KR20140122106A - Display apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display device comprises: a display module; a variable member to change a shape of the display module; and a stopper member to fixate the variable member. The display device in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention can change the shape of the display module to improve a viewer′s satisfaction, and can fixate the shape of the display module using the stopper member.

Description

Display device {DISPLAY APPARATUS}

The present invention relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device having an improved structure.

Various types of display devices for realizing images are used. For example, there are various displays such as a liquid crystal display panel, a plasma display panel, and an organic light emitting diode display panel.

2. Description of the Related Art [0002] As the field of use of display devices is gradually expanded, various characteristics are required in various fields of use, and there is an increasing demand for not only characteristics related to displaying images, but also three- In order to satisfy such various demands, studies for improving the structure of the display device in various forms are continuing.

The present invention provides a display device capable of improving the structure and minimizing power consumption so as to improve viewing and stability.

A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display module; A deformable member changing the shape of the display module; And a stopper member for fixing the deformable member to maintain the shape of the deformable member.

In the display device according to the present embodiment, the shape of the display module can be changed to improve the satisfaction of the viewer. For example, the shape of the display module may be changed into a curved surface state or a flat state, and may be changed to a curved surface state when a feeling of immersion is required, and to a flat state when a comfortable viewing and viewing is desired.

Further, the stopper member can be used to fix the display module to maintain the state of the display module. Then, the state of the display module can be stably maintained in each state. In this case, since the current is not continuously supplied to maintain the deformed state of the display module, the power consumption can be minimized.

1 is a front perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a rear exploded perspective view showing a part of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a cross-sectional view of the display device cut along the line III-III in FIG.
Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the stopper member located at A portion in Fig. 3; Fig.
5 is an exploded perspective view showing an enlarged view of a stopper member located at A portion in FIG.
Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the first state and the second state of the stopper members of Figs. 4 and 5. Fig.
7 is a cross-sectional view of a display device for explaining a shape change of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be modified into various forms.

In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts throughout the specification. In the drawings, the thickness, the width, and the like are enlarged or reduced in order to make the description more clear, and the thickness, width, etc. of the present invention are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

Wherever certain parts of the specification are referred to as "comprising ", the description does not exclude other parts and may include other parts, unless specifically stated otherwise. Also, when a portion of a layer, film, region, plate, or the like is referred to as being "on" another portion, it also includes the case where another portion is located in the middle as well as the other portion. When a portion of a layer, film, region, plate, or the like is referred to as being "directly on" another portion, it means that no other portion is located in the middle.

Hereinafter, a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a rear exploded perspective view showing a part of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. And Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the display device cut along the line III-III in Fig. In FIG. 3, the illustration of the rear cover is omitted for the sake of simplicity and clarity.

1 to 3, a display device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a display module 10 in which an image is implemented, a deformable member 20 that changes the shape of the display module 10, And a stopper member (40) for holding the shape or state of the member (20). And a rear cover 30 covering the rear surface of the display module 10. This will be explained in more detail.

The display device 100 collectively refers to a device that displays data, images, and the like on a screen. The display device 100 may include various kinds of devices such as a television, a computer monitor, a mobile phone, and an e-book.

The display module 10 includes a display panel 12 that substantially implements an image, a support member 14 that is positioned on the rear surface of the display panel 12 and supports the display panel 12, And a panel driver (not shown) that is fixed to the display panel 12 and provides a signal for driving the display panel 12. Although not shown separately in the drawing, the display panel 12 and the frame portion surrounding the edges of the support member 14 may be further positioned.

In the present embodiment, the display panel 12 is a panel having various structures and systems capable of implementing an image, and having a flexible characteristic, the shape of which can be changed by the deformable member 20.

For example, the display panel 12 may be an organic light emitting display panel using an organic light emitting diode (OLED). The organic light emitting display panel is a self-luminous display panel that uses a principle that a current is generated in a fluorescent or phosphorescent organic thin film to combine electrons and holes in the organic thin film to generate light. The organic light emitting display panel has various advantages such as a bright and clear image quality, no limitation by the viewing angle, and low power consumption. In particular, since the organic thin film can be produced by laminating it, the flexible property is excellent. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various display panels 12 having various structures and systems can be applied.

The support member 14 is disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 12 to support the display panel 12. A panel driving part and a deformable member 20 which are fixed to the rear surface of the supporting member 14 by driving the display panel 12 may be positioned on the rear surface of the supporting member 14. [ The supporting member 14 has a strength that can be supported and fixed to the display panel 12, the panel driving unit and the deformable member 20, and the shape can be changed when the shape of the display panel 12 is changed Elasticity, and the like. In addition, the support member 14 may have a thermal expansion coefficient similar to that of the display panel 12 in order to prevent thermal stress or the like from occurring.

For example, in this embodiment, the support member 14 may comprise a composite material such as reinforced plastic. Composite material is a material that artificially combines two or more kinds of materials to have excellent properties. For example, in this embodiment, the support member 14 may include reinforced plastics such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP), and the like. Then, it is possible to have high strength, elasticity, and excellent abrasion resistance by a reinforcing material of various fiber form while having light and flexible characteristics by plastic. The support member 14 may be composed of a single composite material layer or may be formed by stacking a plurality of composite material layers for superior strength.

The support member 14 may be fixed to the rear surface of the display panel 12 using an adhesive (for example, a double-sided tape). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the display panel 12 and the supporting member 14 can be fixed by various other methods.

The panel driver fixed to the rear surface of the support member 14 includes a circuit board (not shown) including various wires, elements, and the like to provide a signal for driving the panel. Such a panel driving unit may be fixed to the supporting member 14 by a bracket (not shown) or the like. For example, when the bracket is fixed to the supporting member 14 only at the central portion to change the shape of the display panel 12 The required force can be minimized. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is needless to say that a part or all of the panel driving unit is located outside the display module 10, and the like. The panel driving unit of the present embodiment may include wiring, devices, and the like for driving the deformable member 20. [

Further, a frame portion (not shown) for protecting the edges of the display panel 12 and the support member 14 may be further positioned. Such a frame portion protects the display panel and the support member 14 while allowing the back cover 30 to be fixed by a fixing member (not shown) or the like. The shape of the frame portion, the fixing structure of the frame portion and the rear cover 30, and the like can be applied in various structures and schemes, and therefore, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the rear surface of the display module 10 (more specifically, the support member 14), a deformable member 20 capable of changing the display panel 12 is positioned. In this embodiment, the deformable member 20 includes a first portion 22 fixed to the support member 14 of the display module 10, and a second portion 22 located between the support member 14 and the first portion 22, And a second portion 24 to which the end portion is fixed to both side ends of the first portion 22. And a guide member 28 for supporting the inner portion of the first portion 22 may be further included. In this embodiment, the shape of the display module 10 can be changed by changing the distance (hereinafter referred to as "connection length") between both side ends of the second portion 24 fixed to the first portion 22. The shape of the first and second portions 22 and 24 will be described in more detail.

In this embodiment, the deformable member 20 may be formed long along one direction (for example, the lateral direction of the display device 100). When the connecting length of the second portion 24 of the deformable member 20 is shortened, both end portions of the first portion 22 are bent in a protruding shape as a whole. Then, the display module 10 can be made so as to have a constant radius of curvature (reference symbol R in FIG. 7, the same applies hereinafter) in the left-right direction. When the shape of the display module 10 is changed, the distance from the user's eyes to the display panel 12 is very small even if there is no difference or difference in the central portion and the edge portion. Accordingly, the immersion feeling of the user can be improved. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, the deformed shape of the deformable member 20 can be changed, and thus the deformed shape of the display module 10 can be changed.

Also, in the drawings, it is exemplified that the deformable member 20 is located at the upper portion of the display module 10 and is located at the lower portion of the display module 10. The upper and lower edge portions of the display module 10 may not be easily deformed when the deformable member 20 is positioned at only one of the center portions. When the plurality of deformable members 20 are provided as described above, the shape of the display module 10 can be uniformly changed as a whole. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only one variable member 20 may be provided to reduce the cost and simplify the structure. Or the case where the display module 10 is large-sized, or the like, may be provided. It goes without saying that various modifications are possible.

At this time, the second portion 24 may have a long shape (for example, a wire shape) along the lateral direction of the display module 10. The connection length of the second portion 24 can be varied by various energies (i.e., thermal energy, electrical energy, mechanical energy).

For example, if the second portion 24 is made of a material whose shape changes with temperature, the second portion 24 may be heated by changing the temperature of the second portion 24 by providing thermal or electrical energy, Can be changed. In this case, the second portion 24 may comprise a shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy is an alloy that utilizes shape memory and super plasticity appearing in a metal that undergo austenite-martensitic transformation and has a different shape depending on the temperature. The second portion 24 is connected to an element or the like which drives the variable member 20 in the panel driving portion so that the temperature is adjusted, and thus the connection length can be changed. When the second portion 24 includes the shape memory alloy and the connection length is changed by the thermal energy or the electric energy, the structure is simple and easy to apply, and noise is not generated when the display module 10 is deformed.

As another example, the connection length of the second portion 24 together with the panel driving portion may be changed by mechanical energy provided to a separate driving portion (not shown, for example, a motor) for supplying mechanical energy. That is, a part of the second part 24 is fixed to the motor, and the connection length of the second part 24 changes due to the part of the second part 24 being wound or unwound by the rotation shaft of the motor by the rotation of the motor . In this case, the second portion 24 can be composed of a material that does not stretch or hardly stretch under various conditions and has a high yield strength. The elongation of the second portion 24 may be difficult to precisely deform the connection length and provide more mechanical energy. In one example, the second portion 24 may comprise a material such as a metal wire (e.g., stainless steel wire), an aramid fiber, a carbon steel wire, or the like. In addition, the second portion 24 may be composed of various materials. A driving unit such as a motor for providing mechanical energy can have various configurations that can change the shape of the deformable member 20. [ As described above, when the driving member of the motor or the like changes the shape of the deformable member 20 by using mechanical energy, the deformable member 20 can be easily deformed and the deformation degree and the deformation time of the deformable member 20 can be precisely controlled can do.

The second portion 24 may be 0.5 mm to 10 mm in diameter. If the diameter of the second portion 24 is less than 0.5 mm, the second portion 24 may be broken or deformed when receiving energy from the driving portion or the like. If the diameter of the second portion 24 exceeds 10 mm, the mechanical energy required to change the connection length of the second portion 24 increases, resulting in increased cost and complicated configuration. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second portion 24 may have various diameters.

In addition, although only one second portion 24 is provided for each first portion 22 in the drawings, a plurality of second portions 24 may be provided.

The shape of the first portion 22 changes and the first portion 22 exerts a force on the display module 10 to move the display module 10 in the direction The shape also changes to correspond to this. Thus, the first portion 22 is a portion that changes the shape of the display module 10 by being deformed by the force of the second portion 24. [ Accordingly, the first portion 22 may include a material having a flexible characteristic and an excellent strength. Further, the material constituting the first portion 22 may be a light material so that the display device 100 can be light-weighted.

In one example, the first portion 22 may comprise a single or multiple layers comprising a composite material, for example, reinforced plastic (CFRP, GFRP, etc.). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is needless to say that the first portion 22 may be formed of various materials. The first portion 22 may have a band shape having a predetermined width W and extending continuously. As a result, the force to the display module 10 can be more effectively provided. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that the first portion 22 may have various shapes.

At this time, the first portion 22 is fixed to the central portion of the display module 10 (more specifically, the supporting member 14) at its center portion, and both side ends of the first portion 22 are fixed do. The shape of the first portion 22 can be changed more freely.

Here, the central portion of the first portion 22 is fixed by the central fixing portion 26a in a non-movable manner. The first distance L1 between the center of the first portion 22 and the center of the support member 14 is less than the distance L2 between the end of the first portion 22 and the end of the support member 14 It can be big. For example, the first portion 22 may have a curved shape such that the central region of the first portion 22 has a rounded shape that protrudes more toward the rear of the display module 10. Thus, the display module 10 can be more easily deformed when the display module 10 is deformed to have a constant radius of curvature R as a result of the change in the connection length of the second portion 24.

The center fixing portion 26a includes a bracket 260a that separates the first portion 22 from the second portion 24 while separating the first portion 22 from the support member 14, And a fastening member 262a for fastening the first portion 22 and the support member 14. [

Here, the bracket 260a serves to make the distance between the first portion 22 and the support member 14 larger at the center than at the end. As a result, the first portion 22 can be more protruded toward the rear surface of the display module 10 as described above. And the second portion 24 is positioned between the bracket 260a and the support member 14 so that the bracket 260a is positioned between the first portion 22 and the second portion 24, (I.e., the first distance L1) between the first portion 24 and the second portion 24 has a relatively large value. The larger the area between the first portion 22 and the second portion 24 is, the larger the bending moment becomes, so that the shape change of the first portion 22 is changed according to the change of the connection length of the second portion 24 It can be easily implemented. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first distance L1 between the first portion 22 and the second portion 24 is relatively large at the central portion, So that the shape of the first portion 24 can be more easily changed.

In one example, the thickness T1 of the bracket 260a (i.e., the first distance L1 between the first portion 22 and the second portion 24) may be between 10 mm and 50 mm. If the thickness T1 of the bracket 260a exceeds 50 mm, the thickness of the display device 100 may become thick and the structural stability of the first portion 22 may be deteriorated. If the thickness T1 of the bracket 260a is less than 10 mm, a large energy may be required for deformation of the first portion 22 because the bending moment is not large. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the thickness T1 of the bracket 260a may vary depending on the size of the screen, the radius of curvature R of the screen, and the like.

The fastening member 262a may have various configurations and systems for fastening the first portion 22 and the support member 14 at the central portion. For example, the Pam nut 14a may be located on the support member 14, and the fastening member 262a may be fastened to the Pam nut 14a through the first portion 22 and / or the bracket 260a. Thereby, the first part 22 can be fixed to the supporting member 14 simply and easily. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various methods and structures may be used for the fixing structure of the support member 14 and the first portion 22.

And is spaced apart from the side edge of the display module 10 by a predetermined distance D1 in the present embodiment. In one example, the distance D1 between the end of the first portion 22 and the side edge of the display module 10 may be between 1 mm and 30 mm. If the interval D1 exceeds 30 mm, it may be difficult for the first portion 22 to uniformly apply force to the edge of the display module 10. If the interval D1 is less than 1 mm, the first portion 22 may protrude to the outside of the display module 10 during deformation, and the deformation may not be caused due to a problem or other parts. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the interval D1 may vary depending on the screen size, the radius of curvature R of the screen, and the like.

The second portion 24 has its both ends fixed to both side ends of the first portion 22 and the connecting portion between both side ends of the second portion 24. At this time, both end portions of the second portion 24 can be fixed to both end portions of the first portion 22 by the end fixing portions 26b. The end fixing portion 26b includes a first end fixing portion 261b for fixing one end of the second portion 24 to one end of the first portion 22 and a second end fixing portion 261b for fixing the other end of the second portion 24 to the other end And a second end fixing portion 262b for fixing the end portion to the other end portion of the first portion 22.

The end fixing portion 26b can fix the second portion 24 to the first portion 22 by various methods. For example, the end fixing portion 26b may have a thickness smaller than that of the bracket 260a of the central fixing portion 26a, and the second portion 24 may be embedded therein so as to penetrate a portion of the end fixing portion 26b have. Alternatively, a hole may be formed at the end of the first portion 22, an end of the second portion 24 may be passed through the hole, and then the hole may be filled with an adhesive or a sealing material, Can be fixed to the end of the first part (22). However, the present invention is not limited thereto and various other methods can be applied.

The distance between the end of the first portion 22 and the end of the second portion 24 has a second distance L2 that is smaller than the first distance L1 described above. The first portion 22 can be easily deformed by increasing the bending moment according to the change of the connection length of the second portion 24.

The distance between the end of the second portion 24 fixed to the end fixing portion 26b and the display module 10 (or the thickness of the end fixing portion 26b) may be separated by the third distance L3. This is to prevent the end of the second portion 24 from interfering with the display module 10. [ Particularly, when the shape of the display module 10 changes according to the change of the connection length of the second portion 24, the gap between the second portion 24 and the display module 10 becomes closer to each other. In one example, the third distance L3 may be between 1 mm and 10 mm. If the third distance exceeds 10 mm, the thickness of the display device 100 can be unnecessarily increased. If the third distance L3 is less than 1 mm, the end of the second portion 24 may interfere with the display module 10. [ However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto and various modifications are possible.

The second portion 24 and the display module 10 are fixed to the first portion 22 by fixing the second portion 24 to the portion located between the central fixing portion 26a and the end fixing portion 26b, An interference prevention fixing portion 26c for preventing the interference of the antenna can be located. The interference preventing and securing portion 26c includes a first interference preventing and fixing portion 261c located between the central fixing portion 26a and the first end fixing portion 261b, And a second interference preventive fixing portion 262c positioned between the fixed portions 262b.

The distance between the first portion 22 and the second portion 24 can be gradually reduced by the interference preventing and fixing portion 26c from the central fixing portion 26a toward the interference preventing and fixing portion 26c. The distance between the second portion 24 and the display module 10 gradually increases from the central fixing portion 26a toward the first interference prevention fixing portion 261c while the first interference prevention fixing portion 261c To the end fixing portion 261b. The distance between the second portion 24 and the display module 10 gradually increases from the central fixing portion 26a to the second interference preventing fixing portion 262c while the second interference preventing fixing portion 262c to the end fixing portion 262b.

In this case, the section of the second section 24 which is located near the center of the second section 24 and which is directed toward the end of the second section 24 and is distanced from the rear surface of the display module 10 is referred to as a middle section S11 or S12, The sections that are located outside the sections S11 and S12 and toward the end of the second section 24 and approach the distance from the rear surface of the display module 10 may be referred to as outer sections S21 and S22.

At this time, the center sections S11 and S12 are divided into a first center section S11 between the center fixing section 26a and the first interference prevention fixing section 261c, a second center section S11 between the center fixing section 26a and the second interference prevention < And a second central section S12 between the first and second sections 262c and 262c. The first center section S11 and the second center section S12 may be symmetrical with respect to the center of the central fixing section 26a. This is to prevent the display module 10 from being twisted due to a uniform bending moment acting on both sides.

Likewise, the outer sections S21 and S22 include a first outer section S21 between the first interference preventive fixing section 261c and the first end fixing section 261b, a second interference prevention section 262c, And a second outer section S22 between the second end fixing portions 262b. The first outer section S21 and the second outer section S22 may have a structure symmetrical to each other with respect to a central portion where the central fixing section 26a is located. This is to prevent the display module 10 from being twisted due to a uniform bending moment acting on both sides.

As described above, the second portion 24 may have a shape similar to the "W" character, for example. This shape is intended to maximize the bending moment while preventing problems due to interference.

At this time, the length ratio of the first center section S1 (or the second center section S12) to the entire length L of the first section 22 may be 0.1 to 0.2. If the length ratio is less than 0.1, the magnitude of the bending moment proportional to the area between the first portion 22 and the second portion 24 can be reduced. If the length ratio exceeds 0.2, the second portion 24 may interfere with the display module 10. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the ratios may vary.

Since the distance between the second portion 24 and the display module 10 gradually increases in the central sections S11 and S12 by the interference preventing and fixing portion 26c as described above, It is possible to prevent the display module 10 from interfering with deformation. In addition, it is possible to transmit a large bending moment to the first portion 22 by optimizing the length ratio of the central sections S11 and S12.

The area between the first portion 22 and the second portion 24 in the central sections S11 and S12 is referred to as a first area A1 and the area between the first section 22 and the second section 24 is defined as the outer section S21 and S22. The ratio of the first area A1 to the second area A2 may be 16 to 400 when the area between the second area 24 and the second area 24 is the second area A2. Considering that the bending moment is proportional to the sum (A1 + A2) of the first area A1 and the second area A2, interference between the display module 10 and the second part 24 does not occur, 1 is determined such that the sum of the area A1 and the second area A2 has a maximum value as large as possible. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the above-described ratio may vary depending on the area of the display module 10, the radius of curvature R, and the like.

The center fixing portion 26a, the end fixing portion 26b, and the interference prevention fixing portion 26c may be made of various materials. These may be made of a material that is easy to fix and does not damage the second portion 24, and may be made of a material such as a resin (for example, polyphenylamide). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

And the first portion 22 may be movably fixed by a guide member 28 fixed to the support member 14. [ This makes it possible to move the first portion 22 while preventing deformation of the first portion 22 or the like.

The guide member 28 includes an upper portion 28a spaced apart from the support member 14 by a predetermined space and a side portion 28b bent from the upper portion 28a and adjacent to the support member 14 . The side portion 28b is fixed to the supporting member 14 by the fastening member 28c. For example, a Pam nut (not shown) or the like may be placed on the support member 14, and a fastening member 28c such as a screw is fastened to the fastening hole of the Pam nut and the side surface portion 28b, And the support member 14 can be fixed. In this way, it is simple and easy to fasten by using fannut and screw. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various methods and structures can be used for the fixing structure of the supporting member 14 and the side surface portion 28b.

Since the distance between the first portion 22 and the display module 10 increases toward the center portion as described above, the height of the side portion 28b of the guide member 28 can also be increased toward the center portion. According to this, the first part 22 can be freely moved left and right while being effectively supported by the guide member 28.

The ratio D2 / L of the distance D2 that the guide members 28 are spaced apart from the respective ends of the first portion 22 to the total length L of the first portion 22 is 0.2 to 0.4 days . These ratios are determined so that both side edge portions of the first portion 22 can be firmly fixed so as not to be struck. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

The shape of the display module 10 is changed from the first state to the curved state, which is the second state, or from the curved state to the planar state, by the deformable member 20 having such a structure. That is, when the deformable member 20 is changed to a state applying a force to the display module 10, the display module 10 is changed to a curved surface state, and the deformable member 20 does not apply the force applied to the display module 10 The display module 10 is changed to a flat state. At this time, in the curved surface state, the deformable member 20 must be kept in a state of continuously applying force to the display module 10. At this time, if energy is continuously supplied to the deformable member 20, power loss may occur.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the stopper member 40 that fixes the deformable member 20 to keep the shape or state of the deformable member 20 constant is included. When the stopper member 40 fixes the deformable member 20 in each state, the display module 10 can maintain the planar state or the curved state without any additional current supply. Particularly, when the deformable member 20 is required to maintain the curved surface state of the display module 10 by applying a force to the display module 10, when the stopper member 40 fixes the deformable member 20, .

In this embodiment, the stopper member 40 may be located near the end portion of the deformable member 20. [ More precisely, the stopper members 40 may be disposed one on either side in the vicinity of the end portions and may be located outside the end fixing portions 26b. This prevents the variable member 20 from being interfered with by the stopper member 40 when the shape of the deformable member 20 is changed and the stopper member 40 So that the stopper member 40 can be easily operated according to the shape change of the deformable member 20. [

In the deformable member 20, an opening 29 in which the stopper member 40 is located is formed at a portion corresponding to the stopper member 40. More specifically, both ends of the stopper member 40 are fixed to the openings. As a result, the shape of the deformable member 20 is changed so that the end portion of the deformable member 20 (more precisely, the end portion located outside the opening 29) presses the stopper member 40 so that the stopper member 40 . That is, when the shape of the deformable member 20 is changed in order to change the state of the display module 10, the stopper member 40 is naturally driven to supply a separate current, driving force, etc. for operating the stopper member 40 You do not have to. Thus, the structure can be simplified and the stopper member 40 can be easily operated corresponding to the change in the shape of the deformable member 20. [

The stopper member 40 and its operation will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the stopper member 40 located at A of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an enlarged view of the stopper member 40 located at A of FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the first state and the second state of the stopper member 40 of Figs. 4 and 5. Fig.

4 and 5, the stopper member 40 includes a case portion 42 fixed to the display module 10 and having an inner space portion, a first portion 42a movably disposed inside the case portion 42, Includes an axis 44, an elastic portion 46, and a second axis 48. This will be explained in more detail.

The case portion 42 is fixed to the display module 10 and provides an internal space through which the first shaft 44, the elastic portion 46 and the second shaft 48 can be positioned. Thereby allowing the first shaft 44, the elastic portion 46, and the second shaft 48 to be positioned.

Here, a first hole 422 through which the first shaft 44 can be exposed to the outside is provided at one side of the case part 42 (more precisely, And an insertion groove 424 into which the insertion protrusion 444 of the single shaft 44 is inserted. Accordingly, the first shaft 44 exposed to the outside through the first hole 422 can be pressed by the end of the deformable member 20. The insertion protrusion 444 formed on the pressurized first shaft 44 is inserted and fixed in the insertion groove 424 so that the stopper member 40 can be fixed in a fixed state. This will be described in more detail later.

A second hole 426 for exposing the second shaft 48 to the outside is formed on the other side of the case part 42. The elastic part 46 is positioned so that the second shaft 48 is elastically deformed .

At this time, the case portion 42 is formed with the base portion 42a and the second hole 426, which are the first case portion having the first hole 424 and the insertion groove 424, And a housing part 42b which is a second case part constituting the other side where the elastic part 46 is located. The base portion 42a and the housing portion 42b positioned between the base portion 42a and the housing portion 42b are connected to the display module (not shown) via the first shaft 44, the elastic portion 46 and the second shaft 48, 10, the stopper member 40 can be operatively fixed to the display module 10 with ease. At this time, the stopper member 40 can be fixed to the display module 10 by fastening the fastening member 429 to the fastening hole 428 formed in the case portion 42. The fastening member 429 may be a screw member such as a screw or a bolt and the fastening member 429 may be inserted into the display module 10 (more precisely, the support member 14) ) Can be placed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the stopper member 40 may be fixed to the display module 10 by various fixing methods.

A first gear 442 is formed on one surface of the first shaft 44 corresponding to the second shaft 48 and an insertion protrusion 444 inserted into the insertion groove 424 is formed on the outer surface of the first shaft 44, . A second gear 482 engaging with the first gear 442 is formed on one surface of the second shaft 48 corresponding to the first shaft 44 and a second gear 482 engaging with the second shaft 48 is formed on the outer surface of the second shaft 48. [ 48 have protrusions 484 formed on the outer surface thereof.

The resilient portion 46 is located between the protruding portion 484 and the other side of the case portion 42 on the outer surface of the second shaft 48. The elastic portion 46 may have various structures and systems having elasticity that deforms the shape by applying a force and returns to the original state when the force is removed. The spring portion 46 functions to press the second shaft 48 toward the first shaft 44 by providing an elastic force to the second shaft 48.

At this time, the first gear 442 and the second gear 482 are pushed by the elastic portion 46 after the first shaft 44 is pressed toward the second shaft 48 and the first shaft 44 is pushed back The first axis 44 can be rotated by the interaction. The first and second gears 442 and 482 may be of various types and structures that can convert a linear motion into a rotational motion. For example, a structure including a rotational cam and a shaft may be applied.

At this time, the insertion protrusions 444 may include first insertion protrusions 444a and second insertion protrusions 444b having different widths and / or insertion lengths. For example, the first insertion protrusions 444a may be formed with a uniform first width (first diameter) R1, and the second insertion protrusions 444b may be formed at the end portions with a width smaller than the first width And may have a portion having a second width (second diameter). The insertion groove 424 formed in the base portion 42a is formed with a first insertion groove 424a having a shape corresponding to the first insertion projection 444a and a second insertion groove 424b having a shape corresponding to the second insertion projection 444b, And may include an insertion groove 442b. That is, the first insertion groove 424a and the first insertion projection 444a have a first width and a first length SL1 as a whole, and the second insertion groove 424b has a portion having a first width A portion formed with a second length SL2 smaller than the first length SL1 and a portion having the second width SL3 may be formed by the third length SL3. For example, the third length SL3 may be a length of the first length SL1 minus the second length SL2.

The first state and the second state of the stopper member 40 switched by the insertion protrusion 444 and the insertion groove 442 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 (a) shows the first state of the stopper member 40, and Fig. 6 (b) shows the second state of the stopper member 40. Fig.

6A, in the first state, the first insertion protrusion 444a is located in the first insertion groove 424a, and the second insertion protrusion 444b is located in the second insertion groove 424b . At this time, the first shaft 44 and the second shaft 48 are pressed by the elastic portion 46 to maintain this state. In this first state, the first and second insertion protrusions 444a and 444b are inserted into the first and second insertion grooves 424a and 424b by a first relatively large first length SL1, And the second shaft 48 are fixed at a position close to the end side of the deformable member 20.

Referring to FIG. 6B, in the second state, the second insertion protrusion 444b is located in the first insertion groove 424a, and the first insertion protrusion 444a is located in the second insertion groove 424b . At this time, the first shaft 44 and the second shaft 48 are pressed by the elastic portion 46 to maintain this state. In this second state, the first insertion protrusion 444a has a first width as a whole and can not be inserted into the second insertion groove 424b at a portion having a second width smaller than the first width. The first and second insertion protrusions 444a are fixedly inserted into the first and second insertion grooves 424a and 424b by a second length SL2 smaller than the first length SL1. Thus, the first shaft 44 and the second shaft 48 are fixed at positions near the center of the display module 10.

At this time, the stopper member 40 in the first state allows the deformable member 20 to be positioned relatively close to the end of the display module 10, and the stopper member 40 in the second state relatively displaces the deformable member 20 As shown in FIG. That is, the first state allows the display module 10 to be maintained in a planar state, and the second state allows the display module 10 to maintain the state when the display module 10 is in a curved state.

The rear cover 30 is disposed on the rear surface of the display module 10, the deformable member 20, and the stopper member 40. The rear cover 30 protects the display module 10, the panel driving unit, and the like by an external impact while providing a space for the structure of the panel driving unit and the like. In addition, the rear cover 30 covers the panel driving unit and the like to prevent the internal structure from being seen from the outside and to improve the appearance. For example, the rear cover 30 may be formed as a curved surface as a whole to secure a sufficient space and improve the appearance. In this embodiment, the rear cover 30 may have a material, structure, and the like that can correspond to the shape change of the display module 10.

A change in the shape of the display device 100 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 7 together with FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a display device 100 for explaining a shape change of a display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 7, the illustration of the rear cover 30 is omitted for clarity. FIG. 7A shows a case where the display module 10 is in a planar state, and FIG. 6B shows a case where the display module 10 is in a curved surface state.

The first shaft 44 and the second shaft 48 of the stopper member 40 are located in the vicinity of the end portion of the display module 10 and are positioned And is placed in the first state. Then, as shown in Fig. 7 (a), the display module 10 maintains the planar state as it is.

When the user gives an instruction to change the shape of the display module 10 to a curved surface state, energy is supplied to the second portion 24 by a driving portion such as a panel driving portion or a motor to shorten the connection length. That is, by shortening the connection length of the second portion 24 formed of the shape memory alloy by providing electric energy or thermal energy, or by winding the second portion 24 around the rotation axis by providing mechanical energy, Reduce. Then, the end portion of the first portion 22 is pulled toward the center portion so that the first portion 22 is totally bent, and the end portion of the first portion 22 is projected forward. As a result, the shape of the display module 10 is also changed. 7 (b), the display module 10 is transformed into a curved surface having a uniform curvature radius R as a whole in the left-right direction, so that the user's immersion feeling can be further improved.

At this time, the end portion of the second portion 24 is pulled toward the center portion so that the end portion of the second portion 24 presses the first shaft 44 of the stopper member 40. Then, the first shaft 44 is pressed to press the second shaft 48, and then the elastic portion 46 moves back to the base portion 42a. At this time, the first shaft 44 is rotated by the interaction of the first gear 442 and the second gear 482, and the positions of the first insertion protrusion 444a and the second insertion groove 444b are changed do. That is, the first insertion protrusion 444a located in the first insertion groove 424a is moved to the position of the second insertion groove 424b by the rotation, and the second insertion protrusion 444b, which was located in the second insertion groove 424b, The first insertion groove 444b is moved to the position of the first insertion groove 424a by the rotation. And is fixed by the elastic portion 46 in this state. Then, the insertion depth becomes shorter by the second length SL2, and the first shaft 44 and the second shaft 48 are fixed in the second state, which is relatively biased toward the center of the display module 10. [ As a result, the curved surface state of the display module 10 can be maintained.

When a user gives an instruction to change the shape of the display module 10 to a planar state, energy is supplied to the second portion 24 by a drive portion such as a panel drive portion or a motor to temporarily change the connection length . That is, by shortening the connection length of the second portion 24 formed of the shape memory alloy by providing electric energy or thermal energy, or by winding the second portion 24 around the rotation axis by providing mechanical energy, Reduce. At this time, electric energy or heat energy or the like can be provided for a shorter time than in the case of the transformation into a curved state. That is, in the case of deformation into the curved surface state, the energy is supplied so that the connection length can be sufficiently reduced and fixed, while in the case of deformation into the flat state, the energy is supplied only enough to change the state of the stopper member 40 It is enough.

The end of the first portion 22 is pulled slightly toward the center so that the end of the second portion 24 presses the first shaft 44 of the stopper member 40. [ Then, the first shaft 44 is pressed to press the second shaft 48, and then the elastic portion 46 moves back to the base portion 42a. At this time, as the first shaft 44 rotates due to the interaction of the first gear 442 and the second gear 482, the positions of the first insertion protrusions 444a and the second insertion protrusions 444b are changed do. That is, the second insertion protrusion 444b located in the first insertion slot 424a is moved to the position of the second insertion slot 424b by the rotation, and the first insertion protrusion 444b, which was located in the second insertion slot 424b, The first insertion groove 444a is moved to the position of the first insertion groove 424a by the rotation. And is fixed by the elastic portion 46 in this state. Then, the insertion depth becomes longer by the first length SL1, and the first axis 44 and the second axis 48 are fixed in the first state, which is relatively close to the end of the display module 10. As a result, the planar state of the display module 10 can be maintained.

The second portion 24 is easily returned to the first connection length after the stopper member 40 is pressed because the second portion 24 is provided with an energy sufficient to press only the stopper member 40. [ As a result, the deformable member 20 is restored to its original state so as not to exert a force on the display module 10, thereby returning the display module 10 to a planar state.

As described above, in this embodiment, the shape of the display module 10 can be changed so as to improve the satisfaction of viewers. For example, the display module 10 may be curved so that the left and right edges of the display module 10 project forward so that the display module 10 has a predetermined radius of curvature R in the left and right directions. Then, the distance from the user's eyes to the display panel 12 is very fine even if there is no difference or difference in the center portion and the side portion. Accordingly, the immersion feeling of the user can be improved. Further, when the curved surface state is not required (for example, in the case of a current affairs program or a cultured program), the display module 10 may have a planar state to satisfy various demands of the viewer.

Further, the stopper member 40 can be used to hold the display module 10 in a planar state or a curved state. Then, the state of the display module 10 can be stably maintained in each state. In addition, since current is not continuously supplied to maintain the state of the display module 10 (in particular, in the case of a curved surface), power consumption can be minimized. The stopper member 40 can be operated by the variable member 20 pressing the stopper member 40 in accordance with the change of the shape of the deformable member 20 so that a separate structure for operating the stopper member 40 , Power, etc. are not required.

In the above-described embodiment, when the energy is supplied to the deformable member 20, the shape of the display module 10 is set to change while the connection length of the second portion 24 of the deformable member 20 is reduced. This is because it is easier to pull the first part 22 as the connection length is reduced than to push the first part 22 while the connection length of the second part 24 is increased. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to modify the design such that the connection length is increased by providing energy to the deformable member 20. [

And the display module 10 is deformed so as to have a curvature in the lateral direction according to a change in the state of the deformable member 20. [ However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, it is also possible to deform the deformable member 20 so as to have a curved surface in the vertical direction of the display module 10, or to have various other shapes.

In this embodiment, the stopper members 40 are positioned at both ends of the fixing portion 24, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Accordingly, the position, arrangement, and the like of the stopper member 40 may be variously changed depending on the structure and the manner thereof.

In the present embodiment, the deformable member 20 is located on the rear surface of the support member 14, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Thus, it is possible to display the display 12 at various locations, such as between the display panel 12 and the support member 14, within the support member 14, between the support member 14 and the back cover 30, It is sufficient to provide a force for changing the shape of the panel 12.

Features, structures, effects and the like according to the above-described embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to only one embodiment. Further, the features, structures, effects, and the like illustrated in the embodiments may be combined or modified in other embodiments by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to these combinations and modifications.

100: display device
10: Display module
20: variable member
30: Rear cover
40: Stopper member

Claims (20)

A display module;
A deformable member changing the shape of the display module; And
And a stopper member for fixing the variable member to maintain the shape of the deformable member
. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the deformable member deforms the display module so that the display module has any one of a planar state and a curved state in which the display module is curved so as to have a certain radius of curvature in the first direction. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the stopper member has a first state for fixing the variable member to maintain the planar state and a second state for fixing the variable member to maintain the curved state. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the stopper member is operated by a change in shape of the deformable member. 5. The method of claim 4,
An opening portion in which the stopper member is positioned is formed in the deformable member,
Both ends of the stopper member are fixed to the opening,
And the stopper member is operated by pressing at least one end of the stopper member when the shape of the deformable member changes. The method according to claim 1,
The variable member has a central portion fixed to the display module,
Wherein the stopper member is fixed to the display module in the vicinity of an end portion of the deformable member. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein an opening portion in which the stopper member is located is formed in a portion of the deformable member where the stopper member is located,
Both ends of the stopper member are fixed to the opening,
And the stopper member is operated by pressing at least one end of the stopper member when the shape of the deformable member changes. The method according to claim 1,
The stopper member
The case portion;
A first shaft located at one side of the case and pressed by the deformable member and having a first gear; And
And a second gear having a second gear engaged with the first gear, the second gear being located on the other side of the case portion to receive an elastic force by the elastic portion,
Lt; / RTI >
Wherein when the first shaft is pressed, the first shaft is rotated by an interaction between the first gear and the second gear. 9. The method of claim 8,
The first insertion protrusion and the second insertion protrusion having different shapes are formed on the outer surface of the first shaft,
Wherein a first insertion groove having a shape corresponding to the first insertion projection and a second insertion groove having a shape corresponding to the second insertion projection are formed on one side of the case portion. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the first insertion protrusions have different insertion lengths in the first insertion slot and the second insertion slot. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the first insertion protrusions are formed to have a first width and a first length,
Wherein the second insertion projection includes a portion having a first width and a second length that is shorter than the first length and a portion having a second width smaller than the first width,
Wherein the first insertion protrusion has an insertion length corresponding to the first length in the first insertion groove and has an insertion length corresponding to the second length in the second insertion groove. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the stopper member has a first state and a second state,
The first insertion protrusion is located in the first insertion groove and the second insertion protrusion is located in the second insertion groove to have a first insertion length so that the first axis and the second axis are in contact with the display Close to the end of the module,
The first insertion projection is located in the second insertion groove and the second insertion projection is located in the first insertion groove and has a second insertion length shorter than the first insertion length, And the second axis is located close to the central portion of the display module. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein the deformable member deforms the display module so that the display module has any one of a flat state and a curved state in which the display module is curved so as to have a certain radius of curvature in the first direction,
Wherein the display module maintains the planar state when the stopper member is in the first state, and the display module maintains the curved state when the stopper member is in the second state. 9. The method of claim 8,
The case part is fixed to the display module,
And the first shaft and the second shaft are movably positioned in the case portion. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the case part includes a first case part forming the one side of the case part and having an insertion groove corresponding to the insertion projection formed on the first shaft and a second case part forming the other side of the case part, And a second case portion for allowing the axis to be positioned. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the deformable member includes a first portion fixed to the display module and a second portion having both end portions fixed to opposite ends of the first portion. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the stopper member is located outside the fixed portion of the first portion and the second portion. 17. The method of claim 16,
An opening is formed on the outside of the fixed portion of the first portion and the second portion in the first portion,
And the stopper member is fixed within the opening. 19. The method of claim 18,
And an end portion of the first portion presses the stopper member so that the stopper member is operated while the connection length between both ends of the second portion is reduced. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the display module includes an organic light emitting display panel.

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