PACKAGE FOR DISPLAY DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0135400, filed on Oct. 11, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field

One or more embodiments relate to an apparatus, and more particularly, to a package for fixing a display device.

2. Discussion of Related Art

In general, display devices are configured with flat display surfaces. Packages used to handle or deliver the display devices may be manufactured to accommodate the flat display surfaces. However, in recent years, curved display devices have been used in various fields such as automobiles or the like.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments include a package for a display device, wherein the package may accommodate a curved display device such that the curved display device may be safely handled or shipped.

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

According to one or more embodiments, a package for a curved display device includes a housing, an inner portion inserted into the housing, and a cover coupled to the housing and enclosing the inner portion, wherein at least one of the cover or the inner portion includes a plurality of fixing protrusion portions arranged in a curved shape.

In an embodiment, the cover may include a first strength reinforcement portion protruding in a first direction.

In an embodiment, one of the cover or the housing may include a first coupling portion, and one of the cover and the housing may include a first receiving portion accommodating the first coupling portion and coupled to the first coupling portion to couple the cover and the housing.

In an embodiment, the fixing protrusion portion may include a first fixing protrusion extending from the cover toward the inner portion, and a second fixing protrusion extending from the inner portion.

In an embodiment, the first fixing protrusion and the second fixing protrusion may face each other toward the cover.

In an embodiment, the curved display device is disposed between the plurality of fixing protrusion portions.

In an embodiment, the inner portion may include a second strength reinforcement portion protruding in a first direction.

In an embodiment, the inner portion may include an inner body, a plurality of folded portions connected to opposite ends of the inner body, and a plurality of connection portions connecting the plurality of folding portions to the inner body.

In an embodiment, each of the connection portions may include a pair of hinge connection portions including a first hinge connection portion connected to the inner body and a second hinge connection portion connected to the folding portion, a pair of hinge portions connected to the pair of hinge connection portions, respectively, and an elastic portion connecting the pair of hinge portions.

In an embodiment, the elastic portion may be disposed at a corner of the housing.

In an embodiment, one of the inner portion and the housing may include a second coupling portion, and one of the inner portion and the housing may include a second receiving portion accommodating the second coupling portion and coupled to the second coupling portion to couple the inner portion and the housing.

In an embodiment, the inner portion may include a plurality of side fixing protrusions extending from the plurality of folded portions toward each other for receiving ends of the curved display device.

In an embodiment, the plurality of side fixing protrusions may include a first side fixing protrusion, and a second side fixing protrusion arranged to be spaced apart from the first side fixing protrusion and defining a space in which the ends of the curved display device are engaged.

In an embodiment, a first corner of the first side fixing protrusion and a second corner of the first side fixing protrusion may have different shapes from each other, and the first side fixing protrusion and the second side fixing protrusion have a same shape.

In an embodiment, the first corner of the first side fixing protrusion may be rounded, and the second corner of the first side fixing protrusion may be inclined wherein the first corner of the first side fixing protrusion is in contact with a surface of the curved display device.

In an embodiment, the housing may include a planar portion, a side portion extending from the planar portion, and a third strength reinforcement portion protruding in a second direction from the side portion.

According to one or more embodiments, a package for a curved display device includes a housing including a planar portion and a side portion extending in a first direction from the planar portion, an inner portion inserted into the housing and surrounded by the side portion, and a cover coupled to the housing an enclosing the inner portion, wherein each of the cover and the inner portion comprises a plurality of fixing protrusion portions arranged in a curved shape, and wherein the curved display device is fixed by the plurality of fixing protrusion portions.

In an embodiment, the inner portion may include an inner body, a plurality of folded portions extending from respective ends of the inner body in the first direction, and a plurality of side fixing protrusions extending from the plurality of folded portions toward each other, wherein the curved display device is fixed by the plurality of side fixing protrusions.

In an embodiment, one of the cover or the housing may include a first coupling portion, and the other of the cover or the housing may include a first receiving portion accommodating the first coupling portion and coupled to the first coupling portion to couple the cover and the housing.

In an embodiment, one of the inner portion or the housing may include a second coupling portion, and the other of the inner portion or the housing may include a second receiving portion accommodating the second coupling portion and coupled to the second coupling portion to couple the inner portion and the housing.

According to one or more embodiments, a package for a curved display device includes a cover, an inner portion including an inner body fixing the curved display device, a folded portion connected to the inner body, and a connection portion disposed between the inner body and the folded portion and being partially bent, and a housing coupled to the cover and into which the inner portion is inserted.

Other aspects, features, and advantages other than those described herein will now become apparent from the following drawings, claims, and the detailed description of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspect, features, and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a package for a display device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the package for the display device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view showing a cover shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an inner portion shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a region A of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a region B of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a housing shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a mold apparatus for manufacturing the cover shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an embodiment of the display device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another embodiment of the display device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a display panel shown in FIG. 9A or 9B;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the display panel taken along a line C-C′ of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram schematically showing a circuit of the display panel shown in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, embodiments are merely described below, by referring to the figures, to explain aspects of the present description. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Throughout the disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b or c” indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

As the disclosure allows for various changes and numerous embodiments, particular embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the written description. Effects and features of the disclosure and methods of achieving the same will be apparent with reference to embodiments and drawings described below in detail. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to embodiments set forth herein.

The disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements, and thus their description may not be repeated.

In the following description, while such terms as “first,” “second,” etc., may be used to describe various elements, such elements may not be limited by these terms.

In the following description, an expression used in the singular encompasses the expression of the plural, unless it has a clearly different meaning in the context.

In the following description, it is to be understood that the terms such as “including” and “having” are intended to indicate the existence of the features, or elements disclosed in the disclosure, and are not intended to preclude the possibility that one or more other features or elements may exist or may be added.

It will be understood that when a layer, region, or element is referred to as being formed on another layer, region, or element, it can be directly or indirectly formed on the other layer, region, or element. That is, for example, intervening layers, regions, or elements may be present.

Sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for convenience of explanation. In other words, since sizes and thicknesses of components in the drawings are not intended to be limiting and may be arbitrarily illustrated for convenience of explanation.

The X direction (also referred as the first direction), the Y direction (also referred as the second direction), and the Z direction are not limited to three axes on an orthogonal coordinates system, and may be interpreted in a broad sense including the same. For example, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may be perpendicular to one another, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to one another.

Aspects of the disclosure may be implemented differently, and a specific process order may be performed differently from the described order. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to the described order.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a package for a display device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the package for the display device shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the package 1 for the display device may include a cover 10, an inner portion 20, and a housing 30.

The cover 10 may include a cover body 11, first strength reinforcement portions 12, 13, and 14, and a first fixing protrusion 15. The first fixing protrusion 15 may be a fixing protrusion portion.

The cover body 11 may include a planar portion 10-1 and side portions 10-2. The planar portion 10-1 may extend in at least the X direction and the Y direction. The side portions 10-2 may extend from the planar portion 10-1 in the Z direction. The cover body 11 may be arranged, wherein the side portions 10-2 may extend from the planar portion 10-1 toward the inner portion 20, and the housing 30. The cover body 11 may have a tray shape in which the side portions 10-2 may extend from a periphery portion of the planar portion 10-1. A groove may be formed in a side of the cover body 11, and a portion of a display device DPM may be accommodated therein.

The first strength reinforcement portions 12, 13, and 14 may be disposed on outer surfaces of the cover body 11. For example, the first strength reinforcement portions 12, 13, and 14 may be disposed on an upper surface and a side surface of the cover body 11. The first strength reinforcement portions 12, 13, and 14 may protrude from the cover body 11 to a side. The first strength reinforcement portions 12, 13, and 14 may have upper surfaces disposed at a different level than a planar portion 10-1 of the cover body 11. That is, the first strength reinforcement portions 12, 13, and 14 may be portions of the cover body 11 forming an uneven plane. The first strength reinforcement portions 12, 13, and 14 may include at least one of a first-1 strength reinforcement portion 12, a first-2 strength reinforcement portion 13, or a first-3 strength reinforcement portion 14.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a case where the first strength reinforcement portions 12, 13, and 14 include all of the first-1 strength reinforcement portion 12, the first-2 strength reinforcement portion 13, and the first-3 strength reinforcement portion 14 are mainly described in detail. The first-1 strength reinforcement portion 12 may be formed on the upper surface of the cover body 11 and may have a shape extending in a vertical direction (e.g., a Y direction of FIG. 1).

A surface of the first-1 strength reinforcement portion 12 may protrude from the upper surface of the cover body 11 to the outside of the cover body 11. For example, a side surface of the first-1 strength reinforcement portion 12 may protrude from the upper surface of the cover body 11 and may extend in a Z direction. An upper surface of the first-1 strength reinforcement portion 12 may be disposed above an outer surface of the cover body 11. For example, the upper surface of the first-1 strength reinforcement portion 12 may be substantially parallel to an upper surface of the cover body 11.

The first-2 strength reinforcement portion 13 may be formed on the upper surface of the cover body 11 and may have a shape extending in a horizontal direction (e.g., an X direction of FIG. 1). A side surface of the first-2 strength reinforcement portion 13 may protrude from the upper surface of the cover body 11 to the outside of the cover body 11, and an upper surface of the first-2 strength reinforcement portion 13 may be disposed above the outer surface of the cover body 11. For example, the upper surface of the first-2 strength reinforcement portion 13 may be substantially parallel to an upper surface of the cover body 11.

The first-3 strength reinforcement portion 14 may be disposed on a side surface of the cover body 11. For example, the first-3 strength reinforcement portion 14 may have a shape extending in a vertical (or height) direction (e.g., a Z direction of FIG. 1). A surface of the first-3 strength reinforcement portion 14 may extend into the side surface of the cover body 11, and a bottom surface of the first-3 strength reinforcement portion 14 may protrude into the outer surface of the cover body 11 at a bottom portion of thereof.

Each of the first-1 strength reinforcement portion 12, the first-2 strength reinforcement portion 13, and the first-3 strength reinforcement portion 14 as described herein may be provided in plurality. The plurality of first-1 strength reinforcement portions 12 may be spaced apart from each other, for example, spaced apart in the X direction. The plurality of first-2 strength reinforcement portions 13 may be spaced apart from each other, for example, spaced apart in the X direction and/or Y direction. The plurality of first-3 strength reinforcement portions 14 may be spaced apart from each other, for example, spaced around an edge of the upper surface of the cover body 11.

At least one of the first-1 strength reinforcement portion 12, the first-2 strength reinforcement portion 13, or the first-3 strength reinforcement portion 14 as described herein may absorb at least a portion of an external force applied in at least one of a longitudinal direction or width direction of at least one of the first-1 strength reinforcement portion 12, the first-2 strength reinforcement portion 13, or the first-3 strength reinforcement portion 14. At least one of the first-1 strength reinforcement portion 12, the first-2 strength reinforcement portion 13, or the first-3 strength reinforcement portion 14 as described herein may reduce deflection of the cover 10, for example, due to the external force. That is, the first-1 strength reinforcement portion 12, the first-2 strength reinforcement portion 13, and the first-3 strength reinforcement portion 14 may substantially withstand an external force applied in the longitudinal direction. The first-1 strength reinforcement portion 12, the first-2 strength reinforcement portion 13, and the first-3 strength reinforcement portion 14 may provide a clearance according to an external force applied in the width direction of the first-1 strength reinforcement portion 12, the first-2 strength reinforcement portion 13, and the first-3 strength reinforcement portion 14 that may absorb at least a portion of the external force. The first strength reinforcement portions 12, 13, and 14 are not limited thereto and may include other structures formed on the outer surface of the cover body 11, which may form an uneven plane, and may be capable of reinforcing the cover body 11.

The first fixing protrusion 15 may protrude from a portion of the cover body 11. The first fixing protrusion 15 may protrude from a bottom portion of the cover body 11. The first fixing protrusion 15 may be configured to fix the display device DPM or limit a movement range of the display device DPM. A plurality of first fixing protrusions 15 may be provided. The plurality of first fixing protrusions 15 may be spaced apart from each other in at least one of the X direction and the Y direction. The first fixing protrusion 15 may have a variable cross section perpendicular to a height direction (e.g., the Z direction of FIG. 1). In particular, the cross section of the first fixing protrusion 15, which is perpendicular to the height direction, may gradually reduce in a direction away from the cover body 11.

The inner portion 20 may include an inner body 21, a folding portion 22, a second fixing protrusion 23, a side fixing protrusion 24, second strength reinforcement portions 26, 27, and 28, and a connection portion 29. The second fixing protrusion 23 may be a fixing protrusion portion and the side fixing protrusion 24 may be a fixing protrusion portion.

The inner body 21 and the folding portion 22 may be connected to each other through the connection portion 29. The folding portion 22 may be connected to the inner body 21 in a foldable manner. The inner body 21 may be accommodated in the housing 30. The connection portion 29 may be arranged at a corner of the housing 30. The connection portion 29 arranged at a corner of the housing 30 may absorb at least a portion of an external shock.

The second fixing protrusion 23 may protrude from the inner body 21. For example, in the case that the inner portion 20 is accommodated by the housing 30, the second fixing protrusion 23 may protrude from the inner body 21 toward the cover 10. A plurality of second fixing protrusions 23 may be provided. Some of the plurality of second fixing protrusions 23 may be disposed on an arbitrary curvature, such as a curvature matching an outer surface of the display device DPM. A cross section of the second fixing protrusion 23 as described herein, which is perpendicular to the height direction, may be reduced in the direction away from the inner body 21. For example, the second fixing protrusion 23 may have a taper structure in the direction away from the inner body 21.

The side fixing protrusion 24 may protrude from an outer surface of the folding portion 22. A plurality of side fixing protrusions 24 may be provided. For example, two of the side fixing protrusions 24 extending from two of the folding portions 22, respectively, may extend toward each other. An end of the display device DPM may be inserted between adjacent side fixing protrusions 24 from among the plurality of side fixing protrusions 24 extending from a same one of the folding portions 22. The second strength reinforcement portions 26, 27, and 28 may be formed on a surface of at least one of the inner body 21 or the folding portion 22, and may protrude from the outer surface of the inner portion 20. The second strength reinforcement portions 26, 27, and 28 may have a surface formed of at least one of the inner body 21 or the folding portion 22. The second strength reinforcement portions 26, 27, and 28 may be arranged symmetrically on opposite sides of at least one of the inner body 21 or the folding portion 22. The second strength reinforcement portions 26, 27, and 28 may protrude from an inner surface of the inner portion 20. For example, second strength reinforcement portions 26, 27, and 28 may protrude from the inner body 21 toward the housing 30 or may protrude from the folding portions 22 toward the cover 10. The second strength reinforcement portions 26, 27, and 28 may be disposed on at least one of the inner body 21 or the folding portion 22 and form an uneven plane.

The second strength reinforcement portions 26, 27, and 28 may include a second-1 strength reinforcement portion 26 disposed on the folding portion 22, and a second-2 strength reinforcement portion 27 and a second-3 strength reinforcement portion 28, which are disposed on the inner body 21. At least one of the second-1 strength reinforcement portion 26, the second-2 strength reinforcement portion 27, or the second-3 strength reinforcement portion 28 may be provided in plurality. Also, a surface of at least one of the second-1 strength reinforcement portion 26, the second-2 strength reinforcement portion 27, or the second-3 strength reinforcement portion 28 may protrude from an outer surface of at least one of the inner body 21 or the folding portion 22. A surface of at least one of the second-1 strength reinforcement portion 26, the second-2 strength reinforcement portion 27, or the second-3 strength reinforcement portion 28 may be disposed at a level different than a surface of at least one of the inner body 21 or the folding portion 22.

At least one of the second-1 strength reinforcement portion 26, the second-2 strength reinforcement portion 27, or the second-3 strength reinforcement portion 28 may absorb at least a portion of an external force applied to the inner portion 20 or withstand at least a portion of the external force. The second strength reinforcement portions 26, 27, and 28 are not limited thereto and may include structures formed on an outer surface of at least one of the inner body 21 or the folding portion 22 to form an uneven plane and which may reinforce at least one of the inner body 21 or the folding portion 22. The connection portion 29 may connect the inner body 21 to the folding portion 22 so that the folding portion 22 may rotate around the inner body 21. The connection portion 29 is described in additional detail with reference to FIG. 5.

The housing 30 may be provided with a groove to accommodate the inner portion 20. The housing 30 may include a housing body 31 having a groove and third strength reinforcement portions 34, 35, and 36. The housing body 31 may include a planar portion 30-1 and side portions 30-2. The planar portion 30-1 of the housing body 31 may extend in at least the X direction and the Y direction. The side portions 30-2 may extend from the planar portion 30-1 in the Z direction. The housing body 31 may be arranged, wherein the side portions 30-2 may extend from the planar portion 30-1 toward the inner portion 20, and the cover 10. The housing body 31 may have a tray shape in which the side portions 30-2 may extend from a periphery portion of the planar portion 30-1.

A plurality of third strength reinforcement portions 34, 35, and 36 may be provided, and the third strength reinforcement portions 34, 35, and 36 may be respectively similar to the first strength reinforcement portions 12, 13, and 14 or the second strength reinforcement portions 26, 27, and 28 as described herein. The third strength reinforcement portions 34, 35, and 36 may include a third-1 strength reinforcement portion 34, a third-2 strength reinforcement portion 35, and a third-3 strength reinforcement portion 36. The third-1 strength reinforcement portion 34 may be disposed on a side surface of the housing body 31, and the third-2 strength reinforcement portion 35 and the third-3 strength reinforcement portion 36 may be disposed on a bottom surface of the housing body 31. For example, the third-2 strength reinforcement portion 35 and the third-3 strength reinforcement portion 36 may be disposed on the planar portion 30-1 of the housing body 31. At least one of the third-1 strength reinforcement portion 34, the third-2 strength reinforcement portion 35, or the third-3 strength reinforcement portion 36 may absorb at least a portion of an external force applied to the housing 30 or reduce deflection of the housing 30 due to the external force.

A first coupling portion 16 and a first receiving portion 33 may cooperate to secure the cover 10 to the housing 30. For example, the cover 10 may include a first coupling portion 16, and the housing 30 may include a first receiving portion 33. Alternatively, the cover 10 may include the first receiving portion 33, and the housing 30 may include the first coupling portion 16. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a case where the cover 10 includes the first coupling portion 16, and the housing 30 includes the first receiving portion 33 is mainly described in detail.

The first coupling portion 16 may protrude from an outer surface of the cover 10. For example, the first coupling portion 16 may protrude from the outer surface of the cover 10 toward the housing 30. A rear surface of the first coupling portion 16 may be formed to extend into a surface of the housing 30. For example, the first coupling portion 16 may extend away from the cover 10. The first coupling portion 16 may extend along a length direction (e.g., X direction of FIG. 1) of the cover 10.

The first receiving portion 33 may be coupled to the first coupling portion 16, which may be introduced into a surface of the housing 30. A shape of the first receiving portion 33 may be identical to, or similar to a shape of an outer surface of the first coupling portion 16. The first coupling portion 16 may fix the cover 10 to the housing 30 by being inserted into the first receiving portion 33. The first coupling portion 16 and the first receiving portion 33 as described herein may form a group, and a plurality of such groups may be provided. The plurality of groups including the first coupling portion 16 and the first receiving portion 33 may be spaced apart from each other.

A second coupling portion 32 and a second receiving portion 25 of the inner portion 20 and the housing 30 may cooperate to secure the cover 10 to the housing 30. For example, the housing 30 may include a second coupling portion 32, and the inner portion 20 may include a second receiving portion 25. Alternatively, the inner portion 20 may include the second coupling portion 32, and the housing 30 may include a second receiving portion 25. The second coupling portion 32 and the second receiving portion 25 may be respectively similar to the first coupling portion 16 and the first receiving portion 33. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a case where the inner portion 20 includes the second receiving portion 25, and the housing 30 includes the second coupling portion 32 is mainly described in detail.

The second coupling portion 32 and the second receiving portion 25 as described herein may form a group, and a plurality of such groups may be provided. Also, the plurality of groups each including the second coupling portion 32 and the second receiving portion 25 may be spaced apart from each other.

The display device DPM having a curved shape may be accommodated into the package 1 for the display device as described herein. The display device DPM may have a curved front surface. In an embodiment, a surface of the display device DPM may have a constant radius of curvature throughout the display device DPM. In another embodiment, a surface of the display device DPM may be formed as a curved surface, and a radius of curvature of a portion of the display device DPM may also be different from a radius of curvature of another portion of the display device DPM. In another embodiment, a cross section of one surface of a display device may have a portion of an oval shape.

To accommodate the display device DPM as described herein, the package 1 for the display device may be assembled. In particular, the inner portion 20 may be accommodated in the housing 30. For example, the inner portion 20 may be inserted into the housing 30. More particularly, the inner portion 20 may be disposed on the planar portion 30-1 of the housing body 31 of the housing 30 and surrounded by the side portions 30-2 of the housing body 31 of the housing 30. The folding portion 22 may be folded around the inner body 21 and the inner portion 20 may be arranged inside the housing 30. In this case, the second coupling portion 32 may be inserted into the second receiving portion 25. The display device DPM may be arranged in the inner portion 20 accommodated in the housing 30. The first fixing protrusion 15 and the second fixing protrusion 23 may be in contact with a front surface or a rear surface of the display device DPM. Also, the side fixing protrusion 24 may provide spaces where ends of the display device DPM may be accommodated. After the accommodation of the display device DPM is completed, the cover 10 may be disposed on the housing 30 and the display device DPM. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a portion of the cover 10 may be disposed directly on a portion of the housing 30. For example, the side portion 10-2 of the cover body 11 of the cover 10 may be disposed on the side portion 30-2 of the housing body 31 of the housing 30. The cover 10 may disposed on the housing 30 and may enclose the inner portion 20 together with the housing 30. The first coupling portion 16 may couple the cover 10 to the housing 30 by being inserted into the first receiving portion 33. Although not shown in the drawing, the package 1 for the display device may be inserted into an outer packaging, such as a box, and the outer packaging may be sealed and the package 1 for the display device may be handled and shipped. It should be understood that the outer packaging may be omitted.

Accordingly, the package 1 for the display device may accommodate the curved display device DPM and fix the display device DPM to prevent the display device DPM from moving within the package 1 for the display device.

The package 1 for the display device may reduce or prevent an external shock from being transferred to the display device DPM. The package 1 for the display device may be easily assembled.

FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the cover shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 3, the cover 10 may include the cover body 11, the first strength reinforcement portions 12, 13, and 14, the first fixing protrusion 15, and the first coupling portion 16. The first strength reinforcement portions 12, 13, and 14 may include the first-1 strength reinforcement portion 12, the first-2 strength reinforcement portion 13, and the first-3 strength reinforcement portion 14. The cover body 11, the first strength reinforcement portions 12, 13, and 14, and the first coupling portion 16 are described elsewhere herein, and repetitive detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

A plurality of first fixing protrusions 15 may be provided according to a curvature of a display device (not shown). For example, the first fixing protrusion 15 may include a first-1 fixing protrusion 15a, a first-2 fixing protrusion 15b, a first-3 fixing protrusion 15c, and a first-4 fixing protrusion 15d. In this case, a number of first fixing protrusions 15 is not limited, and at least two first fixing protrusions 15 may be provided to respectively be in contact with surfaces of the display device. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a case where the first fixing protrusion 15 includes the first-1 fixing protrusion 15a, the first-2 fixing protrusion 15b, the first-3 fixing protrusion 15c, and the first-4 fixing protrusion 15d is mainly described in detail.

A plurality of first-1 fixing protrusions 15a may be provided, and may be arranged at a central portion of the cover body 11 and spaced apart from each other. The plurality of first-1 fixing protrusions 15a may be arranged in a column to be spaced apart from each other at regular intervals in a width direction (e.g., the Y direction) of the cover body 11. Each of the plurality of first-1 fixing protrusions 15a may have a space corresponding to a center portion of a surface of the display device. For example, a first-1 fixing protrusion 15a may have a rectangular shape or a curved shape.

Each of the first-2 fixing protrusion 15b, the first-3 fixing protrusion 15c, and the first-4 fixing protrusion 15d may be symmetrically disposed about the first-1 fixing protrusion 15a. That is, the first-2 fixing protrusion 15b may be arranged at opposite sides of the first-1 fixing protrusion 15a with the first-1 fixing protrusion 15a disposed at a center portion, and each of the first-3 fixing protrusion 15c and the first-4 fixing protrusion 15d may be at the opposite sides of the first-1 fixing protrusion 15a with the first-1 fixing protrusion 15a as a center portion. Each first-3 fixing protrusion 15c may be arranged farther from the first-1 fixing protrusion 15a than each first-2 fixing protrusion 15b, and each first-4 fixing protrusion 15d may be arranged farther from the first-1 fixing protrusion 15a than each first-3 fixing protrusion 15c. Each of the first-2 fixing protrusion 15b, the first-3 fixing protrusion 15c, and the first-4 fixing protrusion 15d may be provided in plurality. The plurality of first-2 fixing protrusions 15b may be arranged in a column to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the cover body 11, the plurality of first-3 fixing protrusions 15c may be arranged in a column to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the cover body 11, and the plurality of first-4 fixing protrusions 15d may be arranged in a column to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the cover body 11.

Each of the first-1 fixing protrusion 15a, the first-2 fixing protrusion 15b, the first-3 fixing protrusion 15c, and the first-4 fixing protrusion 15d may be in contact with a first surface of the display device or at a constant distance from the first surface of the display device. Also, another one of the first-1 fixing protrusion 15a, the first-2 fixing protrusion 15b, the first-3 fixing protrusion 15c, and the first-4 fixing protrusion 15d may be in contact with a second surface of the display device or at a constant distance from the second surface of the display device. In particular, the first-1 fixing protrusion 15a and the first-3 fixing protrusion 15c may face the second surface of the display device, and the first-2 fixing protrusion 15b and the first-4 fixing protrusion 15d may face the first surface of the display device. In an embodiment, the first-1 fixing protrusion 15a and the first-3 fixing protrusion 15c may face the first surface of the display device, and the first-2 fixing protrusion 15b and the first-4 fixing protrusion 15d may face the second surface of the display device. In this case, the first-1 fixing protrusion 15a, the first-2 fixing protrusion 15b, the first-3 fixing protrusion 15c, and the first-4 fixing protrusion 15d may be arranged as described herein with respect to the display device, and may be arranged opposite to another display device disposed adjacent to the display device. In this case, the first surface of the display device may be a surface in which an image is displayed or an opposite surface, and the second surface of the display device may be the surface in which the image is displayed or the opposite surface.

The first-1 fixing protrusion 15a may extend in a longitudinal direction (e.g., an X direction of FIG. 3) of the planar portion 10-1 (refer to FIG. 2) of the cover body 11. The first-2 fixing protrusion 15b, the first-3 fixing protrusion 15c, and the first-4 fixing protrusion 15d may be disposed diagonally with respect to the longitudinal direction of the planar portion 10-1 of the cover body 11. In this case, a planar shape of at least one of the first-2 fixing protrusion 15b, the first-3 fixing protrusion 15c, or the first-4 fixing protrusion 15d, and the surface disposed to face a surface of the display device, may be curved. That is, a surface of at least one of the first-2 fixing protrusion 15b, the first-3 fixing protrusion 15c, or the first-4 fixing protrusion 15d may be a curved surface to correspond to a surface of the display device. Surfaces of the first-1 fixing protrusion 15a, the first-2 fixing protrusion 15b, the first-3 fixing protrusion 15c, and the first-4 fixing protrusion 15d may be disposed to correspond to a surface of the display device.

Accordingly, the first fixing protrusion 15 may reduce or prevent movement of the display device or limit a range of movement of the display device when the display device is arranged in the package 1 for the display device.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the inner portion shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 4, the inner portion 20 may include the inner body 21, the folding portion 22, the second fixing protrusion 23, the side fixing protrusion 24, the second receiving portion 25, the second strength reinforcement portions 26 (refer to FIGS. 1), 27, and 28, and the connection portion 29 (refer to FIG. 1). The second strength reinforcement portions 26, 27, and 28 may include the second-1 strength reinforcement portion 26 (refer to FIG. 1), the second-2 strength reinforcement portion 27, and the second-3 strength reinforcement portion 28. The inner body 21, the folding portion 22, the second receiving portion 25, and the second-1 strength reinforcement portion 26 are described elsewhere herein, and repetitive detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

The second fixing protrusion 23 may protrude from the inner body 21. A plurality of second fixing protrusions 23 may be provided, and the second fixing protrusion 23 may face the first fixing protrusion 15 as described herein. One or more of the plurality of second fixing protrusions 23 may face a first surface of the display device (e.g., a front display surface), and another one of the plurality of second fixing protrusions 23 may face a second surface of the display device (e.g., a rear surface). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a case where the second fixing protrusion 23 includes a second-1 fixing protrusion 23a, a second-2 fixing protrusion 23b, a second-3 fixing protrusion 23c, and a second-4 fixing protrusion 23d is mainly described in detail.

The second-1 fixing protrusion 23a may be disposed at a center portion of the inner body 21 and a plurality of second-1 fixing protrusions 23a may be arranged in a column to be spaced apart from each other in a width direction (e.g., a Y direction of FIG. 4) of the inner body 21. Also, the second-2 fixing protrusion 23b, the second-3 fixing protrusion 23c, and the second-4 fixing protrusion 23d may be spaced apart from the second-1 fixing protrusion 23a, and may correspond to a curvature of the display device. Each of the second-2 fixing protrusion 23b, the second-3 fixing protrusion 23c, and the second-4 fixing protrusion 23d may be symmetrical about the second-1 fixing protrusion 23a. Also, each of the second-2 fixing protrusion 23b, the second-3 fixing protrusion 23c, and the second-4 fixing protrusion 23d may be provided in plurality. Each of the second-2 fixing protrusion 23b, the second-3 fixing protrusion 23c, and the second-4 fixing protrusion 23d may be respectively identical to or similar to the first-2 fixing protrusion 15b, the first-3 fixing protrusion 15c, and the first-4 fixing protrusion 15d as described herein, and repetitive detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

Hereinafter, the connection portion 29 (refer to FIG. 1) is described in detail.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a region A of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 5, the connection portion 29 may include an elastic portion 29a, a hinge portion 29b, and a hinge connection portion 29c. The connection portion 29 may be provided at each end of the inner body 21.

The elastic portion 29a may be provided as a pair. The elastic portion 29a may include first ends separated from each other. The elastic portion 29a may be formed to be bent at least once. In this case, each pair of elastic portions 29a may be connected to each other through the hinge portion 29b.

The hinge portion 29b may connect the elastic portion 29a to the hinge connection portion 29c. The hinge portion 29b may be provided as a pair. The hinge portion 29b may include an end connected to each other. The end of the hinge portion 29b may be connected to a second end of the elastic portion 29a. Also, the ends of the hinge portion 29b may act as a rotation center portion of the folding portion 22 when the folding portion 22 is folded from the inner body 21. For example, the pair of hinge portions 29b may be moved toward each other by bending the center portion of the elastic portion 29a when the folding portion 22 is folded from the inner body 21.

The hinge connection portion 29c may be provided as a pair. A first hinge connection portion of the pair of hinge connection portions 29c may connect the inner body 21 to a first hinge portion of the pair of hinge portions 29b. A second hinge connection portion of the pair of hinge connection portions 29c may connect the folding portion 22 to a second hinge portion of the pair of hinge portions 29b.

The hinge connection portion 29c may be bent at least once. For example, the hinge connection portion 29c may be disposed in a diagonal direction from the hinge portion 29b and may include a first portion arranged in the same direction as the inner body 21 or the folding portion 22, and may include a second portion forming an obtuse angle or a right angle with the inner body 21 or the folding portion 22. For example, the hinge connection portion 29c may include one or more bent portions.

The elastic portion 29a may correspond to a corner of the housing 30. That is, the elastic portion 29a may be in contact with a bottom surface of the housing 30 and a side surface of the housing 30. For example, the center portion of the elastic portion 29a may be in contact with a bottom surface of the housing 30 and a side surface of the housing 30. The center portion of the elastic portion 29a may be a bent portion. The bent portion of the elastic portion 29a may be in contact with the bottom surface of the housing 30 and the side surface of the housing 30. Accordingly, the elastic portion 29a may absorb at least a portion of shock applied to the corner of the housing 30.

The hinge connection portion 29c may reduce shock applied from the outside of the housing 30 by having a structure as described herein, and may also bring the folding portion 22 and the inner body 21 into contact with the housing 30 by forcing the folding portion 22 and the inner body 21 toward the housing 30.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a region B of FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 6, a plurality of side fixing protrusions 24 may be provided, and the plurality of side fixing protrusions 24 may protrude from an outer surface of the folding portion 22. The side fixing protrusions 24 which are adjacent to each other may form spaces that may accommodate ends of the display device DPM. The side fixing protrusion 24 may include a first side fixing protrusion 24a and a second side fixing protrusion 24b, which may be disposed adjacent to each other. The first side fixing protrusion 24a and the second side fixing protrusion 24b may be spaced apart from each other. A corner of the first side fixing protrusion 24a and a corner of the second side fixing protrusion 24b, which may be arranged to face each other, may have different shapes. For example, a first corner 24a-1 of the first side fixing protrusion 24a may be rounded, and a second corner 24b-1 of the second side fixing protrusion 24b, which is disposed adjacent to the first corner 24a-1, may be inclined. The first corner 24a-1 of the first side fixing protrusion 24a and the second corner 24b-1 of the second side fixing protrusion 24b may be inner corners.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 6, based on a center line passing through a center portion of a planar shape of the first side fixing protrusion 24a, a corner of the first side fixing protrusion 24a, which may be arranged on the opposite side of the first corner 24a-1, may be formed in the same manner as the second corner 24b-1. For example, each of the side fixing protrusions 24 may have a same shape, and may include an instance of the first corner 24a-1 and an instance of the second corner 24b-1.

An end of the display device DPM may be engaged by the side fixing protrusions 24. For example, an end of the display device DPM may be arranged between the first corner 24a-1 and the second corner 24b-1 as described herein. The first corner 24a-1 may be in contact with a protruding portion of the display device DPM. Accordingly, the first corner 24a-1 may fix the display device DPM and may absorb a force applied to a point of the display device DPM when external shock is applied.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the housing shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 7, the housing 30 may include the housing body 31 having a groove, the second coupling portion 32, the first receiving portion 33, and the third strength reinforcement portions 34 (refer to FIG. 1), 35, and 36. The housing body 31, the second coupling portion 32, and the first receiving portion 33 may be the same or similar to those described herein, and repetitive detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

The third strength reinforcement portions 34, 35, and 36 may include the third-1 strength reinforcement portion 34, the third-2 strength reinforcement portion 35, and the third-3 strength reinforcement portion 36. The third-1 strength reinforcement portion 34 may be formed on a side surface of the housing body 31 to be long in a vertical (or height) direction (e.g., the Z direction of FIG. 1). Also, the third-2 strength reinforcement portion 35 may be arranged inside the third-3 strength reinforcement portion 36, and may extend in a vertical direction (the Y direction of FIG. 1). The third-3 strength reinforcement portion 36 may protrude from a bottom surface of the housing body 31, and may form a closed loop. Also, at least a portion of the third-3 strength reinforcement portion 36 may protrude in a horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction of FIG. 1) from another portion of the third-3 strength reinforcement portion 36. The third-2 strength reinforcement portion 35 may be introduced into an upper surface of the third-3 strength reinforcement portion 36. For example, the third-2 strength reinforcement portion 35 may be a depression in the upper surface of the third-3 strength reinforcement portion 36.

The third strength reinforcement portions 34, 35, and 36 are not limited thereto and may include all structures formed on an outer surface of the housing body 31 and form an uneven plane, which may reinforce a strength of the housing body 31.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a mold apparatus for manufacturing the cover shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 8, a mold apparatus 400 may include a first mold 410, a second mold 420, a third mold 430, and a fourth mold 440. The third mold 430 may be selectively combined with the first mold 410. Also, the fourth mold 440 may be selectively combined with the second mold 420.

In this case, the third mold 430 and the fourth mold 440 may be modified and an angle θ between a bottom surface and a side surface of the housing 30 may be adjusted. For example, the angle e between the bottom surface and the side surface of the housing 30 may be changed for various reasons.

Accordingly, an angle θ between the side surface and the bottom surface of the housing 30 may be changed and adjusted by modifying the third mold 430 and the fourth mold 440 without modifying the first mold 410 and the second mold 420.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an embodiment of the display device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another embodiment of the display device shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, the display device DPM may include a curved surface. The display device DPM may include a curved surface having a constant radius of curvature R with respect to the center of curvature CT. In another embodiment, the display device DPM may have the radius of curvature R of the curved surface, wherein the radius of curvature R in one portion of the display device DPM is different from that in another portion of the display device DPM. However, hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a case where the display device DPM includes a curved surface having a constant radius of curvature R is mainly described in detail.

The display device DPM may include a first protective film PF1, a cover member 5, a display panel 4, a panel rear surface portion 6, and a second protective film PF2. The first protective film PF1 may be disposed on the panel rear surface portion 6. The first protective film PF1 may prevent external materials from attaching to the panel rear surface portion 6 and may reduce or prevent damage to the panel rear surface portion 6 that may be caused by external materials.

The cover member 5 may be disposed on a front surface of the display panel 4, opposite to the panel rear surface portion 6, and may be visible to a user. The cover member 5 may include a transparent material, such as glass, acrylic resin, or the like. The cover member 5 may have a curved surface having the same radius of curvature at an entire surface. Also, as shown in FIG. 9A, the surface of the cover member 5 visible to the user may have a concave shape. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9B, the surface of the cover member 5 visible to the user may have a convex shape.

The display panel 4 may be coupled to the cover member 5, and may be flexible and arranged to correspond to the curved surface of the cover member 5. The display panel 4 may be disposed on a convex surface of the cover member 5 or a concave surface of the cover member 5. The display panel 4 may generate an image according to an external signal.

The panel rear surface portion 6 may include various members. For example, the panel rear surface portion 6 may include a panel protective member disposed on a rear surface of the display panel 4 and protecting the display panel 4. The panel protective member may include an elastic material such as polyurethane or the like. Also, the panel rear surface portion 6 may include an anti-reflection member that prevents transmission of external light or reflection of external light. The anti-reflection member may include metal, a light absorption member, or the like. The panel rear surface portion 6 may include a circuit board connected to the display panel 4.

The second protective film PF2 may be disposed on the cover member 5. The second protective film PF2 may shield a surface of the cover member 5. The second protective film PF2 may perform a similar function to that of the first protective film PF1.

The first protective film PF1 and the second protective film PF2 as described herein may be removed. For example, the first protective film PF1 and the second protective film PF2 may be reused when the display device DPM is arranged in another device.

Hereinafter, the display panel 4 is described in more detail.

FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing the display panel shown in FIG. 9A or FIG. 9B.

Referring to FIG. 10, the display panel 4 may include a display area DA and a peripheral area PA outside the display area DA. The display panel 4 may generate an image through an array of a plurality of pixels PX, which may be two-dimensionally arranged in the display area DA.

The peripheral area PA may be an area which does not provide an image, and may entirely or partially surround the display area DA. A driver configured to provide electrical signals or power to a pixel circuit corresponding to each of the plurality of pixels PX or the like may be arranged in the peripheral area PA. A pad area, which may be an area to which an electronic device or a printed circuit board may be electrically connected, may be arranged in the peripheral area PA.

Hereinafter, although the display panel 4 is described as including an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) as a light-emitting element, the display panel 4 is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the display panel 4 may be a light-emitting display device including an inorganic light-emitting diode, that is, an inorganic light-emitting display device. The inorganic light-emitting diode may include a PN junction diode including materials based on inorganic semiconductors. When a voltage is applied to the PN junction diode in a forward direction, holes and electrons may be injected, and energy generated by recombination of the holes and electrons may be converted into light energy to emit a certain color of light. The inorganic light-emitting diode described herein may have a width of several micrometers to several hundreds of micrometers, and in some embodiments, the inorganic light-emitting diode may be referred to as a micro light-emitting diode (LED). In another embodiment, the display panel 4 may be a quantum dot light-emitting display device.

The display panel 4 may be a portable electronic device, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a table personal computer (PC), a mobile communication terminal, an electronic notebook, an electronic book, a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation device, an Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC), or the like, and may also be used as a display screen of various products, such as a television, a laptop computer, a monitor, an advertisement board, an Internet of things (IoT) device, or the like. In addition, the display panel 4 according to an embodiment may be used as a wearable device, such as a smart watch, a watch phone, a glasses-type display, and a head-mounted display (HMD). In addition, the display panel 4 according to an embodiment may be used as a dashboard of a vehicle, a center fascia of a vehicle or a center information display (CID) disposed on a dashboard, a rear-view mirror display replacing a side mirror of a vehicle, and a display screen disposed on a back surface of a front seat as entertainment for a passenger in a back seat of a vehicle.

The display panel 4 as described herein may be flexible, so that the display panel 4 may correspond to a curved surface of a cover member (not shown) as described herein, or the display panel 4 may be manufactured to have a curved surface corresponding to the curved surface of the cover member.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the display panel taken along a line C-C′ of FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 11, the display panel 4 may include a stacked structure of a substrate 100, a pixel circuit layer PCL, a display element layer DEL, an encapsulation layer 300. A display substrate (not shown) may include the substrate 100, the pixel circuit layer PCL, and a portion of the display element layer DEL. That is, the display substrate may mean from the substrate 100 to a bank layer 1117.

The substrate 100 may have a multi-layered structure including a base layer and an inorganic layer, the base layer including a polymer resin. For example, the substrate 100 may include the base layer including the polymer resin, and a barrier layer including an inorganic insulating material. For example, the substrate 100 may include a first base layer 101, a first barrier layer 102, a second base layer 103, and a second barrier layer 104, which may be sequentially stacked. Each of the first base layer 101 and the second base layer 103 may include polyimide (PI), polyethersulfone (PES), polyarylate, polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polycarbonate, cellulose triacetate (TAC), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), and/or the like. The first barrier layer 102 and the second barrier layer 104 may each include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride. The substrate 100 may be flexible.

The pixel circuit layer PCL may be disposed on the substrate 100. FIG. 11 illustrates that the pixel circuit layer PCL includes a thin-film transistor TFT, a storage capacitor Cst, a contact metal CM, a buffer layer 1111, a first gate insulating layer 1112, a second gate insulating layer 1113, an interlayer insulating layer 1114, a first planarization insulating layer 1115, and a second planarization insulating layer 1116, which may be disposed below or/and above the components of the thin-film transistor TFT.

The buffer layer 1111 may reduce or block penetration of foreign materials, moisture, or external air from a lower portion of the substrate 100 and may provide a flat surface on the substrate 100. The buffer layer 1111 may include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, and silicon nitride, and may include a single layered structure or a multi-layered structure, each including one or more of these materials.

The thin-film transistor TFT disposed on the buffer layer 1111 may include a semiconductor layer Act, and the semiconductor layer Act may include polysilicon (poly-Si). Alternatively, the semiconductor layer Act may include amorphous silicon (a-Si), an oxide semiconductor, an organic semiconductor, or the like. The semiconductor layer Act may include a channel area C, a drain area D, and a source area S, wherein the drain area D and the source area S may be respectively arranged on both sides of the channel area C and may include impurities. Here, the impurities may include an N-type impurity or a P-type impurity. The source area S and the drain area D may respectively be a source electrode and a drain electrode of the thin-film transistor TFT. A gate electrode GE of the thin-film transistor TFT may overlap the channel area C.

The gate electrode GE may include a low-resistance metal material. The gate electrode GE may include a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), or the like, and may be a multi-layer or a single layer, each including the material stated herein.

The first gate insulating layer 1112 may be disposed between the semiconductor layer Act and the gate electrode GE, and may include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide (SiO₂), silicon nitride (SiN_x), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), titanium oxide (TiO₂), tantalum oxide (Ta₂O₅), hafnium oxide (HfO₂), zinc oxide (ZnO_x), or the like. The zinc oxide (ZnO_x) may be zinc oxide (ZnO) and/or zinc peroxide (ZnO₂).

The second gate insulating layer 1113 may cover the gate electrode GE. Similar to the first gate insulating layer 1112, the second gate insulating layer 1113 may include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide (SiO₂), silicon nitride (SiN_x), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), titanium oxide (TiO₂), tantalum oxide (Ta₂O₅), hafnium oxide (HfO₂), zinc oxide (ZnO_x), or the like. The zinc oxide (ZnO_x) may be zinc oxide (ZnO) and/or zinc peroxide (ZnO₂).

An upper electrode Cst2 of a storage capacitor Cst may be disposed on the second gate insulating layer 1113. The upper electrode Cst2 may overlap the gate electrode GE therebelow. The gate electrode GE and the upper electrode Cst2, which may overlap each other with the second gate insulating layer 1113 therebetween, may form the storage capacitor Cst. That is, the gate electrode GE may function as a lower electrode Cst1 of the storage capacitor Cst.

As such, the storage capacitor Cst and the thin-film transistor TFT may overlap each other. In some embodiments, the storage capacitor Cst may not overlap the thin-film transistor TFT.

The upper electrode Cst2 may include Al, platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), Mo, Ti, tungsten (W), and/or Cu, and may be a single layer or a multi-layer, each including the material stated herein.

The interlayer insulating layer 1114 may cover the upper electrode Cst2. The interlayer insulating layer 1114 may include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide (SiO₂), silicon nitride (SiN_x), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), titanium oxide (TiO₂), tantalum oxide (Ta₂O₅), hafnium oxide (HfO₂), zinc oxide (ZnO_x), or the like. The zinc oxide (ZnO_x) may be zinc oxide (ZnO) and/or zinc peroxide (ZnO₂). The interlayer insulating layer 1114 may include a single layer or a multi-layer, each including the inorganic insulating material stated herein.

Each of a drain electrode DE and a source electrode SE may be positioned on the interlayer insulating layer 1114. The drain electrode DE and the source electrode SE may respectively be connected to the drain area D and the source area S through contact holes formed in insulating layers below the drain electrode DE and the source electrode SE. The drain electrode DE and the source electrode SE may each include a conductive material. The drain electrode DE and the source electrode SE may each include a conductive material including Mo, Al, Cu, Ti, or the like, and may include a multi-layer or a single layer, each including one or more of these materials. In an embodiment, the drain electrode DE and the source electrode SE may each have a multi-layered structure of Ti/Al/Ti.

The first planarization insulating layer 1115 may cover the drain electrode DE and the source electrode SE. The first planarization insulating layer 1115 may include a general commercial polymer, such as polystyrene (PS), poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), a polymer derivative having a phenol group, and an organic insulating material, such as an acrylic polymer, an imide polymer, an aryl ether polymer, an amide polymer, a fluorine polymer, a p-xylene polymer, a vinyl alcohol polymer, or a mixture thereof.

The second planarization insulating layer 1116 may be disposed on the first planarization insulating layer 1115. The second planarization insulating layer 1116 may include the same material as that of the first planarization insulating layer 1115, and may include a general commercial polymer, such as PS, PMMA, a polymer derivative having a phenol group, and an organic insulating material, such as an acrylic polymer, an imide polymer, an aryl ether polymer, an amide polymer, a fluorine polymer, a p-xylene polymer, a vinyl alcohol polymer, or a mixture thereof.

The display element layer DEL may be disposed on the pixel circuit layer PCL having the structure described herein. The display element layer DEL may include an organic light-emitting diode OLED as a display element (that is, a light-emitting element), and the organic light-emitting diode OLED may include a stacked structure of a pixel electrode 210, an intermediate layer 220, and a common electrode 230. The organic light-emitting diode OLED may emit, for example, red, green, or blue light, or may emit red, green, blue, or white light. The organic light-emitting diode OLED may emit light through an emission area, and define the emission area as a pixel PX.

The pixel electrode 210 of the organic light-emitting diode OLED may be electrically connected to the thin-film transistor TFT through contact holes formed in the second planarization insulating layer 1116 and the first planarization insulating layer 1115 and a contact metal CM disposed on the first planarization insulating layer 1115.

The pixel electrode 210 may include a conductive oxide, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In₂O₃), indium gallium oxide (IGO), or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). In another embodiment, the pixel electrode 210 may include a reflective film including Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, or a compound thereof. In another embodiment, the pixel electrode 210 may further include a film including ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In₂O₃above/below the reflective film described herein.

The bank layer 1117 having an opening 117OP exposing a central portion of the pixel electrode 210 may be disposed on the pixel electrode 210. The bank layer 1117 may include an organic insulating material and/or an inorganic insulating material. The opening 117OP may define an emission area of light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode OLED. For example, a size/width of the opening 117OP may correspond to a size/width of the emission area. Accordingly, the size and/or width of the pixel PX may depend on the size and/or width of the opening 117OP of the bank layer 1117.

The intermediate layer 220 may include an emission layer 2222 formed to correspond to the pixel electrode 210. The emission layer 2222 may include a low-molecular-weight organic material or a low-molecular-weight organic material, which may emit light of a certain color. Alternatively, the emission layer 2222 may include an inorganic light-emitting material or a quantum dot.

In an embodiment, the intermediate layer 220 may include a first functional layer 2221 and a second functional layer 2223 respectively disposed below and on the emission layer 2222. The first functional layer 2221 may include a hole transport layer (HTL), or an HTL and a hole injection layer (HIL). The second functional layer 2223 may be a component disposed on the emission layer 2222, and may include an electron transport layer ETL and/or an electron injection layer (EIL). Similar to the common electrode 230 to be described below, the first functional layer 2221 and/or the second functional layer 2223 may be a common layer entirely covering the substrate 100.

The common electrode 230 may be disposed above the pixel electrode 210 and overlap the pixel electrode 210. The common electrode 230 may include a conductive material having a low work function. For example, the common electrode 230 may include a (semi) transparent layer including Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, lithium (Li), Ca, an alloy thereof, or the like. Alternatively, the common electrode 230 may further include a layer, such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In₂O₃, above the (semi) transparent layer including the materials stated herein. The common electrode 230 may be integrally formed to entirely cover the substrate 100.

The encapsulation layer 300 may be disposed on the display element layer DEL and cover the display element layer DEL. The encapsulation layer 300 may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. In an embodiment, FIG. 11 illustrates that the encapsulation layer 300 includes a first inorganic encapsulation layer 310, an organic encapsulation layer 320, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer 330, which may be sequentially stacked.

The first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 may each include at least one inorganic material from among aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride. The organic encapsulation layer 320 may include a polymer-based material. The polymer-based material may include an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, polyimide, polyethylene, or the like. In an embodiment, the organic encapsulation layer 320 may include acrylate resin. The organic encapsulation layer 320 may be formed by curing a monomer or coating a polymer. The organic encapsulation layer 320 may have transparency.

Although not shown in FIG. 11, a touch sensor layer may be disposed on the encapsulation layer 300, and an optical functional layer may be disposed on the touch sensor layer. The touch sensor layer may obtain coordinate information according to an external input, for example, a touch event. The optical functional layer may reduce the reflectance of light (external light) incident from the outside toward the display device, and/or improve color purity of light emitted by the display device. In an embodiment, the optical functional layer may include a retarder and/or a polarizer. The retarder may be a film type or a liquid-crystal coating type, and may include a λ/2 retarder and/or a λ/4 retarder. The polarizer may also be a film type or a liquid-crystal coating type. The film-type polarizer may include a stretch-type synthetic resin film, and the liquid-crystal-coating-type polarizer may include liquid crystals in a certain arrangement. The retarder and the polarizer may further include a protective film.

An adhesive member may be arranged between the touch sensor layer and the optical functional layer. As the adhesive member, a general adhesive member known in the related art may be employed without limitation. The adhesive member may be a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) member.

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram schematically showing a circuit of the display panel shown in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 12, each pixel PX may include a pixel circuit PC and a display element connected to the pixel circuit PC, for example, an organic light-emitting diode OLED. The pixel circuit PC may include a first thin-film transistor T1, a second thin-film transistor T2, and a storage capacitor Cst. Each pixel PX may emit, for example, red, green, blue, or white light through the organic light-emitting diode OLED.

The second thin-film transistor T2 may be a switching thin-film transistor, which may be connected to a scan line SL and a data line DL, and may be configured to transfer, to the first thin-film transistor T1, a data voltage input from the data line DL based on a switching voltage input from the scan line SL. The storage capacitor Cst may be connected to the second thin-film transistor T2 and a driving voltage line PL, and may store a voltage corresponding to a difference between a voltage received from the second thin-film transistor T2 and a first power supply voltage ELVDD supplied to the driving voltage line PL.

The first thin-film transistor T1 may be a driving thin-film transistor, which may be connected to the driving voltage line PL and the storage capacitor Cst, and may control a driving current flowing from the driving voltage line PL through the organic light-emitting diode OLED, in accordance with a voltage value stored in the storage capacitor Cst. The organic light-emitting diode OLED may emit light having a certain brightness according to the driving current. An opposite electrode (e.g., a cathode) of the organic light-emitting diode OLED may receive a second power supply voltage ELVSS.

Although it is described with reference to FIG. 12 that the pixel circuit PC includes two thin-film transistors and one storage capacitor, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The number of thin-film transistors and the number of storage capacitors may be variously changed according to the design of the pixel circuit PC. For example, the pixel circuit PC may further include four or more thin-film transistors in addition to the two thin-film transistors described herein.

Also, FIG. 12 illustrates that the two thin-film transistors are P-type thin-film transistors, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, each thin-film transistor may be an N-type oxide thin-film transistor. The oxide thin-film transistor may be a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) thin-film transistor in which a semiconductor layer includes an oxide. However, this is an example, and N-type transistors are not limited thereto. For example, a semiconductor layer included in an N-type transistor may include an inorganic material semiconductor (e.g., amorphous silicon, polysilicon) or an organic material semiconductor, or the like.

A package for a display device according to embodiments may firmly fix a curved display device. The package for a display device may be a package device for a curved display device.

The package for a display device according to embodiments may prevent or reduce damage to the curved display device by reducing external shock from being transferred to the display device.

The package for a display device according to embodiments may accommodate a curved display device.

It should be understood that embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only, and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects. While one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as defined by the following claims.

PACKAGE FOR DISPLAY DEVICE

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CPC

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Priority Claims (1)