Foldable display device

Abstract

The present application relates to a foldable display device. The foldable display device includes: a display panel; a first support member and a second support member, which are arranged on the surface of the display panel and respectively include a first biasing member; a first member and a second member, which are respectively slidably connected to the first support member and the second support member and respectively include a second biasing member; and a hinge member, which is connected to the first member and the second member to change the angle between the first member and the second member relative to at least one rotation axis.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0006037, filed on January 16, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] Exemplary implementations of the present invention generally relate to a foldable display device, and more particularly to a foldable display device having a hinged support member. Background Art

[0004] The display device is a device for displaying an image, and includes a display panel such as an organic light emitting display panel including an organic light emitting diode (OLED) or a quantum dot electroluminescent (QD-EL) device, or a liquid crystal display panel.

[0005] Mobile electronic devices include display devices that provide images to users. Compared with conventional mobile electronic devices, the proportion of mobile electronic devices having larger display screens with the same or smaller volume or thickness is increasing, and foldable display devices or bendable display devices that are structurally folded and unfolded to provide a larger screen only when in use are also being developed.

[0006] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for understanding the background of the present inventive concept and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the invention

[0007] Applicants have discovered that hinges used to fold and unfold a foldable display device may be unreliable due to stresses caused by the folding and unfolding operations.

[0008] A foldable display device constructed according to the principles and exemplary implementations of the present invention provides reliable folding and unfolding operations. For example, the foldable display device includes a hinge member having a lost motion connection to reduce stress during folding and unfolding operations.

[0009] Specifically, in some exemplary implementations, a lost motion connection may be formed by a sliding member slidably coupled between a hinge member and a support member supporting a display panel in a foldable display device, thereby reducing or eliminating the tensile force or compressive force generated in the display panel due to the folding and unfolding operation. In addition, the sliding member may include one or more biasing members such as a magnetic member or an elastic member to control the torque generated when the foldable display device is folded or unfolded, thereby providing a reliable folding and unfolding operation. Therefore, the foldable display panel can be easily folded or unfolded, maintain an angle in a folded position or an unfolded position, and minimize the noise caused by the folding and unfolding operation.

[0010] According to one or more exemplary implementations, a folding or unfolding operation in a foldable display device may be easily performed.

[0011] According to one or more exemplary implementations, in the folded position or the unfolded position, an angle between foldable parts of the foldable display device may be maintained.

[0012] According to one or more exemplary implementations, noise caused by a folding or unfolding operation of a foldable display device may be minimized.

[0013] Additional features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concept.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a foldable display device includes: a display panel; a first supporting member and a second supporting member, which are arranged on the surface of the display panel and respectively include a first biasing member; a first member and a second member, which are respectively slidably connected to the first supporting member and the second supporting member and respectively include a second biasing member; and a hinge member, which is connected to the first member and the second member to change the angle between the first member and the second member relative to at least one rotation axis.

[0015] The first support member and the second support member may be arranged for limited relative movement according to an angle between the first member and the second member.

[0016] As the angle between the first member and the second member changes, the distance between each first biasing member and the at least one axis of rotation may change, and the distance between each second biasing member and the at least one axis of rotation may remain substantially constant.

[0017] The first supporting member and the second supporting member may have a folded position and an unfolded position, in which the first supporting member and the second supporting member overlap in the thickness direction, in the unfolded position, the first supporting member and the second supporting member are arranged side by side along a direction intersecting with at least one rotation axis, and in the folded position the distance between the first biasing member and the second biasing member may be greater than the distance between the first biasing member and the second biasing member in the unfolded position.

[0018] In the folded position, the first biasing member may be disposed closer to at least one axis of rotation than the second biasing member.

[0019] The first biasing member and the second biasing member may at least partially overlap in the thickness direction.

[0020] The overlapping area between each first biasing member and the corresponding second biasing member in the deployed position may be greater than the overlapping area between each first biasing member and the corresponding second biasing member in the folded position.

[0021] The first biasing member and the second biasing member may include first and second magnets having different polarities.

[0022] Each of the first member and the second member may include a slidable member including: a plate portion extending in a direction intersecting the at least one rotation axis; a shaft coupling portion provided at one end of the plate portion on one side adjacent to the at least one rotation axis; and a pair of guide holes extending through the plate portion in a thickness direction and arranged in a direction substantially parallel to the at least one rotation axis. Each of the second biasing members may be provided between the pair of guide holes.

[0023] The foldable display device may further include: a first rear cover covering a rear surface of the first supporting member; a second rear cover covering a rear surface of the second supporting member; a first sliding cover slidably connected to the first rear cover; and a second sliding cover slidably connected to the second rear cover.

[0024] The first sliding cover may cover an area between at least one rotation axis and an end of the first rear cover adjacent to the at least one rotation axis, and the second sliding cover may cover an area between at least one rotation axis and an end of the second rear cover adjacent to the at least one rotation axis.

[0025] At least a portion of the first sliding cover may overlap the first rear cover in the thickness direction, and at least a portion of the second sliding cover may overlap the second rear cover in the thickness direction.

[0026] The foldable display device may further include a hinge cover disposed between the first sliding cover and the second sliding cover and covering a rear surface of the hinge member.

[0027] The first support member and the second support member may further include an auxiliary biasing member, respectively, disposed farther from the at least one rotation axis than the first biasing member and the second biasing member.

[0028] The first biasing member and the second biasing member may include a first magnet and a second magnet, the auxiliary biasing member includes a plurality of auxiliary magnets, and a magnetic force between the plurality of auxiliary magnets is smaller than a magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, a foldable display device includes: a display panel; a first supporting member and a second supporting member, which are arranged on the surface of the display panel; a first member and a second member, which are respectively slidably connected to the first supporting member and the second supporting member and respectively include biasing members; and a hinge member, which is connected to the first member and the second member to change the angle between the first member and the second member relative to at least one rotation axis, wherein the biasing member is configured to change the length according to the angle between the first supporting member and the second supporting member.

[0030] The biasing member may include an elastic member, and each of the first member and the second member may include a slidable member, the slidable member including: a plate portion extending in a direction intersecting at least one rotation axis; an axial connecting portion arranged at one end of the plate portion on one side adjacent to the at least one rotation axis; an elastic member accommodating hole extending through the plate portion in a thickness direction; and a fixing member for fixing the elastic member in the elastic member accommodating hole in a direction intersecting at least one rotation axis.

[0031] The foldable display device may further include a first back cover and a second back cover, wherein the first back cover covers the rear surface of the first supporting member and the second back cover covers the rear surface of the second supporting member, wherein the first back cover and the second back cover may respectively include supporting walls protruding from the front surface of the first back cover and the front surface of the second back cover and inserted into the elastic member accommodating hole, and wherein one end of the elastic member may be supported by the fixing member and the other end of the elastic member is supported by the supporting wall.

[0032] A gap between each supporting wall and an inner side surface of the corresponding elastic member receiving hole may vary according to an angle between the first member and the second member.

[0033] The first supporting member and the second supporting member may have a folded position and an unfolded position, in which the first supporting member and the second supporting member overlap in the thickness direction, in which the first supporting member and the second supporting member are arranged side by side along a direction intersecting at least one rotation axis, and in the folded position, the elastic member may be compressed, and in the unfolded position, the elastic member may be stretched.

[0034] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the inventive concept.

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a foldable display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a foldable display device in a folded position;

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a foldable display device in an unfolded position;

[0039] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a display module;

[0040] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a display panel;

[0041] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a rear surface of the foldable display device in an unfolded position;

[0042] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the connecting member, the hinged cover and the sliding cover;

[0043] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a connecting member, a hinged cover and a sliding cover;

[0044] Fig. 9 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the foldable display device in a folded position taken along line AA';

[0045] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 An enlarged view of a portion P;

[0046] Fig.11 As seen from behind Fig. 9 a perspective view of a first sliding member;

[0047] Fig.12 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the foldable display device in the unfolded position taken along line AA';

[0048] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 An enlarged view of part P';

[0049] Fig.14 As seen from behind Fig.12 a perspective view of a first sliding member;

[0050] Fig.15 is a plan view of a rear surface of another exemplary embodiment of a foldable display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

[0051] Fig.16 is in the expanded position Fig.15 A three-dimensional diagram of a connecting member;

[0052] Fig.17 It is along Fig.15 A cross-sectional view of the foldable display device in a folded position taken along line BB';

[0053] Fig.18 yes Fig.17 An enlarged plan view of a portion Q of;

[0054] Fig.19 It is along Fig.15 A cross-sectional view of the foldable display device in the unfolded position taken along line BB′; and

[0055] Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 An enlarged plan view of portion Q'. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] In the following description, for the purpose of illustration, many specific details are elaborated to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the present invention. As used herein, "implementation" and "implementation" are interchangeable words, which are non-limiting examples of one or more devices or methods using the inventive concept disclosed herein. However, it is obvious that various exemplary embodiments can be put into practice without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other examples, in order to avoid unnecessarily blurring various exemplary embodiments, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form. In addition, various exemplary embodiments may be different, but not necessarily exclusive. For example, without departing from the inventive concept, the specific shape, configuration and characteristics of the exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment.

[0057] Unless otherwise specified, the exemplary embodiments shown should be understood as providing exemplary features of different details of some ways in which the inventive concept can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions and / or aspects of various embodiments (hereinafter, individually or collectively referred to as "elements") may be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged without departing from the inventive concept.

[0058] The use of cross hatching and / or shading in the drawings is generally to make the boundaries between adjacent elements clear. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the presence or absence of cross hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material property, size, ratio, commonality between the illustrated elements and / or any other characteristics, attributes, properties, etc. of the elements. In addition, in the drawings, the size and relative size of the elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of clarity and / or description. When the exemplary embodiments can be implemented differently, the specific processing sequence can be performed differently from the described sequence. For example, two processes described in succession can be performed substantially simultaneously, or in an order opposite to the described order. In addition, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0059] When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to, or coupled to, another element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For this purpose, the term "connected" may represent a physical connection, an electrical connection, and / or a fluid connection with or without the presence of an intervening element. In addition, the DR1 axis, the DR2 axis, and the DR3 axis are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system (such as, the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis), and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the DR1 axis, the DR2 axis, and the DR3 axis may be perpendicular to each other, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purpose of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" may be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for example, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0060] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. can be used in this article to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another element. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the first element discussed below can be referred to as the second element.

[0061] Spatially relative terms such as "beneath," "below," "under," "lower," "above," "upper," "over," "higher," "side" (e.g., as in "sidewall"), and the like may be used herein for descriptive purposes, and thereby to describe the relationship of one element to another element(s) as shown in the accompanying drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, elements described as being "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented to be "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" may encompass both the above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0062] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing a particular embodiment, rather than being intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used herein, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms. In addition, when used in this specification, the terms "comprise", "comprises", "includes" and / or "includes" represent the existence of stated features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their sets, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their sets. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially", "about" and other similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as degree terms, and are therefore used to allow for the inherent deviations in the measured values, calculated values ​​and / or provided values ​​that will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0063] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a foldable display device 1 constructed according to the principles of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A stereoscopic view of the foldable display device 1 in a folded position.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 intersect each other in different directions. Figure 1 In the stereoscopic view, for the convenience of description, the horizontal direction of the foldable display device 1 is defined as a first direction DR1, the vertical direction of the foldable display device 1 is defined as a second direction DR2, and the thickness direction of the foldable display device 1 is defined as a third direction DR3.

[0066] For ease of description, Figure 1 The upward direction (DR3) of the device is referred to as the forward direction, and the direction opposite to the forward direction is referred to as the rearward direction. In addition, the surface perpendicular to the forward direction is referred to as the front surface, and the surface opposite to the front surface is referred to as the rear surface. However, the directions mentioned in the exemplary embodiment may be understood as relative directions, and the exemplary embodiment is not limited to the mentioned directions.

[0067] The foldable display device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment may be implemented as various devices for displaying images. For example, the foldable display device 1 may be, but is not limited to, a foldable smart phone, a foldable tablet personal computer (PC), or a foldable notebook computer.

[0068] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2, the foldable display device 1 may be shaped substantially like a rectangle having long sides extending in a first direction DR1 and short sides extending in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited to this, and the foldable display device 1 may have various other shapes.

[0069] A display surface DS may be defined in the foldable display device 1. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , a front surface substantially parallel to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be defined as a display surface DS. An image IM may be provided to a user through the display surface DS.

[0070] A plurality of display surfaces DS may be defined in the foldable display device 1. For example, the display surface DS may be defined on two or more of the front surface, the rear surface, and the side surfaces extending between the front surface and the rear surface of the foldable display device 1. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, for convenience, the display surface DS is defined on only one surface as described below.

[0071] The display surface DS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA around the display area DA. The display area DA may display an image IM, while the non-display area NDA may not display the image IM. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA and may include an edge portion of the foldable display device 1 printed in a predetermined color.

[0072] The display surface DS may be disposed in and extend over the folding area FA and the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 which will be described later.

[0073] The foldable display device 1 may be folded or unfolded. Here, the term "folded" may include various degrees of bending to produce various "bent" shapes. Specifically, the foldable display device 1 may be folded so that a portion of the foldable display device 1 overlaps another portion thereof, or is tilted relative to another portion. Alternatively, the entire foldable display device 1 may be unfolded to be flat.

[0074] The foldable display device 1 can be folded so that a part of the rear surface faces another part of the rear surface. In other words, the foldable display device 1 can be folded so that a part of the rear surface forms a right angle or an angle less than a right angle with another part of the rear surface. The foldable display device 1 can also be folded so that a part of the front surface faces another part of the front surface.

[0075] The foldable display device 1 can be folded so that a portion of the display surface DS does not face another portion of the display surface DS. In other words, the foldable display device 1 can be folded so that a portion of the rear surface opposite to the display surface DS faces another portion of the rear surface. Figure 2 As shown in , the foldable display device 1 can be folded so that a portion of the front surface on which the display surface DS is defined does not face another portion of the front surface. In other words, the foldable display device 1 can be folded outward. In the following description, the folded position indicates a position where the foldable display device 1 is folded outward, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto, and may also be folded inward.

[0076] The foldable display device 1 may have a folded position and an unfolded position. The folded position includes a position where the foldable display device 1 is bent. Specifically, the folded position may be a position where the foldable display device 1 is bent so that a portion of the foldable display device 1 is tilted relative to another portion thereof. The unfolded position may be a position where a portion of the foldable display device 1 is placed side by side with another portion thereof to form a substantially planar configuration. Optionally, the folded position may be a position where the angle between a portion of the foldable display device 1 and another portion is greater than about 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees and / or greater than about 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees. The unfolded position may be a position where the angle between a portion of the foldable display device 1 and another portion is about 180 degrees. Here, a portion and another portion of the foldable display device 1 may be non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2, respectively, which will be described later.

[0077] The foldable display device 1 may be divided into a folding area FA and non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. The folding area FA is an area that is folded when the foldable display device 1 is bent. In other words, the folding area FA is an area that is bent when the foldable display device 1 is folded. The non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 are areas that are not folded or bent. In other words, the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 may be areas that are substantially flat regardless of whether the foldable display device 1 is folded. The non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 may be arranged in a first direction DR1, and the folding area FA may be disposed between the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. In an exemplary embodiment, one folding area FA is defined in the foldable display device 1. However, a plurality of folding areas FA may also be defined in the foldable display device 1.

[0078] The foldable display device 1 may be folded or unfolded about a folding axis FX. For example, the foldable display device 1 may be folded or unfolded with respect to the folding axis FX disposed in the second direction DR2.

[0079] The folding axis FX includes one rotation axis or multiple rotation axes RX1 and RX2. The folding axis FX may include a first rotation axis RX1 and a second rotation axis RX2 adjacent to each other. For example, the foldable display device 1 may be folded or unfolded relative to the first rotation axis RX1 and the second rotation axis RX2 to have two centers of curvature. The first rotation axis RX1 and the second rotation axis RX2 may be in the folding area FA.

[0080] For convenience of description, a direction toward the folding axis FX is referred to as a first side direction (eg, an inward direction), and a direction opposite to the first side direction is referred to as a second side direction (eg, an outward direction).

[0081] The foldable display device 1 includes a display module 10 and a folding member 20. Figures 3 to 20 The display module 10 and the folder member 20 are described in detail.

[0082] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a foldable display device 1 in an unfolded position. Figure 3 , the display module 10 is disposed at the front of the foldable display device 1. The display module 10 may have flexibility. The display module 10 may be disposed to span the folding area FA and the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2, and may be folded around the folding area FA.

[0083] The folding member 20 is disposed on the rear surface of the display module 10 and supports the display module 10. When the foldable display device 1 is folded, the folding member 20 is folded together with the display module 10. For example, the display module 10 having flexibility may be folded by the folding member 20.

[0084] The folder 20 may include a supporting member 210 , a connecting member 220 , a hinge cover 230 , a sliding cover 240 , and a rear cover 250 .

[0085] The support member 210 is disposed on the rear surface of the display module 10 and may take a variety of forms and configurations for supporting the display module 10. The support member 210 may also dissipate heat generated from the inside while supporting the display module 10. For example, the support member 210 may be a metal plate containing a material having excellent thermal conductivity (e.g., copper or silver). In another exemplary embodiment, the support member 210 may be a heat sink containing, for example, graphite or carbon nanotubes. The support member 210 may include a first support member 211 and a second support member 213.

[0086] The first supporting member 211 may be disposed on one side of the folding axis FX in the first direction DR1, and the second supporting member 213 may be disposed on the other side of the folding axis FX in the first direction DR1. The first supporting member 211 and the second supporting member 213 may be separated from each other, or at least partially connected to each other. The first supporting member 211 and the second supporting member 213 may be disposed symmetrically with respect to the folding axis FX.

[0087] The folder member 20 may further include a middle portion having flexibility, which is disposed between the first supporting member 211 and the second supporting member 213. The middle portion may connect one side of the first supporting member 211 and one side of the second supporting member 213.

[0088] The connecting member 220 may be disposed below the supporting member 210. The connecting member 220 is disposed on the folding axis FX and connects one side of the first supporting member 211 and one side of the second supporting member 213 so that an angle between the first supporting member 211 and the second supporting member 213 changes according to movement of the connecting member 220. The one side of the first supporting member 211 and the one side of the second supporting member 213 are adjacent to the folding axis FX. The connecting member 220 may include a first connecting member 221 and a second connecting member 223 disposed along the folding axis FX.

[0089] The hinged cover 230 is disposed below the connecting member 220 to cover at least a portion of the connecting member 220. Specifically, the hinged cover 230 may be disposed at a position which will be described later. Figures 6 to 8 The hinge cover 230 may include a first hinge cover 231 covering the hinge member HG of the first connection member 221 and a second hinge cover 233 covering the hinge member HG of the second connection member 223.

[0090] The sliding cover 240 is disposed under the supporting member 210 to cover the supporting member 210 and the connecting member 220. When the foldable display device 1 is folded or unfolded, the sliding cover 240 may slide relative to the rear cover 250. The sliding cover 240 may include a first sliding cover 241 covering the rear surface of the first supporting member 211 and a second sliding cover 243 covering the rear surface of the second supporting member 213.

[0091] The connecting member 220, the hinged cover 230 and the sliding cover 240 will be referred to later. Figures 6 to 8 Describe in detail.

[0092] The back cover 250 is disposed under the support member 210. The back cover 250 may include a first back cover 251 and a second back cover 253. The first sliding cover 241 and the second sliding cover 243 may be slidably coupled to the first back cover 251 and the second back cover 253, respectively.

[0093] The first back cover 251 may be disposed on the rear surface of the first support member 211 to cover the first support member 211. The first back cover 251 may cover a portion of the hinged cover 230 disposed between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 (e.g., the left end of the rear surface of the hinged cover 230). The first back cover 251 may have rounded corners. The first back cover 251 may have an empty space therein or may form an empty space to accommodate the first support member 211 so that the first back cover 251 is coupled to the first support member 211. For example, the first back cover 251 may have a structure including a quadrilateral bottom surface and three side walls extending from the bottom surface. For example, one side of the back cover 250 corresponding to the connecting member 220 may be open without a side wall. For example, the second back cover 253 may have a structure substantially the same as the first back cover 251 and may be adjacent to the first back cover 251.

[0094] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 sectional view of the display module 10. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel 110 .

[0095] Reference Figure 4 , the display module 10 may include a display panel 110, a front stack structure 120, and a rear stack structure 130. Each of the front stack structure 120 and the rear stack structure 130 may include at least one bonding member or adhesive layer. The display panel 110 may be disposed between the front stack structure 120 and the rear stack structure 130.

[0096] The display panel 110 may generate an image and provide the image to a user. For example, the display panel 110 may include a self-luminous display panel, such as an organic light-emitting display panel, an inorganic electroluminescent (EL) display panel, a quantum dot light-emitting display (QED) panel, a micron light-emitting diode (LED) display panel, a nano-LED display panel, a plasma display panel (PDP), a field emission display (FED) panel, or a cathode ray tube (CRT) display panel. Optionally, the display panel 110 may include a light-receiving display panel, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel or an electrophoretic display (EPD) panel. Hereinafter, an organic light-emitting display panel will be described as an example of the display panel 110. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited to organic light-emitting display panels, and other display panels listed above or known in the art are also applicable.

[0097] The display panel 110 may further include a touch member. The touch member may be implemented as a panel or film separated from the display panel 110 and attached to the display panel 110. Alternatively, the touch member may be implemented in the form of a touch layer inside the display panel 110. In the following exemplary embodiment, a case where a touch member is provided and included in the display panel 110 will be described.

[0098] Reference Figure 5 The display panel 110 may include a substrate SUB, a circuit driving layer DRL disposed on the substrate SUB, a light emitting layer EML disposed on the circuit driving layer DRL, an encapsulation layer ENL disposed on the light emitting layer EML, and a touch layer TSL disposed on the encapsulation layer ENL.

[0099] The substrate SUB may be a flexible substrate including a flexible polymer material such as polyimide. Therefore, the display panel 110 may be bent, folded, or curled. In some exemplary embodiments, the substrate SUB may include a plurality of stacked sub-substrates, and the barrier layer is interposed between the plurality of sub-substrates and overlaps each other in the thickness direction. In this case, each sub-substrate may be a flexible substrate.

[0100] The circuit driving layer DRL may be disposed on the substrate SUB. The circuit driving layer DRL may include a circuit for driving the light emitting layer EML of each pixel. The circuit driving layer DRL may include a plurality of thin film transistors.

[0101] The light emitting layer EML may be disposed on the circuit driving layer DRL. The light emitting layer EML may include an organic light emitting layer. The light emitting layer EML may emit light of various brightness levels according to a driving signal received from the circuit driving layer DRL.

[0102] The encapsulation layer ENL may be disposed on the light emitting layer EML. The encapsulation layer ENL may include an inorganic layer, or a laminate of an inorganic layer and an organic layer.

[0103] The touch layer TSL may be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENL. The touch layer TSL is a layer for recognizing a touch input and may be used as a touch member. The touch layer TSL may include a plurality of sensing regions and sensing electrodes.

[0104] Refer again Figure 4 The front stack structure 120 is disposed in front of the display panel 110 in the forward direction. The front stack structure 120 may include a polarization member 125, a cover window 123, and a cover window protective layer 121 sequentially stacked on the display panel 110 in the forward direction.

[0105] The polarization member 125 polarizes the light passing therethrough. The polarization member 125 can reduce the reflection of external light. In an exemplary embodiment, the polarization member 125 can be a polarizing film. The polarizing film may include a polarizing layer and a protective substrate, wherein the protective substrate sandwiches the polarizing layer from above and below the polarizing layer. The polarizing layer may include a polyvinyl alcohol film. The polarizing layer may be stretched in one direction. The stretching direction of the polarizing layer may be parallel to the absorption axis, and the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction may be parallel to the transmission axis. The protective substrate may be respectively disposed on one surface and the other surface of the polarizing layer. The protective substrate may be made of, but not limited to, a cellulose resin (such as, triacetyl cellulose or a polyester resin).

[0106] The cover window 123 may be disposed in front of the polarization member 125 in the forward direction. The cover window 123 protects the display panel 110. The cover window 123 may be made of a transparent material. The cover window 123 may be made of, for example, glass or plastic.

[0107] When the cover window 123 includes glass, the glass may be ultra-thin glass (UTG) or thin film glass. Since UTG or thin film glass has flexible properties, it can be bent, folded or curled. The glass may have a thickness of, for example, about 10 μm to 300 μm, specifically about 30 μm to 80 μm, or about 50 μm. The glass of the cover window 123 may include soda-lime glass, alkali aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, or lithium aluminosilicate glass. The glass of the cover window 123 may include chemically tempered or thermally tempered glass to increase strength. Chemical tempering can be achieved by an ion exchange process performed in an alkaline salt. The ion exchange process may be performed twice or more.

[0108] When the cover window 123 includes plastic, the cover window 123 can have better flexibility for folding. Examples of plastics suitable for the cover window 123 may include, but are not limited to, polyimide, polyacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polystyrene, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyether sulfone (PES), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallyl compound, triacetyl cellulose (TAC) and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). The plastic cover window 123 may include one or more of the plastic materials listed above.

[0109] The cover window protection layer 121 may be disposed in front of the cover window 123 along the forward direction. The cover window protection layer 121 may perform at least one of anti-scattering, shock absorption, anti-dent, anti-fingerprint, and anti-glare functions on the cover window 123. The cover window protection layer 121 may include a transparent polymer film. The transparent polymer film may include at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether sulfone (PES), polyimide (PI), polyacrylate (PAR), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and cyclic olefin copolymer (COC).

[0110] The front stack structure 120 may include a plurality of front combining members 127_1 to 127_3 combining adjacent stacked members together.

[0111] The rear stack structure 130 is disposed under the display panel 110. The rear stack structure 130 may include a polymer film layer 131.

[0112] The polymer film layer 131 may include a polymer film. The polymer film layer 131 may include, for example, polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polysulfone (PSF), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), triacetyl cellulose (TAC) or cycloolefin polymer (COP). The polymer film layer 131 may include a functional layer on at least one surface. The functional layer may include, for example, a light absorbing layer. The light absorbing layer may include a light absorbing material, such as a black pigment or dye. The light absorbing layer may be formed on the polymer film by coating or printing black ink on the polymer film.

[0113] The rear stack structure 130 may include a rear bonding member 133_1 bonding the display panel 110 and the polymer film layer 131 together.

[0114] When the foldable display device 1 displays an image only on the front surface, the rear coupling member 133_1 does not need to be optically transparent, unlike the front coupling members 127_1 to 127_3 .

[0115] Each of the front combining members 127_1 to 127_3 and the rear combining member 133_1 may include an adhesive material. Each of the front combining members 127_1 to 127_3 and the rear combining member 133_1 may be composed of a single adhesive layer, or may be composed of a plurality of stacked adhesive layers, or may include adhesive layers (such as double-sided tape) respectively disposed on one surface and the other surface of the substrate.

[0116] Now refer to Figures 6 to 8 The connecting member 220, the hinged cover 230, and the sliding cover 240 are described in detail.

[0117] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 2 is a plan view of the rear surface of the foldable display device 1 in the unfolded position. For ease of description, the sliding cover 240 and the rear cover 250 are not shown. Figure 6 , a space for mounting electronic components may be provided on the rear surface of each of the first supporting member 211 and the second supporting member 213. Specifically, the rear surface of the first supporting member 211 or the second supporting member 213 may be recessed by a predetermined depth in the thickness direction to form at least one space for mounting electronic components. In this space, electronic components such as a main printed circuit board (PCB) 301 for driving the display module 10, a battery 302, sub-PCBs 303 and 304 for operating a universal serial bus (USB) or a button, a flexible PCB (FPCB) 305 connecting the main PCB 301 and the battery 302, a speaker 306, a button 307, and a sensing magnet 309 may be mounted.

[0118] The first support member 211 and the second support member 213 each include one or more biasing members, which may be in the form of first magnets M11 and M12 to adjust the torque required to fold or unfold the foldable display device 1. Figure 6 In FIG. 1 , since the first magnets M11 and M12 are blocked by the sliding members SL1 and SL2 to be described later, the first magnets M11 and M12 are indicated by dotted lines. The arrangement of the first magnets M11 and M12 and the second magnets M21 and M22 will be described later. Figures 9 to 14 Detailed description.

[0119] The first and second supporting members 211 and 213 may further include auxiliary magnets MA1 and MA2 , protruding members P1 and P2 , and guide grooves G1 and G2 , respectively.

[0120] The auxiliary magnets MA1 and MA2 are disposed on the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 to be substantially symmetrical with respect to the area between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213. The auxiliary magnets MA1 and MA2 may be disposed farther from the folding axis FX than the first magnets M11 and M12 or the second magnets M21 and M22 (to be described later), respectively. For example, the auxiliary magnets MA1 and MA2 may be disposed adjacent to opposite edges of the first support member 211 and the second support member 213, respectively.

[0121] The auxiliary magnets MA1 and MA2 may adjust the torque for folding or unfolding the foldable display device 1. Specifically, the auxiliary magnets MA1 of the first supporting member 211 and the auxiliary magnets MA2 of the second supporting member 213 may have the same polarity. Therefore, the foldable display device 1 in the folded position may be easily switched to the unfolded position by the repulsive force between the auxiliary magnets MA1 and MA2 having the same polarity. Alternatively, the auxiliary magnets MA1 of the first supporting member 211 and the auxiliary magnets MA2 of the second supporting member 213 may have different polarities. Therefore, the foldable display device 1 in the folded position may not be easily switched to the unfolded position by the attractive force between the auxiliary magnets MA1 and MA2 having different polarities.

[0122] The protruding members P1 and P2 are fixed to the rear surface of the support member 210 and protrude to a predetermined height from the rear surface of the support member 210. The protruding members P1 and P2 are inserted into the sliding members SL1 and SL2, which will be referred to later. Figure 7 The guide holes H1 and H2 described above guide the sliding directions of the sliding members SL1 and SL2 of the connecting member 220, which forms a lost motion connection that reduces stress caused by the folding and unfolding operations. In an exemplary embodiment, the side surfaces of the protruding members P1 and P2 may have protrusions and recesses. The protrusions and recesses of the protruding members P1 and P2 may be coupled to the protrusions and recesses formed on the inner side surfaces of the guide holes H1 and H2. Therefore, the sliding members SL1 and SL2 can be prevented from being separated from the supporting member 210.

[0123] Guide grooves G1 and G2 are formed in respective rear surfaces of the first and second support members 211 and 213 to guide the sliding members SL1 and SL2. For example, the guide grooves G1 and G2 may receive at least a portion of the sliding members SL1 and SL2 of the connection member 220.

[0124] Both ends of each of the first and second connection members 221 and 223 may be disposed in the first and second non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 on both sides of the folding area FA. The first and second connection members 221 and 223 may be disposed between electronic components mounted on the first and second support members 211 and 213.

[0125] The first connection member 221 and the second connection member 223 may be symmetrically disposed with respect to the area between the first connection member 221 and the second connection member 223. Specifically, the first connection member 221 and the second connection member 223 may be symmetrically disposed with respect to the FPCB 305 disposed on the first support member 211 and the second support member 213. The first connection member 221 and the second connection member 223 may be disposed between the main PCB 301 mounted on the first support member 211 and the battery 302 mounted on the second support member 213.

[0126] Reference Figures 6 to 8 Each of the first connecting member 221 and the second connecting member 223 includes sliding members SL1 and SL2 and a hinge member HG. The hinge member HG is disposed between the first supporting member 211 and the second supporting member 213. The hinge member HG can connect one side of the first sliding member SL1 and one side of the second sliding member SL2 and change the angle between the first sliding member SL1 and the second sliding member SL2. Figure 6 , the hinge member HG is not visible because the hinge member HG is covered by the hinge cover 230. The hinge member HG may be provided only in the folding area FA.

[0127] The first sliding member SL1 and the second sliding member SL2 are slidably connected to the first supporting member 211 and the second supporting member 213, respectively. The first sliding member SL1, the hinge member HG and the second sliding member SL2 are sequentially arranged in a direction intersecting the folding axis FX. The first sliding member SL1 and the second sliding member SL2 may be substantially symmetrical to each other with respect to the area between the first sliding member SL1 and the second sliding member SL2. The first sliding member SL1 and the second sliding member SL2 may be disposed in the folding area FA and the non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. The second magnets M21 and M22 for adjusting the torque for folding or unfolding the foldable display device 1 together with the first magnets M11 and M12 disposed on the supporting member 210 may be disposed on the front surfaces of the sliding members SL1 and SL2.

[0128] Figure 6 An exemplary embodiment is shown in which the auxiliary magnets MA1 and MA2 are disposed on the support member 210. Alternatively, the auxiliary magnets MA1 and MA2 may not be disposed on the support member 210.

[0129] Now refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The hinge member HG, the sliding members SL1 and SL2 , and the sliding cover 240 are described in detail.

[0130] Figure 7 yes Figure 3A three-dimensional view of the connecting member 220, the hinged cover 230 and the sliding cover 240. Figure 8 yes Figure 3 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connecting member 220, the hinged cover 230 and the sliding cover 240.

[0131] Reference Figure 3 as well as Figures 6 to 8 Each hinge member HG may include a first shaft ST1, a second shaft ST2, a first idle gear IG1, a second idle gear IG2, a first bracket BR1, a second bracket BR2, a third bracket BR3, and a stopping member SP.

[0132] Each of the first shaft ST1 and the second shaft ST2 extends in a second direction DR2 (e.g., the direction of the folding axis FX). The first shaft ST1 may extend in the direction of the first rotation axis RX1 of the folding axis FX, and the second shaft ST2 may extend in the direction of the second rotation axis RX2 of the folding axis FX. The first supporting member 211 and the second supporting member 213 may rotate relative to the first rotation axis RX1 and the second rotation axis RX2 by the first shaft ST1 and the second shaft ST2, respectively. The ends of the first shaft ST1 and the second shaft ST2 may be respectively accommodated in the shaft accommodating guide rail SR1 of the first sliding cover 241 to be described later and the shaft accommodating guide rail SR2 of the second sliding cover 243 to be described later. The first shaft ST1 and the second shaft ST2 may include a first main gear MG1 and a second main gear MG2, respectively.

[0133] The first main gear MG1 and the second main gear MG2 are formed integrally with the first shaft ST1 and the second shaft ST2, respectively, and interlocked with the first idler gear IG1 and the second idler gear IG2, respectively, to equally adjust the rotation angles of the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 when the foldable display device 1 is folded or unfolded. For example, when the foldable display device 1 is folded or unfolded, the first support member 211 may have substantially the same rotation angle as the second support member 213.

[0134] The first idler gear IG1 and the second idler gear IG2 are provided between the first main gear MG1 and the second main gear MG2 to change the direction of torque transmitted from the first main gear MG1 and the second main gear MG2 .

[0135] The first to third brackets BR1 to BR3 connect the first shaft ST1 and the second shaft ST2 to maintain a gap between the first shaft ST1 and the second shaft ST2. The first main gear MG1, the second main gear MG2, the first idle gear IG1 and the second idle gear IG2 may be disposed between the first bracket BR1 and the second bracket BR2, and a stopper member SP may be disposed between the second bracket BR2 and the third bracket BR3. The first to third brackets BR1 to BR3 may ensure a gap between the components for rotation and prevent interference by other components.

[0136] Each of the first to third brackets BR1 to BR3 may include a plurality of holes. Specifically, each of the first to third brackets BR1 to BR3 may include a pair of holes extending in the second direction DR2 so that the first shaft ST1 and the second shaft ST2 can be rotatably inserted into the holes at a predetermined distance from each other. In addition, each of the first to third brackets BR1 to BR3 may also include a hole extending in the third direction DR3 so that a bracket coupling portion BC of the hinged cover 230, which will be described later, can be inserted into the hole.

[0137] The stopping member SP is formed such that each of one end coupled to the first shaft ST1 and the other end coupled to the second shaft ST2 has a C-shaped cross section. The stopping member SP may control rotation of the first and second shafts ST1 and ST2, thereby controlling the amount of torque for folding or unfolding the foldable display device 1.

[0138] Each of the first and second sliding members SL1 and SL2 may be shaped like a plate extending from the hinge member HG in a second side direction (eg, outward direction) to have a predetermined width.

[0139] Respective sides of each first sliding member SL1 and each second sliding member SL2 may be rotatably coupled to the first and second shafts ST1 and ST2 , respectively, and other respective sides thereof may be slidably coupled to the first and second supporting members 211 and 213 , respectively.

[0140] The rear surface of each first sliding member SL1 and each second sliding member SL2 may have a shape corresponding to the front surfaces of the first sliding cover 241 and the second sliding cover 243. Specifically, each first sliding member SL1 and each second sliding member SL2 may have a step ST formed on the rear surface thereof, and thus be respectively coupled to the first sliding cover 241 and the second sliding cover 243 to restrict movement of the sliding members SL1 and SL2 and the sliding cover 240 in the first direction DR1.

[0141] Each of the first sliding members SL1 and each of the second sliding members SL2 may include plate portions PT1 and PT2 , shaft coupling portions SC1 and SC2 , guide holes H1 and H2 , and second magnets M21 and M22 , respectively.

[0142] Each of the plate portions PT1 and PT2 extends from the hinge member HG in the second side direction (eg, outward direction) to have a predetermined width.

[0143] The shaft coupling portions SC1 and SC2 are respectively disposed at the ends of the plate portions PT1 and PT2 in the first side direction (e.g., inward direction). The shaft coupling portions SC1 and SC2 of each first sliding member SL1 and each second sliding member SL2 respectively include grooves recessed in the second direction DR2. The grooves rotatably accommodate the respective ends of the first shaft ST1 and the second shaft ST2.

[0144] The guide holes H1 and H2 extend through the plate portions PT1 and PT2 in the thickness direction and receive the protruding members P1 and P2 of the first and second supporting members 211 and 213. As described above, the inner side surfaces of the guide holes H1 and H2 may have protrusions and recesses to prevent the protruding members P1 and P2 from being separated from the sliding members SL1 and SL2.

[0145] The second magnets M21 and M22 are disposed on the plate portions PT1 and PT2. The second magnets M21 and M22 may be disposed at positions corresponding to the first magnets M11 and M12 disposed on the support member 210. The first magnets M11 and M12 and the second magnets M21 and M22 adjust the torque for folding or unfolding the foldable display device 1 by using the magnetic force generated therebetween. Figures 9 to 14 The arrangement between the first magnets M11 and M12 and the second magnets M21 and M22 is described in detail.

[0146] The first hinged cover 231 and the second hinged cover 233 may have front surfaces that are recessed to a predetermined depth in the rearward direction. The recessed front surfaces of the first hinged cover 231 and the second hinged cover 233 may respectively accommodate the hinge members HG of the first connecting member 221 and the hinge members HG of the second connecting member 223 to cover the rear surfaces of the hinge members HG.

[0147] Each of the first hinged cover 231 and the second hinged cover 233 may include a bracket connecting portion BC, which protrudes from its front surface in a forward direction and is respectively inserted into the hinge cover connecting holes of the first bracket BR1 to the third bracket BR3 to fix the first bracket BR1 to the third bracket BR3 to the first hinged cover 231 and the second hinged cover 233.

[0148] The sliding cover 240 is disposed under the supporting member 210 and covers a gap between the rear cover 250 and the hinge member HG of the connecting member 220. The sliding cover 240 may include a first sliding cover 241 and a second sliding cover 243 arranged along the first direction DR1. For example, the first sliding cover 241 and the second sliding cover 243 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0149] The first sliding cover 241 and the second sliding cover 243 may be symmetrically disposed with respect to a region between the first supporting member 211 and the second supporting member 213 or a space between the first back cover 251 and the second back cover 253 .

[0150] Each of the first sliding cover 241 and the second sliding cover 243 may be disposed in the folding area FA and the first non-folding area NFA1 or the second non-folding area NFA2. Specifically, the first sliding cover 241 is disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1 and the folding area FA, and the second sliding cover 243 is disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2 and the folding area FA.

[0151] The first sliding cover 241 and the second sliding cover 243 may partially overlap the first and second axes ST1 and ST2 and / or the first and second sliding members SL1 and SL2 in the thickness direction, respectively. Specifically, the first sliding cover 241 may overlap the first axis ST1 and the first sliding member SL1, and the second sliding cover 243 may overlap the second axis ST2 and the second sliding member SL2.

[0152] The respective front surfaces of the first sliding cover 241 and the second sliding cover 243 may have shapes corresponding to the respective rear surfaces of the first sliding member SL1 and the second sliding member SL2, respectively. Specifically, steps ST may be formed on the respective front surfaces of the first sliding cover 241 and the second sliding cover 243. The steps ST formed on the respective front surfaces of the first sliding cover 241 and the second sliding cover 243 may be engaged with the steps ST formed on the rear surfaces of the first sliding member SL1 and the second sliding member SL2, respectively.

[0153] The first and second sliding covers 241 and 243 may include hinged cover receiving portions HCR1 and HCR2 , rear cover inserting portions I1 and I2 , shaft receiving rails SR1 and SR2 , and sliding member receiving grooves SLG1 and SLG2 , respectively.

[0154] The hinged cover receiving parts HCR1 and HCR2 are formed at the inner edges facing each other in the first side direction (e.g., inward direction) of the first sliding cover 241 and the second sliding cover 243. For example, the hinged cover receiving parts HCR1 and HCR2 are formed by making the inner edges of the first sliding cover 241 and the second sliding cover 243 concave to have a predetermined width in the second side direction (e.g., outward direction). Therefore, the hinged cover receiving parts HCR1 and HCR2 accommodate the hinged cover 230 between the first sliding cover 241 and the second sliding cover 243. For example, the hinged cover 230 and the sliding cover 240 can be arranged not to overlap with each other, and the appearance of the foldable display device 1 can be formed. Optionally, the inner edges of the first sliding cover 241 and the second sliding cover 243 can partially overlap with the outer edge of the hinged cover 230, and a part of the outer edge of the hinged cover 230 can be exposed from the first sliding cover 241 and the second sliding cover 243.

[0155] The back cover insertion parts I1 and I2 are arranged in the second side direction along the long sides of the first sliding cover 241 and the second sliding cover 243. The back cover insertion parts I1 and I2 can be inserted into the internal space formed between the support member 210 and the back cover 250 so that at least a portion of each of the back cover insertion parts I1 and I2 is placed on the front surface of the back cover 250. When the foldable display device 1 is folded or unfolded, the back cover insertion parts I1 and I2 can slide or rotate together with the back cover 250. The sliding or rotation of the sliding cover 240 according to the folding or unfolding of the foldable display device 1 will be referred to later. Figures 9 to 14 Detailed description.

[0156] The shaft receiving rails SR1 and SR2 may extend between the first and second connection members 221 and 223 in the second direction DR2 and may be recessed in a rearward direction to rotatably receive ends of the first and second shafts ST1 and ST2 .

[0157] The sliding member receiving grooves SLG1 and SLG2 are formed by recessing the inner edges of the first sliding cover 241 and the second sliding cover 243 into a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surfaces of the respective shaft coupling portions SC1 and SC2 of the first sliding member SL1 and the second sliding member SL2. Therefore, the sliding member receiving grooves SLG1 and SLG2 rotatably receive the shaft coupling portions SC1 and SC2.

[0158] Now refer to Figures 9 to 14 The arrangement between the magnets according to the folding or unfolding of the foldable display device 1 is described in detail.

[0159] Fig. 9 It is along Figure 6 2 is a cross-sectional view of the foldable display device 1 in the folded position, taken along line AA′. Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 An enlarged view of part P. Fig.11 As seen from behind Fig. 9 A perspective view of the first sliding member SL1.

[0160] Fig.12 It is along Figure 6 2 is a cross-sectional view of the foldable display device 1 in the unfolded position, taken along line AA′. Fig.13 yes Fig.12 An enlarged view of part P'. Fig.14 As seen from behind Fig.12 A perspective view of the first sliding member SL1.

[0161] Reference Figure 3 , Fig. 9 and Fig.12 , the first magnets M11 and M12 are disposed on the rear surface of the support member 210, and the second magnets M21 and M22 are disposed on the front surfaces of the sliding members SL1 and SL2. Specifically, the first magnets M11 and M12 may be inserted into a first magnet accommodating groove GG1 that is recessed in the forward direction from the rear surface of the support member 210, and the second magnets M21 and M22 may be inserted into a second magnet accommodating groove GG2 that is recessed in the rear direction from the front surfaces of the sliding members SL1 and SL2.

[0162] In the folded position of the foldable display device 1, the first magnets M11 and M12 may be disposed at a first distance d1 from the first rotation axis RX1 or the second rotation axis RX2, and the second magnets M21 and M22 may be disposed at a second distance d2 from the first rotation axis RX1 or the second rotation axis RX2. Specifically, the first magnet M11 of the first supporting member 211 and the first magnet M12 of the second supporting member 213 may be disposed at a first distance d1 from the first rotation axis RX1 and a first distance d1 from the second rotation axis RX2, respectively, and the second magnet M21 of the first sliding member SL1 and the second magnet M22 of the second sliding member SL2 may be disposed at a second distance d2 from the first rotation axis RX1 and a second distance d2 from the second rotation axis RX2, respectively.

[0163] The first distance d1 of the first magnets M11 and M12 may vary according to the folded or unfolded position of the foldable display device 1. Specifically, the first distance d1 of the first magnets M11 and M12 in the folded position may be smaller than the first distance d1 in the unfolded position. This is because the support member 210 on the rear surface of the display module 10 is slidably movable relative to the sliding members SL1 and SL2 due to the lost motion connection between it and the sliding members SL1 and SL2, thereby eliminating or reducing the tension or compression force generated in the display module 10 when the foldable display device 1 is folded or unfolded, and thus changing the relative positions of the first magnets M11 and M12 of the support member 210 and the rotation axes RX1 and RX2.

[0164] Regardless of whether the foldable display device 1 is folded or unfolded, the second distance d2 between the second magnets M21 and M22 may be kept constant.

[0165] In another exemplary embodiment, the distance between the first magnet M11 of the first supporting member 211 and the first rotation axis RX1 may be different from the distance between the first magnet M12 of the second supporting member 213 and the second rotation axis RX2, and the distance between the second magnet M21 of the first sliding member SL1 and the first rotation axis RX1 may be different from the distance between the second magnet M22 of the second sliding member SL2 and the second rotation axis RX2.

[0166] Reference Figures 9 to 14 , in the folded position, the first magnets M11 and M12 and the second magnets M21 and M22 may be disposed in the first position, and in the unfolded position, the first magnets M11 and M12 and the second magnets M21 and M22 may be disposed in the second position. The distance between the first magnets M11 and M12 and the second magnets M21 and M22 in the first side direction in the second position is smaller than the distance between the first magnets M11 and M12 and the second magnets M21 and M22 in the first side direction in the first position. In another exemplary embodiment, the first magnets M11 and M12 and the second magnets M21 and M22 may also be disposed in the second position in the folded position, and in the first position in the unfolded position.

[0167] The third distance d3 between the first magnets M11 and M12 and the second magnets M21 and M22 in the first position may be greater than the third distance d3 between the first magnets M11 and M12 and the second magnets M21 and M22 in the second position. For example, the third distance d3 between the first magnets M11 and M12 and the second magnets M21 and M22 may correspond to the difference between the first distance d1 and the second distance d2. Specifically, the third distance d3 between the first magnets M11 and M12 and the second magnets M21 and M22 in the first side direction in the first position may be greater than the third distance d3 between the first magnets M11 and M12 and the second magnets M21 and M22 in the first side direction in the second position. The first side direction may be a direction toward the rotation axes RX1 and RX2, and the second side direction may be a direction opposite to the first side direction and facing away from the rotation axes RX1 and RX2.

[0168] The first magnets M11 and M12 may have substantially the same size as the second magnets M21 and M22. The size may be a length in the first side direction. Alternatively, the first magnets M11 and M12 may also have different sizes from the second magnets M21 and M22.

[0169] The overlapping area between the first magnets M11 and M12 and the second magnets M21 and M22 in the first position may be smaller than the overlapping area between the first magnets M11 and M12 and the second magnets M21 and M22 in the second position. Specifically, the first position may be a position where the first magnets M11 and M12 do not completely overlap with the second magnets M21 and M22 in the thickness direction, and the second position may be a position where the first magnets M11 and M12 completely overlap with the second magnets M21 and M22 in the thickness direction. In other words, in the second position, the rear surfaces of the first magnets M11 and M12 may face the front surfaces of the second magnets M21 and M22.

[0170] In another exemplary embodiment, the first magnets M11 and M12 and the second magnets M21 and M22 may not overlap in the thickness direction in the first position, and may at least partially overlap in the thickness direction in the second position.

[0171] The first magnets M11 and M12 have the same polarity or different polarities as the second magnets M21 and M22. For example, the first magnets M11 and M12 may have different polarities than the second magnets M21 and M22 to reduce the torque required to switch from the folded position to the unfolded position and provide a fixing force for maintaining a flat angle in the unfolded position. Alternatively, the first magnets M11 and M12 may have the same polarity as the second magnets M21 and M22 to provide a fixing force for maintaining the folded position. In an exemplary embodiment, the first magnet M11 or the second magnet M21 disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1 may have the same polarity as the first magnet M12 or the second magnet M22 disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2. In some exemplary embodiments, the first magnet M11 or the second magnet M21 disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1 may have different polarities than the first magnet M12 or the second magnet M22 disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0172] The auxiliary magnets MA1 and MA2, the first magnets M11 and M12, and the second magnets M21 and M22 may be provided together to adjust the torque for folding or unfolding the foldable display device 1. Specifically, when the angle between the first supporting member 211 and the second supporting member 213 is less than a predetermined angle, the auxiliary magnets MA1 and MA2 may provide a torque for returning to the folded position, so that the foldable display device 1 is not easily unfolded. When the angle between the first supporting member 211 and the second supporting member 213 is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, the first magnets M11 and M12 and the second magnets M21 and M22 may provide a torque for switching to the unfolded position, so that the foldable display device 1 may be easily unfolded. When the foldable display device 1 is fully unfolded, the first magnets M11 and M12 and the second magnets M21 and M22 may provide a fixing force for maintaining a flat angle. Here, the predetermined angle may be an angle at which the magnetic force acting between the auxiliary magnets MA1 and MA2 is smaller than the magnetic force acting between the first magnets M11 and M12 and the second magnets M21 and M22. For example, the predetermined angle may be greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 15 degrees.

[0173] Fig.15 is a plan view of the rear surface of another exemplary embodiment of a foldable display device 1 constructed according to the principles of the present invention. Fig.16 is the foldable display device 1 in the unfolded position Fig.15 A three-dimensional view of the connecting component.

[0174] Reference Fig.15 and Fig.16 , Fig.15 The foldable display device 1 and Figure 6The foldable display device 1 of EMBODIMENT 2 is different in that biasing members in the form of elastic members E1 and E2 are provided instead of magnets to adjust the torque for folding or unfolding the foldable display device 1 .

[0175] Each of the first sliding members SL1 and each of the second sliding members SL2 may include plate portions PT1 and PT2 , shaft coupling portions SC1 and SC2 , guide holes H1 and H2 , elastic member accommodating holes EH1 and EH2 , elastic members E1 and E2 , and fixing members FM1 and FM2 , respectively.

[0176] The elastic member accommodating holes EH1 and EH2 extend through the plate portions PT1 and PT2, respectively, in the thickness direction. Each of the elastic member accommodating holes EH1 and EH2 may be generally shaped like a rectangle, which is long in the first side direction (e.g., in the direction toward the folding axis FX). In an exemplary embodiment, each of the elastic member accommodating holes EH1 and EH2 may be disposed between a pair of guide holes H1 or a pair of guide holes H2 formed in a corresponding one of the plate portions PT1 and PT2. The fixing members FM1 and FM2, which will be described later, may be disposed on the corresponding inner side surfaces of the elastic member accommodating holes EH1 and EH2 in the first side direction.

[0177] The elastic members E1 and E2 are disposed in the elastic member receiving holes EH1 and EH2 in the first side direction. The respective sides of the elastic members E1 and E2 may be supported by the fixing members FM1 and FM2, respectively, and the other respective sides of the elastic members E1 and E2 may be supported by the fixing members FM1 and FM2, respectively, which will be referred to later. Fig.17 The supporting walls SW1 and SW2 described above support the elastic members E1 and E2 and may be placed around the fixing pins FP of the fixing members FM1 and FM2, which will be described later.

[0178] The fixing members FM1 and FM2 are arranged on the inner side surfaces of the elastic member accommodating holes EH1 and EH2 in the first side direction. Each of the fixing members FM1 and FM2 may include a pair of fixing pins FP protruding in the second side direction (e.g., the direction away from the folding axis FX) and a connecting plate CP connecting the pair of fixing pins FP.

[0179] The first and second rear covers 251 and 253 may include support walls SW1 and SW2 , respectively, which protrude from front surfaces of the first and second rear covers 251 and 253 and are inserted into the elastic member accommodating hole EH1 and the elastic member accommodating hole EH2 of each first and second sliding members SL1 and SL2 .

[0180] Now refer to Figures 17 to 20 The compression or extension of the elastic members E1 and E2 according to the folded or unfolded position of the foldable display device 1 is described in detail.

[0181] Fig.17 It is along Fig.15 BB' is a cross-sectional view of the foldable display device 1 in the folded position. Fig.18 yes Fig.17 An enlarged plan view of part Q. Fig.19 It is along Fig.15 BB' is a cross-sectional view of the foldable display device 1 in the unfolded position. Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 An enlarged plan view of portion Q'.

[0182] Reference Figures 17 to 20 , each of the supporting walls SW1 and SW2 may include a first supporting portion and a plurality of second supporting portions. Specifically, the supporting wall SW1 may include a first supporting portion SW11 and a plurality of second supporting portions SW12. The supporting wall SW2 may have substantially the same structure as the supporting wall SW1, and may include a first supporting portion SW21 and a plurality of second supporting portions (not shown).

[0183] The first supporting portions SW11 and SW21 may extend in the direction along the folding axis FX to support the other sides of the elastic members E1 and E2. In the unfolded position, the first supporting portions SW11 and SW21 may contact inner side surfaces of the elastic member accommodating holes EH1 and EH2 in the second side direction.

[0184] The second supporting portion SW12 may extend in the first side direction and restrict movement of the elastic members E1 and E2 in the direction along the folding axis FX.

[0185] Reference Figures 17 to 20 , the elastic members E1 and E2 are compressed or stretched according to the folded or unfolded position of the foldable display device 1. This is because the relative positions of the support walls SW1 and SW2 and the rotation axes RX1 and RX2 are changed as described above.

[0186] The elastic members E1 and E2 and the fixing members FM1 and FM2 may be disposed in the first side direction of the first supporting portions SW11 and SW21. The elastic members E1 and E2 may be compressed in the folded position, and stretched in the unfolded position. Therefore, the elastic members E1 and E2 may reduce the torque required to switch from the folded position to the unfolded position of the foldable display device 1. In another exemplary embodiment, the elastic members E1 and E2 and the fixing members FM1 and FM2 may be disposed in the inner side surfaces of the elastic member receiving holes EH1 and EH2 in the second side direction.

[0187] The elastic members E1 and E2 may be provided together with the auxiliary magnets MA1 and MA2 to adjust the torque for folding or unfolding the foldable display device 1. Specifically, when the angle between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 is less than a predetermined angle, the auxiliary magnets MA1 and MA2 may provide a torque for returning to the folded position, so that the foldable display device 1 is not easily unfolded. When the angle between the first support member 211 and the second support member 213 is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, the elastic members E1 and E2 may provide a torque for switching to the unfolded position, so that the foldable display device 1 may be easily unfolded. When the foldable display device 1 is fully unfolded, the elastic members E1 and E2 may provide a fixing force for maintaining a flat angle. Here, the predetermined angle may be an angle at which the magnetic force acting between the auxiliary magnets MA1 and MA2 is less than the elastic force provided by the elastic members E1 and E2. For example, the predetermined angle may be greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 15 degrees.

[0188] However, the effects of the exemplary embodiments are not limited to the effects set forth herein. The above and other effects of the exemplary embodiments will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments pertain by referring to the claims.

[0189] Although specific exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other exemplary embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Therefore, the inventive concept is not limited to such exemplary embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the appended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A foldable display device, include: Display panel; A first supporting member and a second supporting member, disposed on a surface of the display panel and respectively including a first biasing member; a first member and a second member slidably coupled to the first supporting member and the second supporting member, respectively, and respectively including a second biasing member disposed at a position corresponding to the first biasing member; as well as an articulated member connected to the first member and the second member to change an angle between the first member and the second member relative to at least one axis of rotation, wherein each of the first biasing member and the second biasing member comprises a magnetic member, and Wherein, when the angle between the first member and the second member changes, the distance between each of the first biasing members and the at least one rotation axis changes, and the distance between each of the second biasing members and the at least one rotation axis remains constant.

2. The foldable display device according to claim 1, in, The first support member and the second support member are arranged to perform limited relative movement according to the angle between the first member and the second member.

3. The foldable display device according to claim 2, in, The first supporting member and the second supporting member have a folded position and an unfolded position, in which the first supporting member and the second supporting member overlap in a thickness direction, and in the unfolded position, the first supporting member and the second supporting member are arranged side by side along a direction intersecting the at least one rotation axis, and in the folded position a distance between the first biasing member and the second biasing member is greater than a distance between the first biasing member and the second biasing member in the unfolded position.

4. The foldable display device according to claim 3, in, In the folded position, the first biasing member is disposed closer to the at least one rotational axis than the second biasing member.

5. The foldable display device according to claim 3, in, The first biasing member and the second biasing member at least partially overlap in the thickness direction.

6. The foldable display device according to claim 5, in, An overlapping area between each of the first biasing members and a corresponding second biasing member of the second biasing members in the deployed position is greater than an overlapping area between each of the first biasing members and the corresponding second biasing member of the second biasing members in the folded position.

7. The foldable display device according to claim 6, in, The first biasing member and the second biasing member include first and second magnets having different polarities.

8. The foldable display device according to claim 1, in, Each of the first member and the second member comprises a slidable member comprising: a plate portion extending in a direction intersecting the at least one rotation axis; a shaft coupling portion provided at one end of the plate portion on a side adjacent to the at least one rotation axis; and a pair of guide holes extending through the plate portion in the thickness direction and arranged in a direction parallel to the at least one rotation axis, and wherein Each of the second biasing members is disposed between the pair of guide holes.

9. The foldable display device according to claim 1, further comprising: include: a first rear cover covering a rear surface of the first supporting member; a second rear cover covering a rear surface of the second supporting member; a first sliding cover slidably coupled to the first rear cover; as well as The second sliding cover is slidably connected to the second rear cover.

10. The foldable display device according to claim 9, in: The first sliding cover covers a region between the at least one rotation axis and an end of the first rear cover adjacent to the at least one rotation axis, and The second sliding cover covers a region between the at least one rotation axis and an end of the second rear cover adjacent to the at least one rotation axis.

11. The foldable display device according to claim 10, in: At least a portion of the first sliding cover overlaps the first rear cover in a thickness direction, and At least a portion of the second sliding cover overlaps the second rear cover in the thickness direction. 12 . The foldable display device according to claim 11 , further comprising a hinge cover disposed between the first sliding cover and the second sliding cover and covering a rear surface of the hinge member.

13. The foldable display device according to claim 1, in, The first support member and the second support member further include an auxiliary biasing member, respectively, disposed further away from the at least one rotation axis than the first biasing member and the second biasing member.

14. The foldable display device according to claim 13, in: The first biasing member and the second biasing member include a first magnet and a second magnet, The auxiliary biasing member includes a plurality of auxiliary magnets, and The magnetic force between the plurality of auxiliary magnets is smaller than the magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet.

15. Foldable display device, include: Display panel; A first supporting member and a second supporting member are disposed on a surface of the display panel; first and second members, the first and second members being slidably coupled to the first and second support members, respectively, and each comprising a biasing member; as well as an articulated member connected to the first member and the second member to change an angle between the first member and the second member relative to at least one axis of rotation, wherein the biasing member is configured to change length according to an angle between the first support member and the second support member, Wherein, the biasing member comprises an elastic member, and The first support member and the second support member have a folded position and an unfolded position, in which the elastic member is compressed in the folded position and in which the elastic member is stretched in the unfolded position.

16. The foldable display device according to claim 15, in: Each of the first member and the second member comprises a slidable member comprising: a plate portion extending in a direction intersecting the at least one rotation axis; a shaft coupling portion provided at one end of the plate portion on a side adjacent to the at least one rotation axis; an elastic member receiving hole extending through the plate portion in a thickness direction; and A fixing member is used to fix the elastic member in the elastic member receiving hole in the direction intersecting the at least one rotation axis.

17. The foldable display device according to claim 16, further comprising: include: a first rear cover covering the rear surface of the first supporting member, and a second rear cover covering a rear surface of the second supporting member, wherein the first rear cover and the second rear cover respectively include supporting walls protruding from the front surfaces of the first rear cover and the second rear cover and inserted into the elastic member receiving hole, and One end of the elastic member is supported by the fixing member, and the other end of the elastic member is supported by the supporting wall.

18. The foldable display device according to claim 17, in, A gap between each of the support walls and an inner side surface of a corresponding one of the elastic member receiving holes varies according to the angle between the first member and the second member.

19. The foldable display device according to claim 18, in: In the folded position, the first support member and the second support member overlap in the thickness direction, and in the unfolded position, the first support member and the second support member are arranged side by side along the direction intersecting the at least one rotation axis.

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