KR20200095430A - Display device and flexible display device - Google Patents

Abstract

A display device includes: a flexible display panel in which a first area, a second area, and a third area are sequentially defined along one direction; a generation unit disposed in the first area and selectively generating an electromagnetic field; and an acting part disposed in the third area, wherein when the second area is folded so that the first area and the third area face each other, an attractive force may be generated between the generation unit and the acting part due to the electromagnetic field generated by the generation unit. Therefore, the present invention provides a foldable display device with improved usability.

Description

Display device and flexible display device {DISPLAY DEVICE AND FLEXIBLE DISPLAY DEVICE}

The present invention relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a foldable display device.

Electronic devices such as smart phones, digital cameras, notebook computers, navigation systems, and televisions that provide images include display panels for displaying images.

In general, a thin and light flat panel display panel is widely used for the display panel, and the flat panel display panel includes a liquid crystal display panel, an organic light emitting display panel, a plasma display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, and the like.

In recent years, a foldable display device that can be folded and portable, and used to open when viewing a video, has been developed. The foldable display device is portable and can implement a screen having a large size.

An object of the present invention is to provide a foldable display device with improved usability.

In the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a flexible display panel in which a first region, a second region, and a third region are sequentially defined along one direction, and is disposed in the first region and selectively generates an electromagnetic field. A portion, and an acting portion disposed in the third region, and when the second region is folded so that the first region and the third region face each other, the generation unit and the generation unit are generated by an electromagnetic field generated by the generation unit. Attraction may occur between the active parts.

It may further include a control unit for controlling the driving current provided to the generator.

The generator may include a wiring through which the driving current flows.

The generator may include a coil through which the driving current flows.

A sensor disposed in at least one of the first area and the third area may be further included, and the sensor may recognize whether the second area is folded.

The controller may receive a sensing signal from the sensor and control the driving current based on the sensing signal.

The flexible display panel includes a signal line, and the generator includes the same material as the signal line, and may be formed through the same process.

The working portion may be selected from the group consisting of a ferromagnetic material, a paramagnetic material, a magnetic resin material, and a combination thereof.

The acting portion may include a material that generates attractive force in response to an electromagnetic field generated by the generating portion.

In the flexible display panel, a fourth area and a fifth area are further defined sequentially in the one direction following the first area, the second area, and the third area, and the fourth area may be a folding area. .

A flexible display device including a folding region according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a generator, an acting part spaced apart from the generator with the folding region therebetween, and a controller for controlling a driving current provided to the generator. And, when the control unit provides the driving current to the generation unit, an electromagnetic field is generated in the generation unit, and an attractive force is generated between the generation unit and the acting unit by the electromagnetic field, so that the folding region is folded. Can be maintained.

The generator may include a wire or a coil through which the driving current flows.

The display device further includes a sensor disposed adjacent to the generating unit or the acting unit, and the sensor outputs a sensing signal that senses whether the folding area is folded to the control unit, and the control unit receives the sensing signal. Based on this, the driving current can be controlled.

The working portion may be selected from the group consisting of a ferromagnetic material, a paramagnetic material, a magnetic resin material, and a combination thereof.

The foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may maintain various folded states of the flexible display panel through the folding holding unit. Accordingly, the usability of the foldable display device is improved. In addition, since the electromagnet part and the magnetic part can maintain various folded states using electromagnetic force, various folded states of the flexible display device are more stably maintained. Furthermore, since the electromagnet part can be formed in a manufacturing process of the flexible display panel, it can be easily formed.

1 is a plan view of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a side view of the foldable display device illustrated in FIG. 1.
3 is a side view illustrating a state in which the flexible display panel shown in FIG. 1 is folded in one stage.
4 is a side view illustrating a state in which the flexible display panel shown in FIG. 1 is folded in two stages.
5 is a side view of a foldable display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a side view of a foldable display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a plan view of a foldable display device according to another exemplary embodiment.
8 is a side view of the foldable display device illustrated in FIG. 7.
9 is a side view illustrating a state in which the flexible display panel illustrated in FIG. 7 is folded in one stage.
10 is a side view illustrating a state in which the flexible display panel shown in FIG. 7 is folded in two stages.
11 is a plan view of a foldable display device according to another exemplary embodiment.

The present invention may be variously modified and may have various forms, and specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific disclosure form, and it should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention are included.

In describing each drawing, similar reference numerals are used for similar components. In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of the structures are shown to be enlarged than the actual for clarity of the present invention. Terms such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. For example, the first component may be referred to as a second component without departing from the scope of the present invention, and similarly, the second component may be referred to as a first component. Singular expressions include multiple expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In this application, the terms "include" or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts or combinations thereof described herein, one or more other features. It should be understood that the existence or addition possibilities of fields or numbers, steps, actions, components, parts or combinations thereof are not excluded in advance. In addition, when a part such as a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is said to be "above" another part, this includes not only the case "directly above" the other part but also another part in the middle. Conversely, when a portion of a layer, film, region, plate, or the like is said to be “under” another portion, this includes not only the case “underneath” another portion, but also another portion in the middle.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a foldable display device according to another exemplary embodiment, FIG. 2 is a side view of the foldable display device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 illustrates a state in which the foldable display device shown in FIG. It is a side view, and FIG. 4 is a side view showing a state in which the foldable display device of FIG. 1 is folded in two stages.

1 to 4, the foldable display device 1000 includes a flexible display panel 100, a control board 200, a folding holding unit, and a frame 500.

The foldable display device 1000 displays arbitrary visual information such as text, video, photo, 2D or 3D image. Hereinafter, the arbitrary visual information is displayed as'video'.

The flexible display panel 100 displays an image, and the type of the flexible display panel 100 is not particularly limited, and for example, an organic light emitting display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, a plasma display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, etc. Can be used.

The flexible display panel 100 includes a lower panel 140 and an upper panel 150 facing the lower panel 140. A light control layer is provided between the upper plate 150 and the lower plate 140. The upper plate 150 and the light control layer are provided to correspond to the display area (DA), and the lower plate (140) is provided to correspond to the display area (DA) and the non-display area (NDA). Each of the lower plate 140 and the upper plate 150 includes at least one electrode, applies an electric field to the light control layer, and controls the image by adjusting the electric field. The image is displayed on the upper side of the flexible display panel 100 through the upper plate 150.

The control board 200 drives the flexible display panel 100. The control board 200 may include, for example, a memory, a processor, and an operating system for driving the flexible display panel 100. The control board 200 generates image data based on image information received from the outside. The flexible display panel 100 is driven through the image data and displays an image corresponding to the image data.

The flexible display panel 100 may be provided in various shapes. In this embodiment, the flexible display panel 100 may have a rectangular plate-shaped structure having two pairs of sides facing each other in parallel. In this case, the flexible display panel 100 is provided to have a short side and a long side extending longer than the short side. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various shapes of the flexible display panel 100 may be provided. For example, the flexible display panel 100 may have four sides of the same square shape. Hereinafter, one direction in which the long side extends is defined as a first direction D1 and a direction in which the short side extends is defined as a second direction D2.

All or at least a part of the flexible display panel 100 has flexibility. In this embodiment, the components constituting the flexible display panel 100 are made of a flexible material. For example, the flexible display panel 100 may be formed of any one of plastic, thin metal, and thin-glass. Accordingly, the flexible display panel 100 is folded by an external force.

Here, the term'folding' means that the shape is not fixed, but can be deformed from the original shape to another shape. It is not only folded or bent along one or more specific sections or areas, but also bent or rolled in a curved shape. Includes drying.

In this embodiment, the flexible display panel 100 is folded in a folding area and not folded in a non-folding area. The folding area and the non-folding area are areas of the flexible display panel 100 for convenience of description. Is defined as As described above, since the flexible display panel 100 has flexibility, it can be variously folded in response to an external force applied to the flexible display panel 100, and the folding area and the non-folding area Can be defined in various ways.

In this embodiment, the non-folding area includes first to third non-folding areas 111 to 113, and the folding area includes first and second folding areas 121 and 122.

The first to third non-folding regions 111 to 113 are sequentially arranged along a third direction D3 opposite to the first direction D1. The first folding area 121 is located between the first and second non-folding areas 111 and 112, and the second folding area 122 is the second and third non-folding areas 112 and 113. ). In this case, the display area DA extends along the first direction D1, and the first to third non-folding areas 111 to 113 and the first and second folding areas 121 and 122 ) And overlap.

The first to third non-folding regions 111 to 113 may be provided in various shapes. In this embodiment, the first to third non-folding areas 111 to 113 have a rectangular shape, and the first and second non-folding areas 111 and 112 have the same area. The third non-folding area 113 may have an area smaller than that of the first and second non-folding areas 111 and 112.

The first and second folding regions 121 and 122 may be provided in various shapes. In this embodiment, the first and second folding regions 121 and 122 have a rectangular shape elongated in the second direction D2.

The first and second folding areas 121 and 122 and the first to third non-folding areas 111 to 113 partially overlap the display area DA. Accordingly, each of the first and second folding areas 121 and 122 and the first to third non-folding areas 111 to 113 may display the image through the overlapped display area DA. The flexible display panel 100 is folded in the first and second folding regions 121 and 122. The flexible display panel 100 may be folded in various ways, but in this embodiment, the first to third non-folding regions 111 to 113 are sequentially positioned.

More specifically, the flexible display panel 100 is folded in the first folding area 121 so that the first and second non-folding areas 111 and 112 face each other. Hereinafter, folding of the flexible display panel 100 in the first folding area 121 is defined as one-stage folding. In the first-stage folded state, a bottom surface of the flexible display panel 100 in the first non-folding area 111 faces a bottom surface of the flexible display panel 100 in the second non-folding area 112. In addition, the flexible display panel 100 is folded in the second folding area 122 so that the second and third non-folding areas 112 and 113 face each other. Hereinafter, folding of the flexible display panel 100 in the second folding area 122 after the first-stage folding is defined as two-stage folding. In the double-folded state, a top surface of the flexible display panel 100 in the second non-folding area 112 faces the top surface of the flexible display panel 100 in the third non-folding area 113.

The frame 500 is disposed under the flexible display panel 100. The flexible display panel 100 is folded in two stages corresponding to the frame 500 and mounted on the frame 500. Accordingly, the frame 500 is formed so that the flexible display panel 100 is included in the frame 500 when viewed in a plan view. More specifically, when viewed in plan view, the frame 500 has a rectangular shape corresponding to the double-folded flexible display panel 100, and is unemployed than the area of the double-folded flexible display panel 100. The enemy is formed to have the same or larger area. The frame 500 is made of a hard material such as metal or plastic having high hardness.

Accordingly, the frame 500 is folded in two stages to protect the flexible display panel 100 seated on the frame 500. In addition, the user can easily carry the flexible display panel 100 by folding the two stages so as to be included in the frame 500.

The frame 500 is sequentially arranged along the third direction D3 and includes a first surface 510 and a second surface 520 facing a lower surface of the flexible display panel 100.

The third non-folding area 113 is fixed to the first surface 510 in various ways. For example, a bonding film such as OCA (Optically Clear Adhesive) is interposed between the first surface 510 and the third non-folding area 113, so that the bonding film is formed on the first surface 510 and the third non-folding area 113. The third non-folding area 113 is bonded. Alternatively, a structure for fastening with the first surface 510 may be formed under the third non-folding region 113 and fixed.

The first surface 510 has the same shape as the third non-folding area 113. In this embodiment, the first surface 510 may have the same rectangular shape as the third non-folding area 113, and the area of the first surface 510 is the third non-folding area 113 Is substantially the same as or larger than the area of the third non-folding area 113.

When the flexible display panel 100 is folded in two stages, a lower surface of the second non-folding area 112 faces the second surface 520. The second surface 520 may be disposed above the first surface 510. When the flexible display panel 100 is folded in two stages, the second non-folding area 112 is positioned above the first non-folding area 111 due to the thickness of the flexible display panel 100 . Correspondingly, by disposing the second surface 520 above the first surface 510, the flexible display panel 100 may be more stably seated on the frame 500.

When the flexible display panel 100 is folded in two stages and seated on the frame 500, the second non-folding area 112 faces the first and second surfaces 510 and 520. In this case, when viewed in plan view, the sum of the areas of the second surface 520 and the first surface 510 is equal to or greater than the area of the flexible display panel 100 that is folded in two stages. The control board 200 may be disposed on the frame 500. The control board 200 may be electrically connected to the flexible display panel 100 by a flexible circuit board. The folding holding part maintains the folded state of the flexible display panel 100.

More specifically, since at least a part of the flexible display panel 100 has flexibility as described above, if a specific external force is not applied, the flexible display panel 100 returns to an unfolded state by the restoring force of the flexible display panel 100. Accordingly, the flexible display panel 100 cannot maintain the first-stage and second-stage folded state. However, in this embodiment, the foldable display device 1000 overcomes the restoring force through the folding holding unit, so that the first and second stages of the folded state can be maintained.

The folding holding part includes first and second electromagnet parts and first and second magnetic parts.

The first magnetic portion is disposed in the first non-folding area 111 and includes a first right magnetic portion 310a and a first left magnetic portion 310b. The first magnetic part is disposed on the lower plate 140 to correspond to the non-display area NDA. More specifically, the first right magnetic portion 310a is disposed in a non-display area NDA on a fourth direction D4 side opposite to the second direction D2, and the first left magnetic portion 310b ) Is disposed in the non-display area NDA on the side of the second direction D2.

The first right magnetic portion 310a and the first left magnetic portion 310b may be provided in various shapes. In this embodiment, the first right magnetic portion 310a and the first left magnetic portion 310b may have a rectangular shape extending along the first direction D1.

The second magnetic portion is disposed in the first non-folding area 111 and includes a second right magnetic portion 320a and a second left magnetic portion 320b. The first magnetic portion is disposed on the lower plate 140 to correspond to the non-display area NDA, and is disposed to be spaced apart from the first magnetic portion.

In this embodiment, the second magnetic portion is disposed to be spaced apart from the first magnetic portion in the third direction D3. The second right magnetic portion 320a is disposed in the non-display area NDA in the fourth direction D4 with respect to the display area DA, and the second left magnetic portion 320b is the display area DA. It is disposed in the non-display area NDA in the second direction D2 side with respect to the area DA. The second right magnetic portion 320a and the second left magnetic portion 320b may be provided in various shapes. In this embodiment, the second right magnetic portion 320a and the first left magnetic portion 320b may have a rectangular shape extending along the first direction D1.

The first electromagnet part is disposed in the second non-folding area 112 and includes a first right electromagnet part 210a and a first left electromagnet part 210b. The first electromagnet part is disposed on the lower plate 140 to correspond to the non-display area NDA. The first right electromagnet part 210a is disposed in the non-display area NDA in the fourth direction D4 with respect to the display area DA, and the first left electromagnet part 210b is the display area DA. It is disposed in the non-display area NDA in the second direction D2 side with respect to the area DA.

In addition, the first electromagnet portion is disposed to face the first magnetic portion when the flexible display panel 100 is folded in the first stage. More specifically, when the flexible display panel 100 is folded in the first stage, the first right electromagnet portion 210a vertically faces the first right magnetic portion 310a, and the first left electromagnet portion 210b ) Faces the first left magnetic portion 310b vertically.

The first right electromagnet part 210a and the first left electromagnet part 210b may be provided in various shapes. In this embodiment, the first right electromagnet part 210a and the first left electromagnet part 210b correspond to the first right magnetic part 310a and the first left magnetic part 310b, respectively. It has a rectangular shape extending in the direction D1.

The second electromagnet part is disposed on the second surface 520 of the frame 500 and includes a second right electromagnet part 220a and a second left electromagnet part 220b. The second right electromagnet part 220a is disposed on the fourth direction D4 side of the second surface 520, and the second left electromagnet part 220b is the second side of the second surface 520. It is arrange|positioned on the 2nd direction D2 side.

Also, the second electromagnet portion is disposed to face the second magnetic portion when the flexible display panel 100 is folded in the second stage. More specifically, when the flexible display panel 100 is folded in the second stage, the second right electromagnet part 220a vertically faces the second right magnetic part 320a, and the second left electromagnet part 220b ) Faces the second left magnetic portion 320b vertically.

The second right electromagnet part 220a and the second left electromagnet part 220b may be provided in various shapes. In this embodiment, the second right electromagnet part 220a and the second left electromagnet part 220b correspond to the second right magnetic part 320a and the second left magnetic part 320b, respectively. It has a rectangular shape extending in the direction D1.

The first and second electromagnets include electromagnets. First and second driving currents are applied to the first and second electromagnets, respectively. The first and second electromagnets are driven by the first and second driving currents, respectively. In this case, the first and second electromagnets generate electromagnetic force in response to the first and second driving currents.

The first and second electromagnets may include wiring through which the first and second driving currents flow. The wiring may be made of metal, for example. In this case, the wiring may be formed through at least some of the existing processes of forming the flexible display panel 100. Existing processes for forming the flexible display panel 100 may include, for example, thermal evaporation processes and sputtering processes. The first and second electromagnet portions may be generated in a form of wiring, such as the plurality of signal wirings, and may include a circuit made of a material capable of transmitting current. Accordingly, the first and second electromagnet portions may be formed using at least some of the processes of forming the plurality of signal wires.

The first and second magnetic parts include magnetic materials. Accordingly, the first and second magnetic portions generate attractive force or repulsive force in response to an external electromagnetic field or magnetic field. The first and second magnetic parts may be selected from the group consisting of, for example, ferromagnetic materials, paramagnetic materials, magnetic resin materials, and combinations thereof. Also, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first and second magnetic parts may be made of an electromagnet. The first and second magnetic parts may be formed through at least some of the existing processes of forming the flexible display panel 100. I can.

In summary, when the flexible display panel 100 is folded in the first stage, the first electromagnet part faces the first magnetic part vertically. In this case, when the first driving current is applied to the first electromagnet and the first electromagnet generates an electromagnetic field, an attractive force by an electromagnetic force is generated between the first electromagnet and the first magnetic unit. Accordingly, the first-stage folded state of the flexible display panel 100 is maintained. Accordingly, the electromagnet portion may be referred to as a generating portion generating an electromagnetic field, and the magnetic portion may be referred to as an acting portion generating attractive force by an electromagnetic force.

Further, when the flexible display panel 100 is folded in the second stage, the first-stage folded state is maintained by the first electromagnet unit and the first magnetic unit, and the second electromagnet unit is Face the father up and down. In this case, when the second driving current is applied to the second electromagnet and the second electromagnet generates an electromagnetic field, an attractive force by an electromagnetic force is generated between the second electromagnet and the second magnetic unit. Accordingly, the two-stage folded state of the foldable display device 1000 is maintained.

If an attractive force by an electric field is used, it generally affects the driving of the light control layer driven by the electric field, thereby generating noise during driving, but the magnetic field does not affect the driving of the light control layer. Therefore, driving noise of the flexible display panel 100 by the folding holding unit does not occur.

Further, when the attractive force is formed by the magnetic material, the magnetic force generated in the magnetic material decreases over time, so that the attractive force by the magnetic material may decrease. However, in this embodiment, since the attractive force is due to the electromagnetic force of the electromagnet, the attractive force may be kept constant and may be controlled according to the situation.

In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, since the electromagnet may be formed through at least some of the processes of manufacturing the flexible display panel 100, the first and second electromagnets are simply and easily formed.

In the above, the embodiment has been described when the second magnetic part is disposed in the first non-folding area 111, but the positions where the first and second electromagnet parts and the first and second magnetic parts are disposed are It can be implemented in various ways.

For example, the second magnetic part may not be disposed in the first non-folding area 111, but may be disposed in the second non-folding area 112. In this case, the second magnetic portion is disposed so as to face the second electromagnet portion vertically when the flexible display panel 100 is folded in two stages.

The foldable display device 1000 may further include a sensor and an electromagnet controller. The sensor provides a sensing signal to the electromagnet controller. The sensor includes a first sensor for recognizing whether the first stage of the foldable display device 1000 is folded, and a second sensor for recognizing whether the second stage is folded. The sensing signal includes a first sensing signal and a second sensing signal.

The first sensor includes a first right sensor 410a and a first left sensor 410b.

The first sensor is disposed on at least one of surfaces facing each other of the first and second non-folding regions 111 and 112. In this embodiment, the first sensor is disposed in a portion of the second non-folding area 112 that faces the first non-folding area 111. More specifically, the first sensor is disposed adjacent to the first electromagnet part on the lower plate 140 in correspondence with the non-display area NDA. Accordingly, the first right sensor 410a is disposed on the lower panel 140 to correspond to the non-display area NDA in the fourth direction D4 with respect to the display area DA, and the first The left sensor 410b is disposed on the lower panel 140 to correspond to the non-display area NDA in the second direction D2 with respect to the display area DA.

The first sensor outputs a first sensing signal that may include an off-signal and an on-signal different from the off-signal in response to whether the first stage is folded. That is, when the flexible display panel 100 is completely unfolded, the first and second non-folding regions 111 and 112 do not face each other, and accordingly, the first sensor outputs the off-signal. When the flexible display panel 100 is folded in the first stage, the first and second non-folding regions 111 and 112 face each other, and accordingly, the first sensor outputs the on-signal.

The second sensor includes a second right sensor 420a and a first left sensor 420b.

The second sensor is disposed on at least one of surfaces of the second non-folding area 112 and the second surface 520 facing each other. In this embodiment, the second sensor is disposed on a portion of the second surface 520 facing the second non-folding area 112. More specifically, the second sensor is disposed adjacent to the second electromagnet part on the second surface 520. Accordingly, the second right sensor 420a is disposed on the fourth direction D4 side of the second surface 520, and the second left sensor 420b is the second sensor 420a on the second surface 520. It is arrange|positioned on the 2nd direction D2 side. When the flexible display panel 100 is folded in the second stage, the second sensor outputs a second sensing signal in response to the second folding.

The second sensor outputs a second sensing signal including the off-signal and the on-signal in response to whether the two-stage folding is performed. That is, when the flexible display panel 100 is fully unfolded or the first stage is folded, the second non-folding area 112 and the second surface 520 do not face each other, and accordingly, the second sensor Outputs the off-signal. When the flexible display panel 100 is folded in the second stage, the second non-folding area 112 and the second surface 520 face each other, and accordingly, the second sensor outputs the on-signal. do.

The sensor detects the presence or absence of an object approaching the sensor or an object existing in the vicinity using the force of an electromagnetic field or infrared rays without mechanical contact. At least one of a proximity sensor, a contact sensor, and a hook sensor It can contain one. The proximity sensor has a longer lifespan than a contact sensor and has a higher utilization. Examples of the proximity sensor include a photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation type proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, an infrared proximity sensor, and the like.

The electromagnet control unit (or control unit) controls the first and second driving currents. The electromagnet control unit may be disposed on the control board 200, for example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be formed on the flexible display panel 100. For example, when an integrated circuit is formed on the flexible display panel 100, the electromagnet control unit may be implemented by the integrated circuit. The electromagnet control unit receives the first and second sensing signals and controls the first and second driving currents according to the first and second sensing signals. Accordingly, the first and second electromagnets may selectively generate an electromagnetic field.

For example, when the flexible display panel 100 is unfolded, the electromagnet controller receives the off-signal from the first and second sensors, respectively. In this case, the electromagnet controller does not provide the first driving current to the first electromagnet and does not provide the second driving current to the second electromagnet. Therefore, the first and second electromagnets are not driven.

When the flexible display panel 100 is folded in the first stage, the electromagnet controller receives the on-signal from the first sensor and the off-signal from the second sensor. Thereafter, the electromagnet control unit drives the first electromagnet unit by providing the first driving current to the first electromagnet unit. Accordingly, the first-stage folded state is maintained through the first electromagnet portion and the first magnetic portion. Meanwhile, the electromagnet control unit does not provide the second driving current to the second electromagnet unit and thus does not drive the second electromagnet unit.

When the flexible display panel 100 is folded in two stages, the electromagnet controller receives the on-signal from the first sensor and the on-signal from the second sensor. Thereafter, the electromagnet control unit drives the first electromagnet unit by providing the first driving current to the first electromagnet unit. Accordingly, the first-stage folded state is maintained through the first electromagnet portion and the first magnetic portion. In addition, the electromagnet control unit drives the second electromagnet unit by providing the second driving current to the second electromagnet unit. Accordingly, the second folded state is maintained through the second electromagnet portion and the second magnetic portion.

The control board 200 may control an image displayed on the flexible display panel 100 based on a sensing signal from the sensor. In this embodiment, according to the folding state of the flexible display panel 100, an image is displayed only on a surface that can be viewed by the user, and an image is not displayed on a surface that the user cannot view.

For example, when the flexible display panel 100 is fully unfolded, the control board 200 receives the off-signal from the first sensor and the off-signal from the second sensor. . Thereafter, the control board 200 corrects the image data based on the off-signals to generate first image data, and the flexible display panel 100 generates the first image data based on the first image data. DA) displays the image over all areas.

When the flexible display panel 100 is in the first-stage folded state, the control board 200 receives the on-signal from the first sensor and the off-signal from the second sensor. Thereafter, the control board 200 corrects the image data based on the on-signal and the off-signal to generate second image data, and the flexible display panel 100 is based on the second image data. As a result, an image is displayed through the display area DA corresponding to the second and third non-folding areas 112 and 113 and the second folding area 122, and an image through the remaining display area DA. Is not displayed.

When the flexible display panel 100 is in the two-stage folded state, the control board 200 receives the on-signal from the first sensor and the on-signal from the second sensor. Thereafter, the control board 200 corrects the image data based on the on-signal and the off-signal to generate third image data, and the flexible display panel 100 is based on the third image data. As a result, the corrected image is displayed through the display area DA corresponding to the first non-folding area 111, and the image is not displayed through the remaining display area DA.

As described above, when the foldable display device 1000 includes the sensor, the first and second electromagnets are driven in response to the folded state of the flexible display panel 100. Accordingly, even if the user does not provide a separate input, the first and second stages of folding are maintained, so that the usability of the foldable display device 1000 is improved. In addition, when the flexible display panel 100 is unfolded, both the first and second electromagnets are not driven, and when the first stage is folded, the second electromagnet is not driven, so that the first and second electromagnets Power consumption for driving wealth can be reduced.

In addition, since the image displayed on the display area DA is corrected according to the folded state of the flexible display panel 100, usability of the foldable display device 1000 is improved.

5 is a side view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Among the quotation marks of FIG. 5, the same quotation marks as those of FIGS. 1 to 4 refer to the same components, and thus detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 5, the frame 501 has a shape bent along the second direction D2. The first and second surfaces 511 and 521 include curved surfaces corresponding to the bent shape. The curved surfaces are bent in the second direction D2. The curved surfaces have a'U' shape rotated 180 degrees that is convexly bent toward the flexible display panel 100. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the curved surfaces may be variously modified and implemented. For example, the curved surfaces may have a'U' shape that is convexly bent toward a side opposite to the flexible display panel 100.

The flexible display panel 100 is folded in two stages and mounted on the frame 501. In this case, the flexible display panel 100 is bent along the curved surfaces of the first and second surfaces 511 and 521 to be seated on the frame 501. That is, the first to third non-folding regions 111, 112, and 113 are bent along the second direction D2 along the curved surfaces.

In this case, the user can view the image through the bent first non-folding area 111. Accordingly, the image displayed on the foldable display device 1001 has a three-dimensional effect, and the degree of immersion of the foldable display device 1001 is improved.

6 is a side view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Among the quotation marks of FIG. 6, the same quotation marks as those of FIGS. 1 to 4 refer to the same configuration, and thus detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 6, the frame 502 further includes a rear surface 530 and an inclined surface 540. The rear surface 530 is opposite to the first and second surfaces 510 and 520. The inclined surface 540 connects the first surface 510 and the rear surface 530 and extends obliquely along the first direction D1 from one side of the first surface 510. In this embodiment, the inclined surface 540 is provided in a flat plate shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the inclined surface 540 may be variously modified and implemented. For example, the inclined surface 540 may be formed as a convex or concave curved surface.

The flexible display panel 100 further includes an inclined non-folding area 114 extending in the first direction D1 from one side of the first non-folding area 111. The flexible display panel 100 is not folded in the inclined non-folding area 114. When the flexible display panel 100 is folded in two stages and seated on the frame 502, the inclined non-folding area 114 is disposed to face the inclined surface 540.

The foldable display device 1002 further includes a third electromagnet part 230, a third magnetic part 330, and a third sensor 430.

The third magnetic part 330 is disposed on the inclined non-folding area 114, and the third electromagnet part 230 is disposed on the inclined surface 540. The third electromagnet part 230 faces the third magnetic part 330 vertically when the flexible display panel 100 is folded in two stages and seated on the frame 502. A third driving current is applied to the third electromagnet unit 230. In this case, the third electromagnet unit 230 generates an electromagnetic force in response to the third driving current.

The third sensor 430 is disposed on the inclined surface 540 and is disposed adjacent to the third electromagnet unit 230. The third sensor 430 outputs a third sensing signal including the off-signal and the on-signal in response to whether the inclined non-folding region 114 and the inclined surface 540 face each other.

The electromagnet control unit further receives the third sensing signal and controls the third driving current in response to the third sensing signal.

In summary, in a state in which the inclined non-folding area 114 and the inclined surface 540 do not face each other, the electromagnet controller receives the off-signal from the third sensor, respectively. In this case, the electromagnet control unit does not provide the third driving current to the third electromagnet unit. Therefore, the third electromagnet is not driven.

When the inclined non-folding area 114 and the inclined surface 540 face each other, the electromagnet controller receives the on-signal from the third sensor. Thereafter, the electromagnet control unit drives the third electromagnet unit by providing the third driving current to the third electromagnet unit. Accordingly, the inclined non-folding region 114 and the inclined surface 540 are kept opposed to each other through the third electromagnet portion and the third magnetic portion.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a foldable display device according to another embodiment, FIG. 8 is a side view of the foldable display device shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 illustrates a state in which the foldable display device shown in FIG. It is a side view, and FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state in which the foldable display device shown in FIG. 7 is folded in two stages. Among the quotation marks of FIGS. 7 to 10, the same quotation marks as those of FIGS. 1 to 4 refer to similar configurations, and thus redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

7 to 10, the flexible display panel 101 of the foldable display device 1003 further includes a base film 600.

The base film 600 functions as a substrate for the first and second electromagnet portions and the first and second magnetic portions. The base film 600 is attached to the lower surface of the flexible display panel 101. For example, the bonding film is interposed between the base film 600 and the flexible display panel 101, so that the bonding film bonds the base film 600 and the bottom surface of the flexible display panel 101. .

The base film 600 has the same shape as the lower plate 140. Accordingly, it is provided in a rectangular shape corresponding to the lower plate 140, and is provided with an area substantially equal to or larger than the area of the lower plate 140.

The base film 600 is provided with a material having flexibility such as resin. Therefore, it is folded together with the flexible display panel 101 in response to the applied external force. The base film 600 is provided with a material having a hardness greater than that of the flexible display panel 101 to support the flexible display panel 101 so that the flexible display panel 101 is folded only when an external force of more than a specific value is applied. Can play a role.

The base film 600 is not folded in the first to third non-folding areas 111 to 113, but is folded in the first and second folding areas 121 and 122.

The folding holding part includes first and second magnetic parts 310 and 320 and first and second electromagnet parts 210 and 220.

The first magnetic part 310 is disposed on the base film 600 to correspond to the first non-folding area 111.

The second magnetic part 320 is disposed on the base film 600 to correspond to the first non-folding area 111 and is disposed to be spaced apart from the first magnetic part 310. In this embodiment, the second magnetic portion 320 is disposed to be spaced apart from the first magnetic portion 310 in the third direction D3.

In this embodiment, the first and second magnetic portions 310 and 320 have a rectangular shape extending horizontally through the display area DA and the non-display area NDA along the second direction D2. Is provided.

The first electromagnet part 210 is disposed in the second non-folding area 112 and disposed on the base film 600 corresponding to the non-display area NDA. In addition, the first electromagnet part 210 is disposed so as to face the first magnetic part 310 vertically when the flexible display panel 101 is folded in the first stage.

The second electromagnet part 220 is disposed on the second surface 520 of the frame 500 and disposed on the base film 600 corresponding to the non-display area NDA. In addition, the second electromagnet part 220 is disposed so as to face the second magnetic part 320 vertically when the flexible display panel 101 is folded in the second stage.

In this embodiment, the first and second electromagnet portions 210 and 220 have a rectangular shape extending along the second direction D2 corresponding to the first and second magnetic portions 310 and 320, respectively. Has.

The first and second magnetic portions 310 and 320 and the first electromagnet portion 210 described above have a shape of one rectangle crossing the non-display area NDA and the display area DA, respectively. The second electromagnet part 220 was also provided in a single rectangular shape corresponding to the second magnetic part 320. However, shapes of the first and second magnetic portions 310 and 320 and the first and second electromagnet portions 210 and 220 may be variously modified and implemented. For example, referring to FIG. 11, the first and second magnetic parts 311 and 321 and the first and second electromagnet parts 211 and 221 may be provided in plurality, respectively.

More specifically, each of the first magnetic parts 311 is provided in a rectangular shape extending along the first direction D1. The first magnetic portions 311 are provided in approximately seven, and the first magnetic portions may be disposed in the first non-folding region 111 along the second direction D2 at a predetermined interval. Some of the first magnetic parts are disposed to correspond to the non-display area (NDA), and the remaining first magnetic parts are disposed to correspond to the display area (DA).

Each of the first electromagnets 211 is also provided in a rectangular shape extending along the first direction D1 corresponding to each of the first magnetic parts 311. About seven of the first electromagnet portions 211 are also provided corresponding to the first magnetic portion 311, and the first electromagnet portions are disposed in the second non-folding area 112. In addition, the first electromagnet portions may be disposed at predetermined intervals along the second direction D2 so that the flexible display panel 100 faces the first magnetic portions when the first stage is folded. Some of the first electromagnets are disposed to correspond to the non-display area NDA, and the remaining first electromagnets are disposed to correspond to the display area DA.

Likewise, each of the second magnetic parts 321 is provided in a rectangular shape extending along the first direction D1. The second magnetic portions 321 may be provided in approximately seven, and the second magnetic portions may be disposed in the first non-folding region 111 along the second direction D2 at a predetermined interval. In this embodiment, the second magnetic portions are disposed to be spaced apart from the first magnetic portions in the third direction D3. Each of the second electromagnets 221 is also provided in a rectangular shape extending along the first direction D1 corresponding to each of the second magnetic parts 321. About seven of the second electromagnet parts 221 are also provided corresponding to the second magnetic part 321, and the second electromagnet parts are disposed on the second surface 520. In addition, the second electromagnet portions may be disposed at predetermined intervals along the second direction D2 so that the flexible display panel 100 faces the second magnetic portions when the flexible display panel 100 is folded in two stages.

In summary, the first and second magnetic parts 310 and 320 and the first and second electromagnet parts 210 and 220 are formed in the display area DA of the flexible display panel 101. ) And the non-display area NDA may be arranged in various shapes and arrangements. Accordingly, it is possible to more stably maintain the folded state of the first and second stages of the flexible display panel 100.

Although the above has been described with reference to the preferred experimental examples of the present invention, those skilled in the art or those of ordinary skill in the relevant technical field will not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the claims to be described later. It will be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention within the scope of not. 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.

Claims (14)

A flexible display panel in which a first area, a second area, and a third area are sequentially defined along one direction;
A generator disposed in the first region and selectively generating an electromagnetic field; And
Comprising an acting portion disposed in the third region,
When the second region is folded and the first region and the third region are opposed to each other, an attractive force is generated between the generation unit and the acting unit by an electromagnetic field generated by the generation unit. According to claim 1,
The display device further comprises a controller for controlling a driving current provided to the generator. The method of claim 2,
The display device includes a wiring through which the driving current flows. The method of claim 2,
The display device includes a coil through which the driving current flows. The method of claim 2,
The display device further includes a sensor disposed in at least one of the first area and the third area, wherein the sensor recognizes whether the second area is folded. The method of claim 5,
The control unit receives a sensing signal from the sensor and controls the driving current based on the sensing signal. According to claim 1,
The flexible display panel includes a signal line, and the generator includes the same material as the signal line, and is formed through the same process. According to claim 1,
The operating portion is a display device selected from the group consisting of a ferromagnetic material, a paramagnetic material, a magnetic resin material, and combinations thereof. According to claim 1,
The display device includes a material for generating an attractive force in response to an electromagnetic field generated by the generating unit. According to claim 1,
A display device in which a fourth area and a fifth area are sequentially defined in the one direction following the first area, the second area, and the third area on the flexible display panel, and the fourth area is a folding area . A flexible display device including a folding area,
Generator;
An acting part spaced apart from the generating part with the folding area therebetween; And
And a control unit for controlling a driving current provided to the generator,
When the control unit provides the driving current to the generation unit, an electromagnetic field is generated in the generation unit, and an attractive force is generated between the generation unit and the acting unit by the electromagnetic field, thereby maintaining the folding area in a folded state. Display device. The method of claim 11,
The flexible display device includes a wire or a coil through which the driving current flows. The method of claim 11,
Further comprising a sensor disposed adjacent to the generating unit or the acting unit, the sensor outputs a sensing signal that senses whether the folding area is folded to the control unit, and the control unit drives the driving based on the sensing signal Flexible display device that controls current. The method of claim 11,
The flexible display device is selected from the group consisting of a ferromagnetic material, a paramagnetic material, a magnetic resin material, and a combination thereof.

Images