KR20220133164A - Foldable display device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foldable display device. In accordance with the present invention, the foldable display device includes: a first cover and a second cover; a display panel disposed on the first cover and the second cover; and at least one hinge connecting the first cover and the second cover. The hinge includes: a fixed frame; a pair of hinge shafts penetrating the fixed frame; a pair of rotation plates fixed to one end of the pair of hinge shafts, and fixed to the first cover and the second cover to be rotated together with the first cover and the second cover, respectively; and a pair of first magnets coupled to the pair of hinge shafts between the fixed frame and the pair of rotation plates, respectively, and controlling folding angles of the first cover and the second cover with a magnetic force. Therefore, the present invention is capable of reducing costs for manufacturing the foldable display device.

Description

Foldable display device {FOLDABLE DISPLAY DEVICE}

The present invention relates to a foldable display device, and more particularly, to a foldable display device capable of permanently realizing a holding force.

Recently, portable terminals such as wireless terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), and electronic notebooks are trending toward smaller sizes for portability. However, since the user wants to receive various information such as text information, video, still image, MP3, and game through the screen of the mobile terminal, the size of the screen of the display unit needs to be enlarged and widened. . However, since the miniaturization of the portable terminal leads to a reduction in the size of the display unit, there is a limit in satisfying both requirements.

As a way to overcome this limitation, a flexible display device such as a bendable display device or a foldable display device has recently been developed.

The flexible display device may be implemented by forming a substrate of a plastic material. Since the flexible display device can be easily carried when folded and can realize a large screen when unfolded, it can be applied to various fields such as a television and a monitor, as well as mobile devices such as mobile phones, e-books, and electronic newspapers.

The inventors of the present invention have invented a structure in which a hinged mechanism is used in an area in which a display panel is folded to implement a foldable display among flexible display devices. That is, the inventors of the present invention implemented a holding force by using friction between components constituting the hinge to maintain a specific folding angle of the foldable display during folding and unfolding operations of the foldable display. . However, the inventors of the present invention recognize that abrasion between components constituting the hinge occurs due to continuous folding and unfolding of the foldable display device, thereby reducing the holding force for maintaining a specific folding angle of the foldable display device did.

Accordingly, the inventors of the present invention have invented a foldable display device having a new structure that can permanently implement the holding force without lowering the holding force even when the foldable display device is continuously used.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a foldable display device capable of implementing a holding force for maintaining a folding angle of the foldable display device through a hinge using a permanent magnet.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable display device with improved durability by permanently realizing a holding force by magnetic force.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable display device capable of reducing manufacturing cost through a simple hinge structure.

The problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

In order to solve the above problems, a foldable display device according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a first cover and a second cover, a display panel disposed on the first cover and the second cover, and the first cover and the second cover. It includes at least one hinge connecting the cover, the hinge is fixed to a fixed frame, a pair of hinge shafts passing through the fixing frame, one end of the pair of hinge shafts, and fixed to each of the first cover and the second cover A pair of rotation plates rotating together with the first cover and the second cover, and a pair of hinge shafts between the fixed frame and the pair of rotation plates, respectively, and folding of the first cover and the second cover by magnetic force It includes a pair of first magnets for controlling the angle.

In order to solve the above problems, a foldable display device according to an embodiment of the present invention connects a first cover and a second cover and a first cover and a second cover forming a specific folding angle by an external force, When the external force is removed, it includes at least one hinge for fixing between the first cover and the second cover at a specific folding angle by magnetic force.

Accordingly, there is an effect of permanently realizing the holding force of the foldable display device.

The details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

According to the present invention, a holding force for maintaining a specific folding angle of the foldable display may be implemented by configuring the hinge using a permanent magnet.

According to the present invention, durability of a foldable display can be improved by using the magnetic force of a permanent magnet to implement a permanent holding force.

According to the present invention, a manufacturing cost of a foldable display device can be reduced by implementing a simple hinge structure using a permanent magnet.

The effect according to the present invention is not limited by the contents exemplified above, and more various effects are included in the present specification.

1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment.
2 is a plan view of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment.
3 is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 2 .
4 is an enlarged view of a hinge of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment.
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a region V-V' of FIG. 4 .
6A and 6B are perspective views illustrating a first magnet and a second magnet of a foldable display according to an exemplary embodiment.
7A is a plan view of a foldable display device according to another exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of area B of FIG. 7A .
8A is a perspective view of a foldable display device according to another exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of area C of FIG. 8A .

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but will be implemented in a variety of different forms, only these embodiments allow the disclosure of the present invention to be complete, and common knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs It is provided to fully inform the possessor of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

The shapes, sizes, proportions, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining the embodiments of the present invention are illustrative and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated matters. In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. When 'including', 'having', 'consisting', etc. mentioned in this specification are used, other parts may be added unless 'only' is used. When a component is expressed in the singular, the case in which the plural is included is included unless otherwise explicitly stated.

In interpreting the components, it is interpreted as including an error range even if there is no separate explicit description.

In the case of a description of the positional relationship, for example, when the positional relationship of two parts is described as 'on', 'on', 'on', 'beside', etc., 'right' Alternatively, one or more other parts may be positioned between two parts unless 'directly' is used.

When an element or layer is referred to as "on" another element or layer, it includes all cases with another layer or other element interposed therebetween or directly on the other element.

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

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

The size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are illustrated for convenience of description, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the size and thickness of the illustrated component.

Each feature of the various embodiments of the present invention may be partially or wholly combined or combined with each other, and as those skilled in the art will fully understand, technically various interlocking and driving are possible, and each embodiment may be independently implemented with respect to each other. It may be possible to implement together in a related relationship.

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

1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment. 2 is a plan view of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

1 and 2 , the foldable display 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first cover 110 , a second cover 120 , a hinge 130 , and a display panel 140 . includes In FIG. 1 , the configurations of the foldable display device 100 are briefly illustrated for convenience of explanation, but in practice, various configurations for driving the foldable display device 100 may be further included. Also, in FIG. 2 , the display panel 140 is omitted for convenience of description.

The first cover 110 and the second cover 120 may be a base member for supporting the display panel 140 and various components of the foldable display 100 . Also, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 may accommodate various components for driving the foldable display 100 .

The first cover 110 and the second cover 120 may be disposed in one area and the other area in which the foldable display 100 is folded and unfolded. That is, the foldable display 100 may be folded and unfolded based on the boundary area between the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 by an external force applied by the user.

The first cover 110 and the second cover 120 each include a first coupling part 111 and a second coupling part 121 coupled to the hinge 130 . The first cover 110 and the second cover 120 may be provided to have the same shape, and the first coupling part 111 and the second coupling part 121 may be disposed to face each other and be symmetrical.

The hinge 130 connects the first fastening part 111 of the first cover 110 and the second fastening part 121 of the second cover 120 . In this case, one or more hinges 130 may be provided in some cases. 1 and 2, the hinge 130 is shown as provided one side and the other side of the first fastening part 111 and the second fastening part 121, but this is only one embodiment for explaining the present invention, , but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Specifically, the pair of hinges 130 may connect one side and the other side of the first fastening part 111 and the second fastening part 121 , respectively. The hinge 130 may be disposed at a portion where the foldable display device 100 is folded and unfolded to facilitate folding and unfolding of the foldable display device 100 . Also, the hinge 130 may provide a holding force to maintain the foldable display 100 in a folded state at a specific angle. At this time, the holding force of the hinge 130 may be provided from a magnetic force by a permanent magnet. The specific structure and function of the hinge 130 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6B .

The display panel 140 is disposed on one surface of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 . As the display panel 140 , one of various display panels such as an organic light emitting display panel or a liquid crystal display panel may be used. Also, the display panel 140 may have flexibility to be folded and unfolded together with the folding and unfolding of the foldable display device 100 .

The foldable display device 100 may be folded such that the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 form a specific folding angle. That is, although it is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 that the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are fully unfolded to have an angle of, for example, 180°, the foldable display 100 is bent at a specific angle. It can also be folded. In this case, the display panel 140 disposed on the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 may also be folded together with the folding of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 .

That is, the foldable display 100 may be folded at a specific angle according to a user's intention. Also, the foldable display device 100 may be completely folded or unfolded according to a user's intention. In addition, the foldable display device 100 may be folded or unfolded so that the display panel 140 is disposed on the inside by being in-folded, or may be out-folded so that the display panel 140 is disposed on the outside. It can also be folded or unfolded for placement.

The foldable display 100 may maintain a specific folding angle by a holding force provided from the hinge 130 . In other words, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 may be fixed by the hinge 130 while maintaining a specific folding angle. Accordingly, the foldable display 100 may be folded at a specific angle according to a user's intention, and may maintain the folded state at a specific angle by the holding force of the hinge.

Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the hinge will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6B .

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 2 . 4 is an enlarged view of a hinge of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a region V-V' of FIG. 4 . 6A and 6B are perspective views illustrating a first magnet and a second magnet of a foldable display according to an exemplary embodiment.

3 to 6b , the hinge 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a hinge shaft 131 , a rotation plate 132 , a first magnet 133 , a second magnet 134 , and a fixed frame. 135 , a spring 136 and a fixing plate 137 .

The hinge shaft 131 may serve as a central axis to which components constituting the hinge 130 are coupled. The hinge shaft 131 may be provided as a pair and may correspond to the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 , respectively.

The rotation plate 132 is provided as a pair and each is coupled to one end of the pair of hinge shafts 131 . In addition, each of the pair of rotation plates 132 may correspond to the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 . That is, the pair of rotation plates 132 includes a plurality of fastening grooves 132a, the first fastening part 111 of the first cover 110 and the second fastening part 121 of the second cover 120 . can be fixed to each. In this case, the pair of rotation plates 132 and the first fastening part 111 and the second fastening part 121 may be fixed by screw coupling, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the pair of rotation plates 132 may rotate together according to the movement of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 during a folding or unfolding operation of the foldable display device 100 .

The first magnets 133 are provided as a pair and are respectively coupled to a pair of hinge shafts 131 . In particular, the pair of first magnets 133 are coupled to a region adjacent to the pair of rotation plates 132 among the hinge shafts 131 . In addition, the pair of first magnets 133 may be fixed to the pair of rotation plates 132 and rotate together with the pair of rotation plates 132 . That is, when the foldable display device 100 is folded or unfolded, the pair of first magnets 133 move the pair of rotation plates 132 according to the movement of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 . ) can be rotated with

The pair of first magnets 133 may be cylindrical magnets having a through hole through which the hinge shaft 131 passes. That is, the pair of first magnets 133 may be cylindrical magnets including upper and lower surfaces facing each other in which openings corresponding to through holes are disposed, and outer and inner surfaces connecting the upper and lower surfaces. In this case, the inner surface of the pair of first magnets 133 may correspond to the circumference of the hinge shaft 131 .

The pair of first magnets 133 includes a plurality of N poles 133a and a plurality of S poles 133b. The plurality of N poles 133a and the plurality of S poles 133b may be alternately disposed along a direction perpendicular to the hinge axis 131 . That is, the plurality of N poles 133a and the plurality of S poles 133b may be alternately disposed to surround the circumference of the hinge shaft 131 along the circumferential direction of the hinge shaft 131 . Accordingly, the pair of first magnets 133 may be cylindrical magnets composed of a plurality of N poles 133a and a plurality of S poles 133b alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the pair of hinge shafts 131 . have.

At this time, on the outer surface of the pair of first magnets 133 , the length of the boundary line between the plurality of N poles 133a and the plurality of S poles 133b is the upper surface of the pair of first magnets 133 and If it is, it may be equal to the length between them. In addition, the sum of the intervals of each of the plurality of N poles 133a and the plurality of S poles 133b is a pair of first magnets perpendicular to the length between the upper and lower surfaces of the pair of first magnets 133 ( 133) may be the same as the circumference length.

Meanwhile, the upper surface or lower surface of the pair of first magnets 133 may be in contact with the upper surface or lower surface of the pair of second magnets 134 , which will be described later. In this case, the upper or lower surfaces of the pair of first magnets 133 may have a plurality of N poles 133a and a plurality of S poles 133b alternately disposed along the periphery of the opening.

The second magnets 134 are provided as a pair and are respectively coupled to a pair of hinge shafts 131 . In particular, the pair of second magnets 134 are coupled to face the pair of first magnets 133 in a region adjacent to the pair of first magnets 133 . In this case, the pair of second magnets 134 may be fixed to a fixing frame 135 to be described later. That is, even when the foldable display 100 is folded or unfolded, the pair of second magnets 134 are fixed to the fixed frame 135 and may not rotate.

The pair of second magnets 134 may have the same shape as the pair of first magnets 133 . That is, the pair of second magnets 134 may be cylindrical magnets having a through hole through which the hinge shaft 131 passes. In addition, the pair of second magnets 134 may be cylindrical magnets in which a plurality of N poles 134a and S poles 134b are alternately disposed along a direction perpendicular to the hinge axis 131 .

The upper surface or lower surface of the pair of second magnets 134 may be in contact with the upper surface or lower surface of the pair of first magnets 133 . In this case, the upper or lower surfaces of the pair of second magnets 134 may have a plurality of N poles 134a and a plurality of S poles 134b alternately arranged along the periphery of the opening.

That is, the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 are disposed so that their upper or lower surfaces face each other and contact each other. At this time, a plurality of N poles (133a, 134a) and a plurality of S poles (133b, 134b) along the periphery of the opening on the contact surface of each of the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 These can be arranged alternately. Accordingly, the magnetic force due to the plurality of N poles 133a and 134a and the plurality of S poles 133b and 134b on the contact surface where the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 face each other and come into contact with each other. This can happen.

The pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 may implement a holding force of the hinge 130 by magnetic force. That is, when the first magnet 133 and the second magnet 134 are disposed to face each other with different polarities as shown in FIG. 6A , an attractive force may be generated. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 6B , when the first magnet 133 and the second magnet 134 are disposed to face each other with the same polarity, a repulsive force may be generated.

More specifically, when a user applies a force to fold or unfold the foldable display device 100 , the pair of first magnets 133 fixed to the pair of rotation plates 132 are connected to the first cover 110 . And it can be rotated by the movement of the second cover 120 . At this time, the pair of second magnets 134 may be fixed to the fixed frame 135 and not rotate. Therefore, the plurality of N poles 134a and the plurality of S poles 134b of the fixed pair of second magnets 134 are the plurality of N poles 133a of the pair of rotating first magnets 133 . and a plurality of S poles 133b and may be disposed to alternately face each other.

At this time, the plurality of N poles 133a of the pair of first magnets 133 and the plurality of S poles 134b of the pair of second magnets 134 are disposed to face each other, or the pair of first When the plurality of S poles 133b of the magnet 133 and the plurality of N poles 134a of the pair of second magnets 134 are disposed to face each other, the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair An attractive force may be generated between the second magnets 134 of the .

Conversely, the plurality of N poles 133a of the pair of first magnets 133 and the plurality of N poles 134a of the pair of second magnets 134 are disposed to face each other, or the pair of first magnets When the plurality of S poles 133b of (133) and the plurality of S poles 134b of the pair of second magnets 134 are disposed to face each other, the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of A repulsive force may be generated between the second magnets 134 .

Meanwhile, an external force applied to the foldable display 100 by a user may be greater than an attractive force and a repulsive force between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 . Accordingly, even when attractive and repulsive forces are generated between the pair of first magnets 133 and the second magnets 134 , the user can fold or unfold the foldable display 100 at a desired angle. However, when a repulsive force is generated between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 , the user folds or unfolds the foldable display 100 by the pushing force between the magnets. The operation can be performed more easily.

When an external force applied to the foldable display device 100 at a specific folding angle is removed, the foldable display device 100 is disposed between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 . A specific folding angle can be maintained by magnetic force.

That is, when an attractive force occurs between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 , the pair of first magnets 133 stop rotating and the pair of second magnets 134 . It may be fixed to a holding force. Conversely, when a repulsive force is generated between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 , the pair of first magnets 133 exert attractive force with the pair of second magnets 134 . can be rotated to occur. As a result, the pair of first magnets 133 are fixed to the pair of second magnets 134 by rotation, and a holding force may be generated therefrom.

Specifically, when the pair of first magnets 133 and the second magnets 134 are arranged to face each other with different polarities, the pair of first magnets 133 are attracted to the pair of second magnets ( 134) can be fixed. And as the pair of first magnets 133 stop rotating, the rotation of the pair of rotation plates 132 may be stopped. In addition, as the rotation of the pair of rotation plates 132 is stopped, the movement of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 may be stopped. That is, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 of the foldable display 100 are specifically folded by the attractive force between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 . It can be fixed at an angle.

Conversely, when the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 are arranged to face each other with the same polarity, the first magnet 133 may be pushed out by the repulsive force. At this time, since the magnets have a property of attracting different polarities to each other, the pair of first magnets 133 may rotate in a direction in which an attractive force acts with the pair of second magnets 134 . In addition, since the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 have a form in which a plurality of N poles 133a and 134a and a plurality of S poles 133b and 134b are alternately disposed. , An attractive force may be generated between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 only by minute rotation of the pair of first magnets 133 . As a result, attractive force acts between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 , so that the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 may be fixed at a specific folding angle. .

Meanwhile, since the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 include a plurality of N poles 133a and 134a and a plurality of S poles 133b and 134b, the foldable display device (100) may have various folding angles. That is, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 may be fixed at angles corresponding to the plurality of N poles 133a and 134a and the plurality of S poles 133b and 134b, respectively. Accordingly, by adjusting the number and spacing of the plurality of N poles 133a and 134a and the plurality of S poles 133b and 134b of the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134, foldable A folding angle of the display device 100 may be controlled.

At this time, even if the distance between each of the plurality of N poles 133a and 134a and the plurality of S poles 133b and 134b is narrowed, the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 The holding force can be maintained uniformly. That is, since the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 are identically formed, when an attractive force occurs, the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 are formed in the same manner. Different polarities can face each other on the entire contact surface between them. Accordingly, since attractive force is generated over the entire contact surface between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 , the holding force may be uniformly maintained.

In addition, the strength of the holding force of the foldable display 100 may be controlled by adjusting the strength of a magnetic force of a permanent magnet applied to each of the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 . .

The fixing frame 135 may be coupled to the pair of hinge shafts 131 and simultaneously fix the pair of second magnets 134 . That is, the fixing frame 135 may include a through hole through which a pair of hinge shafts 131 pass through one side and the other side. In addition, the fixing frame 135 may be fixed to the pair of second magnets 134 to prevent rotation of the pair of second magnets 134 . The fixing frame 135 may be formed of a metal or plastic material, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The springs 136 are provided as a pair and each is fixed to a pair of hinge shafts 131 . At this time, the pair of springs 136 are disposed on opposite sides of the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 with respect to the fixed frame 135 .

At this time, the pair of springs 136 may have elastic force by being compressed by the fixing frame 135 and the fixing plate 131 to be described later. Accordingly, the fixed frame 135 is pressured by the elastic force of the pair of springs 136 , and a surface friction force is generated between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 . can be provided. The rotation of the first magnet 133 may be prevented when the folding angle of the foldable display 100 is maintained by the surface friction force. That is, the folding angle between the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 may be more firmly maintained by the pair of springs 136 . However, the pair of springs 136 may be omitted in some cases.

The fixing plate 137 is coupled to the other end of the pair of hinge shafts 131 . The fixing plate 137 may serve to fix components constituting the hinge 130 . That is, the fixing plate 137 is disposed at the other end of the pair of hinge shafts 131 to prevent components coupled to the hinge shaft 131 from being separated from the hinge shaft 131 . In addition, the fixing plate 137 may generate an elastic force in the pair of springs 136 by pressing the pair of springs 136 . In addition, a configuration such as a screw is fastened to the opposite side of the spring 136 among the fixing plate 137 , so that the coupling between the fixing plate 137 and the pair of hinge shafts 131 may be made more firmly.

In the case of a general hinge, a holding force is implemented as a friction force between hinge parts in order to maintain a specific folding angle of the foldable display device. However, during continuous folding and unfolding operations, abrasion occurs between the hinge components due to frictional force, thereby lowering holding force and lowering durability of the hinge and foldable display device.

Accordingly, the foldable display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment may implement a holding force for maintaining the folding angle of the foldable display device 100 by applying a permanent magnet to the hinge 130 . That is, holding using a magnetic force between a pair of first magnets 133 and a pair of second magnets 134 including a plurality of N poles 133a and 134a and a plurality of S poles 133b and 134b. Force can be implemented. In particular, when a pair of first magnets 133 and a pair of second magnets 134 are disposed to face each other with different polarities, when an attractive force occurs between the two, the first cover 110 and the second magnet 134 by the attractive force The cover 120 may be fixed at a specific folding angle.

In addition, the foldable display 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can implement a permanent holding force by a magnetic force between permanent magnets. That is, even if wear occurs due to contact between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 , the magnetic force may be continuously maintained. Accordingly, the holding force of the hinge 130 may be permanently maintained. As a result, as a decrease in the holding force is prevented, durability of the foldable display 100 may be improved.

In addition, since the foldable display 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can implement a holding force using only the first magnet 133 and the second magnet 134 , the structure of the hinge 130 is simplified. can do. Accordingly, the number of parts of the hinge 130 is reduced, and the forming step is simplified, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.

Hereinafter, a configuration of a hinge of a foldable display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B .

7A is a plan view of a foldable display device according to another exemplary embodiment. FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of area B of FIG. 7A .

7A and 7B , the hinge 230 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a hinge shaft 131 , a rotation plate 132 , a first magnet 133 , a fixed frame 235 , and a spring 136 . ), a fixing plate 137 and a gear 238 . Here, the hinge shaft 131 , the rotation plate 132 , the first magnet 133 , the spring 136 , and the fixing plate 137 are the same as the configuration of the hinge 130 described above, and thus a redundant description will be omitted.

Gears 238 are provided as a pair and are respectively coupled to a pair of hinge shafts 131 between a pair of rotation plates 132 and a pair of first magnets 133 . The pair of gears 238 may be fixed to the pair of rotation plates 132 and rotate together. That is, the pair of gears 238 may rotate together with the pair of rotation plates 132 according to the movement of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 during the folding or unfolding operation of the foldable display device. can

A pair of auxiliary gears 238a arranged to mesh with each other are disposed between the pair of gears 238 . In addition, each of the pair of auxiliary gears 238a is disposed to mesh with the pair of gears 238 between the pair of gears 238 spaced apart from each other. In addition, the pair of gears 238 and the pair of auxiliary gears 238a may be protected by a guide rail.

The pair of gears 238 and the pair of auxiliary gears 238a are arranged to mesh with each other, so that the rotation of the rotation plate 132 and the movement of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are more smoothly can be done Meanwhile, the pair of gears 238 and the pair of auxiliary gears 238a may be omitted in some cases.

Each of the pair of first magnets 133 is fixed to a pair of gears 238 . Accordingly, each of the pair of first magnets 133 may rotate together with the pair of gears 238 . That is, when the foldable display device 100 is folded or unfolded, the pair of first magnets 133 move the pair of rotation plates 132 according to the movement of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 . ) and a pair of gears 238 can rotate together.

The fixing frame 235 is formed of a metal material and is coupled to a pair of hinge shafts 131 . At this time, the fixing frame 235 is in contact with the pair of first magnets 133 . Since the fixing frame 235 is formed of metal, a magnetic force may be generated between the fixing frame 235 and the pair of first magnets 133 . That is, in the hinge 130 of the previous embodiment, a pair of second magnets 134 are disposed between the fixed frame 135 and the pair of first magnets 133 , and the pair of first magnets 133 and The holding force could be implemented by the attractive force between the pair of second magnets 134 . However, in the hinge 230 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the second magnet 134 is omitted, and the holding force is implemented by the attractive force between the metal fixed frame 235 and the pair of first magnets 133 . can

The pair of springs 136 are disposed on opposite sides of the pair of first magnets 133 with respect to the fixing frame 235 . In addition, the pair of springs 136 may have an elastic force by the fixing frame 235 and the fixing plate 131 . A surface friction force may be provided between the fixed frame 235 and the pair of first magnets 133 from the elastic force of the pair of springs 136 . The rotation of the first magnet 133 may be prevented when the folding angle of the foldable display is maintained by the surface friction force.

The hinge 230 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of rotation plates 132 according to movement of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 when the user folds or unfolds the foldable display device. ), a pair of gears 238 and a pair of first magnets 133 may rotate together. In this case, the external force applied by the user may be greater than the attractive force and the surface friction force between the pair of first magnets 133 and the fixed frame 235 . Accordingly, the user may fold or unfold the foldable display at a desired angle.

In addition, when an external force applied to the foldable display device at a specific folding angle is removed, the folding angle of the foldable display device is changed by the attractive force and surface friction force between the pair of first magnets 133 and the fixed frame 235 . can be maintained That is, the pair of first magnets 133 may stop rotating and be fixed to the fixed frame 235 by the attractive force and surface friction force to generate a holding force.

Specifically, the pair of first magnets 133 may be fixed to the fixing frame 235 by attractive force and surface friction force. As the pair of first magnets 133 stop rotating, the rotation of the pair of gears 238 and the pair of rotation plates 132 may be stopped. In addition, as the rotation of the pair of rotation plates 132 is stopped, the movement of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 may be stopped. That is, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 of the foldable display are fixed at a specific folding angle by the attractive force and surface friction force between the pair of first magnets 133 and the fixed frame 235 . can be

In the hinge 230 according to another embodiment of the present invention, as compared with the hinge 130 of the previous embodiment, the pair of second magnets 134 are omitted, so that the operation of the hinge 230 is made simpler. can That is, by implementing the holding force only with the attractive force and the surface friction force between the pair of first magnets 133 and the fixed frame 235, compared to the case where all the attractive force, the repulsive force, and the surface friction force are applied, the operation of the hinge 230 is reduced. Accuracy can be improved.

In addition, the hinge 230 according to another embodiment of the present invention implements a holding force by the interaction of the pair of first magnets 133 and the metal fixing frame 235, the first magnet 133 structure can be further simplified. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the hinge 230 .

Hereinafter, a configuration of a hinge of a foldable display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B .

8A is a perspective view of a foldable display device according to another exemplary embodiment. FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of area C of FIG. 8A .

8A and 8B , a hinge 330 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a hinge shaft 131 , a rotation plate 132 , a first magnet 133 , a fixing frame 135 , and a fixing plate. 137 , a gear 238 and a third magnet 339 . Here, the hinge shaft 131 , the rotation plate 132 , the first magnet 133 , the fixing frame 135 , the fixing plate 137 , and the gear 238 are the same as those of the hinges 130 and 230 described above. Therefore, duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

A pair of gears 238 are coupled to a pair of hinge shafts 131 between a pair of rotation plates 132 and a pair of first magnets 133 . The pair of gears 238 may be fixed to the pair of rotation plates 132 and rotate together with the pair of rotation plates 132 . In addition, a pair of auxiliary gears 238a arranged to mesh with each other are disposed between the pair of gears 238 . The pair of gears 238 and the pair of auxiliary gears 238a are arranged to mesh with each other, so that the rotation of the rotation plate 132 and the movement of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are smoothly performed. can

The pair of first magnets 133 is disposed between the pair of gears 238 and the fixed frame 135 . In this case, the pair of first magnets 133 may be fixed to the fixing frame 135 . That is, in the previous embodiments, the pair of first magnets 133 are rotated together by the rotation of the rotation plate 132 , but in the case of the hinge 330 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the pair of first magnets 133 are rotated together. 1 The magnet 133 may be fixed without rotating.

The pair of first magnets 133 may be cylindrical magnets having a through hole through which the hinge shaft 131 passes, as described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B . In addition, the pair of first magnets 133 include a plurality of N poles (133a) and a plurality of S poles (133b). In this case, the plurality of N poles 133a and the plurality of S poles 133b may be alternately disposed along a direction perpendicular to the hinge axis 131 .

The fixing frame 135 and the fixing plate 136 are fixed to the other end of the pair of hinge shafts 131 . The fixing frame 135 and the fixing plate 136 may be disposed in contact with each other. That is, a pair of springs 136 are disposed between the fixing frame 135 and the fixing plate 136 in the previous embodiments, but may be omitted here. In other words, since the pair of first magnets 133 are configured to be fixed, the pair of springs 136 providing a surface friction force to the pair of first magnets 133 may be omitted.

Meanwhile, in some cases, any one of the fixing frame 135 and the fixing plate 136 may be omitted. In addition, the fixing frame 135 may be formed of a metal or plastic material, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The third magnet 339 is provided as a pair and is disposed adjacent to the pair of first magnets 133 . In this case, the pair of third magnets 339 and the pair of first magnets 133 may be spaced apart from or in contact with each other. When the pair of third magnets 339 and the pair of first magnets 133 are spaced apart from each other, friction between the two is reduced to have high durability. When the pair of third magnets 339 and the pair of first magnets 133 come into contact with each other, the distance between the two is closer, and thus the magnetic force may be further increased.

Each of the pair of third magnets 339 is fixed to the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 . Each of the pair of third magnets 339 may be fixed to the first fixing part 312 and the second fixing part 322 respectively disposed on the edge of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 . have. Accordingly, the pair of third magnets 339 may move together with the movement of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 during a folding or unfolding operation of the foldable display device.

The pair of third magnets 339 may be flat magnets. In addition, the pair of third magnets 339 may include an N pole 339a and an S pole 339b. One of the N poles 339a and the S poles 339b of the pair of third magnets 339 may be disposed to face the pair of first magnets 133 . Accordingly, any one of the N poles 339a and S poles 339b of the pair of third magnets 339 and the plurality of N poles 133a and the plurality of S poles of the pair of first magnets 133 . The holding force of the hinge 330 may be implemented from the magnetic force generated by any one of (133b). On the other hand, although the N-pole 339a of the pair of third magnets 339 is shown to face the hinge 330 in the drawing, the present invention is not limited thereto.

When the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of third magnets 339 are disposed to face each other with different polarities, attractive force may occur. Conversely, when the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of third magnets 339 are disposed to face each other with the same polarities, a repulsive force may be generated.

In the hinge 330 according to another embodiment of the present invention, when a user folds or unfolds the foldable display device, the pair of third magnets moves according to the movement of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 . 339 may be moved. At this time, the pair of first magnets 133 may be fixed to the fixed frame 135 and not rotate. Accordingly, one of the N poles 339a and the S poles 339b of the moving third magnet 339 has a plurality of N poles 133a and a plurality of the fixed first magnets 133 of the pair. The S poles 133b and may be disposed to face each other alternately.

Meanwhile, the external force applied by the user may be greater than the attractive and repulsive force between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of third magnets 339 . Accordingly, even when attractive and repulsive forces are generated between the pair of first magnets 133 and 339 facing each other, the user can fold or unfold the foldable display at a desired angle.

In addition, when an external force applied to the foldable display device at a specific folding angle is removed, the folding angle of the foldable display device is caused by a magnetic force between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of third magnets 339 . can be maintained.

Specifically, when the pair of third magnets 339 and the pair of first magnets 133 are arranged to face each other with different polarities, the movement of the pair of third magnets 339 is stopped by attractive force. can As the pair of third magnets 339 are fixed by attraction, the movement of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 may be stopped together. That is, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 of the foldable display form a specific folding angle by the attractive force between the pair of third magnets 339 and the pair of first magnets 133 . can be fixed.

Conversely, when the pair of third magnets 339 and the pair of first magnets 133 are disposed to face each other with the same polarity, the third magnet 339 may be pushed out by the repulsive force. At this time, since there is a property of attracting different polarities between the magnets, the pair of third magnets 339 may move in a direction in which the pair of first magnets 133 and the attractive force act. In addition, since the pair of first magnets 133 have a form in which a plurality of N poles 133a and a plurality of S poles 133b are alternately arranged, only a minute movement of the pair of third magnets 339 is required. An attractive force may be generated between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of third magnets 339 . As a result, attractive force acts between the pair of third magnets 339 and the pair of first magnets 133 , so that the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 may be fixed at a specific folding angle.

In the hinge 330 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the structure of the hinge 330 may be more simplified when compared with the hinges 130 and 230 of the previous embodiments. That is, since a surface friction force is not required between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of third magnets 339 constituting the hinge 330 , the spring 136 may be omitted. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the hinge 330 .

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be described as follows.

In order to solve the above problems, a foldable display device according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a first cover and a second cover, a display panel disposed on the first cover and the second cover, and the first cover and the second cover. It includes at least one hinge connecting the cover, the hinge is fixed to a fixed frame, a pair of hinge shafts passing through the fixing frame, one end of the pair of hinge shafts, and fixed to each of the first cover and the second cover A pair of rotation plates rotating together with the first cover and the second cover, and a pair of hinge shafts between the fixed frame and the pair of rotation plates, respectively, and folding of the first cover and the second cover by magnetic force It includes a pair of first magnets for controlling the angle.

According to another feature of the present invention, the pair of first magnets may rotate together with the pair of rotation plates.

*According to another feature of the present invention, it may further include a pair of second magnets fixed to the fixed frame and respectively fixed to a pair of hinge shafts between the fixed frame and the pair of first magnets.

According to another feature of the present invention, each of the pair of first magnets and the pair of second magnets includes a plurality of N poles and a plurality of S poles, and the plurality of N poles and the plurality of S poles are hinge shafts. and may be alternately arranged along a direction perpendicular to the .

According to another feature of the present invention, when the pair of first magnets and the pair of second magnets are arranged to face each other with different polarities by the rotation of the pair of first magnets, the pair of rotating plates are fixed can be

According to another feature of the present invention, the fixing frame may be formed of a metal material.

According to another feature of the present invention, the pair of rotating plates may be fixed by the attractive force between the pair of first magnets and the fixed frame.

According to another feature of the present invention, a fixing plate spaced apart from the fixing frame and fixed to the other end of the pair of hinge shafts; and a pair of springs respectively coupled to a pair of hinge shafts between the fixing plate and the fixing frame to provide a surface friction force to the pair of first magnets by an elastic force.

According to another feature of the present invention, the pair of first magnets may be fixed to the fixed frame.

According to another feature of the present invention, a pair of third magnets fixed to each of the first cover and the second cover and disposed adjacent to the pair of first magnets to move together with the first cover and the second cover. may include more.

According to another feature of the present invention, the pair of first magnets includes a plurality of N poles and a plurality of S poles, and the plurality of N poles and the plurality of S poles are alternately arranged along a direction perpendicular to the hinge axis. and the pair of third magnets may include either an N pole or an S pole in an area facing the pair of first magnets.

According to another feature of the present invention, when the pair of first magnets and the pair of third magnets are arranged to face each other with different polarities by the movement of the pair of third magnets, the first cover and the second The cover may be fixed.

According to another feature of the present invention, it may further include a pair of gears coupled to a pair of hinge shafts between a pair of first magnets and a pair of rotation plates, and rotating together with a pair of rotation plates. can

In order to solve the above problems, a foldable display device according to an embodiment of the present invention connects a first cover and a second cover and a first cover and a second cover forming a specific folding angle by an external force, It includes at least one hinge for fixing between the first cover and the second cover at a specific folding angle by magnetic force when the external force is removed.

According to another feature of the present invention, the hinge is fixed to a fixed frame, a pair of hinge shafts passing through the fixed frame, one end of a pair of hinge shafts, and fixed to each of the first cover and the second cover, the first cover and A pair of rotating plates rotating together with the second cover, and coupled to a pair of hinge shafts between the fixed frame and the pair of rotating plates, respectively, by stopping the rotation of the pair of rotating plates by attractive force, the first cover and a pair of first magnets for fixing between the and the second cover at a specific folding angle.

According to another feature of the present invention, it is fixed to the fixed frame, further comprising a pair of second magnets fixed to each of the pair of hinge shafts between the fixed frame and the pair of first magnets, Rotation of the pair of rotating plates may be stopped by the attractive force between the first magnet and the pair of second magnets.

According to another feature of the present invention, the fixed frame is formed of a metal material, and the rotation of the pair of rotating plates can be stopped by the attractive force between the pair of first magnets and the fixed frame.

According to another feature of the present invention, a pair of third magnets fixed to each of the first cover and the second cover and disposed adjacent to the pair of first magnets to move together with the first cover and the second cover. In addition, the movement of the first cover and the second cover may be stopped by the attractive force between the pair of first magnets and the pair of third magnets.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, and various modifications may be made within the scope without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. . Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present invention, but to explain, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The protection scope of the present invention should be construed by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent range should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

100: foldable display device
110: first cover
120: second cover
140: display panel
130, 230, 330: hinge
131: hinge shaft
132: rotation plate
133: first magnet
134: second magnet
133a, 134a, 339a: N pole
133b, 134b, 339b: S pole
135, 235: fixed frame
136: spring
137: fixed plate
238: gear
339: third magnet

Claims (20)

display panel;
a first cover and a second cover disposed under the display panel;
a first hinge part connected to the first fastening part of the first cover; and
and a second hinge part connected to the second fastening part of the second cover,
Each of the first hinge part and the second hinge part includes a hinge shaft and a spring. According to claim 1,
The display device of claim 1, wherein each of the first hinge part and the second hinge part includes a rotation plate fixed to each of the first coupling part and the second coupling part. 3. The method of claim 2,
and fixing each of the first coupling part and the second coupling part and the rotation plate by screw coupling. 3. The method of claim 2,
The display device, wherein the rotation plate of each of the first hinge part and the second hinge part is configured to move together with the first cover and the second cover when the display panel is folded. 3. The method of claim 2,
A gear is coupled to each of the hinge shafts of the first hinge part and the second hinge part. 6. The method of claim 5,
the gear is disposed between the rotation plate and the spring;
and the gear is configured to rotate together with the rotation plate. 7. The method of claim 6,
A fixed frame is disposed between the gear and the spring. 8. The method of claim 7,
Each of the hinge shafts of the first hinge part and the second hinge part is disposed to pass through the fixing frame. 8. The method of claim 7,
A first magnet is coupled to each of the hinge shafts of the first hinge part and the second hinge part,
and the first magnet is disposed between the fixed frame and the gear. 10. The method of claim 9,
and the first magnet is configured to rotate together with the gear. 10. The method of claim 9,
The fixed frame is formed of a metal material. 10. The method of claim 9,
A fixing plate spaced apart from the fixing frame is disposed at each end of the hinge shaft of the first hinge part and the second hinge part,
The spring is disposed between the fixing plate and the fixing frame,
The spring provides a surface friction force to the first magnet by an elastic force. 6. The method of claim 5,
and a pair of auxiliary gears arranged to mesh with each other are disposed between the gears of each of the first hinge part and the second hinge part. 3. The method of claim 2,
The first hinge part and the second hinge part are connected by a fixed frame,
Each of the hinge shafts of the first hinge part and the second hinge part is disposed to pass through the fixing frame. 15. The method of claim 14,
A first magnet is coupled to each of the hinge shafts of the first hinge part and the second hinge part,
and the first magnet is disposed between the fixed frame and the rotation plate. 16. The method of claim 15,
and the first magnet is configured to rotate together with the rotation plate. 16. The method of claim 15,
A second magnet is coupled to each of the hinge shafts of the first hinge part and the second hinge part,
The second magnet is disposed between the fixing frame and the first magnet. 18. The method of claim 17,
and the second magnet is fixed to the fixing frame. 18. The method of claim 17,
Each of the first magnet and the second magnet includes a plurality of N poles and a plurality of S poles,
and the plurality of N poles and the plurality of S poles are alternately disposed along a direction perpendicular to the hinge axis. 18. The method of claim 17,
Each of the first magnet and the second magnet,
a through hole through which the hinge shaft passes;
an upper surface and a lower surface having an opening corresponding to the through hole and facing each other; and
and a cylindrical magnet including an outer surface and an inner surface connecting the upper surface and the lower surface.

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