U.S. patent application number 16/539567 was filed with the patent office on 2022-02-17 for foldable display device including retarder.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Display Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Heeyoung LEE, Minju OH.
Application Number | 20220052299 16/539567 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006122264 |
Filed Date | 2022-02-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220052299 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
OH; Minju ; et al. |
February 17, 2022 |
FOLDABLE DISPLAY DEVICE INCLUDING RETARDER
Abstract
A foldable display device including: a display panel; an input
sensor directly disposed on the display panel and having an upper
surface; an anti-reflector disposed on the upper surface of the
input sensor, the anti-reflector including: a polarizer; and at
least one lower retarder disposed between the input sensor and the
polarizer; an upper retarder disposed on the anti-reflector, the
upper retarder having a Young's modulus of about 4 GPa to about 100
GPa; a window disposed on the upper retarder and having an upper
surface facing away from the upper retarder; and at least one
adhesion member disposed between the input sensor and the window,
wherein a thickness from the upper surface of the input sensor to
the upper surface of the window is about 130 .mu.m to about 540
.mu.m.
Inventors: |
OH; Minju; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; LEE; Heeyoung; (Hwaseong-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Display Co., Ltd. |
Yongin-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20200075895 A1 |
March 5, 2020 |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006122264 |
Appl. No.: |
16/539567 |
Filed: |
August 13, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/04720130101; H01L
2251/558 20130101; G06F 3/0412 20130101; G02B 5/3016 20130101; H01L
27/323 20130101; H01L 2251/5338 20130101; H01L 51/5253 20130101;
H01L 51/5281 20130101; H01L 51/5246 20130101; G06F 2203/04102
20130101; H01L 27/3244 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01L 51/52 20060101
H01L051/52; H01L 27/32 20060101 H01L027/32; G02B 5/30 20060101
G02B005/30; G06F 3/041 20060101 G06F003/041; G06F 3/047 20060101
G06F003/047 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 30, 2018 |
KR |
10-2018-0102510 |
Claims
1. A foldable display device comprising: a display panel; an input
sensor directly disposed on the display panel and having an upper
surface; an anti-reflector disposed on the upper surface of the
input sensor, the anti-reflector comprising: a polarizer; and at
least one lower retarder disposed between the input sensor and the
polarizer; an upper retarder disposed on the anti-reflector, the
upper retarder having a Young's modulus of about 4 GPa to about 100
GPa; a window disposed on the upper retarder and having an upper
surface facing away from the upper retarder; and at least one
adhesion member disposed between the input sensor and the window,
wherein a thickness from the upper surface of the input sensor to
the upper surface of the window is about 130 .mu.m to about 540
.mu.m.
2. The foldable display device of claim 1, wherein the upper
retarder has a thickness of about 1 .mu.m to about 80 .mu.m.
3. The foldable display device of claim 1, wherein the at least one
adhesion member has a thickness of about 5 .mu.m to about 100
.mu.m.
4. The foldable display device of claim 1, wherein the window has a
thickness of about 30 .mu.m to about 130 .mu.m.
5. The foldable display device of claim 1, wherein the polarizer
has a polarization axis of substantially parallel to or
substantially perpendicular to a folding axis of the foldable
display device.
6. The foldable display device of claim 5, wherein the lower
retarder comprises: a positive dispersion type .lamda./2 retarder;
and a positive dispersion type .lamda./4 retarder, wherein a slow
axis of the positive dispersion type .lamda./2 retarder and a slow
axis of the positive dispersion type .lamda./4 retarder are defined
on an identical quadrant by the folding axis and a reference axis
perpendicular to the folding axis.
7. The foldable display device of claim 6, wherein an angle between
a slow axis of the upper retarder and the polarization axis of the
polarizer is about 10 degrees to 75 degrees.
8. The foldable display device of claim 5, wherein the lower
retarder comprises a negative dispersion type .lamda./4 retarder,
and a slow axis of the lower retarder forms an angel of about 45
degrees with the polarization axis of the polarizer.
9. The foldable display device of claim 5, wherein the window
comprises a base layer having a phase retardation of about 0 nm to
about 500 nm at about 550 nm wavelength.
10. The foldable display device of claim 1, wherein the polarizer
has a polarization axis that forms an angle of about 45 degrees
with respect to a folding axis of the foldable display device, and
wherein the lower retarder comprises a negative dispersion type
.lamda./4 retarder.
11. The foldable display device of claim 10, wherein the window
comprises a base layer having a phase retardation of about 500 nm
or shorter at about 550 nm wavelength.
12. The foldable display device of claim 1, wherein the upper
retarder has a phase retardation of about 5000 nm to about 11000 nm
at about a 550 nm wavelength.
13. The foldable display device of claim 1, wherein each of the
upper retarder and the lower retarder comprises a base layer and a
liquid crystal layer aligned on one surface of the base layer.
14. The foldable display device of claim 1, wherein the display
panel comprises light emitting elements and a plurality of first
thin films covering the light emitting elements, and the input
sensor comprises conductive patterns disposed on the plurality of
thin films and at least one second thin film disposed on the
conductive patterns.
15. The foldable display device of claim 14, wherein at least a
part of the conductive patterns has a mesh shape.
16. A foldable display device comprising: a display module having a
display panel and an input sensor directly disposed on the display
panel; a first adhesion member connected to the display module; an
anti-reflector connected to the first adhesion member; a second
adhesion member connected to the anti-reflector; an upper retarder
connected to the second adhesion member, the upper retarder having
a Young's modulus of about 4 GPa to about 100 GPa; a third adhesion
member connected to the upper retarder; and a window connected to
the third adhesion member, the window having a phase retardation of
about 0 nm to about 500 nm at about 550 nm wavelength, wherein the
anti-reflector comprises: a polarizer disposed between the second
adhesion member and the first adhesion member; and a positive
dispersion type .lamda./2 retarder and a positive dispersion type
.lamda./4 retarder disposed between the polarizer and the first
adhesion member, and wherein a total thickness of the first
adhesion member, the anti-reflector the second adhesion member, the
upper retarder, the third adhesion member, and the window is about
130 .mu.m to about 540 .mu.m.
17. The foldable display device of claim 16, wherein the polarizer
has a polarization axis substantially parallel to or substantially
perpendicular to a folding axis of the foldable display device.
18. A foldable display device comprising: a display module having a
display panel and an input sensor directly disposed on the display
panel; a first adhesion member coupled to the display module, the
lower adhesion member having a lower surface facing the display
module; an anti-reflector coupled to the first adhesion member; a
second adhesion member coupled to the anti-reflector; an upper
retarder coupled to the second adhesion member, the upper retarder
having a Young's modulus of about 4 GPa to about 100 GPa; a third
adhesion member coupled to the upper retarder; and a window coupled
to the third adhesion member, the window having a phase retardation
of about 0 nm to about 500 nm at about 550 nm wavelength and having
an upper surface facing away from the upper retarder, wherein the
anti-reflector comprises: a polarizer disposed between the second
adhesion member and the first adhesion member; and a negative
dispersion type .lamda./4 retarder disposed between the polarizer
and the first adhesion member, wherein a thickness from the lower
surface of the first adhesion member to the upper surface of the
window is about 130 .mu.m to about 540 .mu.m.
19. The foldable display device of claim 18, wherein a polarization
axis of the polarizer is substantially parallel to or substantially
perpendicular to a folding axis of the foldable display device, or
form an angle of about 45 degrees with the folding axis of the
foldable display device.
20. The foldable display device of claim 18, wherein the window
comprises a base layer, the base layer has a phase retardation of
about 500 nm or shorter at about 550 nm wavelength.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from and the benefit of
Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0102510, filed on Aug. 30,
2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as
if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] Exemplary implementations of the invention relate generally
to a foldable display device and, more specifically, to a foldable
display device having reduced optical or mechanical defects.
Discussion of the Background
[0003] Various display devices, which are to be used in a
multi-media device such as a television, a mobile phone, a tablet
computer, a navigator, or a game player, are being developed. Forms
of the display devices are changed to be suitable for usage of
multimedia devices.
[0004] Recently, various types of flexible devices are being
developed. For example, rollable, foldable, or stretchable display
devices are being developed. As the various types of the display
devices are developed, efforts have been made to address unexpected
defects, such optical defects due to flexibility of the device.
[0005] The above information disclosed in this Background section
is only for understanding of the background of the inventive
concepts, and, therefore, it may contain information that does not
constitute prior art.
SUMMARY
[0006] Foldable display devices constructed according to exemplary
implementations of the invention have displays from which an image
may be perceived at any angle, even when a user wears polarized
sunglasses.
[0007] Foldable display devices constructed according to exemplary
implementations of the invention may prevent or suppress folding
part discoloration and/or the occurrence of a rainbow mura defects
or phenomenon.
[0008] Foldable display devices constructed according to exemplary
implementations of the invention may prevent or suppress a retarder
from being detached.
[0009] The durability of foldable display devices may be improved
when incorporated with an upper retarder having a Young's modulus
according to exemplary implementations of the invention, which
prevents or reduces components from being detached from the display
despite repetitions in folding and unfolding of the display
device.
[0010] Additional features of the inventive concepts will be set
forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
inventive concepts.
[0011] According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a
foldable display device including: a display panel; an input sensor
directly disposed on the display panel and having an upper surface;
an anti-reflector disposed on the upper surface of the input
sensor, the anti-reflector including: a polarizer; and at least one
lower retarder disposed between the input sensor and the polarizer;
an upper retarder disposed on the anti-reflector, the upper
retarder having a Young's modulus of about 4 GPa to about 100 GPa;
a window disposed on the upper retarder and having an upper surface
facing away from the upper retarder; and at least one adhesion
member disposed between the input sensor and the window, wherein a
thickness from the upper surface of the input sensor to the upper
surface of the window is about 130 .mu.m to about 540 .mu.m.
[0012] The upper retarder may have a thickness of about 1 .mu.m to
about 80 .mu.m.
[0013] The at least one adhesion member may have a thickness of
about 5 .mu.m to about 100 .mu.m.
[0014] The window may have a thickness of about 30 .mu.m to about
130 .mu.m.
[0015] The polarizer may have a polarization axis of substantially
parallel to or substantially perpendicular to a folding axis of the
foldable display device.
[0016] The lower retarder may include a positive dispersion type
.lamda./2 retarder; and a positive dispersion type .lamda./4
retarder, wherein a slow axis of the positive dispersion type
.lamda./2 retarder and a slow axis of the positive dispersion type
.lamda./4 retarder may be defined on an identical quadrant by the
folding axis and a reference axis perpendicular to the folding
axis.
[0017] An angle between a slow axis of the upper retarder and the
polarization axis of the polarizer may be about 10 degrees to 75
degrees. An angle between the polarization axis of the polarizer
and the slow axis of the positive dispersion type .lamda./4
retarder may be about 7.5 degrees to about 17.5 degrees, and an
angle between the slow axis of the positive dispersion type
.lamda./4 retarder and the slow axis of the positive dispersion
type .lamda./2 retarder may be about 50 degrees to about 70
degrees.
[0018] The lower retarder may include a negative dispersion type
.lamda./4 retarder, and a slow axis of the lower retarder may form
an angel of about 45 degrees with the polarization axis of the
polarizer.
[0019] The window may include a base layer having a phase
retardation of about 0 nm to about 500 nm at about 550 nm
wavelength.
[0020] The polarizer may have a polarization axis that forms an
angle of about 45 degrees with respect to a folding axis of the
foldable display device, and wherein the lower retarder may include
a negative dispersion type .lamda./4 retarder.
[0021] The window may include a base layer having a phase
retardation of about 500 nm or shorter at about 550 nm
wavelength.
[0022] The upper retarder may have a phase retardation of about
5000 nm to about 11000 nm at 550 nm wavelength.
[0023] Each of the upper retarder and the lower retarder may
include a base layer and a liquid crystal layer aligned on one
surface of the base layer.
[0024] the display panel may include a light emitting elements and
a plurality of first thin films configured to cover the light
emitting elements, and the input sensor may include conductive
patterns disposed on the plurality of thin films and at least one
second thin film disposed on the conductive patterns.
[0025] at least a part of the conductive patterns may have mesh
shapes.
[0026] According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a
display module having a display panel and an input sensor directly
disposed on the display panel; a first adhesion member connected to
the display module; anti-reflector connected to the first adhesion
member; a second adhesion member connected to the anti-reflector;
an upper retarder connected to the second adhesion member and
having a Young's modulus of about 4 GPa to about 100 GPa; a third
adhesion member connected to the upper retarder; and a window
connected to the third adhesion member and having a phase
retardation of about 0 nm to about 500 nm at about 550 nm
wavelength, wherein the anti-reflector includes: a polarizer
disposed between the second adhesion member and the first adhesion
member; and a positive dispersion type .lamda./2 retarder and a
positive dispersion type .lamda./4 retarder disposed between the
polarizer and the first adhesion member, and wherein a total
thickness of the first adhesion member, the anti-reflector the
second adhesion member, the upper retarder, the third adhesion
member, and the window is about 130 .mu.m to about 540 .mu.m.
[0027] The polarizer may have a polarization axis substantially
parallel to or substantially perpendicular to a folding axis of the
foldable display device.
[0028] According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a
foldable display device includes: a display module having a display
panel and an input sensor directly disposed on the display panel; a
first adhesion member coupled to the display module, the lower
adhesion member having a lower surface facing the display module;
anti-reflector coupled to the first adhesion member; a second
adhesion member coupled to the anti-reflector; an upper retarder
coupled to the second adhesion member, the upper retarder having a
Young's modulus of about 4 GPa to about 100 GPa; a third adhesion
member coupled to the upper retarder; and a window coupled to the
third adhesion member, the window having a phase retardation of
about 0 nm to about 500 nm at about 550 nm wavelength and having an
upper surface facing away from the upper retarder, wherein the
anti-reflector may include: a polarizer disposed between the second
adhesion member and the first adhesion member; and a negative
dispersion type .lamda./4 retarder disposed between the polarizer
and the first adhesion member, wherein a thickness from the lower
surface of the first adhesion member to the upper surface of the
window may be about 130 .mu.m to about 540 .mu.m.
[0029] The polarizer may have a polarization axis forming an angle
of about 45 degrees with the folding axis of the foldable display
device.
[0030] The window may include a base layer, the base layer may have
a phase retardation of about 500 nm or shorter at about 550 nm
wavelength.
[0031] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of
the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary
embodiments of the invention, and together with the description
serve to explain the inventive concepts.
[0033] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are perspective views of a foldable
display device constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of
the invention.
[0034] FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of the display
device of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and C according to exemplary embodiments of
the invention.
[0035] FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of anti-reflectors
constructed according to exemplary embodiments of the
invention.
[0036] FIG. 4A is a plan view of a relationship between optical
axes of a display device constructed according to an exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
[0037] FIGS. 4B and 4C show a light polarization state of a display
device constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0038] FIG. 4D is a photograph showing a blackout defect in a
display device when wearing polarized sunglasses.
[0039] FIG. 4E is a photograph of a rainbow mura defect.
[0040] FIG. 4F is a photograph of a discoloration defect in a
folding part of a display device.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display device
constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0042] FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of retarders
constructed according to exemplary embodiments of the
invention.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a display showing a relationship
between optical axes according to an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0044] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a display panel
constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0045] FIG. 8B is a plan view of the display panel of FIG. 8A
[0046] FIG. 8C is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the
display panel of FIG. 8A.
[0047] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a display device
constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0048] FIG. 9B is a plan view of an input sensing layer constructed
according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0049] FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of at least a part of the
input sensing layer of FIG. 9B. and
[0050] FIG. 9D is a plan view of the at least a part of the input
sensing layer of FIG. 9B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0051] In the following description, for the purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments
or implementations of the invention. As used herein "embodiments"
and "implementations" are interchangeable words that are
non-limiting examples of devices or methods employing one or more
of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. It is apparent,
however, that various exemplary embodiments may be practiced
without these specific details or with one or more equivalent
arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices
are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily
obscuring various exemplary embodiments. Further, various exemplary
embodiments may be different, but do not have to be exclusive. For
example, specific shapes, configurations, and characteristics of an
exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another
exemplary embodiment without departing from the inventive
concepts.
[0052] Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated exemplary
embodiments are to be understood as providing exemplary features of
varying detail of some ways in which the inventive concepts may be
implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the
features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions,
and/or aspects, etc. (hereinafter individually or collectively
referred to as "elements"), of the various embodiments may be
otherwise combined, separated, interchanged, and/or rearranged
without departing from the inventive concepts.
[0053] The use of cross-hatching and/or shading in the accompanying
drawings is generally provided to clarify boundaries between
adjacent elements. As such, neither the presence nor the absence of
cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or
requirement for particular materials, material properties,
dimensions, proportions, commonalities between illustrated
elements, and/or any other characteristic, attribute, property,
etc., of the elements, unless specified. Further, in the
accompanying drawings, the size and relative sizes of elements may
be exaggerated for clarity and/or descriptive purposes. When an
exemplary embodiment may be implemented differently, a specific
process order may be performed differently from the described
order. For example, two consecutively described processes may be
performed substantially at the same time or performed in an order
opposite to the described order. Also, like reference numerals
denote like elements.
[0054] When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being
"on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it
may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element
or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. When,
however, an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on,"
"directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element
or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. To
this end, the term "connected" may refer to physical, electrical,
and/or fluid connection, with or without intervening elements.
Further, the DR1-axis, the DR2-axis, and the DR3-axis are not
limited to three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, such as
the x, y, and z-axes, and may be interpreted in a broader sense.
For example, the DR1-axis, the DR2-axis, and the DR3-axis may be
perpendicular to one another, or may represent different directions
that are not perpendicular to one another. For the purposes of this
disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one
selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" may be construed
as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X,
Y, and Z, such as, for instance, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used
herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one
or more of the associated listed items.
[0055] Although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used
herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should
not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish
one element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed
below could be termed a second element without departing from the
teachings of the disclosure.
[0056] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below,"
"under," "lower," "above," "upper," "over," "higher," "side" (e.g.,
as in "sidewall"), and the like, may be used herein for descriptive
purposes, and, thereby, to describe one elements relationship to
another element(s) as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially
relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of
an apparatus in use, operation, and/or manufacture in addition to
the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the
apparatus in the drawings is turned over, elements described as
"below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be
oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the
exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above
and below. Furthermore, the apparatus may be otherwise oriented
(e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and, as such,
the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted
accordingly.
[0057] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used
herein, the singular forms, "a," "an," and "the" are intended to
include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising,"
"includes," and/or "including," when used in this specification,
specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,
operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, but do not
preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,
integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms
"substantially," "about," and other similar terms, are used as
terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and, as such,
are utilized to account for inherent deviations in measured,
calculated, and/or provided values that would be recognized by one
of ordinary skill in the art.
[0058] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with
reference to sectional and/or exploded illustrations that are
schematic illustrations of idealized exemplary embodiments and/or
intermediate structures. As such, variations from the shapes of the
illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques
and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, exemplary embodiments
disclosed herein should not necessarily be construed as limited to
the particular illustrated shapes of regions, but are to include
deviations in shapes that result from, for instance, manufacturing.
In this manner, regions illustrated in the drawings may be
schematic in nature and the shapes of these regions may not reflect
actual shapes of regions of a device and, as such, are not
necessarily intended to be limiting.
[0059] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
disclosure is a part. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used
dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is
consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art
and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal
sense, unless expressly so defined herein.
[0060] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are perspective views of a display
device DD according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As
shown in FIG. 1A, the display device DD may display an image IMG on
a display surface DD-IS. The display surface DD-IS is parallel to a
surface defined by a first directional axis DR1 and a second
directional axis DR2. A normal direction of the display area DD-IS,
namely, a thickness direction of the display device DD is indicated
by a third directional axis DR3.
[0061] A front surface (or upper surface) and a rear surface (or
lower surface) of each member or each unit to be described below
are divided by the third directional axis DR3. However, the first
to third directional axes DR1, DR2, and DR3 shown in the
illustrated embodiments are just examples. Hereinafter, the first
to third directions are directions respectively indicated by the
first to third directional axes DR1, DR2, and DR3 and refer to the
same reference numerals.
[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the display surface DD-IS
includes a display area DM-DA on which the image IMG is displayed
and a non-display area DD-NDA adjacent to the display area DD-DA.
The non-display area DD-NDA is an area on which the image is not
displayed. As an example of the image IMG, icon images are
illustrated in FIG. 1A.
[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the display area DD-DA may have a
rectangular shape. The non-display area DD-NDA may surround the
display area DD-DA. However, exemplary embodiments of the invention
are not limited thereto, and the shapes of the display area DD-DA
and the non-display area DD-NDA may be relatively designed.
[0064] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, the display device
DD may include a plurality of areas defined according to an
operation type. The display device DD may include a first area
NFA1, a second area NFA2, and a third area FA disposed between the
first area NFA1 and the second area NFA2. The third area FA is an
area folded with respect to a folding axis, which is an area
substantially forming a curvature. Hereinafter, the first area
NFA1, the second area NFA2, and the third area FA may be referred
to as a first non-folding area NFA1, a second non-folding area
NFS2, and a folding area FA.
[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the display device DD may be
inwardly-folded such that the display surface DD-IS of the first
non-folding area NFA1 and the display surface DD-IS of the second
non-folding area NFA2 face each other. As illustrated in FIG. 1C,
the display device DD may be outerwardly-folded to expose the
display surface DD-IS externally.
[0066] The display device DD in an exemplary embodiment of the
invention may include a plurality of folding areas FA. In addition,
the folding area FA may be defined to correspond to a type that a
user operates the display device DD. For example, unlike FIGS. 1B
and 1C, the folding area FA may be defined to be parallel to the
first directional axis DR1 or may be defined in a diagonal
direction. The dimension of the folding area FA may not be fixed
but be determined according to the radius of the curvature. The
display device DD may be configured such that only an operation
mode illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B is repeated, or only an
operation mode illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1C is repeated.
[0067] The display device DD, which may be applied to a mobile
phone, is illustrated as an example. Electronic modules, camera
modules, power supply modules, and the like may be disposed in a
bracket/case or the like together with the display device DD to
form a mobile terminal. The display device DD may be applied to a
large-sized electronic device such as a television or a monitor, or
a small or medium-sized electronic device such as a tablet, a
vehicle navigator, a game player or a smart watch.
[0068] FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of the display
device DD of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and C according to an exemplary
embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate cross
sections defined by the second directional axis DR2 and the third
directional axis DR3. FIGS. 2A and 2B are simply illustrated in
order to explain laminate relationships between a display panel and
functional units composing the display device DD.
[0069] The display device DD may include a display panel, an input
sensor, anti-reflector and a window. In addition, the display
device DD additionally includes a retarder separated from the
anti-reflector. The added retarder is disposed between the
anti-reflector and the window, and an adhesion member is disposed
between the anti-reflector and the retarder.
[0070] At least a part of components including the display panel,
the input sensor, the anti-reflector, and the window may be formed
in a consecutive process, or at least a part of the components may
be combined with each other through the adhesion member. FIG. 2A
exemplarily illustrates an optically clear adhesive (OCA) as the
adhesion member. An adhesion member to be described below may
include a typical adhesive or a gluing agent, and may include all
of sheet types and resin type ones. In some exemplary embodiments
of the invention, the optically clear adhesive (OCA) may be a
pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).
[0071] In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the input sensor, the anti-reflector,
and the window, may be formed through a consecutive process with
other components in which case they are represented as "a layer".
The input sensor, the anti-reflector, and the window, may be
connected with other components through an adhesion member, in
which case they are represented as "a panel". The "panel" structure
includes a base layer that provides a base surface, for example, a
synthetic resin film, a composite material film, a glass substrate,
or the like. On the other hand, in the "layer" structure, the base
layer may be omitted. In other words, a component described as a
"layer" is disposed on a base surface provided by another unit.
[0072] Accordingly, the input sensor, the anti-reflector, and the
window including the base layer may be referred to as an input
sensing panel, a reflection prevention panel, and a window panel,
or the input sensor, the anti-reflector, and the window not
including the base layer may be referred to as an input sensing
layer, a reflection prevention layer, and a window layer,
respectively, according to presence or absence of the base
layer.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 2A, the display device DD may include a
display panel DP, an input sensing layer ISL, a reflection
prevention panel RPP, a retarder RTD-U (hereinafter, an upper
retarder), and a window panel WP. The input sensing layer ISL may
be directly disposed on the display panel DP. In the specification,
use of "component B being directly disposed on component A" means
that a separate adhesion layer/adhesion member is not disposed
between component A and component B. In other words, component B is
provided through a consecutive process on a base surface provided
by component A, after component A is provided.
[0074] The display panel DP and the input sensing layer ISL are
defined as the display module DM. The optical clear adhesive OCA is
disposed between the display module DM and the reflection
prevention panel RPP, between the reflection prevention and the
upper retarder RTD-U, and between the upper retarder RTD-U and the
window panel.
[0075] The display panel DP generates an image and the input
sensing layer ISL acquires coordinate information on an external
input (e.g., a touch event). The input sensing layer ISL may be a
touch sensing sensor for sensing a touch by a user, or a
fingerprint sensing sensor for sensing fingerprint information on a
user's finger. The display module DM may further include a
protection member disposed in the lower surface of the display
panel DP. The protection member and the display panel DP may be
combined through an adhesion member. Also, the display devices DD
in FIG. 2B to be explained hereinafter may further include a
protection member.
[0076] The display panel DP may be a light emission type display
panel, but is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the
display panel DP may be an organic light emitting display panel or
a quantum dot light emitting display panel or any other known
display panel. The light emitting layer of the organic light
emitting display panel includes an organic light emitting material.
The light emitting layer of the quantum dot light emitting display
panel may include a quantum dot and a quantum rod. Hereinafter the
display panel DP will be described as an organic light emitting
display panel.
[0077] The reflection prevention panel RPP reduces a reflection
ratio of external light input from an upper side of the window
panel WP. The reflection prevention panel RPP may include at least
one retarder (hereinafter, a lower retarder) and a polarizer.
[0078] The upper retarder TRD-U and at least one lower retarder may
be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type. The polarizer may
also be a film type or a liquid crystal type. The film type may
include a stretched synthetic resin film, and a liquid crystal
coating type may include a base layer and a liquid crystal layer
aligned on one surface of the base layer. The retarder and the
polarizer may further include a support film and/or a protection
film.
[0079] The window panel WP according to an exemplary embodiment of
the invention includes a base layer WP-BS and a bezel pattern
WP-BZ. The base layer WP-BS may include a glass substrate and/or a
synthetic resin film, etc. The base layer WP-BS is not limited to a
single layer. The base layer WP-BS may include two or more films
combined through the adhesion member.
[0080] The base layer WP-BS may not have phase retardation or may
have a low phase retardation. The glass substrate may not
substantially have phase retardation. A synthetic film such as PET
or PI may have a low phase retardation of about 500 nm or smaller.
As a result, the base layer WP-BS may have a phase retardation of
about 0 nm to about 500 nm at about 550 nm wavelength.
[0081] The bezel pattern WP-BZ partially overlaps the base layer
WP-BS. The bezel pattern WP-BZ is disposed on the rear surface of
the base layer WP-BS and may define a Bezel area, namely, a
non-display area DD-NDA (see FIG. 1A) of the display device DD.
[0082] The bezel pattern WP-BZ may be formed with a colored organic
film, for example, in a coating manner. The bezel pattern WP-BZ may
include a multi-layered organic film. On a part of the organic
films, a prescribed pattern may be formed. The window panel WP may
further include a functional coating layer disposed on a front
surface of the base layer WP-BS. The functional coating layer may
include a fingerprint prevention layer, a reflection prevention
layer, and a hard coating layer, etc.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 2B, the display device DD may include a
display panel DP, an input sensing layer ISL, a reflection
prevention layer RPL, an upper retarder RTD-U, and a window panel
WP. Here, the reflection prevention layer RPL is a liquid crystal
coating type, and may include a liquid crystal layer directly
aligned on the upper surface of the input sensing layer ISL. The
reflection prevention layer RPL may include a plurality of liquid
crystal layers.
[0084] The window panel WP in an exemplary embodiment of the
invention may be modified to a window layer coated on the upper
retarder.
[0085] FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of the reflection
prevention panel RPP according to an exemplary embodiment of the
invention. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the reflection prevention
panel RPP in a panel type.
[0086] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the reflection prevention panel
RPP may include a stretched polarizer. The stretched polarizer may
include a Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) film 100 containing iodine or a
dichroic dye. The reflection prevention panel RPP may include a
protection film 200. The protection film 200 may be a Tri-Acetyl
Cellulose (TAC) film. The reflection prevention panel RPP is
exemplarily illustrated in which the protection film 200 is
disposed only one surface of the PVA film 100, but the inventive
concepts are not limited thereto. On the other hand, the liquid
crystal type polarizer may include an O-type polarizing layer in
which a liquid-crystalline composition containing a dichroic
material and a liquid-crystalline compound is aligned in a certain
direction, and an E type polarizing layer in which lyotropic liquid
crystals are aligned in a certain direction. The polarizing layers
are aligned on the protection film. Here, the protection film 200
corresponds to a base layer.
[0087] The reflection prevention panel RPP may include a .lamda./2
retarder, as the lower retarder RTD-L, and a .lamda./4 retarder.
The PVA film 100 may be combined with the .lamda./2 retarder
through the adhesion member OCA. The .lamda./4 retarder is disposed
on a lower side of the .lamda./2 retarder. After an alignment film
is provided on the base layer, a liquid crystal layer is formed so
as to implement the .lamda./2 retarder. After the liquid crystal
layer is cured, the base layer may be removed, and the alignment
film and the liquid crystal layer may be combined to the adhesion
member OCA.
[0088] After the alignment film is provided to the base layer, a
liquid crystal layer is provided to implement the .lamda./4
retarder. After the liquid crystal layer is cured, the base layer
may be removed, and the alignment film and the liquid crystal layer
may be combined to the .lamda./2 retarder. An adhesion layer may be
further disposed between the .lamda./2 retarder and the .lamda./4
retarder.
[0089] The liquid crystal layers of the .lamda./2 retarder and the
.lamda./4 retarder may include a reactive liquid crystal monomer
(e.g., calamitic mesogen expressing a nematic liquid crystal
phase), and the alignment film may include polyimide or polyamide.
In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid crystal layers of the
.lamda./2 retarder and the .lamda./4 retarder may include a
photo-reactive polymer having refractive index anisotropy. Here,
the alignment film may be omitted.
[0090] Although the .lamda./2 retarder and the .lamda./4 retarder
of the liquid crystal coating type are illustrated, an adhesion
member may be further disposed between the .lamda./2 retarder and
the .lamda./4 retarder of a film type. In the illustrated
embodiment, each of the .lamda./2 retarder and the .lamda./4
retarder may be a positive dispersion type retarder in which as a
wavelength increases, a phase retardation decreases.
[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the reflection prevention panel
RPP may include, as the lower retarder RTD-L, a negative dispersion
type .lamda./4 retarder that replaces the .lamda./2 retarder and
.lamda./4 retarder of the positive dispersion type. The negative
dispersion type .lamda./4 retarder may also be a film type or a
liquid crystal coating type.
[0092] FIG. 4A is a plan view of relationships between the optical
axes of the display device DD according to an exemplary embodiment
of the invention. FIGS. 4B and 4C show light polarization states of
the display device DD according to an exemplary embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 4D is a photograph showing a blackout defect in a
display device when wearing polarized sunglasses. FIG. 4E is a
photograph of a rainbow mura defect. FIG. 4F is a photograph of a
discoloration defect in a folding part of a display device.
[0093] FIG. 4A illustrates optical axes of the display device DD
including the reflection prevention panel RPP shown in FIG. 3A. In
the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a folding axis FX is
illustrated to be generally parallel to the second directional axis
DR2 that is a short axis of the display device DD. A reference axis
RX is perpendicular to the folding axis FX, and the reference axis
RX and the folding axis FX may define a quadrant. In the exemplary
embodiment, a polarization axis TX of the polarizer may be parallel
to the folding axis FX. The polarization axis TX may be a
transmission axis or an absorption axis, and hereinafter
descriptions will be provided as the transmission axis.
[0094] As illustrated in FIG. 4B, external light that is not
polarized is incident to the display device DD. The external light
passes through the window panel WP and the upper retarder RTD-U. In
the illustrated embodiment, the upper retarder RTD-U may be a
.lamda./4 retarder. The .lamda./4 retarder may be a negative
dispersion type or a positive dispersion type.
[0095] The external light passes through the polarizer POL to be
linearly polarized. The liner polarization becomes left-circularly
polarized while passing through the lower retarder RTD-L. The lower
retarder RTD-L may include a first lower retarder RTD-L1 and a
second lower retarder RTD-L2. The first lower retarder RTD-L1 and
the second lower retarder RTD-L2 may be a positive dispersion type
.lamda./4 retarder and a negative dispersion type .lamda./4
retarder, respectively.
[0096] The left circular polarization becomes right-circularly
polarized after being reflected by the display module DM. In the
illustrated embodiment, descriptions are provided as the left
circular polarization and the right circular polarization, but when
the left circular polarization is a circular polarization, the
right circular polarization may be a reverse circular
polarization.
[0097] The right circular polarization becomes linearly polarized,
while passing through the lower retarder RTD-L. Here, the linear
polarization is perpendicular to the transmission axis of the
polarizer POL. In this way, the external light may be suppressed
from being reflected.
[0098] As illustrated in FIG. 4C, light (or an image IMG, see FIG.
1A) generated in the emission type display module DM is not
polarized yet. The light generated in the emission type display
module DM passes through the lower retarder RTD-L. The light
generated in the emission type display module DM becomes linearly
polarized while passing through the polarizer POL. The liner
polarization may become left-circularly polarized while passing
through the upper retarder RTD-U. The left circular polarization
passes through the window panel WP to be provided to the user.
[0099] In the illustrated embodiment, since the display device DD
includes the upper retarder RTD-U, the external light reflection
ratio becomes lowered and the user may also perceive an image, even
when wearing polarized sunglasses.
[0100] When there is no the upper retarder RTD-U, the user may not
acquire the image in any one of a horizontal state or a vertical
state of the display device DD, as shown in FIG. 4D. This is
because a linearly polarized image may not be transmitted through
the polarized sunglasses in any one of the above-described states
(in this case, the polarization axis of the linearly polarized
image becomes perpendicular to the polarization axis of the
polarized sunglasses). According to the illustrated embodiment,
since a circularly polarized image reaches the polarized
sunglasses, the user may perceive an image in both of the
horizontal state and the vertical state.
[0101] In FIG. 4C, when the window panel WP has a low phase
retardation, a rainbow mura defect or phenomenon of FIG. 4E may
occur. This is because the window panel WP modifies the left
circular polarization. Due to the phase retardation in the window
panel WP, the left circular polarization is modified to left-handed
elliptical polarization.
[0102] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper retarder RTD-U may
include a high phase retardation film. The upper retarder RTD-U of
the high phase retardation film may prevent or suppress the rainbow
mura defect or phenomenon illustrated in FIG. 4E. When passing
through the polarizing plate of the polarized sunglasses, the
left-handed elliptical polarization may be linearly polarized
again, and at this point, the rainbow mura defect or phenomenon may
occur due to a transmittance difference according to a wavelength.
However, the high phase retardation film improves the transmittance
in the entire wavelength band of visible light and thus the rainbow
mura phenomenon may be prevented or suppressed.
[0103] The high phase retardation film has a phase retardation of
about 5000 nm or longer at about 550 nm wavelength. Typically, the
high phase retardation film has a phase retardation from about 5000
nm to about 11000 nm at about 550 nm wavelength.
[0104] When the high phase retardation film is applied to the upper
retarder RTD-U, unlike the description provided in relation to FIG.
4C, the linear polarization is not changed to a left circular
polarization type, even when passing through the upper retarder
RTD-U. But while the linear polarization passes through the high
phase retardation film, linear polarization characteristics
substantially disappear. Therefore, the user may perceive the image
while wearing polarized sunglasses.
[0105] FIG. 4F shows a discoloration phenomenon occurring in the
folding area FA. Such a discoloration phenomenon occurs, because an
angle between a slow axis QX-L (see FIG. 4A) of the positive
dispersion type .lamda./4 retarder RTD-L1 and a slow axis HX of the
positive dispersion type .lamda./2 retarder RTD-L2 (see FIG. 4A) is
changed, when the display device DD is repeatedly folded and
unfolded. In other words, this is because the angle between the
slow axis QX-L and the slow axis HX increases due to a tensile
force, or the angle between the slow axis QX-L and the slow axis HX
decreases due to a compression force. This presupposes that the
slow axis QX-L of the positive dispersion type .lamda./4 retarder
RTD-L1 and the slow axis HX of the positive dispersion type V2
retarder RTD-L2 are defined on different quadrants.
[0106] As shown in FIG. 4A, the slow axis QX-L of the positive
dispersion type .lamda./4 retarder RTD-L1 and the slow axis HX of
the positive dispersion type .lamda./2 retarder RTD-L2 may be
defined on the same quadrant in quadrants defined by the reference
axis RX and the folding axis FX. As shown in FIG. 4A, the slow axis
QX-L of the positive dispersion type .lamda./4 retarder RTD-L1 and
the slow axis HX of the positive dispersion type .lamda./2 retarder
RTD-L2 may be defined on the same quadrant. Then, even when the
display device DD is repeatedly folded, the angle between the slow
axis QX-L of the positive dispersion type .lamda./4 retarder RTD-L1
and the slow axis HX of the positive dispersion type .lamda./2
retarder RTD-L2 may not be substantially changed.
[0107] An angle .theta.1 between the polarization axis TX of the
polarizer POL and the slow axis QX-L of the .lamda./4 retarder
RTD-L1 may be about 7.5 degrees to about 17.5 degrees. An angle
.theta.2 between the slow axis QX-L of the .lamda./4 retarder
RTD-L1 and the slow axis HX of the .lamda./2 retarder RTD-L2 may be
about 50 degrees to about 70 degrees.
[0108] At this point, the slow axis QX-U of the upper retarder may
have a prescribed angle with the polarization axis TX of the
polarizer POL. An angle .theta.3 between the slow axis QX-U of the
upper retarder and the polarization axis TX of the polarizer POL
may be about 10 degrees to about 75 degrees.
[0109] When the lower retarder RTD-L includes the negative
dispersion type .lamda./4 retarder shown in FIG. 3B, the same
effect as described in relation to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, and 4F
may be obtained. The slow axis of the lower retarder RTD-L may form
an angle of about 45 degrees with the polarization axis TX of the
polarizer POL.
[0110] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display device DD
constructed according to exemplary embodiments of the invention.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of the upper retarders
RTD-U constructed according to exemplary embodiments of the
invention.
[0111] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the cross-section of the
foldable display device DD shown in FIGS. 1A, 1A, 2A, and 2B. As a
folding operation is repeatedly performed, a defect may occur in
the foldable display device DD. In the illustrated embodiment, the
display device DD satisfying the following conditions may improve
shock resistance and flexibility.
[0112] The thickness from the upper surface of the display module
DM or the lower surface of the adhesion member OCA contacting the
display module DM to the upper surface of a window, namely, the
window panel WP in the illustrated embodiment may be about 130
.mu.m to about 540 .mu.m. In the display device DD shown in FIG.
2A, the thickness from the upper surface of the input sensing layer
ISL to the upper surface of the window WM may be about 130 .mu.m to
about 540 .mu.m. In the display device DD shown in FIG. 2B, the
thickness from the upper surface of the reflection prevention layer
RPL to the upper surface of the window WM may be about 130 .mu.m to
540 .mu.m. When the window panel WP includes a functional coating
layer, the upper surface of the window panel WP corresponds to the
upper surface of the functional coating layer. Here, the thickness
of the window panel WP may be about 30 .mu.m to about 130 .mu.m.
When the thickness of the window panel is greater than about 130
.mu.m, a crack may occur at the time of evaluating flexibility, and
when smaller than about 30 .mu.m, a dent defect may occur at the
time of evaluating the shock resistance. The shock resistance
evaluation has been performed through a metal ball drop
evaluation.
[0113] The flexibility testing was performed under conditions as
Table 1 for the display device DD of the structure shown in FIG.
5.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Structure 1 2 3 WP(.mu.m) 130 90 60
RTD-U(.mu.m) 50 50 50 PSA1 to P8A3(.mu.m) 50 50 50 RPP(.mu.m) 30 30
30 Reliability NG(crack occurs) OK OK
[0114] The thickness of the adhesion member OCA may be about 5
.mu.m to about 100 .mu.m. When the thickness of the adhesion member
is greater than about 100 .mu.m, detachment has occurred at the
time of evaluating flexibility, and when smaller than about 5
.mu.m, a dent defect has occurred at the time of evaluating the
shock resistance.
[0115] The flexibility testing was performed under conditions in
which the upper retarder RTD-U had a thickness of about 50 .mu.m,
the window panel WP had about 60 .mu.m thickness, and the
reflection prevention panel RPP had about 30 .mu.m thickness in the
display device DD of the structure shown in FIG. 5. A pressure
sensitive member was applied as the adhesion member OCA. Among
three pressure-sensitive adhesion members PSA1, PSA2, and PSA3, a
pressure-sensitive adhesion member contacting the display module
was a first pressure-sensitive adhesion member PSA1. The results
are shown in the following Tables 2 to 4.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Structure 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 PSA1 (.mu.m) 150
125 150 135 150 125 135 150 100 PSA2 (.mu.m) 100 75 75 75 75 50 50
50 25 PSA3 (.mu.m) 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 Reliability NG NG NG
NG NG NG NG NG OK (detachment (detachment occurred) did not
occur)
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Structure 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 PSA1
(.mu.m) 100 50 25 100 75 50 100 25 100 PSA2 (.mu.m) 25 50 75 50 50
50 75 75 50 PSA3 (.mu.m) 25 50 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 Reliability OK
OK OK OK OK OK OK OK OK
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Structure 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 PSA1
(.mu.m) 100 75 50 50 25 50 50 50 50 PSA2 (.mu.m) 75 75 100 75 100
100 125 130 150 PSA3 (.mu.m) 25 25 25 25 25 50 50 50 50 Reliability
OK OK OK OK OK OK NG NG NG
[0116] The thickness of the upper retarder RTD-U may be about 1
.mu.m to about 80 .mu.m. When the thickness of the upper retarder
RTD-U is greater than about 80 .mu.m, detachment occurred during
flexibility testing. Even when the upper retarder RTD-U is
manufactured in a liquid crystal coating manner, it is
substantially difficult to manufacture the same with the thickness
thinner than about 1 .mu.m.
[0117] The flexibility testing was performed under conditions as
[Table 5] for the display device DD having the structure shown in
FIG. 5.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Structure 1 2 3 4 WP(.mu.m) 60 60 60 60
RTD-U(.mu.m) 80 60 55 30 PSA1 to P8A3(.mu.m) 50 50 50 50 RPP(.mu.m)
30 30 30 30 Reliability NG (detachment OK OK OK occurred)
[0118] In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the
reflection prevention panel RPP as the anti-reflector may be from
about 1 .mu.m to about 50 .mu.m. When the thickness of the
reflection prevention panel RPP is greater than about 50 .mu.m,
detachment occurred during flexibility testing. Even when the
anti-reflector is manufactured in a liquid crystal coating manner,
it is substantially difficult to manufacture the same with the
thickness thinner than about 1 .mu.m.
[0119] FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of the upper
retarder RTD-U according to an exemplary embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 6A illustrates a stretched .lamda./4 retarder RTD-U
of a film type, and FIG. 6B illustrates a .lamda./4 retarder RTD-U
of a liquid crystal coating type. The .lamda./4 retarder RTD-U of
the liquid crystal coating type includes a base film BF and a
liquid crystal phase retardation layer LL.
[0120] In order to improve flexibility and reliability of the upper
retarder RTD-U, the upper retarder RTD-U has a Young's modulus of
about 4 GPa to about 100 GPa. Particularly, the Young's modulus is
about 4 GPa to about 15 GPa. The value of the Young's modulus is
measured at about 25.degree. C. In the retarder RTD-U of the liquid
crystal coating type, the base film BF has a Young's modulus in the
above-described range. The upper retarder RTD-U formed from a high
phase retardation film has also a Young's modulus in the
above-described range in order to improve the flexibility and
reliability.
[0121] The flexibility testing was performed under conditions in
which the window panel WP had about 50 .mu.m thickness, the upper
retarder RTD-U has about 50 .mu.m thickness, the reflection
prevention panel RPP had about 50 .mu.m thickness, and the adhesion
member OCA had about 50 .mu.m thickness in the display device DD of
the structure shown in FIG. 5. The results are as the following of
Table 6.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Young's modulus of upper Environmental
Environmental Environmental retarder RTD-U condition 1 condition 2
condition 3 6 Gpa OK (detachment OK OK did not occur) 4 Gpa OK OK
OK 3.7 Gpa OK OK 1/2 NG 3.3 Gpa OK OK 2/2 NG 3 Gpa 1/4 NG 3/4 NG
2/2 NG (detachment occurred)
[0122] The environmental condition 1 exposed the display device in
a folded state in an environment of about 60.degree. C. temperature
and about 93% humidity for 240 hours. The environmental condition 2
alternately exposed the display device in a folded state in an
environment of about 60.degree. C. temperature and an environment
of about -10.degree. C. temperature. The environmental condition 3
exposed the display device in a folded state in an environment of
70.degree. C. temperature for 72 hours.
[0123] For the upper retarder having a Young's modulus of 3.7 GPa,
a defect occurred in one of two specimens in the environmental
condition 3.
[0124] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a display showing a relationship
between the optical axes of the display device DD according to an
exemplary embodiment of the invention. Hereinafter, detailed
descriptions about the same configurations as those described in
relation to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E,
4F, 5, 6A, and 6B will be omitted to avoid redundancy.
[0125] According to the illustrated embodiment, the polarization
axis TX of the polarizer forms an angle with the folding axis FX.
For example, the angle may be about 45 degrees. According to the
illustrated embodiment, even when the user wears polarized
sunglasses, the blackout defect or phenomenon shown in FIG. 4D does
not occur. This is because the folding axis FX is not perpendicular
to the transmission axis of the polarized sunglasses in a
horizontal state or in a vertical state.
[0126] In the illustrated embodiment, the lower retarder RTD-U may
include a negative dispersion type .lamda./4 retarder. The slow
axis QX-L of the negative dispersion type .lamda./4 retarder may
form about 45 degrees with the polarization axis TX of the
polarizer. The lower retarder RTD-L may include one retarder to
prevent or suppress a discoloration phenomenon from occurring in
the folding area.
[0127] In the illustrated embodiment, when the window has low phase
retardation, the upper retarder RTD-U may include a high phase
retardation film. Accordingly, a rainbow mura defect or phenomenon
may be prevented or suppressed. In the illustrated embodiment,
"about 45 degrees" includes a range of tolerance due to
manufacturing process errors that may occurring when targeting 45
degrees.
[0128] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the display panel DP
constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8B is a plan view of the display panel DP of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C
is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the display panel
DP of FIG. 8A.
[0129] As shown in FIG. 8A, the display panel DP includes a base
layer BL, a circuit is element layer DP-CL disposed on the base
layer BL, a display element layer DP-OLED disposed on the circuit
element layer DP-CL, and an insulation layer TFL (hereinafter,
defined as an upper insulation layer) disposed on the display
element layer DP-OLED.
[0130] The base layer BL may include a synthetic resin film. The
synthetic resin layer is formed on a working substrate used for
manufacturing the display panel DP. Then a conduction layer and the
insulation layer are formed on the synthetic resin layer. When the
working substrate is removed, the synthetic resin layer corresponds
to the base layer BL. The synthetic resin layer may be a
polyimide-based resin layer, but the material is not particularly
limited. The base layer BL may include a glass substrate, a metal
substrate, or an organic/inorganic composite material substrate,
etc.
[0131] The circuit element layer DP-CL includes at least one
insulation layer and a circuit element. Hereinafter, the insulation
layer included in the circuit element layer DP-CL is referred to as
an intermediate insulation layer. The intermediate insulation layer
includes at least one intermediate inorganic film and/or at least
one intermediate organic film. The circuit element includes signal
lines and a driving circuit of a pixel, etc. The circuit element
layer DP-CL may be formed through a process of forming an
insulation layer, a semiconductor layer and a conduction layer by
coating and deposition, etc., a photolithography process for the
insulation layer, and a patterning process for the semiconductor
layer and the conduction layer.
[0132] The display element layer DP-OLED includes a light emitting
element. The display element layer DP-OLED may include an organic
light emitting diode as the light emitting element or other known
element. The display element layer DP-OLED includes, for example,
an organic material as a pixel definition layer.
[0133] As to be described later, the upper insulation layer TFL may
include a thin film encapsulation layer configured to encapsulate
the circuit element layer DP-CL. The upper insulation layer TFL may
further include functional layers such as a capping layer, a
reflection prevention layer or a refractive index adjusting layer,
etc.
[0134] As illustrated in FIG. 8B, the display panel DP includes the
display area DP-DA and the non-display area DP-NDA on a plane. In
the illustrated embodiment, the non-display area DP-NDA may be
defined along an edge of the display area DP-DA. The display area
DD-DA and the non-display area DP-NDA of the display panel DP
respectively correspond to the display area DD-DA and the
non-display area DD-NDA of the display device DD illustrated in
FIGS. 1A to 2B.
[0135] The display panel DP may include a driving circuit GDC, a
plurality number of signal lines SGL (hereinafter, signal lines)
and a plurality of pixels PX (hereinafter, pixels). The pixels PX
are disposed in the display area DP-DA. Each of the pixels PX
includes a light emitting element and a pixel driving circuit
connected thereto. The driving circuit GDC, the signal lines SGL,
and the pixel driving circuit may be included in the circuit
element layer DP-CL illustrated in FIG. 3A.
[0136] The driving circuit GDC may include a scanning driving
circuit. The scanning driving circuit generates a plurality of
scanning signals (hereinafter, scanning signals), and sequentially
outputs the scanning signals to a plurality of scanning lines GL
(hereinafter, ici scanning lines) to be described later. The
scanning driving circuit may further output another control signal
to the driving circuit of the pixels PX.
[0137] The scan driving unit may include a plurality of thin-film
transistors formed through a process identical to that of the
driving circuit of the pixels PX, for example, a Low Temperature
Polycrystalline Silicon (LTPS) process or a Low Temperature
Polycrystalline Oxide (LTPO) process.
[0138] The signal lines SGL include the scanning lines GL, data
lines DL, a power supply line PL and a control signal line CSL. The
scanning lines GL are respectively connected to corresponding
pixels PX from among the pixels PX, and the data lines DL are
respectively connected to corresponding pixels PX from among the
pixels PX. The power supply line PL is connected to the pixels PX.
The control signal line CSL may provide control signals to the
scanning driving circuit.
[0139] The signal lines SGL may be connected to a circuit board not
illustrated. And the signal lines SGL may be connected to a timing
control circuit of an integrated chip type mounted on the circuit
board. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, such an
integrated chip may be disposed in the non-display area DP-NDA to
be connected to the signal lines SGL.
[0140] As shown in FIG. 8C, the circuit element layer DP-CL may
include a buffer layer BFL that is an inorganic layer, a first
intermediate inorganic layer 10 and a second intermediate inorganic
layer 20, and an intermediate organic layer 30 that is an organic
layer. FIG. 8C exemplarily illustrates disposition relationships
among a first semiconductor pattern OSP1 that composes a switching
transistor T1 and a driving transistor T2, a second semiconductor
pattern OSP2, a first control electrode GE1, a second control
electrode GE2, a first input electrode DE1, a first output
electrode SE1, a second input electrode DE2, and a second output
electrode SE2. First to fourth through holes CH1 to CH4 are also
exemplarily illustrated.
[0141] The display element layer DP-OLED includes a light emitting
element. The display element layer DP-OLED may include an organic
light emitting diode OLED as the light emitting element or other
known element. The display element layer DP-OLED includes a pixel
definition layer. For example, the pixel definition layer may be an
organic layer.
[0142] A first electrode AE is disposed on the intermediate organic
layer 30. The first electrode AE is connected to the second output
electrode SE2 through a fifth through hole CH5 penetrating through
the intermediate organic layer 30. An opening part OP is defined in
the pixel definition layer PDL. The opening part OP of the pixel
definition layer PDL exposes at least a part of the first electrode
AE. The opening part OP of the pixel definition layer PDL is named
as a light emission opening part in order to be distinguished from
other opening parts.
[0143] The pixel panel DP may include a light emission area PXA and
a non-light emission area NPXA adjacent to the light emission area
PXA. The non-light emission area NPXA may surround the light
emission area PXA. The light emission area PXA in the illustrated
embodiment is defined to correspond to a part of the first
electrode AE exposed by the light emission opening part OP.
[0144] A hole control layer HCL may be commonly disposed on the
light emission area PXA and the non-light emission area NPXA. The
hole control layer HCL may include a hole transport layer, and
further include a hole injection layer. A light emission layer EML
is disposed on the hole control layer HCL. The light emission layer
EML may be disposed on an area corresponding to the light emission
opening part OP. In other words, the light emission layer EML may
be separately formed in each of the plurality of pixels. The light
emission layer EML may include an organic material and/or an
inorganic material. The light emission layer EML may generate
prescribed colored light.
[0145] An electron control layer ECL is disposed on the light
emission layer EML. An electron control layer ECL may include a
hole transport layer, and further include a hole injection layer.
The hole control layer HCL and the electron control layer ECL may
be commonly formed in a plurality of pixels using an open mask. The
second electrode CE is disposed on the electron control layer ECL.
The second electrode CE is commonly disposed in the plurality of
pixels PX.
[0146] The upper insulation layer TFL is disposed on the second
electrode CE. The upper insulation layer TFL may include a
plurality of thin films (hereinafter, first thin films). As in the
illustrated embodiment, the plurality of thin films may include a
thin film encapsulation layer and a capping layer that are
functionally distinguished from each other. The thin film
encapsulation layer TFE may include an inorganic layer/an organic
layer/an inorganic layer. A refractive index adjustment layer may
be further disposed between the second electrode CE and the thin
film encapsulation layer TFE, and may include the same material as
the organic material of the organic light emitting diode OLED.
[0147] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the display device DD
constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9B is a plan view of the input sensing layer ISL constructed
according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9C is a
cross-sectional view of an area BB of the input sensing layer ISL
according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9D is a
plan view of the area BB of the input sensing layer ISL according
to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0148] FIG. 9A simply illustrates the display panel DP and the
reflection prevention layer RPL in order to explain the laminate
relationship of the input sensing layer ISL. The input sensing
layer ISL includes at least a sensing electrode. The input sensing
layer ISL may further include a signal line connected to the
sensing electrode and at least one insulation layer (or a second
thin film). The input sensing layer ISL may sense an external input
in, for example, a capacitive manner. The operation of the input
sensing layer ISL is not particularly limited, and the input
sensing layer ISL in an exemplary embodiment of the invention may
sense an external input in an electromagnetic inductive manner or a
pressure sensing manner.
[0149] As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the input sensing layer ISL may
include a first conductive layer IS-CL1, a first insulation layer
IS-IL1, a second conductive layer IS-CL2, and a second insulation
layer IS-IL2. Each of the first conductive layer IS_CL1 and the
second conductive layer IS-CL2 may have a single-layered structure
or have a multi-layered structure laminated along a third
directional axis DR3. The conductive layer of the single-layered
structure may include a metal layer or a transparent conductive
layer. The metal layer may include molybdenum, silver, titanium,
copper, aluminum, and an alloy thereof. The transparent conductive
layer may include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin
oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide ZnO, or indium tin
zinc oxide (ITZO). Besides, the transparent conductive layer may
include a conductive polymer such as PEDOT, a metal nano-wire, or
graphene.
[0150] The conductive layer of the multi-layered structure may
include multi-metal-layers. For example, the multi-metal-layers may
have a three-layered structure of titanium/aluminum/titanium. The
conductive layer of the multi-layered structure may include at
least one metal layer and at least one transparent conductive
layer.
[0151] Each of the first conductive layer IS-CL1 and the second
conductive layer IS-CP2 includes a plurality of patterns.
Hereinafter, descriptions will be provided about that the first
conductive layer IS-CL1 includes first conductive patterns and the
second conductive layer IS-CL2 includes second conductive patterns.
Each of the first conductive patterns and the second conductive
patterns may include sensing electrodes and signal lines.
[0152] Each of the sensing electrodes including metal layers may
have a mesh shape, as to be described later, in order to prevent or
suppress from being visually perceived by a user. On the other
hand, the thickness of the upper insulation layer TFL may be
adjusted so that a noise generated by the configuration of the
display element layer DP-OLED does not affect the input sensing
layer ISL. Each of the first insulation layer IS-IL1 and the second
insulation layer IS-IL2 may have a single layered or multi-layered
structure. Each of the first insulation layer IS-IL1 and the second
insulation layer IS-IL2 may include an inorganic material, an
organic material, or a composite material.
[0153] At least one of the first insulation layer IS-IL1 and the
second insulation layer IS-IL2 may include an inorganic layer. The
inorganic layer may include at least any one of aluminum oxide,
titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide,
and hafnium oxide.
[0154] At least one of the first insulation layer IS-IL1 and the
second insulation layer IS-IL2 may include an organic layer. The
organic layer may include at least one of an acrylic based resin, a
meta-acrylic based resin, polyisoprene, a vinyl based resin, an
epoxy based resin, an urethane based resin, a cellulose based
resin, a siloxane based resin, a polyimide based resin, a polyamide
resin, and a parylene based resin.
[0155] As shown in FIG. 9B, the input sensing layer ISL may include
first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-5, first signal lines SL1-1
to SL1-5 connected to the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to 1E1-5,
second sensing electrodes 1E2-1 to 1E2-4, and second signal lines
SL2-1 to SL2-4 connected to the second sensing electrodes 1E2-1 to
1E2-4. The input sensing layer ISL may further include optical
dummy electrodes disposed in a boundary area between the first
sensing electrodes IE1-1 to 1E1-5 and the second sensing electrodes
1E2-1 to 1E2-4.
[0156] The first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to 1E1-5 and the second
sensing electrodes 1E2-1 to 1E2-4 intersect with each other. The
first sensing electrodes TE1-1 to TE1-5 are arrayed in a first
direction DR1, each of which has a shape extended toward a second
direction DR2. The sensing electrodes may sense an external input
in a mutual cap type or a self cap type. After coordinates of the
mutual cap type external input are calculated during a first
period, coordinates of self cap type external input may be
recalculated during a second period.
[0157] Each of the first sensing electrodes 1E2-1 to IE1-5 includes
first sensing parts SP1 and first connection parts CP1. Each of the
second sensing electrodes 1E2-1 to 1E2-4 includes second sensing
parts SP2 and second connection parts CP2. Among the first sensing
parts SP1, two first sensing parts disposed at both ends of the
first electrode may have the smaller size than the first sensor
unit disposed at the center, for example, a half thereof. Among the
second sensing parts SP2, two second sensing parts disposed at both
ends of the second electrode may have the smaller size than the
second sensor unit disposed at the center, for example, a half
thereof.
[0158] FIG. 9B illustrates the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to
1E1-5 and the second sensing electrodes 1E2-1 to 1E2-5 according to
an exemplary embodiment, but the shapes thereof are not limited.
The first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to 1E1-5 and the second sensing
electrodes 1E2-1 to 1E2-5 may have a shape (e.g., a bar shape) in
which a sensor unit and a connection unit are not divided. The
first sensing parts SP1 and the second sensing parts SP2 having a
diamond shape are exemplarily illustrated, but the shape is not
limited thereto. The first sensing parts SP1 and the second sensing
parts SP2 may have another polygonal shape.
[0159] Within one first sensing electrode, the first sensing parts
SP1 are arrayed along the second direction DR2, and within one
second sensing electrode, the second sensing parts SP2 are arrayed
along the first direction DR1. Each of the first connection parts
connects the adjacent first sensing parts SP1 and each of the
second connection parts CP2 connects the adjacent second sensing
parts SP2.
[0160] The first signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-5 are respectively
connected to one ends of the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to
1E1-5. The second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-4 are respectively
connected to both ends of the second sensing electrodes 1E2-1 to
1E2-4. The first signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-5 may also be connected
to both ends of the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-5,
respectively. The second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-4 may be
connected only to one ends of the second sensing electrodes 1E2-1
to 1E2-4, respectively.
[0161] According to the illustrated embodiment, sensing sensitivity
may be improved in comparison to an input sensing layer ISL that
includes the second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-4 respectively
connected only to one ends of the second sensing electrodes 1E2-1
to 1E2-4. Since the second sensing electrodes 1E2-1 to 1E2-4 are
longer than the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to 1E1-4, a voltage
drop occurs in a detection signal (or a transmission signal) and
accordingly, the sensing sensitivity may be lowered. According to
the illustrated embodiment, since the detection signal (or the
transmission signal) is provided through the second signal lines
SL2-1 to SL2-4 connected to both ends of the second sensing
electrodes 1E2-1 to 1E2-4, the voltage drop of the detection signal
(or the transmission signal) may be prevented or suppressed and
thus the sensing sensitivity may be prevented or suppressed from
being lowered.
[0162] The first signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-5 and the second signal
lines SL2-1 to SL2-4 may include line units SL-L and pad units
SL-P. The pad units SL-P may be arranged in the pad area
NDA-PD.
[0163] On the other hand, in the first signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-5,
the second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-4 may be replaced by a circuit
board, etc., that is separately manufactured and combined.
[0164] As shown in FIG. 9C, the first conduction layer IS-CL1
includes first connection parts CP1. The second conduction layer
IS-CL2 includes first sensing parts SP1 and the second connection
parts CP2. The second conduction layer IS-CL2 further includes
second sensing parts SP2. Each of the second sensing electrodes
1E2-1 to 1E2-4 may have a one body shape. The first sensing parts
SP1 are separated from the second sensing electrodes 1E2-1 to
1E2-4.
[0165] The conductive patterns disposed on an identical layer may
be formed through an identical process, and include an identical
material, and have an identical laminate structure. The lamination
order of components of the input sensing layer ISL may be changed.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first sensing
parts SP1 and the second connection unit CP2 may be directly
disposed on the upper insulation layer TFL. A first insulation
layer IS-IL1, which covers the first sensing parts SP1 and the
second connection unit CP2, is disposed on the upper insulation
layer TFL. The first connection unit CP1 disposed on the first
insulation layer IS-IL1 may be electrically connected to the first
sensing parts SP1 through first connection contact holes CNT-1.
[0166] As illustrated in FIG. 9D, each of the first sensing
electrodes IE1-1 to 1E1-5 and the second sensing electrodes 1E2-1
to 1E2-4 may have a mesh shape. Since the first sensing electrodes
IE1-1 to 1E1-5 and the second sensing electrodes 1E2-1 to 1E2-4
have the mesh shapes, parasite capacitance with the second
electrode CE (see FIG. 8C) may be reduced. In addition, the first
sensing electrodes IE1-1 to 1E1-5 and the second sensing electrodes
1E2-1 to 1E2-4 do not overlap the light emission area PXA, and thus
are not visually perceived by the user of the display device
DD.
[0167] The first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to 1E1-5 and the second
sensing electrodes IE2-1 to 1E2-4 having the mesh shapes may
include silver, aluminum, copper, chromium, nickel, titanium or the
like to which a low temperature process may be applied, but the
material is not limited thereto. Even when the input sensing layer
ISL is provided in a continuous process, the organic light emitting
diode OLED (see, FIG. 8C) may be prevented or suppressed from being
damaged.
[0168] Mesh lines of the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to 1E1-5
and the second sensing electrodes 1E2-1 to 1E2-4 may define opening
parts corresponding to the light emission area PXA.
[0169] The input sensing layer ISL of FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D is
exemplarily explained as a capacitive type touch sensor with the
structure of two conduction layers that include a first conduction
layer IS-CL1 and a second conduction layer IS-CL2, but is not
limited thereto. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
input sensing layer ISL may be a capacitive type touch sensor
including the structure of one conduction layer.
[0170] The touch sensor with the structure of one conduction layer
may include a plurality of sensing electrodes IE (hereinafter,
sensing electrodes) and a plurality of signal lines SL
(hereinafter, signal lines). The sensing electrodes have unique
coordinate information. For example, the sensing electrodes may be
arrayed in a matrix type and respectively connected to the signal
lines. The sensing electrodes may have mesh shapes, and may be
driven in a self cap type.
[0171] According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, an
upper retarder is provided, which reduces the reflection ratio of
external light to allow an image to be perceived at any angle, even
when a user wears polarized sunglasses.
[0172] In addition, a folding part discoloration phenomenon may be
prevented or suppressed by disposing optical axes of retarders in a
prescribed condition as taught herein.
[0173] An upper retarder having a prescribed Young's modulus as
taught herein may prevent or suppress the upper retarder from being
detached despite of repetitions of folding of a display device.
Therefore, durability of the foldable display device may be
improved.
[0174] Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations
have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications
will be apparent from this description. Accordingly, the inventive
concepts are not limited to such embodiments, but rather to the
broader scope of the appended claims and various obvious
modifications and equivalent arrangements as would be apparent to a
person of ordinary skill in the art.
* * * * *