Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes a display module having a first area exposed to the outside in a first state and a second state, and a second area defined adjacent to the first area and exposed to the outside in the second state, a housing accommodating the display module, and a driver controlling the first state and the second state of the display module. The driver includes a first driving module fixed to the housing, a second driving module coupled to the first driving module, and a sliding module coupled to the second driving module and moving in a direction close to or away from the second motor according to rotation of the second screw.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0080254, filed on June 30, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention relate to display devices. More specifically, embodiments relate to display devices including expandable or retractable display modules. Background Technology

[0004] Electronic devices that provide images to users, such as smartphones, digital cameras, laptops, navigation units, and smart TVs, include display devices that display images. The display device generates images and provides them to the user via a screen.

[0005] In recent years, various types of display devices, including those with technological improvements, have been developed. For example, various flexible display devices that are foldable or rollable are being developed. Flexible display devices that can be changed into various shapes are easy to carry and improve user convenience.

[0006] Flexible display devices offer users displays of various sizes. For example, flexible display devices operate in a basic mode and an extended mode. In the basic mode, a portion of the flexible display module is exposed, and the rest of the flexible display module is inserted into the housing. In the extended mode, the remaining portion inserted into the housing is pulled out and unfolded.

[0007] The information disclosed in this background section is only for understanding the background of the inventive concept, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide a display device that can reduce the number of defects generated when the display module expands or contracts.

[0009] Additional features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the inventive concept.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention provide a display device comprising: a display module including a first region exposed to the outside in a first state and a second state, and a second region defined adjacent to the first region and exposed to the outside in the second state; a housing housing the display module; and a driver controlling the first and second states of the display module. The driver includes: a first drive module including a first motor fixed to the housing and a first screw coupled to the first motor and extending along one side in a first direction; a second drive module including: a second motor coupled to the first screw and moving in a direction toward or away from the first motor due to rotational operation of the first screw, and a second screw coupled to the second motor and extending along the other side in the first direction; and a sliding module coupled to the second screw and moving in a direction toward or away from the second motor due to rotational operation of the second screw.

[0011] The housing may include: a first housing, fixedly connected to the display module and the first drive module; and a second housing, connected to the first housing to move in a first direction toward or away from the first housing.

[0012] One end of the sliding module can be connected to the second housing, and the sliding module can move closer to or further away from the second motor as the second housing moves closer to or further away from the first housing.

[0013] The display device may also include a roller, which inserts the display module into the housing in a first state and pulls the display module out of the housing in a second state.

[0014] The sliding module may include: a first portion, connected to a second screw and extending in a first direction; a second portion, connected to a display module and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a third portion, disposed between the first and second portions to connect the sliding module to the housing.

[0015] The second part may include rollers, and the display module is inserted into the housing via the rollers when the sliding module moves in a direction close to the second motor, and the display module is pulled out of the housing via the rollers when the sliding module moves in a direction away from the second motor.

[0016] Each of the first and second drive modules can be configured as multiple.

[0017] The first part of the sliding module can be configured as multiple parts, and the second screws of multiple second drive modules can be respectively connected to multiple first parts.

[0018] The second motor may include: a motor section for controlling the rotation of the second screw; and a connecting section for physically connecting the motor section to the first screw.

[0019] The second drive module can be connected to the first housing so that it is slidable in the first direction.

[0020] The direction of the thread of the first screw can be opposite to the direction of the thread of the second screw.

[0021] The length of the first screw in the first direction can be substantially the same as the length of the second screw in the first direction.

[0022] The display device may further include at least one elastic member, wherein one end of the at least one elastic member is fixed to the second housing and the other end is fixed to the display module.

[0023] The elastic member can be stretched in the second state of the display module and contracted in the first state of the display module.

[0024] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a display device including a display module, a housing, a driver, and a roller. The display module includes a first region that is always exposed to the outside and a second region defined adjacent to the first region, hidden from the outside in a first state and exposed to the outside in a second state. The housing houses the display module and includes a first housing and a second housing slidably connected to the first housing. The driver is fixed to the housing to change the operating state of the display module to the first state or the second state while sliding the second housing. The roller is connected to the driver to insert the second region of the display module into or pull out the second region of the display module from the housing. The driver includes a first drive module and a second drive module. The first drive module is fixed to the inner sidewall of the first housing, and the second drive module is coupled to the first drive module for mobility. The roller is fixed to the second housing and coupled to the second drive module for mobility.

[0025] The first drive module may include a first motor and a first screw connected to the first motor and extending along one side in a first direction, and the second drive module may include a second motor connected to the first screw and a second screw connected to the second motor and extending along the opposite side in the first direction.

[0026] When the second drive module moves away from the first drive module, the roller can move in the direction closer to the second drive module, and when the second drive module moves in the direction closer to the first drive module, the roller can move away from the second drive module.

[0027] The direction of the thread of the first screw can be opposite to the direction of the thread of the second screw.

[0028] The roller may include: a connecting rod, one end of which is connected to a second screw; and a roller bar extending from the other end of the connecting rod in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the roller bar can pull the second region of the display module out of the housing when the connecting rod moves away from the second drive module, and insert the second region of the display module into the housing when the connecting rod moves toward the second drive module.

[0029] The actuator may include a first actuator and a second actuator, the first actuator being fixed to one side wall of the housing, and the second actuator being fixed to another side wall of the housing opposite to one side wall.

[0030] Based on the above, the display device can be configured as a sliding display device, thus preventing defects from occurring when the display module expands or contracts. Furthermore, since the sliding display device uses a motor and a screw rotated by the motor for operation, the reliability of the sliding display device can be improved.

[0031] It will 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 claimed invention. Attached Figure Description

[0032] 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 embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the inventive concept.

[0033] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a plan view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing a display module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing a display module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0039] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for purposes of explanation in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments or implementations of the invention. As used herein, “implementation” is a non-limiting example employing one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various embodiments. Furthermore, the various embodiments may be different, but are not necessarily exclusive. For example, specific shapes, constructions, and characteristics of embodiments may be used or implemented in another embodiment without departing from the inventive concept.

[0040] Unless otherwise specified, the described embodiments are to be understood as exemplary features providing details of variations in some ways in which the inventive concept can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, areas and / or aspects of various embodiments (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as “elements”) may be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged in other ways without departing from the inventive concept.

[0041] The use of crosshairs and / or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Thus, unless otherwise specified, the presence or absence of crosshairs or shading does not convey or indicate a preference or requirement for a particular material, material properties, size, scale, commonalities among the elements shown, or any other characteristics, properties, performance, etc. Furthermore, the size and relative size of elements may be exaggerated in the drawings for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. When embodiments can be implemented differently, the specific order of processes may be performed differently than the order described. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of their description. Moreover, similar reference numerals denote similar elements.

[0042] When a component or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another component or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to, or attached to the other component or layer, or there may be intermediate components or layers. However, when a component or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to" another component or layer, there are no intermediate components or layers. Therefore, the term "connection" can refer to a physical, electrical, and / or fluid connection with or without intermediate components. Furthermore, the DR1, DR2, and DR3 axes are not limited to the three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system, such as the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the DR1, DR2, and DR3 axes may be perpendicular to each other, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purposes 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” can be interpreted as X only, Y only, Z only, 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.

[0043] Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first element discussed below can be referred to as the second element.

[0044] Spatial relative terms, such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “down,” “above,” “above,” “higher,” “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”), are used herein for descriptive purposes and thereby describe the relationship between one element(s) and another(s) as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, spatial relative terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features would subsequently be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or otherwise), and thereby the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein shall be interpreted accordingly.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” as used herein are intended to include the plural forms as well. Furthermore, the terms “comprise,” “comprising,” “include,” and / or “including”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms are used as approximations rather than terms of degree, and are thus used to account for inherent deviations in measurements, calculations, and / or provided values ​​that would be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0046] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional and / or exploded views as schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Therefore, variations in the shapes of the illustrations due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. Consequently, the embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be interpreted as limited to the specific shapes of the regions shown, but rather include deviations in shape due to, for example, manufacturing processes. In this manner, the regions shown in the figures may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of the regions of the device, and thus are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0047] As is customary in the art, embodiments are described in terms of functional blocks, units, and / or modules, and some embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that these blocks, units, and / or modules are physically implemented by electronic (or optical) circuitry such as logic circuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hardwired circuits, memory elements, wiring connections, etc., which can be formed using semiconductor-based fabrication techniques or other manufacturing techniques. Where blocks, units, and / or modules are implemented by microprocessors or other similar hardware, they can be programmed and controlled using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the various functions discussed herein, and optionally, they can be driven by firmware and / or software. Furthermore, it is contemplated that each block, unit, and / or module can be implemented by dedicated hardware, or as a combination of dedicated hardware performing certain functions and processors performing other functions (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry). Additionally, in some embodiments, each block, unit, and / or module can be physically separated into two or more interactive and discrete blocks, units, and / or modules without departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Furthermore, some implementations of blocks, units, and / or modules can be physically combined into more complex blocks, units, and / or modules without departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

[0048] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Terms such as those defined in common dictionaries shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field, and shall not be interpreted in an ideal or overly rigid sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0049] The invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a perspective view showing display devices DD-1 and DD-2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 1A The display device DD-1 in its first state is shown, and Figure 1B The display device DD-2 in its second state is shown.

[0052] The display device DD can be activated in response to an electrical signal. The display device DD can include various implementations. For example, the display device DD can be applied to large electronic products such as televisions, monitors, or outdoor billboards, as well as small and medium-sized electronic products such as personal computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants, car navigation units, gaming units, mobile electronic devices, and cameras. However, these are merely exemplary, and the display device DD can be applied to other display products as long as they do not depart from the inventive concept. In this embodiment, a smartphone will be described as a representative example of the display device DD.

[0053] The display device DD can be an expandable display device. The display device DD can be a slidable display device within an expandable display device. The slidable display device may include a display module DM, which expands or contracts according to the sliding operation of its housing CS.

[0054] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B The display device DD may include a housing CS and a display module DM. The display device DD can operate in a first state or a second state. The first state indicates that the display module DM is not extended, and the second state indicates that the display module DM is extended. That is, in the second state, the display area DA of the display device DD-2 is larger than the display area DA of the display device DD-1 in the first state.

[0055] The display module DM can display images to a user. A display area DA can be defined within the display module DM, and the display area DA can include a first area DA1 and a second area DA2. The display module DM can be fixed to a housing CS and can extend in a first direction DR1. According to an embodiment, one end of the display module DM can be fixed to either the first housing CS1 or the second housing CS2. The display module DM can be a flexible display module. The first area DA1 can be exposed to the outside in a first state and a second state, and the second area DA2 can be exposed to the outside only in the second state.

[0056] The housing CS can accommodate the display module DM. The housing CS may include a first housing CS1 and a second housing CS2. The second housing CS2 is movable in a first direction DR1 to be coupled to the first housing CS1. In this embodiment, the first housing CS1 may be referred to as the "outer housing", and the second housing CS2 may be referred to as the "inner housing". That is, the second housing CS2 can slide inside the first housing CS1 while being coupled to the first housing CS1.

[0057] Reference Figure 1A When the display device DD-1 is in its first state, the first area DA1 can be exposed to the outside. The second area DA2 (refer to...) Figure 1BIt is hidden inside the housing CS. That is, in the first state, the display device DD-1 can only provide the user with the first area DA1. The first state of the display device DD-1 can be the state where the housing CS is closed, and more specifically, it can be the state where the second housing CS2 is sliding in the direction close to the first housing CS1.

[0058] Reference Figure 1B The first region DA1 and the second region DA2 of the display module DM of the display device DD-2 can be exposed to the outside in a second state. The user can view both the first region DA1 and the second region DA2 in the second state of the display device DD-2. The second state of the display device DD-2 can be a state where the housing CS is open, and more specifically, it can be a state where the second housing CS2 is slid away from the first housing CS1.

[0059] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a perspective view showing display devices DD-1 and DD-2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 2A The interior of the housing CS of the display device DD-1 in its first state is shown, and Figure 2B The interior of the housing CS of the display device DD-2 in its second state is shown. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The display module DM (see reference) arranged in the display area DA is shown transparently. Figure 1A and Figure 1B (This is to show the interior of the housing CS.)

[0061] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B Display devices DD-1 and DD-2 may include drivers disposed within a housing CS. The drivers may include a first drive module 100, a second drive module 200, and a sliding module 300. The drivers can change the operating state of the display device DD to a first state or a second state in response to user control. According to an embodiment, the drivers can automatically control the first and second states of the display device DD in response to user input. For example, when a user of the display device DD (e.g., a smartphone) inputs an expansion command for the display module DM, the drivers can change the operating state of the display device DD from the first state to the second state. When a user inputs a retraction command for the display module DM, the drivers can change the operating state of the display device DD from the second state back to the first state.

[0062] The driver can drive the first drive module 100 and the second drive module 200, and can control the operation of the sliding module 300 to change the operating state of the display device DD to a first state or a second state. The first drive module 100 and the second drive module 200 can operate substantially simultaneously. The second drive module 200 can be connected to the first drive module 100 and can move in a first direction DR1 according to the operation of the first drive module 100. The second drive module 200 can operate substantially simultaneously with the first drive module 100, or it can operate independently of the first drive module 100. The sliding module 300 can move in the first direction DR1 according to the operation of the second drive module 200. Due to the movement of the second drive module 200 and the sliding module 300, the operating state of the display device DD can be changed to a first state or a second state.

[0063] The first drive module 100 can be connected to the first housing CS1. The first drive module 100 can be fixed to the side wall of the first housing CS1 in the second direction DR2.

[0064] The first drive module 100 may include a first motor 110 and a first screw 120. The first screw 120 may be mechanically coupled to the first motor 110. In this context, the term "mechanically coupled" differs from a simple physical coupling and signifies that the operation of the first motor 110 directly affects the operation of the first screw 120. The first motor 110 may rotate the first screw 120 coupled to one end thereto. One end of the first screw 120 may be coupled to the first motor 110 and may extend in a first direction DR1. The first screw 120 may correspond to various types of threaded fasteners, including screws and bolts. The first screw 120 may include a body and threads defined on the body.

[0065] The second drive module 200 may include a second motor 210 and a second screw 220. The second screw 220 may be mechanically coupled to the second motor 210. The second motor 210 may rotate the second screw 220. One end of the second screw 220 may be coupled to the second motor 210, and the second screw 220 may extend in a direction opposite to that of the first screw 120 extending in the first direction DR1. The second screw 220 may include a body and threads defined on the body. The direction of the threads of the second screw 220 may be opposite to that of the threads of the first screw 120. For example, when the threads of the first screw 120 are left-hand threads, the threads of the second screw 220 are right-hand threads, and when the threads of the first screw 120 are right-hand threads, the threads of the second screw 220 are left-hand threads.

[0066] The second motor 210 can be fixed to the first screw 120 and can move in the first direction DR1 toward or away from the first motor 110 depending on the rotation of the first screw 120.

[0067] The second motor 210 may include a motor section 212 for controlling the rotation of the second screw 220 and a connecting section 214 for connecting the motor section 212 to the first screw 120.

[0068] The second screw 220 can be mechanically connected to one end of the motor unit 212. The motor unit 212 can control the rotation of the second screw 220 connected to one end thereto. The motor unit 212 can be connected to the connecting part 214 in the second direction DR2.

[0069] The connecting portion 214 can physically connect the second drive module 200 to the first screw 120. The connecting portion 214 may include an internal thread that engages with the external thread of the first screw 120 at its inner surface. For example, the connecting portion 214 may correspond to a nut. The connecting portion 214 can move toward or away from the first motor 110 depending on the rotation of the first screw 120, and therefore, the motor portion 212 can move together with the connecting portion 214.

[0070] The second drive module 200 is slidably connected to the side wall of the first housing CS1. Although not shown in the figure, the connecting portion 214 of the second drive module 200 can be connected to the first screw 120 on its inner side and to the inner side wall of the first housing CS1 on its outer side for mobility.

[0071] The sliding module 300 can be coupled to the second screw 220 and can move toward or away from the second motor 210 according to the rotation of the second screw 220. The sliding module 300 may include a first part 310, a second part 320 and a third part 330.

[0072] The first portion 310 can be connected to the second screw 220. The first portion 310 can be a connecting rod 310 extending in the first direction DR1. An internal thread that engages with the external thread of the second screw 220 can be defined in the inner surface of the first portion 310. The first portion 310 can move in the first direction DR1 toward or away from the second motor 210 depending on the rotation of the second screw 220.

[0073] The second portion 320 may extend in the second direction DR2. The second portion 320 may include a roller. The second portion 320 may be referred to as a "roller bar". The display module DM may be coupled to the second portion 320. The second portion 320 may be rotated by the horizontal movement of the first portion 310 to pull out or insert the display module DM. More specifically, the second portion 320 may use the rotation of the roller to expose or conceal a second area DA2 of the display module DM to the outside. Figure 2A and Figure 2BWhen the sliding module 300 moves in the direction close to the second motor 210, the display module DM can be inserted into the first housing CS1, and when the sliding module 300 moves in the direction away from the second motor 210, the display module DM can be pulled out from the first housing CS1.

[0074] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, according to another embodiment, the second portion 320 may be a fixing rod for securing the sliding module 300 to the second housing CS2. In this case, the second portion 320 may be fixed to one end of the second housing CS2. Additionally, one end of the display module DM may be fixed to the second portion 320. A roller (not shown) may be separately attached to the first housing CS1. The roller (not shown) may be attached to one end of the first housing CS1 and may be inserted into or pulled out of the display module DM according to the movement of the sliding module 300. In this case, the roller (not shown) may rotate to expose or conceal a portion of a first area of ​​the display module DM to the outside. The second area may always be exposed to the outside.

[0075] The third part 330 may be disposed between the first part 310 and the second part 320. The third part 330 may connect the first part 310 to the second part 320. Simultaneously, the third part 330 may be connected to the second housing CS2. Therefore, the third part 330 may fix the sliding module 300 to the second housing CS2. Accordingly, the sliding module 300 may be coupled to the second housing CS2. When the second housing CS2 moves away from the first housing CS1, the sliding module 300 may move away from the second motor 210, and when the second housing CS2 moves towards the first housing CS1, the sliding module 300 may move towards the second motor 210.

[0076] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a plan view showing display devices DD-1 and DD-2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 3A The display device DD-1 in its first state is shown, and Figure 3B The display device DD-2 in its second state is shown.

[0078] The display device DD may include multiple first driving modules and multiple second driving modules. (See reference...) Figure 3A and Figure 3BThe actuator may include a first actuator and a second actuator. The first actuator may be fixed to one side wall of the housing CS, and the second actuator may be fixed to another side wall of the housing CS opposite to one side wall. The first actuator may include a first drive module 100 and a second drive module 200, and the second actuator may include a first drive module 100-1 and a second drive module 200-1, wherein the first drive module 100-1 may include a first motor 110-1 and a first screw 120-1; the second drive module 200-1 may include a second motor 210-1 and a second screw 220-1, and the second motor 210-1 may include a motor portion 212-1 and a connecting portion 214-1. The first actuator and the second actuator may share a sliding module 300, which may include a roller.

[0079] The sliding module 300 may include first portions 310 and 310-1, a second portion 320, and third portions 330 and 330-1. A first driver and a second driver may share the second portion 320. The first portions 310 and 310-1 may be connected to opposite ends of the second portion 320, and the third portions 330 and 330-1 may be connected to opposite ends of the second portion 320.

[0080] exist Figure 3B In this configuration, the threads of the first screw 120 and the second screw 220 may be in opposite directions. The second drive module 200 may move proportionally to the length LH1 of the first screw 120 along the first direction DR1, and the sliding module 300 may move proportionally to the length LH2 of the second screw 220 along the first direction DR1. The total moving distance of the sliding module 300 may correspond to the sum of the lengths LH1 of the first screw 120 and LH2 of the second screw 220. The total moving distance of the sliding module 300 may be substantially the same as the sliding distance LH3 of the second housing CS2. For example, the sum of the lengths LH1 of the first screw 120 and LH2 of the second screw 220 may be substantially the same as the sliding distance LH3 of the second housing CS2.

[0081] According to the embodiment, the length LH1 of the first screw 120 in the first direction DR1 and the length LH2 of the second screw 220 in the first direction DR1 can be substantially equal to each other.

[0082] According to an embodiment, display devices DD-1 and DD-2 may include an elastic member SR. The elastic member SR may be a spring. The spring may be various types of springs, such as a torsion spring. One end of the elastic member SR may be fixed to the second housing CS2, and the other end of the elastic member SR may be fixed to the display module DM. In this embodiment, at least one elastic member SR may be provided. Although two elastic members SR are shown in the figures, the number of elastic members SR is not limited to this. That is, one, three, or more elastic members SR may be applied to display devices DD-1 and DD-2.

[0083] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view showing display devices DD-1 and DD-2 according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The display devices DD-1 and DD-2 are shown when viewed in the second direction DR2.

[0084] Figure 4A The display device DD-1 in its first state is shown, and Figure 4B The display device DD-2 in its second state is shown. More details... Figure 4A and Figure 4B The movement of the sliding module 300 in the first direction DR1 is shown. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The first and second states of the display module DM are shown respectively.

[0085] In such Figure 4A In the display device DD-1 shown in the first state, the first area DA1 of the display module DM can be exposed to the outside. The display device DD-1 can display images through the first area DA1. The second area DA2 of the display module DM can be inserted into the first housing CS1 through the roller (hereinafter referred to as "roller") of the second part 320 of the sliding module 300, and can be arranged in the first housing CS1.

[0086] In such Figure 4B In the display device DD-2 shown in the second state, the first region DA1 and the second region DA2 of the display module DM can be exposed to the outside. That is, the display device DD-2 can display extended images to the user through the first region DA1 and the second region DA2.

[0087] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4B In this process, the roller in the sliding module 300 can be connected to the second housing CS2. When the second housing CS2 moves away from the first housing CS1, the roller in the sliding module 300 can move away from the first housing CS1.

[0088] When the second drive module 200 moves away from the first drive module 100, the roller in the sliding module 300 can move in a direction closer to the second drive module 200.

[0089] That is, the rollers in the second drive module 200 and the sliding module 300 can always move in the same direction in the first direction DR1. The moving distance of the roller in the sliding module 300 can be greater than the moving distance of the second drive module 200.

[0090] The roller in the sliding module 300 may include a connecting rod 310 and a roller bar 320. The connecting rod 310 may be connected to a second screw 220 and may move in a first direction DR1 according to the rotation of the second screw 220. The roller bar 320 may be coupled to the display module DM. The roller bar 320 may rotate according to the movement of the connecting rod 310 to pull out or insert the display module DM. According to an embodiment, when the connecting rod 310 moves in a direction away from the second drive module 200, the roller bar 320 may pull out the second region DA2 of the display module DM. When the connecting rod 310 moves in a direction closer to the second drive module 200, the roller bar 320 may insert into the second region DA2 of the display module DM.

[0091] The elastic member SR can be stretched or contracted by its elastic force. One end of the elastic member SR can be connected to one end of the second housing CS2 disposed in the first housing CS1. The other end of the elastic member SR, opposite to one end of the elastic member SR, can be connected to one end of the display module DM disposed in the second housing CS2. When the operating state of the display device DD changes from the first state to the second state, the elastic member SR can be stretched and the display module DM can be pulled in the first direction DR1 by the elastic force. The display module DM can be kept flat in the first state and the second state by the elastic force of the elastic member SR. Even during the change between the first state and the second state, the display module DM can be kept taut by the elastic force of the elastic member SR. When the operating state of the display device DD changes from the second state to the first state, the elastic member SR can contract.

[0092] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing a display module DM according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing pixels according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display module DM shown in Figure 1, and Figure 6 This is an enlarged view showing pixels according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Reference Figure 5 The display module DM may include a display panel DP, a touch sensing unit TSP disposed on the display panel DP, a window WIN disposed on the touch sensing unit TSP, and an adhesive OCA disposed between the touch sensing unit TSP and the window WIN.

[0095] The display panel DP can be an organic light-emitting display panel. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto. Various display panels that display images, such as liquid crystal display panels, electrowetting display panels, and electrophoretic display panels, can be used as the display panel DP. The display panel DP can also be a flexible display panel.

[0096] The display panel DP may include a substrate SUB, a pixel layer PXL disposed on the substrate SUB, and a thin-film encapsulation layer TFE disposed on the pixel layer PXL to cover the substrate SUB. The substrate SUB may be a transparent substrate and may include a flexible plastic substrate. For example, the substrate SUB may include polyimide (PI).

[0097] The substrate SUB may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA. A pixel layer PXL may be disposed within the display area DA. The pixel layer PXL may include a plurality of pixels, and each of the pixels may include a light-emitting element.

[0098] The thin-film encapsulation layer TFE may include at least two inorganic layers and an organic layer disposed between the inorganic layers. The inorganic layers may include inorganic materials and protect the pixel layer PXL from moisture and oxygen. The organic layer may include organic materials and protect the pixel layer PXL from foreign matter such as dust particles.

[0099] A touch sensing unit (TSP) can be disposed on a thin-film encapsulation layer (TFE). The TSP can sense external inputs such as a user's hand or a stylus, and can convert the sensed external inputs into a predetermined input signal. The TSP may include multiple sensing electrodes to sense the external inputs. The sensing electrodes can sense the external inputs using capacitive methods.

[0100] When manufacturing the display module DM, the touch sensing unit TSP can be directly fabricated on the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto. The touch sensing unit TSP can be manufactured as a touch panel separate from the display panel DP, and can then be attached to the display panel DP by adhesive.

[0101] The WIN window protects the display panel (DP) and touch sensor unit (TSP) from external scratches and impacts. The WIN window is attached to the TSP using an adhesive OCA. The OCA can be, but is not limited to, an optically clear adhesive. Images generated by the display panel (DP) can be displayed to the user through the WIN window.

[0102] like Figure 6 As shown, each pixel PX may include an organic light-emitting element (OLED) and a transistor TR connected to the OLED. The OLED may include a first electrode E1, a second electrode E2, and an organic light-emitting layer OEL disposed between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2. The first electrode E1 may be an anode, and the second electrode E2 may be a cathode.

[0103] A pixel PX may include a pixel region PA and a non-pixel region NPA surrounding the pixel region PA. An organic light-emitting element (OLED) may be arranged in the pixel region PA, and a transistor TR may be arranged in the non-pixel region NPA.

[0104] The transistor TR and the organic light-emitting element OLED can be disposed on the substrate SUB. A buffer layer BFL can be disposed on the substrate SUB, and the buffer layer BFL may comprise an inorganic material. The semiconductor layer SM of the transistor TR can be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor layer SM may comprise an inorganic semiconductor, such as amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon, or an organic semiconductor. Alternatively, the semiconductor layer SM may comprise an oxide semiconductor.

[0105] although Figure 6 The semiconductor layer SM may include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region defined between the source region and the drain region, though not shown in the diagram.

[0106] A first insulating layer INS1 may be disposed on a buffer layer BFL to cover a semiconductor layer SM. The first insulating layer INS1 may include an inorganic material. The gate electrode GE of a transistor TR may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1 to overlap with the semiconductor layer SM. The gate electrode GE may be disposed to overlap with the channel region of the semiconductor layer SM.

[0107] A second insulating layer INS2 may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1 to cover the gate electrode GE. The second insulating layer INS2 may be defined as an interlayer insulating layer. The second insulating layer INS2 may include organic and / or inorganic materials.

[0108] The source electrode SE and drain electrode DE of transistor TR can be arranged on the second insulating layer INS2, spaced apart from each other. The source electrode SE can be connected to the source region of semiconductor layer SM through a first contact hole CH1 defined by the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2. The drain electrode DE can be connected to the drain region of semiconductor layer SM through a second contact hole CH2 defined by the first insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2.

[0109] A third insulating layer INS3 may be disposed on the second insulating layer INS2 to cover the source electrode SE and drain electrode DE of the transistor TR. The third insulating layer INS3 may be defined as a planarization layer providing a flat surface and may include an organic material.

[0110] The first electrode E1 may be disposed on the third insulating layer INS3. The first electrode E1 may be connected to the drain electrode DE of the transistor TR through the third contact hole CH3 defined by the third insulating layer INS3. The first electrode E1 may be defined as a pixel electrode.

[0111] A pixel-defining layer (PDL) can be disposed on the first electrode E1 and the third insulating layer INS3 to expose a predetermined portion of the first electrode E1. An opening PX_OP can be defined by the pixel-defining layer (PDL) to expose a predetermined portion of the first electrode E1.

[0112] An organic light-emitting layer (OEL) can be disposed on the first electrode E1 within the opening PX_OP. The OEL can emit red, green, or blue light; however, it should not be limited to or restricted by these. The OEL can also emit white light by combining organic materials that generate red, green, and blue light, respectively.

[0113] The second electrode E2 can be disposed on the pixel-defining layer PDL and the organic light-emitting layer OEL. The second electrode E2 can be defined as a common electrode.

[0114] A thin-film encapsulation layer (TFE) can be disposed on an organic light-emitting element (OLED) to cover the pixel (PX). The layer between the substrate (SUB) and the thin-film encapsulation layer (TFE) can be defined as the pixel layer (PXL).

[0115] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, a first voltage can be applied to the first electrode E1, and a second voltage can be applied to the second electrode E2. Holes and electrons are injected into the organic light-emitting layer (OEL) and recombine within the OEL to generate excitons. When the excited state of the excitons returns to the ground state, the organic light-emitting element (OLED) can emit light. The OLED can emit red, green, and blue light according to the flow of current, so that an image can be displayed.

[0116] Figure 6 A pixel structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. However, the inventive concept should not be limited to... Figure 6 The pixel structure.

[0117] Although certain implementations and methods have been described herein, other implementations and modifications will be apparent from this description. Accordingly, the inventive concept is not limited to such implementations, but is limited to the broader scope of the appended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: The display module has a first region and a second region defined adjacent to the first region, the first region being exposed to the outside in a first state and a second state, and the second region being exposed to the outside in the second state; Housing that houses the display module; as well as A driver that controls the first state and the second state of the display module, the driver comprising: The first drive module includes a first motor fixed to the housing and a first screw connected to the first motor; A second drive module includes a second motor and a second screw, the second motor being coupled to the first screw and configured to move in a direction toward or away from the first motor, the second screw being coupled to the second motor; and A sliding module, coupled to the second screw and configured to move toward or away from the second motor, The housing includes: A first housing is fixedly connected to the display module and the first driving module; and A second housing, coupled to the first housing and configured to move in a first direction toward or away from the first housing. The display device further includes at least one elastic member, wherein one end of the at least one elastic member is fixed to the second housing, and the other end of the at least one elastic member is fixed to the display module, wherein the at least one elastic member is contracted when the display module is in a first state, and is stretched when the display module is in a second state.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, One end of the sliding module is connected to the second housing, and the sliding module moves closer to or further away from the second motor as the second housing moves closer to or further away from the first housing.

3. The display device of claim 1 further includes a roller configured to insert the display module into the housing in the first state and to pull the display module out of the housing in the second state.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The sliding module includes: The first part is connected to the second screw and extends in the first direction; The second part is connected to the display module and extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and The third part is arranged between the first part and the second part to connect the sliding module to the housing.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The second part includes a roller, and the display module is inserted into the housing via the roller when the sliding module moves in a direction close to the second motor, and the display module is pulled out of the housing via the roller when the sliding module moves in a direction away from the second motor.

6. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the first driver module and the second driver module is configured as multiple.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, The first part of the sliding module is configured as multiple parts, and the second screws of the multiple second drive modules are respectively connected to the multiple first parts.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second electric motor includes: The motor controls the rotation of the second screw; and The connecting part physically connects the motor part to the first screw.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second drive module is coupled to the first housing so that it is slidable in the first direction.

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