Display device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a display device, and in particular to a deformable display device. A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first panel including an input unit; a second panel; a hinge unit located between the first panel and the second panel and connected to the first panel and the second panel; a control unit receiving an input signal from the input unit to generate a control signal; and a hinge driving unit driving the hinge unit based on the control signal, wherein the hinge driving unit drives the hinge unit according to a command input to the input unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and in particular to a deformable display device. Background Art

[0002] Display devices such as liquid crystal display (LCD) and organic light emitting diode display (OLED) include a panel that can display an image, and the panel includes a plurality of pixels. Recently, a deformable display device whose panel can be deformed in a form such as being bent or folded is being developed. Summary of the invention

[0003] The purpose of the present disclosure is to automatically control the deformation of a display device according to a command input by a user to improve user convenience, safety, ease of movement of the display device, and the like.

[0004] A display device involved in one embodiment of the present invention includes: a first panel including an input unit; a second panel; a hinge unit located between the first panel and the second panel and connected to the first panel and the second panel; a control unit receiving an input signal from the input unit to generate a control signal; and a hinge driving unit driving the hinge unit based on the control signal, the hinge driving unit driving the hinge unit according to a command input to the input unit.

[0005] It may be that, if a first pattern is input into the input unit, the hinge driving unit drives the hinge unit so that a first angle is formed between the first panel and the second panel; and if a second pattern different from the first pattern is input into the input unit, the hinge driving unit drives the hinge unit so that a second angle different from the first angle is formed between the first panel and the second panel.

[0006] The first panel may include a first display unit capable of displaying an image, and the input unit may include a touch sensor located in the first display unit and capable of sensing a touch from the outside.

[0007] It may be that the first panel includes an edge position display portion located at an edge position, and the input portion is located at the edge position display portion.

[0008] The edge position display portion may be located on the opposite side of the hinge portion.

[0009] The input portion may include a plurality of icons or a plurality of buttons, and the hinge portion may be driven in different ways to adjust the angle between the first panel and the second panel according to a selected icon or button from the plurality of icons or buttons.

[0010] The input unit may include a fingerprint sensor.

[0011] The hinge portion may include a motor.

[0012] It may be that the hinge part includes a plurality of hinges connected to each other.

[0013] It may be that the first panel includes a first display portion that is exposed to the outside and can display an image when the first panel and the second panel form a first angle, and the first panel includes a second display portion that is exposed to the outside and can display an image when the first panel and the second panel form a second angle different from the first angle, and the second panel includes a third display portion that is exposed to the outside and can display an image when the first panel and the second panel form the second angle.

[0014] A display device involved in an embodiment of the present invention may include: a plurality of panels; a hinge portion, located between adjacent panels among the plurality of panels and connected to the adjacent panels; a control portion, generating a control signal; and a hinge driving portion, driving the hinge portion based on the control signal, at least one panel among the plurality of panels includes an input portion, the control portion receives an input signal from the input portion to generate the control signal, and the hinge driving portion drives the hinge portion according to a command input to the input portion, thereby performing various adjustments to the angles between the plurality of panels.

[0015] It may be that, if a first pattern is input into the input unit, the hinge driving unit drives the hinge unit so that a first angle is formed between a first panel and a second panel among the multiple panels; and if a second pattern different from the first pattern is input into the input unit, the hinge driving unit drives the hinge unit so that a second angle different from the first angle is formed between the first panel and the second panel.

[0016] The plurality of panels may each include a display unit capable of displaying an image, and the input unit may include a touch sensor located in the display unit of at least one panel and capable of sensing a touch from the outside.

[0017] The angles between the plurality of panels may be adjusted in various ways according to the number of times an input pattern is input to the input unit.

[0018] The input unit may include a fingerprint sensor.

[0019] The hinge portion may include a motor.

[0020] It may be that the hinge part includes a plurality of hinges connected to each other.

[0021] It may be that the first panel included in the multiple panels includes a first display portion that is exposed to the outside and can display an image when the first panel and the second panel included in the multiple panels form a first angle, and the first panel includes a second display portion that is exposed to the outside and can display an image when the first panel and the second panel form a second angle different from the first angle, and the second panel includes a third display portion that is exposed to the outside and can display an image when the first panel and the second panel form the second angle.

[0022] A display device involved in one embodiment of the present invention may include: an input part; a bending part, which is deformable and includes a hinge part; a control part, which generates a control signal; and a hinge driving part, which drives the hinge part based on the control signal, the bending part also includes a panel overlapping with the hinge part, the panel includes a display part capable of displaying an image, the hinge part includes a plurality of hinges connected to each other, the control part receives an input signal from the input part to generate the control signal, and the hinge driving part drives the hinge part according to a command input to the input part, thereby making various adjustments to the curvature or bending angle of the bending part.

[0023] The hinge portion may include a motor.

[0024] (Effects of the Invention)

[0025] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the deformation of the display device is automatically controlled according to a command input by a user, thereby improving the convenience, security, and convenience of movement of the display device for the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a structure of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a folded state of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0028] Figure 3 represents the form of a command input by a user to an input unit of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0029] Figure 4 1 shows a hinge portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0030] Figure 5 A motor included in a hinge portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0031] Figure 6 Indicates a state where the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is turned on.

[0032] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing a method of inputting a command to a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention to deform the display device.

[0033] Figure 8 represents a state where the display device according to one embodiment of the present invention is closed,

[0034] Fig. 9 is a side view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0035] Fig.10 is a side view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0036] Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 and Fig.14 They are side views of the display device according to one embodiment of the present invention with the panel forming various angles,

[0037] Fig.15 is a side view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state,

[0038] Fig.16 is a side view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a folded state,

[0039] Fig.17 1 shows a hinge portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0040] Fig.18 express Fig.17 The hinge portion of the display device shown is bent.

[0041] Fig.19 2 shows the front surface of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0042] Fig. 20 is a top side view of a curved portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0043] Fig.21 It is a top side view of a bent portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] (Explanation of symbols)

[0045] 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200: panel;

[0046] 100A, 100B, 105A, 110A, 120A, 120B, 130A, 130B, 140A, 150A, 160A, 170A, 180A, 190A, 200B: display unit;

[0047] 100TA: flexure;

[0048] 300, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390: hinge part;

[0049] 310, 310_1, 310_2, 310_3, 310_4, 310_5: hinges;

[0050] 332: Motor;

[0051] 400, 410, 420: input unit;

[0052] 450: Control Department;

[0053] 460: hinge driving unit;

[0054] 1000, 1000a, 1000b, 1000c: display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention can be implemented in various different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0056] In order to clearly describe the present invention, parts not related to the description are omitted, and the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0057] In addition, the size and thickness of each structure shown in the figure are arbitrarily shown for the convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the situation shown in the figure. In the drawings, the thickness is exaggerated to show each layer and region clearly. In addition, in the drawings, the thickness of some layers and regions is exaggerated to show for the convenience of explanation.

[0058] When a part such as a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is located on or above another part, it includes not only the case where it is directly located on the other part, but also the case where the other part is located between them. Conversely, when a part is directly located on another part, it means that there is no other part between them. In addition, being located on or above a part used as a reference means being located above or below the part used as a reference, and does not necessarily mean being located above or above the part in the direction of gravity.

[0059] Throughout the specification, when a certain part includes a certain constituent element, unless there is a particular description to the contrary, it does not exclude the inclusion of other constituent elements, but means that the part may further include other constituent elements.

[0060] First, refer to Figures 1 to 7 , describing the structure and working method of a display device involved in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a structure of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 1 shows a folded state of a display device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 represents the form of a command input by a user to an input unit of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 1 shows a hinge portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 A motor included in a hinge portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 6 It shows a state where the display device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention is turned on. Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram showing a method of inputting a command to a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention to transform the display device.

[0062] First, refer to Figure 1 A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an input unit 400 , a control unit 450 , and a hinge driving unit 460 .

[0063] The input unit 400 may receive input of a user's command to generate an input signal based thereon. For example, the input unit 400 may include a button of a display device or an icon displayed on a display unit of a display device. The display unit displaying the icon may include a touch sensor capable of sensing a direct touch, a hovering touch, etc. from the outside.

[0064] The control unit 450 may generate a control signal by receiving an input signal from the input unit 400. The control signal may be a control signal for driving or a state of a hinge unit included in the display device.

[0065] The hinge driving unit 460 may drive the hinge of the hinge portion included in the display device based on the control signal of the control unit 450 .

[0066] Reference Figure 2 A display device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first panel 100 , a second panel 200 , and a hinge portion 300 .

[0067] The first panel 100 includes a display portion 100A that can display an image based on an input image signal. The second panel 200 may also include a display portion that can display an image based on an input image signal.

[0068] The hinge part 300 includes at least one hinge that can be automatically controlled by the hinge driving part 460. The hinge part 300 is located between the first panel 100 and the second panel 200, and is connected to the first panel 100 and the second panel 200.

[0069] According to the state of the hinge included in the hinge part 300 that is automatically driven, the angle between the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 can be adjusted. Specifically, when the hinge of the hinge part 300 is in a fully closed state, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 of the display device 1000 may be completely closed and parallel to each other. At this time, the display portion 100A of the first panel 100 may be exposed to the outside.

[0070] In this description, when the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 or the display device 1000 is in a closed state, in addition to the fully closed state, it also includes a state of being closed at a predetermined angle. That is, when the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 or the display device 1000 is in a closed state, it refers to a state other than the fully opened state. Similarly, when the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 or the display device 1000 is in an open state, in addition to the fully opened state, it also includes a state of being opened at a predetermined angle. That is, when the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 or the display device 1000 is in an open state, it refers to a state other than the fully closed state.

[0071] The first panel 100 may include at least one input unit 410. The input unit 410 is a portion corresponding to the input unit 400 described above, and may be located in the display unit 100A. The input unit 410 may include an icon in the form of a button displayed on the display unit 100A, or may include an actual button that can be pressed. The input unit 410 may include a touch sensor that can sense a direct touch, a hovering touch, etc. from the outside.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the touch sensor may include a fingerprint sensor.

[0073] According to the user Figure 2The commands inputted into the input unit 410 of the display device 1000 shown in the figure may generate input signals different from each other. The form or input pattern of the command recognizable by the input unit 410 may be pre-stored in the memory of the display device 1000. In the case where the touch sensor included in the input unit 410 includes a fingerprint sensor, the information on the fingerprint of the user may be pre-stored in the memory of the display device 1000.

[0074] Reference Figure 3 , if the user opens the input pattern in the input unit 400, 410, for example Figure 3 If the hinge is moved clockwise or to the right as shown on the left side of the display and touched or pressed, the hinge driving unit 460 operates according to the control signal of the control unit 450. Figure 2 The hinge portion 300 of the display device 1000 shown is driven, and the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 can be opened at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle can be set in various forms, for example, the angle between the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 can be changed to 10 degrees, 20 degrees, ..., 90 degrees, ..., 180 degrees, etc. according to a single command input.

[0075] On the contrary, if the user enters a closed input pattern such as Figure 3 , and moves counterclockwise or to the left as shown on the right side of the display and touches or presses, then according to the control signal of the control unit 450, the hinge driving unit 460 works, Figure 2 The hinge portion 300 of the display device 1000 shown is driven, and the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 can be closed at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle can be set in various forms, for example, the angle between the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 can be changed to 10 degrees, 20 degrees, ..., 90 degrees, ..., 180 degrees, etc. according to a single command input.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the driving of the hinge part 300 can be controlled according to the fingerprint information of the user inputted to the input part 400, 410 by touch. That is, when the fingerprint information of the user inputted to the input part 400, 410 is consistent with the fingerprint information stored in advance, the hinge part 300 is driven, and the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 can be opened. In the case of inconsistency, the hinge part 300 will not be driven, so that the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 maintain the closed state. As a result, only the user pre-specified by the display device 1000 can open the first panel 100 and the second panel 200, so that the security of the display device 1000 can be improved.

[0077] In addition, the input method or input pattern of the command input to the input unit 400, 410 can be various, and the operation of the hinge unit 300 based on this can also be various. For example, according to the various input methods or input patterns of the command input to the input unit 400, 410, the range of operation of the hinge unit 300, that is, the degree to which the hinge included in the hinge unit 300 is opened or the angle between the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 can be different.

[0078] Reference Figure 4 The hinge unit 300 included in the display device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least one hinge 310. The hinge 310 may include a first support body 312, a second support body 314, and a rotating unit 316.

[0079] The first support 312 may be fixed to and connected to the first panel 100 , and the second support 314 may be fixed to and connected to the second panel 200 .

[0080] The rotating part 316 is located between the first supporting body 312 and the second supporting body 314, and is connected to the first supporting body 312 and the second supporting body 314. The first supporting body 312 and the second supporting body 314 can rotate around the rotating part 316, so that the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 can rotate around the rotating part 316.

[0081] Reference Figure 5 The hinge part 300 may include a motor 332 that enables the hinge 310 to automatically operate according to an input command. The motor 332 may be located at the rotating part 316.

[0082] Reference Figure 6 As described above, if the hinge portion 300 is driven to open the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 according to the command input to the input portion 400, 410, then Figure 6 As shown, the display portion 100B of the first panel 100 and the display portion 200B of the second panel 200 may be exposed to the outside. The display portions 100B and 200B may display images according to input image signals. That is, the first panel 100 may include a display portion 100B that may display images when the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 are opened, and the second panel 200 may include a display portion 200B that may display images when the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 are opened. The display portion 100B of the first panel 100 and the display portion 200B of the second panel 200 may be located on the same plane.

[0083] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 6The display portion 100A and the display portion 100B of the first panel 100 may be located on surfaces of the first panel 100 that are opposite to each other.

[0084] and Figures 1 to 6 Refer to Figure 7 , describing a working method of a display device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] First, as described above, when a user inputs a command to the input unit 400 or 410 of the display device 1000 , an input signal is generated ( S10 ).

[0086] Then, the control unit 450 determines a command based on the input signal and generates a control signal ( S20 ).

[0087] Then, the hinge driving unit 460 drives the hinge 310 according to the control signal from the control unit 450 ( S30 ).

[0088] Then, according to the driving of the hinge 310, the angle between the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 of the display device 1000 including the hinge 310 is adjusted, so that the display device 1000 can be deformed (S40).

[0089] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the display device 1000 may include a hinge portion 300, and the display device 1000 may be automatically deformed according to the state of the hinge portion 300 based on a command of a user. That is, the positional relationship or angle between the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 connected to the hinge portion 300 may be automatically controlled. In addition, the user's command may be implemented by touching the display portion 100A, so the user may conveniently control the opening and closing state of the display device 1000. In addition, as described above, in the case where the touch sensor included in the input portion 410 includes a fingerprint sensor, only the user pre-designated by the display device 1000 may open the first panel 100 and the second panel 200, so the security of the display device 1000 may be improved.

[0090] The following is the attached Figure 1 Reference Figures 8 to 14 , describing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Figure 8 represents a state where the display device according to one embodiment of the present invention is closed, Fig. 9 is a side view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.10 is a side view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 and Fig.14Each of the diagrams is a side view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention with a panel formed at various angles.

[0092] Reference Figure 8 The display device 1000a according to an embodiment of the present invention is mostly the same as the display device 1000 described above, but the first panel 100 may be different.

[0093] Specifically, the first panel 100 may include at least one input portion 420. The input portion 420 is a portion corresponding to the input portion 400 described above, and may be located at the same position as the input portion 400 described above. Figure 2 The input unit 410 of the display device 1000 is shown at different positions.

[0094] The first panel 100 may include an edge position display portion 105A located at one edge position, and the input portion 420 may be located at the edge position display portion 105A. The edge position display portion 105A may be located at an edge position of the first panel 100 facing the hinge portion 300, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] The edge position display portion 105A may have a shape extending long along an edge position of one side of the first panel 100 , and may constitute a side surface of the first panel 100 .

[0096] Reference Fig. 9 The edge position display portion 105A may include a bent (or curved) display surface at the edge position of the first panel 100. At least one input portion 420 may be located on the bent display surface.

[0097] Reference Fig.10 The edge position display portion 105A may be bent (or curved) at the edge position of the first panel 100 to form a side portion of the first panel 100. At least one input portion 420 may be located on the display surface of the edge position display portion 105A.

[0098] Refer again Figure 8 The at least one input unit 420 located at the edge position display unit 105A may include icons BT1, BT2, BT3, BT4 in the form of buttons displayed on the edge position display unit 105A, or may include a plurality of actual buttons that can be pressed. The input unit 420 may include a touch sensor that can sense direct touch, hover touch, etc. from the outside.

[0099] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the touch sensor may include a fingerprint sensor.

[0100] According to the user Figure 8The commands inputted into the input unit 420 of the display device 1000a shown may generate input signals different from each other. The form of the command or the input pattern recognizable by the input unit 420 may be pre-stored in the memory of the display device 1000a. In the case where the touch sensor included in the input unit 420 includes a fingerprint sensor, information on the user's fingerprint may be pre-stored in the memory of the display device 1000a.

[0101] In the case where one of the icons BT1, BT2, BT3, BT4 displayed on the edge position display unit 105A or the buttons located on the edge position display unit 105A is the input unit 420, different control signals can be generated according to the form or input pattern of the command input by the user to the input unit 420 or the user's touch, thereby driving the hinge unit 300.

[0102] As previously explained Figure 3 As shown, if the user moves the opening input pattern, for example, in the clockwise direction or to the right, and touches or presses the input unit 420, the hinge unit 300 of the display device 1000a is driven, and the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 can be opened at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle can be set in various forms, for example, the angle between the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 can be changed to 10 degrees, 20 degrees, ..., 90 degrees, ..., 180 degrees, etc. according to a single command input.

[0103] For example, refer to Figures 11 to 14 In the case where the display device 1000a can distinguish various input patterns or forms input to the input unit 420, the hinge unit 300 can be driven according to different input patterns or forms, so that the angle between the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 forms various angles A1, A2, A3, A4.

[0104] On the contrary, if the user moves the closing input pattern, for example, counterclockwise or to the left, and touches or presses the input unit 420, the hinge unit 300 of the display device 1000a is driven, so that the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 can be closed at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle can be set in various forms, for example, the angle between the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 can be changed to 10 degrees, 20 degrees, ..., 90 degrees, ..., 180 degrees, etc. according to a single command input.

[0105] According to other embodiments of the present invention, according to the number of input patterns or forms input to the input unit 420, the hinge unit 300 may be driven so that the angle between the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 forms various angles A1, A2, A3, A4.

[0106] That is, if a predetermined opening input pattern or form is input to the input unit 420, the hinge unit 300 is driven so that the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 are opened. Fig.11 The angle A1 shown in FIG. 1 is opened. If a predetermined opening input pattern or form is input to the input unit 420 twice, three times or four times, the hinge unit 300 is driven so that the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 are opened at an angle A1 shown in FIG. Fig.12 , Fig.13 or Fig.14 The angles A2, A3, A4 shown are opened.

[0107] On the contrary, if a predetermined closing input pattern or form is input to the input unit 420 once, the hinge unit 300 is driven so that the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 are closed. Fig.13 The angle A3 shown in FIG. 1 is closed. If a predetermined closing input pattern or form is input to the input unit 420 twice, three times, or four times, the hinge unit 300 is driven so that the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 are closed. Fig.12 , Fig.11 or Figure 8 The angles A2, A1 or 0 degrees shown are closed.

[0108] Thus, the display device 1000a including the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 can be automatically controlled to be opened and closed at various angles according to the method and / or input pattern of inputting a command to the input unit 420, thereby improving the convenience of the user.

[0109] In the case where the touch sensor of the input unit 420 includes a fingerprint sensor, the driving of the hinge unit 300 can also be controlled according to the fingerprint information of the user inputted to the input unit 420 by touch. That is, when the fingerprint information of the user inputted to the input unit 420 is consistent with the fingerprint information stored in advance, the hinge unit 300 is driven, so that the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 can be opened. In the case of inconsistency, the hinge unit 300 is not driven, and the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 can maintain a closed state. As a result, only the user pre-specified by the display device 1000a can open the first panel 100 and the second panel 200, and the security of the display device 1000a can be improved.

[0110] When the input unit 420 includes multiple icons BT1, BT2, BT3, BT4 displayed on the edge position display unit 105A or buttons located on the edge position display unit 105A, the user can press or touch one of the multiple buttons or icons BT1, BT2, BT3, BT4. Depending on the selected button or icon BT1, BT2, BT3, BT4, the hinge unit 300 can be driven in different ways.

[0111] For example, if a user presses or touches a button or icon BT1, the hinge portion 300 of the display device 1000a is driven, so that the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 can be opened or closed at a predetermined angle. Various predetermined angles can be set. For example, the angle between the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 can be changed to 10 degrees, 20 degrees, ..., 90 degrees, ..., 180 degrees, etc. according to the position or type of the selected button or icon BT1, BT2, BT3, BT4. The various angles between the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 are partly as follows: Figures 11 to 14 As shown.

[0112] The following is the attached document described above. Figure 1 Reference Fig.15 and Fig.16 , describing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Fig.15 is a side view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state, Fig.16 FIG. 1 is a side view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a folded state.

[0114] The display device 1000 b according to the present embodiment is similar to the display devices 1000 and 1000 a described above in most aspects, but may include a plurality of hinge portions 330 and 340 .

[0115] Specifically, the display device 1000b involved in this embodiment may include a plurality of panels 110, 120, 130 and a plurality of hinges 330, 340. A hinge (330, 340) may be located between adjacent panels 110, 120, 130, thereby connecting two adjacent panels (110, 120, 130).

[0116] When the display device 1000 b is unfolded, each of the panels 110 , 120 , and 130 may include a display portion 110A, 120A, or 130A capable of displaying an image based on the respective input image signals.

[0117] Each hinge portion 330, 340 may include at least one hinge that can be automatically controlled, and according to the state of the hinge, the display device 1000b may be automatically deformed in various ways. For example, according to the hinge state of the hinge portion 330, 340, such as Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the display device 1000b may be in a fully unfolded or opened state, or may be in a fully unfolded or opened state. Fig.16 As shown, it is in a completely folded or closed state.

[0118] like Fig.16As shown, when the display device 1000b is completely folded or closed, the plurality of panels 110, 120, and 130 may be substantially parallel to each other. When the display device 1000b is completely folded or closed, the panel 120 seen from the outside may include a display portion 120B capable of displaying an image based on an input image signal, and the panel 130 may include a display portion 130B capable of displaying an image based on an input image signal.

[0119] At least one of the plurality of panels 110, 120, 130 may include at least one of the various input units 400, 410, 420 described above. According to various commands inputted by the user to the input units 400, 410, 420, the display device 1000b may be deformed at various angles or shapes. Fig.15 As shown, in the state where the display device 1000b is fully opened, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 In addition to the state in which the display device 1000 b is completely closed or folded as shown, the angle between the adjacent panels 110 , 120 , and 130 can be controlled in various ways according to various states of the hinges included in the hinge parts 330 and 340 .

[0120] The following is the attached document described above. Figure 1 Reference Fig.17 and Fig.18 , describing another example of a hinge portion included in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Fig.17 1 shows a hinge portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.18 express Fig.17 The hinge portion of the display device is shown in a bent state.

[0122] Reference Fig.17 and Fig.18 The hinge parts 300, 330, 340 included in the display devices 1000, 1000a, 1000b according to an embodiment of the present invention may be hinge parts 320 having a plurality of hinges 310_1, 310_2, 310_3, 310_4, 310_5 connected to each other. As described above, each hinge 310_1, 310_2, 310_3, 310_4, 310_5 includes a rotating part 316, so that each hinge 310_1, 310_2, 310_3, 310_4, 310_5 can be rotated based on the hinge 310_1, 310_2, 310_3, 310_4, 310_5. Therefore, compared with the case where the hinge parts 300, 330, 340 include one hinge, the angle between the panels included in the display device can be controlled more variously.

[0123] The following is the attached document described above. Figure 1 Reference Figures 19 to 21, describing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] Fig.19 2 shows the front surface of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 20 is a top side view of a curved portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.21 It is a top side view of a bent portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] Reference Fig.19 A display device 1000c according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a bending portion 100TA that can be bent or curved.

[0126] Reference Fig.19 and Fig. 20 The bending part 100TA of the display device 1000c according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of panels 140, 150, 160, 170, 180 capable of displaying images and a plurality of hinge parts 350, 360, 370, 380. One hinge part (350, 360, 370, 380) is located between the panels (140, 150, 160, 170, 180) adjacent to each other, thereby connecting the two adjacent panels (140, 150, 160, 170, 180).

[0127] like Fig. 20 As shown, each panel 140 , 150 , 160 , 170 , 180 may include a display portion 140A, 150A, 160A, 170A, 180A capable of displaying an image based on the respective input image signals.

[0128] Each hinge portion 350 , 360 , 370 , 380 may include at least one hinge that can be automatically controlled, and according to the state of the hinge, the bending portion 100TA of the display device 1000 c may be automatically and variously deformed.

[0129] Specifically, according to the hinge states of the hinge parts 350, 360, 370, 380, as shown in FIG. Fig. 20 As shown, the angles A5, A6, A7, and A8 between adjacent panels (140, 150, 160, 170, and 180) can be adjusted. The angles A5, A6, A7, and A8 can be the same as or different from each other. If the angles A5, A6, A7, and A8 are all approximately 180 degrees, the curved portion 100TA of the display device 1000c can be in a substantially flat state, and the smaller the angles A5, A6, A7, and A8 are, the curved portion 100TA of the display device 1000c can be in a state of being curved with a gradually decreasing curvature.

[0130] At least one of the plurality of panels 140, 150, 160, 170, 180 may include at least one of the various input units 400, 410, 420 described above. According to various commands inputted to the input units 400, 410, 420 by the user, the display device 1000c may be deformed at various angles or shapes.

[0131] Reference Fig.19 and Fig.21 The bending portion 100TA of the display device 1000c according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a panel 190 capable of displaying an image and a hinge portion 390. The panel 190 and the hinge portion 390 may overlap each other. The bending portion 100TA may be in a planar form or in a curved form with various curvatures. That is, the bending portion 100TA may be deformable.

[0132] The panel 190 may include a display portion 190A capable of displaying an image.

[0133] The hinge portion 390 is as described above. Fig.17 The hinge portion 320 shown in the figure may include multiple hinges connected to each other. According to the state of the multiple hinges, the panel 190 included in the bending portion 100TA of the display device 1000c can be deformed at various bending angles or various curvatures. The more hinges the hinge portion 390 includes, the more gently bent the panel 190 can be. As in the various embodiments described above, each hinge can be automatically driven by the control unit and the hinge driving unit according to various commands input to the input unit, so that the panel 190 can be conveniently deformed at various bending angles or various curvatures.

[0134] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the claims fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Input section, The hinge portion includes a plurality of hinges arranged along a first direction, a panel, overlapping with a plurality of said hinges, a control unit that receives an input signal from the input unit to generate a control signal, and a hinge driving unit, driving the hinge unit based on the control signal; The panel includes a display portion for displaying an image. The display portion overlaps with a plurality of the hinges, The hinge driving part drives the hinge part according to the command input to the input part to perform various adjustments on the curvature or bending angle of the panel itself in the first direction.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: When a first pattern is input to the input unit, the hinge driving unit drives the hinge unit so that a first angle is formed between two adjacent panels among the plurality of panels. If a second pattern different from the first pattern is input to the input unit, the hinge driving unit drives the hinge unit so that a second angle different from the first angle is formed between the two adjacent panels.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: A panel located at an edge position among the plurality of panels includes an edge position display portion located on the opposite side of the hinge, The input unit is located at the edge of the display unit.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The input unit includes a plurality of icons or a plurality of buttons, According to a selected icon or button among the plurality of icons or the plurality of buttons, the hinge portion is driven in different ways to adjust an angle between the two adjacent panels.

5. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The input portion includes a fingerprint sensor.

6. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The hinge portion includes a motor.

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