KR102324508B1 - Foldable display apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A foldable display device according to an embodiment of the present specification includes a first support plate and a second support plate for supporting at least a portion of a display panel, and a hinge part between the first support plate and the second support plate, the hinge part and The support member formed in the adjacent area is formed to support the side portion when the display panel is folded or unfolded, so that durability of the display panel is improved, and a display device that is smoothly folded or unfolded can be manufactured.

Description

FOLDABLE DISPLAY APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a foldable display device, and more particularly, to a foldable display device capable of minimizing stress applied to a bending area of a display panel.

Recently, as we enter the information age, the field of display that visually expresses electrical information signals has developed rapidly, and in response to this, various display devices with excellent performance of thinness, light weight, and low power consumption have been developed. is being developed

Specific examples of such a display device include a liquid crystal display device (LCD), a field emission display device (FED), an organic light emitting display device (OLED), and a quantum dot display device. (Quantum Dot Display Device) etc. are mentioned.

Among them, the liquid crystal display includes an array substrate including a thin film transistor, an upper substrate including a color filter and/or a black matrix, and a liquid crystal layer between the array substrate and the upper substrate. In such a liquid crystal display device, an image is displayed by controlling the arrangement of liquid crystal layers according to an electric field applied between two electrodes in a pixel region and controlling light transmittance according to the arrangement.

In addition, the organic light emitting diode display is a self-light emitting device, and has received widespread attention because it has advantages of a fast response speed, luminous efficiency, luminance, and viewing angle compared to other display devices.

Recently, as the demand for a large screen in portable electronic devices has increased, a device implementing a large screen display unit by connecting a flat panel display panel has been developed and commercialized. In particular, a foldable display apparatus using the advantage of a flexible display panel that can be bent or folded is in the spotlight as a next-generation technology in the display field due to the advantage of being able to provide a large-screen display unit while maintaining portability. . Such a foldable display device is not only a portable electronic device such as a mobile communication terminal, an electronic notebook, an electronic book, a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), a navigation system, a UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC), a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet PC (Personal Computer), etc. It can be applied to various fields such as television and monitor.

Recently, a technology for forming an organic light emitting display device on a plastic substrate has been developed, so that it is possible to implement a foldable or flexible display device in which an organic light emitting layer is grafted as described above. From now on, the foldable or flexible display device will be collectively referred to as a foldable display device.

The display device implements a folding and unfolding operation by arranging a support plate capable of supporting and holding the display panel in order to bend or fold the display panel, and a hinge portion capable of evenly forming a fold between the support plate. However, when the folding and unfolding operation is implemented with the conventional configuration of the display device, the surface of the display panel is not uniformly flattened but curved and the screen is distorted. There are problems with cracks or cracks in the corners.

In addition, when the display panel is folded or unfolded, restoring stress to restore the previous state is applied to the display panel, so that the folded state cannot be maintained and the display panel is unfolded or folded without maintaining the unfolded state.

Accordingly, the inventors of the present specification recognize the above-mentioned problems, and conduct various experiments to maintain a uniform state of the display surface when the display panel is folded or unfolded, to prevent cracking or breakage, and to maintain the folded or unfolded phenomenon. became Through various experiments, a display device with a new structure has been developed that prevents the screen from being distorted because the surface of the display panel is maintained uniformly when the display panel is folded or unfolded.

In addition, when the display panel is folded and unfolded, a crack at the edge of the fold of the display panel or damage that may occur on the surface of the fold, which is mainly caused by reducing the stress that the display panel can receive Invented a display device with a new structure that can reduce the

And, when the display device is folded or unfolded, a display device having a new structure has been invented so that the folded and unfolded state can be maintained.

The problem to be solved according to the embodiment of the present specification is that even when the display device to which the flexible display panel is applied is folded or unfolded, the surface of the display panel is uniform without inflection points, is not cracked or broken, and the folded or unfolded shape is constantly maintained. It is to provide a display device that can.

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

A display device according to an embodiment of the present specification includes a display panel displaying an image, a first support plate and a second support plate supporting at least a portion of the display panel, a hinge portion between the first support plate and the second support plate, A support member formed in an area adjacent to the hinge portion and the support member may support a side portion of the display panel when the display panel is folded or unfolded.

A display device according to an embodiment of the present specification includes a display panel, a first plate and a second plate positioned on the rear surface of the display panel, a multi-axis hinge part positioned on the rear surface of the display panel, and a part of the upper surface and part of both side surfaces of the display panel. It includes at least two bezel parts, and the at least two bezel parts guide the display panel so that the display panel can be folded according to the folding and unfolding operations of the multi-axis hinge part.

A display device according to an embodiment of the present specification includes a flexible display panel having organic light emitting diode (OLED) pixels in a display area, a housing accommodating the flexible display panel, and interlocking with the housing so that the flexible display panel can be folded. It includes at least one embodied fold part, a flexible member that protects an edge of the flexible display panel adjacent to the fold part, and can be folded together.

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

The display device according to the embodiment of the present specification has no screen curvature when the foldable display device is folded or unfolded, and is composed of a mechanism capable of minimizing the compressive stress or tensile stress applied to the flexible display panel in the folding or unfolding operation. By folding or unfolding this clear display device, it is easy to carry and store, and a large screen can be realized.

In addition, the display device according to the embodiment of the present specification is a mechanism of the display device to implement an out-foldable display that folds to show the panel by configuring two support plates and a multi-axis hinge unit capable of folding and unfolding operations. can

In addition, the display device according to the embodiment of the present specification constitutes two support plates and a multi-axis hinge part capable of folding and unfolding as a mechanism of the display device to face inward when the panel is folded to be protected (In-foldable display) foldable display) can be implemented.

In addition, the display device according to the embodiment of the present specification adds a guide segment near the multi-axis hinge portion to minimize exposure of the folded portion of the display panel to the outside and protect the edge of the display panel from impact. Thus, the durability of the display device can be further improved.

In addition, the display device according to the embodiment of the present specification is connected by a multi-axis hinge portion and supports the folded side portion of the display panel with a guide member to provide a very small radius of curvature and firmly support the display panel, thereby providing two support plates of the display device. Since the back side of the display device is completely folded and adhered, the fold thickness of the display device can be reduced.

In addition, the display device according to the embodiment of the present specification is connected by a multi-axis hinge portion and supports the folding side portion of the display panel as a guide member to provide a very small radius of curvature and firmly support the display panel so that the front panel of the display device is completely It can be implemented so that the display device is completely folded due to folding and sticking.

In addition, the display device according to an embodiment of the present specification can maintain the unfolded state by the elastic force of the guide member when the display device is in the unfolded state by arranging the multi-axis hinge portion and at least two guide members near the hinge portion, for a large screen. When the display device is used in an unfolded manner, the fixability may be improved.

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

Since the content of the invention described in the problems to be solved above, the means for solving the problems, and the effects do not specify the essential characteristics of the claims, the scope of the claims is not limited by the matters described in the content of the invention.

1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an out-foldable type display device according to an embodiment of the present specification.
2A is an unfolded side view of an out-foldable type display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification.
2B is a side view illustrating an out-foldable type display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification when folded.
3 is a schematic diagram for explaining an in-foldable type display device according to an embodiment of the present specification.
4A is an unfolded side view of an in-foldable type display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification.
FIG. 4B is a side view of an in-foldable type display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present specification when folded.
5 is an exploded view illustrating an in-foldable type display device according to an embodiment of the present specification.
6 is a view showing a cross-section A-A' of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present specification.
7A is a side view illustrating a structure of a display panel support member according to an embodiment of the present specification.
7B is a view showing the display panel support member structure inverted so that the lower surface thereof is visible according to an embodiment of the present specification.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and a method for achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but will be implemented in a variety of different forms, and only these embodiments allow the disclosure of the present invention to be complete, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. It is provided to fully inform the person of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

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

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

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

In the case of a description of a temporal relationship, for example, 'immediately' or 'directly' when a temporal relationship is described with 'after', 'following', 'after', 'before', etc. It may include cases that are not continuous unless this is used.

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

In describing the components of the present specification, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the elements from other elements, and the essence, order, order, or number of the elements are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is “connected”, “coupled” or “connected” to another component, the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but other components may be interposed between each component. It will be understood that each component may be “interposed” or “connected”, “coupled” or “connected” through another component.

As used herein, the term "display device" refers to a liquid crystal module (LCM) including a display panel and a driving unit for driving the display panel, an organic light emitting display module (OLED Module), and a quantum dot module (Quantum Dot Module). may include a display device of And, an electric device including a notebook computer, a television, a computer monitor, an automotive display or other type of vehicle, which is a complete product or final product including LCM, OLED, QD module, etc. A set electronic device such as an equipment display, a mobile electronic device such as a smart phone or an electronic pad, or a set device or set apparatus may also be included.

Accordingly, the display device in the present specification may include a set device that is a narrow display device itself, such as an LCM, OLED, QD module, etc., and an application product including an LCM, OLED, QD module, or the like, or an end-user device.

In addition, in some cases, LCM, OLED, and QD modules composed of a display panel and a driving unit are expressed as “display devices” in a narrow sense, and electronic devices including LCM, OLED, and QD modules are referred to as “set devices”. It can also be expressed separately as For example, a display device in the narrow sense includes a liquid crystal (LCD), organic light emitting (OLED) or quantum dot display panel, and a source PCB that is a control unit for driving the display panel, and the set device is connected to the source PCB. It may be a concept further including a set PCB, which is a set controller that is electrically connected to control the entire set device.

The display panel used in this embodiment includes all types of liquid crystal display panels, organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panels, quantum dot display panels (QDs), electroluminescent display panels, and the like. may be used, and the display panel used in the display device according to the embodiment of the present specification is not limited to the shape or size of the display panel.

More specifically, when the display panel is a liquid crystal display panel, it includes a plurality of gate lines and data lines, and pixels formed at intersections of gate lines and data lines. In addition, an array substrate including a thin film transistor as a switching element for controlling light transmittance in each pixel, an upper substrate including a color filter and/or a black matrix, and the like, and a liquid crystal layer formed between the array substrate and the upper substrate It may be composed of

In addition, when the display panel is an organic light emitting (OLED) display panel, it may include a plurality of gate lines and data lines, and pixels formed at intersections of the gate lines and the data lines. In addition, an array substrate including a thin film transistor which is a device for selectively applying a voltage to each pixel, an organic light emitting device (OLED) layer on the array substrate, and an encapsulation substrate disposed on the array substrate to cover the organic light emitting device layer Alternatively, it may be configured to include an encapsulation substrate or the like. The encapsulation substrate may protect the thin film transistor and the organic light emitting device layer from external impact, and may prevent penetration of moisture or oxygen into the organic light emitting device layer. In addition, the layer formed on the array substrate may include an inorganic light emitting layer, for example, a nano-sized material layer or quantum dots.

Each feature of the various embodiments of the present specification can be partially or wholly combined or combined with each other, technically various interlocking and driving are possible, and each embodiment may be independently implemented with respect to each other or implemented together in a related relationship. may be

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

1 is a view showing a foldable display device including a flexible display panel according to an embodiment of the present specification.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an out-foldable type display device according to the present example includes a display panel 100 for displaying an image, and support plates 300 and 400 for supporting the display panel 100 . and a hinge unit 200 capable of folding or unfolding between the support plates 300 and 400 . In addition, a first cover 350 and a second cover 450 covering the four side edge portions of the upper surface of the display panel 100 are disposed, and a portion of the upper surface and a portion of the side surface of the display panel 100 are disposed near the hinge portion 200 . A panel support member 250 indicated by a dotted line capable of guiding the display may be disposed between the display panel 100 , the first cover 350 and the second cover 450 . Herein, the out-foldable type display panel has a structure in which the display panel 100 is disposed outside the folding trajectory of the hinge unit 200 so that the display panel 100 is visible to the outside when the display device is folded. am. An out-foldable type display panel has the advantage of being used as a first-person display when unfolded, and can be used as a multi-person display when folded, enabling a bidirectional display. It is expected that this display method can be used in various ways for education or commercial purposes.

2A is a side view of an out-foldable type display device of the present specification when unfolded.

Referring to FIG. 2A , a first support plate 300 , a second support plate 400 , a hinge part 200 , and a panel support member 250 are disposed to support and hold the display panel 100 , and the hinge part 200 , the panel support member 250 , and the display panel 100 are formed inside the first support plate 300 and the second support plate 400 to be invisible and may be represented by dotted lines. Although not shown in the drawings, the hinge part 200 is a multi-axial type, and a plurality of segments are connected by two or more axes to form a curve. For this purpose, it may consist of a guide segment and a chain segment. When a plurality of segments are connected in multiple axes to form a curve, a smaller radius of curvature is possible and the display panel 100 can be more firmly supported. In addition, the sliding frame 500 indicated by a dotted line in the drawing is a device for minimizing the stress that may be received during unfolding and folding operations of the display panel 100 , and may be disposed on the second support plate 400 . However, the hinge unit 200 is not limited to only a multi-axis hinge, and can be changed in various ways and does not limit the claims. As shown in FIG. 2A , when the display panel 100 is in an unfolded state, the sliding frame 500 slides toward the end of the second support plate 400 opposite to the hinge part 200 so that the display panel 100 can be unfolded without bending. It can act as a puller. For this purpose, auxiliary materials such as springs or magnets may be applied to the sliding frame 500 to facilitate the sliding operation.

FIG. 2B is a side view when the out-foldable type display device of the present specification is folded or bent.

Referring to FIG. 2B , the display panel 100 is folded due to the hinge part 200 between the first support plate 300 and the second support plate 400 , so that the rear surface of the first support plate 300 and the first support plate 300 . 2 The rear surface of the support plate 400 is in horizontal contact and the display panel 100 is placed on the upper surface of the first support plate 300 and on the upper surface of the second support plate 400 , the hinge part which is the sliding frame 500 . 200), it may be expressed in a structure that is folded like a dotted line along the curvature of the hinge part 200 and the panel support member 250 disposed nearby. In particular, when the display device is folded, the hinge part 200 and the panel support member 250 supporting the display panel 100 within a radius of curvature may be disposed to surround the folded portion of the display panel 100 . As a result, when the display panel 100 is folded, the hinge unit 200 maintains a constant radius of curvature of the display panel 100 to reduce the stress generated when the display panel 100 has an uneven radius of curvature. This can be minimized, and the edge portion exposed when the display panel 100 is folded can be protected from external impact, and scratches or stress generated due to interference between the display panel 100 and the hinge unit 200 can be alleviated in the middle. . In addition, the sliding frame 500 disposed in the second support plate 400 slides toward the hinge part 200 so that when the display panel 100 is folded, the second support plate 400 by the circumferential distance of the hinge part 200 . ) to reduce the cross-sectional area, thereby reducing stress on the display panel 100 . Accordingly, the radius of curvature of the display panel 100 can be realized as about 4R.

3 is a view illustrating a foldable display device including a flexible display panel according to an embodiment of the present specification.

Referring to FIG. 3 , an in-foldable type display device of the present specification includes a display panel 100 displaying an image, support plates 300 and 400 supporting the display panel 100 , and , may include a hinge portion 200 that can be folded or unfolded between the support plates (300, 400). In addition, a first cover 350 and a second cover 450 covering the four side edge portions of the upper surface of the display panel 100 are disposed, and a portion of the upper surface and a portion of the side surface of the display panel 100 are disposed near the hinge portion 200 . A panel support member 250 indicated by a dotted line capable of guiding the display may be disposed between the display panel 100 , the first cover 350 and the second cover 450 . Herein, the in-foldable type display panel has a structure in which the display panel 100 is disposed inside the folding trajectory of the hinge unit 200 so that the display panel 100 is not visible to the outside when the display device is folded. am. A two-axis hinge may be applied to the hinge unit 200 of FIG. 3 , and such a two-axis hinge may be a type to which a gear is applied. It can be said that the convenience is very high because it can maintain the flatness of the product, and when the user stops the operation at the desired angle during the folding operation, the user can have the holding torque at the corresponding angle. Such an in-foldable type display device can be folded or unfolded as much as a user wants, so that when fully folded, the surface area is reduced by half, so portability is good and the display panel 100 is mounted on the first support plate ( 300 ) and the second support plate 400 are protected from external impact, so that damage to the display panel 100 can be significantly reduced. In addition, the unfolding angle can be arbitrarily adjusted to 30 degrees, 60 degrees, etc., so that it can be maintained in an easy-to-operate form, and it has the advantage of being able to use it standing up without a separate stand. However, the hinge part 200 is not limited to only the two-axis gear hinge, and can be used with various changes, and the claims are not limited.

4A is a side view of an in-foldable type display device of the present specification when unfolded.

Referring to FIG. 4A , the first support plate 300 , the second support plate 400 , the hinge part 200 , and the panel support member 250 are disposed to support and hold the display panel 100 , and support the panel. The member 250 and the display panel 100 may be formed inside the first support plate 300 and the second support plate 400 to be invisible and represented by dotted lines. Unlike the out-foldable type display device of FIG. 2A , in the in-foldable type display device, the hinge part 200 may be exposed to the outside when unfolded.

4B is a side view when the in-foldable type display device of the present specification is folded.

Referring to FIG. 4B , the display panel 100 may be in a folded state by the hinge part 200 between the first support plate 300 and the second support plate 400 . Unlike FIG. 2B , as an in-foldable type display device, when the display panel 100 is folded to come inside the first support plate 300 and the second support plate 400 , the first support plate ( 300), the second support plate 400, and the hinge unit 200 can be folded to be exposed to the outside, and a display device with good portability can be manufactured while safely protecting the display panel 100, which is relatively weak against impact. In this case, it is necessary to design the display panel 100 to receive a force within a durable stress so that it can be folded so that it does not break or cracks are generated at the edge portion. To this end, a sliding frame 500 is formed inside the second support plate 400 so that the display panel 100 can be slid, and a second support is formed so that the display panel 100 has a minimum radius of curvature that can be formed. An empty space may be formed in the plate 400 so that the display panel can be bent in a circular shape. Due to the space formed in the second support plate 400 and the sliding frame 500 , the display panel 100 can be smoothly bent into a 'Ω' shape, thereby minimizing the stress that the display panel 100 may receive. can do. And the hinge part 200 and the panel support member 250 are disposed to surround the side part on which the display panel 100 is folded, so that the stress generated when the display panel 100 is folded is applied to the hinge part 200 and the panel support member ( 250) can be dispersed. Accordingly, the radius of curvature of the display panel 100 can be realized up to about 4R. However, it is not limited to 4R and can be implemented in various ways.

5 is an exploded view illustrating components of an in-foldable type display device of the present specification to help understand the components.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the first cover 350 and the second cover 450 may cover the end of the display panel 100 on the uppermost part and are attached to the first support plate 300 and the second support plate 400 . In this case, the panel support members 250 disposed between the first cover 350 and the second cover 450 and formed to surround the folded side portion of the display panel 100 are disposed on both sides.

A first support plate 300 and a second support plate 400 are disposed to support the display panel 100, and among them, the second support plate 400 slides together when the display panel 100 is folded. Thus, the sliding frame 500 serving to lower the stress applied to the display panel 100 may be disposed. The first cover 350 may be attached to the first support plate 300 , and the second cover 450 may be attached to the second support plate 400 . The first support plate 300 and the second support plate 400 may be folded and unfolded and interconnected by the hinge part 200 . Also, the second support plate 400 may have a sliding frame 500 and a space into which the display panel 100 can be folded, although not shown in the drawings.

In more detail, when the display panel 100 repeats folding and unfolding, the sliding frame 500 moves to the hinge part 200 side during the folding operation in order to facilitate this, so that the display panel 100 moves to the second support plate 400 . ) to be bent into the empty space, and then moved to the opposite end of the hinge unit 200 during the unfolding operation so that the display panel 100 can be fully unfolded to the end of the second support plate 400 . Although not shown in the drawings, the sliding frame 500 may be configured to perform a sliding operation in connection with a spring or a magnet.

6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 3 of the present specification.

Referring to FIG. 6 , a cross-section is shown with respect to a cross-section A-A′ including the display panel 100 of FIG. 3 , the second support frame 400 , and the second cover 450 , and through this, the display panel 100 ) and the coupling state of the second support plate 400 , the sliding frame 500 , the second cover 450 and the panel support member 250 can be seen more clearly.

In FIG. 6 , when the display panel 100 has a thickness of about 1 mm to 0.5 mm, the sliding frame 500 under the display panel 100 may have a thickness of about 1 mm to 1.3 mm. In the case of the display panel 100, the thickness is about 1 mm and the thickness is gradually decreasing, but the thickness of the display panel 100 and the sliding frame 500 is only an example for explaining the present invention, and can be changed in various ways. does not limit In addition, the panel support member 250 may be disposed on the side surface of the display panel 100 and the side surface of the sliding frame 500 so as to surround the display panel 100 and the sliding frame 500 . To this end, it is necessary to prepare a space in which the panel support member 250 can be disposed in the second support plate 400 and the second cover 450 . In relation to FIG. 6 , a groove may be provided in the second support plate 400 and the second cover 450 so that the panel support member 250 can be disposed. And although not described in the drawings, grooves are also formed in the first support plate 300 and the first cover 350 for smooth operation so that the panel support member 250 can be disposed, and the first support plate 300 and the first support plate 300 1 The cover 350 may use an adhesive to be completely coupled to the panel support member 250 . However, since no adhesive is applied to the second support plate 400 and the second cover 450 , they may be arranged to be constantly deformed and slid according to the movement of the display panel 100 together with the sliding frame 500 .

7A to 7B are design views of the panel support member 250 .

Referring to FIG. 7A , when the display panel 100 is folded or unfolded in both the out-foldable type display device and the in-foldable type display device, In particular, in order to reduce a phenomenon in which the side portion of the folded region of the display panel 100 is exposed or stress is concentrated during the folding operation, the panel support member 250 surrounds the side portion of the folded region of the display panel 100 to protect it from external impact. It may serve to protect and distribute the stress that the display panel 100 may receive. More specifically, the panel support member 250 may have a side view and a cross-section as shown in FIG. 7A . When viewed from the side, grooves are dug in a sawtooth shape so that the display panel 100 can cope with both when the display panel 100 performs an out-folding operation or an in-folding operation. The sawtooth-shaped interior angle is formed at about 30 degrees so that, in the case of out-folding, the formed groove is widened and can move along the display panel 100. In the case of in-folding, the formed groove is narrowed and up to a range corresponding to the internal angle of 30 degrees. It can move along (100).

Referring to FIG. 7B , the panel support member 250 is turned over so that the sawtooth shape can be seen more clearly. As shown in FIG. 7B , the cross section of the panel support member 250 is configured in a 'C' or 'Ω' shape to cover the side end of the display panel 100 . The shape of the panel support member 250 is toothed in order to bend along a folding trajectory without concentrating stress on compression and tension on the display panel 100 due to folding according to the structure of the hinge part 200 . It can be configured in a shape. In addition, since the panel support member 250 should not be deformed or cracked even in numerous repeated operations, durability may be a very important factor. In addition, since the panel support member 250 has to slide inside the second support plate 400 and the second cover 450 when the display panel 100 is folded or unfolded, frictional force is also a very important factor. can In summary, the panel support member 250 maintains the existing shape and performance without deformation or cracks in numerous repeated operations, and has low resistance even when it slides with the display panel 100 inside the device when folded or unfolded. It is preferred that no bending points occur in the panel 100 and the folding or unfolding operation does not proceed discontinuously. To this end, the inventors continued research on the material of the panel support member 250 . It was confirmed through experiments that Teflon, Nylon, and Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) can be used as materials with durability and low friction, which are mentioned as necessary materials. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and various materials may be applied, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

A display device according to an embodiment of the present specification includes a display panel displaying an image, a first support plate and a second support plate supporting at least a portion of the display panel, a hinge portion between the first support plate and the second support plate, The support member formed in the region adjacent to the hinge part, and the support member, include supporting the side part when the display panel is folded or unfolded.

In an embodiment of the present specification, the second support plate may include a sliding frame so that the display panel can slide well.

In an embodiment of the present specification, the first support plate and the second support plate may have a groove for mounting the support member, and may further include an adhesive layer provided in the groove of the first support plate for mounting the support member. .

In an embodiment of the present specification, a first cover and a second cover corresponding to the first support plate and the second support plate may be further included, and the first cover and the second cover may have grooves for mounting the support member. have.

In an embodiment of the present specification, the cross-section of the support member is Ω-shaped so as to cover the upper surface and the side surface of the display panel, and the side surface of the support member is composed of a sawtooth-shaped intaglio and embossed part, but the intaglio is opened at an angle of 30 degrees. can

In an embodiment of the present specification, the display panel includes an in-folding type display device that is folded inward.

In an embodiment of the present specification, the display panel includes an out-folding type display device that is folded outward.

A display device according to an embodiment of the present specification includes a display panel, a first plate and a second plate positioned on the rear surface of the display panel, a multi-axis hinge part positioned on the rear surface of the display panel, and a part of the upper surface and part of both side surfaces of the display panel. and at least two bezel components guiding the display panel to be folded according to folding and unfolding operations of the at least two bezel components and the multi-axis hinge unit.

In an embodiment of the present specification, the multi-axis hinge unit may be an in-folding type in which the display panel is folded inward, or an out-folding type in which the display panel is folded outward.

In an embodiment of the present specification, there may be a first cover and a second cover on the upper surface of the display panel, and the first cover and the second cover may have a groove for mounting at least two bezel components.

In the embodiment of the present specification, the first support plate has a groove for mounting at least two bezel parts, and an adhesive for bonding the at least two bezel parts to the grooves formed on the first support plate and the first cover is provided. can be formed.

In an embodiment of the present specification, the cross section of at least two bezel parts is Ω-shaped, and the side part is composed of a sawtooth-shaped intaglio and embossed part, so that the display panel can be guided so that it can be folded with a radius of curvature of at least 4R.

In an embodiment of the present specification, at least two bezel parts may be formed of at least one of Teflon, nylon, and polyethylene.

A display device according to an embodiment of the present specification includes a flexible display panel having organic light emitting diode (OLED) pixels in a display area, a housing accommodating the flexible display panel, and interlocking with the housing so that the flexible display panel can be folded. It includes at least one embodied fold part, a flexible member that protects an edge of the flexible display panel adjacent to the fold part, and can be folded together.

In an embodiment of the present specification, the flexible member may have a notch region so as not to apply compressive and tensile stress due to folding to the display panel.

In the exemplary embodiment of the present specification, the folding part has a two-axis hinge structure, and the flexible display panel may be folded along two axes.

In an embodiment of the present specification, one side of the flexible display panel may be implemented to enable a sliding operation within the housing.

In the embodiment of the present specification, the first end of the flexible member is fixed to the edge of the flexible display panel and the second end is not fixed to the edge of the flexible display panel, so that one side of the flexible display panel is a housing It may allow a sliding operation within the .

In an embodiment of the present specification, the flexible display panel may be folded in an inner foldable form and implement a form in which the display area is not exposed to the outside.

In an embodiment of the present specification, the flexible display panel may be folded in an outer foldable form and implement a form in which the display area is exposed to the outside.

The foldable display device of the present invention described above is not limited by the above-described embodiments and drawings, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various substitutions, modifications and changes are possible. will be.

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 within the scope 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 spirit of the present invention, but to explain, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The protection scope of the present invention should be construed by the claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

100: display panel
200: hinge part 250: panel support member
300: first plate 350: first cover
400: second plate 450: second cover
500: sliding frame

Claims (20)

a display panel for displaying an image;
a first support plate and a second support plate for supporting at least a portion of the display panel;
a hinge portion between the first support plate and the second support plate; and
a first cover and a second cover corresponding to the first support plate and the second support plate and covering an upper edge of the display panel;
and a support member disposed between the display panel and the first and second covers in an area adjacent to the hinge part,
The support member supports the side portion of the display panel when the display panel is folded or unfolded,
The support member is
When the display panel is in an unfolded state, it overlaps the first and second covers,
A foldable display device for covering an upper surface and a side surface of the display panel exposed between the first cover and the second cover when the display panel is in a folded state. According to claim 1,
and the second support plate includes a sliding frame so that the display panel can easily slide. According to claim 1,
The first support plate and the second support plate have a groove for mounting the support member,
The foldable display device further comprising an adhesive layer provided in the groove of the first support plate for mounting the support member. According to claim 1,
The first cover and the second cover have a groove for mounting the support member in the foldable display device. According to claim 1,
The cross-section of the support member is Ω-shaped so as to cover the upper surface and the side surface of the display panel,
The side surface of the support member is composed of a sawtooth-shaped intaglio and embossed parts, and the intaglio is a foldable display device that is opened at an angle of 30 degrees. According to claim 1,
The display panel is folded inward, an in-folding type foldable display device. According to claim 1,
The display panel is foldable outwardly, an out-folding type foldable display device. display panel;
a first support plate and a second support plate positioned on a rear surface of the display panel;
a multi-axis hinge unit located on the rear surface of the display panel; and
a first cover and a second cover corresponding to the first support plate and the second support plate, covering an upper edge of the display panel, and spaced apart from each other in an area adjacent to the multi-axis hinge part;
at least two bezels disposed between the display panel and the first and second covers and corresponding to a portion of an upper surface and a portion of both side surfaces of the display panel exposed in an area where the first cover and the second cover are spaced apart from each other including parts;
One end of the at least two bezel parts is fixedly coupled to the first support plate and the first cover, and the other end is slidably coupled to the second support plate and the second cover, and the A foldable display device in which the at least two bezel components guide the display panel so that the display panel can be folded according to folding and unfolding operations of the multi-axis hinge unit. 9. The method of claim 8,
The multi-axis hinge unit is an in-folding type in which the display panel is folded inward, or an out-folding type in which the display panel is folded outwardly. 9. The method of claim 8,
The first cover and the second cover have grooves for mounting the at least two bezel parts. 11. The method of claim 10,
A groove for mounting the at least two bezel parts is formed in the first support plate,
An adhesive for bonding the at least two bezel components is formed in the groove formed in the first support plate and the first cover. 9. The method of claim 8,
A cross section of the at least two bezel parts is in the shape of an Ω,
A foldable display device for guiding the display panel to be folded with a radius of curvature of at least 4R, wherein the side portions of the at least two bezel parts include a sawtooth-shaped intaglio and embossed parts. 9. The method of claim 8,
The at least two bezel parts are a foldable display device formed of at least one of Teflon, nylon, and polyethylene. a flexible display panel including organic light emitting diode (OLED) pixels in a display area;
a housing accommodating the flexible display panel;
at least one folding part interlocked with the housing and implemented so that the flexible display panel can be folded; and
and a flexible member that can be folded together while protecting an edge of the flexible display panel adjacent to the folded portion;
The flexible member is a foldable display device comprising the support member according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the bezel component according to any one of claims 8 to 13. 15. The method of claim 14,
The foldable display device has a notch region in the flexible member so as not to apply compressive and tensile stress due to folding to the display panel. 15. The method of claim 14,
The foldable display device has a two-axis hinge structure and the flexible display panel can be folded along two axes. 15. The method of claim 14,
A foldable display device that can be implemented such that one side of the flexible display panel can slide within the housing. 15. The method of claim 14,
A first end of the flexible member is fixed to an edge of the flexible display panel, and a second end is not fixed to an edge of the flexible display panel, so that one side of the flexible display panel is the housing A foldable display device that allows sliding motion within. 15. The method of claim 14,
The flexible display panel is a foldable display device that is folded in an inner foldable form and the display area is not exposed to the outside. 15. The method of claim 14,
The flexible display panel is folded in an outer foldable form and the display area is exposed to the outside.

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