KR102442643B1 - Foldable display device and method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A foldable display device according to the present invention includes a display panel having a folding area and a non-folding area extending in at least one direction from the folding area, a rigid member positioned below the display panel and having an opening pattern corresponding to the folding area; The support member positioned below the rigid member, the adhesive member positioned between the support member and the rigid member corresponding to the non-folding region, and the opening pattern corresponding to the folding region include a sag inhibiting member, wherein the sagging inhibiting member includes one blocking member It consists of a plurality of blocking portions disposed with a gap between the portion and another adjacent blocking portion.

Description

FOLDABLE DISPLAY DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

The present invention relates to a foldable display including a sag suppressing member.

A video display device that implements various information on a screen is a key technology in the information and communication era. Cathode Ray Display Panel, Liquid Crystal Display Panel, Electrophoretic Display Panel, and an organic light emitting display panel.

In particular, in order to realize a thinner, lighter, portable and high-performance image display device, an organic light emitting display panel that displays an image by controlling the amount of light emitted by an organic light emitting device is in the spotlight.

The organic light emitting display panel is a self-emission type display panel, and since it is implemented without a separate light source device, it can be manufactured in a light and thin shape. In addition, since the organic light emitting display panel can be manufactured in a thin form, it is easy to be implemented as a foldable display device.

A display panel constituting the foldable display may be folded by including a flexible substrate. A display panel having a flexible substrate may be easily folded, but deflection may occur due to a load of components disposed thereon. In addition, components on the top may sag.

Accordingly, in order to suppress sagging of the display panel, a component for supporting the substrate may be disposed under the substrate. In this case, a mid frame made of a rigid material may be positioned under the display panel to support the display panel. However, since the mid frame has hardness, there is a problem in that the display panel cannot be easily folded when the foldable display device is folded. Accordingly, a portion of the mid frame may be removed to facilitate folding in the area where the display panel is folded.

However, folding may be facilitated by removing a portion of the mid frame in the area where the display panel is folded, but sagging may occur in the area where the display panel is folded. Also, there is a problem in that the sag generated in the area where the display panel is folded becomes curved, and thus the display panel can be visually recognized when displaying an image.

Accordingly, the inventors of the present invention recognized the necessity of suppressing sagging in an area in which the display panel is folded while the display panel is easily folded in order to implement a foldable display device. Accordingly, the inventors of the present invention have devised a new structure in which the foldable display is easily folded and curvature is suppressed.

A foldable display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel having a folding area and a non-folding area extending from the folding area in at least one direction, the display panel being positioned below the display panel, and forming an opening pattern corresponding to the folding area. The rigid member provided, the supporting member positioned under the rigid member, the adhesive member positioned between the supporting member and the rigid member corresponding to the non-folding region, and the opening pattern corresponding to the folding region include a sagging inhibiting member, is composed of a plurality of blocking portions arranged with a gap between one blocking portion and another adjacent blocking portion.

The plurality of blocking portions extend in contact with the support member in the folding region to implement the sag suppression member.

The plurality of blocking units support a portion of the display panel corresponding to the folding area to suppress sagging of the portion.

The plurality of blocking parts may be spaced apart from a portion of the support member corresponding to the folding area when the display panel is folded.

The foldable display device further includes a flexibility-improving adhesive layer between the display panel and the rigid member.

The flexibility-improving adhesive layer has an extension portion filling the opening region of the opening pattern of the rigid member, and the extension portion extends in contact with the support member to implement the sag suppression member.

The extension supports a portion of the display panel corresponding to the folding area to suppress sagging of the portion.

The extension portion is adhered to the support member to suppress the flow of the support member when the display panel is folded.

A method of manufacturing a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method of manufacturing a flexible display device including a display panel having a folding area and a non-folding area extending from the folding area in at least one direction. and forming the sag restraining member, wherein the forming of the sagging restraining member is a step of extending the specific structure so that the sagging restraining member contacts a portion of the support member corresponding to the folding area.

The step of extending the specific structure is a step of patterning the blocking portion of the opening pattern of the rigid member positioned below the display panel to protrude from one surface of the rigid member.

The step of patterning the blocking portion of the opening pattern is implemented through a half-tone light blocking mask process.

The step of extending the specific structure is a step of forming the extension portion of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer positioned below the display panel to protrude from the lower surface of the rigid member.

In the step of forming the extended portion of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer, the flexible-enhancing adhesive layer is formed by bonding with the rigid member so that the extended portion passes through the opening of the opening pattern of the rigid member.

A foldable display device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible substrate having a foldable region and a non-foldable region, and is embodied to be attached to a rear surface of the flexible substrate. An adhesive member having a second adhesive layer embodied such that it can be attached to the first adhesive layer and the rigid member on the rear surface corresponding to the non-foldable region, a support frame attached to the second adhesive layer from the rear surface of the adhesive member, and and specific structures in contact with some areas of the support member corresponding to the collapsible areas.

In the specific structure, the rigid member corresponds to a foldable region, and a portion extending to contact the support member is implemented.

The extended portion of the rigid member is implemented through a half-tone light blocking mask process.

The adhesive member further includes a flexible adhesive layer positioned between the first adhesive layer and the rigid member, wherein the specific structure penetrates a portion corresponding to the foldable region of the rigid member such that the flexible adhesive layer contacts the support member. The protruding part is implemented.

The protruding portion of the flexible adhesive layer is realized by bonding the flexible adhesive layer and the rigid member through a mold process having a concave pattern.

The foldable display device of the present invention includes the sag suppressing member, so that deformation in the folding area of the display panel is minimized, so that the bending phenomenon can be minimized to be visually recognized.

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

1 is a plan view of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment.
2 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment.
3 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable display device according to another exemplary embodiment.
5A to 5C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of forming the adhesive member shown in FIG. 2 .
6 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable display device according to another exemplary embodiment.
7 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable display device according to another exemplary embodiment.
8A to 8D are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of forming the rigid member shown in FIG. 6 .
9A to 9C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of forming the flexibility-improving adhesive layer illustrated in FIG. 7 .

Advantages and features of the present specification and methods of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but will be implemented in a variety of different forms, only these embodiments allow the disclosure of the present invention to be complete, and common knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs It is provided to fully inform the possessor of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

The shapes, sizes, proportions, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining the embodiments of the present specification are exemplary, and thus the present specification is not limited to the illustrated matters. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. When 'including', 'having', 'consisting', etc. mentioned in this specification are used, other parts may be added unless 'only' is used. When a component is expressed in the singular, the case in which the plural is included is included unless specifically stated otherwise. In interpreting the components, it is interpreted as including an error range even if there is no separate explicit description.

In the case of a description of the positional relationship, for example, when the positional relationship of two parts is described as 'on', 'on', 'on', 'beside', etc., 'right' Alternatively, one or more other parts may be positioned between two parts unless 'directly' is used. Reference to a device or layer “on” another device or layer includes any intervening layer or other device directly on or in the middle of another device. When it is described that a component is “connected”, “coupled” or “connected” to another component, the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but other components may be interposed between each component. It should be understood that each component may be “interposed” or “connected,” “coupled,” or “connected” through another component.

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

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

The size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are illustrated for convenience of description, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the size and thickness of the illustrated component.

Each feature of the various embodiments of the present invention may be partially or wholly combined or combined with each other, technically various interlocking and driving are possible, and each of the embodiments may be implemented independently of each other or may be implemented together in a related relationship. may be

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

1 is a plan view of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment. In FIG. 1 , only the display panel 110 is illustrated among various components of the foldable display 100 for convenience of explanation.

The display panel 110 is a panel on which an image is realized, and an organic light emitting device for realizing an image and a circuit, wiring, and components for driving the organic light emitting device may be disposed.

The display panel 110 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, in which a plurality of pixels made of organic light emitting devices are arranged. An organic light emitting device for displaying an image and a circuit unit for driving the organic light emitting device may be disposed in the display area AA. In the present invention, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the foldable display 100 includes the display panel 110 including the organic light emitting device, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The circuit unit may include various thin film transistors, capacitors, and wires for driving the organic light emitting diode. For example, the circuit unit may include various components such as a driving thin film transistor, a switching thin film transistor, a storage capacitor, a gate line, and a data line, but is not limited thereto.

The non-display area NA is an area in which an image is not displayed, and is an area in which circuits, wirings, and components for driving the organic light emitting device of the display area AA are disposed. Various ICs, such as a gate driver IC and a data driver IC, and a driving circuit may be disposed in the non-display area NA. For example, various ICs and driving circuits are mounted in the non-display area NA of the display panel 110 as a gate in panel (GIP), or in a tape carrier package (TCP) or chip on film (COF) method. It may be connected to the display panel 110 .

Meanwhile, the display panel 110 may be defined as a display area AA and a non-display area NA, but may also be defined as a folding area FA and a non-folding area FA.

The folding area (or the folding part or the folding area) FA is an area in which the display panel 110 is folded when the foldable display 100 is folded, and includes a portion of the display area AA and a non-display area. It may include a part of the area NA. The present invention is described by exemplifying that the folding area FA includes a portion of the display area AA and a portion of the non-display area NA, but is not limited thereto, and only a portion outside the display area AA is not included. There may be a display area NA. Accordingly, the folding area FA may include only a part of the display area AA.

The folding area FA may be folded according to a specific radius of curvature based on a folding axis (or folding axis). Specifically, the folding axis may be the X axis. When the folding area FA is folded based on the folding axis, the folding area FA may form a part of a curve, a circle, or an ellipse. The radius of curvature of the folding area FA means a radius of a curve, circle, or ellipse corresponding to a part of the curve, circle, or ellipse formed by the folding area FA. In the present invention, it is described as an example that a folding axis in the X-axis direction is positioned in the folding area FA, and the non-folding area NFA extends from the folding area FA in the Y-axis direction and is perpendicular to the folding axis. This is not limited thereto.

The non-folding area (or non-folding portion or non-folding area) NFA is an area in which the display panel 110 is not folded when the foldable display 100 is folded. That is, the non-folding area NFA is an area in which the display panel 110 maintains a planar state when the foldable display 100 is folded. The non-folding area NFA may include a portion of the display area AA and a portion of the non-display area NA.

The non-folding area NFA may be an area located on both sides of the folding area FA. That is, the non-folding area NFA may be an area extending in the Y-axis direction with respect to the folding axis. In this case, the folding area FA may be defined between the non-folding areas NFA. Accordingly, when the display panel 110 is folded based on the folding axis, the non-folding areas NFA may face each other.

Hereinafter, for a more detailed description of the foldable display device 100 , it will be described with reference to FIG. 2 .

2 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIa-IIa' of the foldable display of FIG. 1 .

2 , the foldable display 100 includes a display panel 110 , a first adhesive member 120 , a support substrate 130 , a second adhesive member 140 , a rigid member 150 , It includes a third adhesive member 160 and a support member 170 .

The display panel (or image display member) 110 includes a substrate. Since the substrate included in the display panel 110 may be made of a plastic material having flexibility, it is a foldable and flexible substrate. In this case, the manufacturing process of the foldable display 100 proceeds in a situation where a panel manufacturing substrate made of glass is disposed under the substrate, and the panel is manufactured after polarizing plates are disposed on the display panel 110 . The substrate may be released.

The support substrate 130 is positioned under the display panel 110 . The support substrate 130 may be uniformly disposed over the entire area under the display panel 110 . In this case, the support substrate 130 is a substrate that is rigid for supporting the display panel 110 and flexible for folding. In this case, the support substrate 130 may be made of a polymer material having excellent flexibility, such as polyurethane (PU). The support substrate 130 may have a thickness of 50 μm or less, but is not limited thereto.

The first adhesive member 120 is positioned between the display panel 110 and the support substrate 130 . The first adhesive member 120 may be uniformly disposed on the entire upper surface of the support substrate 130 to attach the display panel 110 and the support substrate 130 . In this case, the first adhesive member 120 may be made of, for example, a transparent adhesive member such as OCR (Optical Clear Resin) or OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive), but is not limited thereto.

A rigid member 150 may be positioned under the support substrate 130 . The rigid member 150 is made of a rigid material, is positioned under the display panel 110 , and supports the display panel 110 , and is used in the foldable display 100 including the display panel 110 . It serves as a support to maintain its shape. In this case, the rigid member 150 has the opening pattern 151 corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 . The opening pattern 151 may refer to a structure in which the blocking portion (or blocking region) 151a and the opening (or opening region) 151b are continuously intersected. Accordingly, the opening pattern 151 of the rigid member 150 may allow the rigid member 150 to be folded at a portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 . The rigid member 150 may have a thickness of 0,18 mm or more and 0.22 mm or less, but is not limited thereto.

The second adhesive member 140 may be positioned between the support substrate 130 and the rigid member 150 . The second adhesive member 140 may be uniformly disposed on the entire lower surface of the support substrate 130 to attach the support substrate 130 and the rigid member 150 . The second adhesive member 140 may be made of the same material as the first adhesive member 120 , but is not limited thereto.

A support member 170 may be positioned under the rigid member 150 . The support member 170 is a member for protecting the components thereon from impact. Accordingly, the support member 170 may be rigid.

The support member 170 may include a first support member 171 and a second support member 172 . A boundary between the first support member 171 and the second support member 172 is positioned to correspond to the folding area FA. Accordingly, when the foldable display 100 is folded, the first support member 171 and the second support member 172 may be spaced apart from each other in the folding area FA.

In this case, as the foldable display device 100 is repeatedly folded, a portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the plurality of components constituting the foldable display device 100 may receive continuous pressure. Accordingly, a portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the foldable display 100 may be bent and deformed.

Also, even when the foldable display 100 is not folded, a plurality of components constituting the foldable display 100 have high flexibility and thin thickness. In this case, the rigid member has an opening pattern corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 . Accordingly, the portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the foldable display 100 is less supported by the rigid member than the portion corresponding to the non-folding area NFA. Sagging may occur.

Accordingly, there is a need for a structure to minimize deformation or sagging of a portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the foldable display device 100 due to bending.

A portion of the third adhesive member 160 may be applied as a structure for minimizing bending deformation and sagging.

A third adhesive member 160 may be positioned between the support member 170 and the rigid member 150 . In this case, the third adhesive member 160 may be positioned to correspond to the non-folding area NFA of the display panel 110 and may extend to an area corresponding to the folding area FA. A portion of the third adhesive member 160 positioned in an area corresponding to the folding area FA may be positioned under the opening pattern 151 of the rigid member 150 .

A portion of the third adhesive member 160 positioned under the opening pattern 151 of the rigid member 150 may not have an adhesive force. That is, a portion of the third adhesive member 160 is a non-adhesive part 161 that is not adhered to the opening pattern 151 of the rigid member 150 . That is, the third adhesive member 160 may be a partial adhesive member including an adhesive part and a non-adhesive part 161 .

The non-adhesive part 161 of the third adhesive member 160 may contact the blocking part 151a of the opening pattern 151 of the rigid member 150 to support the opening pattern 151 . In this case, the opening pattern 151 of the rigid member 150 has the opening 151b, so that the blocking part 151a of the opening pattern 151 can contact the component located above the opening pattern 151. Even if the blocking portion 151a of the opening pattern 151 of the rigid member 150 supports the components located above the opening pattern 151 , the foldable display device ( ) passes through the blocking portion 151a of the opening pattern 151 The pressure when the 100 is folded or the load of the components on the opening pattern 151 may be transferred to the non-adhesive portion 161 of the third adhesive member 160 . Accordingly, the pressure or load may be distributed to the support member 170 in contact with the non-adhesive portion 161 of the third adhesive member 160 to correspond to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 .

That is, the non-adhesive portion 161 of the third adhesive member 160 may suppress bending or sagging of a portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 positioned on the rigid member 150 . Accordingly, deformation in the folding area FA of the display panel 110 may be minimized. Accordingly, a curved shape is generated in the folding area FA of the display panel 110 , and thus visibility may be minimized.

Also, the non-adhesive portion 161 of the third adhesive member 160 is not adhered to a portion of the first support member 171 and a portion of the second support member 172 corresponding to the folding area FA. Accordingly, when the display panel 110 is folded and the first support member 171 and the second support member 172 are spaced apart from each other, the non-adhesive portion 161 of the third adhesive member 160 is the first support member 171 . ) and a portion of the second support member 172 may be spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, the non-adhesive portion 161 of the third adhesive member 160 may minimize an effect on the flexibility of the foldable display device 100 .

3 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

3 is compared with a cross-sectional view taken along IIa-IIa' of the foldable display 100 shown in FIG. 2 , the foldable display 200 further includes the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 180, and only the structure related thereto Only different, since the remaining components are the same, redundant description will be omitted.

The flexibility-improving adhesive layer 180 is positioned between the display panel 110 and the rigid member 150 . In this case, the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 180 may be formed by bonding with the rigid member 150 to be integrally provided. Accordingly, the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 180 may be positioned between the rigid member 150 and the second adhesive member 140 .

In this case, the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 180 may be formed of a material that has elasticity to suppress transmission of an impact to the display panel 110 and is flexible for folding of the foldable display 100 . Accordingly, the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 180 may protect the display panel 110 positioned on the second adhesive member 140 . For example, the flexible adhesive layer 180 may be made of a material such as silicon (Si), but is not limited thereto.

The flexibility-improving adhesive layer 180 may include an extension portion 181 . The extension 181 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 180 may be positioned to correspond to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 .

Specifically, the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 180 may be formed by bonding with the rigid member 150 to be integrally provided. In this case, the extension part 181 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 180 may be positioned to correspond to the opening pattern 151 of the rigid member 150 positioned to correspond to the folding area FA of the foldable display panel 100 . have. The extension 181 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 180 may extend into the opening 151b of the opening pattern 151 . Accordingly, the extension 181 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 180 may fill the opening 151b of the opening pattern 151 . Accordingly, in the opening pattern 151 of the rigid member 150 , the blocking portion 151a of the opening pattern 151 and the extension portion 181 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 180 may be continuously and alternately disposed.

A non-adhesive portion 161 of the third adhesive member 160 corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 is positioned under the extension portion 181 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 180 . In this case, the extension portion 181 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 180 has an adhesive force. Accordingly, one surface of the extended portion 181 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 180 and the blocking portion 151a of the opening pattern 151 may be in contact with the non-adhesive portion 161 of the third adhesive member 160 . Accordingly, the extension portion 181 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 180 may be partially bonded to the non-adhesive portion 161 of the third adhesive member 160 .

In this case, even when the display panel 110 is folded, the top surface of the non-adhesive part 161 of the third adhesive member 160 is adhered to the extension part 181 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 180 , and thus the third adhesive member 160 . The flow of the non-adhesive portion 161 of the may be suppressed. Accordingly, even when the display panel 110 is folded, the components positioned on the opening pattern 151 of the rigid member 150 corresponding to the folding area FA remain on the non-adhesive portion 161 of the third adhesive member 160 . can be supported by

That is, even when the display panel 100 is folded, the non-adhesive portion 161 of the third adhesive member 160 is a portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 positioned on the rigid member 150 . It can suppress bending or sagging. Accordingly, deformation in the folding area FA of the display panel 110 may be minimized. Accordingly, the occurrence of a curved shape in the folding area FA of the display panel 110 and being visually recognized may be minimized.

4 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable display device according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is different from the cross-sectional view taken along IIa-IIa' of the foldable display device 100 shown in FIG. 2 only in the structure of the third adhesive member 260 included in the foldable display device 300 . Since the components are the same, redundant description is omitted.

The third adhesive member 260 may include a first sub-layer 260a and a second sub-layer 260b. The second sub-layer 260b may be positioned under the first sub-layer 260a. In this case, the non-adhesive portion 261 of the third adhesive member 260 may be provided on a portion of the second sub-layer 260b.

The first sub-layer 260a is a layer having an adhesive force on its top and bottom surfaces, and the second sub-layer 260b is a layer having an adhesive force on its top and bottom surfaces other than the non-adhesive portion 261 . The entire upper surface of the third adhesive member 260 has adhesive force, and the lower surface of the third adhesive member 260 has partial adhesive force. Accordingly, an upper surface of the third adhesive member 260 may be adhered to one surface of the blocking portion 151a of the opening pattern 151 of the rigid member 150 . That is, the third adhesive member 260 partially includes the non-adhesive part 261 , so that it can be adhered to the opening pattern 151 of the rigid member 150 without an additional adhesive member.

Accordingly, even when the display panel 110 is folded, the upper surface of the third adhesive member 260 is adhered to the opening pattern 151 of the rigid member 150 , and thus the non-adhesive portion 261 on the lower surface of the third adhesive member 260 . ) can be suppressed. Accordingly, even when the display panel 110 is folded, the components positioned on the opening pattern 151 of the rigid member 150 corresponding to the folding area FA remain on the non-adhesive portion 261 of the third adhesive member 260 . can be supported by

That is, the non-adhesive portion 261 of the third adhesive member 260 is a portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 positioned on the rigid member 150 even when the display panel 110 is folded. It can suppress bending or sagging. Accordingly, deformation in the folding area FA of the display panel 110 may be minimized. Accordingly, a curved shape is generated in the folding area FA of the display panel 110 , and thus visibility may be minimized.

Features of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 of the present specification may be described as follows.

The foldable display devices 100 , 200 , and 300 include a flexible substrate and an adhesive member.

The flexible substrate may include a folding region FA that is a foldable region and a non-folding region NFA that is a non-foldable region.

The adhesive member is located on the rear surface of the first adhesive layer 120 and the first adhesive layer implemented to be attached to the rear surface of the flexible substrate, and the second adhesive layer implemented to be attached to another support frame 170 ( 160, 260).

In this case, the second adhesive layers 160 and 260) correspond to the folding region FA, which is a foldable region of the flexible substrate, and are treated to have no adhesive force, 161, 261, and the non-foldable region of the flexible substrate ( It may be implemented as a part corresponding to the non-foldable region (NFA) and having a specific adhesive force.

The second adhesive layers 160 and 260 may be partially UV-treated as a photosensitive adhesive layer, so that the treated portions 161 and 261 may be implemented so as to have no adhesive force. Due to the UV treatment, the adhesive force of the portion corresponding to the foldable region FA, which is a foldable region of the flexible substrate of the second adhesive layers 160 and 260, is lost, and the non-foldable region of the flexible substrate (non-foldable region) is lost. -folding region), a portion corresponding to the non-folding region NFA may maintain a specific adhesive force. Accordingly, the second contact layers 160 and 260 may include portions 161 and 261 treated to have no adhesive force on a portion corresponding to the folding region FA, which is a foldable region of the flexible substrate. In this case, the portion of the second adhesive layer 160 , 260 having the adhesive strength of the specific adhesive layer is similar to the adhesive strength of the first adhesive layer 120 . Accordingly, the portion having a specific adhesive force of the second adhesive layers 160 and 260 may be attached to the support frame 170 positioned on the rear surface of the second adhesive layers 160 and 260 .

The portions 161 and 261 treated so as not to have an adhesive force of the second adhesive layers 160 and 260 correspond to the foldable region FA, which is a foldable region of the flexible substrate, and are positioned on the flexible substrate. It can support the components of the device 100 , 200 , 300 . Accordingly, the portions 161 and 261 treated so as not to have an adhesive force of the second adhesive layers 160 and 260 may suppress bending or sagging of a portion corresponding to the folding region FA, which is a foldable region of the flexible substrate. can Accordingly, since deformation of the foldable display devices 100 , 200 , and 300 may be minimized in correspondence to the folding region FA, which is a foldable region of the flexible substrate, bending phenomenon occurring and being visually recognized is minimized. can be

5A to 5C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of forming the adhesive member shown in FIG. 2 . Specifically, FIGS. 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of forming the non-adhesive portion 161 of the third adhesive member 160 included in the foldable display 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 .

As shown in FIG. 5A , a third adhesive member 160 is formed. The forming of the third adhesive member 160 may include forming the non-adhesive portion 161 by suppressing the adhesive force of a portion of the third adhesive member 160 corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 . to be.

First, the light blocking mask 1000 is positioned on the third adhesive member 160 . The light blocking mask 1000 includes a transmission area and a light blocking area. The transmissive area of the light blocking mask 1000 is disposed in a portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 of the third adhesive member 160 . Also, the light blocking area of the light blocking mask 1000 is disposed in a portion corresponding to the non-folding area NFA of the display panel 110 of the third adhesive member 160 . Accordingly, the light blocking mask 1000 does not block a portion of the third adhesive member 160 corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 and corresponds to the non-folding area NFA of the display panel 110 . The remaining portion of the third adhesive member 160 may block light.

After positioning the light blocking mask 1000 , a step of modulating properties of a partial region of the third adhesive member 160 is performed. In this case, since the transmissive area of the light blocking mask 1000 is located on a portion of the third adhesive member 160 corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 , only a portion of the third adhesive member 160 is provided. nature may change. In this case, for example, the third adhesive member 160 may be partially modulated through a light irradiation process such as UV irradiation, but is not limited thereto.

In the third adhesive member 160 whose properties are changed through the step of partially modulating the third adhesive member 160 , the adhesive force of a portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 is reduced or absent. can get Accordingly, the third adhesive member 160 may include a non-adhesive portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 . In this case, the third adhesive member 160 may be formed of, for example, a photosensitive optical clear adhesive (OCA) or a photosensitive optical clear resine (OCR), but is not limited thereto.

Accordingly, only a portion of the upper and lower surfaces of the third adhesive member 160 corresponding to the non-folding area NFA of the display panel 110 is adhered to the component, and a portion corresponding to the folding area FA is formed. It may not adhere to the element.

Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the third adhesive member 260 may include a plurality of layers. The third adhesive member 260 may include a first sub-layer 260a and a second sub-layer 260b. In this case, only one sub-layer of the first sub-layer 260a and the second sub-layer 260b may have a property of a partial region modulated. That is, only one of the first sub-layer 260a and the second sub-layer 260b may modulate the properties of a portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 through the light irradiation process. have. Accordingly, the adhesive force may be suppressed in only a partial area corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 of one of the first sub-layer 260a and the second sub-layer 260b.

After the non-adhesive part 161 is formed on the third adhesive member 160 , as shown in FIG. 5B , the third adhesive member 160 is positioned under the rigid member 150 . In this case, a portion of the upper surface of the third adhesive member 160 corresponding to the non-folding area NFA of the display panel 110 may be adhered to the lower surface of the rigid member 150 .

After positioning the third adhesive member 160 , as shown in FIG. 5C , the support member 170 is positioned below the third adhesive member 160 . In this case, the lower surface of the third adhesive member 160 corresponding to the non-folding area NFA of the display panel 110 may be adhered to the upper surface of the support member 170 .

6 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable display device according to another exemplary embodiment.

6 is a view of the rigid member 250 and the third adhesive member 260 included in the foldable display 400 compared to a cross-sectional view taken along IIa-IIa' of the foldable display 100 shown in FIG. 2 . Only the structure is different, and since the remaining components are the same, a redundant description will be omitted.

A rigid member 250 may be positioned under the support substrate 130 . The rigid member 250 is made of a rigid material, is positioned under the display panel 110 , and supports the display panel 110 , and is used in the foldable display 100 including the display panel 110 . It serves as a support to maintain its shape. In this case, the rigid member 150 has the opening pattern 251 corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 . The opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 may refer to a structure in which a plurality of blocking parts (or blocking regions) 251a and a plurality of openings (or opening regions) 251b are continuously intersected. Accordingly, the opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 may allow the rigid member 250 to be folded at a portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 . The rigid member 250 may have a thickness of 0,18 mm or more and 0.22 mm or less, but is not limited thereto.

The second adhesive member 140 may be positioned between the support substrate 130 and the rigid member 250 . The second adhesive member 140 may be uniformly disposed on the entire lower surface of the support substrate 130 to attach the support substrate 130 and the rigid member 250 . The second adhesive member 140 may be made of the same material as the first adhesive member 120 , but is not limited thereto.

A support member 170 may be positioned under the rigid member 250 . The support member 170 is a member for protecting the components thereon from impact. Accordingly, the support member 170 may have rigidity.

The support member 170 may include a first support member 171 and a second support member 172 . A boundary between the first support member 171 and the second support member 172 is positioned to correspond to the folding area FA. Accordingly, when the foldable display 100 is folded, the first support member 171 and the second support member 172 may be spaced apart from each other in the folding area FA.

A third adhesive member 360 may be positioned between the support member 170 and the rigid member 250 . In this case, the third adhesive member 360 may be positioned to correspond to the non-folding area NFA of the display panel 110 to attach the support member 170 and the rigid member 250 . The third adhesive member 360 may be made of the same material as the second adhesive member 140 , but is not limited thereto.

In this case, a plurality of components constituting the foldable display device 100 has high flexibility and a thin thickness. In addition, the rigid member has an opening pattern corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 . Accordingly, the portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the foldable display 100 is less supported by the rigid member than the portion corresponding to the non-folding area NFA. Sagging may occur.

Accordingly, a member for minimizing sagging in the portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the foldable display device 100 is required.

The opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 includes a sag suppressing member corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 . In this case, the sag suppression member may be implemented by extending a plurality of blocking portions 251a.

Specifically, the opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 has a structure in which a plurality of blocking portions 251a and a plurality of openings 251b are continuously intersected. In this case, there may be a gap between one blocking portion 251a of the opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 and another blocking portion 251a adjacent thereto. Accordingly, the rigid member 250 may be folded to correspond to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 . Accordingly, even when the rigid member 250 is positioned under the display panel 110 , the display panel 110 may be easily folded in the folding area FA.

In this case, the plurality of blocking portions 251a of the opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 may extend downward. In this case, the plurality of blocking portions 251a of the opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 extend into a space between the third adhesive members 360 corresponding to the non-folding area NFA of the display panel 110 . can be The plurality of blocking portions 251a of the opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 may extend downward to contact the support member 170 under the third adhesive member 360 . That is, the plurality of blocking portions 251a of the opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 extend in contact with a portion of the support member 170 corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 . can be

In this case, a contact surface of the plurality of blocking portions 251a of the opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 in contact with the support member 170 is a contact surface of the display panel 110 when the display panel 110 is folded. A portion of the support member 170 corresponding to the folding area FA may be spaced apart. Accordingly, the plurality of blocking portions 251a of the opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 may minimize an influence on the flexibility of the foldable display 100 .

When the display panel 110 is not folded, the contact surface of the plurality of blocking portions 251a of the opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 is a support member ( ) corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 . By contacting a portion of the 170 , the opening pattern 251 may be supported. In this case, the plurality of blocking portions 251a of the opening pattern 251 included in the rigid member 250 may contact a component positioned above the opening pattern 251 . Therefore, even if the plurality of blocking portions 251a of the opening pattern 251 provided by the rigid member 250 support the components located above the opening pattern 251, the structure is located on the upper side through the plurality of blocking portions 251a The load of the elements may be transferred to the support member 170 in contact with the plurality of blocking portions 251a. Accordingly, the load of the components located above the rigid member 250 may be distributed to the support member 170 located below the rigid member 250 .

Accordingly, the plurality of blocking portions 251a of the opening pattern 251 included in the rigid member 250 extend to contact the support member 170 to correspond to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 . part can be supported. In this case, the load of a portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 is applied to the support member 170 in contact with the plurality of blocking portions 251a of the opening pattern 251 provided in the rigid member 250 . It can be delivered as a part. The load of a portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 transferred to the support member 170 may be distributed to the support member 170 under the rigid member 250 . Accordingly, the plurality of blocking portions 251a of the opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 may suppress sagging of a portion of the folding area FA of the display panel 110 positioned on the rigid member. Accordingly, since deformation in the folding area FA of the display panel 110 may be minimized, a curved shape may be generated in the folding area FA of the display panel 110 and thus visible may be minimized.

7 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable display device according to another exemplary embodiment.

7 is a cross-sectional view taken along IIa-IIa' of the foldable display device 100 shown in FIG. 2 , and FIG. 7 is a view showing the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 and the third adhesive member 360 provided in the foldable display device 500 . ), only the structure is different, and the rest of the components are the same, so a redundant description is omitted.

The flexibility-enhancing adhesive layer 280 is positioned between the display panel 110 and the rigid member 150 . In this case, the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 may be formed by bonding with the rigid member 150 to be integrally provided. Accordingly, the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 may be positioned between the rigid member 150 and the second adhesive member 140 .

In this case, the flexibility-enhancing adhesive layer 280 may be formed of a material that has elasticity to suppress transmission of an impact to the display panel 110 and is flexible for folding of the foldable display 100 . Accordingly, the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 may protect the display panel 110 positioned on the second adhesive member 140 . For example, the flexible adhesive layer 280 may be made of a material such as silicon (Si), but is not limited thereto.

The third adhesive member 360 may be positioned between the support member 170 and the rigid member 250 . In this case, the third adhesive member 360 may be positioned to correspond to the non-folding area NFA of the display panel 110 to attach the support member 170 and the rigid member 250 . The third adhesive member 360 may be made of the same material as the second adhesive member 140 , but is not limited thereto.

In this case, a plurality of components constituting the foldable display device 100 has high flexibility and a thin thickness. In addition, the rigid member has an opening pattern corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel. Accordingly, the portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the foldable display 100 is less supported by the rigid member than the portion corresponding to the non-folding area NFA. Sagging may occur.

Accordingly, a member for minimizing sagging in the portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the foldable display device 100 is required.

The flexibility-enhancing adhesive layer 280 may include a sag suppressing member corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 .

Specifically, the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 may be formed by bonding with the rigid member 150 to be integrally provided. In this case, the extension 281 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 may be positioned to correspond to the opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 positioned to correspond to the folding area FA of the foldable display panel 100 . have. The extension 281 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 may extend into the plurality of openings 251b of the opening pattern 251 . Accordingly, the extended portion 281 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 may fill the plurality of openings 251b of the opening pattern 251 . Accordingly, the plurality of blocking portions 251a of the opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 and the extension portions 281 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 may be continuously and alternately disposed.

Also, the extension 281 of the flexibility-improving adhesive 280 layer may extend downward. In this case, the extension 281 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 may extend into a space between the third adhesive members 360 corresponding to the non-folding area NFA of the display panel 110 . The extension 281 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 may extend downward to contact the support member 170 under the third adhesive member 360 . That is, the extension 281 of the flexible adhesive layer 280 may extend in contact with a portion of the support member 170 corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 .

The extension 281 of the flexible adhesive layer 280 may extend to contact the support member 170 to support a portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 . In this case, the load of a portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 may be transferred to a portion of the support member 170 that is in contact with the contact surface of the extension 281 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 . have. The load of a portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 transferred to the support member 170 is distributed to the support member 170 under the extension portion 281 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 . can be Accordingly, sagging of a portion of the folding area FA of the display panel 110 positioned on the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 may be suppressed. Accordingly, since deformation in the folding area FA of the display panel 110 may be minimized, a curved shape may be generated in the folding area FA of the display panel 110 and thus visible may be minimized.

In addition, the extension 281 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 has an adhesive force. Accordingly, the extension 281 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 may adhere to a portion of the support member 170 corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 . Accordingly, the extended portion 281 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 may suppress the flow of the support member 170 when the display panel 110 is not folded, so that the support member 170 may be connected to the display panel 110 . A portion of the folding area FA may be firmly supported.

Features of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 to 7 of the present specification may be described as follows.

The foldable display devices 400 and 500 include a flexible substrate, an adhesive member, a rigid member 250 , and a support frame 170 .

The flexible substrate may include a folding region FA that is a foldable region and a non-folding region NFA that is a non-foldable region.

The adhesive member may include a first adhesive layer 120 implemented to be attached to the rear surface of the flexible substrate and a second adhesive layer 360 capable of being attached to the rigid member 250 on the rear surface of the first adhesive layer 120. can In this case, the second adhesive layer 360 may be attached to a portion of the rigid member 250 corresponding to the folding region FA, which is a foldable region of the flexible substrate.

The support frame 170 may be positioned on the rear surface of the adhesive member and may be attached to the second adhesive layer 360 . In this case, since the second adhesive layer 360 is positioned to correspond only to the non-foldable region NFA, which is a non-foldable region of the flexible substrate, the support frame 170 and the second adhesive layer 360 are the flexible substrate. It may be attached corresponding to only the non-folding region (NFA), which is a non-folding region of the .

In this case, the foldable display devices 400 and 500 may include a specific structure in contact with a partial region of the support frame 170 corresponding to the folding region FA, which is a foldable region of the flexible substrate.

In this case, the specific structure may be a portion 251a in which the rigid member 250 corresponds to the folding region FA, which is a foldable region of the flexible substrate, and extends to contact the support frame 170 . In this case, the extended portion 251a of the rigid member 250 may be implemented through a half-tone light blocking mask process.

In addition, the adhesive member may include a flexible adhesive layer 280 between the first adhesive layer 120 and the rigid member 250 . In this case, the specific structure has a protruding portion 281 provided so that the flexible adhesive layer 280 comes into contact with a partial region of the support frame 170 corresponding to the folding region FA, which is a foldable region of the flexible substrate. can be In this case, the flexible adhesive layer 280 may be implemented by bonding to the rigid member 250 through a mold process having a concave pattern. Accordingly, the protruding portion 281 of the flexible adhesive layer 280 may be implemented by penetrating a portion corresponding to the folding region FA, which is a foldable region of the flexible substrate, in which the rigid member 250 is foldable. have.

The extended portion 251a of the rigid member 250 or the protruding portion 281 of the flexible adhesive layer 280 has a foldable region of the flexible substrate corresponding to the folding region FA on the flexible substrate. It is possible to support components of the foldable display devices 400 and 500 located in the . Accordingly, the extended portion 251a of the rigid member 250 or the protruding portion 281 of the flexible adhesive layer 280 is a foldable region of the flexible substrate corresponding to the folding region FA. It can suppress bending or sagging. Accordingly, deformation of the foldable display devices 400 and 500 may be minimized corresponding to the folding region FA, which is a foldable region of the flexible substrate, and thus the bending phenomenon may be minimized. have.

8A to 8D are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of forming the rigid member shown in FIG. 6 . Specifically, FIGS. 8A to 8D are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of forming the blocking portion 251a of the opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 included in the foldable display 300 illustrated in FIG. 6 .

In this case, the blocking portion 251a of the opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 is a specific structure extending in contact with a portion of the support member 170 corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 . to be. Therefore, the rigid member 250 may be provided with a specific structure to serve as a sag suppressing member. Since the rigid member 250 serving as a sag suppressing member may be formed of the metal layer 1250, a method of forming the same will be described later in detail.

As shown in FIG. 8A , a half-tone light blocking mask is positioned on the metal layer 1250 .

The metal layer 1250 is formed of a material constituting the rigid member 250 on the forming substrate 1100 . In this case, a photosensitive resin PR such as a photoresist is coated on the metal layer 1250 . A specific region of the photosensitive resin PR may be selectively irradiated with light by the half-tone light blocking mask 2000 .

In this case, the half-tone light blocking mask 2000 includes a transmission region through which light passes and a light blocking region through which light does not pass. The half-tone light blocking mask 2000 includes a dense portion 2000b in which the transmissive area and the light blocking area are densely disposed in a portion where the metal layer 1250 corresponds to the non-folding area NFA of the display panel 110 . do. In addition, in the half-tone light blocking mask 2000 , the transmissive area and the light blocking area are disposed relatively wider than the dense portion 2000b at the portion where the metal layer 1250 will correspond to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 . An extension part 2000a is provided. In this case, the extended portion 2000a of the half-tone light blocking mask 2000 is positioned to correspond to the portion to be the blocking portion 251a of the opening pattern 251 provided by the rigid member 250 by patterning the metal layer 1250 . do. Accordingly, in the extended portion 2000b of the half-tone light blocking mask 2000 , the width of the light blocking region of the extended portion 2000a is increased in consideration of the width of the blocking portion 251a of the opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 . can be provided.

After the half-tone light blocking mask 2000 is placed on the metal layer 1250 , a light irradiation step is performed on the photosensitive resin PR.

In the light irradiation step, the extended portion 2000a of the half-tone light blocking mask 2000 is positioned on a portion of the metal layer 1250 corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 . In this case, the extended portion 2000a of the half-tone light blocking mask 2000 has a wide transmissive area and a wide light blocking area. Accordingly, in the light irradiation step, the photosensitive resin PR on a portion of the metal layer 1250 corresponding to the transmission region of the extended portion 2000a of the half-tone light blocking mask 2000 may receive light, and the light blocking region may receive light. The photosensitive resin PR on a portion of the corresponding metal layer 1250 cannot receive light. Accordingly, the photosensitive resin PR on a portion of the metal layer 1250 corresponding to the transmissive region of the extended portion 2000a of the half-tone light blocking mask 2000 may be modulated, and the metal layer 1250 corresponding to the light blocking region may be modulated. ), the photosensitive resin (PR) on a part of it is not modulated.

In the light irradiation step, the dense portion 2000b of the half-tone light blocking mask 2000 is positioned on the remaining portion of the metal layer 1250 corresponding to the non-folding area NFA of the display panel 110 . In this case, since the dense portion 2000b of the half-tone light blocking mask 2000 has a narrow transmissive region and a narrow shading region, light passing through one transmissive region and light passing through an adjacent transmissive region may overlap. . Accordingly, in the light irradiation step, the photosensitive resin PR on the remaining portion of the metal layer 1250 corresponding to the dense portion 2000b may receive light as a whole. Accordingly, the photosensitive resin PR on the remaining portion of the metal layer corresponding to the dense portion 2000b of the half-tone light blocking mask 2000 may be entirely modulated.

In this case, since the photosensitive resin PR under the dense portion 2000b of the half-tone light blocking mask 2000 may partially block light by the light blocking region of the dense portion 2000b, the transmission region of the extended portion 2000a It can be irradiated with light less than the photosensitive resin (PR) in the lower part. Accordingly, in the photosensitive resin PR under the dense portion 2000b of the half-tone light blocking mask 2000, only the upper layer of the photosensitive resin PR is partially modulated, or the photosensitive resin under the transmission region of the expanded portion 2000b. (PR) can be less modulated.

After the photosensitive resin PR is irradiated with light, as shown in FIG. 8B , the photosensitive resin PR is partially removed. In this case, a portion of the photosensitive resin PR modulated in the step of irradiating the photosensitive resin PR with light may be removed.

The photosensitive resin PR on a portion of the metal layer 1250 corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 is photosensitive under the transmissive area of the extended portion 2000a of the half-tone mask 2000 . A portion of the resin PR is removed, and a portion of the photosensitive resin PR under the light blocking region is not removed. In addition, since the photosensitive resin PR on the remaining portion of the metal layer 1250 corresponding to the non-folding area NFA of the display panel 110 is partially or less modulated, the photosensitive resin PR is partially removed, A thin layer may remain on the metal layer 1250 .

After the step of partially removing the photosensitive resin PR, as shown in FIG. 8C , the metal layer is etched.

A portion of the metal layer 1250 corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 in which the photosensitive resin does not remain may be etched and completely removed. In addition, a portion of the metal layer 1250 corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 in which the photosensitive resin PR remains may be removed by etching a portion of the photosensitive resin PR. (PR) The underlying metal layer is not removed.

In addition, since the photosensitive resin PR remains thin on the remaining portion of the metal layer 1250 corresponding to the non-folding area NFA of the display panel 110 , the photosensitive resin PR may be etched and removed. In this case, the remaining portion of the metal layer 1250 under the photosensitive resin PR may also be partially etched and removed.

Since only a portion of the remaining portion of the metal layer 1250 corresponding to the non-folding area NFA of the display panel 110 is partially etched, it is thicker than a portion of the metal layer 1250 corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 . may be thinner. Accordingly, the metal layer 1250 corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 may be formed to be thicker than the remaining portion of the metal layer 1250 corresponding to the non-folding area NFA.

After the step of etching the metal layer 1250 , as shown in FIG. 8D , the remaining photoresist PR is removed.

A portion of the metal layer 1250 corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 becomes an opening pattern of the rigid member 250 . In the rigid member 250 formed of the metal layer 1250 , a portion corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 may be formed to be thicker than the remaining portion corresponding to the non-folding area NFA. Accordingly, the blocking portion of the opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 may be patterned to protrude more than one surface of the rigid member 250 . Accordingly, the rigid member 250 may serve as a sag suppressing member.

9A to 9C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of forming the flexibility-improving adhesive layer illustrated in FIG. 7 . 9A to 9C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of forming the extension portion 281 of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 included in the foldable display 400 illustrated in FIG. 7 .

In this case, the extension portion 281 of the flexible adhesive layer 280 protrudes from the lower surface of the rigid member 250 to form a portion of the support member 170 corresponding to the folding area FA of the display panel 110 , and A specific structure that extends into contact. Accordingly, the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 may have a specific structure and serve as a sag suppressing member. Since the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 serving as a sag suppressing member may be formed by bonding with the rigid member 250 , a method of forming the same will be described later in detail.

As shown in FIG. 9A , a rigid member is positioned inside the mold 3000 .

The upper surface of the mold (or mold or mold) 3000 is a concave shape accommodating part for positioning the rigid member therein, and the upper surface of the accommodating part of the mold 3000 is provided with a concave pattern 3001 . The rigid member 250 is positioned in the receiving portion of the mold, and the opening of the opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 is positioned to correspond to the concave pattern 3001 of the mold 3000 .

After placing the rigid member 250 in the receiving portion of the mold 3000 , as shown in FIG. 9B , a flowable material 1280 for forming the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 is placed on the rigid member 250 . can be spread In this case, the flowable material 1280 for forming the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 may be, for example, a material such as silicon (Si) having flowability and viscosity, but is not limited thereto. Also, the fluidity material 1280 may have reduced fluidity or may be removed through a curing step.

The flowable material 1280 may be applied to cover the upper surface of the rigid member 250 . In this case, the flowable material 1280 may pass through the opening of the opening pattern 251 provided in the rigid member 250 . Also, the flowable material 1280 may be filled in the concave pattern 3001 of the mold 3000 . Accordingly, the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 formed of the flowable material 1280 may pass through the opening of the opening pattern 251 of the rigid member 250 and be formed to be bonded to the rigid member 250 . In addition, the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 may include an extension portion 281 by the fluid material 1280 filled in the concave pattern 3001 of the mold 3000 . In this case, the extension 281 of the flexible adhesive layer 280 may be implemented in a shape corresponding to the concave pattern 3001 of the mold 3000 . Accordingly, the depth of the concave pattern 3001 of the mold 3000 may be the same as or longer than that of the extension 281 provided in the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 .

After the flowable material 1280 is applied, the flowable material is pressed and cured, as shown in FIG. 9C .

The flowable material 1280 may be compressed by pressing the upper surface with the press P. In this case, the spaces that may exist in the concave pattern 3001 of the mold 3000 may be filled with the fluid material 1280 under pressure. Accordingly, spaces that may exist in the concave pattern 3001 of the mold 3000 may be removed. Accordingly, the extended portion 281 of the solubility-improving adhesive layer 280 formed of the flowable material 1280 may be formed to correspond to the concave pattern 3001 of the mold 3000 .

The compressed flowable material 1280 may have reduced flowability through curing. Accordingly, the flowable material 1280 may be formed as the flexibility-improving adhesive layer 280 to correspond to the receiving portion of the mold 3000 and the shape of the concave pattern located in the receiving portion of the mold 3000 . In this case, the curing process may be performed, for example, by photocuring, thermal curing, or chemical curing.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, and various modifications may be made within the scope without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present invention, but to explain, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The protection scope of the present invention should be construed by the claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

100, 200, 300, 400, 500: foldable display
110: display panel
120: first adhesive member
130: support substrate
140: second adhesive member
150, 250: rigid member
160: third adhesive member
161: non-adhesive part
170: support member
180: flexible adhesive layer
181: extension
251: opening pattern
1000: light blocking mask
2000: Half-tone shading mask
3000: mold

Claims (18)

a display panel including a folding area and a non-folding area extending from the folding area in at least one direction;
a rigid member positioned under the display panel and having an opening pattern corresponding to the folding area;
a support member positioned below the rigid member;
an adhesive member positioned between the support member and the rigid member corresponding to the non-folding area; and
Corresponding to the folding area, the opening pattern includes a sag suppressing member,
The sag suppression member is composed of a plurality of blocking portions arranged so that there is a gap between one blocking portion and another adjacent blocking portion,
The plurality of blocking portions extend in the folding area to contact the support member to implement the sag suppression member. delete The method of claim 1,
The plurality of blocking units may support a portion of the display panel corresponding to the folding area to suppress sagging of the portion. 4. The method of claim 3,
The plurality of blocking parts may be spaced apart from a portion of the support member corresponding to the folding area when the display panel is folded. The method of claim 1,
The foldable display may further include a flexibility-improving adhesive layer between the display panel and the rigid member. 6. The method of claim 5,
The foldable display device of claim 1, wherein the flexibility-improving adhesive layer includes an extension portion filling an opening region of the opening pattern of the rigid member, and the extension portion extends in contact with the support member to implement the sag suppression member. 7. The method of claim 6,
The extension portion supports a portion of the display panel corresponding to the folding area to suppress sagging of the portion. 8. The method of claim 7,
The extension portion may adhere to the support member to suppress movement of the support member when the display panel is folded. A method of manufacturing a foldable display device comprising: a display panel having a folding area and a non-folding area extending from the folding area in at least one direction, the method comprising:
disposing a rigid member under the display panel;
disposing a support member under the rigid member; and
disposing a sag suppressing member in an area corresponding to the folding area in the rigid member,
The step of forming the sag inhibiting member may include patterning the blocking portion of the opening pattern of the rigid member to protrude from one surface of the rigid member so that the sagging inhibiting member is in contact with a portion of the supporting member corresponding to the folding region. A method of manufacturing a foldable display device comprising the step of extending a structure. delete 10. The method of claim 9,
The patterning of the blocking portion of the opening pattern is implemented through a half-tone light blocking mask process. 10. The method of claim 9,
The extending of the specific structure may include forming an extended portion of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer positioned below the display panel to protrude from a lower surface of the rigid member. 13. The method of claim 12,
The forming of the extension portion of the flexibility-improving adhesive layer includes forming the flexibility-enhancing adhesive layer by bonding the flexible member with the rigid member so that the extension passes through the opening of the opening pattern of the rigid member. a flexible substrate having a foldable region and a non-foldable region;
an adhesive member having a first adhesive layer embodied to be attached to the rear surface of the flexible substrate and a second adhesive layer embodied to be attached to the rigid member on the rear surface corresponding to the non-foldable region;
a support frame attached to the second adhesive layer on the rear surface of the adhesive member; and
and a specific structure in contact with the front surface of a partial region of the support frame corresponding to the foldable region,
In the specific structure, a portion of the rigid member corresponding to the foldable region and extending to contact the support frame is implemented. delete 15. The method of claim 14,
The extended portion of the rigid member is implemented through a half-tone light blocking mask process. 15. The method of claim 14,
The adhesive member further comprises a flexible adhesive layer positioned between the first adhesive layer and the rigid member,
In the specific structure, a protruding portion passing through a portion corresponding to the foldable region of the rigid member is implemented so that the flexible adhesive layer contacts the support frame. 18. The method of claim 17,
The protruding portion of the flexible adhesive layer is realized by bonding the flexible adhesive layer and the rigid member through a mold process having a concave pattern.

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