KR20230163995A - Foldable display device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foldable display device. The foldable display device according to the present invention includes 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 that connects, and the hinge is fixed to a fixed frame, a pair of hinge shafts penetrating the fixed frame, and one end of the pair of hinge shafts, and is fixed to each of the first cover and the second cover to cover the first cover. A pair of rotating plates that rotate together with the cover and the second cover are each coupled to a pair of hinge axes between the fixed frame and the pair of rotating plates, and the folding angle of the first cover and the second cover is adjusted by magnetic force. By including a pair of first magnets to control, the holding force can be permanently implemented.

Description

Foldable display device {FOLDABLE DISPLAY DEVICE}

The present invention relates to a foldable display device, and more specifically, to a foldable display device that can permanently implement a holding force.

Recently, portable terminals such as wireless terminals, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), PMPs (Portable Multimedia Players), and electronic notebooks are becoming smaller in size for portability. However, since users want to receive various information such as text information, videos, still images, MP3s, games, etc. through the screen of the mobile terminal, the size of the display screen is required to be large and wide. . However, because miniaturization of portable terminals leads to a reduction in the size of the display screen, there are limits to meeting both requirements.

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

A flexible display device may be implemented by having a substrate made of plastic material. Flexible display devices are easy to carry when folded and can create a large screen when unfolded, so they can be applied to various fields such as televisions and monitors as well as mobile devices such as mobile phones, e-books, and electronic newspapers.

In order to implement a foldable display device among flexible display devices, the inventors of the present invention invented a structure that uses a hinge mechanism in the area where the display panel is folded. That is, the inventors of the present invention implemented a holding force by using friction between the parts constituting the hinge to maintain a specific folding angle of the foldable display device during folding and unfolding operations. . However, the inventors of the present invention recognized that the continuous folding and unfolding operation of the foldable display device causes wear between the parts constituting the hinge, thereby lowering the holding force for maintaining the specific folding angle of the foldable display device. did.

Accordingly, the inventors of the present invention have invented a foldable display device with a new structure that does not deteriorate the holding force even when the foldable display device is continuously used and can permanently implement the holding force.

Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a foldable display device that can implement a holding force to maintain the folding angle of the foldable display device through a hinge using a permanent magnet.

Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a foldable display device with improved durability by permanently implementing a holding force using magnetic force.

Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a foldable display device that can reduce manufacturing costs 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 description below.

In order to solve the problems described above, a foldable display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first cover and a second cover, a display panel disposed on the first cover and the second cover, and a first cover and a second cover. It includes at least one hinge connecting the covers, wherein the hinge is fixed to a fixed frame, a pair of hinge shafts penetrating the fixed frame, and one end of the pair of hinge shafts, and is fixed to each of the first cover and the second cover. A pair of rotating plates rotating together with the first cover and the second cover, and each coupled to a pair of hinge shafts between the fixed frame and the pair of rotating plates, folding the first cover and the second cover by magnetic force It includes a pair of first magnets that control the angle.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a foldable display device according to an embodiment of the present invention connects a first cover and a second cover and the first cover and the second cover to form a specific folding angle by an external force, It includes at least one hinge that fixes the first cover and the second cover at a specific folding angle by magnetic force when the external force is removed.

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

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

The present invention can implement a holding force to maintain a specific folding angle of a foldable display device by constructing a hinge using a permanent magnet.

The present invention can improve the durability of a foldable display device by using the magnetic force of a permanent magnet to implement a permanent holding force.

The present invention can reduce the manufacturing cost of a foldable display device by implementing a simple hinge structure using a permanent magnet.

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

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

The advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and will be implemented in various different forms. The present embodiments only serve to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and that common knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains is not limited. It is provided to fully inform those who have 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 embodiments of the present invention are illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to the matters shown. Additionally, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technologies may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. When 'includes', 'has', 'consists of', etc. mentioned in this specification are used, other parts may be added unless 'only' is used. In cases where a component is expressed in the singular, the plural is included unless specifically stated otherwise.

When interpreting components, it is interpreted to include the margin of error even if there is no separate explicit description.

In the case of a description of a positional relationship, for example, if the positional relationship of two parts is described as 'on top', 'on the top', 'on the bottom', 'next to', etc., 'immediately' Alternatively, there may be one or more other parts placed between the two parts, unless 'directly' is used.

When an element or layer is referred to as being on another element or layer, it includes all cases where another layer or other element is interposed directly on or in the middle of another element.

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

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

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

Each feature of the various embodiments of the present invention can be partially or fully combined or combined with each other, and as can be fully understood by those skilled in the art, various technical interconnections and operations are possible, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of each other. It may be possible to conduct them together due to a related relationship.

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

1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a foldable display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a plan view of a foldable display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 and 2, the foldable display device 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 shown for convenience of explanation, but in reality, various configurations for driving the foldable display device 100 may be further included. Additionally, in FIG. 2 , the display panel 140 is omitted for convenience of explanation.

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

The first cover 110 and the second cover 120 may be disposed in one area and the other area where the foldable display device 100 is folded and unfolded. That is, the foldable display device 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 include a first fastening part 111 and a second fastening part 121 respectively 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 fastener 111 and the second fastener 121 may be arranged symmetrically to face each other.

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. At this time, one or more hinges 130 may be provided depending on the case. 1 and 2, the hinges 130 are shown as being provided on one side and one on the other side of the first fastening part 111 and the second fastening part 121, but this is only an embodiment for explaining the present invention. , this does not limit the present invention.

Specifically, the pair of hinges 130 may connect one side and the other side of the first fastener 111 and the second fastener 121, respectively. The hinge 130 may be disposed in a portion where the foldable display device 100 is folded and unfolded to facilitate the folding and unfolding operations of the foldable display device 100. Additionally, the hinge 130 may provide a holding force to keep the foldable display device 100 folded at a specific angle. At this time, the holding force of the hinge 130 may be provided from 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 side of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120. The display panel 140 may be one of various display panels, such as an organic light emitting display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, etc. Additionally, the display panel 140 may have flexibility so that it can be folded and unfolded along with the foldable display device 100.

The foldable display device 100 can be folded so that the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 form a specific folding angle. That is, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are shown fully unfolded, for example, at an angle of 180°, but the foldable display device 100 is unfolded at a specific angle. It may fold. In this case, the display panel 140 disposed on the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 may also be folded along with the first cover 110 and the second cover 120.

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

The foldable display device 100 can maintain a specific folding angle by the 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 device 100 can be folded at a specific angle according to the user's intention and remain folded at a specific angle by the holding force of the hinge.

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

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

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

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

The rotating plates 132 are provided in pairs and each is coupled to one end of a pair of hinge shafts 131. Additionally, the pair of rotating plates 132 may each correspond to the first cover 110 and the second cover 120. That is, the pair of rotating plates 132 includes a plurality of fastening grooves 132a to connect the first fastening part 111 of the first cover 110 and the second fastening part 121 of the second cover 120. can be fixed respectively. At this time, the pair of rotating plates 132 and the first fastening part 111 and the second fastening part 121 may be fixed by screw coupling, etc., but are 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 when the foldable display device 100 is folded or unfolded.

The first magnets 133 are provided in pairs and each is coupled to a pair of hinge shafts 131. In particular, the pair of first magnets 133 are coupled to an area adjacent to the pair of rotating plates 132 of the hinge axis 131. Additionally, 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, the pair of first magnets 133 are connected to a pair of rotating 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 100. ) 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, where openings corresponding to the through holes are disposed, and outer and inner surfaces connecting the upper and lower surfaces. At this time, the inner surface of the pair of first magnets 133 may correspond to the circumference of the hinge axis 131.

A pair of first magnets 133 includes a plurality of N poles 133a and a plurality of S poles 133b. A plurality of N poles 133a and a plurality of S poles 133b may be alternately arranged 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 arranged to surround the circumference of the hinge axis 131 along the circumferential direction of the hinge axis 131. Therefore, 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 arranged alternately along the circumferential direction of the pair of hinge shafts 131. there is.

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 It may be equal to the length between the two sides. In addition, the sum of the intervals between 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 ( It may be the same as the circumference length of 133).

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

The second magnets 134 are provided in pairs and each is 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 an area adjacent to the pair of first magnets 133. At this time, the pair of second magnets 134 may be fixed to the fixing frame 135, which will be described later. That is, the pair of second magnets 134 may be fixed to the fixing frame 135 and may not rotate even when the foldable display device 100 is folded or unfolded.

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. Additionally, the pair of second magnets 134 may be cylindrical magnets in which a plurality of N poles 134a and S poles 134b are alternately arranged along a direction perpendicular to the hinge axis 131.

The top or bottom surface of the pair of second magnets 134 may be in contact with the top or bottom surface of the pair of first magnets 133. At this time, the upper or lower surface of the pair of second magnets 134 may have a plurality of N poles 134a and a plurality of S poles 134b arranged alternately along the perimeter of the opening.

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

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

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

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

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

When the external force applied to the foldable display device 100 at a specific folding angle is removed, the foldable display device 100 is moved between a pair of first magnets 133 and a 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 and a holding force may occur. Conversely, when a repulsive force occurs between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134, the pair of first magnets 133 exert an attractive force with the pair of second magnets 134. It can be rotated to make it happen. Ultimately, the pair of first magnets 133 are fixed to the pair of second magnets 134 by rotation, and a holding force can be generated from this.

Specifically, when the pair of first magnets 133 and the second magnets 134 are arranged with different polarities facing each other, the pair of first magnets 133 are connected to the pair of second magnets (133) by attraction. 134). And as the pair of first magnets 133 stop rotating, the pair of rotating plates 132 may stop rotating. Additionally, as the rotation of the pair of rotating 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 device 100 are folded in a specific manner due to 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 so that the same polarities face each other, the first magnet 133 may be pushed out by the repulsive force. At this time, since magnets of different polarities have the property of attracting each other, the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 can rotate in the direction in which the attractive force acts. In addition, the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 have a plurality of N poles (133a, 134a) and a plurality of S poles (133b, 134b) arranged alternately. , an attractive force can be generated between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 with just a slight rotation of the pair of first magnets 133. Ultimately, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 can be fixed at a specific folding angle by the attractive force between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134. .

Meanwhile, as 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 an angle corresponding to each of the plurality of N poles 133a and 134a and the plurality of S poles 133b and 134b. Therefore, the number and spacing of the plurality of N poles (133a, 134a) and the plurality of S poles (133b, 134b) of the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 are adjusted to form a foldable The folding angle of the display device 100 can be controlled.

At this time, even if the gap between the plurality of N poles (133a, 134a) and the plurality of S poles (133b, 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, the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 are formed identically, so when attractive force occurs, the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 Different polarities can face each other throughout the entire contact surface between them. Therefore, because attractive force occurs across the entire contact surface between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134, the holding force can be maintained uniformly.

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

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

The springs 136 are provided in pairs 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 137, which will be described later. Therefore, the fixed frame 135 is pressured by the elastic force of the pair of springs 136, and from this, the surface friction force between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of second magnets 134 is generated. can be provided. Due to this surface friction, rotation of the first magnet 133 can be prevented when the folding angle of the foldable display device 100 is maintained. That is, the folding angle between the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 can 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 the parts 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. Additionally, the fixing plate 137 may generate elastic force in the pair of springs 136 by pressing the pair of springs 136 . In addition, a screw-like component may be fastened to the opposite side of the spring 136 among the fixing plates 137 so that the coupling between the fixing plate 137 and the pair of hinge shafts 131 can be made more robust.

In the case of a general hinge, a holding force is implemented using friction between hinge components to maintain a specific folding angle of the foldable display device. However, wear occurred between the hinge parts due to friction during continuous folding and unfolding operations, which had the disadvantage of lowering the holding force and lowering the durability of the hinge and foldable display device.

Accordingly, the foldable display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can implement a holding force to maintain the folding angle of the foldable display device 100 by applying a permanent magnet to the hinge 130. That is, holding using the magnetic force between a pair of first magnets 133 and a pair of second magnets 134 including a plurality of N poles (133a, 134a) and a plurality of S poles (133b, 134b). Force can be realized. In particular, when a pair of first magnets 133 and a pair of second magnets 134 are arranged with different polarities facing each other and an attractive force occurs between the two, the first cover 110 and the second magnet 134 are moved by the attractive force. Cover 120 may be fixed at a specific folding angle.

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

In addition, the foldable display device 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, thereby simplifying the structure of the hinge 130. can do. Accordingly, the number of parts of the hinge 130 is reduced and the forming step is simplified, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

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

Figure 7A is a plan view of a foldable display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7b is an enlarged view of area B in Figure 7a.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the hinge 230 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a hinge shaft 131, a rotating 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 rotating plate 132, the first magnet 133, the spring 136, and the fixed plate 137 are the same as those of the hinge 130 described above, so redundant description will be omitted.

The gears 238 are provided in pairs and each is coupled to a pair of hinge shafts 131 between a pair of rotating plates 132 and a pair of first magnets 133. A pair of gears 238 may be fixed to a pair of rotating plates 132 and rotate together. That is, the pair of gears 238 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. You 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 arranged to engage 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 the guide rail.

By arranging the pair of gears 238 and the pair of auxiliary gears 238a to engage with each other, the rotation of the rotation plate 132 and the movement of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 can be performed more smoothly. It 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, the pair of first magnets 133 are connected to a pair of rotating 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 100. ) and can rotate together with a pair of gears 238.

The fixed frame 235 is made 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 made of metal, 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 fixing frame 135 and the pair of first magnets 133, and the pair of first magnets 133 and The holding force could be implemented through attraction 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 attraction between the metal fixing frame 235 and the pair of first magnets 133. You can.

A pair of springs 136 are disposed on opposite sides of the pair of first magnets 133 with respect to the fixed frame 235. Additionally, the pair of springs 136 may have elastic force due to the fixing frame 235 and the fixing plate 131. 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. Due to this surface friction, rotation of the first magnet 133 can be prevented when maintaining the folding angle of the foldable display device.

The hinge 230 according to another embodiment of the present invention rotates a pair of rotating plates 132 according to the 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. At this time, the external force applied by the user may be greater than the attractive force and surface friction between the pair of first magnets 133 and the fixed frame 235. Accordingly, the user can fold or unfold the foldable display device at a desired angle.

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

Specifically, a pair of first magnets 133 may be fixed to the fixed frame 235 by attraction and surface friction. As the pair of first magnets 133 stop rotating, the pair of gears 238 and the pair of rotating plates 132 may stop rotating. Additionally, as the rotation of the pair of rotating 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 device are fixed at a specific folding angle by the force of attraction and surface friction between the pair of first magnets 133 and the fixing frame 235. It can be.

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

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

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

Figure 8a is a perspective view of a foldable display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8b is an enlarged view of area C in Figure 8a.

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

A pair of gears 238 is coupled to a pair of hinge shafts 131 between a pair of rotating plates 132 and a pair of first magnets 133. A pair of gears 238 may be fixed to a pair of rotation plates 132 and rotate together with the pair of rotation plates 132. Additionally, a pair of auxiliary gears 238a arranged to engage each other are disposed between the pair of gears 238. By arranging the pair of gears 238 and the pair of auxiliary gears 238a to engage with each other, the rotation of the rotation plate 132 and the movement of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 can be smoothly performed. You can.

A pair of first magnets 133 are disposed between a pair of gears 238 and the fixed frame 135. At this time, the pair of first magnets 133 may be fixed to the fixed frame 135. That is, in the previous embodiments, the pair of first magnets 133 were rotated together by the rotation of the rotating plate 132, but in the case of the hinge 330 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the pair of first magnets 133 were rotated together by the rotation of the rotating plate 132. 1 The magnet 133 can 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 in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Additionally, the pair of first magnets 133 includes a plurality of N poles 133a and a plurality of S poles 133b. At this time, a plurality of N poles 133a and a plurality of S poles 133b may be alternately arranged along a direction perpendicular to the hinge axis 131.

The fixing frame 135 and the fixing plate 137 are fixed to the other end of the pair of hinge shafts 131. The fixing frame 135 and the fixing plate 137 may be disposed in contact with each other. That is, in previous embodiments, a pair of springs 136 were disposed between the fixing frame 135 and the fixing plate 137, but they may be omitted here. In other words, since the pair of first magnets 133 are configured to be fixed, the pair of springs 136 that provide surface friction to the pair of first magnets 133 can be omitted.

Meanwhile, in some cases, one of the fixing frame 135 and the fixing plate 137 may be omitted. Additionally, the fixing frame 135 may be formed of metal or plastic material, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The third magnets 339 are provided as a pair and are arranged adjacent to the pair of first magnets 133. At this time, the pair of third magnets 339 and the pair of first magnets 133 may be arranged to 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, friction between the two is reduced and high durability can be achieved. When a pair of third magnets 339 and a pair of first magnets 133 come into contact, the distance between them becomes closer and the magnetic force can further increase.

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 can be fixed to the first fixing part 312 and the second fixing part 322 respectively disposed on the edge portion of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120. there is. Accordingly, the pair of third magnets 339 may be moved together 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.

The third pair of magnets 339 may be flat magnets. Additionally, the pair of third magnets 339 may include an N pole (339a) and an S pole (339b). One of the N poles 339a and S poles 339b of the pair of third magnets 339 may be arranged to face the pair of first magnets 133. Therefore, either the N pole 339a or the S pole 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 can be implemented from the magnetic force generated by any one of (133b). Meanwhile, in the drawing, the N pole 339a of the pair of third magnets 339 is shown facing the hinge 330, but this does not limit the present invention.

When a pair of first magnets 133 and a pair of third magnets 339 are arranged with different polarities facing each other, attractive force may occur. Conversely, when the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of third magnets 339 are arranged so that their polarities face each other, a repulsive force may occur.

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

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

And when the external force applied to the foldable display device is removed at a specific folding angle, the folding angle of the foldable display device is changed by the 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 with different polarities facing each other, the movement of the pair of third magnets 339 will be stopped due to attractive force. You 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 device form a specific folding angle due to the attractive force between the pair of third magnets 339 and the pair of first magnets 133. It can be fixed.

Conversely, when the pair of third magnets 339 and the pair of first magnets 133 are arranged so that the same polarities face each other, the third magnet 339 may be pushed out by the repulsive force. At this time, since magnets of different polarities have the property of attracting each other, the pair of third magnets 339 and the pair of first magnets 133 can move in the direction in which the attractive force acts. In addition, since the pair of first magnets 133 has a plurality of N poles 133a and a plurality of S poles 133b arranged alternately, only a slight movement of the pair of third magnets 339 An attractive force may be generated between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of third magnets 339. Ultimately, the 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 can be fixed at a specific folding angle.

The hinge 330 according to another embodiment of the present invention may have a simpler structure compared to the hinges 130 and 230 of the previous embodiments. That is, since surface friction is not required between the pair of first magnets 133 and the pair of third magnets 339 constituting the hinge 330, the spring 136 can be omitted. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost of the hinge 330 can be reduced.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be described as follows.

In order to solve the problems described above, a foldable display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first cover and a second cover, a display panel disposed on the first cover and the second cover, and a first cover and a second cover. It includes at least one hinge connecting the covers, wherein the hinge is fixed to a fixed frame, a pair of hinge shafts penetrating the fixed frame, and one end of the pair of hinge shafts, and is fixed to each of the first cover and the second cover. A pair of rotating plates rotating together with the first cover and the second cover, and each coupled to a pair of hinge shafts between the fixed frame and the pair of rotating plates, folding the first cover and the second cover by magnetic force It includes a pair of first magnets that control the angle.

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

According to another feature of the present invention, it may further include a pair of second magnets fixed to the fixed frame and each 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 include a plurality of N poles and a plurality of S poles, and the plurality of N poles and the plurality of S poles are connected to the hinge axis. They may be arranged alternately along a direction perpendicular to .

According to another feature of the present invention, when the pair of first magnets and the pair of second magnets are arranged so that their polarities are opposite to each other due to the rotation of the pair of first magnets, the pair of rotating plates is fixed. It can be.

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

According to another feature of the present invention, a pair of rotating plates can be fixed by an attractive force between a pair of first magnets and a 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 a 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 and providing surface friction to the pair of first magnets by elastic force.

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

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

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 arranged alternately 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 so that their different polarities face each other by moving the pair of third magnets, the first cover and the second magnet The cover can be fixed.

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

In order to solve the above-described problem, a foldable display device according to an embodiment of the present invention connects a first cover and a second cover and the first cover and the second cover to form a specific folding angle by an external force, It includes at least one hinge that fixes 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 penetrating the fixed frame, and one end of the pair of hinge shafts, and is fixed to each of the first cover and the second cover to secure the first cover and the second cover. A pair of rotating plates rotating together with the second cover, and each coupled to a pair of hinge shafts between the fixed frame and the pair of rotating plates, stop the rotation of the pair of rotating plates by manpower, so that the first cover It may include a pair of first magnets fixed 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 and further includes a pair of second magnets fixed to each of a pair of hinge shafts between the fixed frame and the pair of first magnets, and a pair of first magnets. The rotation of the pair of rotating plates may be stopped by the attractive force between the first magnet and the second pair of 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 are fixed to each of the first cover and the second cover and are disposed adjacent to the pair of first magnets and move together with the first cover and the second cover. Further included, 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 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 without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. . Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but are for illustrative purposes, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the claims below, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the scope of rights of the present invention.

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

Claims (20)

display panel;
a first cover and a second cover disposed below the display panel;
a first hinge portion connected to the first fastening portion of the first cover and including a first hinge shaft and a first rotating plate coupled to one end of the first hinge shaft;
a second hinge portion connected to the second fastening portion of the second cover and including a second hinge shaft and a second rotating plate coupled to one end of the second hinge shaft;
a fixed plate coupled to the other end of the first hinge shaft and the other end of the second hinge shaft; and
A display device comprising a fixed frame disposed between the fixed plate and the first and second rotating plates.
According to claim 1,
a first gear disposed between the first rotating plate and the fixed frame; and
The display device further includes a second gear disposed between the second rotating plate and the fixed frame.
According to claim 2,
a first spring disposed between the fixing frame and the fixing plate and coupled to the first hinge shaft; and
The display device further includes a second spring disposed between the fixing frame and the fixing plate and coupled to the second hinge axis.
According to claim 3,
The display device further includes a pair of first magnets coupled to each of the first hinge axis and the second hinge axis.
According to claim 1,
The first rotating plate and the first fastening part are coupled and fixed with screws,
The display device is coupled to and fixed to the second rotating plate and the second fastening part with a screw.
According to claim 4,
When folding the display panel,
The first rotating plate moves together with the first cover,
The second rotating plate is moved together with the second cover.
According to claim 6,
The first gear is disposed between the first rotation plate and the first spring and is configured to rotate together with the first rotation plate,
The second gear is disposed between the second rotation plate and the second spring and is configured to rotate together with the second rotation plate.
According to claim 7,
The fixed frame is,
A display device disposed between the first gear and the first spring, and between the second gear and the second spring.
According to claim 8,
The first hinge portion and the second hinge portion are connected by the fixed frame,
The first hinge axis and the second hinge axis are each disposed to pass through the fixed frame.
According to claim 8,
One of the pair of first magnets is disposed between the fixed frame and the first gear,
A display device wherein the other one of the pair of first magnets is disposed between the fixed frame and the second gear.
According to claim 10,
One of the pair of first magnets is configured to rotate with the first gear,
The other of the pair of first magnets is configured to rotate with the second gear.
According to claim 11,
A display device, wherein the fixing frame is formed of a metal material.
According to claim 11,
A display device in which a surface friction force is provided between the fixed frame and the pair of first magnets by the elastic force of the first and second springs.
According to claim 11,
The display device further includes a pair of auxiliary gears disposed between the first gear and the second gear to engage with each of the first gear and the second gear.
According to claim 10,
Further comprising a pair of second magnets coupled to each of the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft,
Each of the pair of second magnets is disposed between the fixing frame and the pair of first magnets.
According to claim 15,
The pair of second magnets is fixed to the fixing frame.
According to claim 16,
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,
The display device wherein the plurality of N poles and the plurality of S poles are alternately arranged along a direction perpendicular to the first and second hinge axes.
According to claim 17,
Each of the pair of first magnets and the pair of second magnets,
a through hole through which the first hinge shaft or the second hinge shaft passes;
first and second surfaces facing each other and each including an opening corresponding to the through hole; and
A display device that is a cylindrical magnet including an outer surface and an inner surface connecting the first surface and the second surface.
According to claim 18,
A display device wherein the first or second surface of the first magnet is in contact with the first or second surface of the second magnet.
According to claim 3,
It further includes a pair of fixing members fastened to each of the first and second hinge axes on one surface of the fixing plate,
The first and second springs are in contact with the other surface of the fixing plate.