WO2020059919A1 - Flexible display device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a flexible display device comprising: a housing formed to be foldable and unfoldable; a flexible display part coupled to one surface of the housing and formed to be modifiable; and a pressing part which is arranged inside the housing and which applies force to the flexible display, wherein the flexible display has a bending part that bends by means of a folding operation of the housing, and the pressing part generates physical force for flattening the bending part when the housing is unfolded.

Description

Flexible display device

The present invention relates to a flexible display device having a flexible display that can be deformed by external force.

Electronic devices (hereinafter referred to as mobile terminals) that can be carried, such as communication terminals, multimedia devices, portable computers, game machines, and photographing devices, include displays that display image information. The mobile terminal also has a folding structure that can be folded to a smaller size for the convenience of portability. In this type of mobile terminal, the two bodies are connected by a folding structure (for example, a hinge portion).

Since a conventional display has a structure that cannot be folded, a structure in which a display is disposed over two bodies to which a display is foldably connected cannot be implemented. Therefore, a large screen could not be practically applied to a folding-type mobile terminal.

However, with the development of a flexible display capable of bending in recent years, research is being conducted to apply the flexible display to a mobile terminal having a folding structure (mobile / portable terminal). In this case, since the flexible display can be arranged across the two bodies across the folding structure, a large screen can be implemented.

However, when the flexible display is deformed into a folded (folded) state and an unfolded (unfolded) state by using a hinge part, wrinkles are formed on the flexible display, and thus there is a problem that the quality is deteriorated. That is, when the flexible display is bent and then unfolded repeatedly, the flatness may not be maintained and the surface of the flexible display may be wavy.

An object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of always flattening a flexible display when unfolding, even when folding and unfolding are repeated.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a display device that can apply a force only when unfolding the flexible display.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a structure capable of maintaining the flatness of the flexible display while absorbing the impact applied to the flexible display.

In order to achieve the above object of the present invention, the flexible display device is configured to apply a force to a bent portion of the flexible display when unfolding using a pressing portion.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible display device includes a housing made of folding and unfolding, a flexible display coupled to one surface of the housing, and formed to be deformable, and disposed inside the housing, wherein It includes a pressing portion for applying a force to the flexible display, the flexible display is formed with a bent portion bent by folding of the housing, the pressing portion is made to generate a physical force that the bent portion is flat when unfolding the housing .

The pressing portion may be configured to release the physical force against the bending portion when the housing is folded.

The pressing part includes a first magnet disposed on the lower side of the flexible display, and a second magnet disposed to be spaced apart from the first magnet inside the housing, and having the same polarity as the first magnet to form a repulsive force. can do.

The pressing unit may include a back plate disposed on the rear surface of the flexible display, and the first magnet may be coupled to the back plate. The back plate may be formed of a non-magnetic material.

As another example, the pressing part may include a first magnet disposed at one end of the flexible display, and a first magnet disposed inside the housing to be spaced apart from the first magnet, and having a polarity opposite to that of the first magnet to form an attractive force. It may contain 2 magnets.

The pressing part is disposed on the rear surface of the flexible display, and has a back plate coupled to the flexible display, the back plate is coupled so that one end can be moved relative to the housing, the other end is fixed to the housing, and the The first magnet can be connected to one end of the back plate.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the flexible display is formed such that at least a portion of the housing is relatively movable with the housing so that only a force can be applied when unfolding, and the relative positions of the first magnet and the second magnet are the flexible It can be changed between the folding and unfolding by the relative movement of the display and the housing.

The first magnet is connected to the flexible display, the second magnet is fixed to the housing, the flexible display is one end is fixed to the housing, the other end can be coupled to move relative to the housing.

In another embodiment of the present invention, to maintain the flatness of the flexible display while absorbing shock, the pressing unit may include a diaphragm disposed under the flexible display.

The housing is disposed between the first body to which one side of the flexible display is coupled, the second body to which the other side of the flexible display is coupled, and the first body and the second body, and between the folding and unfolding. In the length is provided with a flexible connecting portion, the diaphragm may be disposed on the flexible connecting portion.

The diaphragm has both ends connected to the first body and the second body, so that the volume in the thickness direction increases at the time of unfolding and decreases at the time of folding.

The diaphragm may include first and second diaphragms stacked at the flexible connection.

In addition to the technical solution described above, to prevent wrinkles from being generated in the reverse direction, the flexible display device may be provided with a bezel film fixed to the housing and surrounding an edge of the flexible display.

Effects of the present invention obtained through the above-described solution are as follows.

First, by applying a physical force to the bent portion of the flexible display, the flexible display is always restored to a flat state, so that the occurrence of a phenomenon in which the surface occurs like a wave can be prevented. Therefore, reliability of the flexible display device can be improved.

Second, since the magnet is disposed in the empty space below the bent portion of the flexible display, it is possible to provide a compact structure capable of maintaining flatness.

Third, the position of the magnets can be varied between folding and unfolding, thereby providing a mechanism for applying force only when unfolding.

Fourth, by using the diaphragm to press the bent portion of the flexible display, it is possible to exert an effect of absorbing external shock together.

1A is a block diagram illustrating a display device related to the present invention.

1B is a conceptual diagram for describing a flexible display device having a flexible display

2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of FIG. 1B for explaining the structure of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is an operation view showing the generation and release of the repulsive force in the flexible display device of FIG. 1B.

4A and 4B are conceptual views for specifically explaining a structure for providing a tensile force to a flexible display in a first state.

5A and 5B are cross-sectional views illustrating a structure of a mobile terminal according to another embodiment.

6A and 6B are cross-sectional views illustrating a mobile terminal according to another embodiment.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the same or similar components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "modules" and "parts" for the components used in the following description are given or mixed only considering the ease of writing the specification, and do not have meanings or roles distinguished from each other in themselves. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, when it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical spirit disclosed in the specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all modifications included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention , It should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components.

When an element is said to be "connected" or "connected" to another component, it is understood that other components may be directly connected to or connected to the other component, but may exist in the middle. It should be. On the other hand, when a component is said to be "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that no other component exists in the middle.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In this application, the terms "comprises" or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts or combinations thereof described herein, one or more other features. It should be understood that the existence or addition possibilities of fields or numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof are not excluded in advance.

Display devices described herein include mobile phones, smart phones, laptop computers, digital broadcasting terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation, and slate PCs. , Tablet PC (tablet PC), ultrabook (ultrabook), wearable device (wearable device, for example, a watch-type terminal (smartwatch), a glass-type terminal (smart glass), a mobile terminal such as a head mounted display (HMD)) May be included.

However, the configuration according to the embodiment described in the present specification can be easily recognized by those skilled in the art that it can be applied to a fixed terminal such as a digital TV, a desktop computer, and a digital signage, except when applicable only to a mobile terminal. will be. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the mobile terminal will be described as an example of a flexible display device.

1A is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal related to the present invention.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a control unit 180, and a power supply unit 190 ) And the like. The components shown in FIG. 1A are not essential for implementing a mobile terminal, so the mobile terminal described herein may have more or fewer components than those listed above.

More specifically, the wireless communication unit 110 among the components, between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or the mobile terminal 100 and an external server It may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between. Also, the wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules connecting the mobile terminal 100 to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include at least one of a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short-range communication module 114, and a location information module 115. .

The input unit 120 may include a camera 121 for inputting a video signal or a video input unit, a microphone for inputting an audio signal (microphone 122), or an audio input unit, a user input unit 123 for receiving information from a user, for example , A touch key, a push key, and the like. The voice data or image data collected by the input unit 120 may be analyzed and processed by a user's control command.

The sensing unit 140 may include one or more sensors for sensing at least one of information in the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information. For example, the sensing unit 140 includes a proximity sensor 141, an illumination sensor 142, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, and gravity G-sensor, gyroscope sensor, motion sensor, RGB sensor, infrared sensor (IR sensor), fingerprint scan sensor, ultrasonic sensor , Optical sensor (e.g., camera (see 121)), microphone (see 122, battery), battery gauge, environmental sensor (e.g. barometer, hygrometer, thermometer, radioactivity detection sensor, Thermal sensing sensor, gas sensing sensor, etc.), chemical sensors (eg, electronic nose, health care sensor, biometric sensor, etc.). Meanwhile, the mobile terminal disclosed in this specification may combine and use information sensed by at least two or more of these sensors.

The output unit 150 is for generating output related to vision, hearing, or tactile sense, and includes at least one of a display unit 151, an audio output unit 152, a hap tip module 153, and an optical output unit 154 can do. The display unit 151 may form a mutual layer structure with the touch sensor or may be integrally formed, thereby realizing a touch screen. The touch screen may function as a user input unit 123 that provides an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and the user, and at the same time, provide an output interface between the mobile terminal 100 and the user.

The interface unit 160 serves as a passage with various types of external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 connects a device equipped with a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, and an identification module. It may include at least one of a port, an audio input / output (I / O) port, a video input / output (I / O) port, and an earphone port. In the mobile terminal 100, in response to an external device being connected to the interface unit 160, appropriate control related to the connected external device may be performed.

Also, the memory 170 stores data supporting various functions of the mobile terminal 100. The memory 170 may store a number of application programs (application programs) that are driven in the mobile terminal 100, data for operation of the mobile terminal 100, and instructions. At least some of these applications may be downloaded from external servers via wireless communication. In addition, at least some of these application programs may exist on the mobile terminal 100 from the time of shipment for basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (for example, an incoming call, an outgoing function, a message reception, and an outgoing function). Meanwhile, the application program may be stored in the memory 170 and installed on the mobile terminal 100 to be driven by the controller 180 to perform an operation (or function) of the mobile terminal.

The controller 180 controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100 in addition to the operations related to the application program. The controller 180 may provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user by processing signals, data, information, etc. input or output through the above-described components or by driving an application program stored in the memory 170.

In addition, the controller 180 may control at least some of the components discussed with reference to FIG. 1A to drive an application program stored in the memory 170. Furthermore, the controller 180 may operate by combining at least two or more of the components included in the mobile terminal 100 for driving the application program.

Under the control of the controller 180, the power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power to supply power to each component included in the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery or a replaceable battery.

At least some of the components may operate in cooperation with each other to implement an operation, control, or control method of a mobile terminal according to various embodiments described below. Also, the operation, control, or control method of the mobile terminal may be implemented on the mobile terminal by driving at least one application program stored in the memory 170.

Hereinafter, before looking at various embodiments implemented through the mobile terminal 100 described above, the components listed above will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 1A.

First, referring to the wireless communication unit 110, the broadcast reception module 111 of the wireless communication unit 110 receives a broadcast signal and / or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. Two or more broadcast receiving modules may be provided to the mobile terminal 100 for simultaneous broadcast reception or switching of broadcast channels for at least two broadcast channels.

The broadcast management server may mean a server that generates and transmits broadcast signals and / or broadcast-related information or a server that receives previously generated broadcast signals and / or broadcast-related information and transmits them to a terminal. The broadcast signal may include a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, and may also include a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal combined with a data broadcast signal.

The broadcast signal may be encoded according to at least one of technical standards (or broadcast methods, for example, ISO, IEC, DVB, ATSC, etc.) for transmitting and receiving digital broadcast signals, and the broadcast receiving module 111 may The digital broadcast signal may be received using a method suitable for the technical standard determined by the technical standards.

The broadcast-related information may mean information related to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or a broadcast service provider. The broadcast-related information may also be provided through a mobile communication network. In this case, it may be received by the mobile communication module 112.

The broadcast-related information may exist in various forms, for example, Electronic Program Guide (EPG) of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) or Electronic Service Guide (ESG) of Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H). The broadcast signal and / or broadcast-related information received through the broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in the memory 160.

The mobile communication module 112 includes technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication (eg, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA), Code Division Multi Access 2000 (CDMA2000), EV -Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only (DO), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced) transmits and receives wireless signals to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network constructed according to (Long Term Evolution-Advanced).

The wireless signal may include various types of data according to transmission and reception of a voice call signal, a video call signal, or a text / multimedia message.

The wireless Internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless Internet access, and may be built in or external to the mobile terminal 100. The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals in a communication network according to wireless Internet technologies.

Wireless Internet technologies include, for example, WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World) Interoperability for Microwave Access (HSDPA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A), and the wireless Internet module ( 113) transmits and receives data according to at least one wireless Internet technology in a range including the Internet technology not listed above.

In view of the wireless Internet access through WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, LTE-A, etc., through the mobile communication network, the wireless Internet module 113 that performs wireless Internet access through the mobile communication network ) May be understood as a type of the mobile communication module 112.

The short-range communication module 114 is for short-range communication, Bluetooth ™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) using at least one of the technology, it can support short-range communication. The short-range communication module 114 may be provided between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or through the mobile terminal 100 through wireless area networks. ) And other mobile terminals (100, or an external server) is located between the network can support wireless communication. The short-range wireless communication network may be wireless personal area networks (Wireless Personal Area Networks).

Here, the other mobile terminal 100 is a wearable device (for example, a smartwatch), smart glasses capable of exchanging data (or interoperable) with the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention. (smart glass), HMD (head mounted display). The short-range communication module 114 may detect (or recognize) a wearable device capable of communicating with the mobile terminal 100 around the mobile terminal 100. Furthermore, when the detected wearable device is a device that is authenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, the controller 180 may include at least a portion of data processed by the mobile terminal 100, and the short-range communication module ( 114) to the wearable device. Therefore, a user of the wearable device can use data processed by the mobile terminal 100 through the wearable device. For example, according to this, the user performs a phone call through the wearable device when a call is received by the mobile terminal 100 or, when a message is received by the mobile terminal 100, the user receives the call through the wearable device. It is possible to check the message.

The location information module 115 is a module for obtaining a location (or current location) of a mobile terminal, and examples thereof include a Global Positioning System (GPS) module or a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) module. For example, if the mobile terminal utilizes a GPS module, the location of the mobile terminal can be acquired using a signal sent from a GPS satellite. As another example, if the mobile terminal utilizes a Wi-Fi module, the location of the mobile terminal may be obtained based on information of a Wi-Fi module and a wireless access point (AP) that transmits or receives a wireless signal. If necessary, the location information module 115 may perform any function of other modules of the wireless communication unit 110 in order to obtain data regarding the location of the mobile terminal by substitution or additionally. The location information module 115 is a module used to acquire the location (or current location) of the mobile terminal, and is not limited to a module that directly calculates or acquires the location of the mobile terminal.

Next, the input unit 120 is for input of image information (or signals), audio information (or signals), data, or information input from a user. For input of image information, the mobile terminal 100 is one Alternatively, a plurality of cameras 121 may be provided. The camera 121 processes image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a shooting mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151 or stored in the memory 170. Meanwhile, the plurality of cameras 121 provided in the mobile terminal 100 may be arranged to form a matrix structure, and through the camera 121 forming the matrix structure, various angles or focuses may be applied to the mobile terminal 100. A plurality of image information may be input. In addition, the plurality of cameras 121 may be arranged in a stereo structure to acquire left and right images for realizing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 122 processes external sound signals as electrical voice data. The processed voice data may be variously used according to a function (or a running application program) performed by the mobile terminal 100. Meanwhile, various noise reduction algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal may be implemented in the microphone 122.

The user input unit 123 is for receiving information from a user. When information is input through the user input unit 123, the controller 180 may control the operation of the mobile terminal 100 to correspond to the input information. . The user input unit 123 is a mechanical input means (or a mechanical key, for example, a button located on the front, rear or side of the mobile terminal 100, a dome switch, a jog wheel, And a jog switch) and touch input means. As an example, the touch-type input means is made of a virtual key, a soft key or a visual key displayed on the touch screen through software processing, or a part other than the touch screen It may be made of a touch key (touch key) disposed on. Meanwhile, the virtual key or the visual key may be displayed on the touch screen while having various forms, for example, a graphic, text, icon, video, or the like. It can be made of a combination of.

Meanwhile, the sensing unit 140 senses at least one of information in the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information, and generates a sensing signal corresponding thereto. The controller 180 may control driving or operation of the mobile terminal 100 based on the sensing signal, or perform data processing, function, or operation related to an application program installed in the mobile terminal 100. Representative sensors among various sensors that may be included in the sensing unit 140 will be described in more detail.

First, the proximity sensor 141 refers to a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or an object in the vicinity using mechanical force or infrared rays, etc., without mechanical contact. The proximity sensor 141 may be provided with a proximity sensor 141 in the inner region of the mobile terminal or the touch screen, which is surrounded by the touch screen described above.

Examples of the proximity sensor 141 include a transmission type photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection type photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection type photoelectric sensor, a high frequency oscillation type proximity sensor, a capacitive type proximity sensor, a magnetic type proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor. When the touch screen is capacitive, the proximity sensor 141 may be configured to detect the proximity of the object by a change in electric field according to the proximity of the conductive object. In this case, the touch screen (or touch sensor) itself may be classified as a proximity sensor.

On the other hand, for convenience of description, the act of allowing an object to be recognized as being located on the touch screen without being touched on the touch screen is called a “proximity touch”, and the touch The act of actually contacting an object on the screen is called "contact touch". The location where an object is touched close on the touch screen means a location where the object is perpendicular to the touch screen when the object is touched close. The proximity sensor 141 may detect a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (eg, proximity touch distance, proximity touch direction, proximity touch speed, proximity touch time, proximity touch position, proximity touch movement state, etc.). have. Meanwhile, as described above, the controller 180 processes data (or information) corresponding to the proximity touch operation and the proximity touch pattern detected through the proximity sensor 141, and further, visual information corresponding to the processed data. It can be output on the touch screen. Furthermore, the controller 180 may control the mobile terminal 100 such that different operations or data (or information) are processed according to whether a touch on the same point on the touch screen is a proximity touch or a touch touch. .

The touch sensor detects a touch (or touch input) applied to the touch screen (or the display unit 151) using at least one of various touch methods such as a resistive film method, a capacitive method, an infrared method, an ultrasonic method, and a magnetic field method. do.

As an example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in pressure applied to a specific part of the touch screen or capacitance generated in the specific part into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect a position, an area, a pressure when a touch is touched, a capacitance when a touch object is applied on the touch screen, and the like. Here, the touch object is an object that applies a touch to the touch sensor, and may be, for example, a finger, a touch pen or a stylus pen, a pointer, and the like.

As such, when there is a touch input to the touch sensor, the signal (s) corresponding thereto is sent to the touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal (s) and then transmits corresponding data to the controller 180. Accordingly, the control unit 180 can know which area of the display unit 151 has been touched, and the like. Here, the touch controller may be a separate component from the controller 180, or may be the controller 180 itself.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 may perform different controls or perform the same control according to the type of the touch object that touches the touch screen (or a touch key provided in addition to the touch screen). Whether to perform different control or the same control according to the type of the touch object, it may be determined according to an operating state of the current mobile terminal 100 or an application program being executed.

On the other hand, the touch sensors and proximity sensors described above are independently or in combination, such as short (or tap) touch on the touch screen, long touch, multi touch, drag touch ), Flick touch, pinch-in touch, pinch-out touch, swipe touch, hovering touch, etc. You can sense the touch.

The ultrasonic sensor may recognize location information of a sensing target using ultrasonic waves. Meanwhile, the control unit 180 may calculate the position of the wave generating source through information sensed by the optical sensor and the plurality of ultrasonic sensors. The position of the wave generator can be calculated by using a property in which light is much faster than ultrasound, that is, a time when light reaches the optical sensor is much faster than a time when the ultrasound reaches the ultrasonic sensor. More specifically, the position of the wave generating source may be calculated by using a time difference from the time at which ultrasonic waves reach the light as a reference signal.

On the other hand, the camera 121, as seen with the configuration of the input unit 120, includes at least one of a camera sensor (eg, CCD, CMOS, etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensor), and a laser sensor.

The camera 121 and the laser sensor may be combined with each other to detect a touch of a sensing target for a 3D stereoscopic image. The photo sensor may be stacked on the display element, which is configured to scan the movement of the sensing object close to the touch screen. More specifically, the photo sensor mounts photo diodes and TRs (transistors) in rows / columns to scan the contents loaded on the photo sensor using electrical signals that change according to the amount of light applied to the photo diode. That is, the photo sensor performs coordinate calculation of the sensing object according to the change amount of light, and through this, location information of the sensing object may be obtained.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an application program driven by the mobile terminal 100, or UI (User Interface) or GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to the execution screen information. .

Also, the display unit 151 may be configured as a stereoscopic display unit displaying a stereoscopic image.

A three-dimensional display method such as a stereoscopic method (glasses method), an auto stereoscopic method (glasses-free method), or a projection method (holographic method) may be applied to the stereoscopic display unit.

The audio output unit 152 may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 170 in a call signal reception, call mode or recording mode, voice recognition mode, broadcast reception mode, or the like. The sound output unit 152 may also output sound signals related to functions (for example, call signal reception sound, message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile terminal 100. The sound output unit 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The haptic module 153 generates various tactile effects that the user can feel. A typical example of the tactile effect generated by the haptic module 153 may be vibration. The intensity and pattern of vibration generated in the haptic module 153 may be controlled by a user's selection or setting of the controller 180. For example, the haptic module 153 may synthesize different vibrations and output them sequentially or sequentially.

In addition to vibration, the haptic module 153 is used for stimulation such as pin arrangement that vertically moves with respect to the contact skin surface, jet or suction power of the air through a spray or intake, grazing on the skin surface, contact with an electrode, and electrostatic force. Various tactile effects can be generated, such as an effect caused by an effect and an effect of reproducing a feeling of cold and warm using an element capable of absorbing heat or generating heat.

The haptic module 153 may not only deliver a tactile effect through direct contact, but may also be implemented so that the user can feel the tactile effect through muscle sensations such as fingers or arms. Two or more haptic modules 153 may be provided according to a configuration aspect of the mobile terminal 100.

The light output unit 154 outputs a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event using the light of the light source of the mobile terminal 100. Examples of events occurring in the mobile terminal 100 may include receiving messages, receiving call signals, missed calls, alarms, schedule notifications, receiving emails, and receiving information through applications.

The signal output by the light output unit 154 is implemented as the mobile terminal emits light of a single color or a plurality of colors to the front or rear. The signal output may be terminated by the mobile terminal detecting the user's event confirmation.

The interface unit 160 serves as a passage with all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 receives data from an external device, receives power, transfers it to each component inside the mobile terminal 100, or allows data inside the mobile terminal 100 to be transmitted to the external device. For example, a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device equipped with an identification module (port), an audio input / output (I / O) port, a video input / output (I / O) port, an earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 160.

On the other hand, the identification module is a chip that stores various information for authenticating the usage rights of the mobile terminal 100, a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM), universal user authentication And a universal subscriber identity module (USIM). The device provided with the identification module (hereinafter referred to as an 'identification device') may be manufactured in a smart card format. Accordingly, the identification device may be connected to the terminal 100 through the interface unit 160.

In addition, when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, the interface unit 160 becomes a passage through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100 or is input by the user from the cradle. Various command signals may be passages to the mobile terminal 100. Various command signals or power inputted from the cradle may be operated as signals for recognizing that the mobile terminal 100 is correctly mounted on the cradle.

The memory 170 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180, and may temporarily store input / output data (eg, a phone book, a message, a still image, a video, etc.). The memory 170 may store data related to various patterns of vibration and sound output when a touch is input on the touch screen.

The memory 170 is a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a solid state disk type, an SDD type (Silicon Disk Drive type), a multimedia card micro type ), Card-type memory (e.g. SD or XD memory, etc.), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read (EPMROM) It may include a storage medium of at least one type of -only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may be operated in connection with a web storage performing a storage function of the memory 170 on the Internet.

Meanwhile, as described above, the controller 180 controls the operation related to the application program and the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100 in general. For example, when the state of the mobile terminal satisfies a set condition, the controller 180 may execute or release a lock state that restricts input of a user's control command to applications.

In addition, the control unit 180 performs control and processing related to voice calls, data communication, video calls, etc., or performs pattern recognition processing to recognize handwriting input or picture input input on a touch screen as text and images, respectively. You can. Furthermore, in order to implement various embodiments described below on the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, the controller 180 may control any one or a combination of the above-described components.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 to supply power required for the operation of each component. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery made to be charged, and may be detachably coupled to a terminal body for charging and the like.

In addition, the power supply unit 190 may include a connection port, and the connection port may be configured as an example of an interface 160 to which an external charger that supplies power for charging the battery is electrically connected.

As another example, the power supply unit 190 may be configured to charge the battery wirelessly without using the connection port. In this case, the power supply unit 190 uses one or more of an inductive coupling method based on a magnetic induction phenomenon from an external wireless power transmission device or a magnetic resonance coupling method based on an electromagnetic resonance phenomenon. Power can be delivered.

Meanwhile, various embodiments below may be implemented in a recording medium readable by a computer or a similar device using, for example, software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an application program driven by the mobile terminal 100, or UI (User Interface) or GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to the execution screen information. .

The display unit 151 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and a flexible display (flexible). display), a three-dimensional display (3D display), and an electronic ink display (e-ink display).

Also, two or more display units 151 may be present depending on the implementation form of the mobile terminal 100. In this case, a plurality of display units may be spaced apart from one surface or integrally disposed in the mobile terminal 100, or may be respectively disposed on different surfaces.

The display unit 151 may include a touch sensor that senses a touch on the display unit 151 so that a control command can be input by a touch method. Using this, when a touch is made to the display unit 151, the touch sensor detects the touch, and the controller 180 can be configured to generate a control command corresponding to the touch based on the touch. The content input by the touch method may be a letter or a number, or an instruction or designable menu item in various modes.

The microphone 122 is configured to receive a user's voice, other sounds, and the like. The microphone 122 may be provided at a plurality of locations and configured to receive stereo sound.

The interface unit 160 is a passage through which the mobile terminal 100 can be connected to an external device. For example, the interface unit 160 is a connection terminal for connection with other devices (eg, earphones, external speakers), a port for short-range communication (eg, an infrared port (IrDA Port), a Bluetooth port (Bluetooth) Port, Wireless LAN Port, etc.], or at least one of a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented in the form of a socket that accommodates an external card such as a subscriber identification module (SIM) or a user identity module (UIM) or a memory card for storing information.

The terminal body may be provided with at least one antenna for wireless communication. The antenna may be built in the terminal body or may be formed in the case. For example, an antenna forming part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (see FIG. 1A) may be configured to be pulled out from the terminal body. Alternatively, the antenna may be formed of a film type and attached to the inner surface of the housing, or a case including a conductive material may be configured to function as an antenna.

The terminal body is provided with a power supply unit 190 (see FIG. 1A) for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 may include a battery 191 built in the terminal body or configured to be detachable from the outside of the terminal body.

The battery 191 may be configured to receive power through a power cable connected to the interface unit 160. Also, the battery 191 may be configured to be wirelessly charged through a wireless charger. The wireless charging may be implemented by a magnetic induction method or a resonance method (magnetic resonance method).

An accessory that protects the appearance or assists or expands the function of the mobile terminal 100 may be added to the mobile terminal 100. An example of such an accessory is a cover or pouch that covers or accommodates at least one side of the mobile terminal 100. The cover or pouch may be configured to expand the function of the mobile terminal 100 in conjunction with the display unit 151. Another example of an accessory is a touch pen for assisting or extending a touch input to a touch screen.

1B is a conceptual diagram for describing a mobile terminal having a flexible display as a flexible display device. The mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention includes a flexible display 151 made to be deformable by external force.

 The deformation may be at least one of bending, bending, folding, twisting, and curling of the display module. Such a deformable display module may be referred to as a 'flexible display'. Here, the flexible display 151 may include both a general flexible display and electronic paper (e-paper) and combinations thereof.

A general flexible display refers to a sturdy display that is light and easy to break because it is made on a thin and flexible substrate that can bend, bend, fold, twist, or curl like paper, while maintaining the characteristics of a conventional flat panel display.

In addition, the electronic paper is a display technology to which general ink characteristics are applied, and the point of using reflected light may be different from a conventional flat panel display. The electronic paper may change information by using a twist ball or electrophoresis using a capsule.

In a state in which the flexible display 151 is not deformed (for example, a state having an infinite curvature radius, hereinafter referred to as a first state, see FIG. 1B (b)), the display area of the flexible display unit 151 is It becomes flat. In the state deformed by an external force in the first state (for example, a state having a finite curvature radius, hereinafter referred to as a second state, see FIG. 1B (a)), the display area may be a curved surface. .

As illustrated, information displayed in the second state may be visual information output on a curved surface. This visual information is realized by independently controlling the light emission of sub-pixels arranged in a matrix form. The unit pixel refers to a minimum unit for realizing one color.

The flexible display 151 may be placed in a curved state (for example, a curved state up, down, left, or right) rather than a flat state in the first state. In this case, when an external force is applied to the flexible display 151, the flexible display 151 may be transformed into a flat state (or a less curved state) or a more curved state.

Meanwhile, the flexible display 151 may be combined with a touch sensor to implement a flexible touch screen. When a touch is made on the flexible touch screen, the controller 180 (see FIG. 1A) may perform control corresponding to the touch input. The flexible touch screen may be configured to sense a touch input in the first state as well as the second state.

On the other hand, the mobile terminal 100 according to the present modification example may be provided with a deformation detecting means capable of detecting deformation of the flexible display 151. The deformation detecting means may be included in the sensing unit 140 (see FIG. 1A).

The deformation detecting means is provided on the flexible display 151 or the body parts 101 and 102 to detect information related to deformation of the flexible display 151. Here, the information related to the deformation may be a direction in which the flexible display 151 is deformed, a deformed degree, a deformed position, a deformed time, an acceleration in which the deformed flexible display 151 is restored, or the like. The flexible display 151 may be various pieces of information that can be sensed due to bending.

In addition, the controller 180 (refer to FIG. 1A) changes information displayed on the flexible display 151 based on information related to the deformation of the flexible display 151 sensed by the deformation detecting means, or the mobile terminal ( 100) can generate a control signal for controlling the function.

The deformation of the state of the flexible display 151 is not limited to external forces. For example, when the flexible display 151 has a first state, it may be transformed into a second state by a user or an application command.

The mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a housing 110 made of folding and unfolding. The housing 110 may be a case (eg, frame, cover, etc.) forming the appearance of the mobile terminal. The housing 110 includes a plurality of cases, and various electronic components are disposed in an inner space formed by a combination of them.

According to the drawing, the housing 110 may include first and second body parts 101 and 102 rotatably connected to each other. The flexible display 151 is coupled to one surface of the housing 110 and is deformable.

The first body portion 101 supports one region of the flexible display 151, and the second body portion 102 supports another region (the remaining region) of the flexible display 151. A plurality of electronic components for driving the mobile terminal 100 are mounted on at least one area of the first and second body parts 101 and 102.

The first and second body parts 101 and 102 rotate relative to each other while forming an angle in a state in which they are connected to each other, so that the flexible display 151 is bent, and at least one area of the flexible display 151 overlaps. The folding state (folded state, second state) is folded as much as possible.

FIG. 1B (a) is a conceptual diagram showing folding in which the flexible display 151 is folded, and FIG. 1B (b) is unfolding in the expanded display 151 (unfolded state, first state) It is a conceptual diagram showing).

Although only the first and second states are illustrated in the drawing, there is also a state in which an angle formed between one area of the flexible display 151 and the other area is varied while being transformed from the first state to the second state.

In the second state, the first and second body parts 101 and 102 overlap each other, and the space between the one area and the other area of the flexible display 151 is curved while forming a curved surface. In this case, a portion constituting the curved surface may be a bent portion 152 (see FIG. 2B). That is, the flexible display 151 may be formed with a bent portion 152 that is bent by folding of the housing 110.

According to the drawing, the mobile terminal may include a pressing unit 160 that applies a force to the flexible display 151. The pressing part 160 is disposed inside the housing 110 to generate a physical force in which the bending part 152 is flattened when the housing 110 is unfolded.

Hereinafter, even if the operation in which the flexible display 151 is connected to the housing 110 and switched to the first and second states is repeated, the bending part 152 is flat when unfolded by the pressing part 160. Describe the specific structure that can be unfolded.

2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of FIG. 1B for explaining the structure of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an operation view showing generation and release of repulsive force in the flexible display device of FIG. 1B.

The mobile terminal 100 according to the present embodiment includes a flexible display 151 and first and second body parts 101 and 102 and a flexible connection part 103 supporting the flexible display 151.

The first and second body parts 101 and 102 are rotatably connected by the flexible connection part 103. The flexible connection part 103 includes a folding axis X1 and may be bent based on the folding axis X1.

The flexible connection part 103 may be coupled to the first body part 101 and the second body part 102 on the flexible display 151, respectively. For example, the flexible connection parts 103 may be connected to ends adjacent to each other of the first body part 101 and the second body part 102, respectively.

The flexible display 151 is attached to one surface of the first body portion 101 and the second body portion 102. A back plate 171 may be disposed between the first body portion 101 and the second body portion 102 and the flexible display 151. Specifically, the back plate 171 is disposed on the back surface of the flexible display 151 to support the flexible display 151. In addition, although not shown, an adhesive member for adhesion may be disposed between the back plate 171 and the flexible display 151. However, the back plate 171 is only an example for explaining the present invention, so a structure without the back plate 171 is also possible.

In addition, one surface of the first body portion 101 and the second body portion 102 is formed to be recessed from the surface, and a storage portion 104 for receiving the flexible display 151 and the back plate 171 is formed. Can be.

The back plate 171 includes a flexible area 172 that can be bent with at least one maximum curvature. For example, through holes may be repeatedly formed in the flexible region 172. That is, flexibility is generated in the flexible region 172 by the through hole, and is configured to be bent to a state having the maximum curvature. In this case, the flexible region 172 may be a portion overlapping the bent portion 152 of the flexible display 151 in a folded state.

The pressing part 160 includes a plurality of magnets spaced apart from each other, and is configured to transmit magnetic force generated between the magnets to the bending part 152 of the flexible display 151.

More specifically, the pressing part 160 includes a first magnet 161 and a second magnet 162.

The first magnet 161 may be disposed under the flexible display 151. For example, the first magnet 161 may be coupled to the back plate 171. The first magnet 161 may be inserted into a folding axis (X2) portion of the back plate 171.

As another example, the flexible region 172 may be formed of a magnet. That is, the flexible region 172 is formed of a thin magnet having a plurality of through holes, and may be connected to the first plate and the second plate on both sides. In this case, the first magnet 161 may be integrally formed with the back plate 171. However, in this embodiment, for convenience of description, description will be made on the basis that the first magnet 161 is separately attached to the back plate 171.

As another example, the first magnet 161 may be coupled to the back surface of the flexible region 172 of the back plate 171 by bonding or the like. In this case, the first magnet 161 may be disposed so as not to overlap the through hole in the flexible area 172. This is for the solid coupling of the first magnet 161 in the folding and unfolding.

The first magnet 161 may be provided in plural, and may be sequentially arranged along the width direction of the flexible display 151. Further, the arrangement may be formed of a plurality of rows of two or more rows.

The second magnet 162 is disposed to be spaced apart from the first magnet 161 inside the housing 110, and is made of the same polarity as the first magnet 161 to form a repulsive force. According to this structure, a force is applied to the bent portion 152 of the flexible display 151 through magnetic force in an empty space formed below the bent portion 152 of the flexible display 151. As described above, the deflection of the flexible display 151 is limited due to the repulsive force of the magnetic force of the same polarity, and wave generation can be prevented.

Meanwhile, the back plate 171 may be formed of a non-magnetic material so as not to receive a force due to a magnetic force between the second magnet 162. As this example, the back plate 171 may be formed of nickel, aluminum, magnesium, or the like.

In addition, the pressing part 160 may be configured to release the physical force against the bending part 152 when the housing 110 is folded. For example, at least a portion of the flexible display 151 is formed to be relatively movable with the housing 110, and the relative positions of the first magnet 161 and the second magnet 162 are the flexible display 151. ) And the folding and unfolding by the relative movement of the housing 110.

More specifically, when folding, the curvature varies for each layer, and accordingly, the outer layer has a large radius. Due to the length compensation, the position of the magnet (second magnet) of the outer layer is changed. In this example, by using this, in the unfolding state, the second magnet positioned immediately below the first magnet moves to the side position after folding to release the repulsive force.

3A is a partial cross-sectional view of the mobile terminal 100 according to the first state, and FIG. 3C is a partial cross-sectional view of the mobile terminal 100 according to the second state, and FIG. 3B Is an intermediate state that deforms from the first state to the second state (or vice versa).

Referring to (a) of FIG. 3, in the first state, a distance between an end (specifically the other end) of the back plate 171 and an end of the housing 110 is defined as a first length L1.

FIG. 3B illustrates a state in which the second body part 102 rotates relative to the first body part 101. In this state, the distance between the ends becomes the second length L2 and the second length L2 is smaller than the first length L1.

Referring to (c) of FIG. 3, in the second state, the back plate 171 and the housing 110 are adjacent to each other such that each end forms one end. Specifically, in the second state, the flexible display 151 is folded, the distance between the ends is substantially disappeared, and the end of the back plate and the end of the housing can form substantially the same end. Accordingly, in unfolding, the flexible display 151 may maintain an entirely flat state. When the mobile terminal is folded again, the end of the housing 110 protrudes from the other end of the back plate 171 by the sliding movement in the first state.

For the relative movement, the flexible display 151 may be coupled such that one end is fixed to the housing 110 and the other end is relatively movable with the housing 110. As a more specific example, one end of the back plate 171 is fixed to the housing 110, and the other end is coupled to the housing 110 so as to be relatively movable. In this embodiment, it is illustrated that the main circuit board 181 is embedded adjacent to one end of the back plate 171 and the battery 191 is embedded adjacent to the other end.

As described above, in the structure in which the flexible display 151 is relatively slidable relative to the housing 110, the first magnet 161 is connected to the flexible display 151 through the back plate 171. Indirectly connected, the second magnet 162 may be fixed to the housing 110. However, in this case, in the structure without the back plate 171, the first magnet 161 may be directly attached to the rear surface of the flexible display.

Since the other end of the back plate 171 moves relative to the housing 110, the distance between the other end of the back plate 171 and the housing 110 is variable in the unfolding and folding state.

More specifically, one surface of the back plate 171 is mounted to be slidably moved to the housing 110. For the sliding movement of the back plate 171, a movement guide part (not shown) may be provided in the housing 110.

Meanwhile, in the first state, a force is applied to the bent portion 152, and in the second state, the force is released, and the second magnet 162 is eccentric to one side based on the folding axis X1. Can be deployed. For example, the second magnet 162 may be disposed by being biased between the flexible connection unit 103 and the battery 191. An accommodation groove (not shown) in which the second magnet 162 is accommodated may be formed at one side of the flexible connection part 103, and the accommodation groove may be arranged to be eccentric to one side based on the folding shaft X1. You can. On the other hand, the position of the receiving groove may be formed to face the first magnet in the first state.

Through the structure described above, a repulsive force is generated in the unfolded state to prevent sagging or wave generation of the flexible display, and a mechanism in which the repulsive force is released in the folded state can be implemented.

Meanwhile, the structure described above may be modified in various forms. Hereinafter, such a modified example will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

4A and 4B are conceptual views for specifically describing a structure for providing a tensile force to a flexible display in a first state.

The flexible display 251 is provided with a tension for maintaining flatness in a first state by magnetic force. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the back plate 271 is disposed on the rear surface of the flexible display 251, and is coupled to the flexible display 251.

The mobile terminal 100 according to the present embodiment includes a side wall portion 202a formed to surround the edge of the back plate 271 and the edge of the flexible display 251. The side wall portion 202a may be formed to be substantially the same as the total thickness of the flexible display 251 and the back plate 271. In this case, in the first state, a separation space of the first length l1 is formed between the end of the back plate 271 and the side wall portion 202a.

The mobile terminal according to the present embodiment includes a pressing portion 260 formed in the space to form an attractive force between the side wall portion 202a and the back plate 271.

The pressing part 260 includes a first magnet 261 and a second magnet 262, and the first magnet 261 and the second magnet 262 are disposed to face each other to generate an attractive force.

For example, the first magnet 261 is disposed at one end of the flexible display 251. As an example of this, the first magnet 261 may be connected to one end of the back plate 271. In this case, the second magnet 262 is disposed to be spaced apart from the first magnet 261 inside the housing 210, and is made of the opposite polarity to the first magnet 261 to form an attractive force. According to the drawing, the second magnet 262 may be disposed on the side wall portion 202a. In addition, a receiving groove 262a having a predetermined depth may be formed in the side wall portion 202a to accommodate the second magnet 262.

In this case, as in the above-described embodiment, the back plate 271 may be coupled so that one end is relatively movable with the housing 210, and the other end may be fixed to the housing 210.

The side wall portion 102c and the back plate 271 receive a force close to each other by an attraction force between the first magnet 261 and the second magnet, so that the tensile force acts on the flexible display 251. do.

That is, in the first state, tension may be applied to the flexible display 251 by an attraction force provided between the first magnet 261 and the second magnet 262.

According to the present embodiment, the first magnet 261 and the second magnet 262 are provided with an attractive force to switch to the second state in the first state by providing a force for the back plate 271 to move. When it becomes possible, the sliding of the flexible display 251 becomes easier. Also, in the first state, the bent portion 252 of the flexible display 251 is further flattened. Also, in the second state, the first magnet 261 may contact the second magnet 262. In this case, the sliding movement distance may be a distance between the first magnet 261 and the second magnet 262.

In this example, since the tensile force is provided to the flexible display 251 using an attractive force, an example in which the back plate 271 is made of a magnetic material without the first magnet 261 is also possible. In this case, in the first state, an end of the back plate 271 may be attached to the second magnet 262.

Through the structure described above, a mechanism for preventing sagging or wave generation may be implemented by applying a tensile force to the flexible display 251 regardless of the unfolding and folding state.

Meanwhile, as another embodiment, a display device having a structure in which the back plate protrudes from the housing in a folded state may also be implemented. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views illustrating a structure of a mobile terminal according to another embodiment.

According to the illustration, the end of the back plate 371 and the housing 110 overlap in the first state, and the other end of the back plate 371 is protruded from the end 110 of the housing in the second state. It is also possible.

That is, in the first state, the length of the back plate 371 and the housing 110 are the same, and the first magnet 361 is disposed on the folding shaft X2 of the back plate 371 The second magnet 362 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the folding axis X1 of the housing 310. Meanwhile, the back plate 371 may be formed of a non-magnetic material so as not to receive a force due to a magnetic force between the second magnet 362. As such an example, the back plate 371 may be formed of nickel, aluminum, magnesium, or the like.

The housing 310 includes first and second body parts 301 and 302 and a flexible connection part 303.

The first and second body parts 301 and 302 are rotatably connected by the flexible connection part 303. To this end, the flexible connection portion 303 is made of a bendable material, and may be connected to the first and second body portions 301 and 302 on both sides, respectively.

A flexible display 351 may be slidably attached to one surface of the first and second body parts 301 and 302. As described above, a back plate 371 may be disposed between the first and second body parts 301 and 302, the flexible connection part 303, and the flexible display 351. Specifically, the back plate 371 may be disposed on a rear surface of the flexible display 351 to support the flexible display 351. In addition, although not shown, an adhesive member for adhesion may be disposed between the back plate 371 and the flexible display 351. However, the back plate 371 is only an example for explaining the present invention, and thus a structure without the back plate 371 is also possible.

In this embodiment, the second magnet 362 is made of the same polarity as the first magnet 361 to form a repulsive force at a position spaced apart from the first magnet 361 inside the housing 310. . According to this structure, a force is applied to the bent portion 352 of the flexible display 351 through a magnetic force in an empty space formed below the bent portion 352 of the flexible display 351. As described above, the deflection of the flexible display 351 is limited due to the repulsive force of the same polar magnetic force, and wave generation can be prevented.

In addition, the pressing part 360 may be configured to release the physical force on the bending part 352 when the housing 310 is folded. For example, the flexible display 351 is formed to be at least partially movable relative to the housing 310, and the relative positions of the first magnet 361 and the second magnet 362 are the flexible display 351. ) And the folding and unfolding by the relative movement of the housing 310.

According to the drawing, the folding axis X1 of the flexible connection unit 303 is spaced apart from the folding axis X2 of the flexible display 351 in the first state, and the folding axis of the flexible display 351 in the second state. And (X2). To this end, the folding shaft X1 of the flexible connection part may be arranged to be biased toward one side from the center of the housing 310. In this case, when switching from the first state to the second state, since the housing 310 slides relative to the inside of the back plate 371, the first magnet 361 and the second magnet ( The positions of 362) may be shifted from each other.

For the position of the magnets, the second magnet 362 may be disposed between the folding shaft X1 and the circuit board 381. Through this, in the first state, the first magnet 361 and the second magnet 362 are disposed to face each other, and in the second state, the first magnet 361 and the second magnet 362 are disposed so as not to face each other. Can be.

According to the structure described above, in another embodiment of the flexible display 351 device, a display device capable of always unfolding the flexible display 351 at the time of unfolding and releasing force during folding is implemented. Can be.

Meanwhile, as another embodiment, the present invention may be applied to a display device having both ends of the flexible display fixed to a housing. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views illustrating a structure of a mobile terminal according to another embodiment.

The mobile terminal according to the present embodiment includes a flexible display 451 and first and second body parts 401 and 402 and flexible connection parts 403 supporting the flexible display 451.

The first and second body parts 401 and 402 are rotatably connected by the flexible connection part 403. In addition, the first and second body parts 401 and 402 are made of a harder material than the flexible connection part 403.

The flexible connection portion is made of a flexible material that can be bent, and may be connected to the first and second body portions on both sides, respectively. In this example, length compensation occurs in the flexible connection unit, so that the flexible display 451 may be fixed to the housing.

In addition, the mobile terminal may be provided with a bezel film 405 fixed to the housing 410 and surrounding an edge of the flexible display 451. The bezel layer 405 is formed to cover the edge of the flexible display 451, and thus, it is possible to prevent the wave from being formed in the reverse direction in the first state.

According to the drawing, a flexible display 451 may be connected to one surface of the first and second body parts 401 and 402. As described above, a back plate 471 may be disposed between the first and second body parts 401 and 402, the flexible connection part 403, and the flexible display 451. Specifically, the back plate 471 is fixedly coupled to one surface of the first and second body parts 401 and 402, and the flexible connection part 403 overlaps at a position spaced apart from the back plate 471. It can be structured.

In addition, although not shown, an adhesive member for bonding may be disposed between the back plate 471 and the flexible display 451. However, the back plate 471 is only an example for explaining the present invention, and thus a structure without the back plate 471 is also possible.

In addition, one surface of the first and second body parts 401 and 402 may be recessed from the surface to form a storage part for accommodating the flexible display 451.

The back plate 471 includes a flexible region 472 that can be bent with at least one maximum curvature. For example, through holes may be repeatedly formed in the flexible region 472. That is, flexibility is generated in the flexible region 472 by the through hole, and is configured to be bent to a state having the maximum curvature. In this case, the flexible region 472 may be a portion overlapping the bent portion 452 of the flexible display 451 in a folded state.

The pressing unit 460 may include diaphragms 461 and 462 disposed under the flexible display 451. For example, the flexible connection part 403 of the housing 410 is disposed between the first and second body parts 401 and 402, so that the length between the folding and unfolding is variable, and the diaphragm ( 461 and 462 may be disposed on the flexible connection part 403.

The diaphragms 461 and 462 may be a film that causes displacement depending on the pressure action, and oil-resistant and heat-resistant rubber may be coated on both surfaces of the base fabric. The diaphragm may have an inlet through which air flows in and out, and an internal space expanded by the introduced air.

Both ends of the diaphragms 461 and 462 are connected to the first and second body parts 401 and 402, respectively, so that the volume in the thickness direction increases during the unfolding and decreases during the folding. According to the drawing, the diaphragm disposed between the first and second body parts 401 and 402 presses the rear surface of the back plate 471 in the first state (unfolding). To this end, the diaphragm may be in direct contact with the flexible area of the back plate 471.

The distance between the first and second body parts 401 and 402 is shifted away from the first state to the second state. In this case, as the length of the flexible connecting portion 403 increases, the first and second body portions 401 and 402 rotate relative to each other, and in conjunction therewith, the lengths of the diaphragms 461 and 462 also increase. . As the length of the diaphragms 461 and 462 becomes longer, and the volume decreases in the thickness direction, the diaphragms 461 and 462 are separated from the back surface of the back plate 471, and the pressure is released.

According to such a structure, a structure of the pressing portion that presses the bending portion 452 of the flexible display 451 only when unfolding can be implemented.

In addition, according to the drawing, the diaphragm may include first and second diaphragms 461 and 462 stacked at the flexible connecting portion 403.

The first and second diaphragms 461 and 462 are made of a material that swells according to pressure, such as a balloon, and the flexible display 451 and the back plate 471 are supported from the lower side, thereby generating waviness. It plays a role of minimizing.

The first and second diaphragms 461 and 462 may be formed of the same material and an integral structure as the first and second body parts 401 and 402, respectively. According to this structure, the first and second body parts 401 and 402 press the first and second diaphragms 461 and 462 from the left and right to form the first and second diaphragms 461 and 462 Will transform. For the pressing, inner walls 406 may be formed on the first and second body parts 401 and 402, respectively. The inner wall 406 may be connected to the first and second diaphragms 461 and 462, respectively. In this case, the upper first diaphragm 461 is formed to have a longer length than the lower second diaphragm 462, and the inner wall 406 may have a step.

When switching from the second state to the first state, the distance between the inner wall of the first body part 401 and the inner wall 406 of the second body part 402 is reduced, through which The first and second diaphragms 461 and 462 are pressed to increase the volume in the vertical direction. By increasing the volume in the vertical direction, the rear surface of the flexible display 451 is pressed in the unfolding state, thereby maintaining flatness.

The above-described mobile terminal and the mobile terminal equipped with the cover are not limited to the configuration and method of the above-described embodiments, and the above-described embodiments are all or part of each embodiment so that various modifications can be made. May be selectively combined.

Claims (14)

1. A housing made of folding and unfolding;

   A flexible display unit coupled to one surface of the housing and formed to be deformable; And

   It is disposed inside the housing, and includes a pressing portion for applying a force to the flexible display,

   A flexible display device is formed on the flexible display, wherein a bending portion is bent by folding of the housing, and the pressing portion is configured to generate a physical force in which the bending portion is flattened when the housing is unfolded.
2. According to claim 1,

   The pressing portion is flexible display device, characterized in that configured to release the physical force to the bent portion when the housing is folded.
3. According to claim 2,

   The pressing portion,

   A first magnet disposed under the flexible display; And

   A flexible display device disposed within the housing to be spaced apart from the first magnet and including a second magnet having the same polarity as the first magnet to form a repulsive force.
4. According to claim 3,

   The pressing portion,

   It is provided with a back plate disposed on the back of the flexible display,

   The first magnet is a flexible display device, characterized in that coupled to the back plate.
5. According to claim 4,

   The back plate is a flexible display device characterized in that it is formed of a non-magnetic material.
6. According to claim 3,

   The flexible display is formed to be at least partially movable relative to the housing,

   The relative position of the first magnet and the second magnet is flexible display device, characterized in that the variable between the folding and unfolding by the relative movement of the flexible display and the housing.
7. The method of claim 6,

   The first magnet is connected to the flexible display, the second magnet is fixed to the housing,

   The flexible display is a flexible display device, characterized in that one end is fixed to the housing, the other end is coupled to the relative movement with the housing.
8. According to claim 2,

   The pressing portion,

   And a diaphragm disposed under the flexible display.
9. The method of claim 8,

   The housing,

   A first body to which one side of the flexible display is coupled;

   A second body to which the other side of the flexible display is coupled; And

   It is disposed between the first body and the second body, and is provided with a flexible connecting portion having a variable length between the folding and unfolding.

   The diaphragm is arranged in the flexible connection, characterized in that the flexible display device.
10. The method of claim 9,

    The diaphragm is a flexible display device, characterized in that both ends are respectively connected to the first body and the second body so that the volume in the thickness direction increases during the unfolding and decreases during the folding.
11. The method of claim 9,

    The diaphragm is provided with first and second diaphragms stacked at the flexible connection unit.
12. According to claim 1,

    The pressing portion,

    A first magnet disposed at one end of the flexible display; And

    A flexible display device disposed within the housing to be spaced apart from the first magnet and including a second magnet having a polarity opposite to that of the first magnet to form an attractive force.
13. The method of claim 8,

    The pressing portion,

    It is disposed on the rear surface of the flexible display, and has a back plate coupled to the flexible display,

    The back plate is coupled so that one end can be moved relative to the housing, the other end is fixed to the housing,

    The first magnet is a flexible display device, characterized in that connected to one end of the back plate.
14. According to claim 1,

    A flexible display device fixed to the housing and further comprising a bezel film surrounding an edge of the flexible display.

Images