Display device

Abstract

This invention relates to a display device. The display system includes a first display coupled to a winder and a second display coupled to a winder, such that the first and second displays can be wound around the winder for storage and transport and can be unwound from the winder to form a large-area display. The second rollable display is capable of being wound around the winder, wherein the rear surface of the second rollable display is in direct contact with the outer surface of the winder, and the first rollable display is capable of being wound around the winder, wherein the front surface of the first rollable display is in direct contact with the front surface of the second rollable display. A first flexible film and a second flexible film, a first source printed circuit board and a second source printed circuit board, a first flexible cable and a second flexible cable, and a first control printed circuit board and a second control printed circuit board may be located inside the winder.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0170334, filed on December 27, 2018, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a display device, and more specifically, to a rollable display device capable of having a large area. Background Technology

[0004] Display devices used in computer monitors, TVs, mobile phones, etc. include self-emissive organic light-emitting displays (OLEDs) and liquid crystal displays (LCDs) that require a separate light source.

[0005] As display devices are increasingly used in various fields such as computer monitors, TVs, and personal mobile devices, display devices with large display areas and reduced size and weight have been studied.

[0006] Recently, rollable display devices, in which display units, lines, etc. are formed on a flexible substrate made of flexible plastic and can display images even when rolled up, have attracted attention as the next generation of display devices.

[0007] In this regard, TFT processes have been performed on polyimide (PI) substrates to fabricate rollable display devices. However, due to the properties of PI and limitations of the process, it is difficult to realize large-area rollable display devices. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This article describes a display device in which two or more display units can be tiled.

[0009] This article also describes a display device that can have a large area by tiling two or more display units.

[0010] This article also describes a display device in which the border of a large-area display unit can be removed.

[0011] The display device can be generally summarized as including: a first display panel and a first rear cover coupled to a rear surface of the first display panel; a second display panel and a second rear cover coupled to a rear surface of the second display panel, wherein the second display panel is adjacent to the first display panel; and a first winder, wherein a non-display area of ​​the first display panel is located inside the first winder, and a non-display area of ​​the second display panel is located inside the first winder, wherein the first winder is configured to wind and unwind the first and second display panels. The display device may further include: a flexible film electrically connected to one end of the first display panel; a source printed circuit board electrically connected to the flexible film; a control printed circuit board electrically connected to the source printed circuit board; and a flexible cable electrically connecting the source printed circuit board to the control printed circuit board.

[0012] A first winder may be located between a first display panel and a second display panel. A flexible film, a source printed circuit board, a flexible cable, and a control printed circuit board may be contained within the first winder. The first display panel may be wound inwards, while the second display panel may be wound outwards. The first and second display panels may be wound around the outer surface of the first winder. When the first winder rotates in a first direction, the second display panel may be wound around the first winder by winding outwards, such that the rear surface of the second display panel contacts the outer surface of the first winder, while the first display panel may be wound around the first winder by winding inwards, such that the front surface of the first display panel contacts the front surface of the second display panel.

[0013] The first winder may include: a core, wherein non-display areas of the first and second display panels are located within the core of the first winder; and a body portion fastened to the core, wherein a control printed circuit board is located within the body portion. The body portion includes a pressing member configured to fasten the body portion to the core or to wind or unwind the first and second display panels. The first winder may include a wheeled base configured to wind and secure the first and second display panels. The display device may further include: a second winder, wherein a second non-display area of ​​the first display panel is located within the second winder. One end of a first rear cover may be fastened to the second winder.

[0014] The display device may further include: a first support rail fastened to the upper end of a first winder and a second winder; and a second support rail fastened to the lower end of the first winder and the second winder. The display device may also include: a plurality of fastening members that fasten the first and second support rails to the upper and lower ends of the first and second winders, respectively. The first display panel may be wound inward or outward, and the second display panel may be wound inward or outward. The second non-display area of ​​the first and second display panels may be bent at the edges and laid flat on top of each other; the third non-display area of ​​the first and second display panels may be bent at the edges and wrapped around a first curved frame; and the third non-display area of ​​the second display panel may be bent at the edges and wrapped around a second curved frame. The first and second display panels may be secured by upper and lower fastening members inserted into insertion holes in the first and second curved frames.

[0015] The display device can be generally defined as including: a first display panel and a second display panel adjacent to the first display panel; and a first winder, wherein a non-display area of ​​the first display panel is located in the first winder, and a non-display area of ​​the second display panel is located in the first winder, wherein the first display panel and the second display panel are wound around the first winder. The first display panel can be wound around the outer surface of the first winder by inward winding, and the second display panel can be wound around the outer surface of the first winder by outward winding. The display device may further include: a second winder fastened to a second non-display area of ​​the first display panel, wherein the first display panel is wound around the outer surface of the first winder by inward winding, and the second display panel is wound around the outer surface of the first winder by outward winding.

[0016] A rollable display device can be summarized as including: a first rollable display having a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side; a second rollable display having a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side; and a winder, wherein the second lateral side of the first rollable display is coupled to the winder, and the first lateral side of the second rollable display is coupled to the winder; wherein the second lateral side of the first rollable display is adjacent to the first lateral side of the second rollable display. The first rollable display may be a first tile within a large-area display, and the second rollable display may be a second tile within a large-area display. The display area of ​​the first rollable display may be separated from the display area of ​​the second rollable display without a border, and the display areas of the first rollable display and the second rollable display may form a continuous image.

[0017] The first rollable display may have a top edge, and the second rollable display may have a top edge continuous with the top edge of the first rollable display; the first rollable display may have a bottom edge, and the second rollable display may have a bottom edge continuous with the bottom edge of the first rollable display. The first and second rollable displays may together form a large-area display extending from a first lateral side of the first rollable display to a second lateral side of the second rollable display. The second rollable display may be wound around a winder, wherein the rear surface of the second rollable display is in direct contact with the outer surface of the winder; and the first rollable display may be wound around a winder, wherein the front surface of the first rollable display is in direct contact with the front surface of the second rollable display.

[0018] The rollable display may further include: a third rollable display having a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side; a fourth rollable display having a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side; and a second winder, wherein the second lateral side of the third rollable display is coupled to the second winder, and the first lateral side of the fourth rollable display is coupled to the second winder; wherein the fourth rollable display is rollable around the second winder, wherein the rear surface of the fourth rollable display is in direct contact with the outer surface of the second winder, and the third rollable display is rollable around the second winder, wherein the front surface of the third rollable display is in direct contact with the front surface of the fourth rollable display; wherein the second lateral side of the second rollable display is coupled to the first lateral side of the third rollable display.

[0019] The rollable display device may further include: a first source printed circuit board located inside a winder and a second source printed circuit board located inside a winder, wherein a second lateral side of a first rollable display is coupled to the first source printed circuit board, and a first lateral side of a second rollable display is coupled to the second source printed circuit board; and a first control printed circuit board and a second control printed circuit board, wherein the first control printed circuit board is located inside the winder and electrically coupled to the first source printed circuit board via a first flexible cable, and the second control printed circuit board is located inside the winder and electrically coupled to the second source printed circuit board via a second flexible cable. The rollable display device may further include: a first flexible film inside the winder, wherein the first source printed circuit board is electrically coupled to the first rollable display via the first flexible film; and a second flexible film inside the winder, wherein the second source printed circuit board is electrically coupled to the second rollable display via the second flexible film.

[0020] A first flexible film can be electrically coupled to a pad portion of a first rollable display, wherein the pad portion of the first rollable display is located within a winder, and a second flexible film can be electrically coupled to a pad portion of a second rollable display, wherein the pad portion of the second rollable display is located within a winder. The winder may include a core and a separate body fastened to the core. A first source printed circuit board may be located within the core of the winder. A first portion of a first flexible cable may be located within the core of the winder, and a second portion of the first flexible cable may be located within the separate body of the winder. A first control printed circuit board may be located within the separate body of the winder. The separate body may be fastened to the core via a hinge.

[0021] Further details of exemplary embodiments are included in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0022] According to this disclosure, two or more display units can be laid flat to achieve large-area display units without reducing production volume, and the size of the winding unit can be reduced.

[0023] According to this disclosure, the bezels of large-area display units can be removed, thereby improving the aesthetics of the display device.

[0024] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those listed above, and include many more effects as described in this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The above and other aspects, features and other advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2A It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken by line II′;

[0028] Figure 2B yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device rolled up;

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 2A An enlarged view of area "A", where the display device is positioned relative to... Figure 2A The configurations shown are different;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a plan view of the display unit of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4A cross-sectional view taken by line VV′;

[0032] Figure 6A This is a plan view of the rear cover of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A magnified view of area "B";

[0034] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 8 This is an enlarged view of the winding unit of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 9A This is an enlarged view of the vertical support unit of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 9B It is along Figure 9A A cross-sectional view taken by line IX-IX′;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a plan view of the horizontal support unit of the display device provided to illustrate an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 12A It is along Figure 11 A cross-sectional view taken by line XI-XI′;

[0041] Figure 12B yes Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the display device rolled up;

[0042] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a display device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 14A It is along Figure 13 A cross-sectional view taken by line XIII-XIII′;

[0044] Figure 14B yes Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the display device rolled up;

[0045] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 16A It is along Figure 15 A cross-sectional view taken by line XV-XV′;

[0047] Figure 16B yes Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the display device rolled up;

[0048] Figure 17 It is shown Figure 15 A plan view of a portion of the display device; and

[0049] Figure 18 It is along Figure 17 A cross-sectional view taken from line XVII-XVII′. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as methods for achieving these advantages and features, will become clear from the exemplary embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but will be implemented in various forms. The exemplary embodiments are provided by way of example only so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the disclosure and scope of this disclosure.

[0051] The shapes, dimensions, ratios, angles, numbers, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings used to describe exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are merely examples, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals generally denote the same elements. Furthermore, in the following description of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of known related technologies may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of this disclosure. Terms such as “comprising” and “having” as used herein are generally intended to allow for the addition of additional components, unless these terms are used in conjunction with the term “only.” Any reference to the singular may include the plural unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0052] Even without explicit explanation, components are interpreted as including the normal tolerance range.

[0053] When using terms such as “on,” “above,” “below,” and “close to” to describe the positional relationship between two parts, one or more parts may be positioned between the two parts, unless these terms are used with the terms “closely adjacent” or “directly.”

[0054] When an element or layer is placed "on" another element or layer, the other layer or element may be placed directly on or between the other element.

[0055] Although the terms "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 other components. Therefore, the first component mentioned below can be the second component in the technical concept of this disclosure.

[0056] Throughout the manual, the same reference numerals usually indicate the same components.

[0057] For ease of description, the dimensions and thickness of each component shown in the accompanying drawings are illustrated, and this disclosure is not limited to the dimensions and thickness of the components shown.

[0058] Features of various embodiments of this disclosure may be attached or combined with each other in part or in whole, and may be interlocked and operated in various technical ways, and these embodiments may be performed independently of each other or in association with each other.

[0059] In the following, various embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Display device - Rollable display device

[0061] A rollable display device can refer to a display device that can display images even when rolled up. Rollable display devices can have greater flexibility than conventional typical display devices. A rollable display device can freely change shape depending on whether it is used. Specifically, when not in use, the rollable display device can be rolled up to reduce its size. When in use, the rollable display device can be unwound.

[0062] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2A It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from line II′. Figure 2B yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the rolled-up display device. (Refer to...) Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B The display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include: one or more displays, each of which may be referred to as a “display unit”, such as display unit DP′ and DP″; and a generally cylindrical winder that provides mechanical and electrical interfaces for the display units, around which the displays may be wound, and the winder may be referred to as “winding unit 190”.

[0063] The display device 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure has large-area display units DP′ and DP″ by tiling two or more display units DP′ and DP″ and has a winding unit 190 with reduced size.

[0064] In other words, to realize a rollable display device, a display panel can be manufactured and then the glass substrate can be etched thin. Alternatively, polyimide (PI), a plastic material, can be used as the substrate to manufacture the display panel, and then the glass can be separated from the plastic substrate. However, if the TFT process is performed on the plastic substrate and the display units are manufactured with a large area, the yield may be reduced due to the properties of the plastic and the limitations of the process. Unlike conventional glass substrates, plastic substrates require an organic film coating, and therefore the yield may be reduced due to the plastic particles. For large display devices, which differ from small display devices, even a single particle can significantly impact the total yield.

[0065] Therefore, this disclosure achieves a frameless tiled display device 100 including an extra-large rollable display panel by tiling two or more display units DP′ and DP″.

[0066] In the display device 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, large-area display units DP′ and DP″ can be implemented without reducing production volume, and the size of the winding unit 190 can be reduced. Due to the characteristics of plastic-based processes, increasing the production volume by 1 inch for a single display unit is difficult. However, for the display device 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, two or more display units DP′ and DP″ are connected, and thus an ultra-large rollable display device can be realized. Furthermore, the bezels of the large-area display units DP′ and DP″ can be removed, and thus the aesthetics of the display device can be improved. Therefore, a tiled display device without bezels between the display units DP′ and DP″ can be realized, and it can be infinitely expanded.

[0067] Two or more display units DP′ and DP″ can be laid flat on top of each other in the pad or non-pad portion of the non-display area NA. The laid-flat pad or non-pad portion can be inserted into and secured in the winding unit 190. For example, as Figure 2A As shown, a pad that is bent at the edge can be applied to the non-display area NA. Specifically, inward winding can be applied to the left display unit DP′, and outward winding can be applied to the right display unit DP″, which can be extended indefinitely. In this document, the pad can refer to a portion of the source printed circuit boards 140′ and 140″ of the non-display area NA to which they are connected. The non-pad portion can refer to the portion of the non-display area NA opposite the pad. For reference, inward winding refers to winding towards... Figure 2AThe inner side of the light-emitting surface is shown as winding, while outward winding refers to winding towards the outer side of the light-emitting surface. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0068] In the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a single winding unit 190 is disposed in the middle of the display device 100. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0069] Furthermore, in the display device 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, inward winding is applied to the left display unit DP′, and outward winding is applied to the right display unit DP″. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, outward winding can be applied to the left display unit DP′, and inward winding can be applied to the right display unit DP″.

[0070] Furthermore, in the display device 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the tiled portion between display units DP′ and DP″ is shown as a pad portion provided in the non-display area NA. In this case, the non-pad portion of the non-display area NA may be located at the lateral outer periphery of display units DP′ and DP″. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. The tiled portion between display units DP′ and DP″ may be provided in the non-pad portion of the non-display area NA.

[0071] In the display device 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the display units DP′ and DP″ are rolled up, the volume can be minimized, and two or more display units DP′ and DP″ can be laid out indefinitely on the left and right sides.

[0072] Display units DP' and DP'' are configured to display images to a user. For example, display elements, circuitry for driving the display elements, wires, and other components may be disposed in display units DP' and DP''. The display device 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is a rollable display device. Therefore, display units DP' and DP'' can be configured to be wound around and unwound from a winding unit 190. For this purpose, for example, each of display units DP' and DP'' may include a flexible display panel and a back cover for winding or unwinding. Specifically, each of display units DP' and DP'' may include a back cover, a display panel, source printed circuit boards 140' and 140'', flexible cables 170' and 170'', and control printed circuit boards 180' and 180'''.

[0073] Each source printed circuit board 140' and 140″ is disposed on one end of a flexible film (not shown) and connected to the flexible film. The source printed circuit boards 140' and 140″ are configured to provide signals to the driver IC. The source printed circuit boards 140' and 140″ provide various signals such as drive signals, data signals, etc. to the driver IC.

[0074] Flexible cables 170' and 170'" can be configured to electrically connect to the ends of source printed circuit boards 140' and 140'". Specifically, one end of each of the flexible cables 170' and 170' can be connected to one of the source printed circuit boards 140' and 140', while the other end can be connected to one of the control printed circuit boards 180' and 180'. Therefore, the source printed circuit boards 140' and 140' and the control printed circuit boards 180' and 180' can be electrically connected to each other.

[0075] Control printed circuit boards 180′ and 180″ can be disposed on the other end of flexible cables 170′ and 170″. Specifically, control printed circuit boards 180′ and 180″ can be electrically connected to source printed circuit boards 140′ and 140″ via flexible cables 170′ and 170″. Source printed circuit boards 140′ and 140″, flexible cables 170′ and 170″, and control printed circuit boards 180′ and 180″ can be configured to be inserted into winding unit 190. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0076] Reference Figures 3 to 6B The display units DP′ and DP″ are described in more detail.

[0077] In the winding unit 190, the pad or non-pad portion of the non-display area NA of the display units DP' and DP'' can be accommodated and secured. Each of the display units DP' and DP'' can be accommodated by being wound around the outer surface of the winding unit 190 by inward and / or outward winding. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0078] Figure 1 and Figure 2A The fully extended state of the display units DP′ and DP″ of the display device 100 is shown. The fully extended state refers to the state in which the display units DP′ and DP″ of the display device 100 are extended and fully stretched. That is, the fully extended state can be defined as the state in which the display units DP′ and DP″ are extended to their maximum value so that they cannot be further extended so that the user can view the image on the display device 100.

[0079] Figure 2BThe diagram shows the fully wound state of the display units DP′ and DP″ of the display device 100. The fully wound state refers to the state in which the display units DP′ and DP″ of the display device 100 are contained within the outer surface of the winding unit 190 by inward and / or outward winding and cannot be further wound. In other words, the fully wound state can be defined as the state in which the display units DP′ and DP″ are contained within the outer surface of the winding unit 190 by inward and / or outward winding when the user is not viewing an image on the display device 100. This is because display units DP′ and DP″ wound on the outer surface of the winding unit 190 are preferred for aesthetic reasons. In this case, the display device 100 is smaller in size and easier to transport.

[0080] For example, when the winding unit 190 rotates clockwise in the first direction (i.e., when viewed from above), the right display unit DP″ can be wound around the winding unit 190 by winding outwards. Therefore, the rear surface of the right display unit DP″ can be in close contact with the outer surface of the winding unit 190. Furthermore, the left display unit DP′ can be wound around the winding unit 190 by winding inwards, and thus the front surface of the left display unit DP′ can be in close contact with the front surface of the right display unit DP″.

[0081] Conversely, when the winding unit 190 rotates counterclockwise in the second direction (viewed from above), the left display unit DP' can be wound around the winding unit 190 by winding outwards. Therefore, the rear surface of the left display unit DP' can be in close contact with the outer surface of the winding unit 190. Furthermore, the right display unit DP″ can be wound around the winding unit 190 by winding inwards, and thus the front surface of the right display unit DP″ can be in close contact with the front surface of the left display unit DP'.

[0082] Display unit

[0083] Figure 3 yes Figure 2A A magnified view of area "A". Figure 4 This is a plan view of the display unit of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken by line VV′. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The display device 100 shown can be applied to both the left display unit DP′ and the right display unit DP″. For ease of description, the symbols ′ and″ have been omitted from the reference numerals. Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The left or right end of the display units DP′ and DP″ shown are set Figure 4 The example above. However, this disclosure is not limited to this.

[0084] Reference Figures 3 to 5 The display unit DP (DP′ and DP″) includes a back cover 110 (110′ and 110″), a display panel 120 (120′ and 120″), a flexible film 130 (130′ and 130″), a source printed circuit board 140 (140′ and 140″), a flexible cable 170 (170′ and 170″), and a control printed circuit board 180 (180′ and 180″).

[0085] The display panels 120 (120' and 120'") are configured to display images to a user. The display panels 120 (120' and 120') may include display elements for displaying images, driving elements for driving the display elements, and lines for transmitting various signals to the display elements and driving elements. The display elements can be defined differently depending on the type of display panel 120 (120' and 120'). For example, if the display panels 120 (120' and 120') are organic light-emitting display panels, the display elements may each be organic light-emitting elements comprising an anode, an organic emitting layer, and a cathode. For example, if the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″) is a liquid crystal display panel, then the display element can be a liquid crystal display element. In the following, the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″) will be assumed to be an organic light-emitting display panel, but the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″) is not limited to organic light-emitting display panels. Furthermore, since the display device 100 according to the embodiments of this disclosure is a rollable display device, the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″) can be implemented as a flexible display panel to be wound or unfolded.

[0086] The display panel 120 (120′ and 120″) may include a display area AA and a non-display area NA.

[0087] The display area AA refers to the area on the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″) where an image is displayed. Within the display area AA, multiple sub-pixels forming multiple pixels and circuitry for driving these sub-pixels can be provided. The multiple sub-pixels are the smallest unit of the display area AA, and display elements can be disposed on each of the multiple sub-pixels. The multiple sub-pixels can form a pixel. For example, an organic light-emitting element including an anode, an organic emitting layer, and a cathode can be disposed on each of the multiple sub-pixels, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the circuitry for driving the multiple sub-pixels can include driving elements and lines. For example, the circuitry can include thin-film transistors (TFTs), storage capacitors, gate lines, data lines, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0088] The non-display area NA refers to the area where no image is displayed. Various lines and circuits for driving the organic light-emitting elements in the display area AA can be provided in the non-display area NA. For example, link lines for transmitting signals to multiple sub-pixels and circuits in the display area AA, or driver ICs such as gate driver ICs and data driver ICs, can be provided in the non-display area NA. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0089] One end of the non-display area NA can be referred to as the pad and can be inserted into and secured in the winding unit 190.

[0090] The flexible films 130 (130′ and 130″) include various components on a flexible base film. Specifically, the flexible films 130 (130′ and 130″) are used to provide signals to multiple sub-pixels and circuits in the display area AA. The flexible films 130 (130′ and 130″) can be electrically connected to the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″). The flexible films 130 (130′ and 130″) are disposed on one end of the non-display area NA of the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″), i.e., the pad portion, and provide power voltage, data voltage, etc., to multiple sub-pixels and circuits in the display area AA. Figure 4 Four flexible membranes 130 (130′ and 130″) are shown. However, the number of flexible membranes 130 (130′ and 130″) is not limited to this and can be varied according to the design.

[0091] Driver ICs, such as gate driver ICs and data driver ICs, can be disposed on the flexible films 130 (130′ and 130″). The driver ICs are configured to process data for displaying images and drive signals for processing the data. The driver ICs can be mounted using a chip-on-glass (COG) method, a chip-on-film (COF) method, or a tape-on-carrier (TCP) method. For ease of description, the driver ICs are described as being mounted on the flexible films 130 (130′ and 130″) using a COF method, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0092] Source printed circuit boards 140 (140′ and 140″) are disposed on and connected to one end of flexible films 130 (130′ and 130″). Source printed circuit boards 140 (140′ and 140″) are configured to provide signals to a driver IC. Source printed circuit boards 140 (140′ and 140″) provide various signals to the driver IC, such as drive signals and data signals. For example, a data driver that generates data signals can be mounted in source printed circuit boards 140 (140′ and 140″). The generated data signals can be provided to multiple sub-pixels and circuits in the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″) through the flexible films 130 (130′ and 130″). Figure 4 A single source printed circuit board 140 (140′ and 140″) is shown. However, the number of source printed circuit boards 140 (140′ and 140″) is not limited to this and can be varied according to the design.

[0093] A flexible cable 170 (170' and 170'") can be provided to be electrically connected to one end of the source printed circuit board 140 (140' and 140''). For example, one end of the flexible cable 170 (170' and 170'') can be connected to the source printed circuit board 140 (140' and 140''), and the other end can be connected to the control printed circuit board 180 (180' and 180''). Therefore, the source printed circuit board 140 (140' and 140'') and the control printed circuit board 180 (180' and 180'') can be electrically connected to each other. The flexible cable 170 (170' and 170'') can be, for example, a flexible flat cable (FFC), but is not limited to this.

[0094] Control printed circuit boards 180 (180′ and 180″) can be disposed on the other end of flexible cables 170 (170′ and 170″). Specifically, control printed circuit boards 180 (180′ and 180″) can be configured to be electrically connected to source printed circuit boards 140 (140′ and 140″) via flexible cables 170 (170′ and 170″). Control printed circuit boards 180 (180′ and 180″) can provide timing signals, power signals, etc., to driver ICs for controlling driver ICs such as gate drivers and data drivers. For example, IC chips such as timing controllers and power controllers can be mounted in control printed circuit boards 180 (180′ and 180″). The timing controllers and power controllers generate gate control signals such as gate start pulses, gate shift clocks, and gate output enable signals, and data control signals such as source start pulses, source sampling clocks, and source output enable signals.

[0095] Rear covers 110 (110′ and 110″) are disposed on the rear surfaces of the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″), the flexible film 130 (130′ and 130″), and the source printed circuit board 140 (140′ and 140″). The rear covers 110 (110′ and 110″) support the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″), the flexible film 130 (130′ and 130″), and the source printed circuit board 140 (140′ and 140″). Therefore, the rear covers 110 (110′ and 110″) can be larger in size than the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″). Thus, the rear covers 110 (110′ and 110″) can protect other components of the display units DP′ and DP″ from external environmental influences. The back covers 110 (110′ and 110″) can be formed of a rigid material, but at least a portion of the back covers 110 (110′ and 110″) can be flexible to be wound or unfolded together with the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″). For example, the back covers 110 (110′ and 110″) can be formed of a metallic material such as stainless steel (SUS) or Invar alloy, or a plastic. However, the material of the back covers 110 (110′ and 110″) is not limited to this. The material of the back covers 110 (110′ and 110″) can be varied according to the design, as long as it meets the property requirements such as thermal deformation, radius of curvature, stiffness, etc.

[0096] Reference Figure 5 The display panel 120 (120′ and 120″) may include a substrate 121, a buffer layer 122, an emitting layer including a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes and referred to herein as a “pixel unit” 123, an encapsulation layer 124, and an encapsulation substrate 125.

[0097] The substrate 121 serves as a base member supporting various components of the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″) and can be formed of an insulating material. The substrate 121 can be formed of a flexible material so that the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″) can be wound or unfolded. For example, the substrate 121 can be formed of a plastic material such as polyimide (PI).

[0098] The buffer layer 122 can suppress the diffusion of moisture and / or oxygen that permeates from the outside of the substrate 121. The buffer layer 122 can be formed as a single layer or multiple layers of silicon oxide (SiOx) and silicon nitride (SiNx), but is not limited thereto.

[0099] Pixel unit 123 includes a plurality of organic light-emitting elements and circuitry for driving the organic light-emitting elements. Pixel unit 123 may correspond to display area AA. Each organic light-emitting element may include an anode, an organic emitting layer, and a cathode.

[0100] The anode can supply holes to the organic emitter layer and can be formed of a conductive material with a high work function. For example, the anode can be formed of tin oxide (TO), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium zinc tin oxide (ITZO), etc., but is not limited to these.

[0101] The organic emitting layer can receive holes from the anode and electrons from the cathode, thus emitting light. The organic emitting layer can be one of red, green, blue, or white, depending on the color of the light emitted. If the organic emitting layer is white, color filters of various colors can also be configured.

[0102] The cathode can provide electrons to the organic emitter layer and can be formed of a conductive material with a low work function. For example, the cathode can be formed of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of metals such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), and aluminum (Al) and their alloys, but is not limited thereto.

[0103] Display panels 120 (120′ and 120″) can be classified as top-emitting or bottom-emitting based on the transmission direction of light emitted from the organic light-emitting element.

[0104] In the top-emitting type, light emitted from the organic light-emitting element is released towards the upper side of the substrate 121 on which the organic light-emitting element is formed. If the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″) is a top-emitting type, a reflective layer may also be provided below the anode. This is to release the light emitted from the organic light-emitting element towards the upper side of the substrate 121, i.e., towards the cathode.

[0105] In the bottom-emitting type, light emitted from the organic light-emitting element is released towards the underside of the substrate 121 on which the organic light-emitting element is formed. If the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″) is bottom-emitting, the anode can be formed only of a transparent conductive material and the cathode can be formed of a metallic material with high reflectivity. This is to release the light emitted from the organic light-emitting element towards the underside of the substrate 121.

[0106] In the following description, for ease of description, the display device 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described as a bottom-emitting type display device, but is not limited thereto.

[0107] In pixel unit 123, circuitry for driving organic light-emitting elements can be provided. This circuitry may include TFTs, storage capacitors, gate lines, data lines, power lines, etc. The components of the circuitry can be varied according to the design of the display device 100.

[0108] An encapsulation layer 124 covering the pixel unit 123 may be disposed on the pixel unit 123. The encapsulation layer 124 seals the organic light-emitting element of the pixel unit 123. The encapsulation layer 124 can protect the organic light-emitting element of the pixel unit 123 from external moisture, oxygen, and impact. The encapsulation layer 124 can be formed by alternately stacking multiple inorganic layers and multiple organic layers. For example, the inorganic layers can be formed from inorganic materials such as silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), and aluminum oxide (AlOx), but are not limited thereto. For example, the organic layers can be formed from epoxy-based or acrylic-based polymers, but are not limited thereto.

[0109] An encapsulation substrate 125 may be disposed on an encapsulation layer 124. The encapsulation substrate 125, together with the encapsulation layer 124, protects the organic light-emitting element of the pixel unit 123. The encapsulation substrate 125 protects the organic light-emitting element of the pixel unit 123 from external moisture, oxygen, and impact. The encapsulation substrate 125 may be formed of a metallic material with high corrosion resistance and easily processed into foil or thin film. Examples of metallic materials may include aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and alloys of iron (Fe) and Ni. Because the encapsulation substrate 125 is formed of a metallic material, it can be implemented in the form of an ultrathin film and can provide high resistance to external impacts and scratches.

[0110] A first adhesive layer AD1 may be disposed between the encapsulation layer 124 and the encapsulation substrate 125. The first adhesive layer AD1 can bond the encapsulation layer 124 to the encapsulation substrate 125. The first adhesive layer AD1 may be formed of an adhesive material and may be a thermosetting or naturally curing adhesive. For example, the first adhesive layer AD1 may be formed of an optically transparent adhesive (OCA), a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0111] The first adhesive layer AD1 can be configured to cover the encapsulation layer 124 and the pixel unit 123. That is, the pixel unit 123 can be sealed by the buffer layer 122 and the encapsulation layer 124, and the encapsulation layer 124 and the pixel unit 123 can be sealed by the buffer layer 122 and the first adhesive layer AD1. The first adhesive layer AD1, together with the encapsulation layer 124 and the encapsulation substrate 125, can protect the organic light-emitting element of the pixel unit 123 from external moisture, oxygen, and impact. In this document, the first adhesive layer AD1 may also contain a hygroscopic agent. The hygroscopic agent may include hygroscopic particles and can absorb moisture and oxygen from the outside to minimize the penetration of moisture and oxygen into the pixel unit 123.

[0112] Rear covers 110 (110′ and 110″) are disposed on the encapsulation substrate 125. The rear covers 110 (110′ and 110″) may be configured to contact the encapsulation substrate 125 of the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″) to protect the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″). The rear covers 110 (110′ and 110″) may be formed of a rigid material to protect the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″).

[0113] The back cover 110 (110′ and 110″) includes a plurality of openings 111. The plurality of openings 111 enable the back cover 110 (110′ and 110″) to be flexible. The plurality of openings 111 can be flexibly deformed and enable the back cover 110 (110′ and 110″) to be wound together with or unwound from the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″) onto the winding unit 190.

[0114] A second adhesive layer AD2 (AD2' and AD2') can be provided between the encapsulation substrate 125 of the display panel 120 (120' and 120'") and the back cover 110 (110' and 110'). The second adhesive layer AD2 (AD2' and AD2') can bond the encapsulation substrate 125 and the back cover 110 (110' and 110'). The second adhesive layer AD2 (AD2' and AD2') can be formed of an adhesive material and can be a thermosetting or naturally curing adhesive. For example, the second adhesive layer AD2 (AD2' and AD2') can be formed of an optically clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0115] Figure 5 The diagram shows that multiple openings 111 of the rear cover 110 (110′ and 110″) are not filled with the second adhesive layer AD2 (AD2′ and AD2″). However, some or all of the multiple openings 111 of the rear cover 110 (110′ and 110″) may be filled with the second adhesive layer AD2 (AD2′ and AD2″). When the second adhesive layer AD2 (AD2′ and AD2″) fills the multiple openings 111 of the rear cover 110 (110′ and 110″), the contact area between the second adhesive layer AD2 (AD2′ and AD2″) and the rear cover 110 (110′ and 110″) increases. Therefore, separation between them can be suppressed.

[0116] although Figure 5Although not shown, a transparent film may also be provided on the rear surface of the substrate 121. The transparent film may be used to protect the front surface of the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″) or to minimize the reflection of external light incident on the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″). For example, the transparent film may be at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, cyclic olefin polymer (COP) film, anti-reflective film, polarizing film, and transmittance controllable film, but is not limited thereto.

[0117] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 3 The winding unit 190 is described in more detail.

[0118] Detailed configuration of the winding unit

[0119] Reference Figure 3 The winding unit 190 of the display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a central portion or core, which may be referred to as a "fastening unit" 191, into which the ends of each of the display units DP′ and DP″ are inserted. The winding unit 190 also includes a body 192 fastened to the fastening unit 191 when the control printed circuit boards 180′ and 180″ are inserted. The fastening unit 191 and the body 192 may be formed as a bilateral symmetrical pair, but are not limited thereto. Furthermore, the pair of fastening units 191 and the body 192 may have a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section, but are not limited thereto.

[0120] The pad or non-pad portion of the non-display area NA of the tiled display units DP′ and DP″ can be inserted into the fastening unit 191. Furthermore, the flexible film 130 (130′ and 130″) electrically connected to the display panel 120 (120′ and 120″), the entire source printed circuit board 140 (140′ and 140″), and a portion of the flexible cable 170 (170′ and 170″) can be inserted into the fastening unit 191.

[0121] The body 192 may have a semi-cylindrical shape with a semi-circular cross-section, but is not limited thereto. Another portion of the flexible cables 170 (170′ and 170″) and the control printed circuit boards 180′ and 180″ may be inserted into the body 192, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The body 192 may be hinged to the fastening unit 191, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0122] The winding unit 190 may also include a pressing member 193 for fastening the body 192 to the fastening unit 191 or for winding or unwinding the display units DP′ and DP″. The pressing member 193 may include, but is not limited to, additional fastening members for fastening the body 192 to the fastening unit 191.

[0123] In the display device 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, large-area display units DP′ and DP″ can be achieved without reducing production volume by tiling two or more display units DP′ and DP″, and the size of the winding unit 190 can be reduced.

[0124] like Figure 3 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pad or non-pad portion of the non-display area NA of the tiled display units DP′ and DP″ is inserted into the fastening unit 191. Therefore, only the display area AA is visible on the light-emitting surface. Thus, the bezels of the large-area display units DP′ and DP″ can be removed, thereby improving the aesthetics of the display device.

[0125] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 6A and Figure 6B A more detailed description of the back cover 110.

[0126] Detailed configuration of the back cover

[0127] Figure 6A This is a plan view of the rear cover of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A magnified view of area "B". Figure 6A and Figure 6B Only shown Figure 4 and Figure 5 The back cover 110 is shown in the image.

[0128] Reference Figure 6A and Figure 6B The rear cover 110 may include a support region PA and a flexible region MA. For example, the rear cover 110 may include a first support region PA1 at the uppermost end of the rear cover 110, a second support region PA2 at the lowermost end of the rear cover 110, and a flexible region MA between the first support region PA1 and the second support region PA2.

[0129] The first support region PA1 of the rear cover 110 is the uppermost region of the rear cover 110 and is fastened to a vertically extending, generally cylindrical support winder, which may be referred to herein as a "vertical support unit". The first support region PA1 may include a first alignment hole AH1 for fastening to the vertical support unit. Furthermore, screws passing through the vertical support unit and the first alignment hole AH1 may be configured to fasten the vertical support unit to the first support region PA1 of the rear cover 110. Because the first support region PA1 is fastened to the vertical support unit, the rear cover 110 can be wound inward or outward simultaneously as the vertical support unit is wound (or rotated). The display panel 120 attached to the rear cover 110 can also be wound inward or outward. Figure 6AFive first alignment holes AH1 are shown, but the number of first alignment holes AH1 is not limited to this. Furthermore, Figure 6A The diagram illustrates securing the rear cover 110 to the vertical support unit using the first alignment hole AH1. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The rear cover 110 can also be secured to the vertical support unit without the alignment hole. Reference will be made later. Figures 7 to 10 Describe the details of the vertical support unit.

[0130] The second support region PA2 of the rear cover 110 is the lowest region of the rear cover 110 and is fastened to the winding unit 190. The second support region PA2 may include a second alignment hole AH2 for fastening to the winding unit 190. Furthermore, screws passing through the winding unit 190 and the second alignment hole AH2 can be configured to fasten the winding unit 190 to the second support region PA2 of the rear cover 110. Because the second support region PA2 is fastened to the winding unit 190, the rear cover 110 can be wound onto or unwound from the winding unit 190 by rotation of the winding unit 190. Figure 6A Two second alignment holes AH2 are shown, but the number of second alignment holes AH2 is not limited to this. Furthermore, Figure 6A The rear cover 110 is shown being secured to the winding unit 190 using the second alignment hole AH2. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The rear cover 110 can also be secured to the winding unit 190 and the vertical support unit without the alignment hole.

[0131] The flexible region MA of the back cover 110 is wound together with or unwound from the winding unit 190 along with the display panel 120. The flexible region MA may overlap with the display panel 120 in at least other components of the display units DP′ and DP″.

[0132] Multiple openings 111 can be provided in the flexible area MA of the back cover 110. During the winding or unfolding of the display units DP′ and DP″, the multiple openings 111 can deform due to the stress applied to the display units DP′ and DP″. That is, during the winding or unfolding of the display units DP′ and DP″, the flexible area MA of the back cover 110 may deform as the multiple openings 111 contract or expand. Furthermore, due to the contraction or expansion of the multiple openings 111, the sliding phenomenon of the display panel 120 provided on the flexible area MA of the back cover 110 can be minimized. Therefore, the stress applied to the display panel 120 can be minimized.

[0133] During the winding of the display panel 120 and the back cover 110, there is a length difference between the display panel 120 and the back cover 110 wound on the winding unit 190. This is because there is a difference in the radius of curvature between the display panel 120 and the back cover 110. For example, when the back cover 110 and the display panel 120 are wound on the winding unit 190, the back cover 110 and the display panel 120 may require different lengths to be wound once on the winding unit 190. That is, the display panel 120 is positioned further away from the winding unit 190 than the back cover 110, and therefore the display panel 120 may require a greater length than the back cover 110 to be wound once on the winding unit 190. Therefore, the difference in the radius of curvature during the winding of display units DP′ and DP″ results in a difference in the winding length of the back cover 110 and the display panel 120. Consequently, the display panel 120 attached to the back cover 110 may slide and move from its original position. In this case, the phenomenon of the display panel 120 sliding from the back cover 110 due to the difference in stress and radius of curvature caused by winding can be defined as a sliding phenomenon. If excessive sliding occurs, the display panel 120 may separate from the back cover 110 or defects such as cracks may occur.

[0134] In the display device 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, even when the display units DP′ and DP″ are stressed by winding or unfolding, the plurality of openings 111 of the back cover 110 can be flexibly deformed to reduce the stress applied to the back cover 110 and the display panel 120.

[0135] Reference Figure 6A and Figure 6B Multiple openings 111 are offset from multiple openings 111 in adjacent rows. For example, multiple openings 111 in a row are offset from multiple openings 111 in rows adjacent to that row. Specifically, the center of multiple openings 111 in odd-numbered rows may be offset from the center of multiple openings 111 in even-numbered rows by, for example, half of the row direction width 111WR of each opening 111, or, for example, half of the sum of the row direction width 111WR and the row direction width of the gap between adjacent openings 111. Figure 6A The placement of the multiple openings 111 shown is merely an example, but not a limitation.

[0136] Since adjacent rows of the multiple openings 111 are offset from each other, the distance 111WB between the aligned openings 111 in the column direction can be minimized. Specifically, in the flexible region MA, the distance between the aligned openings 111 in the column direction can have stiffness. Furthermore, during the winding of the back cover 110, the back cover 110 needs to bend in the column direction. Therefore, as the length 111WB of the partial region between the aligned openings 111 in the column direction increases, the back cover 110 may become more difficult to bend in the column direction. Since the multiple openings 111 are offset row by row, the distance 111WB between the aligned openings 111 in the column direction can be minimized compared to the case where the openings 111 are not offset row by row. Furthermore, the region between the multiple openings 111 can be minimized. The distance 111WB between the aligned openings 111 in the column direction is minimized and the flexible region MA extends continuously in the column direction to remove the region where the multiple openings 111 are not provided. Therefore, the length 111WB of the region with stiffness between the multiple openings 111 in the column direction can be minimized. Therefore, the rigidity of the back cover 110 can be increased without hindering the winding or unfolding of the back cover 110.

[0137] Reference Figure 6B Multiple openings 111 have a row-direction maximum width 111WR greater than the column-direction maximum width 111WC. That is, as... Figure 6B As shown, the maximum width 111WR of the plurality of openings 111 in the transverse direction can be greater than the maximum width 111WC of the plurality of openings 111 in the vertical direction. As the row-direction width 111WR of the plurality of openings 111 increases, the flexible region MA of the back cover 110 can become more easily deformed. Specifically, during the winding of the back cover 110, the back cover 110 can be bent in the column direction and stress can be applied to expand the plurality of openings 111 in the column direction. In this case, if the row-direction width 111WR of the plurality of openings 111 increases, the column-direction width 111WC of the plurality of openings 111 can increase when the plurality of openings 111 are stretched in the column direction. Furthermore, when the plurality of openings 111 expand in the column direction, the stress applied to the flexible region MA can be reduced. Therefore, by increasing the row-direction width 111WR of the plurality of openings 111, the flexible region MA of the back cover 110 can be easily wound or unwound, and the stress applied to the flexible region MA can be reduced.

[0138] As the column-direction width 111WC of the multiple openings 111 increases, handling the multiple openings 111 becomes easier. However, when the column-direction width 111WC of the multiple openings 111 increases, the aperture ratio of the multiple openings 111 in the flexible region MA increases. Furthermore, the contact area between the display panel 120 attached to the flexible region MA and the back cover 110 decreases. In this case, if the overlapping area between the display panel 120 and the back cover 110—that is, the contact area between the back cover 110 and the second adhesive layer AD2—decreases, the back cover 110 may separate from the second adhesive layer AD2. Therefore, the column-direction width 111WC of the multiple openings 111 can be controlled to control the adhesive strength between the display panel 120 and the back cover 110, thereby suppressing separation between them. Furthermore, the row-direction width 111WR of the multiple openings 111 can be controlled to allow the back cover 110 to have high flexibility.

[0139] In this case, the plurality of openings 111 formed in the flexible region MA are not formed in the first support region PA1 and the second support region PA2. That is, only the first alignment hole AH1 and the second alignment hole AH2 are formed in each of the first support region PA1 and the second support region PA2. However, the plurality of openings 111 formed in the flexible region MA are not formed in the first support region PA1 and the second support region PA2. Furthermore, the first alignment hole AH1 and the second alignment hole AH2 are different in shape from the plurality of openings 111. The first support region PA1 and the second support region PA2 are respectively fixed to the vertical support unit and the winding unit 190, and need to have higher stiffness than the flexible region MA. Specifically, the first support region PA1 and the second support region PA2 have stiffness. Therefore, the first support region PA1 and the second support region PA2 can be firmly fixed to the vertical support unit and the winding unit 190, respectively.

[0140] In the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a rear cover 110 including a plurality of openings 111 is provided on the rear surface of the display panel 120 to support and protect the display panel 120. The rear cover 110 may be formed of a metallic material and therefore may have rigidity. Furthermore, the flexible region MA of the rear cover 110 on which the display panel 120 is provided includes a plurality of openings 111, and therefore the rear cover 110 may have improved flexibility. Thus, in the fully unfolded state of the display units DP′ and DP″ of the display device 100, the rear cover 110, formed of a rigid material and having high rigidity, can support the display panel 120 to flatten it. In the fully wound state of the display units DP′ and DP″ of the display device 100, the rear cover 110, which has high flexibility due to the plurality of openings 111, can be wound around the winding unit 190 and accommodated together with the display panel 120.

[0141] Furthermore, in the display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the row direction width 111WR of the plurality of openings 111 can be controlled to make the back cover 110 flexible. Furthermore, the stress applied to the back cover 110 during winding can be reduced. That is, during the winding of the back cover 110 and the display panel 120 onto the winding unit 190, the back cover 110 can be bent in the column direction and stress can be applied to expand the plurality of openings 111 in the column direction. Since the plurality of openings 111 have a large row direction width 111WR, the plurality of openings 111 can be easily expanded in the column direction during the winding of the back cover 110 and the display panel 120 onto the winding unit 190. Furthermore, the stress applied to the back cover 110 can be reduced. Therefore, in the display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, by controlling the row direction width 111WR of the plurality of openings 111, the flexibility of the back cover 110 can be improved. Therefore, the back cover 110 and the display panel 120 can be easily wound onto the winding unit 190. Furthermore, since the multiple openings 111 can reduce the stress applied to the back cover 110 and the display panel 120 while expanding in the column direction, damage to the display panel 120 can be suppressed.

[0142] Furthermore, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the column direction width 111WC of the plurality of openings 111 can be controlled to control the adhesive strength between the back cover 110 and the display panel 120. Specifically, the display panel 120 is attached to a flexible region MA of the back cover 110. In this case, as the aperture ratio of the plurality of openings 111 in the flexible region MA increases, the contact area between the display panel 120 and the back cover 110 decreases. Therefore, the adhesive strength between the display panel 120 and the back cover 110 may decrease. However, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of openings 111 in the back cover 110 has a small column direction width 111WC. Therefore, the aperture ratio of the plurality of openings 111 can be reduced and the contact area between the display panel 120 and the back cover 110 can be increased. As the contact area between the display panel 120 and the back cover 110 increases, the adhesive strength between the display panel 120 and the back cover 110 can be improved. Therefore, in the display device 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, by controlling the column direction width 111WC of the plurality of openings 111, the adhesive strength between the back cover 110 and the display panel 120 can be maintained at a certain level or higher to suppress separation between them.

[0143] Support structure for display unit

[0144] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8This is an enlarged view of the winding unit of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9A This is an enlarged view of the vertical support unit of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9B It is along Figure 9A A cross-sectional view taken by line IX-IX′. Figure 10 This is a plan view of the horizontal support unit of a display device provided to illustrate an embodiment of the present disclosure. (and) Figure 9A and Figure 9B The components associated with the vertical support unit 150 shown can be applied to two vertical support units 150' and 150'' connected to the ends of the left display unit DP' and the right display unit DP'''. For ease of description, the symbols ' and '' have been omitted from the reference numerals. Figure 9B The configuration of the display panel 120 is not shown.

[0145] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The winding unit 190 is configured to accommodate the pad or non-pad portion of the non-display area NA of the display units DP' and DP'' and to secure the pad or non-pad portion of the non-display area NA of the display units DP' and DP'' to it. Each display unit DP' and DP'' may be accommodated by being wound around the outer surface of the winding unit 190 by inward and / or outward winding, but is not limited thereto. Therefore, the winding unit 190 may have a cylindrical shape such that each display unit DP' and DP'' can be accommodated by being wound around the outer surface of the winding unit 190 by inward and / or outward winding, but is not limited thereto.

[0146] The winding unit 190 may include a base with pulleys at its lower end, which may be referred to as the "moving unit" 195. The moving unit 195 is configured to move the display device 100 and wind or fix the display units DP' and DP''. The winding unit 190 and the moving unit 195 may rotate together. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Each of the winding unit 190 and the moving unit 195 may rotate independently.

[0147] The moving unit 195 may include a body 195a fastened to the winding unit 190 and a moving member 195b, such as a wheel or a winder, below the body 195a. Figure 8 Four movable members 195b are shown, but the number of movable members 195b is not limited to this. The movable members 195b can move during the winding of the display units DP′ and DP″ and can be fixed when an image is displayed on the display panel 120.

[0148] The body 195a of the moving unit 195 may have a cylindrical shape similar to that of the winding unit 190, but is not limited thereto. If the body 195a of the moving unit 195 is cylindrical, it may have a larger diameter than that of the winding unit 190.

[0149] Reference Figure 7 , Figure 9A and Figure 9B The display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include vertical support units 150 (150′ and 150″) to fix the side surfaces of display units DP′ and DP″. Furthermore, the vertical support units 150 (150′ and 150″) may assist in the winding of display units DP′ and DP″ by the winding unit 190, or may themselves wind display units DP′ and DP″.

[0150] The vertical support units 150 (150′ and 150″) are configured to secure the pad or non-pad portion of another non-display area NA of the display units DP′ and DP″ to them. Each display unit DP′ and DP″ can be accommodated by being wound inward and / or outward on the outer surface of the winding unit 190. In this case, the side surfaces of each display unit DP′ and DP″ wound inward and / or outward can be secured to the vertical support unit 150 (150′ and 150″). However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The vertical support unit 150 (150′ and 150″) itself can be used to wind the display units DP′ and DP″. In this case, each display unit DP′ and DP″ can be wound inward and / or outward by winding (or rotating) each vertical support unit 150 (150′ and 150″) counterclockwise and / or clockwise when viewed from above. Each display unit DP′ and DP″ can be accommodated by being wound around the outer surface of each vertical support unit 150 (150′ and 150″).

[0151] As described above, the first support region PA1 of the rear cover 110 is the uppermost region of the rear cover 110 and is fastened to the vertical support unit 150 (150′ and 150″). The first support region PA1 may include a first alignment hole AH1 for fastening to the vertical support unit 150 (150′ and 150″). In this case, for example, in each display unit DP′ and DP″, the first support region PA1 of the rear cover 110 may be fastened to the alignment groove of the vertical support unit 150 (150′ and 150″). Furthermore, with the first support region PA1 of the rear cover 110 fastened to the alignment groove of the vertical support unit 150 (150′ and 150″), the screw 154 may pass through the vertical support unit 150 (150′ and 150″) and the first alignment hole AH1. Therefore, the vertical support units 150 (150′ and 150″) can be fastened to the first support region PA1 of the rear cover 110. Since the first support region PA1 is fastened to the vertical support units 150 (150′ and 150″), the rear cover 110 can be wound inward and / or outward during rotation of the vertical support units 150 (150′ and 150″). In addition, the display panel 120 attached to the rear cover 110 can also be wound inward or outward. Similar to the winding unit 190, the vertical support units 150 (150′ and 150″) can have a cylindrical shape for winding the display units DP′ and DP″, but are not limited thereto.

[0152] Furthermore, the vertical support units 150 (150′ and 150″) may include movable units 155 (155′ and 155″) on their lower side. The movable units 155 are configured to move the display device 100 and to wind or fix the display units DP′ and DP″. The vertical support units 150 (150′ and 150″) and the movable units 155 (155′ and 155″) can rotate together. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Each of the vertical support units 150 (150′ and 150″) and the movable units 155 (155′ and 155″) can rotate independently.

[0153] In this case, the moving unit 155 (155′ and 155″) may include a body 151 fastened to the vertical support unit 150 (150′ and 150″) and a moving member 152, such as a wheel or a winder, below the body 151. Figure 9A Four movable members 152 are shown, but the number of movable members 152 is not limited to this. The movable members 152 can move during the movement or winding of the display units DP′ and DP″ and can be fixed when an image is displayed on the display panel 120.

[0154] The body 151 of the moving unit 155 (155′ and 155″) may have a cylindrical shape similar to, but not limited to, the vertical support unit 150 (150′ and 150″). If the body 151 of the moving unit 155 (155′ and 155″) is cylindrical, it may have a larger diameter than the vertical support unit 150 (150′ and 150″).

[0155] Reference Figure 10 The display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include horizontally extending support rails, which may be referred to herein as “horizontal support units” 160a and 160b. The horizontal support units 160a and 160b are configured to fix the display units DP′ and DP″ in their fully extended state and to prevent the display units DP′ and DP″ from winding.

[0156] Horizontal support units 160a and 160b are configured to be fastened to the upper and lower ends of the winding unit 190 and the vertical support units 150 (150′ and 150″).

[0157] Horizontal support units 160a and 160b may include an upper horizontal support unit 160a fastened to the upper ends of the winding unit 190 and the vertical support units 150 (150′ and 150″). Furthermore, horizontal support units 160a and 160b may include a lower horizontal support unit 160b fastened to the lower ends of the winding unit 190 and the vertical support units 150 (150′ and 150″). However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. A display device 100 according to embodiments of this disclosure may include only one of the upper horizontal support unit 160a and the lower horizontal support unit 160b.

[0158] Horizontal support units 160a and 160b may include a plurality of fastening members 161a and 161b fastened to the upper and lower ends of the winding unit 190 and the vertical support unit 150 (150′ and 150″). In addition, horizontal support units 160a and 160b may include a plurality of connecting members 162a and 162b connecting the plurality of fastening members 161a and 161b.

[0159] During the winding or coiling of display units DP′ and DP″, multiple connecting members 162a and 162b may be wound around multiple fastening members 161a and 161b. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The multiple connecting members 162a and 162b may have various configurations and may be configured to increase or decrease in length as needed.

[0160] In the display device 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a large-area display device 100 can be realized without reducing production volume by tiling two display units DP′ and DP″, and the size of the winding unit 190 can be reduced. Furthermore, in the display device 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the bezels of the large-area display units DP′ and DP″ can be removed, and thus the aesthetics of the display device can be improved.

[0161] In the display device 100 described in the embodiment of this disclosure, inward winding is applied to one of the display units DP′ and DP″, and outward winding is applied to the other. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, inward winding or outward winding can be applied equally to the display units DP′ and DP″. Referring to... Figure 11 , Figure 12A and Figure 12B Describe its details.

[0162] Same winding direction

[0163] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12A It is along Figure 11 A cross-sectional view taken by line XI-XI′. Figure 12B yes Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the display device rolled up. Figure 11 , Figure 12A and Figure 12B The display device 200 shown has a similar Figures 1 to 10 The display device 100 shown is essentially the same configuration as the one shown, except for the configuration of the winding unit 290 and the winders 296′ and 296″ and the winding directions of the display units DP′ and DP″. Therefore, redundant descriptions of the same components will not be provided.

[0164] Reference Figure 11 , Figure 12A and Figure 12B According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device 200 may include display units DP′ and DP″, winding unit 290, and winders 296′ and 296″.

[0165] In another embodiment of the display device 200 according to the present disclosure, large-area display units DP' and DP' can be realized by tiling two or more display units DP' and DP'', and the size of the winding unit 290 can be reduced.

[0166] Display units DP' and DP'' are configured to display images to a user. Each of the display units DP' and DP'' may include a back cover, a display panel, source printed circuit boards 240' and 240'', flexible cables 270' and 270'', and control printed circuit boards 280' and 280'''.

[0167] Two or more display units DP′ and DP″ can be laid flat on top of each other in the pad or non-pad portion of the non-display area NA. The laid-flat pad or non-pad portion can be inserted into and secured in the winding unit 290. Figure 11 , Figure 12A and Figure 12B As shown, the pad portion, which is bent at the edge, can be applied to the non-display area NA. Furthermore, outward winding can be applied to both the left display unit DP′ and the right display unit DP″, and can be extended indefinitely. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and inward winding can be applied to both the left display unit DP′ and the right display unit DP″.

[0168] In such Figure 11 In the display device 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure shown, a single winding unit 290 is disposed in the middle of the display device 200. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the display device 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, circuit components—namely, source printed circuit boards 240′ and 240″, flexible cables 270′ and 270″, and control printed circuit boards 280′ and 280″—are precisely inserted into and fixed in the winding unit 290. The winding of display units DP′ and DP″ is achieved by winders 296′ and 296″ disposed on the sides of display units DP′ and DP″.

[0169] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the display device 200 can reduce its size by clustering the circuit components in the winding unit 290 in the middle of the display device 200. Once the source printed circuit boards 240′ and 240″ are fixed, they cannot be rolled up. Therefore, winding reliability can be ensured.

[0170] The winding unit 290 is configured to accommodate the pad or non-pad portion of the non-display area NA of the display units DP′ and DP″ and to secure the pad or non-pad portion of the non-display area NA of the display units DP′ and DP″ to it.

[0171] Display units DP′ and DP″ can be accommodated by being wound inward and / or outward on the outer surfaces of winders 296′ and 296″ respectively, but are not limited thereto.

[0172] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the display units DP′ and DP″ of the display device 200 can be switched from a fully unfolded state to a fully wound state or from a fully wound state to a fully unfolded state.

[0173] Figure 11 and Figure 12A The fully extended state of the display units DP′ and DP″ of the display device 200 is shown. The fully extended state refers to the state in which the display units DP′ and DP″ of the display device 200 are extended and fully stretched.

[0174] Figure 12B The partial winding state of the display units DP′ and DP″ of the display device 200 is shown. The partial winding state refers to the state in which the display units DP′ and DP″ of the display device 200 are partially wound on the outer surfaces of the winders 296′ and 296″, respectively, by winding inward and / or outward.

[0175] The winders 296′ and 296″ may include a first winder 296′ secured to and wound on one side of the left display unit DP′ and a second winder 296″ secured to and wound on one side of the right display unit DP″.

[0176] For example, when the first winder 296' rotates clockwise in the second direction, i.e., when viewed from above, the left display unit DP' can be wound around the first winder 296' by winding outwards. Therefore, the rear surface of the left display unit DP' can be in close contact with the outer surface of the first winder 296'. When the second winder 296″ rotates counterclockwise in the first direction (viewed from above), the right display unit DP″ can be wound around the second winder 296″ by winding outwards. Therefore, the rear surface of the right display unit DP″ can be in close contact with the outer surface of the second winder 296″. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. When the first winder 296′ rotates counterclockwise in the first direction (viewed from above), the left display unit DP′ can be wound around the first winder 296′ by winding inwards. Therefore, the front surface of the left display unit DP′ can be in close contact with the outer surface of the first winder 296′. Furthermore, when the second winder 296″ rotates clockwise in the second direction (viewed from above), the right display unit DP″ can be wound around the second winder 296″ by winding inwards. Therefore, the front surface of the right display unit DP″ can be in close contact with the outer surface of the second winder 296″.

[0177] Winders 296′ and 296″ can be used as the aforementioned vertical support units configured to fix the side surfaces of display units DP′ and DP″. In this case, the first support area of ​​the rear cover can be fastened to the fastening grooves of winders 296′ and 296″. Each of winders 296′ and 296″ may also include a moving unit on its underside. The moving unit is configured to move the display device 200 and wind or fix the display units DP′ and DP″.

[0178] In another embodiment of the display device 200 according to the present disclosure, a large-area display device 200 can be realized without reducing production volume by tiling two display units DP′ and DP″, and the size of the winding unit can be reduced. Furthermore, in another embodiment of the display device 200 according to the present disclosure, the winding directions of the two display units DP′ and DP″ can be set as needed.

[0179] Circuit components inserted into the winding machine

[0180] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a display device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14A It is along Figure 13 A cross-sectional view taken by line XIII-XIII′. Figure 14B yes Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the display device rolled up. Figure 13 , Figure 14A and Figure 14B The display device 300 shown has a similar Figures 1 to 10 The display device 100 shown is essentially the same configuration as the one shown, except for the configuration of the winding unit 390 and the winders 396′ and 396″ and the insertion positions of the circuit components. Therefore, redundant descriptions of the same components will not be provided where possible.

[0181] Reference Figure 13 , Figure 14A and Figure 14B According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device 300 may include display units DP′ and DP″, a winding unit 390, and winders 396′ and 396″.

[0182] In another embodiment of the display device 300 according to the present disclosure, large-area display units DP' and DP' can be realized by tiling two or more display units DP' and DP'', and the size of the winding unit 390 can be reduced.

[0183] Display units DP' and DP'' are configured to display images to a user. Each of the display units DP' and DP'' may include a back cover, a display panel, source printed circuit boards 340' and 340'', flexible cables 370' and 370'', and control printed circuit boards 380' and 380'''.

[0184] Two or more display units DP′ and DP″ can be laid flat on top of each other in the pad or non-pad portion of the non-display area NA. The laid-flat pad or non-pad portion can be inserted into and secured in the winding unit 390. Figure 13 , Figure 14A and Figure 14BAs shown, the pad portion, which is bent at the edge, can be applied to the non-display area NA. Furthermore, outward winding can be applied to both the left display unit DP′ and the right display unit DP″, and can be extended indefinitely. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and inward winding can be applied to both the left display unit DP′ and the right display unit DP″.

[0185] In such Figure 13 In the display device 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure shown, a single winding unit 390 is disposed in the middle of the display device 300. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the display device 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, circuit components—namely, source printed circuit boards 340′ and 340″, flexible cables 370′ and 370″, and control printed circuit boards 380′ and 380″—are inserted and fixed in winders 396′ and 396″ instead of winding units 390. The winding of display units DP′ and DP″ is achieved by winders 396′ and 396″ disposed on the side of display units DP′ and DP″.

[0186] The display device 300 according to another embodiment of this disclosure can be applied using current technology. The circuit components are separated and inserted into the windings 396' and 396' on both sides of the display units DP' and DP'', which is advantageous in terms of heat generation.

[0187] The winding unit 390 is configured to accommodate the pad or non-pad portion of the non-display area NA of the display units DP′ and DP″ and to secure the pad or non-pad portion of the non-display area NA of the display units DP′ and DP″ to it.

[0188] Display units DP′ and DP″ can be accommodated by being wound inward and / or outward on the outer surfaces of winders 396′ and 396″ respectively, but are not limited thereto.

[0189] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the display units DP′ and DP″ of the display device 300 can be switched from a fully unfolded state to a fully wound state or from a fully wound state to a fully unfolded state.

[0190] Figure 13 and Figure 14A The fully extended state of the display units DP′ and DP″ of the display device 300 is shown. The fully extended state refers to the state in which the display units DP′ and DP″ of the display device 300 are extended and fully stretched.

[0191] Figure 14BThe partial winding state of the display units DP′ and DP″ of the display device 300 is shown. The partial winding state refers to the state in which the display units DP′ and DP″ of the display device 300 are partially wound on the outer surfaces of the winders 396′ and 396″, respectively, by winding inward and / or outward.

[0192] The winders 396′ and 396″ may include a first winder 396′ fastened to and wound on one side of the left display unit DP′ and a second winder 396″ fastened to and wound on one side of the right display unit DP″.

[0193] For example, when the first winder 396' rotates clockwise in the second direction, i.e., when viewed from above, the left display unit DP' can be wound around the first winder 396' by winding outwards. Therefore, the rear surface of the left display unit DP' can be in close contact with the outer surface of the first winder 396'. When the second winder 396″ rotates counterclockwise in the first direction (viewed from above), the right display unit DP″ can be wound around the second winder 396″ by winding outwards. Therefore, the rear surface of the right display unit DP″ can be in close contact with the outer surface of the second winder 396″. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. When the first winder 396′ rotates counterclockwise in the first direction (viewed from above), the left display unit DP′ can be wound around the first winder 396′ by winding inwards. Therefore, the front surface of the left display unit DP′ can be in close contact with the outer surface of the first winder 396′. Furthermore, when the second winder 396″ rotates clockwise in the second direction (viewed from above), the right display unit DP″ can be wound around the second winder 396″ by winding inwards. Therefore, the front surface of the right display unit DP″ can be in close contact with the outer surface of the second winder 396″.

[0194] In another embodiment of the display device 300 according to the present disclosure, a large-area display device 300 can be realized without reducing production volume by tiling two display units DP′ and DP″, and the size of the winding unit can be reduced. Furthermore, in another embodiment of the display device 300 according to the present disclosure, the winding direction of the two display units DP′ and DP″ can be set as needed.

[0195] Implementation of infinite expansion

[0196] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16A It is along Figure 15 A cross-sectional view taken by the line XV-XV′. Figure 16B yes Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the display device rolled up. Figure 17 It is shown Figure 15 A plan view of a portion of the display device. Figure 18 It is along Figure 17 A cross-sectional view taken from line XVII-XVII′. Figures 15 to 18 The display device 400 shown has a similar Figures 1 to 10 The display device 100 shown is basically the same configuration as the one shown, except that the number of display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′ and DP″″″″ is increased. Therefore, redundant descriptions of the same components will not be provided.

[0197] Reference Figure 15 , Figure 16A and Figure 16B According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device 400 may include at least four display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′ and DP″″″″. Furthermore, the display device 400 may include at least two winding units 490′, 490″ and 490″′. Figure 15 , Figure 16A and Figure 16B Six display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′, and DP″″″″ are shown, along with three winding units 490′, 490″, and 490″′. However, the number of display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′, and DP″″″″, and the number of winding units 490′, 490″, and 490″′ are not limited to this and can be increased infinitely in the lateral direction. In this case, the number of display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′, and DP″″″″″ is 2n (n is a natural number), and the number of winding units 490′, 490″, and 490″′ is n.

[0198] In a further embodiment of the display device 400 according to the present disclosure, a large-area display unit DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′ and DP″″″″ can be implemented by tiling four or more display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″′ and DP″″″″ in the horizontal direction.

[0199] Display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′ and DP″″″″ are configured to display images to a user. Each of the display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′ and DP″″″″ may include a back cover, a display panel, a source printed circuit board, a flexible cable, and a control printed circuit board.

[0200] Two adjacent display units among four or more display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′, and DP″″″″ can be laid flat on each other in the pad or non-pad portion of the non-display area NA and can therefore be extended indefinitely. The laid-flat pad or non-pad portion can be inserted and secured in the winding unit 490′, 490″, and 490″′ located between two adjacent display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″′, and DP″″″″.

[0201] like Figure 15 , Figure 16A and Figure 16B As shown, the pad portion can be applied to the non-display area NA by bending at the edges. For example, inward winding can be applied to each of the left display units DP′, DP″′, and DP″″′, and outward winding can be applied to each of the right display units DP″, DP″″, and DP″″″″, which can be extended indefinitely.

[0202] In a further embodiment of the display device 400 according to the present disclosure, individual winding units 490′, 490″ and 490″′ are disposed between two adjacent display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′ and DP″″″″.

[0203] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the tiling portion between display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′, and DP″″″″ is disposed at a pad portion in the non-display area NA. In this case, the non-pad portion of the non-display area NA may be located in the lateral outer periphery of display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′, and DP″″″″. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0204] Two adjacent display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′ and DP″″″″ can be accommodated by being wound inward and / or outward on the outer surfaces of the winding units 490′, 490″ and 490″′ respectively, but are not limited thereto.

[0205] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′ and DP″″″″ of the display device 400 can be switched from a fully unfolded state to a fully wound state or from a fully wound state to a fully unfolded state.

[0206] Figure 15 and Figure 16AThe fully extended state of the display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′, and DP″″″″ of the display device 400 is shown. The fully extended state refers to the state in which the display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′, and DP″″″″ of the display device 400 are extended and fully stretched.

[0207] Figure 16B The fully wound state of the display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′, and DP″″″″ of the display device 400 is shown. The fully wound state refers to the state in which the display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′, and DP″″″″ of the display device 400 are completely wound around the outer surfaces of the winding units 490′, 490″, and 490″′, respectively, by winding inward and / or outward.

[0208] In another embodiment of the display device 400 according to the present disclosure, each of the winding units 490′, 490″ and 490″′ may further include a moving unit (not shown) for moving the display device 400 and fixing the display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′ and DP″″″″.

[0209] Furthermore, each of the winding units 490′, 490″, and 490″′ may include a fastening unit in which one end of the display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′, and DP″″″″ is inserted. Each of the winding units 490′, 490″, and 490″′ may also include a body that is fastened and fixed to the fastening unit while the control printed circuit board is inserted.

[0210] Each of the winding units 490′, 490″ and 490″′ may also include a movable unit on its underside. The movable unit is configured to move the display device 400 and wind or fix the display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′ and DP″″″″.

[0211] Reference Figure 17 and Figure 18 The non-pad portions of the non-display areas NA in the lateral outer periphery of four or more display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′ and DP″″″″ are laid flat on each other and fastened by fastening members 494a and 494b. Therefore, the display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′ and DP″″″″, which extend infinitely in the lateral direction, can be connected to each other.

[0212] For example, a portion of the horizontal outer periphery of the right display unit DP″ of two adjacent display units DP′ and DP″″ and a portion of the horizontal outer periphery of the left display unit DP″′ of two adjacent display units DP″′ and DP″″″ can be tiled together.

[0213] In this case, a portion of the lateral outer periphery of the right display unit DP″ and a portion of the lateral outer periphery of the left display unit DP″′ can be bent at the edges to wrap around the corresponding curved frame 497. The right display unit DP″ and the left display unit DP″′ bent at the edges to wrap around the corresponding curved frame 497 can be secured by inserting the upper fastening member 494a and the lower fastener 494b into the insertion holes 496 provided in the corresponding curved frame 497.

[0214] A portion of the lateral outer periphery of the right display unit DP″ and a portion of the lateral outer periphery of the left display unit DP″′ can be wrapped around the corresponding curved frame 497 using adhesive. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0215] In a further embodiment of the display device 400 according to the present disclosure, a plurality of display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′, and DP″″″″ can be infinitely extended using the upper fastening member 494a and the lower fastening member 494b. Therefore, in a further embodiment of the display device 400 according to the present disclosure, the size of the display device 400 can be freely set using the plurality of display units DP′, DP″, DP″′, DP″″, DP″″′, and DP″″″″.

[0216] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can also be described as follows:

[0217] Although exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be implemented in many different forms without departing from the technical concept of this disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical concept of this disclosure. The scope of the technical concept of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are illustrative in all respects and do not limit this disclosure. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be interpreted based on the following claims, and all technical concepts within their equivalents should be interpreted as falling within the scope of this disclosure.

[0218] Inventive concept

[0219] This invention provides the following inventive concept:

[0220] 1. A display device, comprising:

[0221] A first display panel and a first rear cover coupled to the rear surface of the first display panel;

[0222] A second display panel and a second rear cover coupled to the rear surface of the second display panel, wherein the second display panel is adjacent to the first display panel; and

[0223] A first winder, wherein the non-display area of ​​the first display panel is located inside the first winder, and the non-display area of ​​the second display panel is located inside the first winder, wherein the first winder is configured to wind and unwind the first display panel and the second display panel.

[0224] 2. The display device according to inventive concept 1 further includes:

[0225] A flexible film electrically connected to one end of the first display panel;

[0226] The source printed circuit board is electrically connected to the flexible film;

[0227] A control printed circuit board electrically connected to the source printed circuit board; and

[0228] A flexible cable electrically connects the source printed circuit board to the control printed circuit board.

[0229] 3. The display device according to inventive concept 2, wherein the first winding device is located between the first display panel and the second display panel.

[0230] 4. The display device according to inventive concept 3, wherein the flexible film, the source printed circuit board, the flexible cable and the control printed circuit board are in the first winder.

[0231] 5. The display device according to inventive concept 1, wherein the first display panel is wound inward and the second display panel is wound outward.

[0232] 6. The display device according to inventive concept 5, wherein the first display panel and the second display panel are wound around the outer surface of the first winder.

[0233] 7. The display device according to inventive concept 6, wherein when the first winder rotates in a first direction, the second display panel is wound around the first winder by winding outwards such that the rear surface of the second display panel contacts the outer surface of the first winder, and the first display panel is wound around the first winder by winding inwards such that the front surface of the first display panel contacts the front surface of the second display panel.

[0234] 8. The display device according to inventive concept 4, wherein the first winding device comprises:

[0235] Core portion, wherein the non-display areas of the first display panel and the second display panel are located within the core portion of the first winder; and

[0236] A body portion fastened to the core, wherein the control printed circuit board is located within the body portion.

[0237] 9. The display device according to inventive concept 8, wherein the body portion includes a pressing member configured to fasten the body portion to the core portion or to wrap around or unfold the first display panel and the second display panel.

[0238] 10. The display device according to inventive concept 8, wherein the first winder includes a base with wheels configured to wind and secure the first display panel and the second display panel.

[0239] 11. The display device according to inventive concept 1 further includes:

[0240] The second winder, wherein the second non-display area of ​​the first display panel is located inside the second winder.

[0241] 12. The display device according to inventive concept 11, wherein one end of the first rear cover is fastened to the second winder.

[0242] 13. The display device according to inventive concept 11 further includes:

[0243] The first support rail is fastened to the upper end of the first winder and the second winder; and

[0244] The second support rail is fastened to the lower end of the first winder and the second winder.

[0245] 14. The display device according to inventive concept 13 further includes:

[0246] Multiple fastening components secure the first support rail and the second support rail to the first winder and to the upper and lower ends of the second winder.

[0247] 15. The display device according to inventive concept 1, wherein the first display panel is wound inward or outward, and the second display panel is wound inward or outward.

[0248] 16. The display device according to inventive concept 1, wherein the second non-display area of ​​the first display panel and the second non-display area of ​​the second display panel are bent at the edges and laid flat on each other, the third non-display area of ​​the first display panel is bent at the edges and wrapped around the first curved frame, and the third non-display area of ​​the second display panel is bent at the edges and wrapped around the second curved frame.

[0249] 17. The display device according to inventive concept 16, wherein the first display panel and the second display panel are fixed by an upper fastening member and a lower fastening member, the upper fastening member and the lower fastening member being inserted into insertion holes in the first curved frame and the second curved frame.

[0250] 18. A display device, comprising:

[0251] A first display panel and a second display panel adjacent to the first display panel; and

[0252] A first winder, wherein the non-display area of ​​the first display panel is located in the first winder, and the non-display area of ​​the second display panel is located in the first winder.

[0253] The first display panel and the second display panel are wound around the first winder.

[0254] 19. The display device according to inventive concept 18, wherein the first display panel is wound inwardly on the outer surface of the first winder, and the second display panel is wound outwardly on the outer surface of the first winder.

[0255] 20. The display device according to inventive concept 18 further includes:

[0256] A second winder is fastened to a second non-display area of ​​the first display panel, wherein the first display panel is wound around the outer surface of the first winder by inward winding, and the second display panel is wound around the outer surface of the first winder by outward winding.

[0257] 21. A rollable display device, comprising:

[0258] A first rollable display has a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side;

[0259] A second rollable display having a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side; and

[0260] A winder, wherein a second lateral side of the first windable display is coupled to the winder, and a first lateral side of the second windable display is coupled to the winder;

[0261] The second lateral side of the first rollable display is adjacent to the first lateral side of the second rollable display.

[0262] 22. The rollable display device according to inventive concept 21, wherein the first rollable display is a first tile within a large-area display, and the second rollable display is a second tile within the large-area display.

[0263] 23. The rollable display device according to inventive concept 21, wherein the display area of ​​the first rollable display is not separated from the display area of ​​the second rollable display by a border, and the display areas of the first rollable display and the second rollable display form a continuous image.

[0264] 24. The rollable display device according to inventive concept 21, wherein:

[0265] The first rollable display has a top edge, and the second rollable display has a top edge that is continuous with the top edge of the first rollable display; and

[0266] The first rollable display has a bottom edge, and the second rollable display has a bottom edge that is continuous with the bottom edge of the first rollable display.

[0267] 25. The rollable display device according to inventive concept 21, wherein the first rollable display and the second rollable display together form a large-area display extending from a first lateral side of the first rollable display to a second lateral side of the second rollable display.

[0268] 26. The rollable display device according to inventive concept 21, wherein the second rollable display is capable of being wound around the winder, wherein the rear surface of the second rollable display is in direct contact with the outer surface of the winder; and the first rollable display is capable of being wound around the winder, wherein the front surface of the first rollable display is in direct contact with the front surface of the second rollable display.

[0269] 27. The rollable display device according to inventive concept 26 further includes:

[0270] A third rollable display having a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side;

[0271] A fourth rollable display having a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side; and

[0272] The second winder, the second lateral side of the third rollable display is coupled to the second winder, and the first lateral side of the fourth rollable display is coupled to the second winder;

[0273] The fourth rollable display is capable of being wound around the second winder, wherein the rear surface of the fourth rollable display is in direct contact with the outer surface of the second winder; and the third rollable display is capable of being wound around the second winder, wherein the front surface of the third rollable display is in direct contact with the front surface of the fourth rollable display.

[0274] The second lateral side of the second rollable display is coupled to the first lateral side of the third rollable display.

[0275] 28. The rollable display device according to inventive concept 21 further includes:

[0276] A first source printed circuit board located inside the winder and a second source printed circuit board located inside the winder, wherein a second lateral side of the first rollable display is coupled to the first source printed circuit board, and a first lateral side of the second rollable display is coupled to the second source printed circuit board; and

[0277] A first control printed circuit board and a second control printed circuit board, wherein the first control printed circuit board is located inside the winder and is electrically coupled to the first source printed circuit board via a first flexible cable, and the second control printed circuit board is located inside the winder and is electrically coupled to the second source printed circuit board via a second flexible cable.

[0278] 29. The rollable display device according to inventive concept 28 further includes:

[0279] A first flexible film inside the winder, wherein the first source printed circuit board is electrically coupled to the first rollable display via the first flexible film; and

[0280] A second flexible film inside the winder, wherein the second source printed circuit board is electrically coupled to the second rollable display through the second flexible film.

[0281] 30. The rollable display device according to inventive concept 29, wherein the first flexible film is electrically coupled to a pad portion of the first rollable display, wherein the pad portion of the first rollable display is located within the winder, and the second flexible film is electrically coupled to a pad portion of the second rollable display, wherein the pad portion of the second rollable display is located within the winder.

[0282] 31. The rollable display device according to inventive concept 30, wherein the winder includes a core and a separate body fastened to the core.

[0283] 32. The rollable display device according to inventive concept 31, wherein the first source printed circuit board is located within the core of the winder.

[0284] 33. The rollable display device according to inventive concept 32, wherein a first portion of the first flexible cable is located within the core of the winder, and a second portion of the first flexible cable is located within the separate body of the winder.

[0285] 34. The rollable display device according to inventive concept 33, wherein the first control printed circuit board is located within the separate body of the roller.

[0286] 35. The rollable display device according to inventive concept 34, wherein the separate body is fastened to the core by a hinge.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A first display panel and a first rear cover coupled to the rear surface of the first display panel; A second display panel and a second rear cover coupled to the rear surface of the second display panel, wherein the second display panel is adjacent to the first display panel; and A first winder, wherein a first non-display area of ​​the first display panel is located inside the first winder, and a first non-display area of ​​the second display panel is located inside the first winder, wherein the first winder is configured to wind and unwind the first display panel and the second display panel. The first display panel is rolled inwards, and the second display panel is rolled outwards. The first display panel and the second display panel are wound around the outer surface of the first winder, and In this configuration, the first non-display area of ​​the first display panel and the first non-display area of ​​the second display panel are curved at the edges and laid flat on each other.

2. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A flexible film electrically connected to one end of the first display panel; The source printed circuit board is electrically connected to the flexible film; A control printed circuit board electrically connected to the source printed circuit board; as well as A flexible cable electrically connects the source printed circuit board to the control printed circuit board.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein The first winder is located between the first display panel and the second display panel.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein The flexible film, the source printed circuit board, the flexible cable, and the control printed circuit board are in the first winder.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein When the first winder rotates in the first direction, the second display panel is wound around the first winder outward so that the rear surface of the second display panel contacts the outer surface of the first winder, and the first display panel is wound around the first winder inward so that the front surface of the first display panel contacts the front surface of the second display panel.

6. The display device according to claim 4, wherein The first winder includes: Core portion, wherein the first non-display area of ​​the first display panel and the second display panel are located within the core portion of the first winder; and A body portion fastened to the core, wherein the control printed circuit board is located within the body portion.

7. The display device of claim 6, wherein, The body portion includes a pressing member configured to fasten the body portion to the core portion or to wrap or unfold the first display panel and the second display panel.

8. The display device of claim 6, wherein, The first winder includes a wheeled base configured to wind and secure the first display panel and the second display panel.

9. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: The second winder, wherein the second non-display area of ​​the first display panel is located inside the second winder.

10. The display device of claim 9, wherein, One end of the first rear cover is fastened to the second winder.

11. The display device according to claim 9, further comprising: Secured to the first winder and to the upper end of the second winder, the first support rail; as well as The second support rail is fastened to the lower end of the first winder and the second winder.

12. The display device according to claim 11, further comprising: Multiple fastening components secure the first support rail and the second support rail to the first winder and to the upper and lower ends of the second winder.

13. The display device of claim 1, wherein, The first display panel is wound inward or outward, and the second display panel is wound inward or outward.

14. The display device of claim 1, wherein, The second non-display area of ​​the first display panel is bent at the edge and wrapped around the first curved frame, and the second non-display area of ​​the second display panel is bent at the edge and wrapped around the second curved frame.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, The first display panel and the second display panel are fixed by an upper fastening member and a lower fastening member, which are inserted into insertion holes in the first curved frame and the second curved frame.

16. A display device, comprising: A first display panel and a second display panel adjacent to the first display panel; as well as A first winding device, wherein a first non-display area of ​​the first display panel is located within the first winding device, and a first non-display area of ​​the second display panel is located within the first winding device. The first display panel and the second display panel are wound around the first winder. The first display panel is wound inwards onto the outer surface of the first winder, and the second display panel is wound outwards onto the outer surface of the first winder. In this configuration, the first non-display area of ​​the first display panel and the first non-display area of ​​the second display panel are curved at the edges and laid flat on each other.

17. The display device according to claim 16, further comprising: A second winder is fastened to a second non-display area of ​​the first display panel, wherein the first display panel is wound around the outer surface of the first winder by inward winding, and the second display panel is wound around the outer surface of the first winder by outward winding.

18. A rollable display device, comprising: A first rollable display has a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side; The second rollable display has a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side, and the second rollable display is adjacent to the first rollable display. as well as A winder, wherein a second lateral side of the first windable display is coupled to the winder, and a first lateral side of the second windable display is coupled to the winder; Wherein, the second lateral side of the first rollable display is adjacent to the first lateral side of the second rollable display, is bent at the edge and lies flat with each other, and The second rollable display is capable of being wound around the winder, wherein the rear surface of the second rollable display is in direct contact with the outer surface of the winder; and the first rollable display is capable of being wound around the winder, wherein the front surface of the first rollable display is in direct contact with the front surface of the second rollable display.

19. The rollable display device according to claim 18, wherein, The first rollable display is a first tile within a large-area display, and the second rollable display is a second tile within the large-area display.

20. The rollable display device according to claim 18, wherein, The display area of ​​the first rollable display is not separated from the display area of ​​the second rollable display by a border, and the display areas of the first rollable display and the second rollable display form a continuous image.

21. The rollable display device according to claim 18, wherein: The first rollable display has a top edge, and the second rollable display has a top edge that is continuous with the top edge of the first rollable display; as well as The first rollable display has a bottom edge, and the second rollable display has a bottom edge that is continuous with the bottom edge of the first rollable display.

22. The rollable display device according to claim 18, wherein, The first rollable display and the second rollable display together form a large-area display extending from a first lateral side of the first rollable display to a second lateral side of the second rollable display.

23. The rollable display device according to claim 18, further comprising: A third rollable display having a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side; A fourth rollable display having a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side; as well as The second winder, the second lateral side of the third rollable display is coupled to the second winder, and the first lateral side of the fourth rollable display is coupled to the second winder; The fourth rollable display is capable of being wound around the second winder, wherein the rear surface of the fourth rollable display is in direct contact with the outer surface of the second winder; and the third rollable display is capable of being wound around the second winder, wherein the front surface of the third rollable display is in direct contact with the front surface of the fourth rollable display. The second lateral side of the second rollable display is coupled to the first lateral side of the third rollable display.

24. The rollable display device according to claim 18, further comprising: A first source printed circuit board located inside the winder and a second source printed circuit board located inside the winder, wherein a second lateral side of the first rollable display is coupled to the first source printed circuit board, and a first lateral side of the second rollable display is coupled to the second source printed circuit board. as well as A first control printed circuit board and a second control printed circuit board, wherein the first control printed circuit board is located inside the winder and is electrically coupled to the first source printed circuit board via a first flexible cable, and the second control printed circuit board is located inside the winder and is electrically coupled to the second source printed circuit board via a second flexible cable.

25. The rollable display device according to claim 24, further comprising: A first flexible film inside the winder, wherein the first source printed circuit board is electrically coupled to the first rollable display via the first flexible film; and A second flexible film inside the winder, wherein the second source printed circuit board is electrically coupled to the second rollable display through the second flexible film.

26. The rollable display device according to claim 25, wherein, The first flexible film is electrically coupled to the pad portion of the first rollable display, wherein the pad portion of the first rollable display is located within the winder, and the second flexible film is electrically coupled to the pad portion of the second rollable display, wherein the pad portion of the second rollable display is located within the winder.

27. The rollable display device according to claim 26, wherein, The winder includes a core and a separate body fastened to the core.

28. The rollable display device according to claim 27, wherein, The first source printed circuit board is located within the core of the winder.

29. The rollable display device according to claim 28, wherein, A first portion of the first flexible cable is located within the core of the winder, and a second portion of the first flexible cable is located within the separate body of the winder.

30. The rollable display device according to claim 29, wherein, The first control printed circuit board is located within the separate body of the winder.

31. The rollable display device according to claim 30, wherein, The individual body is fastened to the core by a hinge.

Images