KR102667174B1 - Display Device - Google Patents

Abstract

A display device according to the present specification includes a display panel having a folding area in which a display area is folded or unfolded, a sliding member that moves the display panel in at least a portion of the display panel according to the folding or unfolding state of the display panel, and the display panel. It includes a housing member including a structure that fixes or pulls the sliding member in an unfolded state to minimize the occurrence of bending in the folding area. Accordingly, the display device according to the present specification can increase the flatness of the display device when unfolded.

Description

Display Device {Display Device}

This specification relates to a display device that can be used by folding or unfolding the display panel.

Recently, portable terminals such as wireless terminals, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), PMPs (Portable Multimedia Players), and electronic notebooks are becoming smaller in size for portability.

However, because users want to receive information from various contents such as text information, videos, still images, MP3s, games, etc. through the screen of the mobile terminal, the size of the display screen is required to be larger or wider. I'm doing it.

However, because miniaturization of mobile terminals leads to a reduction in the size of the display screen, there are limits to meeting both requirements.

As a way to overcome these limitations, the development of flexible display devices such as bendable display devices or foldable display devices has recently been underway.

Flexible display devices are easy to carry when folded and can create a large screen when unfolded, so they are applied to various fields such as televisions and monitors as well as mobile devices such as mobile phones, ultra-mobile PCs, e-books, and electronic newspapers. It can be.

When using a foldable display device as a flexible display device, the foldable display device must be capable of folding and unfolding. Various members attached to or combined with the display panel to support the display panel or improve the function of the display panel are all made in the form of a very thin film, including the display panel. For this reason, when a foldable display device is folded for a long time, compressive stress and tensile stress accumulate in the folding area.

Compressive stress and tensile stress accumulated over time become stronger, causing damage to the display panel or substrate and deteriorating the display quality of the display device.

In order to solve this problem, the present invention provides a display device that can prevent wear of a device coupled to the display panel by moving the display panel during the process of folding or unfolding the display device.

In addition, in order to solve this problem, the present invention can ensure sufficient durability against continuous folding and unfolding by quickly recovering the folded display panel to its original state and maintaining a completely flat unfolding process during the unfolding process of the display device, and displaying the image. Provides a display device that can improve the quality of

The present invention provides a display panel having a folding area where the display area is folded or unfolded, a sliding member that moves the display panel in at least a portion of the display panel according to the folded or unfolded state of the display panel, and a display panel in the unfolded state of the display panel. It includes a housing member including a structure that fixes or pulls the sliding member to minimize the occurrence of bending in the folding area.

When the display panel is in an unfolded state, the structure of the housing member and the sliding member can maintain the flatness of the display panel by engaging with each other or being sandwiched together.

A display device according to the present invention includes a flexible substrate that includes a first display area, a second display area, and a third display area between the first display area and the second display area and is folded or unfolded in the third display area, and a flexible substrate that is folded or unfolded in the third display area. 1 A sliding member that corresponds to the display area and moves the flexible substrate depending on the folded or unfolded state of the flexible substrate, and one end that is engaged or fitted with one end of the sliding member in the unfolded state of the flexible substrate and is coupled to the other and faces the sliding member. It includes a housing member having a magnet on at least a portion of its inner side.

To this end, one end of the housing member includes first protrusions and first inner portions that are alternately arranged, and one end of the sliding member includes second protrusions and second inner portions that are alternately disposed, and when the foldable display panel is unfolded, the first protrusion and the first inner portion are provided. One protrusion is received in the second inner part of the sliding member, the second protrusion of the sliding member is received in the first inner part of the housing, and the sliding member is attached to the housing by a magnet. Therefore, the present invention can improve the flatness of the display panel and prevent distortion of the quality of the image displayed by the display panel due to wrinkles because the display panel can be completely unfolded flat when unfolded.

According to the display device according to the present invention, since the sliding member coupled to the display panel is coupled to enable sliding transport within the housing member, wear of the fixtures during the process of folding the display panel can be minimized, thereby improving the durability of the product. You can.

The present invention provides a structure and a fastening part between a sliding member coupled to the display panel and one end of the housing, so that the display panel can not only quickly recover to a flat state in an unfolded state, but also provide a tensile force so that it can be fully unfolded.

The present invention can improve the flatness of the display panel and prevent the quality of images displayed by the display panel from being distorted by wrinkles because the display panel can be completely unfolded flat when unfolded.

The present invention provides a sturdy structure that allows smooth folding and allows the display device to be fully unfolded and maintained when unfolded. Therefore, the display device according to the present specification can be used semi-permanently for continuous folding and unfolding, and has the effect of improving the folding and unfolding operations of the display device in a stable and smooth manner.

1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the display panel and fixtures are combined when the display panel shown in FIG. 1 is folded.
Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of part A of Figure 2 viewed from a different angle.
FIG. 4 is a plan view and an enlarged view of portion B showing a state in which the display panel and fixtures are combined when the display panel shown in FIG. 1 is unfolded.
5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining Examples 1 to 3 of instruments according to the present invention.
6A and 6B are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining in-folding and out-folding operations of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining an unfolding operation of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a reference diagram shown to explain a comparative example.
Figure 9 is another example of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

It should be noted that the drawing numbers indicated on the components in the accompanying drawings of the present invention are the same as possible when indicating the same components in other drawings. Additionally, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or known configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. The component names used in the following description were selected in consideration of ease of specification preparation, and may differ from the component names of the actual product.

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.

When 'includes', 'has', 'consists of', etc. mentioned in the specification are used, other parts may be added unless 'only' is used. In cases where a component is expressed in the singular, the plural is included unless specifically stated otherwise.

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

The shapes, sizes, proportions, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining embodiments of the present invention are illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to the matters shown.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them.

1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the display panel and fixtures are combined when the display panel shown in FIG. 1 is folded, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of portion A of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a plan view and an enlarged view showing a state in which the display panel and fixtures are combined when the display panel shown in FIG. 1 is unfolded.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the display device 100 according to the present invention includes a display panel 10 having a display area 12 representing an image, and a device that physically facilitates folding and unfolding of the display panel 10. Includes a hinge 50, fixtures for supporting and storing the display panel 10, and a case 90 for storing and protecting various components and fixtures for driving the display panel 10 or the display device 100. do.

The display panel 10 can be positioned both inside and outside in a folded state. The display panel 10 has a square shape and is configured in the same form as the screen of a mobile phone where the vertical width is larger than the horizontal width. . The shape of the display panel 10 is not limited to this, and may have the same shape as the screen of a PC or TV. The shape of the display panel 10 may be circular or polygonal in addition to square, and may be implemented in the form of an oval, triangle, or diamond through a folding and unfolding process.

The hinge 50 is disposed in an area where the display panel 10 is folded to maintain the set shape or folded angle of the display panel 10, and the case 90 is provided with a hinge 50 to protect the display panel 10. ) is combined with a structure that surrounds the entire side and back of the display panel 10 and can be arranged in a unified form or in a combination of several forms.

The display device 100 can be folded at various folding angles. The display device 100 may be folded at a specific angle according to the user's intention. Additionally, the display device 100 may be completely folded or unfolded depending on the user's intention. The display device 100 may be in-folded so that the display panel 10 is disposed inside. Conversely, the display device 100 may be out-folded so that the display panel 10 is disposed on the outside.

2 to 4 , for convenience of explanation, the components of the display device 100 that are coupled to the display panel 10 are briefly shown as a sliding member 20 and a housing member 30, but in reality, Various components, including components for driving the display device 100, may be further included.

2 and 3, the display panel 10 has a display area 12 where an image is displayed and a non-display area 14 located at the edge of the display panel 10 outside the display area 12. , It has flexible characteristics that can bend elastically around the folding axis (FA).

The display area 12 is capable of being folded corresponding to the first display area 121, the second display area 122, and the folding axis FA between the first display area 121 and the second display area 122. It can be divided into a third display area 123. The folding axis FA has a set curvature due to folding and marks the center of the third display area 123, which is a folding area, with a virtual line. In fact, when the display panel 10 is folded, it is not folded at an exact angle on the set folding axis (FA), but because the folding can be done with a set curvature, the folding area based on the folding axis (FA) is the third It may be located in a certain area, such as the display area 123.

The first display area 121 and the second display area 122 may have the same size, but are not limited to this, and either one may have a large size. In this case, in the folded state of the display panel 10, a portion of the display area having a relatively large size is exposed to the outside, and the portion of the display area exposed to the outside displays the date and time information even when the display device 100 is turned off. , battery level, notifications, etc. may continue to be displayed.

In the case of the present invention, the display panel 10 has a structure that can be folded in the middle as an example, but the display panel 10 may also have a structure that can be freely folded in its entirety. Images are displayed seamlessly in the first display area 121, second display area 122, and third display area 123.

The non-display area 14 may be provided with an extension of the signal line and a bonding area where the extension line and the circuit member 80 are connected. The circuit member 80 is for applying an electrical signal to drive the display panel 10 and includes a circuit board with a circuit pattern and an integrated circuit chip (IC chip; not shown) mounted on the circuit board. .

The circuit board may include a main board on which an integrated circuit is mounted, and a connection board connecting the main board and the display panel 10. The main board may be a rigid printed circuit board (PCB) that is difficult to bend or fold, or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) may be used. The connection board is provided with a single-layer or multi-layer wiring pattern, and is preferably in a form that can be bent or folded by itself. A flexible printed circuit (FPC) can be used as a connection board, and a chip on film (COF) with a chip mounted on a film can also be applied. The integrated circuit chip may be mounted on the display panel 10 using a COP (Chip On Panel) method.

The display panel 10 includes a flexible substrate 102, a back plate 104, and a support member 106. The display panel 10 may further include a plurality of members (not shown) to facilitate folding of the display panel 10 or to support and fix the display panel 10 .

The flexible substrate 102 has a TFT element layer and a light emitting element layer as element layers for displaying an image on a base layer where the display area 12 is folded inward or outward, and includes a touch assembly to enable touch sensing. do. The base layer may have a structure in which a base film is treated with a barrier coating on both sides. In the case of basic materials, they can be implemented with various materials such as PI (Polyimide), PC (Polycarbonite), PET (Polyethyleneterephtalate), PES (Polyethersulfone), PEN (Polythylenenaphthalate), and FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic). Barrier coating is performed on opposing surfaces of the base material, and an organic or inorganic film can be used to maintain flexibility.

Examples of light emitting device layers include Liquid Crystal Display, PlasmaDisplay Panel, Field Emission Display, Electroluminescence Display, and Electrochromic Display. display) One of the Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) devices may be used. In the present invention, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) is described that can maintain display performance even if it is bent like paper. OLED is a self-luminous device and does not require the backlight used in liquid crystal displays, making it lightweight and thin. The light emitting device layer made of OLED and the TFT device layer including driving thin film transistors are sealed by an encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layer may be used by stacking inorganic layers to prevent external oxygen and moisture from penetrating into the device layers, and may include an organic layer to improve impact resistance.

The first display area 121, the second display area 122, and the third display area 123 may be located on the outside or inside corresponding to the outer folding or the inner folding when the flexible substrate 102 is folded. there is.

The backplate 104 corresponds to the size of the flexible substrate 102 and is disposed on the back of the flexible substrate 102 to support the flexible substrate 102. The overall size of the backplate 104 may be comprised of a first backplate and a second backplate that are spaced apart or separated from the third display area 123, which is an area corresponding to the folding area of the flexible substrate 102.

The support member 106 may be located on the back of the flexible substrate 102 and the back plate 104 and attached to the back of the display panel 10 through an adhesive layer. The support member 106 supports the flexible substrate 102 and facilitates folding and unfolding of the flexible substrate 102. The support member 30 may be referred to as a mid frame. The support member 30 may be formed to be larger than the size of the flexible substrate 102. The support member 30 includes a thin metal plate to maintain rigidity and support the flexible substrate 102, a metal pattern layer to facilitate folding of the flexible substrate 102, and an organic material layer to fill between the patterns of the metal pattern layer. It may be configured to include.

A sliding member 20 that supports and moves the display panel 10 on the back of the first display area 121 of the display panel 10 is stored in the first housing 31 of the housing member 30. is placed as

When the display device 100 is folded, the sliding member 20 moves away from one end of the first housing 31 and approaches the connecting member 35 along a direction perpendicular to the folding axis FA, and the display device 100 moves in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis FA. When unfolding (100), it approaches one end of the first housing (31) and moves away from the connecting member (35). In the unfolded state of the display device 100, the sliding member 20 is fastened to the first housing 31. To this end, the sliding member 20 has a body portion 22 supporting the first display area 121 of the display panel 10, and is provided on both sides of the body portion 22 to enable sliding of the sliding member 20. It includes a fastening part 21 that is fastened to the sliding part 24 and the housing member to secure the display panel 10.

The body portion 22 of the sliding member 20 is arranged in a plate shape on the back of the first display area 121 of the display panel 10. On both sides of the body portion 22, sliding portions 24 are positioned in a direction parallel to the sliding direction of the sliding member 20 or the display panel 10. The sliding part 24 is accommodated inside the first housing 31 in a direction parallel to the sliding direction of the sliding member 20, and the sliding member 20 reciprocates depending on the folded or unfolded state of the display panel 10. You can move. At this time, the sliding member 20 moves in response to the changing length from one end to the other end of the connecting member 35 as the display panel 10 changes to a folded or unfolded state.

A fastening part fastened to the first housing 31 is provided on one end of the body portion 22 facing one end of the first housing 31 in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the sliding member 20 or the display panel 10. (21) is located. The fastening portion 21 is formed of a metal material.

The fastening portion 21 includes a second protrusion 216 and a second inner portion 218 on one side of the body portion 22 facing one end of the first housing 31.

The second protrusion 216 and the second inner part 218 are arranged between the two guide parts 314 of the first housing 31 in a structure that can be engaged or fitted to one end of the first housing 31. do. The second protrusion 216 and the second inner portion 218 are disposed adjacent to one end of the display panel 10 inside one end of the first housing 31 . There are a plurality of second protrusions 216 and a plurality of second inner portions 218 are also disposed.

The second protrusion 216 has a predetermined width from the second inner portion 218 and protrudes further than the second inner portion 218 toward one end of the first housing 31 . With respect to the second protrusion 216, the second inner part 218 has a predetermined depth and extends further toward one end of the display panel 10 than the first protrusion 316. The second protrusion 216 is arranged to be spaced apart from each other with the second inner portion 218 therebetween, and the second inner portion 218 is arranged to be spaced apart from the second protrusion 216 with the second protrusion 216 interposed therebetween. The inner portions 218 are arranged alternately.

When the display panel 10 is unfolded, the structure of the housing member 31 and the second protrusion 216 and second inner part 318 of the sliding member 20 are engaged or fitted with each other, resulting in repeated folding. It is possible to prevent bending that may occur in the display panel 10 and to prevent deformation of the display panel 10 even after a long period of time. During folding and unfolding, sliding stress is applied due to the creation of friction due to the movement of the sliding member 20, and sliding may cause wear to the fixtures when used for a long time. However, in the present invention, the fixtures are fastened or fitted with each other, so stress is reduced and the fixtures are wear can be reduced to a minimum.

The housing member 30 supports and accommodates the display panel 10 and the slide member 20 so that the position of the display panel 10 changes depending on the folded and unfolded state of the display panel 10, and is a pair of 1 A connecting member 35 coupled to the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 is formed between the housing 31 and the second housing 32 and the first housing 31 and the second housing 32. Includes.

The housing member 30 is coupled to the display panel 10 to cover a portion of the side surface, a portion of the non-display area 14 on the top surface, and the rear surface of the display panel 10 in order to support and accommodate the display panel 10. The portion on the back of the display panel 10 where the connecting member 35 is located may be arranged along the folding direction of the display panel 10 so that the housing member 30 does not cover the side and bottom surfaces of the display panel 10. there is. This is to prevent the housing member 30 from interfering with the connecting member 35 or the folding area of the display panel 10 during the process of folding the display panel 10.

The housing member 30 includes a first housing 31 and a display panel 10 that support or accommodate inside the first display area 121 of the display panel 10 and various components corresponding to the first display area 121. ) and a second housing 32 that supports or accommodates various components corresponding to the second display area 122 and the second display area 122.

The first housing 31 and the second housing 32 are disposed in one area and the other area where folding and unfolding of the display panel 10 occur, and the third display area 123, which is an area where folding and unfolding, is performed. The connecting member 35 is disposed to enable folding and unfolding of the display panel 10. The display device 100 is folded or unfolded based on the connecting member 35 located at the boundary between the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 by an external force applied by the user, thereby performing a folding operation. It can be done. The other end of the first housing 31 is coupled to the connecting member 35, and one end of the second housing 32 is coupled to the connecting member 35 to enable in-folding or out-folding.

The first housing 31 and the second housing 32 may be arranged to be symmetrical with respect to the folding axis FA of the display panel 10. The first housing 31 is coupled to support and accommodate at least the first display area 121 of the display panel 10 to enable movement of the display panel 10, and the second housing 32 is the second housing 32 of the display panel 10. 2 Because it is coupled to support and fix the display area 122, it has a different shape from the first housing 31. In the present invention, the second housing 32 and the first housing 31 are described as having different shapes so that at least a portion of the display panel 10 is movable with respect to the housing member 30, but the display panel 10 is movable with respect to the housing member 30. In order to allow the panel to be moved left and right or up and down, the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 may have the same shape.

The first housing 31 and the second housing 32 move by the folding rotation angle according to the folding or unfolding operation of the connecting member 35, support the display panel 10 when unfolded, and support the first housing 10 when folded. A space is formed in the housing 31 to enable movement of the sliding member 20 and the display panel 10. It is possible to respond to the relative length change that occurs between the display panel 10 or the sliding member 20 and the housing member 30 depending on the folded or unfolded state of the display panel 10, thereby preventing the display panel 10 from being damaged. It can be prevented. The other end of the first housing 31 may be arranged to face one end of the second housing 32 with the connecting member 35 at the center.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first housing 31 has a flat upper surface and includes a plate portion 312 and a sliding member 20 of a similar shape to that of the display panel 10, and the sliding member 20 and the display panel. It includes a guide portion 314 to enable movement of (10). The first housing 31 further includes a first protrusion and a first inner portion that are fastened to the sliding member 20 at one end and an upper surface of the plate portion 312.

The plate portion 312 has a long plate shape in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (FA) of the display panel 10 or in the long side direction of the display panel 10 and corresponds to the first display area 121 of the display panel 10. It is located on one side of the connecting member 35 so as to do so. The plate portion 312 supports at least the first display area 121 and the sliding member 20 of the display panel 10.

The guide portion 314 extends in the direction of the display panel 10 along the longitudinal direction of the display panel 10 or from both sides of the plate portion 312 in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (FA) of the display panel 10. It has a shape that allows storage of the display panel 10 and the sliding member 20. The guide portion 314 is located on both sides of the first housing 31 so that the display panel 10 and the sliding member 20 can move in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis FA of the display panel 10. The direction perpendicular to the folding axis FA is the same as the direction in which the sliding member 20 slides.

The guide portion 314 is configured to accommodate at least both sides of the sliding member 10, cover at least both sides of the sliding member 10, or surround both edges of the sliding member 10. ) and is disposed on the edge of the sliding member 20. The guide portions 314 are arranged to face each other and be spaced apart from each other with the sliding member 20 interposed therebetween. The guide portion 314 is longer than the length of the sliding member 20 in the sliding direction so that the sliding member 20 can sufficiently move within the first housing 31. The guide portion 314 may be disposed starting from the first protrusion 316 of the first housing 31 and extending to one end of the connecting member 35.

In the present invention, the structure of the first housing 31 fastened to the sliding member 20 has been described as an embodiment in which the first protrusion 316 is disposed on the edge of the structure of the first housing 31. However, the first housing 31 ) The first inner portion 318 may be disposed at the edge of the structure. At this time, the guide part 314 may start from the first inner part 318 of the first housing 31 and extend to one end of the connecting member 35.

The guide portion 314 may be arranged in a form that extends from the structure of the first housing 31 to a position spaced apart from the connecting member 35 at a predetermined distance. One end of the guide portion 314 adjacent to one end of the first housing 31 has a step difference from the protruding surface of the first protrusion 316 disposed on the outermost side of the first housing 31 or the side surface of the first inner portion 318. Can match without.

The first protrusion 316 and the first inner part 318 are disposed in a structure that can be engaged or fitted with one side of the sliding member 20 between the two guide parts 314 of the first housing 31. . The first protrusion 316 and the first inner part 318 extend integrally from one side of the plate portion 312 on the opposite side of the connecting member 35 toward the display panel, or have a structure in which separate structures are combined. The first protrusion 316 and the first inner portion 318 are located inside one end of the first housing 31 facing the sliding member 20 and the display panel 10. ) is placed adjacent to one end of the. There are a plurality of first protrusions 316 and a plurality of first inner parts 318 are also arranged.

The first protrusion 316 has a predetermined width from the first inner portion 318 and protrudes further than the first inner portion 318 toward the sliding member 20 . Based on the first protrusion 316, the first inner part 318 has a predetermined depth inside the side of the first housing 31 and goes further toward one end of the first housing 31. It is a form. The first protrusions 316 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other with the first inner portion 318 therebetween, and the first inner portions 318 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other of the first protrusions 316 with the first protrusions 316 interposed therebetween. 1 Each of the inner portions 318 is arranged to alternate with each other.

The first protrusion 316 is located to correspond to the second inner portion 218 of the sliding member 20, and the first inner portion 318 of the first housing 31 is positioned to correspond to the second protrusion 216 of the sliding member 20. It is located to correspond to . As shown in FIG. 4, when the display panel 10 is unfolded, the first protrusion 316 of the housing member 30 is received in the second inner portion 218 of the sliding member 20 and The second protrusion 216 is accommodated in the first inner portion 318 of the housing member 30 and the housing member 30 and the sliding member 20 are engaged and fastened to each other, so that the display panel 10 is fixed in a flat state.

When the display panel 10 is unfolded, the first protrusion 316 and the first inner part 318, which are the structures of the housing member 30, and the second protrusion 216 and the second inner part 318 of the sliding member 20 ) are interlocked or fitted together to prevent bending that may occur in the display panel 10 due to repeated folding, and to prevent deformation of the display panel 10 even after a long period of time. During folding and unfolding, sliding stress may be applied due to friction generated by the movement of the sliding member 20, and sliding may cause wear of the fixtures when used for a long time. In the present invention, the fixtures are engaged or fitted with each other, so stress is not generated. As a result, wear and tear on equipment can be reduced to a minimum.

The structure fastened to the sliding member 20 at one end inside the first housing 31 has a magnetic body 70. A magnet may be used as the magnetic material 70. The magnet may be a permanent magnet. The magnetic body 70 is disposed in the first inner portion 318 of the first housing 31 so as to exert an attractive force that attracts the sliding member 20 against one end of the sliding member 20 . The first protrusion 316 and the first inner part 318 are made of metal.

The attractive force of the magnetic material 70 of the first housing 31 pulls the sliding member 20 as shown in FIG. 4 when the display panel 10 in the folded state is restored to the unfolded state, thereby pulling the display panel 10 ) quickly recover or secure the flatness of the surface or maintain a horizontal state. In addition, the magnetic material 70 of the first housing 31 eliminates slight movement when the sliding member 20 is fastened with the first protrusion 316 and the first inner portion 318 of the first housing 31 and The state can be kept fixed. Therefore, the occurrence of bending in the folding area of the display panel 10 can be minimized and the horizontal state can be maintained, thereby ensuring the flatness of the display panel 10.

In addition, the fastening structure of the housing member 30 and the sliding member 20 and the magnetic material 70 disposed between them prevent friction due to movement, thereby minimizing wear and stress on the parts that come into contact with each other, thereby improving the display panel ( 10) Flattening control becomes easier. In this way, the display device according to the present invention can quickly recover and maintain the flatness of the display panel 10 even when used for a long time, thereby ensuring visibility of the display panel 10.

As shown in FIG. 5A, when the magnetic material 70 is disposed on the first inner portion 318 of the housing member 30 capable of accommodating the second protrusion 216 of the sliding member 20, the display panel 10 ), so that influence on the display panel 10 can be minimized. As shown in FIG. 5B , the magnetic body 70 may be disposed on the first inner side 318 and the first protrusion 316 of the housing member 30 when the strength of the magnet is weak. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 5C, the magnetic material 70 may be disposed on the second inner portion 218 of the sliding member 20 that can accommodate the first protrusion 316 of the housing member 30.

A plurality of magnetic materials 70 may be arranged depending on the structure of the housing member 30 or the structure of the fastening portion of the sliding member 2, which may vary depending on the size of the display panel 10 or the horizontal-to-vertical ratio and size of the sliding member 20. It may vary depending on. The strength of the magnetic material 70 can be controlled by adjusting the intensity per unit area or adjusting the size. In the present invention, the magnetic material 70 is flexible in the folding of the display panel 10, but is flexible when the display panel 10 is unfolded. (10) has a strength that allows the flatness to recover quickly. The strength or number of magnetic substances 70 may be controlled by considering the material in the display panel 10, such as a film or an adhesive layer.

Meanwhile, the external force applied to the display device 100 by the user may be greater than the attractive force between the magnetic material 70 and the sliding member 20 or the magnetic material 70 and the housing member 30. Accordingly, even if an attractive force occurs between the magnetic body 70 and the sliding member 20 or the magnetic body 70 and the housing member 30, the user can fold or unfold the display device 100 at a desired angle.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4 , the second housing 32 is disposed on the other side of the connecting member 35 and is disposed on the back of the display panel 10 to support the display panel 10 . Unlike the first housing 31, the second housing 32 is not in the form of accommodating a device such as the sliding member 20, but has a plate shape and fixes and supports the second display area 122 of the display panel 10. . When the display panel 10 is unfolded, one end of the second housing 32 is disposed to face the other end of the first housing 31 with the connecting member 35 therebetween.

The connecting member 35 is arranged to correspond to the hinge 50 of the display device 100 shown in FIG. 1 to enable folding and unfolding of the display device 100. Referring to FIG. 2, the connecting member 35 is disposed at a portion where the display panel 10 is folded and unfolded so as to control the folding and unfolding of the display panel 10. The connecting member 35 is disposed on the back of the display panel 10 corresponding to the third display area 123. The connecting member 35 may mechanically connect the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 by combining the other end of the first housing 31 and one end of the second housing 32. Although not shown, parts that serve to fix or couple components of the connecting member 35 may be coupled to the connecting member 35 .

When the display panel 10 is folded by the connecting member 35, the display panel 10 and the sliding member 20 move together. At this time, since the second display area 122 of the display panel 10 is fixed by the second housing 32, the first display area 121 and the third display area 123 of the display panel 10 move.

Hereinafter, the folding operation of the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, and the unfolding operation of the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7. do.

Meanwhile, in FIGS. 6A to 7 , for convenience of explanation, a cross-section of a portion where the sliding member 20 is fastened to the first housing when the display device is folded and unfolded is briefly shown, but the present invention is not limited to this.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, when the display panel 10 is in-folded and out-folded, the sliding member 20 and the display panel fixed to the sliding member 20 have a length changed due to the folding of the connecting member 35 ( 10) It moves. At this time, the sliding member 20 is moved away from the magnet 70 of the housing member 30, away from one end of the housing member 30, and closer to one end of the connecting member 35. When the display panel is folded, the sliding member 20 moves toward the connecting member 35 in response to a change in the overall length of the housing member 30.

When the display panel 10 is in-folded, the sliding member 20 moves by a distance d1, and when the display panel 10 is out-folded, the sliding member 20 moves by a distance d2. Distance d1 and distance d2 may be different. In the drawing, the other end of the sliding member 20 is shown as moving to one end of the connecting member 35, but the sliding member 20 is connected to one end of the connecting member 35 according to the folding angle of the display panel 10. It can be moved to a location separated by a distance. In addition, even when the display panel 10 is completely folded, depending on the design change, the sliding member 20 may be moved to one end of the connecting member 35 or may be moved to be spaced a predetermined distance from one end of the connecting member 35. .

Referring to FIG. 7, when the display panel 10 is unfolded, the sliding member 20 and the display panel 10 fixed to the sliding member 20 move by the changed length due to the unfolding of the connecting member 35. . At this time, the sliding member 20 is moved away from one end of the connecting member 35 so as to be adhered to the magnet 70 of the housing member 30. When the display panel 10 is unfolded, the sliding member 20 moves toward the magnet 70 in response to a change in the overall length of the housing member 30.

When the display panel 10 is unfolded, the other end of the sliding member 20 is spaced apart from the connecting member 35 by a distance d3 and is attached to the magnet 70. Since the distance d3 is the distance between the other end of the sliding member 20 and one end of the connecting member 35, it may be different from d1 or distance d2, which is the distance that the sliding member 20 moves when folded.

Referring to FIG. 8, in a typical foldable display device 1, the sliding mechanism 2 is not fastened to the case 3 when the foldable display device 1 is unfolded, so the folder in the folding portion 5 Wrinkles (waviness) occur on the display panel 7, thereby deteriorating image quality.

On the other hand, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the sliding member 20 supported on the back of the display panel 10, a fast elastic restoring force is achieved by the magnet 70 facing the other side. have This display device 100 can slide in the unfolding direction of the display panel 10, thereby minimizing wear and tear on structures around the display panel 10, thereby improving the durability of the product.

Additionally, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can implement a permanent holding force by the attractive force of the magnet 70. In the present invention, one end of the sliding member 20 and one end of the housing member 30 are engaged with each other and held fixedly by a magnet, so that the plate surface of the display panel 10 is formed flat without wrinkles such as curves, thereby forming the display panel 10. ) can suppress the quality of the displayed image from being distorted by wrinkles.

In this way, according to the display device of the present invention, sufficient durability can be secured against continuous folding and unfolding by providing a sturdy structure that can fully unfold and maintain the display device when unfolding while smooth folding is achieved, and the displayed image quality can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 9, the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention described above can be applied to various electronic devices such as tablet PCs, TVs, and smartphones.

A display device according to embodiments of the present invention can be described as follows.

A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel having a folding area in which a display area is folded or unfolded, and a sliding member that moves the display panel in at least a portion of the display panel according to the folded or unfolded state of the display panel. and a housing member including a structure that minimizes the occurrence of bending in the folded area by fixing or pulling the sliding member in an unfolded state of the display panel.

When the display panel is in an unfolded state, the structure of the housing member and the sliding member maintain the flatness of the display panel by engaging with each other or being sandwiched together.

The structure of the housing member has a plurality of first protrusions and a plurality of first inner portions on the inner side facing one side of the sliding member, and the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of first inner portions are arranged alternately, and the sliding member has a plurality of second protrusions and a plurality of second inner portions on one side of the housing member facing the structure, and the plurality of second protrusions and the plurality of second inner portions are arranged alternately, and the first protrusion of the housing member is It is located to correspond to the second inner part of the sliding member, and the first inner part of the housing member is positioned to correspond to the second protrusion of the sliding member, so that when the display panel is unfolded, the structure of the housing member and the sliding member are engaged and fastened to each other.

The structure of the housing member is magnetic.

The magnetic region of the structure is located on the first inner portion or first protrusion of the housing member.

The structures of the sliding member and the housing member are made of metal, and a magnet is attached to at least a first inner portion of the structure.

The housing member includes a first housing having a structure and storing a sliding member so that at least one end of the display panel can move relative to the housing member when the state of the display panel changes to folding or unfolding, and a first housing with a connecting member interposed therebetween. and a second housing that is spaced apart from and supports or fixes at least the other end of the display panel.

The structure of the housing member is located on the inner side of one end of the housing member in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the sliding member, and corresponds to the changing length from one end to the other end of the connection member according to the change in the folded or unfolded state of the display panel. Thus, the sliding member moves.

A display device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a first display area, a second display area, and a third display area between the first display area and the second display area, and is folded or unfolded in the third display area. A flexible substrate, a sliding member corresponding to the first display area and moving the flexible substrate depending on the folded or unfolded state of the flexible substrate, and one end of the sliding member in the unfolded state of the flexible substrate, are engaged with each other or are fitted and coupled to each other and slide. and a housing member having a magnet on at least a portion of a set of inner sides facing the member.

The first, second, and third display areas of the flexible substrate are located on the outside or inside corresponding to out-folding or in-folding when the flexible substrate is in a folded state.

When the flexible substrate is folded or unfolded, the sliding member moves along a direction perpendicular to the folding axis of the flexible substrate in response to a change in the overall length of the housing member.

The sliding member includes a body portion supporting the first display area, sliding portions on both sides of the body portion in a direction parallel to the sliding direction of the sliding member, and one side of the body portion near the magnet in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction. It includes a fastening part, and the fastening part may be metal.

The housing member includes a first housing that accommodates the sliding member so that the sliding member can slide in an area corresponding to the first display area, a connection member corresponding to the third display area, and a second housing in an area corresponding to the second display area. It includes a second housing that fixes or supports the flexible substrate in the display area, wherein the first housing and the second housing are horizontally spaced apart from the first housing with a connection member between them in the unfolded state of the flexible substrate, and the flexible substrate is In the folded state, they face each other.

The first housing includes a plate portion that supports the sliding member, a guide portion that extends from both sides of the plate portion parallel to the sliding direction toward the sliding member to guide the sliding portion, and slides on one side of the plate perpendicular to the sliding direction. It extends in the direction toward the member and includes a first protrusion and a first inner part on one inner side facing the fastening part of the sliding member, and the first protrusion and the first inner part are alternately disposed on one inner side of one end of the first housing. do.

The fastening portion of the sliding member includes a second protrusion and a second inner portion alternately disposed at one end facing the inner side of the housing member, and the first protrusion of the housing member is located corresponding to the second inner portion of the sliding member, The first inner portion of the housing member is positioned to correspond to the second protrusion of the sliding member.

The magnet is disposed on the first inner portion or the second inner portion, or the magnet is disposed on at least one of the first protrusion and the first inner portion.

The guide part of the first housing has a structure in which the sliding part of the sliding member and a part of the upper surface of the body part connected to the sliding part are inserted, and the protruding surface of the first protrusion located at the outermost part has no step with one end of the guide part near the first protrusion. Coincident with this, the guide portion may continue from the protruding surface of the first protrusion to the connecting member, or may extend from the protruding surface of the first protrusion to a position at a predetermined distance from the connecting member.

When the flexible substrate is unfolded, the first protrusion is received in the second inner part of the sliding member, and the second protrusion is received in the first inner part of the first housing.

The display device according to the present invention is connected to a support member for supporting the flexible substrate, a mid frame disposed on the back of the flexible substrate between the flexible substrate and the sliding member or housing member to facilitate folding of the flexible substrate, and a second display area. It further includes a driving circuit member that drives the elements of the flexible substrate.

A device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a foldable display panel in a folded or unfolded state, a housing for accommodating the foldable display panel, and a magnetic force to minimize the non-flat surface in the unfolded state. A mechanism configured to pull or release an edge of the foldable display panel and includes a slideable mechanism within the housing.

The housing includes a first protrusion on one end of the inner side that protrudes in a direction facing the foldable display panel and a first inner part that goes inward with a predetermined depth than the first protrusion, and the first protrusion and the first inner part They are arranged alternately on one inner side of one end of the housing.

The slide is achieved through a slide member and a housing. The slide member includes second protrusions and a second inner portion alternately disposed at one end facing the inner side of the housing, and the first protrusion of the housing is connected to the second inner portion of the sliding member. and the first inner portion of the housing is positioned to correspond to the second protrusion of the sliding member.

The magnet is disposed on at least one of the first protrusion and the first inner portion.

When the foldable display panel is unfolded, the first protrusion is received in the second inner part of the sliding member, the second protrusion of the sliding member is received in the first inner part of the housing, and the sliding member is attached to the housing by a magnet.

100: display device
10: display panel 12: display area
20: sliding member 30: housing member
31: first housing 32: second housing
35: connecting member 70: magnetic material
216: second protrusion 218: second inner portion
316: first protrusion 318: first inner portion

Claims (26)

A display panel having a folding area where the display area is folded or unfolded;
a sliding member that moves the display panel in at least a portion of the display panel according to a folded or unfolded state of the display panel; and
A housing member including a structure that fixes or pulls the sliding member in an unfolded state of the display panel to minimize bending of the folding area,
The structure of the housing member has a plurality of first protrusions and a plurality of first inner portions on an inner side facing one side of the sliding member, and the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of first inner portions are alternately formed. are placed,
The sliding member has a plurality of second protrusions and a plurality of second inner portions on the one side facing the structure of the housing member, and the plurality of second protrusions and the plurality of second inner portions are arranged alternately, respectively. ,
The first protrusion of the housing member is positioned to correspond to the second inner part of the sliding member, and the first inner part of the housing member is positioned to correspond to the second protrusion of the sliding member, so that when the display panel is unfolded, the housing A display device in which the first protrusion of the member and the second inner portion of the sliding member are engaged and fastened, and the first inner portion of the housing member and the second protrusion of the sliding member are engaged and fastened to each other. According to claim 1,
A display device in which the structure of the housing member and the sliding member maintain the flatness of the display panel by engaging with each other or being sandwiched together when the display panel is in an unfolded state. delete According to claim 1,
A display device in which the structure of the housing member has magnetism. According to claim 4,
A display device wherein the magnetic area of the structure is located on the first inner side or the first protrusion of the housing member. According to claim 1,
The structure of the sliding member and the housing member is made of metal,
A display device in which a magnet is attached to at least a first inner portion of the structure. According to claim 1,
A first housing having the structure and housing the sliding member so that at least one end of the display panel can move relative to the housing member when the display panel changes to a folded or unfolded state, and
A display device comprising a second housing spaced apart from the first housing with a connection member therebetween and supporting or fixing at least the other end of the display panel. According to claim 7,
The structure of the housing member is located on one inner side of the housing member in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the sliding member,
A display device in which the sliding member moves in response to a changing length from one end to the other end of the connecting member as the display panel changes to a folded or unfolded state. a flexible substrate including a first display area, a second display area, and a third display area between the first display area and the second display area, and being folded or unfolded in the third display area;
a sliding member disposed to overlap the first display area and moving the flexible substrate according to a folded or unfolded state of the flexible substrate; and
In the unfolded state of the flexible substrate, a housing member is engaged with or sandwiched with one end of the sliding member and has a magnet on at least a portion of an inner side of the one end facing the sliding member,
The housing member faces an inner side of the sliding member and includes a plurality of first protrusions and a plurality of first inner portions alternately disposed on an inner side perpendicular to the sliding direction of the sliding member,
The fastening portion of the sliding member includes a plurality of second protrusions and a plurality of second inner portions alternately disposed at one end facing an inner side of the housing member,
The first protrusion of the housing member is located to correspond to the second inner portion of the sliding member, and the first inner portion of the housing member is located to correspond to the second protrusion of the sliding member,
When the flexible substrate is unfolded, the first protrusion of the housing member and the second inner portion of the sliding member are engaged and fastened, and the first inner portion of the housing member and the second protrusion of the sliding member are engaged and fastened with each other. According to clause 9,
The first, second and third display areas of the flexible substrate are located on the outside or inside in response to out-folding or in-folding when the flexible substrate is folded. According to clause 9,
A display device in which the sliding member moves along a direction perpendicular to the folding axis of the flexible substrate in response to a change in the overall length of the housing member when the flexible substrate is folded or unfolded. The method of claim 9, wherein the sliding member:
a body portion supporting the first display area;
Sliding parts on both sides of the body part in a direction parallel to the sliding direction of the sliding member, and
It includes a fastening portion on one side of the body portion to face one end of the housing member having the magnet in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction,
A display device wherein the fastening portion is made of metal. The method of claim 12, wherein the housing member is
a first housing that accommodates the sliding member so that the sliding member can slide in an area overlapping the first display area;
a connecting member overlapping the third display area, and
a second housing that fixes or supports the flexible substrate in the second display area in an area overlapping the second display area;
The first housing and the second housing are horizontally spaced apart from the first housing with the connecting member between them in the unfolded state of the flexible substrate, and face each other in the folded state of the flexible substrate. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first housing comprises:
a plate portion supporting the sliding member;
A guide part extending from both sides of the plate part parallel to the sliding direction in a direction toward the sliding member to guide the sliding part, and
A display device extending from one side of the plate perpendicular to the sliding direction toward the sliding member and including the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of first inner portions on one inner side facing the fastening portion of the sliding member. . delete According to clause 9,
The magnet is a display device disposed in the first inner portion or the second inner portion. According to clause 9,
The display device wherein the magnet is disposed on at least one of the first protrusion and the first inner portion. According to claim 14,
The guide portion of the first housing has a structure into which the sliding portion of the sliding member and a portion of the upper surface of the body portion connected to the sliding portion are inserted,
The protruding surface of the first protrusion located on the outermost side coincides with one end of the guide portion adjacent to the first protrusion located on the outermost side without a step,
The display device wherein the guide part continues from the protruding surface of the first protrusion to the connecting member, or extends from the protruding surface of the first protrusion to a position at a predetermined distance from the connecting member. According to clause 9,
When the flexible substrate is unfolded, the first protrusion is accommodated in the second inner portion of the sliding member, and the second protrusion of the sliding member is accommodated in the first inner portion of the housing. According to clause 9,
a support member supporting the flexible substrate;
a mid frame disposed on the back of the flexible substrate between the flexible substrate and the sliding member or housing member to facilitate folding of the flexible substrate; and
The display device further includes a driving circuit member connected to the second display area to drive elements of the flexible substrate. According to claim 1,
The display panel includes a light emitting device layer and a TFT device layer disposed in the display area; and
A display device including an encapsulation layer including an inorganic layer to prevent penetration of external oxygen and moisture or an organic layer to supplement impact resistance. According to claim 1,
A first moving distance of the sliding member when in-folding, in which the display panel is disposed on the inside, is different from a second moving distance of the sliding member when out-folding, in which the display panel is disposed on the outside. According to claim 8,
When the display panel is completely folded, the end of the sliding member is moved to one end of the connecting member or is moved to be spaced a predetermined distance from one end of the connecting member. According to clause 9,
a light emitting device layer and a TFT device layer disposed on the flexible substrate corresponding to the first, second, and third display areas; and
A display device further comprising an encapsulation layer including an inorganic layer to prevent penetration of external oxygen and moisture or an organic layer to supplement impact resistance. According to claim 10,
A display device wherein a first moving distance of the sliding member when in-folding the flexible substrate is different from a second moving distance of the sliding member when out-folding the flexible substrate. According to claim 13,
When folding the flexible substrate, the end of the sliding member is moved to one end of the connecting member or is moved to be spaced a predetermined distance from one end of the connecting member.

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