattern P2, the third pattern P3, and the fourth pattern P4 are all formed in a hole shape, or all are formed in a groove shape, or a hole and a It may be formed in a groove shape.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the first pattern P1 , the second pattern P2 , the third pattern P3 , and the fourth pattern P4 will be mainly described as having a hole shape.

The first pattern P1 , the second pattern P2 , the third pattern P3 , and the fourth pattern P4 may have curved surfaces. For example, the first pattern P1 , the second pattern P2 , the third pattern P3 , and the fourth pattern P4 have a curved surface such as an elliptical shape, a hemispherical shape, or a circular shape. can be formed with

The first pattern portion P1 and the second pattern portion P2 may be alternately disposed. In detail, the first pattern portion P1 and the second pattern portion P2 may be alternately disposed while being spaced apart from each other in the second direction 2D.

That is, one second pattern portion P2 may be disposed between the two first pattern portions P1 , and one first pattern portion P1 may be disposed between the two second pattern portions P2 . can be placed.

The first pattern portion P1 and the second pattern portion P2 may be disposed to be shifted from each other. For example, the first pattern P1 of the first pattern portion P1 and the second pattern P2 of the second pattern portion P2 may be disposed to partially overlap each other. In detail, the first pattern P1 of the first pattern portion P1 and the second pattern P2 of the second pattern portion P2 are disposed to partially overlap in the second direction, and partially overlap each other in the second direction. may be arranged so that they do not overlap.

That is, the first pattern P1 of the first pattern portion P1 includes an overlapping area OA1 overlapping the second pattern P2 of the second pattern portion P2 and the second pattern portion P2. may include a non-overlapping area NOA1 that does not overlap with the second pattern P2 of .

7 and 8 , the first area 1A may be defined as two areas. In detail, the first area 1A may include a pattern area PA and a non-pattern area NPA disposed outside the pattern area PA depending on whether pattern portions are formed.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the first pattern portion P1 and the second pattern portion P2 described above may be disposed in the pattern area PA. In addition, a pattern portion may not be formed in the non-patterned area NPA, and the first surface 1S and the second surface 2S of the elastic member 100 may be exposed.

An area of the pattern area PA may be different from an area of the non-pattern area NPA. In detail, the area of the pattern area PA may be larger than the area of the non-pattern area NPA. That is, in the first region 1A, which is the unfolding region, an area in which the pattern part is formed may be larger than an area in which the pattern part is not formed.

The pattern area PA formed in the first area 1A may improve reliability of the elastic member 100 .

In detail, the pattern area PA may alleviate a deformation difference due to heat between the third pattern portion P3 and the second area 2A in which the fourth pattern portion P4 is disposed. That is, when heat is applied to the elastic member 100, pattern portions are formed in both the first region 1A and the second region 2A, so that the first region 1A and the second region ( In 2A), the difference in deformation due to heat can be alleviated. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the elastic member 100 from being bent or twisted.

In addition, the stress unevenness between the first region 1A and the second region 2A is relieved by the third pattern portion P3 and the fourth pattern portion P4 formed in the first region 1A. Thus, it is possible to prevent bending of the elastic member.

In addition, when the panel or the like is adhered to the elastic member 100 through the adhesive layer by the third pattern portion P3 and the fourth pattern portion P4 formed in the first region 1A, the adhesive material Since the first pattern portion and the second pattern portion of the first region 1A and the third pattern portion and the fourth pattern portion of the second region 2A are disposed while being filled together, the adhesive layer is disposed on the first region and the second region 2A. It is possible to prevent a step difference from being formed in the regions.

Also, the elastic member 100 may maintain the strength of the elastic member 100 by the non-patterned area NPA. In detail, an area in which a pattern portion such as a hole or a groove is not formed is left in the first area 1A, whereby the area of the elastic member in which the pattern portion is not formed can be secured as a predetermined area. The strength of the member 100 may be secured, and the supporting force of the elastic member 100 supporting the panel or the like may be secured.

Meanwhile, a width of the non-patterned area NPA may be greater than a length of the first pattern P1 and the second pattern P2 .

In detail, the non-patterned area NPA has a 1-1th width W1-1 from one of both ends in the first direction 1D to the pattern area PA and a width W1-1 of the second direction. A 1-2 th width W1 - 2 from one of both ends to the pattern area PA may be provided.

In this case, at least one of the 1-1 width W1-1 and the 1-2 width W1-2 is the first length L1 of the first pattern P1 and the second pattern width. It may be greater than the maximum length of any one of the second lengths L2 of (P2). For example, at least one of the 1-1 width W1-1 and the 1-2 width W1-2 is the first length L1 of the first pattern P1 and the second width W1-2. It may be greater than the second length L2 of the second pattern P2 .

Here, the first length L1 and the second length L2 may be defined as maximum lengths of the first pattern P1 and the second pattern P2, respectively.

In detail, the size of at least one of the 1-1 width W1-1 and the 1-2 width W1-2 is the first length L1 of the first pattern P1 and the second width W1-2. The size of the second length L2 of the second pattern P2 may be greater than one time and less than or equal to five times. In more detail, the size of at least one of the 1-1 width W1-1 and the 1-2 width W1-2 is the first length L1 of the first pattern P1 and the The size of the second length L2 of the second pattern P2 may be greater than one time and less than or equal to four times. In more detail, the size of at least one of the 1-1 width W1-1 and the 1-2 width W1-2 is the first length L1 of the first pattern P1 and the It may be 2 to 3 times the size of the second length L2 of the second pattern P2.

The size of at least one of the 1-1 width W1-1 and the 1-2 width W1-2 is the first length L1 of the first pattern P1 and the second pattern When the size of the second length L2 of (P2) is smaller than the size of the second length L2, the area of the non-patterned portion in the second region 2A becomes too small, whereby the strength of the elastic member is lowered, and the supporting force of the elastic member is lowered. can

In addition, the size of at least one of the 1-1 width W1-1 and the 1-2 width W1-2 is the first length L1 of the first pattern P1 and the second width W1-2. When the size of the second length L2 of the second pattern P2 exceeds 5 times, a difference in strength of the elastic member occurs in the boundary area between the pattern area PA and the non-pattern area NPA, Due to this difference, the elastic member may be bent, and when the elastic member is folded, stress may be concentrated in the boundary region, and cracks may occur in the boundary region.

In addition, the number of pattern portions formed in the pattern area PA is reduced, and thus a difference in thermal strain and stress from the first area increases, and thus bending, deformation, etc. may occur in the elastic member. In addition, the area of the pattern region is increased to compensate for the bending and deformation as described above, so that the overall size of the elastic member may be increased.

Also, the first-first width W1-1 and the second-second width W1-2 may have different sizes. For example, the size of the 1-1th width W1-1 may be smaller than the size of the 1-2th width W1-2.

Accordingly, when aligning the elastic member 100 and the panel on the elastic member 100 through the reinforcing protrusion 150 or the like to be described below, the first 1-2 width W1-2 having a wider width The alignment can be easily adjusted through

Also, at least one of the 1-1 width W1-1 and the 1-2 width W1-2 may be smaller than the width W2 of the second region 2A.

Accordingly, when the elastic member 100 is folded according to the size of the 1-1 width W1-1 and the 1-2 width W1-2, the remaining in the elastic member 100 is The elastic member 100 can be easily folded by minimizing the amount of stress.

In addition, at least one of the 1-1 width W1-1 and the 1-2 width W1-2 is a third length L3 of the third pattern P3 and the fourth pattern width. It may be greater than the maximum length of any one of the fourth lengths L4 of (P4). For example, at least one of the 1-1 width W1-1 and the 1-2 width W1-2 may be the third length L3 of the third pattern P3 and the third width W1-2. It may be greater than the fourth length L4 of the fourth pattern P4 .

Here, the third length L3 and the fourth length L4 may be defined as maximum lengths of the third pattern P3 and the fourth pattern P4, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the pattern area PA of the first area 1A of the elastic member 100 may be defined as two areas. In detail, the pattern area PA of the first area 1A may include a first pattern area PA-1 and a second pattern area PA-2.

The first pattern P1 and the second pattern P2 may be disposed in the first pattern area PA-1. Also, the first pattern P1 or the second pattern P2 may be disposed in the second pattern area PA-2. In detail, only the first pattern P1 may be disposed in the second pattern area PA-2. In more detail, only a portion of the first pattern P1 may be disposed in the second pattern area PA-2.

An aperture ratio per unit area of the first pattern area PA-1 may be different from an aperture ratio per unit area of the second pattern area PA-2. Here, the aperture ratio may be defined as an area of the first pattern and/or the second pattern formed in the pattern region.

In detail, an aperture ratio per unit area of the first pattern area PA-1 may be greater than an aperture ratio per unit area of the second pattern area PA-2.

That is, while extending from one end of the elastic member in the first direction to the first pattern area PA-1, the opening ratio per unit area of the elastic member may gradually increase.

In addition, the width W3 of the second pattern area PA-2 is at least one of a first length L1 of the first pattern P1 and a second length L2 of the second pattern P2. may be less than the length of Here, the first length L1 of the first pattern P1 and the second length L2 of the second pattern P2 are the maximum of the first pattern P1 and the second pattern P2, respectively. It can be defined by length.

Also, a width W3 of the second pattern area PA-2 may be greater than a width of at least one of the widths W4 of the first pattern P1 and the second pattern P2. Here, the width of the first pattern P1 and the second pattern P2 may be defined as the maximum width of the first pattern P1 and the second pattern P2, respectively.

The second pattern area PA-2 is positioned between the non-pattern area NPA and the first pattern area PA-1, and is located at one end of the elastic member in the first direction. A sudden change in strength in the extension direction of (PA1) can be alleviated.

That is, while extending from one end of the elastic member in the first direction to the first pattern area PA-1, the difference in the opening ratio per unit area of the elastic member is formed to gradually increase, thereby abruptly changing strength according to the difference in the opening ratio. can alleviate Accordingly, deformation such as cracks or warpage in the boundary area between the pattern area PA and the non-pattern area NPA may be minimized.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the second area 2A may be defined as two areas. In detail, the second area 2A may include a third pattern area PA-3 and a fourth pattern area PA-4.

The third pattern part PA3 and the fourth pattern part PA4 may be disposed in the second area 2A. The third pattern portion P3 and the fourth pattern portion P4 may be alternately disposed. In detail, the third pattern portion P3 and the fourth pattern portion P4 may be alternately disposed while being spaced apart from each other in the second direction 2D.

That is, one fourth pattern portion P4 may be disposed between the two third pattern portions P3 , and one third pattern portion P3 may be disposed between the two fourth pattern portions P4 . can be placed.

The third pattern P3 and the fourth pattern P4 may be disposed in the third pattern area PA-3 . In addition, the third pattern P3 or the fourth pattern P4 may be disposed in the fourth pattern area PA - 4 . In detail, only the third pattern P3 may be disposed in the fourth pattern area PA-4. In more detail, only a portion of the third pattern P3 may be disposed in the fourth pattern area PA-4.

Accordingly, the second area 2A includes a third pattern P3 disposed in the third pattern area PA-3 and a third pattern P3 disposed in the fourth pattern area PA-4. may include,

The third pattern P3 disposed in the fourth pattern area PA-4 may be formed with an open end. That is, one end of the third pattern P3 disposed in the fourth pattern area PA-4 may be opened.

For example, one end of the third pattern P3 disposed in the fourth pattern area PA-4 may be disposed on the same plane as an end of the elastic member 100 in the first direction. Also, an end of the elastic member 100 overlapping the third pattern P3 among ends of the elastic member 100 in the first direction may be opened.

Accordingly, the elastic member 100 is formed at the end of the elastic member 100 in the first direction perpendicular to the folding axis, and the third pattern P3 is disposed in the fourth pattern area PA-4. ) and may include a plurality of hinge portions HN that are opened and formed in an overlapping region.

Accordingly, when the elastic member 100 is folded, it is possible to facilitate folding in the second region 2A, which is a folding region.

Also, the third pattern P3 disposed in the third pattern area PA-3 and the third pattern P3 disposed in the fourth pattern area PA-4 may have different lengths.

That is, in the third pattern P3, one end of the plurality of inner third patterns IP3 in which both ends in the longitudinal direction of the third pattern are not opened and one end of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the third pattern are open. A plurality of outer third patterns OP3 may be included.

In this case, the length L3 of the inner third pattern and the length L3 ′ of the outer third pattern may be different from each other. In detail, the length L3 ′ of the outer third pattern may be longer than the length L3 of the inner third pattern.

When the elastic member 100 is repeatedly folded and unfolded, an external impact is applied to the open part of one end of the third outer pattern or impurities such as particles are introduced, so that the outer third pattern is higher than the inner third pattern. More wear and tear may occur. Accordingly, in the elastic member according to the embodiment, by forming the outer third pattern longer than the inner third pattern and opening one end, an external impact is applied to the inner third pattern through the outer third pattern It is possible to minimize the transfer or introduction of impurities. Accordingly, the elastic member according to the embodiment may have improved folding reliability even in repeated folding and unfolding operations.

A width of the fourth pattern area PA - 4 may be different from a width OA2 of an overlapping area where the third pattern and the fourth pattern adjacent in the third pattern area overlap in the second direction. . In detail, the width W5 of the fourth pattern area may be greater than the width of the overlapping area OA2 .

On the other hand, the size of at least one of the third pattern P3 and the fourth pattern P4 disposed in the second area 2A is the size of the first pattern disposed in the first area 1A ( P1) and the size of the second pattern P2 may be different from each other. In detail, the size of at least one of the third pattern P3 and the fourth pattern P4 may be larger than the size of the first pattern P1 and the second pattern P2 . In more detail, at least one of the lengths L3 and L3' of the third pattern P3 and the length L4 of the fourth pattern P4 is the length L1 of the first pattern P1 and It may be longer than the length L2 of the second pattern P2.

Also, the aperture ratio per unit area of the third pattern area PA-3 may be different from the aperture ratio per unit area of the fourth pattern area PA-4. Here, the aperture ratio may be defined as an area of the third pattern and/or the fourth pattern formed in the second region.

In detail, an aperture ratio per unit area of the third pattern area PA-3 may be greater than an aperture ratio per unit area of the fourth pattern area PA-4.

That is, while extending from one end of the elastic member in the first direction to the third pattern area PA-3, the opening ratio per unit area of the elastic member may increase.

Hereinafter, the protrusion 130 and the reinforcing protrusion 150 of the elastic member 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 .

Referring to FIG. 10 , the protrusion 130 may be disposed in the first area 1A. That is, the protrusion 130 may be disposed in an unfolding area of the elastic member. That is, the protrusion 130 may be disposed on side surfaces LS of the elastic member 100 surrounding the first region 1A of the elastic member 100 . At least one protrusion 130 may be disposed on the side surface LS of the elastic member 100 . For example, the protrusion 130 may include a plurality of protrusions 130 disposed on the side surface LS of the elastic member 100 and spaced apart from each other.

The protrusion 130 may be disposed to protrude from the side surface LS of the elastic member 100 . In detail, the protrusion 130 may be formed in a shape in which the width W6 of the protrusion 130 gradually narrows as it moves away from the side surface LS of the elastic member 100 .

The protrusion 130 may be integrally formed with the elastic member 100 . That is, the protrusion 130 may be connected to the elastic member 100 on the side surface LS of the elastic member 100 , and the protrusion 130 may be integrally formed with the elastic member 100 .

The protrusion 130 may be formed in a process of manufacturing the elastic member 100 . In detail, the protrusion 130 may serve to easily cut each elastic member 100 when cutting the elastic member 100 having a unit area from a large-area metal substrate.

Accordingly, when the elastic member having a large area is cut into the elastic member having a unit area by the protrusion 130 , the elastic member can be easily cut, thereby improving the manufacturing process efficiency of the elastic member.

The number of the protrusions 130 disposed on both sides of the elastic member in the first direction 1D may be different from the number of the protrusions 130 disposed on both sides of the elastic member in the second direction 2D.

For example, when the first direction 1D of the elastic member is defined as the width direction of the elastic member and the second direction 2D of the elastic member is defined as the longitudinal direction of the elastic member, the elastic member The number of the protrusions 130 disposed on both sides of the first direction 1D may be greater than the number of the protrusions 130 disposed on both sides of the elastic member in the second direction 2D.

In addition, the protrusions 130 disposed on both sides of the elastic member in the first direction 1D and the protrusions 130 disposed on both sides of the elastic member in the second direction 2D may be disposed to face each other. can

For example, when the first direction 1D of the elastic member is defined as the width direction of the elastic member and the second direction 2D of the elastic member is defined as the longitudinal direction of the elastic member, the elastic member The protrusions 130 disposed on both sides of the first direction 1D may be disposed to overlap an imaginary line parallel to the first direction, and disposed on both sides of the elastic member in the second direction 2D. The protrusions 130 may be arranged to overlap an imaginary line parallel to the second direction,

Referring to FIG. 11 , the elastic member 100 may include a reinforcing protrusion 150 .

The reinforcing protrusion 150 may be disposed on the side surface LS of the elastic member 100 . For example, the reinforcing protrusion 150 may be disposed on at least one of both sides of the elastic member 100 in the first direction 1D and both sides in the second direction 2D.

For example, the reinforcing protrusion 150 may be disposed on a side surface of the elastic member having a larger width among the non-patterned areas NPA of the first area 1A described above.

The reinforcing protrusion 150 may be integrally formed with the elastic member 100 .

The size of the reinforcing protrusion 150 may be different from the size of at least one of the first pattern P1, the second pattern P2, the third pattern P3, and the fourth pattern P4. have. In detail, the length L5 of the reinforcing protrusion 150 is at least one of the first pattern P1 , the second pattern P2 , the third pattern P3 , and the fourth pattern P4 . is greater than the length of , and the width W7 of the reinforcing protrusion 150 is at least one of the first pattern P1 , the second pattern P2 , the third pattern P3 , and the fourth pattern P4 . It may be larger than the width of one pattern.

In addition, the width of the reinforcing protrusion 150 may be greater than the width of the protrusion 130 , and the length of the reinforcing protrusion 150 may be longer than the length of the protrusion 130 .

Also, the width of the reinforcing protrusion 150 may change from the inside to the outside of the elastic member 100 . In detail, the width W7 of the reinforcing protrusion 150 may decrease as it moves away from the side surface LS of the elastic member 100 .

The above-described protrusion 130 may not be formed on the reinforcing protrusion 150 . In detail, the reinforcing protrusion 150 and the protrusion 130 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. That is, on the side surface of the elastic member 100 on which the reinforcing protrusion 150 is formed, the protrusion 130 may be disposed only in an area excluding the area where the reinforcing protrusion 150 is disposed.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the reinforcing protrusion 150 from being deformed or damaged due to a decrease in strength by the protrusion 130 .

When disposing a panel or a circuit board on the elastic member 100, the reinforcing protrusion 150 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the coupling portion of the panel or circuit board or to align with them. can

Accordingly, a panel or the like can be easily disposed on the elastic member 100 by the reinforcing protrusion 150 , and misalignment of the alignment can be minimized.

12 is a view for explaining an example in which the elastic member according to the embodiments is applied.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the elastic member according to the embodiments may be applied to a flexible display device that displays a display.

For example, the elastic member according to the embodiments may be applied to a flexible display device such as a mobile phone or a tablet.

Such an elastic member may be applied to a flexible display device such as a mobile phone or a tablet that is flexible, bent, or folded.

The elastic member may be applied to a flexible display device such as a mobile phone or tablet that is flexible, bent or folded, and may improve the reliability of folding in a display device that is repeatedly folded or folded, thereby improving the reliability of the flexible display device.

Features, structures, effects, etc. described in the above-described embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, features, structures, effects, etc. illustrated in each embodiment can be combined or modified for other embodiments by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong. Accordingly, the contents related to such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

In addition, although the embodiments have been mainly described above, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains are exemplified above in a range that does not depart from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. It can be seen that various modifications and applications that have not been made are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments may be implemented by modification. And the differences related to these modifications and applications should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims (20)

An elastic member comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the elastic member including a first area and a second area,
The first region may include: a first pattern portion in which a plurality of first patterns are disposed to extend in a first direction; and a second pattern portion in which a plurality of second patterns are arranged extending in the first direction and partially overlapping the first pattern portion in a second direction different from the first direction,
In the first region, the elastic member includes a pattern region in which the first pattern part and the second pattern part are formed, and a non-pattern region disposed outside the pattern region and in which the first pattern part and the second pattern part are not formed. . The method of claim 1,
A width of the non-pattern region is greater than a maximum length of at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern. The method of claim 1,
The second region may include a third pattern portion in which a plurality of third patterns are disposed to extend in the first direction; and a fourth pattern portion in which a plurality of fourth patterns are disposed extending in the first direction and partially overlapping the third pattern portion in a second direction different from the first direction,
The width of the non-pattern region is greater than a maximum length of the third pattern or a maximum length of the fourth pattern. The method of claim 1,
The width of the non-pattern region is greater than a maximum length of at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern and not more than 5 times the elastic member. The method of claim 1,
The pattern area includes a first pattern area and a second pattern area,
the second pattern region is disposed between the first pattern region and the non-pattern region;
An elastic member in which an opening ratio per unit area of the first pattern area and the second pattern area is different. 6. The method of claim 5,
The elastic member has an aperture ratio per unit area of the first pattern area greater than an aperture ratio per unit area of the second pattern area. 6. The method of claim 5,
The width of the second pattern region is smaller than a maximum length of at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern, and is larger than a maximum width of at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern. . 4. The method of claim 3,
The second region may include a third pattern region in which the plurality of third patterns and the plurality of fourth patterns are disposed, and a fourth pattern region in which the third pattern is disposed. 9. The method of claim 8,
One end of the third pattern disposed in the fourth pattern region is an elastic member that is open. 4. The method of claim 3,
The plurality of third patterns may include: an inner third pattern in which both ends are not opened in the longitudinal direction of the third pattern; and an outer third pattern having one end open among both ends in the longitudinal direction of the third pattern. 11. The method of claim 10,
A maximum length of the outer third pattern is longer than a length of the inner third pattern. 9. The method of claim 8,
A width of the fourth pattern region is greater than a width of an overlap region in which the third pattern and the fourth pattern adjacent in the third pattern region overlap in the second direction. 9. The method of claim 8,
The length of at least one of the third pattern and the fourth pattern is longer than the length of the first pattern and the second pattern of the elastic member 9. The method of claim 8,
An opening ratio per area of the third pattern region is greater than an opening ratio per unit area of the fourth pattern region. The method of claim 1,
The elastic member disposed on at least one of the side surfaces of the elastic member and further comprising a protrusion protruding from the side surface of the elastic member. 16. The method of claim 15,
The width of the protrusion decreases as it moves away from the side surface of the elastic member. 16. The method of claim 15,
The elastic member further comprising a reinforcing protrusion disposed on at least one of the side surfaces of the elastic member. 18. The method of claim 17,
The reinforcing protrusion is an elastic member integrally formed with the elastic member. 18. The method of claim 17,
The width of the reinforcing protrusion decreases as it moves away from the side surface of the elastic member. 18. The method of claim 17,
A width of the reinforcing protrusion is greater than a width of at least one of the first pattern, the second pattern, the third pattern, and the fourth pattern,
A length of the reinforcing protrusion is greater than a length of at least one of the first pattern, the second pattern, the third pattern, and the fourth pattern.

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