KR102627345B1 - Display device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cover glass; an EL module disposed under the cover glass; a set frame that accommodates and supports the cover glass and the EL module; a support plate provided on the set frame and disposed below the EL module; a battery disposed below the support plate; and a shock reduction unit that has a plurality of shock reduction protrusions protruding from the support plate toward the battery and absorbs and disperses external shock transmitted from the cover glass.

Description

Display device {Display device}

The present invention relates to a display device, and more specifically to an EL display device.

In the recent information society, the importance of display devices as visual information delivery media is being further emphasized, and in order to occupy a major position in the future, they must meet requirements such as low power consumption, thinness, weight reduction, and high image quality. .

Displays include Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), Light Emitting Diode (LED), Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD), Field Emission Display (FED), and plasma that emit light. Light-emitting displays using light-emitting devices such as display panels (Plasma Display Panel (PDP)) and electroluminescence (EL), and non-light-emitting displays that do not emit light themselves, such as liquid crystal displays (LCD). It can be divided into non-emissive displays using devices.

Among these, the EL display device, which is a light-emitting device, includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an organic compound layer (HIL, HTL, EML, ETL, EIL) formed between them. The organic compound layer includes a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an emission layer (EML), an electron transport layer (ETL), and an electron injection layer. EIL). When a driving voltage is applied to the anode and cathode electrodes, holes passing through the hole transport layer (HTL) and electrons passing through the electron transport layer (ETL) are moved to the emitting layer (EML) to form excitons, and as a result, the emitting layer (EML) It emits visible light.

EL displays include, for example, organic light emitting display devices and inorganic light emitting display devices.

Additionally, the EL display device arranges pixels each containing EL in a matrix form and adjusts the luminance of the pixels according to the gray level of video data. Each pixel includes a driving TFT (Thin Film Transistor) that controls the driving current flowing through the EL according to the voltage (Vgs) applied between its gate electrode and source electrode, and is indicated by the amount of EL emission proportional to this driving current. Gradation (brightness) can be adjusted.

Meanwhile, with the advancement of technology, EL display devices are manufactured using flexible materials such as plastic instead of the inflexible glass substrate used in existing displays, so they can maintain display performance even when bent like paper. Display devices are rapidly emerging as next-generation display devices.

Flexible display devices utilize plastic thin-film transistor substrates rather than glass and can be used as highly durable unbreakable devices, bendable devices that can be bent without breaking, rollable devices that can be rolled up, and foldable folder devices. It can be classified as foldable, etc. These flexible display devices have advantages in space utilization, interior design, and design, and can have various application fields.

In particular, research has been actively conducted recently on foldable display devices that are portable in a folded state and implement a folding/unfolding function to display images in an unfolded state in order to achieve ultra-thinness, lightness, and miniaturization as well as large area. It is becoming.

Foldable display devices can be applied to various fields such as TVs and monitors, as well as mobile devices such as mobile phones, ultra-mobile PCs, e-books, and electronic newspapers.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a display device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1.

1 and 2, the EL display device 1 of one embodiment includes a cover glass 10, a set frame 20, an EL module 30, and a battery 40. Battery) and a cover bottom (50, Cover Bottom).

As described above, as the EL display device 1 is implemented as a foldable display device, the cover glass 10 is becoming thinner than the existing thickness for folding/unfolding operations.

However, when an external force occurs as the thickness of the cover glass 10 becomes thinner, the cover glass 10 is insufficient in absorbing the external force, which may cause damage to the EL module 30. .

Therefore, the present invention seeks to provide a display device that can reduce damage to the EL module due to external shock because it can absorb and disperse external shock even if the thickness of the cover glass is thin.

In order to solve this problem, the present invention includes a cover glass; an EL module disposed under the cover glass; a set frame that accommodates and supports the cover glass and the EL module; a support plate provided on the set frame and disposed below the EL module; a battery disposed below the support plate; and a shock reduction unit that has a plurality of shock reduction protrusions protruding from the support plate toward the battery and absorbs and disperses external shock transmitted from the cover glass.

The shock reducing protrusion may be formed long along the longitudinal direction of the support plate.

The plurality of impact reducing protrusions may be arranged to be spaced apart along the transverse direction of the support plate.

The impact reducing unit may further include a plurality of impact relieving grooves disposed between the impact reducing protrusions.

The horizontal length of the impact reducing protrusion may be greater than the horizontal length of the impact reducing groove.

The plurality of shock reduction protrusions include a first shock reduction protrusion protruding toward the battery; And it may include a second shock reduction protrusion having a height that is further away from the battery than the first shock reduction protrusion.

The first shock reduction protrusion and the second shock reduction protrusion are comprised of a plurality and may be arranged alternately with each other.

The impact reduction unit may include at least one of a straight pattern, a grid pattern, a circular pattern, and a polygonal pattern.

According to the display device of the present invention, even if the thickness of the cover glass becomes thin, external shock can be absorbed and dispersed in the shock reduction portion of the set frame, thereby reducing damage to the EL module due to external shock.

1 is a front view of a display device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a bottom view showing that the impact reducing protrusions of Figure 3 form a straight pattern.
Figure 5 is a bottom view showing that the impact reduction part of Figure 3 forms a grid-like pattern.
Figure 6 is a bottom view showing that the impact reduction part of Figure 3 forms a circular pattern.
Figure 7 is a bottom view showing that the impact reduction part of Figure 3 forms a polygonal pattern.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be clearly revealed through the accompanying drawings and descriptions of the embodiments. In the description of the embodiment, each layer (film), region, pattern or structure is “on” or “under” the substrate, each layer (film), region, pad or pattern. In the case where it is described as being formed, “on” and “under” include both being formed “directly” or “indirectly through another layer.” do. Additionally, the standards for top/top or bottom/bottom of each floor are explained based on the drawing.

In the drawings, sizes are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically shown for convenience and clarity of explanation. Additionally, the size of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size. Additionally, the same reference numbers indicate the same elements throughout the description of the drawings. Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is a bottom view showing that the impact reduction part of Figure 3 forms a straight pattern.

3 and 4, the display device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cover glass (100), a set frame (200), and an EL module (300). , it may be configured to include a battery (400) and a cover bottom (500).

The cover glass 100 may cover the entire display area of the display device 101. The cover glass 100 is made of a very thin thickness, and a polarizing plate (POL Hard Coating) coating or a protective film (not shown) may be attached to the upper surface.

Additionally, the cover glass 100 may be provided with a touch panel (not shown). These touch panels include a pressure-sensitive type that densely installs rows of sensors that respond to pressure applied to the surface to determine the location through coordinates when pressure is applied, and a touch panel that charges the surface of the cover glass (100) with electric charge and installs sensors around it before making contact. It can be applied as an electrostatic method that detects the degree of loss of charge and determines where contact was made.

An EL module 300 is disposed below the cover glass 100. Although not shown in detail, the EL module 300 includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an organic compound layer (HIL, HTL, EML, ETL, EIL) formed between them. The organic compound layer includes a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an emission layer (EML), an electron transport layer (ETL), and an electron injection layer. EIL). When a driving voltage is applied to the anode and cathode electrodes, holes passing through the hole transport layer (HTL) and electrons passing through the electron transport layer (ETL) are moved to the emitting layer (EML) to form excitons, and as a result, the emitting layer (EML) It emits visible light.

Additionally, the EL module 300 arranges pixels, each including EL, in a matrix form and adjusts the luminance of the pixels according to the gray level of video data. Each pixel includes a driving TFT (Thin Film Transistor) that controls the driving current flowing through the EL according to the voltage (Vgs) applied between its gate electrode and source electrode, and is indicated by the amount of EL emission proportional to this driving current. Gradation (brightness) can be adjusted.

The set frame 200 accommodates and supports the cover glass 100 and the EL module 300, and may be called various names such as upper frame, upper cover, case, and housing. For example, the set frame 200 may be made of aluminum (Al) and may include various materials such as plastic.

The support plate 210 is provided on the set frame 200 and is placed below the EL module 300. For example, the set frame 200 may include a frame that accommodates the cover glass 100 and the EL module 300 and forms an exterior, and a support plate 210 positioned horizontally inside the frame.

Accordingly, the cover glass 100 and the EL module 300 may be located sequentially in the upper area of the support plate 210, and the battery 400 may be placed below the support plate 210.

The area shown as the battery 400 may contain not only the battery 400 but also other components required for EL driving.

The cover bottom 500 is located below the battery 400 and is combined with the set frame 200, supports the battery 400 and other components required for EL driving, and forms the lower appearance of the display device. For example, the cover bottom 500 may consist of only a bottom portion or may further include side portions. That is, the cover bottom 500 may include a square plate-shaped bottom portion and a side portion protruding upward at a certain height from one side of the bottom portion. Of course, the above-described cover bottom 500 is merely an example, and even cover bottoms 500 of various shapes can be applied to the display device according to the present invention.

The shock reduction unit 600 includes a plurality of shock reduction protrusions 610 protruding from the support plate 210 toward the battery 400 in order to absorb and disperse external shock transmitted from the cover glass 100, and a shock reduction protrusion ( It may include a plurality of impact relieving grooves 620 disposed between 610). Here, the shock reduction protrusion 610 may be in contact with the battery 400, but may be spaced apart by a small space.

As shown in FIG. 4, the impact reduction protrusion 610a may be formed long along the longitudinal direction of the support plate 210. Here, referring to FIGS. 1 and 4 , the vertical direction may mean a direction in which the cover glass 100 or the support plate 210 is long in the display device, and the horizontal direction may mean a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. Of course, the horizontal and vertical directions may change positions.

A plurality of shock reducing protrusions 610a may be arranged to be spaced apart along the horizontal direction of the support plate 210. Here, a plurality of shock alleviation grooves 620a may be located between the shock reduction protrusions 610a in spaced apart spaces of the plurality of shock reduction protrusions 610a. In this way, the impact reduction part 600a may be disposed at the lower part of the support plate 210 while forming a straight pattern as shown in FIG. 4. The shock relief grooves 620 and 620a can serve not only to relieve shock but also to improve the heat dissipation area by forming an air gap.

Here, the horizontal length of the impact reduction protrusion 610a may be greater than the horizontal length of the impact reduction groove 620a. As shown in FIG. 3, the impact reduction protrusion 610 forms a path to distribute and transmit the impact force when an external impact (Force) occurs from the cover glass 100, so it has a length (or It is more efficient to have a larger thickness.

The display device 101 of the embodiment including the above-described configuration can absorb and disperse external shock in the shock reduction portions 600 and 600a provided in the set frame 200 even if the thickness of the cover glass 100 becomes thinner. Therefore, damage to the EL module 300 due to external shock can be reduced.

Meanwhile, the impact reduction portions 600 and 600a may include at least one of a grid pattern, a circular pattern, and a polygonal pattern as well as the straight pattern described above.

Figure 6 is a bottom view showing that the impact reduction part of Figure 3 forms a grid-like pattern.

As shown in FIG. 6, the impact reduction portion 600c may be arranged in a grid shape such that a plurality of impact reduction protrusions 610c are spaced at regular intervals in the horizontal and vertical directions of the support plate 210. Here, the impact reduction protrusion 610c has a square cross-section, and an impact reduction groove 610c is located between the plurality of impact reduction protrusions 610c.

In this embodiment as well, the horizontal length of the impact reducing protrusion 610c may be greater than the horizontal length of the impact reducing groove 620c.

Figure 5 is a bottom view showing that the impact reduction part of Figure 3 forms a circular pattern.

As shown in FIG. 5, the impact reduction portion 600b may be arranged in a circular pattern such that a plurality of impact reduction protrusions 610b are spaced at regular intervals in the horizontal and vertical directions of the support plate 210. Here, the impact reduction protrusion (610b) has a circular cross-section, and an impact reduction groove (620b) is located between the plurality of impact reduction protrusions (610b).

In this embodiment as well, the horizontal length of the impact reducing protrusion 610b may be greater than the horizontal length of the impact reducing groove 620b.

Figure 7 is a bottom view showing that the impact reduction part of Figure 3 forms a polygonal pattern.

As shown in FIG. 7, the impact reduction portion 600d may be arranged in a polygonal pattern such that a plurality of impact reduction protrusions 610d are spaced at regular intervals in the horizontal and vertical directions of the support plate 210. Here, the shock reducing protrusion 610d has a circular polygonal (for example, hexagonal) cross section, and an impact relieving groove 620d is located between the plurality of impact reducing protrusions 610d. Of course, polygons are not limited to hexagons, and may be implemented as polygons of various shapes such as triangles, pentagons, and heptagons.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the description will focus on parts that are different from the above-described embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, in the display device 102 of this embodiment, the plurality of shock reduction protrusions 610 and 620 may include first shock reduction protrusions 610 and second shock reduction protrusions 611 of different heights. You can.

For example, the first shock reduction protrusion 610 has a height that protrudes more from the battery 400 than the second shock reduction protrusion 611, and the second shock reduction protrusion 611 is greater than the first shock reduction protrusion 610. It may have a height that is further away from the battery 400. That is, the height of the first impact reduction protrusion 610 may be higher than that of the second impact reduction protrusion 611. Although the first shock reduction protrusion 610 is shown in contact with the battery 400 in the drawing, the first shock reduction protrusion 610 may be spaced apart from the battery 400.

Here, the first shock reduction protrusion 610 and the second shock reduction protrusion 611 are comprised of a plurality and may be arranged alternately. Of course, the first impact reduction protrusions 610 may have a minimum number so that they are located only on the outside, or may have a smaller number than the number of the second impact reduction protrusions 611. By including the first shock reduction protrusion 610 and the second shock reduction protrusion 611 having a height step, the air gap and heat dissipation area can be further increased compared to the above-described embodiments.

The display device of this embodiment including the above-described configuration absorbs and disperses the shock transmitted from the cover glass 100 through the first shock reduction protrusion 610 and the second shock reduction protrusion 611. Since the protrusion 611 is further spaced apart from the battery 400 compared to the first impact reduction protrusion 610, the influence of impact force being transmitted to the battery 400 can be further reduced.

Additionally, the features of this embodiment can be applied not only to the straight patterns of the above-described embodiments but also to grid-shaped patterns, circular patterns, and polygonal patterns.

The display device according to the embodiment of the present invention described above can be applied to various electronic devices such as TVs, smartphones, and tablet PCs.

According to the display device of the present invention, even if the thickness of the cover glass becomes thin, external shock can be absorbed and dispersed in the shock reduction part of the set frame, thereby reducing damage to the EL module due to external shock. .

The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the embodiments above are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. illustrated in each embodiment can be combined or modified and implemented in other embodiments by a person with ordinary knowledge in the field to which the embodiments belong. Therefore, contents related to such combinations and modifications should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

101, 102: display device 200: set frame
210: support plate 300: EL module
400: Battery 500: Cover Bottom
600, 600-1, 600a, 600b, 600c, 600d, 600e: Impact reduction unit
610, 610a, 610b, 610c, 610d: Impact reduction protrusion (first impact reduction protrusion)
620, 620a, 620b, 620c, 620d: Impact relief groove
611: Second shock reduction protrusion

Claims (9)

cover glass;
an EL module disposed under the cover glass;
a set frame that accommodates and supports the cover glass and the EL module; and
Includes a battery disposed below the EL module,
The set frame is,
a frame that accommodates the cover glass, the EL module, and the battery and forms an exterior;
a support plate extending inside the frame and disposed between the EL module and the battery; and
A display device having a plurality of shock reduction protrusions protruding from the support plate toward the battery and an impact reduction unit that absorbs and disperses external shock transmitted from the cover glass. According to paragraph 1,
A display device wherein the plurality of impact reducing protrusions are formed long along the longitudinal direction of the support plate. According to paragraph 2,
A display device wherein the plurality of shock reducing protrusions are arranged to be spaced apart along the horizontal direction of the support plate. According to paragraph 3,
The display device wherein the shock reducing unit further includes a plurality of shock alleviating grooves disposed between the shock reducing protrusions. According to clause 4,
A display device wherein the horizontal length of each of the plurality of impact reduction protrusions is greater than the horizontal length of each of the plurality of impact reduction grooves. According to clause 5,
The plurality of shock reduction protrusions are
a first shock-reducing protrusion protruding toward the battery; and
A display device comprising a second shock reduction protrusion having a height further spaced apart from the battery than the first shock reduction protrusion. According to clause 6,
The display device includes a plurality of the first shock reduction protrusions and the second shock reduction protrusions, which are arranged alternately. According to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A display device wherein the shock reduction unit includes at least one of a straight pattern, a grid pattern, a circular pattern, and a polygonal pattern. According to paragraph 1,
A display device further comprising a cover bottom coupled to the set frame below the battery.

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