Display devices

Abstract

This embodiment relates to a display device, the display device comprising: a flexible display panel including a first non-foldable region, a second non-foldable region, and a foldable region disposed between the first non-foldable region and the second non-foldable region; and a support structure supporting the flexible display panel. The support structure includes a first support portion; a second support portion; a hinge axis portion disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion and having a semi-cylindrical shape; a first hinge portion; a second hinge portion; a first sliding portion slidable relative to the first support portion and the hinge axis portion; and a second sliding portion slidable relative to the second support portion and the hinge axis portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments relate to the hinge structure of foldable display devices. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, with technological advancements, display products with smaller size, lighter weight, and superior performance have been produced. Conventional cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions, with their many advantages in performance and price, have been widely used in display devices. However, display devices such as plasma display devices, liquid crystal display devices, and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display devices have overcome the weaknesses of CRTs in terms of miniaturization and portability, and offer advantages such as small size, light weight, and low power consumption.

[0003] In the development of bendable flexible display panels, research is underway to apply them to mobile devices with foldable structures. The flexible display panel is mounted on a support portion with a hinge structure, allowing the support portion to be folded or unfolded to provide a large screen. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the hinge structure so that folding and unfolding can be performed without damaging the flexible display panel. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An embodiment provides a display device having an outwardly folding hinge structure that supports a flexible display panel.

[0005] According to an embodiment, a display device may include: a flexible display panel, the flexible display panel including a first non-foldable region, a second non-foldable region, and a foldable region disposed between the first non-foldable region and the second non-foldable region; and a support structure supporting the flexible display panel. The support structure may include: a first support portion supporting the first non-foldable region; a second support portion supporting the second non-foldable region; a hinge axis portion disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion, and having a semi-cylindrical shape; a first hinge portion contacting the hinge axis portion, rotatable about a rotation axis of the hinge axis portion, and extending in a direction toward the first support portion; a second hinge portion contacting the hinge axis portion, rotatable about the rotation axis of the hinge axis portion, and extending in a direction toward the second support portion; a first sliding portion slidable relative to the first support portion and the hinge axis portion; and a second sliding portion slidable relative to the second support portion and the hinge axis portion.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first support portion may include a first receiving portion for receiving the first sliding portion, and the second support portion may include a second receiving portion for receiving the second sliding portion. The first receiving portion of the first support portion may include a first inclined surface, and the first inclined surface and the first sliding portion may slidably contact each other. The second receiving portion of the second support portion may include a second inclined surface, and the second inclined surface and the second sliding portion may slidably contact each other.

[0007] In one embodiment, the support structure may further include a guide portion, which is accommodated in the second receiving portion and is slidably in contact with the second support portion and the second sliding portion.

[0008] In one embodiment, the guiding portion may include a guiding groove, the second sliding portion may include a guiding protrusion, and the guiding protrusion may be slidably accommodated in the guiding groove.

[0009] In one embodiment, the hinge shaft portion may include a hinge guide groove, the second sliding portion may include a hinge guide protrusion, and the hinge guide protrusion may be accommodated in the hinge guide groove to slide along the hinge guide groove.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first support portion may include a first hinge sliding receiving portion, in which the first hinge portion is received and slides; and the second support portion may include a second hinge sliding receiving portion, in which the second hinge portion is received and slides.

[0011] In one embodiment, when the display device is folded or unfolded, the first support portion can be fixed to the first non-folded area of ​​the flexible display panel and the second support portion can be fixed to the second non-folded area of ​​the flexible display panel.

[0012] In one embodiment, the support structure may further include a guide portion, which is received within the second receiving portion and contacts the second support portion and the second sliding portion to slide relative to the second support portion and relative to the second sliding portion. When the display device is folded or unfolded, the first sliding portion can slide relative to the first support portion, the second sliding portion can slide relative to the second support portion, and the guide portion can slide relative to both the second sliding portion and the second support portion.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first hinge portion may include: a support plate configured parallel to the first non-folding area of ​​the flexible display panel; and a hinge receiving portion connected to the support plate. The hinge axis portion may include a space in which the hinge receiving portion of the first hinge portion is received.

[0014] In one embodiment, the rotation axis of the first hinge portion and the rotation axis of the second hinge portion may be arranged on the same line.

[0015] In one embodiment, the hinge axis portion may include a first slot and a second slot, the first slot and the second slot connecting to the space of the hinge axis portion. When the display device is unfolded, a portion of the first hinge portion can be accommodated in the first slot, and a portion of the second hinge portion can be accommodated in the second slot.

[0016] In one embodiment, when the display device is folded or unfolded, the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion can slide relative to the hinge axis portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, when the display device is folded, the first support portion and the second support portion can move in a direction close to the hinge axis portion.

[0018] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a first rear cover disposed on the bottom surface of the first support portion and fixed to the first hinge portion; and a second rear cover disposed on the bottom surface of the second support portion and fixed to the second hinge portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, when the display device is folded, the first back cover and the second back cover can come into contact with each other.

[0020] In one embodiment, the flexible display panel may be a flexible organic light-emitting diode display panel.

[0021] In one embodiment, the display device may further include a multi-joint plate disposed between the flexible display panel and the support structure. The multi-joint plate may be connected to the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region of the flexible display panel, and the multi-joint plate may have a multi-joint structure, thereby being bendable at the portion overlapping the folding region.

[0022] In one embodiment, the flexible display panel may further include: a second folded region connected to the second non-folded region; and a third non-folded region connected to the second folded region. The support structure may further include: a third support portion supporting the third non-folded region; and a hinge structure disposed between the second support portion and the third support portion.

[0023] According to an embodiment, a display device may include: a flexible display panel, the flexible display panel including a first non-foldable region, a second non-foldable region, and a foldable region disposed between the first non-foldable region and the second non-foldable region; and a support structure supporting the flexible display panel. The support structure may include: a first support portion supporting the first non-foldable region; a second support portion supporting the second non-foldable region; and a hinge structure disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion. When the display device is folded, the first support portion and the second support portion can move in a direction close to the hinge structure.

[0024] In an embodiment, the hinge structure may include: a hinge axis portion disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion, and having a semi-cylindrical shape; a first hinge portion contacting the hinge axis portion, rotatable about a rotation axis of the hinge axis portion, and extending in a direction toward the first support portion; a second hinge portion contacting the hinge axis portion, rotatable about the rotation axis of the hinge axis portion, and extending in a direction toward the second support portion; a first sliding portion slidable relative to the first support portion and the hinge axis portion; and a second sliding portion slidable relative to the second support portion and the hinge axis portion.

[0025] Therefore, a display device according to an embodiment may include a hinge structure comprising components that slide relative to each other when the display device is folded or unfolded. The flexible display panel can remain stationary relative to a first and second support portion of the support structure in both the folded and unfolded states. Thus, even with repeated folding and unfolding of the display device, the formation of wrinkles and other deformations in the folded area of ​​the flexible display panel can be minimized, and the display device can be fully folded in the folded state without creating gaps. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1This is an exploded perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A 3D view of the display device in a fully folded state.

[0028] Figure 3 It is shown in detail Figure 1 A plan view of part 'A' of the display device.

[0029] Figure 4A Is Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' with the display device fully extended.

[0030] Figure 4B It is in the unfolded state. Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line I-I' while it is being folded.

[0031] Figure 4C Is Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line I-I' with the device fully folded.

[0032] Figure 5A Is Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' with the display device fully extended.

[0033] Figure 5B It is in the unfolded state. Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line II-II' while it is being folded.

[0034] Figure 5C Is Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of the display device in a fully folded state.

[0035] Figure 6A Is Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' with the display device fully extended.

[0036] Figure 6B It is in the unfolded state. Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line III-III' while it is being folded.

[0037] Figure 6C Is Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line III-III' with the device fully folded.

[0038] Figure 7A It is shown Figure 3 A plan view of the hinge axis portion of the display device.

[0039] Figure 7B It is shown Figure 3 A schematic side view of the hinge axis portion of the display device in the length direction.

[0040] Figure 7C It is shown Figure 3 A schematic side view of the hinge axis portion of the display device in the width direction.

[0041] Figure 8A It is shown Figure 3 A plan view of the second sliding portion of the display device.

[0042] Figure 8B It is shown Figure 3 A schematic side view of the second sliding portion of the display device in the length direction.

[0043] Figure 8C It is shown Figure 3 A schematic side view of the second sliding portion of the display device in the width direction.

[0044] Figure 9A It is shown Figure 3 A plan view of the first sliding portion of the display device.

[0045] Figure 9B It is shown Figure 3 A schematic side view of the first sliding portion of the display device in the length direction.

[0046] Figure 9C It is shown Figure 3 A schematic side view of the first sliding portion of the display device in the width direction.

[0047] Figure 10A It is shown Figure 3 A plan view of the guide section and the second hinge section of the display device.

[0048] Figure 10B It is shown Figure 3 A schematic side view of the guide portion and the second hinge portion of the display device in the length direction.

[0049] Figure 10C It is shown Figure 3 A schematic side view of the guide portion and the second hinge portion of the display device in the width direction.

[0050] Figure 11A It is shown Figure 3 A plan view of the second support portion of the display device.

[0051] Figure 11B It is shown Figure 3 A schematic side view of the second support portion of the display device in the length direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction).

[0052] Figure 11C It is shown Figure 3 A schematic side view of the second support portion of the display device in the width direction (i.e., the horizontal direction).

[0053] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0054] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 12 A 3D view of the display device in its fully extended state.

[0055] Figure 14A It indicates that it is in the unfolded state. Figure 12 A 3D image of a display device being folded.

[0056] Figure 14B It is shown Figure 12 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device in a fully folded state.

[0057] Figure 15 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0058] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being related to another element, such as "on" another element, "coupled to," "connected to," or "in contact with" another element, the element may be directly on, directly coupled to, directly connected to, or directly in contact with the other element, or there may be an intermediate element between the element and the other element. In contrast, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as being related to another element, such as "directly on" another element, "directly coupled to," "directly connected to," or "directly in contact with" another element, there is no intermediate element. Other expressions explaining the relationship between elements, such as "between," "directly between," "adjacent to," or "directly adjacent," should be interpreted in the same manner.

[0059] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals will refer to the same or similar parts. In the drawings, the thickness, scale, and dimensions of the components are exaggerated for the purpose of effectively describing the technical content.

[0060] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, zones, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, zones, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, one component, one zone, one layer, or one segment from another element, another component, another zone, another layer, or another segment. Therefore, without departing from the teachings herein, “first element,” “first component,” “first zone,” “first layer,” or “first segment” discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second zone, second layer, or second segment.

[0061] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, “a,” “the,” and “at least one” do not indicate a limitation on quantity and are intended to include both singular and plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, “an element” has the same meaning as “at least one element” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “At least one” is not construed as limiting “a.” “Or” means “and / or.”

[0062] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, “A and / or B” can be understood to mean “A, B, or A and B”. The terms “and” and “or” can be used in a combined or separate sense and can be understood as equivalent to “and / or”. Throughout the disclosure, the expression “at least one of A, B, and C” can mean only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, all of A, B, and C, or variations thereof.

[0063] For purposes of meaning and interpretation, the term "at least one of..." is intended to include the meaning of "at least one selected from the group consisting of...". For example, "at least one of A and B" can be understood to mean "A, B, or A and B". When preceding a list of elements, the term "at least one of..." modifies the entire list of elements and does not modify any individual element in the list.

[0064] It will also be understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprises,” “includes,” “have,” and / or “contains” are intended to describe the presence of the stated features, areas, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, areas, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, or groups thereof.

[0065] In the following sections, embodiments of the inventive concept will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment, and Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A 3D view of the display device in a fully folded state.

[0067] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display device may include a flexible display panel (DP), a plate (PL), and a support structure (SS).

[0068] A flexible display panel (DP) can be a flexible display panel used to display images. For example, a flexible display panel (DP) may include a flexible substrate and pixels disposed on the flexible substrate to display images. Each pixel may include pixel circuitry including thin-film transistors and a light-emitting structure electrically connected to the pixel circuitry. For example, the light-emitting structure may include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

[0069] Flexible substrates can have curved surfaces and can include transparent insulating materials suitable for supporting conductive patterns and layers that will be stacked. For example, flexible substrates can include polyimide, polycarbonate, and polyethylene.

[0070] The flexible display panel DP may include a first non-folding region RA1 disposed on a first support portion 100 of the support structure SS, a second non-folding region RA2 disposed on a second support portion 150 of the support structure SS, and a folding region FA disposed between the first non-folding region RA1 and the second non-folding region RA2.

[0071] The plate PL can support the flexible display panel DP. The plate PL can be disposed between the support structure SS and the flexible display panel DP, and can have a structure that can be bent to correspond to the folding area FA. For example, the plate PL can be a multi-joint plate with a multi-joint structure corresponding to the folding area FA. For example, the multi-joint structure can overlap with the folding area FA. The plate PL can be formed of a material with rigidity suitable for supporting the flexible display panel DP. The plate PL can be formed of materials such as metal or plastic.

[0072] The support structure SS can support the plate PL and the flexible display panel DP. The support structure SS may include a first support portion 100 and a second support portion 150. The support structure SS can be formed of a material with rigidity suitable for supporting the plate PL and the flexible display panel DP. For example, the support structure SS can be formed of a material such as metal or plastic.

[0073] The first support portion 100 can support the first non-folding area RA1 of the flexible display panel DP. The second support portion 150 can support the second non-folding area RA2 of the flexible display panel DP. A bendable hinge structure can be formed between the first support portion 100 and the second support portion 150 to correspond to the folding area FA, and the hinge structure may include the following... Figure 3 The first sliding portion described in (see) Figure 3 The first sliding portion 200 and the second sliding portion (see shown) are shown in the figure. Figure 3 The second sliding portion 250 shown in the figure), the guide portion (see Figure 3 The guide portion 350 shown in the figure), the first hinge portion (see Figure 3 The first hinge portion 400 and the second hinge portion (see shown) are shown in the figure. Figure 3 The second hinge portion 450 and the hinge axis portion shown in the figure (see Figure 450) Figure 3 The hinge shaft portion 500 is shown in the diagram. The hinge structure will be described below. Figure 3 Detailed description is provided.

[0074] The display device may also include a first rear cover and a second rear cover (see...). Figure 4A The first rear cover 600 and the second rear cover 650 are shown in the figure.

[0075] Refer again Figure 2 The display device can be an outward-folding foldable display device, in which the display surface DA of the flexible display panel DP faces outward in the folded state. According to an embodiment, the display device may include a hinge structure, and the flexible display panel DP can remain stationary relative to the first support portion 100 and the second support portion 150 of the support structure SS in both the folded and unfolded states. Therefore, even if the display device is repeatedly folded or unfolded, the formation of wrinkles and other deformations in the folded area FA of the flexible display panel DP can be minimized, and the display device can be completely folded in the folded state without forming gaps.

[0076] Figure 3 It is shown in detail Figure 1 A floor plan of part 'A' of the display device. Figure 4A Is Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' with the display device fully extended. Figure 4B It is in the unfolded state. Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line I-I' while it is being folded. Figure 4C Is Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line I-I' with the device fully folded. Figure 5A Is Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' with the display device fully extended. Figure 5B It is in the unfolded state. Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line II-II' while it is being folded. Figure 5C Is Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line II-II' with the device fully folded. Figure 6A Is Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' with the display device fully extended. Figure 6B It is in the unfolded state. Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line III-III' while it is being folded. Figure 6C Is Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line III-III' with the device fully folded. Figure 7A It is shown Figure 3 A plan view of the hinge axis portion of the display device. Figure 7B It is shown Figure 3 A schematic side view of the hinge axis portion of the display device along its length. Figure 7C It is shown Figure 3 A schematic side view of the hinge axis portion of the display device in the width direction. Figure 8A It is shown Figure 3 A plan view of the second sliding portion of the display device. Figure 8B It is shown Figure 3 A schematic side view of the second sliding portion of the display device in the length direction. Figure 8C It is shown Figure 3 A schematic side view of the second sliding portion of the display device in the width direction. Figure 9A It is shown Figure 3 A plan view of the first sliding portion of the display device. Figure 9B It is shown Figure 3 A schematic side view of the first sliding portion of the display device in the length direction. Figure 9C It is shown Figure 3 A schematic side view of the first sliding portion of the display device in the width direction. Figure 10A It is shown Figure 3 A plan view of the guide section and the second hinge section of the display device. Figure 10B It is shown Figure 3 A schematic side view of the guide portion and the second hinge portion of the display device in the length direction. Figure 10C It is shown Figure 3A schematic side view of the guide portion and the second hinge portion of the display device in the width direction. Figure 11A It is shown Figure 3 A plan view of the second support portion of the display device. Figure 11B It is shown Figure 3 A schematic side view of the second support portion of the display device in the length direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction), and Figure 11C It is shown Figure 3 A schematic side view of the second support portion of the display device in the width direction (i.e., the horizontal direction).

[0077] Reference Figures 3 to 11C The display device may include a first support portion 100, a second support portion 150, a first sliding portion 200, a second sliding portion 250, a guide portion 350, a first hinge portion 400, a second hinge portion 450, a hinge axis portion 500, a first rear cover 600, and a second rear cover 650.

[0078] The first support portion 100 can support the first non-folding area RA1 of the flexible display panel DP. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4A As shown, the first support portion 100 may include a first receiving portion 110 that receives the first sliding portion 200. The first receiving portion 110 of the first support portion 100 may include a first inclined surface 102, and the first inclined surface 102 and the first sliding portion 200 may slidably contact each other. The first inclined surface 102 may be formed on a plane configured with a direction inclined at an angle relative to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 and a third direction D3 perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 (see [reference]). Figure 3 and Figure 4A The first support portion 100 may include a first hinge sliding receiving portion 114, in which the first hinge portion 400 is received and slides.

[0079] The second support portion 150 can support the second non-folding area RA2 of the flexible display panel DP. For example... Figure 3 , Figure 4A , Figure 11A , Figure 11B and Figure 11C As shown, the second support portion 150 may include a second receiving portion 160 that receives the second sliding portion 250. The second receiving portion 160 of the second support portion 150 may include a second inclined surface 152, and the second inclined surface 152 and the second sliding portion 250 may slidably contact each other. Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5CAs shown, the second support portion 150 may include a second hinge sliding receiving portion 162, in which the second hinge portion 450 is received and slides.

[0080] like Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C As shown, the first sliding portion 200 is slidable relative to the first support portion 100 and the hinge axis portion 500. Figure 4A , Figure 9A , Figure 9B and Figure 9C As shown, the first sliding portion 200 may have a first curved space 201 formed on its bottom surface, the first curved space 201 having a curved surface corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the hinge shaft portion 500. The first sliding portion 200 may slide along the first inclined surface 102 on the first support plate 112 of the first receiving portion 110 of the first support portion 100.

[0081] like Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C As shown, the second sliding portion 250 is slidable relative to the second support portion 150 and the hinge axis portion 500. Figure 4A , Figure 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C As shown, the second sliding portion 250 may have a second curved space 251 formed on its bottom surface, the second curved space 251 having a curved surface corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the hinge shaft portion 500. Hinge guide protrusion 252 (see...) Figure 4A , Figure 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C The hinge guide protrusion 252 can be formed in the second bending space 251. The hinge guide protrusion 252 can be received in the hinge guide groove 502 of the hinge shaft portion 500, which will be described below (see [link]). Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 7A The second sliding portion 250 can slide along the second support plate 164 of the second receiving portion 160 of the second support portion 150 along the second inclined surface 152.

[0082] like Figure 4A , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C , Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C As shown, the guide portion 350 can be accommodated in the second receiving portion 160 of the second support portion 150. The guide portion 350 can contact the second support portion 150 and the second sliding portion 250 to slide relative to the second support portion 150 and relative to the second sliding portion 250.

[0083] like Figure 5A , Figure 10A , Figure 10B and Figure 10C As shown, the guide portion 350 may include a guide groove 352, and the second sliding portion 250 may include a guide protrusion 260 such that the guide protrusion 260 can be slidably accommodated in the guide groove 352.

[0084] like Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C As shown, the first hinge portion 400 can contact the hinge axis portion 500, thereby allowing rotation about the rotation axis of the hinge axis portion 500. The first hinge portion 400 may include a first hinge support plate 402 extending in a direction toward the first support portion 100 and a first hinge receiving portion 404 connected to the first hinge support plate 402. The first hinge receiving portion 404 may be received in a space 504 located inside the hinge axis portion 500 (see [reference]). Figure 5A , Figure 6A and Figure 7A In the first hinge portion 400, the first hinge support plate 402 can be configured to be parallel to the first non-folding region RA1 of the flexible display panel DP.

[0085] like Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C As shown, the second hinge portion 450 can contact the hinge axis portion 500, thereby being rotatable about the rotation axis of the hinge axis portion 500. The second hinge portion 450 may include a second hinge support plate 452 extending in a direction toward the second support portion 150 and a second hinge receiving portion 454 connected to the second hinge support plate 452. The second hinge receiving portion 454 may be received in a space 504 located inside the hinge axis portion 500 to rotate about the rotation axis of the hinge axis portion 500. The second hinge support plate 452 of the second hinge portion 450 may be configured parallel to the second non-folding region RA2 of the flexible display panel DP.

[0086] The rotation axis of the first hinge portion 400 and the rotation axis of the second hinge portion 450 can be set on the same line.

[0087] The hinge shaft portion 500 can be disposed between the first support portion 100 and the second support portion 150, and can have a semi-cylindrical shape. For example... Figure 4B and Figure 4C As shown, the hinge shaft portion 500 may include a hinge guide groove 502, and the hinge guide protrusion 252 of the second sliding portion 250 may be accommodated in the hinge guide groove 502 to slide along the hinge guide groove 502. Figure 5A , Figure 6A and Figure 7A As shown, the hinge shaft portion 500 may include a space 504, in which a first hinge receiving portion 404 of the first hinge portion 400 and a second hinge receiving portion 454 of the second hinge portion 450 are received.

[0088] like Figure 7B As shown, the hinge shaft portion 500 may include a first groove 506 connected to the space 504, and when the display device is unfolded, a portion of the first hinge portion 400 and a portion of the second hinge portion 450 may be accommodated in the first groove 506.

[0089] like Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C , Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C As shown, the first rear cover 600 can be disposed on the bottom surface of the first support portion 100 and can be fixed to the first hinge portion 400.

[0090] The second rear cover 650 can be disposed on the bottom surface of the second support portion 150 and can be fixed to the second hinge portion 450.

[0091] When the display device is folded, the first support portion 100 and the second support portion 150 can move in a direction close to the hinge axis portion 500. When the display device is folded, the first rear cover 600 and the second rear cover 650 can contact each other (see...). Figure 4C , Figure 5C and Figure 6C ).

[0092] When the display device is folded or unfolded, the first sliding portion 200 and the second sliding portion 250 can slide relative to the hinge axis portion 500. When the display device is folded or unfolded, the first support portion 100 and the second support portion 150 can be fixed to the first non-folding area RA1 and the second non-folding area RA2 of the flexible display panel DP, respectively.

[0093] When the display device is folded or unfolded, the first sliding portion 200 can slide relative to the first support portion 100 and the second sliding portion 250 can slide relative to the second support portion 150, and the guide portion 350 can slide relative to the second sliding portion 250 and the second support portion 150.

[0094] For ease of description, in addition to flexible display panels (see...) Figure 1 The flexible display panel (DP) and the board shown in the figure (see Figure 1 In addition to the board PL shown in the image, Figures 3 to 10C Only the supporting structure SS is shown in the image.

[0095] Although not shown, the hinge structure described above can be provided symmetrically in opposite directions relative to the hinge axis portion 500. For example, the same structure as the hinge structure can be formed at a point symmetrical with respect to the center of the display device, thereby enabling a stable hinge structure.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the display device may include a hinge structure comprising components that slide relative to each other when the display device is folded or unfolded, and the flexible display panel may not slide relative to a first support portion and a second support portion of the support structure in both the folded and unfolded states. Therefore, even with repeated folding or unfolding of the display device, the formation of wrinkles and other deformations in the folded area of ​​the flexible display panel can be minimized, and the display device can be fully folded in the folded state without creating gaps.

[0097] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 13 It is shown Figure 12 A 3D view of the display device in its fully extended state. Figure 14A It indicates that it is in the unfolded state. Figure 12 A 3D image of the display device being folded, and Figure 14B It is shown Figure 12 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device in a fully folded state.

[0098] Reference Figures 12 to 14B The display device may include a flexible display panel (DP), a plate (PL), and a support structure (SS).

[0099] A flexible display panel (DP) can be a flexible display panel used to display images.

[0100] The flexible display panel DP may include a first non-folding region RA1 fixed to a first support portion 100 of a support structure SS, a second non-folding region RA2 fixed to a second support portion 150 of the support structure SS, a third non-folding region RA3 fixed to a third support portion 170 of the support structure SS, a first folding region FA1 disposed between the first non-folding region RA1 and the second non-folding region RA2, and a second folding region FA2 disposed between the second non-folding region RA2 and the third non-folding region RA3.

[0101] The configuration of the display device in the first non-folding region RA1, the first folding region FA1, and the second non-folding region RA2 Figures 1 to 11C The display device shown is configured substantially identically in the first non-folding region RA1, the folding region FA, and the second non-folding region RA2. In an embodiment, an inward-folding hinge structure may be additionally applied to the second folding region FA2, enabling a multi-foldable display device. Various known structures can be applied to the inward-folding hinge structure, so their detailed description will be omitted.

[0102] Figure 15 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0103] Reference Figure 15 The electronic device 700 may include a processor 710, a memory device 720, a storage device 730, an input / output (I / O) device 740, a power supply 750, and a display device 760. Here, the display device 760 may be... Figure 1 The electronic device 700 may also include a port for communicating with video cards, sound cards, memory cards, universal serial bus (USB) devices, other electronic devices, etc. In one embodiment, the electronic device 700 may be implemented as a television. In another embodiment, the electronic device 700 may be implemented as a smartphone. However, the electronic device 700 is not limited to these. For example, the electronic device 700 may be implemented as a cellular phone, video phone, smart pad, smartwatch, tablet PC, car navigation system, computer monitor, laptop computer, head-mounted display (HMD) device, etc.

[0104] Processor 710 can perform various computing functions. Processor 710 can be a microprocessor, central processing unit (CPU), application processor (AP), etc. Processor 710 can be electrically coupled to other components via address bus, control bus, and data bus. Processor 710 can be electrically coupled to an expansion bus such as a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus. Memory device 720 can store data used for the operation of electronic device 700. For example, memory device 720 may include at least one non-volatile memory device such as an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) device, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) device, a flash memory device, a phase-change random access memory (PRAM) device, a resistive random access memory (RRAM) device, a nano-floating gate memory (NFGM) device, a polymer random access memory (PoRAM) device, a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device, a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) device, and / or at least one volatile memory device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device, a static random access memory (SRAM) device, and a mobile DRAM device. Storage device 730 may include a solid-state drive (SSD) device, a hard disk drive (HDD) device, a CD-ROM device, etc. I / O device 740 may include input devices such as a keyboard, an auxiliary keyboard, a mouse device, a touchpad, a touch screen, etc., and output devices such as a printer, a speaker, etc. Power supply 750 provides power for the operation of electronic device 700.

[0105] Display device 760 can be electrically coupled to other components via a bus or other communication link. In an embodiment, I / O device 740 may include display device 760. As described above, display device 760 may include a hinge structure comprising components that slide relative to each other when display device 760 is folded or unfolded, and the flexible display panel DP included in display device 760 can remain stationary relative to the first support portion 100 and the second support portion 150 of support structure SS in both the folded and unfolded states. Therefore, even if display device 760 is repeatedly folded or unfolded, the formation of wrinkles and other deformations in the folded areas FA and FA1 of flexible display panel DP can be minimized, and display device 760 can be fully folded in the folded state without forming gaps. Since these have already been described above, repeated descriptions related to this will not be repeated.

[0106] This invention concept can be applied to display devices and electronic devices that include display devices. For example, this invention concept can be applied to smartphones, cellular phones, video phones, smart tablet computers, smartwatches, tablet PCs, car navigation systems, televisions, computer monitors, laptop computers, and head-mounted display devices, etc.

[0107] The foregoing is illustrative of the embodiments and is not to be construed as limiting the embodiments. Although some embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that many modifications are possible in the embodiments without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the inventive concept. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the inventive concept as defined in the claims. It will therefore be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various embodiments and is not to be construed as limiting to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications to the disclosed embodiments and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein, The display device includes: A flexible display panel includes a first non-foldable region, a second non-foldable region, and a foldable region disposed between the first non-foldable region and the second non-foldable region; and A support structure that supports the flexible display panel, wherein the support structure includes: The first support portion supports the first non-folded area; The second support portion supports the second non-folded area; The hinge shaft portion is disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion and has a semi-cylindrical shape; The first hinge portion contacts the hinge axis portion, is rotatable about the rotation axis of the hinge axis portion, and extends in the direction toward the first support portion. The second hinge portion contacts the hinge axis portion, is rotatable about the rotation axis of the hinge axis portion, and extends in the direction toward the second support portion. A first sliding portion, the first sliding portion being slidable relative to the first support portion and the hinge axis portion; and The second sliding portion is slidable relative to the second support portion and the hinge axis portion.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first support portion includes a first receiving portion that receives the first sliding portion. The second support portion includes a second receiving portion that accommodates the second sliding portion. The first receiving portion of the first support portion includes a first inclined surface. The first inclined surface and the first sliding portion can slidably contact each other. The second receiving portion of the second support portion includes a second inclined surface, and The second inclined surface and the second sliding portion can slide into contact with each other.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The support structure further includes a guide portion, which is accommodated in the second receiving portion and is slidably in contact with the second support portion and the second sliding portion.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The guiding portion includes a guiding groove. The second sliding portion includes a guide protrusion, and The guide protrusion can be slidably accommodated in the guide groove.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge shaft portion includes a hinge guide groove. The second sliding portion includes a hinge guide protrusion, and The hinge guide protrusion is accommodated in the hinge guide groove to slide along the hinge guide groove.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first support portion includes a first hinge sliding receiving portion, in which the first hinge portion is received and slides. The second support portion includes a second hinge sliding receiving portion, in which the second hinge portion is received and slides.

7. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, When the display device is folded or unfolded, the first support portion is fixed to the first non-folded area of ​​the flexible display panel and the second support portion is fixed to the second non-folded area of ​​the flexible display panel.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The support structure further includes a guide portion, which is received within the second receiving portion, and the guide portion contacts the second support portion and the second sliding portion to slide relative to the second support portion and relative to the second sliding portion. When the display device is folded or unfolded, the first sliding portion slides relative to the first support portion, the second sliding portion slides relative to the second support portion, and the guide portion slides relative to the second sliding portion and the second support portion.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first hinge portion includes: A support plate, wherein the support plate is configured parallel to the first non-folding region of the flexible display panel; and A hinge receiving portion, which is connected to the support plate, and The hinge shaft portion includes a space, and the hinge receiving portion of the first hinge portion is accommodated within the space.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein, The rotation axis of the first hinge portion and the rotation axis of the second hinge portion are arranged on the same line.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein, The hinge shaft portion includes a first groove and a second groove, the first groove and the second groove connecting to the space of the hinge shaft portion, and When the display device is unfolded, a portion of the first hinge portion is accommodated in the first slot, and a portion of the second hinge portion is accommodated in the second slot.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, When the display device is folded or unfolded, the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion slide relative to the hinge axis portion.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, When the display device is folded, the first support portion and the second support portion move in a direction close to the hinge axis portion.

14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display device further includes: A first rear cover, the first rear cover being disposed on the bottom surface of the first support portion and fixed to the first hinge portion; and The second rear cover is disposed on the bottom surface of the second support portion and fixed to the second hinge portion.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, When the display device is folded, the first back cover and the second back cover come into contact with each other.

16. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible display panel is a flexible organic light-emitting diode display panel.

17. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display device further includes: A multi-jointed plate is disposed between the flexible display panel and the supporting structure, wherein... The multi-joint plate is connected to the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area of ​​the flexible display panel, and The multi-joint plate has a multi-joint structure, so that it can be bent at the portion that overlaps with the folding area.

18. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible display panel also includes: A second folded region, the second folded region being connected to the second non-folded region; and A third non-folding region, which is connected to the second folding region, and The support structure also includes: A third support portion, which supports the third non-folding region; and A hinge structure is disposed between the second support portion and the third support portion.

19. A display device, wherein, The display device includes: A flexible display panel, comprising a first non-foldable region, a second non-foldable region, and a foldable region disposed between the first non-foldable region and the second non-foldable region; and A support structure that supports the flexible display panel, wherein the support structure includes: The first support portion supports the first non-folded area; The second support portion supports the second non-folding area; and A hinge structure is provided between the first support portion and the second support portion. When the display device is folded, the first support portion and the second support portion move in a direction close to the hinge structure. The hinge structure includes: The hinge shaft portion is disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion and has a semi-cylindrical shape; The first hinge portion contacts the hinge axis portion, is rotatable about the rotation axis of the hinge axis portion, and extends in the direction toward the first support portion. The second hinge portion contacts the hinge axis portion, is rotatable about the rotation axis of the hinge axis portion, and extends in the direction toward the second support portion. A first sliding portion, the first sliding portion being slidable relative to the first support portion and the hinge axis portion; and The second sliding portion is slidable relative to the second support portion and the hinge axis portion.

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