KR20180036903A - Foldable display device - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present invention, a foldable display device comprises a flexible display panel and an instrument. First and second regions and a third region between the first and second regions are defined on the flexible display panel. The flexible display panel has a first state which is flattened and a second state which is bent based on a central axis extending in a first direction. The instrument is disposed below the flexible display panel and includes first and second bodies rotatably coupled to each other through a hinge part. The first body has a first flat part and a first curved part. The first flat part supports the first region of the flexible display panel. The first curved part extends from the first flat part and an upper surface thereof has a curved surface. The second body has a second flat part and a second curved part. The second flat part supports the second region of the flexible display panel. The second curved part extends from the second flat part and has a shape symmetrical to the first curved part with respect to a central line crossing the centers of the first and second bodies.

Description

FOLDABLE DISPLAY DEVICE}

The present invention relates to a foldable display device.

As the information technology is developed, the market of display devices, which is a connection medium between users and information, is getting larger. Accordingly, the use of display devices such as organic light emitting display (OLED), liquid crystal display (LCD), and plasma display panel (PDP) is increasing.

Since the organic light emitting diode display device is a self light emitting device, power consumption is lower than that of a liquid crystal display device requiring a backlight, and thus the organic light emitting diode display device can be made thinner. In addition, the organic light emitting diode display device has a wide viewing angle and a high response speed. Organic light emitting diode (OLED) display devices are expanding their market by competing with liquid crystal display devices by developing process technology up to the level of large-screen mass production technology.

The pixels of the organic light emitting diode display include organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), which are self-luminous elements. The organic light emitting diode display device can be divided into various types according to kinds of light emitting materials, light emitting systems, light emitting structures, driving systems, and the like. The organic light emitting diode display device can be divided into a fluorescent emission and a phosphorescent emission according to a light emission method, and can be divided into a top emission structure and a bottom emission structure according to a light emission structure. In addition, the organic light emitting diode display device can be divided into PMOLED (Passive Matrix OLED) and AMOLED (Active Matrix OLED) according to the driving method.

In recent years, flexible display devices have been commercialized. The flexible display device can reproduce the input image on the screen of the display panel on which the plastic OLED is formed. A plastic OLED is formed on a flexible plastic substrate. Flexible display devices are available in various designs and have advantages in portability and durability. The flexible display device may be implemented in various forms such as a Bendable display device, a Foldable display device, and a Rollable display device. Such a flexible display device can be applied not only to a mobile device such as a smart phone and a tablet PC but also to a television (Television), an automobile display, a wearable device, and its application field is expanding.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a foldable display device capable of realizing a stable folding operation while maintaining a constant length without being compressed or stretched by the flexible display panel.

A foldable display device according to the present invention includes a flexible display panel and a fixture. In the flexible display panel, a first area, a second area, and a third area between the first area and the second area are defined. The flexible display panel has a first flattened state and a second bent state about a central axis extending along the first direction. The fixture includes a first body and a second body that are disposed under the flexible display panel and are rotatably fastened through the hinge portion. The first body has a first flat portion and a first bent portion. The first flat portion supports the first area of the flexible display panel. The first curve portion extends from the first flat portion, and the upper surface has a curved surface. The second body has a second flat portion and a second curved portion. The second flat portion supports the second area of the flexible display panel. The second bend portion has a shape that is symmetrical with the first bend portion with respect to a center line extending from the second flat portion and crossing the center of the first and second bodies.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can improve the physical durability of a flexible display panel by providing a mechanism having a first body and a second body for supporting the flexible display panel.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, since the hinge unit connecting the first body and the second body is provided, the interval between the first body and the second body can be stably maintained in accordance with the change of the state of the flexible display panel. In other words, since the first body and the second body according to the present invention are connected to each other through the hinge portion, the flexible display panel is moved along a predetermined trajectory with one degree of freedom. Therefore, folding operation can be implemented. Accordingly, the present invention can provide a foldable display device that secures product stability and reliability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing a folder-type display apparatus according to the present invention; FIG.
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the pixel shown in Fig. 1. Fig.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit diagram in a pixel shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
4 is a view showing a structure of a modular flexible display panel.
FIG. 5 is a view for explaining an example of use of a display device according to the present invention.
FIGS. 6 to 11 are views for explaining the structure of a display device according to the present invention.
12 and 13 are diagrams for explaining the operation process of the device according to the present invention.
14 to 16 are views for explaining an example of a method for determining the shape of the guide groove.
17 to 19 are views for explaining another example of a method for determining the shape of the guide groove.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals throughout the specification denote substantially identical components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following description, a detailed description of known technologies or configurations related to the present invention will be omitted when it is determined that the gist of the present invention may be unnecessarily obscured. In describing the various embodiments, the same components are represented at the outset and may be omitted in other embodiments.

Terms including ordinals, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited to these terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

The present invention can be applied to a liquid crystal display (LCD), a field emission display (FED), a plasma display panel (PDP), an organic light emitting diode A light emitting display (OLED), an electrophoresis display (EPD), a quantum dot display (QDD), and the like. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the case where the display device of the present invention includes an organic light emitting diode (OLED) device will be described as an example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing a folder-type display apparatus according to the present invention; FIG. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the pixel shown in Fig. 1. Fig. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit diagram in a pixel shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a view showing a structure of a modular flexible display panel.

Referring to FIG. 1, the display device 10 of the present invention includes a display driving circuit, a flexible display panel 100, and the like.

The display driving circuit includes a data driving circuit 12, a gate driving circuit 14 and a timing controller 16, and writes the video data voltage of the input image to the pixels of the soft display panel 100. The data driving circuit 12 converts the digital video data RGB input from the timing controller 16 into an analog gamma compensation voltage to generate a data voltage. The data voltage output from the data driving circuit 12 is supplied to the data lines D1 to Dm. The gate drive circuit 14 sequentially supplies the gate signal synchronized with the data voltage to the gate lines G1 to Gn to select the pixels of the soft display panel 100 into which the data voltage is written.

The timing controller 16 inputs timing signals such as a vertical synchronization signal Vsync, a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync, a data enable signal DE and a main clock MCLK input from the host system 19 And synchronizes the operation timings of the data driving circuit 12 and the gate driving circuit 14 with each other. The data timing control signal for controlling the data driving circuit 12 includes a source sampling clock (SSC), a source output enable (SOE) signal, and the like. The gate timing control signal for controlling the gate driving circuit 14 includes a gate start pulse GSP, a gate shift clock GSC, a gate output enable signal GOE .

The host system 19 may be implemented as any one of a television system, a set-top box, a navigation system, a DVD player, a Blu-ray player, a personal computer (PC), a home theater system, and a phone system. The host system 19 includes a system on chip (SoC) with a built-in scaler to convert the digital video data RGB of the input image into a format suitable for display on the flexible display panel 100. The host system 19 transmits timing signals (Vsync, Hsync, DE, MCLK) to the timing controller 16 together with the digital video data.

And a plastic substrate including a pixel array of the soft display panel 100. The plastic substrate is made of materials such as PI (Polyimide), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), PC (polycarbonate), PES (polyethersulfone), PAR (polyarylate), PSF (polysulfone) As shown in FIG. The pixel array includes pixels defined by data lines (D1 to Dm, m is a positive integer) and gate lines (G1 to Gn, where n is a positive integer). Each of the pixels includes an OLED which is a self-luminous element.

2, a plurality of data lines D and a plurality of gate lines G are crossed in the flexible display panel 100, and pixels are arranged in a matrix form in each of the intersection regions. Each of the pixels includes a driving thin film transistor (hereinafter referred to as TFT) DT for controlling the amount of current flowing through the OLED and the OLED, and a programming portion SC for setting the gate-source voltage of the driving TFT DT .

The programming portion SC may include at least one switch TFT and at least one storage capacitor. The switch TFT is turned on in response to the gate signal from the gate wiring G to apply the data voltage from the data wiring D to one electrode of the storage capacitor. The driving TFT DT controls the amount of current supplied to the OLED according to the magnitude of the voltage charged in the storage capacitor to control the amount of light emitted from the OLED. The amount of light emission of the OLED is proportional to the amount of current supplied from the driving TFT DT. These pixels are connected to a high potential power source (EVDD) and a low potential power source (EVSS), and are supplied with a high potential power supply voltage and a low potential power supply voltage from a power generation unit (not shown). The TFTs constituting the pixel may be implemented as a p-type or an n-type. In addition, the semiconductor layer of the TFTs constituting the pixel may include amorphous silicon, polysilicon, or an oxide. The OLED includes an anode electrode ANO, a cathode electrode CAT, and an organic compound layer interposed between the anode electrode ANO and the cathode electrode CAT. The anode electrode ANO is connected to the driving TFT DT.

3, the pixel may be composed of a transistor 6C (Capacitor). However, the pixel structure of the present invention is not limited to the 6T 1C structure. That is, the present invention can include all OLED pixel structures using a method of regulating the current flowing in the OLED using a driving TFT.

Hereinafter, it is assumed that the TFT included in the pixel is of the p type, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be formed of n type or the like. The positions of the source electrode and the drain electrode may be different depending on the type of the TFT. In the following description, it is referred to as a first electrode and a second electrode.

The first TFT T1 includes a gate electrode connected to the first gate wiring GL1a, a first electrode connected to the first data line DL1 and a second electrode connected to one end of the storage capacitor Cstg. The first TFT T1 is responsible for transferring the data voltage supplied through the first data line DL1 to the storage capacitor Cstg in response to the first gate signal SCAN1.

The second TFT T2 includes a gate electrode connected to the first b gate wiring GL1b, a first electrode connected to the gate electrode of the driving TFT DT and a second electrode connected to the second electrode of the driving TFT DT do. The second TFT T2 functions to turn the gate electrode and the source electrode node of the driving TFT DT into the diode connection state in response to the first b gate signal SCAN2.

The third TFT T3 includes a gate electrode connected to the first c gate wiring GL1c, a first electrode connected to the reference voltage wiring VREF, and a second electrode connected to one end of the storage capacitor Cstg. The third TFT T3 serves to supply a reference voltage Vref (or a compensation voltage) to one end of the storage capacitor Cstg in response to the first c gate signal EM.

The fourth TFT T4 includes a gate electrode connected to the first c gate wiring GL1c, a first electrode connected to the second electrode of the driving TFT DT and a second electrode connected to the anode electrode of the organic light emitting diode OLED . The fourth TFT T4 transmits a driving current to the organic light emitting diode OLED in response to the first gate signal SCAN2 and emits the driving current.

The fifth TFT T5 includes a gate electrode connected to the first gate wiring GL1b, a first electrode connected to the reference voltage wiring VREF, and a second electrode connected to the anode electrode of the organic light emitting diode OLED. The fifth TFT T5 serves to supply the reference voltage Vref to the anode electrode of the organic light emitting diode OLED in response to the first b gate signal SCAN2.

The driving TFT DT includes a gate electrode connected to the other end of the storage capacitor Cstg, a first electrode connected to the first power source (or a high potential source) EVDD, a first electrode connected to the first electrode of the fourth TFT T4, Two electrodes. The driving TFT DT is turned on in response to the data voltage supplied from the storage capacitor Cstg and generates a driving current to be supplied to the organic light emitting diode OLED.

The organic light emitting diode OLED includes an anode electrode connected to the second electrode of the fourth TFT T4 and a cathode electrode connected to a second power source (or a low potential voltage source) EVSS. The organic light emitting diode OLED emits light corresponding to the driving current transmitted through the fourth TFT T4.

4, the flexible display panel 100 includes a timing controller 16 (FIG. 1), a data driving circuit 12, a gate driving circuit 14 (a host system (19 in FIG. 1) And the like) are electrically connected and connected to be modularized.

The gate drive circuit 14 may be formed on the flexible display panel 100 in a GIP manner. That is, it is preferable to form the gate drive circuit 14 in a GIP (Gate In Panel) manner on the left, right, left, and right sides of the display area AA in order to easily wind up and pull out the flexible display panel 100 have. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

A data printed circuit board (PCB) 20 is electrically connected to the flexible display panel 100 through a first connection member 25. The first connection member 25 may be a chip on film (COF) on which the data driving circuit 12 is mounted, but is not limited thereto. For example, the first connection member 25 may be implemented by a TCP (Tape Carrier Package) method to electrically connect the data PCB 20 and the flexible display panel 100.

The data PCB 20 is connected to the control board 30 through the second connecting member 35. [ The second connecting members 35 may be plural. A timing controller 16 and the like are mounted on the control board 30. The second connection member 35 may be an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable), but is not limited thereto. The control board 30 may be connected to a host system (19 of FIG. 1), a power generator, and the like through a connection cable.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining an example of use of a display device according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the flexible display panel 100 includes a display area in which an input image is implemented. The user can recognize the information output from the soft display panel 100 through the display area. The upper surface of the flexible display panel 100 refers to one surface of the flexible display panel 100 in which the display area is defined. Conversely, the lower surface of the soft display panel 100 means one surface opposite to the upper surface of the soft display panel 100, in which the user can not recognize the display area.

The flexible display panel 100 may be folded. That is, the flexible display panel 100 is given a predetermined ductility, and the folding or straightening operation can be easily and repeatedly performed. The flexible display panel 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is folded in the lower surface direction of the flexible display panel 100. [ This folding method is defined as an outer folding method.

FIGS. 6 to 11 are views for explaining the structure of a display device according to the present invention.

6 and 7, the display device of the present invention includes a flexible display panel 100 and an apparatus 200 for supporting the flexible display panel 100. As shown in FIG.

The flexible display panel 100 may be folded or unfolded to maintain the first state ST1 and the second state ST2. The first state ST1 indicates a state in which the flexible display panel 100 is opened. And the second state ST2 indicates a state in which the flexible display panel 100 is folded. For the state change from the first state ST1 to the second state ST2, the soft display panel 100 has a virtual center axis CX extending in the first direction (for example, the Y axis direction) Lt; / RTI > The imaginary central axis CX may be the center of rotation. The longitudinal direction of the flexible display panel 100 and the third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) of the flexible display panel 100 and the second direction (e.g., the X- Can be defined in the thickness direction of the flexible display panel 100. [

The state change of the soft display panel 100 may be due to a physical external force directly provided by the user. For example, the user can grasp one end of the flexible display panel 100 and apply force to the flexible display panel 100 to implement a change in the state of the flexible display panel 100. [ Alternatively, the state change of the soft display panel 100 may be controlled through the control unit in response to a predetermined specific signal. That is, the state change of the flexible display panel 100 can be controlled by the selected driving device, the driving circuit, and the like.

Since the foldable display device according to the present invention is implemented by an outer folding method, the flexible display panel 100 is exposed to the outside regardless of a state change. That is, even during the first state ST1, the second state ST2, and the state change continuation, the user can recognize the display area of the soft display panel 100 and selectively receive necessary information. For example, the first state ST1 may be a state in which the display device is turned on and an input image is implemented. In the second state ST2, the display device may be turned off, and the input image may not be implemented.

Various events including on / off of the soft display panel 100 can be controlled through the control unit in response to a predetermined specific signal supplied through a user input unit, a sensor, or the like. The user input unit may include a touch key for recognizing a conductor including a finger of a user or a push key or a mechanical key for recognizing a physical pressure. The sensor may include a proximity sensor, an illumination sensor, a touch sensor, a finger scan sensor, or the like capable of sensing at least one of ambient information and user information. have.

In the flexible display panel 100, a first region R1, a second region R2, and a third region R3 may be defined. The first region R1 and the second region R2 are regions that remain flat regardless of the state change of the soft display panel 100. [ The first region R1 and the second region R2 are spaced apart via the third region R3. The third region R3 is defined between the first region R1 and the second region R2 and is a region folded when the state of the flexible display panel 100 changes. The third region R3 of the soft display panel 100 has a constant curvature in the second state ST2.

At least one of the first region R1, the second region R2, and the third region R3 may implement different events from each other. For example, the display region corresponding to at least one of the first region R1, the second region R2, and the third region R3 may implement a different image from the display region corresponding to the other. As another example, the display region corresponding to at least one of the first region R1, the second region R2, and the third region R3 may be in the ON state and the display region corresponding to the other region may be in the OFF state .

The fixture 200 is divided into a first body BD1 and a second body BD2 to support the flexible display panel 100. [ The fixture 200 supports the lower surface of the flexible display panel 100 and reinforces the rigidity of the flexible display panel 100. The present invention further improves the physical durability of the flexible display panel 100 by further including the structure 200. [ The fixture 200 may include a lightweight, high strength material. For example, the fixture 200 may be formed of any one of glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP), carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP), aluminum, and plastic. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The size and shape of the structure 200 can be appropriately selected within a range that does not constrain or restrict the free deformation of the soft display panel 100.

The first body BD1 includes a first flat portion FP1 and a first curved portion CP1 extending from the first flat portion FP1. The first flat portion FP1 has a flat upper surface and a flat lower surface. The first curve CP1 has a curved upper surface and a flat lower surface. Therefore, the thickness of the upper surface of the first body BD1 decreases as it goes from the first flat portion FP1 to the first curved portion CP1. The cross-sectional shape of the first flat portion FP1 may have a rectangular shape. The cross-sectional shape of the first curve CP1 may have a quadrant shape.

The first flat portion FP1 supports the first region R1 of the flexible display panel 100. [ The upper surface of the first flat portion FP1 is attached to the first region R1 of the flexible display panel 100. [ The upper surface of the first flat portion FP1 is fixed to the flexible display panel 100 so that the mutual movement of the first body BD1 and the flexible display panel 100 is restrained or restricted.

The first curve portion CP1 supports a part of the third region R3 of the soft display panel 100. [ The upper surface of the first curve CP1 is not fixed to the flexible display panel 100. [ When the soft display panel 100 is in the first state ST1, the upper surface of the first curve CP1 is not in contact with the back surface of the soft display panel 100. [ When the soft display panel 100 is in the second state ST2, the upper surface of the first curve CP1 contacts the back surface of the soft display panel 100 and supports it.

The second body BD2 includes a second flat portion FP2 and a second curved portion CP2 extending from the second flat portion FP2. The second flat portion FP2 has a flat upper surface and a flat lower surface. The second curve CP2 has a curved upper surface and a flat lower surface. Therefore, the thickness of the upper surface of the second body BD2 decreases as the second flat portion FP2 advances from the second flat portion FP2 to the second bent portion CP2. The sectional shape of the second flat portion FP2 may have a rectangular shape. The cross-sectional shape of the second curve CP2 may have a quadratic shape.

The second flat portion FP2 supports the second region R2 of the flexible display panel 100. [ The upper surface of the second flat portion FP2 is attached to the second region R2 of the soft display panel 100. [ The flexible display panel 100 is fixed to the upper surface of the second flat portion FP2 so that mutual movement of the second body BD2 and the flexible display panel 100 is restrained and restricted.

The second curve CP2 supports a part of the third region R3 of the flexible display panel 100. [ The upper surface of the second curve CP2 is not fixed to the flexible display panel 100. [ When the soft display panel 100 is in the first state ST1, the upper surface of the second curve CP2 is not in contact with the back surface of the soft display panel 100. [ When the soft display panel 100 is in the second state ST2, the upper surface of the second curve CP2 contacts and supports the back surface of the soft display panel 100. [

The first body BD1 and the second body BD2 may be symmetrical. Particularly, the first bend section CP1 of the first body BD1 and the second bend section CP2 of the second body BD2 are symmetrical. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the first bend CP1 and the cross-sectional shape of the second bend CP2 can be line-symmetrical with respect to the imaginary center line CT. The imaginary center line CT may be a straight line extending in the third direction so as to intersect the center of the first curve portion CP1 and the second curve portion CP2.

When the flexible display panel 100 is in the second state ST2, the lower surface of the first body BD1 and the lower surface of the second body BD2 are in contact with each other, And the upper surface of the second body BD2 are connected. At this time, the upper surface of the first bend CP1 and the upper surface of the second bend CP2 are connected to each other to form a semicircular arc.

When the flexible display panel 100 is in the first state ST1, the first body BD1 and the second body BD2 are aligned along the second direction and are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance GAP). As described above, by setting the predetermined gap GAP between the first body BD1 and the second body BD2, the length of the flexible display panel 100, which is generated when the state of the flexible display panel 100 changes, Can be compensated.

The flexible display panel 100 covers the upper surfaces of the first body BD1 and the second body BD2. In the second state ST2, the first region R1 and the second region R2 of the soft display panel 100 maintain the expanded state, and the third region R3 of the soft display panel 100 is in the bent state Lt; / RTI > In the second state ST2, the third region R3 of the soft display panel 100 is in contact with the outer periphery of the semicircular arc formed by the first bend CP1 and the second bend CP2, and the first bend CP1 And the second curved portion CP2 to maintain a constant curvature.

Meanwhile, it is necessary to provide a structure for stably maintaining the interval between the first body BD1 and the second body BD2 in accordance with the change of the state of the flexible display panel 100. [ That is, when the state of the flexible display panel 100 is changed, the interval between the first body BD1 and the second body BD2 is stably maintained such that the flexible display panel 100 is not stretched or compressed and a constant length is maintained There is a need. To this end, the present invention further includes a hinge part 300 positioned between the first body BD1 and the second body BD2.

8 to 11, the present embodiment of the present invention includes at least one hinge unit 300 connected between a first body BD1 and a second body BD2. In the drawing, two hinge parts 300 spaced apart from each other in the first direction are disposed, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The hinge unit 300 is positioned between the first body BD1 and the second body BD2 and connects the first body BD1 and the second body BD2. The hinge part 300 includes a first connecting part LP1, a second connecting part LP2, a first connecting part LP2 fastened to the first connecting part LP2 and a first connecting part LP2 guided by the first and second connecting parts LP2, A link LN1 and a second link LN2.

The first connection part LP1 is provided on the first body BD1. The first connection part LP1 may have a shape in which a part of the first body BD1 is partially recessed inward along the second direction. The first connection part LP1 includes a first 1-1 sidewall SW1_1 and a 1-2 sidewall SW1_2 spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along a first direction. One end of the first link LN1 and the other end of the second link LN2 are accommodated in the inner space provided by the first 1-1 sidewall SW1_1 and the 1-2 sidewall SW1_2.

The first 1-1 side wall SW1_1 includes a first 1-1 fixing groove PH1_1 and a 1-1 second guide groove PT1_1. The first-second side wall SW1_2 includes a first-second fixing groove PH1_2 and a first-second guide groove PT1_2. The first-first fixing groove PH1_1 and the first-second fixing groove PH1_2 are provided at positions corresponding to each other. The first-first fixing groove PH1_1 and the first-second fixing groove PH1_2 are jointed and may have the same size and shape. The first-first guide groove PT1_1 and the first-second guide groove PT1_2 are provided at positions corresponding to each other. The first-first guide groove PT1_1 and the first-second guide groove PT1_2 are jointed and have the same size and shape, and can have mutually corresponding loci.

One end of the first link LN1 is fastened to the first connection portion LP1 through a first pin PN1 extending along the first direction. One end of the first link LN1 includes a 1-1 through hole GH1_1. The first pin PN1 passes through the 1-1 through hole GH1_1 and is fastened to the 1-1 fixing groove PH1_1 and the 1-2 fixing groove PH1_2. That is, one end of the first pin PN1 is fastened to the first fastening groove PH1_1 and the other end of the first pin PN1 fastened to the first fastening groove PH1_2. One end of the first link LN1 is rotatably coupled to the first pin PN1. One end of the first link LN1 can rotate with the first pin PN1 as a rotation axis. One end of the first link LN1 is constrained to move other than the rotation by the first pin PN1. In other words, the first body BD1 can rotate with the first pin PN1 as a rotation axis.

The other end of the second link LN2 is coupled to the first connection portion LP1 through a second pin PN2 extending along the first direction. And the other end of the second link LN2 includes the 2-2th through hole GH2_2. The second pin PN2 passes through the second through hole GH2_2 and is fastened to the first-first guide groove PT1_1 and the first-second guide groove PT1_2. That is, one end of the second pin PN2 is coupled to the first guide groove PT1_1, and the other end of the second pin PN2 is coupled to the first guide groove PT1_2. And the other end of the second link LN2 can rotate with the second pin PN2 as a rotation axis. The other end of the second link LN2 may be guided along the trajectory of the first-first guide groove PT1_1 and the first-second guide groove PT1_2. In other words, the second pin PN2 can be guided along the trajectory of the first-first guide groove PT1_1 and the first-second guide groove PT1_2.

And the second connection part LP2 is provided on the second body BD2. The second connection portion LP2 may have a shape in which a part of the second body BD2 is partially recessed inward along the second direction. The second connection part LP2 includes a second-first sidewall SW2_1 and a second-sidewall SW2_2 which are spaced apart from each other in the first direction by a predetermined distance. One end of the second link LN2 and the other end of the first link LN1 are accommodated in the inner space provided by the 2-1 sidewall SW2_1 and the 2-2 sidewall SW2_2.

The (2-1) sidewall (SW2_1) includes a (2-1) fixing groove (PH2_1) and a (2-1) guide groove (PT2_1). The second-second side wall SW2_2 includes a second-second fixing groove PH2_2 and a second-second guide groove PT2_2. The second-first fixing groove PH2_1 and the second-second fixing groove PH2_2 are provided at positions corresponding to each other. The second-first fixing groove PH2_1 and the second-second fixing groove PH2_2 are jointed and may have the same size and shape. The second-first guide groove PT2_1 and the second-second guide groove PT2_2 are provided at positions corresponding to each other. The second-first guide groove PT2_1 and the second-second guide groove PT2_2 are jointed and have the same size and shape, and can have mutually corresponding loci.

And is in a mirroring relationship with the first guide groove PT1_1 and the second guide groove PT2_1. And is in a mirroring relationship with the first-second guide groove PT1_2 and the second-second guide groove PT2_2.

One end of the second link LN2 is fastened to the second connection portion LP2 via a third pin PN3 extending along the first direction. One end of the second link LN2 includes the 2-1th through hole GH2_1. The third pin PN3 passes through the second-1 through hole GH2_1 and is fastened to the second-1 fixing groove PH2_1 and the second-2 fixing groove PH2_2. That is, one end of the third pin PN3 is coupled to the second-1 fixing groove PH2_1, and the other end of the third pin PN3 is coupled to the second-second fixing groove PH2_2. One end of the second link LN2 is rotatably coupled to the third pin PN3. One end of the second link LN2 can rotate with the third pin PN3 as a rotation axis. One end of the second link LN2 is restrained in motion other than the rotation by the third pin PN3. In other words, the second body BD2 can rotate with the third pin PN3 as a rotation axis.

The other end of the first link LN1 is coupled to the second connection portion LP2 through a fourth pin PN4 extending along the first direction. The other end of the first link LN1 includes the 1-2th through hole GH1_2. The fourth pin PN4 passes through the first through hole GH1_2 and is fastened to the second-first guide groove PT2_1 and the second-second guide groove PT2_2. That is, one end of the fourth pin PN4 is coupled to the second-first guide groove PT2_1, and the other end of the fourth pin PN4 is coupled to the second-second guide groove PT2_2. The other end of the first link LN1 can be rotated with the fourth pin PN4 as a rotation axis. The other end of the first link LN1 may be guided along the locus of the second-first guide groove PT2_1 and the second-second guide groove PT2_2. In other words, the fourth pin (PN4) can be guided along the trajectory of the second-first guide groove PT2_1 and the second-second guide groove PT2_2.

The first link LN1 and the second link LN2 intersect each other between the first connection portion LP1 and the second connection portion LP2. The first link LN1 includes a first connection hole LH1 formed at the intersection IN of the first link LN1 and the second link LN2. The second link LN2 includes a second connection hole LH2 formed at an intersection IN of the first link LN1 and the second link LN2. The fifth pin (PN5) extending along the first direction is fastened to the first connection hole (LH1) and the second connection hole (LH2). The first link LN1 and the second link LN2 can rotate with the fifth pin PN5 as a rotation axis.

The first link LN1 includes a first part PTN1_1 connecting the first through hole GH1_1 and the first connection hole LH1 and a first part PTN1_1 connecting the first connection hole LH1 and the first through hole 1-2, And a 1-2 part (PTN1_2) connecting the holes GH1_2. The first part PTN1_1 and the first 1-2 part PTN1_2 have a predetermined length and the angle? Formed by the first part PTN1_1 and the first 1-2 part PTN1_2 is set in advance Angle. The second link LN2 includes a second-1 portion PTN2_1 connecting the second-1 through hole GH2_1 and the second connection hole LH2, a second-1 portion PTN2_1 connecting the first connection hole LH1 and the second- And a second -2 part (PTN2_2) connecting the hole GH2_2. The 2-1 part PTN2_1 and the 2-2 part PTN2_2 have a predetermined length and the angle? Formed by the 2-1 part PTN2_1 and the 2-2 part PTN2_2 is set in advance Angle.

At least one of the first-first portion PTN1_1 and the first-second portion PTN1_2 of the first link LN1 may include at least one bending portion WP as required. At least one of the second-1 part PTN2_1 and the second-2 part PTN2_2 of the second link LN2 may include at least one bend WP as required.

A first stopper STP1 may be further provided on the outer surface of the first 1-1 side wall SW1_1. The first stopper STP1 is configured such that when the 1-1 stator groove PH1_1 and the 1-1 stator groove PT1_1 have a hole shape passing through the 1-1 stator wall SW1_1, The first pin PN1 and the second pin PN2 are prevented from being separated from the first connection part LP1 through the groove PH1_1 and the first guide groove PT1_1. A second stopper STP2 may be further provided on the outer surface of the (2-1) sidewall (SW2_1). In the case where the second-1 fixing groove PH2_1 and the second-1 guide groove PT2_1 have a hole shape passing through the second-1 side wall SW2_1, the second stopper STP2 is fixed to the The third pin PN3 and the fourth pin PN4 are prevented from being released to the outside of the second connection portion LP2 through the groove PH2_1 and the second guide groove PT2_1.

12 and 13 are diagrams for explaining the operation process of the device according to the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 12, in the first state ST1, the flexible display panel 100 maintains a flat expanded state. The first body (BD1) and the second body (BD2) are aligned along the second direction. The first link LN1 and the second link LN2 intersect at a virtual intersection IN. The intersection IN corresponds to the area where the connection holes LH1 and LH2 are located.

One end of the first link LN1 is located at a virtual first fixed point F1 located at the first body BD1. The first fixing point F1 corresponds to the area where the 1-1 through hole GH1_1 of the first link LN1 is located and the area where the first fixing groove is located. One end of the second link LN2 is located at a virtual second fixed point F2 located in the second body BD2. The second fixing point F2 corresponds to the area where the second-1 through hole GH2_1 of the second link LN2 is located and the area where the second fixing groove is located.

The other end of the first link LN1 is located at a virtual first tracking point T1 located in the second body BD2. The first tracking point T1 corresponds to the area where the 1-2th through hole GH1_2 of the first link LN1 is located. The first tracking point Tl is located on the trajectory of the second guide groove PT2 and may be located at the starting point of the trajectory in the first state ST1. The other end of the second link LN2 is located at a virtual second tracking point T2 located at the first body BD1. The second tracking point T2 corresponds to the area where the second-second through hole GH2_2 of the second link LN2 is located. The second tracking point T2 is located on the locus of the first guide groove PT1 and may be located at an initial point of the locus in the first state ST1.

Referring to FIG. 13, when an external force is applied to the flexible display panel 100, the third region R3 of the flexible display panel 100 is bent. Correspondingly, the second body BD2 moves toward the lower surface of the first body BD1, and in the second state ST2, the lower surface of the first body BD1 and the lower surface of the second body BD2 The surface is contacted. In the second state ST2, the third region R3 of the soft display panel 100 contacts the outer periphery of the curved portion of the first body BD1 and the curved portion of the second body BD2 to maintain a constant curvature .

One end of the first link LN1 is rotated in the home position with the first pin PN1 as the rotational axis and one end of the second link LN2 is rotated with the third pin PN3 as the rotational axis in the home position . The first link LN1 and the second link LN2 intersect at the intersection IN and rotate about the fifth pin PN5 as the rotation axis.

The other end of the first link LN1 is guided along the locus of the second guide groove PT2. The first tracking point T1 is located on the locus of the second guide groove PT2 and may be located at the end point of the locus in the second state ST2. The first tracking point T1 is shifted in accordance with the state change of the soft display panel 100 and the locus of the first tracking point T1 shifted becomes the locus of the second guide groove PT2. The other end of the second link LN2 is guided along the locus of the first guide groove PT1. The second tracking point T2 is located on the locus of the first guide groove PT1 and may be located at the end point of the locus in the second state ST2. The second tracking point T2 is shifted in accordance with the state change of the soft display panel 100 and the trajectory of the shifted second tracking point T2 becomes the locus of the first guide groove PT1.

The present invention can provide a foldable display device capable of stably maintaining an interval between the first body BD1 and the second body BD2 in response to a change in the state of the flexible display panel 100 by providing the hinge portion 300 have. That is, since the first body BD1 and the second body BD2 are connected to each other through the hinge 300, the flexible display panel 100 is moved along a predetermined trajectory with one degree of freedom, A stable outer folding operation can be realized while maintaining a constant length. Accordingly, the present invention can provide a foldable display device that secures product stability and reliability.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention for determining the shape of the guide groove will be described.

≪ Embodiment 1 >

14 to 16 are views for explaining an example of a method for determining the shape of the guide groove.

Referring to FIG. 14, first, the behavior of the soft display panel 100 in the state change is analyzed. That is, the first track TR1 in which the center of the third area R3 of the soft display panel 100 (hereinafter referred to as "center of the soft display panel 100" The tracking of the first trajectory TR1 is continued until the second state ST2 where the straight line is curved along the outer periphery of the curved portion in the first state ST1 in which the soft display panel 100 is in a flat state.

Specifically, the first trajectory TR1 can satisfy an involute curve. An involute curve is a trajectory drawn by the end point of a straight line when it draws a circle. The behavior of the involute curve is well known, and a detailed description will be omitted.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, when the outer periphery of the curved portion is an arc having a radius R1 value, the center of the soft display panel 100 satisfies the involute curve in accordance with the state change of the soft display panel 100 The first locus TR1 can be defined as the trajectory at the time of moving. In more detail, the first trajectory TR1 can be defined as a trajectory drawn when the neutral plane of the flexible display panel 100 behaves while satisfying the involute curve.

Next, when one end of the first link LN1 having a predetermined shape is fastened to the fixed point FRC of the first body BD1, the other end of the first link LN1 located at the second body BD2 The behavior of That is, the second track TR2 tracks the second trajectory TR2 where the other end of the first link LN1 is located in the second body BD2. Since the shape of the first link LN1 and the position of the fixed point FRC at which one end of the first link LN1 is fastened are set in advance, the position of the intersection IN at the time of state change is determined, It is possible to derive the tracking point TRC where the other end of the line LN1 is located.

Referring to Fig. 15 (a), in the first state ST1, the first body BD1 and the second body BD2 are aligned along the second direction. One end of the first link LN1 is fastened to the fixed point FRC located on the first body BD1. When the intersection IN is positioned on the first tangent line TL1 passing the center point PC1 of the soft display panel 100 located on the first trajectory TR1 in the present state, the other end of the first link LN1 A first tracking point TRC1 on the second body BD2 positioned can be derived.

Referring to FIG. 15 (b), the positions of the first body BD1 and the second body BD2 are shifted in response to the state change of the soft display panel 100. One end of the first link LN1 is fastened to the fixed point FRC located on the first body BD1. When the intersection IN is positioned on the second tangent line TL2 passing the center point PC2 of the soft display panel 100 located on the first trajectory TR1 in the present state, the other end of the first link LN1 A second tracking point TRC2 on the second body BD2 positioned can be derived.

15C, in the second state ST2, the first body BD1 and the second body BD2 are superimposed on each other so that the lower surface of the first body BD1 and the second body BD2 are overlapped, As shown in Fig. One end of the first link LN1 is fastened to the fixed point FRC located on the first body BD1. When the intersection IN is positioned on the n-th tangent line TLn passing the center point PCn of the soft display panel 100 located on the first trajectory TR1 in the present state, the other end of the first link LN1 The n-th tracking point TRCn on the second body BD2 positioned can be derived.

Referring to Fig. 15 (d), the second trajectory TR2 is determined by tracking the first to n-th tracking points TRC1, TRC2, and TRCn. And the second guide groove PT2 is formed along the second locus TR2.

One end of the first link LN1 is fastened to the fixed point FRC located on the first body BD1. In this case, since the shape of the first link LN1 is set in advance, when the intersection IN is positioned on the tangent line passing an arbitrary point on the first trajectory TR1, 2 tracking point TRC on the body BD2 can be derived. Accordingly, the second trajectory TR2 can be determined by tracking the tracking points TRC according to the state change, and the shape of the second guide groove PT2 can be determined through the second trajectory TR2.

 Referring to FIG. 16, a first guide groove PT1 is formed on the first body BD1 by mirroring a second guide groove PT2 formed on the second body BD2.

The first link LN1 and the second link LN2 that connect the first body BD1 and the second body BD2 have one degree of freedom Since the flexible display panel 100 is moved along a predetermined trajectory, a stable outer folding operation can be realized while maintaining a constant length without being compressed or stretched.

≪ Embodiment 2 >

17 to 19 are views for explaining another example of a method for determining the shape of the guide groove.

Referring to FIG. 17, first, the behavior of the soft display panel 100 in the state change is analyzed. That is, the first trajectory TR1 in which the center of the soft display panel 100 is located is tracked when the state changes. The tracking of the first trajectory TR1 is continued until the second state ST2 where the straight line is curved along the outer periphery of the curved portion in the first state ST1 in which the soft display panel 100 is in a flat state. The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that when the trajectory drawn by the center of the flexible display panel 100 does not satisfy the involute curve because the flexible display panel 100 has a predetermined self- A method for forming the guide grooves PT1 and PT2 is described.

Specifically, the first trajectory TR1 can satisfy a circle curve. When the third region R3 of the soft display panel 100 is bent so as to satisfy an arc shape having an arbitrary radius with respect to an arbitrary center point when the state of the soft display panel 100 is changed, Means a locus drawn by the center PC of the third area R3 of the panel 100. [

Specifically, when the state of the soft display panel 100 changes, the third area R3 of the soft display panel 100 can be bent to have an arc shape having an arbitrary radius R2 value with respect to an arbitrary center point O have. Circles having an arbitrary center point O and a radius R2 varying in accordance with a change in the state of the soft display panel 100 can be derived since the start point IP of the arc and the length l of the end point EP are set in advance And the central angle [theta] when the length of the arc has a value of l can be derived. Based on this, the position of an arbitrary point on the arc shifted by? / 2 from the starting point IP of the third area R3 of the soft display panel 100 can be derived. The circle curve may be defined as a locus drawn by an arbitrary point derived in accordance with a change in the state of the soft display panel 100. [ An arbitrary point on the arc corresponds to the center of the flexible display panel 100.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, when the outer periphery of the curved portion is an arc having a radius R1 value, the center of the soft display panel 100 satisfies the circle curve in response to the state change of the soft display panel 100 The trajectory at the time of behavior can be defined as the first trajectory TR1. In detail, the first trajectory TR1 can be defined as a trajectory drawn when the neutral plane of the flexible display panel 100 behaves while satisfying the circle curve.

Next, when one end of the first link LN1 having a predetermined shape is fastened to the fixed point FRC of the first body BD1, the other end of the first link LN1 located at the second body BD2 The behavior of That is, the second track TR2 tracks the second trajectory TR2 where the other end of the first link LN1 is located in the second body BD2. Since the shape of the first link LN1 and the position of the fixed point FRC at which one end of the first link LN1 is fastened are set in advance, the position of the intersection IN at the time of state change is determined, It is possible to derive the tracking point TRC where the other end of the line LN1 is located.

Referring to Fig. 18 (a), in the first state ST1, the first body BD1 and the second body BD2 are aligned along the second direction. One end of the first link LN1 is fastened to the fixed point FRC located on the first body BD1. When the intersection IN is positioned on the first tangent line TL1 passing the center point PC1 of the soft display panel 100 located on the first trajectory TR1 in the present state, the other end of the first link LN1 A first tracking point TRC1 on the second body BD2 positioned can be derived.

Referring to FIG. 18 (b), the positions of the first body BD1 and the second body BD2 are shifted in response to the state change of the soft display panel 100. One end of the first link LN1 is fastened to the fixed point FRC located on the first body BD1. When the intersection IN is positioned on the second tangent line TL2 passing the center point PC2 of the soft display panel 100 located on the first trajectory TR1 in the present state, the other end of the first link LN1 A second tracking point TRC2 on the second body BD2 positioned can be derived.

18C, in the second state ST2, the first body BD1 and the second body BD2 are superimposed on each other so that the lower surface of the first body BD1 and the second body BD2 are overlapped, As shown in Fig. One end of the first link LN1 is fastened to the fixed point FRC located on the first body BD1. When the intersection IN is positioned on the n-th tangent line TLn passing the center point PCn of the soft display panel 100 located on the first trajectory TR1 in the present state, the other end of the first link LN1 The n-th tracking point TRCn on the second body BD2 positioned can be derived.

Referring to Fig. 18 (d), the second trajectory TR2 is determined by tracking the first through n-th tracking points TRC1, TRC2, and TRCn. And the second guide groove PT2 is formed along the second locus TR2.

One end of the first link LN1 is fastened to the fixed point FRC located on the first body BD1. In this case, since the shape of the first link LN1 is set in advance, when the intersection IN is positioned on the tangent line passing an arbitrary point on the first trajectory TR1, 2 tracking point TRC on the body BD2 can be derived. Accordingly, the second trajectory TR2 can be determined by tracking the tracking points TRC according to the state change, and the shape of the second guide groove PT2 can be determined through the second trajectory TR2.

 Referring to FIG. 19, a first guide groove PT1 is formed on the first body BD1 by mirroring a second guide groove PT2 formed on the second body BD2.

The second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the first link LN1 and the second link LN2 connecting the first body BD1 and the second body BD2 have a fixed degree of freedom Since the flexible display panel 100 is moved along a predetermined trajectory, a stable outer folding operation can be realized while maintaining a constant length without being compressed or stretched.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be defined by the claims.

R1: first region R2: second region
R3: third area 100: soft display panel
200: Mechanism BD1: 1st body
BD2: second body 300: hinge part
LN1: first link LN2: second link

Claims (11)

A first region, a second region, and a third region defined between the first region and the second region, the first region having a first state bent in a first state and a second state bent with respect to a central axis extending along the first direction, A flexible display panel; And
And a mechanism disposed below the soft display panel and having a first body and a second body rotatably coupled through a hinge portion,
Wherein the first body comprises:
A first flat portion for supporting a first region of the flexible display panel and a first curved portion extending from the first flat portion and having a curved upper surface,
The second body may include:
A second flat portion for supporting the second area of the flexible display panel and a shape extending from the second flat portion and symmetrical to the first curved portion with respect to a center line crossing the center of the first and second bodies, And the second bend portion having the second bend portion. The method according to claim 1,
In the first state, the first body and the second body are aligned in a second direction intersecting with the first direction and spaced apart from the second body by a predetermined distance,
In the second state, the lower surface of the first body and the lower surface of the second body are in contact with each other, and the upper surface of the first curved portion and the upper surface of the second curved portion are connected to each other. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the third region of the flexible display panel comprises:
In the first state, spaced apart from the upper surface of the first and second bends,
And in the second state, is in contact with an upper surface of the first and second curved portions, and is curved along a semicircular arc formed by the outer circumferences of the first and second curved portions. The method according to claim 1,
The hinge unit includes:
The first body having a shape partially recessed inward along a second direction intersecting with the first direction, a first 1-1 sidewall and a 1-2 sidewall spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along the first direction, A first connection part having a first connection part;
A second connecting portion having a second-side wall and a second-second side wall, the second body having a shape partially recessed inward along the second direction, the second-side wall being opposed to the second-side wall at a predetermined distance along the first direction;
A first link whose one end is received in the first connecting portion and the other end is received in the second connecting portion; And
And a second link which is crossed at the intersection with the first link and is rotatably connected to the first link at the intersection, one end of which is accommodated in the second connection portion and the other end is accommodated in the first connection portion, Device. 5. The method of claim 4,
The first 1-1 side wall includes a 1-1 securing groove and a 1-1 guide groove having a predetermined locus,
The 1-2 sidewall includes a first 1-2 fixing groove which is joined to the 1-1 fixing groove, and a 1-2 first guide groove which is in cooperation with the 1-1 second guide groove having a predetermined locus ,
The second-1 sidewall includes a second-1 fixing groove, the first-1-1 guide groove having a predetermined locus, and a second-1 guide groove symmetrical with respect to the center line,
The second-2 sidewall is joined to the second-2 fixing groove, which is jointed with the second-1 fixing groove, and the second-1 guide groove having a predetermined locus, And a second-2 guide groove symmetrical with respect to the center line,
One end of the first link is rotatably coupled to the first 1-1 fixing groove and the 1-2 first fixing groove through a first pin passing through one end of the first link in the first direction,
The other end of the first link is movably coupled to the second-1 guide groove and the second guide groove through a fourth pin passing through the other end of the first link in the first direction,
One end of the second link is rotatably coupled to the second-1 fixing groove and the second-2 fixing groove through a third pin passing through one end of the second link in the first direction,
And the other end of the second link is movably coupled to the first and second guide grooves and the first and second guide grooves through a second pin passing through the other end of the second link in the first direction,
Wherein the first link and the second link are rotatably coupled through a fifth pin passing through the intersection in a first direction. 6. The method of claim 5,
The predetermined locus of the second-first guide groove
When the intersection point is positioned on a tangent line passing an arbitrary point on the first locus in a state where one end of the first link having a predetermined shape is fastened to the first body, And the other end of the second link shifted along a second trajectory drawn on the second body,
Wherein the first locus comprises:
Wherein the center of the third region of the soft display panel is a trajectory acting when the state of the soft display panel changes. 7. The method of claim 6,
Wherein the first locus comprises:
A foldable display satisfying an involute curve. 8. The method of claim 7,
The predetermined locus of the 1-1 guide groove
And the predetermined locus of the second-1 guide groove is mirrored. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the first locus comprises:
Satisfies a circle curve,
Wherein the circle curve includes:
When the third region of the soft display panel is bent to satisfy an arc shape having an arbitrary radius with respect to an arbitrary center point when the state of the soft display panel is changed, a locus drawn by the center of the third region of the soft display panel In-one display device. 10. The method of claim 9,
The predetermined locus of the 1-1 guide groove
Wherein the predetermined locus of the second-1 guide groove is mirrored. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first bend section and the second bend section comprise:
Sectional shape of a quadrant.

Images