Display device

Abstract

The present application relates to a display device. The display device includes: a display module; a support portion arranged on a rear surface of the display module and including a support plate and a plurality of support rods; a first housing configured to accommodate the display module and the support portion; a second housing connected to the first housing so as to be able to move away from or close to the first housing in a first direction; a first rotating unit located below some of the plurality of support rods horizontally arranged together with the support plate; a second rotating unit located below other of the plurality of support rods; and belt units each configured to connect a portion of the first rotating unit and a portion of the second rotating unit adjacent to each other, and the support portion can move according to the rotation of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0037275 filed on March 29, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Herein, aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device that can prevent a supporting bar supporting a display module from being deformed. Background Art

[0004] Electronic devices that provide images to users, such as smart phones, digital cameras, laptop computers, navigation devices, and smart TVs, generally include a display device for displaying images. The display device generates images and provides the images to the user through a display screen.

[0005] Recently, with the development of display device technology, various types of display devices are being developed. For example, a foldable or rollable flexible display device is being developed. A flexible display device whose shape can be changed variously can be easily carried and improves user convenience.

[0006] The flexible display device includes a flexible display module. The display module is accommodated in a housing and is unfolded by being pulled out of the housing to the outside as needed. Various structures may be required to easily pull the display module out to the outside. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a display device that can prevent deformation of a support bar supporting a display module. According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a display device that can easily move a support bar supporting a display module.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments conceived in the present invention, a display device includes: a display module; a support portion, arranged on the rear surface of the display module and including a support plate and a plurality of support rods; a first shell, configured to accommodate the display module and the support portion; a second shell, connected to the first shell so as to be able to move away from or closer to the first shell in a first direction; a first rotating unit, located below some of the plurality of supporting rods that are horizontally arranged together with the support plate; a second rotating unit, located below other of the plurality of supporting rods; and belt units, each configured to connect together a portion of the first rotating unit and a portion of the second rotating unit that are adjacent to each other, wherein the support portion can move according to the rotation of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concept, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate some exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept and together with the description are used to describe the principles of the inventive concept. In the drawings:

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0011] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The unfolded mode of the display device shown in ;

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display module shown in ;

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A plan view of the display module shown in ;

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An exemplary equivalent circuit of one of the pixels shown in;

[0015] Figure 6 is with Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion corresponding to the light emitting element shown in ;

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the housing shown in ;

[0017] Figure 8 Shows the settings in Figure 7 A first rotating unit and a second rotating unit in a first housing shown in FIG.

[0018] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Shows the connection to Figure 7 The belt unit of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit shown in ;

[0019] Fig.11 and Fig.12 Shows Figure 7 The state where the second housing is coupled to the first housing as shown in FIG.

[0020] Fig.13 It is along Fig.12 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' shown in FIG.

[0021] Fig.14 It is along Fig.12 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' shown in FIG.

[0022] Fig.15 It is along Fig.12 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' shown in FIG.

[0023] Fig.16 Shows the Figure 7 A support portion in the first housing shown in ;

[0024] Fig.17 A display module disposed on a support portion is shown;

[0025] Fig.18 yes Fig.17 An enlarged view of the area "AA" shown in;

[0026] Fig.19 , Fig. 20 and Fig.21 A support portion and a display module disposed in a first housing and a second housing are shown;

[0027] Fig. 22 is an enlarged view of the support rod and the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit, wherein the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit are arranged Fig. 20 and the portions of the first extension portion and the second extension portion adjacent to the curved portion; and

[0028] Fig.23 Shows Fig. 20 The unfolded mode of the display device shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present.

[0030] Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals represent the same elements. In the drawings, in order to effectively describe the technical content, the thickness, ratio and size of the elements may be exaggerated.

[0031] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0032] It should be understood that, although the terms "first", "second" etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of the present invention, the first element, the first component, the first region, the first layer or the first part discussed below can be referred to as "second" element, "second" component, "second" region, "second" layer or "second" part. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular "one", "one" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms.

[0033] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "below," "above," and "upper" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. It should also be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined as such in this article.

[0035] It should also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms “include” and / or “comprising” indicate the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0036] Herein, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept; and Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The unfolded mode of the display device shown in .

[0038] Reference Figure 1 , a display device DD according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may include a display module DM and a case CS accommodating the display module DM. The display module DM may be exposed to the outside through an opening OP defined in an upper portion of the case CS.

[0039] The case CS may include a first case CS1 and a second case CS2 coupled together to accommodate the display module DM. The second case CS2 may be coupled to the first case CS1 to move in a first direction DR1.

[0040] Herein, a direction crossing the first direction DR1 is defined as a second direction DR2. A direction substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 is defined as a third direction DR3. In this specification, "when viewed in a plane" may refer to a state viewed in the third direction DR3.

[0041] Will refer to later Figure 7 The exploded perspective view of the case CS shown in FIG. 1 describes the configuration of the first case CS1 and the second case CS2 in more detail.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the second housing CS2 can move away from or close to the first housing CS1 in the first direction DR1. When the second housing CS2 moves in the first direction DR1, the area of ​​the exposed surface of the display module DM can be adjusted according to the movement of the second housing CS2. The basic mode and the expanded mode of the display device DD can be realized according to the movement of the second housing CS2.

[0043] For example, the display module DM may be a flexible display module, and the display module DM may be provided with a support portion ( Fig.17 The support portion may be connected to the second housing CS2, and when the second housing CS2 moves away from the first housing CS1 in the first direction DR1, the support portion may also move away from the first housing CS1 in the first direction DR1.

[0044] Although not shown, a portion of the display module DM that is not exposed to the outside (a portion other than another portion of the display module DM exposed through the opening OP) may be disposed in the first housing CS1. The display module DM disposed on the support portion moves in the first direction DR1 together with the support portion according to the movement of the second housing CS2, and thus, the exposed surface of the display module DM may be expanded. When the exposed surface of the display module DM is expanded, the user may view an image through a larger screen. The state of the display device DD in which the exposed surface of the display module DM is expanded may be defined as an expanded mode.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , in a state where the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 are adjacently coupled to each other, the exposed surface of the display module DM may be set to a minimum value. Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1 , the second housing CS2 may be moved in the first direction DR1 to be closest to the first housing CS1, so that the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 may be disposed adjacent to each other. This state of the display device DD may be defined as a basic mode.

[0046] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display module shown in FIG.

[0047] Reference Figure 3 In an embodiment, the display module DM may include a display panel DP, a touch sensing part TSP disposed on the display panel DP, a window WIN disposed on the touch sensing part TSP, and an adhesive OCA disposed between the touch sensing part TSP and the window WIN.

[0048] The display panel DP according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may be a light-emitting display panel. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and any of a variety of display panels capable of displaying images, such as a liquid crystal display panel, an electrowetting display panel, and an electrophoretic display panel, may be used as the display panel DP. The display panel DP may be a flexible display panel.

[0049] The display panel DP according to the embodiment of the present invention may be a light-emitting display panel, and is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include any one of quantum dots, quantum rods, etc. In this article, the display panel DP is described as an organic light-emitting display panel.

[0050] The display panel DP may include a substrate SUB, a pixel layer PXL disposed on the substrate SUB, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE disposed on the substrate SUB to cover the pixel layer PXL. In an embodiment, the substrate SUB is a transparent substrate and may include a flexible plastic substrate. For example, the substrate SUB may include polyimide (PI).

[0051] The substrate SUB may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA. The pixel layer PXL may be disposed in the display area DA. The pixel layer PXL may include a plurality of pixels, and each of the pixels may include a light emitting element.

[0052] In an embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include at least two inorganic layers and an organic layer disposed between the inorganic layers. The inorganic layer may include an inorganic material and protect the pixel layer PXL from moisture and / or oxygen. The organic layer may include an organic material and protect the pixel layer PXL from foreign matter such as dust particles.

[0053] The touch sensing part TSP may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. The touch sensing part TSP may sense an external input (e.g., a user's hand or a touch pen) to convert the sensed external input into an input signal (e.g., a predetermined input signal). The touch sensing part TSP may include a plurality of sensing electrodes for sensing the external input. In an embodiment, the sensing electrodes may sense the external input in a capacitive method.

[0054] In an embodiment, when manufacturing the display module DM, the touch sensing part TSP may be directly manufactured on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. However, the touch sensing part TSP is not limited thereto and may be manufactured as a touch panel separated from the display panel DP to be attached to the display panel DP using an adhesive.

[0055] The window WIN may protect the display panel DP and the touch sensing part TSP from external scratches and impacts. The window WIN may be attached to the touch sensing part TSP by an adhesive OCA. In an embodiment, the adhesive OCA may include an optically transparent adhesive. An image generated in the display panel DP may be provided to a user through the window WIN.

[0056] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A plan view of the display module is shown in FIG.

[0057] Reference Figure 4 , the display module DM may include a display panel DP, a scan driver SDV, a data driver DDV, and an emission driver EDV. Figure 4 The planar configuration of the display panel DP is exemplarily shown in FIG.

[0058] In an embodiment, the display panel DP may have a rectangular shape having a long side in the first direction DR1 and a short side in the second direction DR2. The display panel DP may have a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The display panel DP may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA around or surrounding the display area DA.

[0059] The display panel DP may include a plurality of pixels PX, a plurality of scan lines SL1 to SLm, a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLn, and a plurality of light emission lines EL1 to ELm, where m and n are natural numbers. The pixels PX may be disposed in the display area DA and connected to the scan lines SL1 to SLm, the data lines DL1 to DLn, and the light emission lines EL1 to ELm.

[0060] The scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the emission driver EDV may be disposed in the non-display area NDA. In an embodiment, the scan driver SDV may be disposed in a portion of the non-display area NDA adjacent to a first side of the display panel DP defined as one of the long sides of the display panel DP.

[0061] In an embodiment, the emission driver EDV may be disposed in a portion of the non-display area NDA adjacent to the other side of the display panel DP (which is defined as the opposite side of the first side of the display panel DP). In an embodiment, the data driver DDV may be manufactured in the form of an integrated circuit chip and disposed in a portion of the non-display area NDA adjacent to one of the short sides of the display panel DP.

[0062] In an embodiment, the scan lines SL1 to SLm may extend in the second direction DR2 to be connected to the scan driver SDV, the data lines DL1 to DLn may extend in the first direction DR1 to be connected to the data driver DDV, and the light emission lines EL1 to ELm may extend in the second direction DR2 to be connected to the emission driver EDV.

[0063] The scan driver SDV may generate a plurality of scan signals, and the scan signals may be applied to the pixels PX through the scan lines SL1 to SLm. The scan signals may be sequentially applied to the pixels PX. The data driver DDV may generate a plurality of data voltages, and the data voltages may be applied to the pixels PX through the data lines DL1 to DLn. The emission driver EDV may generate a plurality of light emission signals, and the light emission signals may be applied to the pixels PX through the light emission lines EL1 to ELm.

[0064] Although not shown, a timing controller (not shown) for controlling operations of the scan driver SDV, the data driver DDV, and the emission driver EDV may be included in the display module DM.

[0065] The timing controller may generate a scan control signal, a data control signal, and a light emission control signal in response to a control signal received from the outside. The timing controller may receive an image signal from the outside, convert a data format of the image signal according to an interface specification with the data driver DDV, and provide the image signal having the converted data format to the data driver DDV.

[0066] The scan driver SDV may generate a scan signal in response to a scan control signal, and the emission driver EDV may generate a light emission signal in response to a light emission control signal. The data driver DDV may receive an image signal having a converted data format and generate a data voltage corresponding to the image signal in response to a data control signal.

[0067] The pixel PX may receive a data voltage in response to a scan signal. The pixel PX may display an image by emitting light of brightness corresponding to the data voltage in response to a light emission signal. The light emission time of the pixel PX may be controlled by the light emission signal.

[0068] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An exemplary equivalent circuit for one of the pixels shown in .

[0069] Reference Figure 5 , each of the pixels PX may include an organic light emitting element OLED and a pixel circuit CC. In an embodiment, the pixel circuit CC may include a plurality of transistors T1 to T7 and a capacitor CP. The pixel circuit CC may control the amount of current flowing into the organic light emitting element OLED according to a corresponding data voltage among the data voltages.

[0070] The organic light emitting element OLED may emit light of a predetermined brightness corresponding to the amount of current supplied from the pixel circuit CC. To this end, the first voltage ELVDD may be set to be higher than the second voltage ELVSS.

[0071] Each of the transistors T1 to T7 may include an input electrode (or source electrode), an output electrode (or drain electrode), and a control electrode (or gate electrode). For convenience, in this specification, one of the input electrode and the output electrode may be referred to as a first electrode, and the other may be referred to as a second electrode.

[0072] The first electrode of the first transistor T1 may be connected to the first voltage ELVDD via the fifth transistor T5, and the second electrode of the first transistor T1 may be connected to the anode of the organic light emitting element OLED via the sixth transistor T6. In this specification, the first transistor T1 may be referred to as a driving transistor. The first transistor T1 may control the amount of current flowing into the organic light emitting element OLED according to the voltage applied to the control electrode of the first transistor T1.

[0073] The second transistor T2 may be connected between the data line DL and the first electrode of the first transistor T1, and a control electrode of the second transistor T2 may be connected to the i-th scan line SLi. When the i-th scan signal Si is supplied to the i-th scan line SLi, the second transistor T2 is turned on, so that the second transistor T2 may electrically connect the data line DL to the first electrode of the first transistor T1.

[0074] The third transistor T3 may be connected between the second electrode and the control electrode of the first transistor T1. The control electrode of the third transistor T3 may be connected to the i-th scan line SLi. When the i-th scan signal Si is provided to the i-th scan line SLi, the third transistor T3 is turned on so that the third transistor T3 may be electrically connected to the second electrode and the control electrode of the first transistor T1. When the third transistor T3 is turned on, the first transistor T1 may be connected in the form of a diode.

[0075] The fourth transistor T4 may be connected between the node ND and the initialization power generation unit (not shown). The control electrode of the fourth transistor T4 may be connected to the (i-1)th scan line SLi-1. When the (i-1)th scan signal Si-1 is provided to the (i-1)th scan line SLi-1, the fourth transistor T4 is turned on, so that the fourth transistor T4 can provide the initialization voltage Vint to the node ND.

[0076] The fifth transistor T5 may be connected between the power line PL and the first electrode of the first transistor T1. A control electrode of the fifth transistor T5 may be connected to the i-th light emission line ECLi.

[0077] The sixth transistor T6 may be connected between the second electrode of the first transistor T1 and the anode of the organic light emitting element OLED. A control electrode of the sixth transistor T6 may be connected to the i-th light emission line ECLi.

[0078] The seventh transistor T7 may be connected between the initialization power generation unit (not shown) and the anode of the organic light emitting element OLED. The control electrode of the seventh transistor T7 may be connected to the (i+1)th scan line SLi+1. When the (i+1)th scan signal Si+1 is supplied to the (i+1)th scan line SLi+1, the seventh transistor T7 is turned on, so that the seventh transistor T7 may supply the initialization voltage Vint to the anode of the organic light emitting element OLED.

[0079] The seventh transistor T7 can improve the black display capability of the pixel PX. When the seventh transistor T7 is turned on, the parasitic capacitor (not shown) of the organic light emitting element OLED can be discharged. In this case, when black brightness is achieved, the organic light emitting element OLED does not emit light due to the leakage current from the first transistor T1, and therefore, the black display capability can be improved.

[0080] Despite Figure 5 The control electrode of the seventh transistor T7 is shown to be connected to the (i+1)th scan line SLi+1, but the embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited thereto. In another embodiment of the present inventive concept, the control electrode of the seventh transistor T7 can be connected to the i-th scan line SLi or the (i-1)-th scan line SLi-1.

[0081] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment, the pixel PX is shown as being related to PMOS, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment of the inventive concept, the pixel PX may be composed of NMOS. In another embodiment of the inventive concept, the pixel PX may be composed of a combination of NMOS and PMOS.

[0082] The capacitor CP may be disposed between the power line PL and the node ND. The capacitor CP may store a corresponding data voltage among the data voltages. When the fifth transistor T5 and the sixth transistor T6 are turned on, the amount of current flowing in the first transistor T1 may be determined according to the voltage stored in the capacitor CP.

[0083] In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the configuration of the pixel PX is not limited to Figure 5 In another embodiment of the present inventive concept, the pixel PX may be implemented in any of a variety of configurations for emitting light in an organic light emitting element OLED.

[0084] Figure 6 is with Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion corresponding to the light emitting element shown in FIG.

[0085] Reference Figure 6 , the pixel PX may include an organic light emitting element OLED and a transistor TR connected to the organic light emitting element OLED. The organic light emitting element OLED may include a first electrode E1, a second electrode E2, and an organic light emitting layer OEL disposed between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2. The transistor TR may be Figure 5 The sixth transistor T6 is shown in FIG. The first electrode E1 may be an anode, and the second electrode E2 may be a cathode.

[0086] The pixel PX may be divided into a pixel area PA and a non-pixel area NPA surrounding the pixel area PA. The organic light emitting element OLED may be disposed in the pixel area PA, and the transistor TR may be disposed in the non-pixel area NPA.

[0087] The transistor TR and the organic light emitting element OLED may be disposed on a substrate SUB. In an embodiment, a buffer layer BFL may be disposed on the substrate SUB, and the buffer layer BFL may include an inorganic material. The semiconductor layer SM of the transistor TR may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor layer SM may include a semiconductor of an inorganic material (such as amorphous silicon and polycrystalline silicon), or an organic semiconductor. In addition, the semiconductor layer SM may include an oxide semiconductor.

[0088] Although not in Figure 6Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the semiconductor layer SM may include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region between the source region and the drain region.

[0089] The first insulating layer INS1 may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL to cover the semiconductor layer SM. In an embodiment, the first insulating layer INS1 may include an inorganic material. The gate electrode GE of the transistor TR overlapping the semiconductor layer SM may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1. The gate electrode GE may be disposed to overlap the channel region of the semiconductor layer SM.

[0090] The second insulating layer INS2 may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1 to cover the gate electrode GE. The second insulating layer INS2 may be defined as an interlayer insulating layer. The second insulating layer INS2 may include an organic material and / or an inorganic material.

[0091] The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other on the second insulating layer INS2. The source electrode SE may be connected to the source region of the semiconductor layer SM through a first contact hole CH1 defined to penetrate the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2. The drain electrode DE may be connected to the drain region of the semiconductor layer SM through a second contact hole CH2 defined to penetrate the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2.

[0092] The third insulating layer INS3 may be disposed on the second insulating layer INS2 to cover the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR. The third insulating layer INS3 may be defined as a planarization film for providing a planar upper surface, and may include an organic material.

[0093] The first electrode E1 may be disposed on the third insulating layer INS3. The first electrode E1 may be connected to the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR through a third contact hole CH3 defined to penetrate the third insulating layer INS3. The first electrode E1 may be defined as a pixel electrode.

[0094] A pixel defining film PDL exposing a predetermined portion of the first electrode E1 may be disposed on the first electrode E1 and the third insulating layer INS3. An opening PX_OP for exposing a predetermined portion of the first electrode E1 may be defined in the pixel defining film PDL.

[0095] The organic light emitting layer OEL may be disposed on the first electrode E1 within the opening PX_OP. In an embodiment, the organic light emitting layer OEL may generate light of any one of red, green, and blue. However, the organic light emitting layer OEL is not limited thereto, and in an embodiment, the organic light emitting layer OEL may generate white light by a combination of organic materials that generate red, green, and blue light.

[0096] The second electrode E2 may be disposed on the pixel defining layer PDL and the organic light emitting layer OEL. The second electrode E2 may be defined as a common electrode.

[0097] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the organic light emitting element OLED to cover the pixel PX. A layer between the substrate SUB and the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be defined as a pixel layer PXL.

[0098] A first voltage ELVDD may be applied to the first electrode E1, and a second voltage ELVSS may be applied to the second electrode E2. Holes and electrons injected into the organic light emitting layer OEL may combine with each other to generate excitons, and the organic light emitting element OLED may emit light when the excitons are transformed to a ground state. The organic light emitting element OLED emits red light, green light, and blue light according to current, so that an image may be displayed.

[0099] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the housing shown in ; Figure 8 Shows the settings in Figure 7 ; and Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Shows the connection to Figure 7 The belt unit of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit shown in FIG.

[0100] In order to describe the first rotation unit RU1 and the second rotation unit RU2, Figure 8 The third side wall portion SW3 is omitted. Fig.10 The side surfaces of the belt unit BU and the first and second rotation units RU1 and RU2 viewed in the second direction DR2 are shown. The belt unit BU may be provided in plural.

[0101] Reference Figure 7 The housing CS may include a first housing CS1, a second housing CS2, a first rotation unit RU1, a second rotation unit RU2, and a plurality of belt units BU. The first rotation unit RU1, the second rotation unit RU2, and the belt unit BU may be disposed in the first housing CS1, and will be referred to later. Figure 8 This configuration is described in more detail.

[0102] The first case CS1 may include a first sidewall portion SW1, a second sidewall portion SW2, a third sidewall portion SW3, and a first bottom portion BP1. The first sidewall portion SW1 may have a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the third direction DR3, and may extend longer in the first direction DR1 than in the third direction DR3.

[0103] The second side wall portion SW2 may have a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the third direction DR3 and may extend longer in the first direction DR1 than in the third direction DR3. The second side wall portion SW2 may face the first side wall portion SW1 in the second direction DR2.

[0104] The first side wall portion SW1 and the second side wall portion SW2 may have substantially the same shape. In an embodiment, a first side of the first side wall portion SW1 and a first side of the second side wall portion SW2 may have a curved shape convex outward.

[0105] The first guide groove GG1 may be respectively defined on inner surfaces of the first and second side wall portions SW1 and SW2 facing each other. The inner surfaces of the first and second side wall portions SW1 and SW2 may define inner surfaces of the first case CS1 facing each other in the second direction DR2.

[0106] Although due to the viewing position of the stereogram Figure 7 1 shows one of the first guide grooves GG1 defined on the inner surface of the first side wall portion SW1, but although not shown, another of the first guide grooves GG1 may be defined on the inner surface of the second side wall portion SW2. The first guide groove GG1 may have a "U" shape rotated 90 degrees. The specific shape of the first guide groove GG1 will be described in more detail later.

[0107] Herein, the surface of the first side wall portion SW1 opposite to the inner surface of the first side wall portion SW1 is defined as the outer surface of the first side wall portion SW1. The surface of the second side wall portion SW2 opposite to the inner surface of the second side wall portion SW2 is defined as the outer surface of the second side wall portion SW2. In addition, the inner surface and outer surface of the subassembly of the first side wall portion SW1 and the second side wall portion SW2 to be described below may correspond to the inner surface and outer surface of the first side wall portion SW1 and the second side wall portion SW2.

[0108] The second guide groove GG2 extending in the first direction DR1 may be defined on the outer surfaces of the first side wall portion SW1 and the second side wall portion SW2, respectively. The third guide groove GG3 extending in the first direction DR1 may be defined at the upper ends of the first side wall portion SW1 and the second side wall portion SW2, respectively. Although one of the second guide grooves GG2 defined in the second side wall portion SW2 and one of the third guide grooves GG3 defined in the second side wall portion SW2 are shown due to the viewing position of the stereogram, although not shown, the other of the second guide grooves GG2 and the other of the third guide grooves GG3 may also be defined in the first side wall portion SW1.

[0109] Each of the first side wall portion SW1 and the second side wall portion SW2 may include a first portion PT1 and a second portion PT2, the second portion PT2 being disposed on a portion (e.g., a predetermined portion) of the first portion PT1 adjacent to a first side of the first portion PT1 and extending in the first direction DR1. A first side of each of the first portions PT1 may correspond to a first side of a corresponding one of the first side wall portion SW1 and the second side wall portion SW2. A portion of each of the first guide grooves GG1 may be disposed between the first portion PT1 and the second portion PT2 of a corresponding one of the first side wall portion SW1 and the second side wall portion SW2.

[0110] The first portion PT1 may include a first sub-portion SPT1 not overlapping the second portion PT2 and a second sub-portion SPT2 overlapping the second portion PT2. The second sub-portion SPT2 may be disposed under the second portion PT2.

[0111] The inner surface of the first sub-portion SPT1 and the inner surface of the second sub-portion SPT2 may be arranged on the same plane. The outer surface of the second sub-portion SPT2 may be arranged to be more outward than the outer surface of the first sub-portion SPT1. That is, with respect to the second direction DR2, the thickness of the second sub-portion SPT2 may be greater than the thickness of the first sub-portion SPT1.

[0112] Each of the second guide grooves GG2 may be defined on an outer surface of a corresponding second sub-portion SPT2. The second guide groove GG2 may be adjacent to a lower end of a corresponding second sub-portion SPT2. Each of the third guide grooves GG3 may be defined at an upper end of a corresponding second portion PT2. The third guide groove GG3 may be defined at an upper end of a corresponding second portion PT2 adjacent to an outer surface of the corresponding second portion PT2.

[0113] The third side wall portion SW3 may be disposed between the first side of the first side wall portion SW1 and the first side of the second side wall portion SW2. The third side wall portion SW3 may define one of the opposite sides of the first housing CS1 facing each other in the first direction DR1. The second portion PT2 and the second sub-portion SPT2 may be adjacent to the third side wall portion SW3.

[0114] The first bottom portion BP1 may have a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The first bottom portion BP1 may be connected to lower ends of the first, second, and third side wall portions SW1, SW2, and SW3.

[0115] The second case CS2 may include first outer sidewall OSW1, second outer sidewall OSW2, third outer sidewall OSW3, and a second bottom BP2. The first outer sidewall OSW1 may have a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the third direction DR3, and may extend longer in the first direction DR1 than in the third direction DR3.

[0116] The second outer side wall portion OSW2 may have a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the third direction DR3, and may extend longer in the first direction DR1 than in the third direction DR3. The second outer side wall portion OSW2 may face the first outer side wall portion OSW1 in the second direction DR2. The first outer side wall portion OSW1 and the second outer side wall portion OSW2 may have substantially the same shape.

[0117] The second case CS2 may include a first protrusion P1 that protrudes from inner surfaces of the first and second outer sidewalls OSW1 and OSW2 facing each other and extends in the first direction DR1. The first protrusion P1 may extend from first sides of the first and second outer sidewalls OSW1 and OSW2 in the first direction DR1.

[0118] Although due to the viewing position of the stereogram Figure 7 , one of the first protrusions P1 is shown disposed on the inner surface of the first outer side wall portion OSW1, but although not shown, another of the first protrusions P1 may be disposed on the inner surface of the second outer side wall portion OSW2. The first protrusions P1 may be adjacent to the lower ends of the first outer side wall portion OSW1 and the second outer side wall portion OSW2, respectively. The first protrusions P1 may be disposed to correspond to positions in which the second guide grooves GG2 are disposed, respectively.

[0119] When the first shell CS1 and the second shell CS2 are connected to each other, the first side of the first outer side wall portion OSW1 and the second outer side wall portion OSW2 can be roughly defined as the end portion of the first outer side wall portion OSW1 and the second outer side wall portion OSW2 adjacent to the first side of the first side wall portion SW1 and the second side wall portion SW2. Herein, the side opposite to the first side of the first outer side wall portion OSW1 and the second outer side wall portion OSW2 is defined as the second side of the first outer side wall portion OSW1 and the second outer side wall portion OSW2.

[0120] The second case CS2 may include second protrusions P2 protruding from upper ends of the first and second outer sidewalls OSW1 and OSW2 and extending in the first direction DR1. The second protrusions P2 may extend from first sides of the first and second outer sidewalls OSW1 and OSW2 in the first direction DR1.

[0121] Although due to the viewing position of the stereogram Figure 7 , one of the second protrusions P2 is shown protruding from the first outer side wall portion OSW1, but the other of the second protrusions P2 may substantially protrude from the second outer side wall portion OSW2. The second protrusions P2 may be provided to correspond to positions where the third guide grooves GG3 are provided, respectively.

[0122] The connection groove CG may be defined on the inner surface of the first outer side wall portion OSW1 and the inner surface of the second outer side wall portion OSW2, respectively. The connection groove CG may be adjacent to the second sides of the first outer side wall portion OSW1 and the second outer side wall portion OSW2, respectively. Figure 7 1 shows one of the connection grooves CG defined on the inner surface of the first outer side wall portion OSW1, but although not shown, the other of the connection grooves CG may also be defined on the inner surface of the second outer side wall portion OSW2. The inner surfaces of the first outer side wall portion OSW1 and the second outer side wall portion OSW2 may define inner surfaces of the second shell CS2 that face each other in the second direction DR2.

[0123] The third outer side wall portion OSW3 may face the third side wall portion SW3 and may be disposed between the first outer side wall portion OSW1 and the second outer side wall portion OSW2. The third outer side wall portion OSW3 may be disposed between the second side of the first outer side wall portion OSW1 and the second side of the second outer side wall portion OSW2.

[0124] The second bottom portion BP2 may have a plane defined by the first and second directions DR1 and DR2. The second bottom portion BP2 may be connected to lower ends of the first and second outer sidewalls OSW1 and OSW2 and a lower end of the third outer sidewall OSW3.

[0125] The first rotation unit RU1 and the second rotation unit RU2 may have a cylindrical shape extending in the second direction DR2. The first rotation unit RU1 may include a gear portion GA extending in the second direction DR2 and a first sub-columnar portion SCL1 extending in the second direction DR2 from opposite ends of the gear portion GA that are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2.

[0126] When viewed in the second direction DR2, each of the first sub-columnar portions SCL1 may have a smaller diameter than the gear portion GA. The gear portion GA may have a gear shape. For example, the gear portion GA may include a plurality of protrusions extending in the second direction DR2 and arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical shape.

[0127] The second rotation unit RU2 may include a columnar portion CL and a second sub-columnar portion SCL2, wherein the columnar portion CL extends in the second direction DR2, and the second sub-columnar portions SCL2 extend in the second direction DR2 from opposite ends of the columnar portion CL that are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2. When viewed in the second direction DR2, each of the second sub-columnar portions SCL2 may have a smaller diameter than the columnar portion CL.

[0128] The belt unit BU may have a closed curved shape when viewed in the second direction DR2. The belt unit BU may be adjacent to the first sub-columnar portion SCL1 and the second sub-columnar portion SCL2. Although the number of belt units BU is shown to be two by way of example, the number of belt units BU is not limited thereto.

[0129] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the first rotation unit RU1 and the second rotation unit RU2 may be disposed in the first housing CS1 and connected to the first housing CS1. For example, opposite ends of the first rotation unit RU1 may be respectively inserted into first holes H1 defined in the first side wall portion SW1 and the second side wall portion SW2 to be connected to the first housing CS1. The first sub-columnar portion SCL1 may be respectively inserted into the first holes H1 defined in the first side wall portion SW1 and the second side wall portion SW2.

[0130] Opposite ends of the second rotation unit RU2 may be respectively inserted into second holes H2 defined in the first and second sidewalls SW1 and SW2 to be connected to the first case CS1. The second sub-columnar portion SCL2 may be respectively inserted into second holes H2 defined in the first and second sidewalls SW1 and SW2.

[0131] The first hole H1 and the second hole H2 may be adjacent to or close to first sides of the first and second sidewall portions SW1 and SW2. The second hole H2 may be disposed between the first hole H1 and first sides of the first and second sidewall portions SW1 and SW2, respectively.

[0132] The first rotation unit RU1 may rotate about a center axis CRX1 (see FIG. 2 ) of the first rotation unit RU1 that is parallel to the second direction DR2. Fig. 9 The second rotation unit RU2 may rotate about a center axis CRX2 (see FIG. 2 ) of the second rotation unit RU2 that is parallel to the second direction DR2. Fig. 9 )Rotate.

[0133] Reference Fig. 9 and Fig.10, each of the band units BU may be disposed to surround a portion of the first rotation unit RU1 and a portion of the second rotation unit RU2 adjacent to each other to couple the portion of the first rotation unit RU1 and the portion of the second rotation unit RU2. For example, each of the band units BU may be disposed to surround one of the first sub-columnar portions SCL1 and one of the second sub-columnar portions SCL2 adjacent to each other to couple the one of the first sub-columnar portions SCL1 and the one of the second sub-columnar portions SCL2.

[0134] In an embodiment, with respect to the second direction DR2, the length of each of the first sub-columnar portions SCL1 may be smaller than the length of each of the second sub-columnar portions SCL2. In an embodiment, the end of the first sub-columnar portion SCL1 inserted into the first hole H1 may not protrude outward beyond the first side wall portion SW1 and the second side wall portion SW2, and the end of the second sub-columnar portion SCL2 inserted into the second hole H2 may protrude outward beyond the first side wall portion SW1 and the second side wall portion SW2.

[0135] In an embodiment, one of the belt units BU may be disposed between the first side wall portion SW1 and the gear portion GA and between the first side wall portion SW1 and the columnar portion CL, and the other of the belt units BU may be disposed between the second side wall portion SW2 and the gear portion GA and between the second side wall portion SW2 and the columnar portion CL.

[0136] Although not shown, in an embodiment, the display device DD may further include a driving unit for rotating at least one of the first rotating unit RU1 and the second rotating unit RU2. For example, the driving unit may rotate the first rotating unit RU1.

[0137] Since the belt unit BU is coupled to the first and second rotation units RU1 and RU2, when the first rotation unit RU1 rotates, the torque of the first rotation unit RU1 can be transmitted to the second rotation unit RU2 through the belt unit BU. Therefore, the second rotation unit RU2 can rotate at the same speed as the first rotation unit RU1.

[0138] However, embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited thereto, and the second rotation unit RU2 may be rotated by the driving unit, and the torque of the second rotation unit RU2 may be transmitted to the first rotation unit RU1 by the belt unit BU. In an embodiment, the first rotation unit RU1 and the second rotation unit RU2 may be rotated by the driving unit, and the first rotation unit RU1 and the second rotation unit RU2 may be controlled by the belt unit BU to rotate at the same speed.

[0139] Fig.11 and Fig.12 Shows Figure 7, the second housing is coupled to the first housing.

[0140] Reference Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the second housing CS2 can be inserted into the second guide groove GG2 and the third guide groove GG3 to be coupled to the first housing CS1. For example, the first protrusion P1 (see Figure 7 ) can be respectively inserted into the second guide grooves GG2, and the second protrusions P2 can be respectively inserted into the third guide grooves GG3, so that the second housing CS2 can be coupled to the first housing CS1. Fig.13 This configuration is described in more detail.

[0141] The first outer side wall portion OSW1 may be disposed on an outer surface of the first side wall portion SW1, and the second outer side wall portion OSW2 may be disposed on an outer surface of the second side wall portion SW2. The second bottom portion BP2 may be disposed under the first bottom portion BP1.

[0142] When the second shell CS2 is connected to the first shell CS1, the first side of the first outer side wall portion OSW1 and the second outer side wall portion OSW2 may be adjacent to the first side of the first side wall portion SW1 and the second side wall portion SW2, and the second side of the first outer side wall portion OSW1 and the second outer side wall portion OSW2 may be adjacent to the second side of the first side wall portion SW1 and the second side wall portion SW2. The third outer side wall portion OSW3 may be adjacent to the second side of the first side wall portion SW1 and the second side wall portion SW2.

[0143] A first side of the second shell CS2 may be adjacent to a first side of the first shell CS1, and a second side of the second shell CS2 opposite to the first side of the second shell CS2 may be adjacent to a second side of the first shell CS1. The second side of the second shell CS2 may be defined by a third outer side wall portion OSW3.

[0144] Fig.13 It is along Fig.12 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' shown in FIG. Fig.14 It is along Fig.12 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' shown in FIG. Fig.15 It is along Fig.12 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' shown in FIG.

[0145] Reference Fig.13 The inner surface of the first outer side wall portion OSW1 may be a surface of the first outer side wall portion OSW1 that faces the outer surface of the first side wall portion SW1. The inner surface of the second outer side wall portion OSW2 may be a surface of the second outer side wall portion OSW2 that faces the outer surface of the second side wall portion SW2.

[0146] The first protrusions P1 may protrude from the inner surfaces of the first and second outer sidewalls OSW1 and OSW2 toward the first and second sidewalls SW1 and SW2, respectively. The first protrusions P1 may be adjacent to lower ends of the first and second outer sidewalls OSW1 and OSW2, respectively. The first protrusions P1 may be inserted into the second guide grooves GG2, respectively.

[0147] The second protrusions P2 may protrude from upper ends of the first and second outer sidewalls OSW1 and OSW2 toward the first and second sidewalls SW1 and SW2 , respectively. The second protrusions P2 may be inserted into the third guide grooves GG3 , respectively.

[0148] Reference Fig.14 , the third side wall portion SW3 may have a curved surface shape that bulges outward. In an embodiment, the third side wall portion SW3 faces the third outer side wall portion OSW3 (see Figure 7 ) may have a concave curved surface shape. An outer surface of the third side wall portion SW3 (which is an opposite surface to the inner surface of the third side wall portion SW3) may have a curved surface shape that is convex outward.

[0149] Each of the first guide grooves GG1 may be closer to the first side of the first side wall portion SW1 (or the second side wall portion SW2) than the second side of the first side wall portion SW1 (or the second side wall portion SW2). The first guide groove GG1 may include a first extension portion EX1, a second extension portion EX2, and a curved portion CVP. The first extension portion EX1 may extend in the first direction DR1. The second extension portion EX2 may extend in the first direction DR1 and be disposed below the first extension portion EX1.

[0150] Although the second extension portion EX2 is exemplarily illustrated as being longer than the first extension portion EX1 in the first direction DR1 , the relationship between the length of the second extension portion EX2 and the length of the first extension portion EX1 is not limited thereto.

[0151] The curved portion CVP may have a curved shape extending from a first side of the first extension portion EX1 to a first side of the second extension portion EX2. The first side of the first extension portion EX1 and the first side of the second extension portion EX2 may be adjacent to a first side of the first case CS1 (or to the third side wall portion SW3). The curved portion CVP may have a curved shape convex toward the first side of the first case CS1 (or toward the third side wall portion SW3).

[0152] The first rotation unit RU1 and the second rotation unit RU2 may be disposed between the first extension portion EX1 and the second extension portion EX2. The second rotation unit RU2 may be disposed between the first rotation unit RU1 and the curved portion CVP.

[0153] Reference Fig.14 and Fig.15 , the height of the upper ends of the first outer side wall portion OSW1 and the second outer side wall portion OSW2 may be greater than the height of the first sub-portion SPT1. The connection grooves CG may be defined in the first outer side wall portion OSW1 and the second outer side wall portion OSW2, respectively. In an embodiment, when viewed in the second direction DR2, each of the connection grooves CG may not overlap with the first extension portion EX1, but may be disposed to be located in substantially the same line as the first extension portion EX1.

[0154] The connection groove CG may be defined in a portion of the first outer side wall portion OSW1 and the second outer side wall portion OSW2 that does not overlap with the first extension portion EX1. For example, the connection groove CG may be defined in a portion of the first outer side wall portion OSW1 and the second outer side wall portion OSW2 that is disposed above the first sub-portion SPT1. The connection groove CG may be adjacent to the second side of the second housing CS2 (or to the third outer side wall portion OSW3).

[0155] Fig.16 Shows the Figure 7 A support portion in the first housing shown in ; Fig.17 A display module is shown disposed on a support; and Fig.18 yes Fig.17 An enlarged view of area "AA" is shown in FIG.

[0156] For ease of description, Fig.17 The support portion SP and the side of the display module DM viewed in the second direction DR2 are shown.

[0157] Reference Fig.16 and Fig.17 The display device DD may include a support portion SP, and the support portion SP may include a support plate SPP and a plurality of support bars SB. The support plate SPP may have a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The support plate SPP and the support bars SB may be arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0158] The support bars SB may extend in the second direction DR2 and be arranged in the first direction DR1. The support bars SB may be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals in the first direction DR1. In an embodiment, the support bars SB may have an inverted trapezoidal shape when viewed in the second direction DR2.

[0159] Although the support rods SB spaced apart from each other are shown by way of example, the structure of the support rod SB is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, for example, the support rod SB may be implemented in a hinged structure coupled to rotate relative to each other. The support plate SPP may include a first support plate SPP1 and a second support plate SPP2. The second support plate SPP2 may be disposed between the first support plate SPP1 and the support rod SB. In an embodiment, with respect to the second direction DR2, the length of the first support plate SPP1 may be greater than the length of the second support plate SPP2.

[0160] Reference Fig.17 and Fig.18 , the support portion SP may be disposed on a rear surface of the display module DM, which is an opposite surface to the front surface of the display module DM. An adhesive AD may be disposed between the display module DM and the support portion SP, and the support portion SP may be attached to the display module DM through the adhesive AD. Although in an embodiment, the adhesive AD may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive, the adhesive AD is not limited thereto and may include any one of a variety of adhesives.

[0161] Fig.19 , Fig. 20 and Fig.21 A support portion and a display module are shown disposed in the first housing and the second housing; and Fig. 22 is an enlarged view of a support rod and a first rotating unit and a second rotating unit, wherein the support rod and the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit are arranged Fig. 20 The bent portion shown in FIG. 1 and portions of the first extension portion and the second extension portion adjacent to the bent portion.

[0162] Fig.19 is with Fig.13 A substantially corresponding cross-sectional view; Fig. 20 is with Fig.14 substantially corresponding cross-sectional views; and Fig.21 is with Fig.15 Basically corresponding cross-sectional view.

[0163] Reference Fig.19 , Fig. 20 and Fig.21 When viewed in the second direction DR2, the support plate SPP and the support rod SB may be disposed on a rear surface of the display module DM, which is an opposite surface of a front surface of the display module DM adjacent to an edge of the first housing CS1. The support portion SP may be connected to the second housing CS2, and opposite sides of the support portion SP that are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2 may be respectively inserted into the first guide groove GG1 so that the support portion SP may move in the first direction DR1.

[0164] The support plate SPP may be connected to the second shell CS2. Fig.21 As shown in the figure, opposite sides of the first support plate SPP1 opposite to each other in the second direction DR2 can be respectively inserted into the connection grooves CG to be connected to the second shell CS2. Portions of the first support plate SPP1 adjacent to the opposite sides of the first support plate SPP1 can be set on the first sub-portion SPT1 of the first side wall portion SW1 and the second side wall portion SW2.

[0165] Fig. 20 The state of the display device DD shown in may be a basic mode of the display device DD, which is achieved by the second housing CS2 moving in the first direction DR1 to be closest to the first housing CS1.

[0166] In the basic mode of the display device DD, the opposite sides of the support plate SPP may be disposed in the first extension portion EX1. Fig.19 As shown in , opposite sides of the second support plate SPP2 opposite to each other in the second direction DR2 can be respectively arranged to be inserted into the first extension portion EX1. In the basic mode of the display device DD, opposite sides of the support bar SB opposite to each other in the second direction DR2 can be respectively arranged to be inserted into the curved portion CVP, a portion of the first extension portion EX1 adjacent to the curved portion CVP, and the second extension portion EX2.

[0167] The support rod SB may include a plurality of first support rods SB1, a plurality of second support rods SB2, and a plurality of third support rods SB3. The first support rod SB1 may be horizontally arranged in the first direction DR1 together with the plane of the support plate SPP. The second support rod SB2 may be arranged in a curved shape along the outer surface of the second rotating unit RU2. The third support rod SB3 may be disposed below the first support rod SB1 and may be horizontally arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0168] The first support bar SB1 may be defined as a support bar SB disposed in the first extension portion EX1 among the support bars SB. The second support bar SB2 may be defined as a support bar SB disposed in the curved portion CVP among the support bars SB. The third support bar SB3 may be defined as a support bar SB disposed in the second extension portion EX2 among the support bars SB.

[0169] According to the arrangement of the support portion SP described above, the display module DM can be accommodated in the first shell CS1 and the second shell CS2 in a folded state along the curved portion CVP. For example, the portion of the display module DM located on the support rod SB provided in the curved portion CVP can be folded. The portion of the display module DM provided on the support plate SPP can be folded by Figure 1The opening OP shown in FIG. 1 is exposed to the outside. The portion of the display module DM supported by the support bar SB provided in the curved portion CVP and the second extending portion EX2 may not be exposed to the outside.

[0170] Reference Fig. 20 and Fig. 22 , the first rotation unit RU1 may be disposed under some of the support bars SB, and the second rotation unit RU2 may be disposed under other of the support bars SB. For example, the first rotation unit RU1 may be disposed under the first support bar SB1 disposed in a portion of the first extension part EX1 adjacent to the curved portion CVP. In addition, the first rotation unit RU1 may be disposed on a third support bar SB3 disposed in a portion of the second extension part EX2 adjacent to the curved portion CVP.

[0171] The protrusion of the gear part GA may be disposed between the first support rods SB1 disposed in a portion of the first extension part EX1 adjacent to the curved portion CVP. In addition, the protrusion of the gear part GA may be disposed between the third support rods SB3 disposed in a portion of the second extension part EX2 adjacent to the curved portion CVP.

[0172] The second rotation unit RU2 may be adjacent to the second support bar SB2 disposed in the curved portion CVP and disposed to be in contact therewith For example, the columnar portion CL of the second rotation unit RU2 may be disposed to be in contact with the second support bar SB2.

[0173] When the second supporting rod SB2 is set in the curved portion CVP, the first gap GP1 between the lower ends of the second supporting rod SB2 can be smaller than the second gap GP2 between the lower ends of the first supporting rod SB1 set in the first extension portion EX1 and the lower ends of the third supporting rod SB3 set in the second extension portion EX2.

[0174] Fig.23 Shows Fig. 20 The unfolded mode of the display device shown in .

[0175] Reference Fig.23When the second housing CS2 moves in the first direction DR1 to move away from the first housing CS1 to put the display device DD in the expanded mode, the support portion SP may move along the first guide groove GG1. For example, the first support plate SPP1 may be connected to the second housing CS2 to move together with the second housing CS2, and the second support plate SPP2 and the support rod SB may move along the first guide groove GG1. The first rotating unit RU1 and the second rotating unit RU2 may easily move the support rod SB along the first guide groove GG1 when rotating.

[0176] The first rotating unit RU1 and the second rotating unit RU2 may be rotated by the driving unit to move the support rod SB. When the first rotating unit RU1 rotates, the protrusion of the gear portion GA may be disposed between the first support rod SB1 and between the third support rod SB3 to move the first support rod SB1 and the third support rod SB3. The second rotating unit RU2 may rotate at the same speed as the first rotating unit RU1 and may contact the second support rod SB2 to move the second support rod SB2. Therefore, the support rod SB may be moved more easily by the first rotating unit RU1 and the second rotating unit RU2.

[0177] When the first rotating unit RU1 and the second rotating unit RU2 are rotated counterclockwise by the driving unit, the support plate SPP may move in the first direction DR1 according to the movement of the support rod SB, and thus, the second housing CS2 may move in the first direction DR1. Figure 2 In contrast, when the first rotating unit RU1 and the second rotating unit RU2 are rotated clockwise by the driving unit, the following can be achieved: Figure 1 The basic mode of the display device DD shown in FIG.

[0178] The movement amount of the second housing CS2 may be determined according to the rotation amount of the first rotation unit RU1 and the second rotation unit RU2. Therefore, the deployment area of ​​the display module DM may be determined according to the rotation amount of the first rotation unit RU1 and the second rotation unit RU2. The rotation amount of the first rotation unit RU1 and the second rotation unit RU2 may be selectively adjusted by a user operating the driving unit. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto, and in embodiments, the second housing CS2 may be moved by an external force of a user.

[0179] When the protrusion of the gear part GA is disposed between the support bars SB to move the support bars SB, wear of the protrusion may occur. The degree of wear of the protrusion may increase as the gap between the support bars SB becomes narrower. When the protrusion of the gear part GA is disposed between the second support bars SB2 located in the curved portion CVP spaced apart by a small first gap GP1, wear of the protrusion may increase. When the wear of the protrusion of the gear part GA becomes greater, a phenomenon may occur in which the protrusion cannot move the support bars SB and the gear part GA may rotate without transmitting force.

[0180] However, in an embodiment of the present inventive concept, since the protrusion of the gear portion GA is inserted between the first supporting rod SB1 located in the first extension portion EX1 and the third supporting rod SB3 located in the second extension portion EX2 which are separated from each other by a larger second gap GP2, wear of the protrusion can be reduced.

[0181] Therefore, the display device DD according to the embodiment of the inventive concept may more easily move the support bar SB by using the first and second rotation units RU1 and RU2 , and may reduce wear of the protrusion of the gear part GA.

[0182] According to one or more embodiments of the inventive concept, the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit disposed adjacent to the supporting bar supporting the display module may easily move the supporting bar while rotating at the same speed.

[0183] In addition, wear of the protrusion of the gear part can be reduced by setting the protrusion of the gear part of the first rotating unit between support rods provided in the horizontally extending first extension portion of the first guide groove, rather than between support rods provided in the curved portion of the first guide groove.

[0184] Although some exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept have been described herein, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept set forth in the appended claims and their equivalents. The exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, and all changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents will be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Display module; A support portion, arranged on the rear surface of the display module and comprising a support plate and a plurality of support rods; A first housing configured to accommodate the display module and the support portion; a second housing coupled to the first housing so as to be movable in a first direction away from or closer to the first housing; A first rotating unit is located below some of the plurality of supporting rods horizontally arranged together with the supporting plate; A second rotating unit is located below other supporting rods among the plurality of supporting rods; as well as belt units each configured to couple a portion of the first rotating unit and a portion of the second rotating unit adjacent to each other, wherein the support portion is movable according to rotation of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit, and Wherein, the plurality of support rods include: a plurality of first support rods horizontally arranged together with the support plate; and a plurality of second support rods arranged in a curved shape along an outer surface of the second rotating unit, Wherein, the first rotating unit is arranged below the plurality of first supporting rods.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first rotating unit and the second rotating unit extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction and rotate around a central axis of the first rotating unit and a central axis of the second rotating unit, respectively, and the central axis of the first rotating unit and the central axis of the second rotating unit extend parallel to the second direction.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the belt units has a closed curved shape and surrounds the portion of the first rotating unit and the portion of the second rotating unit, and the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit are configured to rotate in the same direction.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: Opposite sides of the plurality of support rods are respectively inserted into first guide grooves defined on an inner surface of the first housing facing each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and support rods among the plurality of support rods move along the first guide grooves.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The first guide groove comprises: a first extending portion extending in the first direction; a second extending portion extending in the first direction and located below the first extending portion; and The bent portions extend from a first side of the first extending portion to a first side of the second extending portion, respectively, Each of the first side of the first extending portion and the first side of the second extending portion is adjacent to a first side of the first housing, and the bent portion has a bent shape convex toward the first side of the first housing.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The first rotating unit and the second rotating unit are located between the first extending portion and the second extending portion.

7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The second rotating unit is located between the first rotating unit and the curved portion.

8. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The support plate is connected to the second shell, the support rods among the plurality of support rods extend in the second direction and are arranged in the first direction, and opposite sides of the plurality of support rods are respectively inserted into the bent portion, a portion of the first extension portion adjacent to the bent portion, and the second extension portion.

9. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The first supporting rod is arranged in a portion of the first extending portion adjacent to the curved portion, and the second rotating unit is arranged to contact a second supporting rod among the plurality of supporting rods, the second supporting rod being arranged in the curved portion.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: The first rotating unit comprises: a gear portion configured to extend in the second direction; and first sub-columnar portions extending from opposite ends of the gear portion in the second direction, respectively, and having a smaller diameter than the gear portion when viewed in the second direction, The first supporting rods are provided in plurality, the protrusion of the gear portion is located between the plurality of first supporting rods, and the first sub-columnar portion is connected to the first housing.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The second rotating unit comprises: a columnar portion configured to extend in the second direction and to contact the second support rod disposed in the curved portion; and second sub-columnar portions extending from opposite ends of the columnar portion in the second direction, respectively, and having a smaller diameter than the columnar portion, Wherein, the second sub-columnar portion is connected to the first shell.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The band unit surrounds the first sub-columnar portions and the second sub-columnar portions to couple each of the first sub-columnar portions to a corresponding one of the second sub-columnar portions.

13. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The support plate comprises: a first support plate connected to the second housing; and a second support plate, arranged between the first support plate and the plurality of support rods, wherein opposite sides of the second support plate are respectively inserted into the first extension portions, Wherein, with respect to the second direction, the length of the first supporting plate is greater than the length of the second supporting plate.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: The opposite sides of the first support plate are respectively inserted into connection grooves defined on the inner surface of the second housing facing each other in the second direction, and When viewed in the second direction, the connecting groove does not overlap with the first extending portion.

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